British rapper Central Cee has been making waves with his latest album, Can't Rush Greatness, and his push for an American crossover. However, one of his recent comments has sparked controversy and drawn backlash from U.S. fans.
In a resurfaced video, Central Cee claimed credit for popularizing the Nike Tech trend in the U.S., a statement that didn't sit well with American sneakerheads. "
Central Cee says he influenced people in the U.K. and U.S. to wear Nike Techspic.twitter.com/197zGJWpZN
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) February 1, 2025
I'm humble innit, but at the same time I like to think that man put a lot of man on to the Nike Tech thing," he said. "You see the influence like even in America people be rocking the Techs like they’re us."
The response from fans was swift and harsh. Many pointed out that Nike Techs were already popular in places like New York as early as 2013, years before Central Cee even began rapping professionally. "Most Americans don’t even listen to this guy," one Twitter user wrote. "What influence would he have here?"
Central Cee talkin bout he made Nike Techs popular?? Lmaoo. NY niggas been wearing them since 2013!
— Dirty Diana. (@Beauteeisme_) January 31, 2025
Central Cee: “I started the Nike tech trend in America”
— nakkesha (@nickysd1ary) February 1, 2025
New York City: pic.twitter.com/WcTJhsBpfd
Others took issue with Cee's apparent attempt to take credit for a trend deeply rooted in American hip hop culture. "His entire lifestyle is based on Black American culture," said another fan. "But he think we got dressing tips from HIM?! Lmao!"
Central Cee literally copies black culture and has the nerve to say he influenced Americans to wear Nike techs smh
— ★ (@OwoEstelle) February 1, 2025
Central Cee is why you don’t let white people comfortable in black spaces. Saying you, a spicy white man, made nike techs a trend is outrageous….. Not matter how done they are, they’ll always find audacity 💀💀
— KC ♛ (@nigerianprynce) February 1, 2025
Despite the criticism, Central Cee has had a successful run with his music, including his major label debut Can't Rush Greatness, which debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200, making him the first UK rapper to crack the top ten. However, fans remain unconvinced by his claim to have started the Nike Tech movement in the U.S.
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