Def Jam and PUMA Celebrate 30th Anniversary of Public Enemy's 'Fear of a Black Planet'

It’s been 30 years since Public Enemy released its seminal Fear of a Black Planet album in 1990, so PUMA has teamed with Def Jam for a capsule inspired by the legendary record. Offering fresh takes on the Clyde and Sky LX, the four-shoe collection is made up of two styles inspired by the album and two that look to Def Jam’s original colors.

Kicking things off for the Public Enemy offerings is a vivid Clyde, dressed in an urgent “High Risk Red” colorway. Its soft nubuck upper is accented by a black PUMA Formstripe and stamped gold detailing. There’s plenty of unique branding as well: “Fear of a Black Planet” and “Public Enemy” are printed on the lateral and medial sides of the cream midsole in a military-style stencil font, and a combo target graphic/leaping PUMA cat are present on the tongue and insole alike. Next is the high-cut Sky LX, which opts for a crisp white leather base with bright red accents. “Fight the Power” — PE’s most famous song — is stamped on the collar under a target logo that also appears on the heels, tongue tag and insole.

Meanwhile, both Def Jam-centric shoes equip the same tumbled white leather base. Burgundy suede is used to provide accents on each Formstripe and trim. Def Jam logos are placed on the tongue while heel badges present the arm of a record player, a recognizable Def Jam emblem.

Although much has changed since Chuck D and Rick Rubin made the impactful record, many of its political and social justice-charged messages still ring true today. PUMA will help keep its legacy fresh when the entire collection releases on its webstore come February 14, with prices ranging from $90-$140 USD.

Moving from music to metallic inspirations, take a look at Nike Sportswear‘s fully golden Air Max 97 “Gold Medal.”