LeBron Honors The Artist Formerly Known As Prince With Nike LeBron 21 “Purple Rain”

LeBron James is a music fanatic. From his weekly IG videos that see him rapping along to newly released projects in the backseat of his Rolls Royce to spitting his own bars with Kevin Durant during the 2011 NBA Lockout, the four-time Champions’ expansive music taste is matched by his versatility on the court. For the inaugural colorway of his 21st signature silhouette, LeBron is draping the low-top model in a royal homage to one of his favorite performers, The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.

Initially revealed at the start of the month, the silhouette pays tribute to The Artist’s Grammy Award-winning song “Purple Rain” while simultaneously serving as an overtly effective Lakers color blocking. Transitioning over the low-top construction from last year’s model, the LeBron 21 embarks on a clad-tumbled leather upper draped in soft “Violet Dust” hues. The muted lavender tint is employed further along the oval laces and tongue construction while striking “Melon Tint” contrasts amplify the bulbous profile swooshes, tongue tab logo and the middle-most lace loops. Elsewhere, an iridescent “Purple Cosmos” finish amplifies the Zoom Air cushioned heel while bursts of yellow return to outfit the heel counter’s hourglass embroidery.

The Nike LeBron 21 “Purple Rain” is currently expected to release on October 14th, marking the official debut of his 21st signature silhouette. In the meantime, enjoy a detailed look at the pair below.

For more basketball toolings from the Beaverton brand, the GT Hustle 2 “Talaria” recently surfaced.

Photos via @knowing_kicks