As we’re sure you’ve heard by now, Kendrick Lamar was in Manchester last week to promote the relaunch of the Reebok Classic. The festivities began with a retrospective at the Tate, beginning with a forum chat with several notable figures including designers Agi & Sam, and Ghetts, followed by a short presentation. The night was capped off by John Boyega getting turnt up to a Little Simz performance. The next day saw Kendrick grace a small set of fans with a short set at Manchester’s Old Granada Studios, capping it off with "Alright." However, before all this we met Kendrick, in, of all places, a Manchester table tennis bar, to talk about his Reebok collaboration.

Despite Kendrick Lamar having just released an album that features a 5-year-old’s production, To Pimp A Butterfly receiving a multitude of Grammy awards - an album so inspirational David Bowie referenced it during the making of Blackstar, and being pictured already entering the studio, we were forbidden from asking any music or political questions.

So, in lieu of that rather large restriction, we asked him about cross-branding (an important topic in the age of the no-rule-respecting Nu Lad), Allen Iverson, personal style and Kanye West’s importance.

Can you describe your style?

I think my style goes hand in hand with the shoe. I like to feel comfortable, I like to be open to new things, and I like for it to be effortless. If it takes more than ten minutes for me to get dressed then I shouldn’t be wearing it.

What was the reputation of Reebok growing up?

It was always a classic thing. We always knew that this was a shoe before our time. We saw our uncles wearing [them] and our cousins wearing them, so growing up, it just felt like something that was always there. It was a shoe that you had to have in your collection.

Are you a big sneaker collector?

Yeah, I got a few. I’m all Reebok now, [laughs] but I got every color from the old to the new.

How many sneakers?

Probably, roughly, about 300. That’s a lot of shoes.

Was Allen Iverson an influence?

Crazy influence. You know everyone wanted to be a ball player and Allen Iverson was the hottest dude out. When he came with his joints I think I ran through two versions. I was in the 4th grade when he dropped them joints and those was [sic] the craziest shoes. So to be a part of that legacy and what he left behind with his shoe is a great feeling.

Were you into the G-Unit era?

Oh yeah, shoutout to 50 [Cent] for sure. Everyone had a great mark on the Reebok joint. Jay [Z], too. It’s only right, these are artists that I looked up to. It’s great being a part of that legacy of entertainers.

Do you ever cross brand?

Nah. That’s a no-go.

Considering the strong identity of Reebok what are you going to add that’s new?

The biggest thing I can add is myself; being fresh and new inside the industry, my own personality, what I represent and who I am. I think that’s a representation in itself as far as what’s added. Adding to an original shoe with an original, classic person, it gets no better than that.

Would you ever make clothing for Reebok?

Who knows? [As far as launching a line] I wouldn’t say now. For now I’m heavily involved in the music. I want to know where we’ll go and we’ll have to see in the next ten years or so. Obviously Kanye [West] is on a new path as far as creating. What he’s doing is a great outlet for cats like myself who may want to go out into that field once I get further in my music.

So what happens is he’s breaking down all the boundaries and all the naysayers and all the people who say you can’t do that as rappers. He’s blazing the trail. It’ll be an open slate for someone of my age to contribute and that's thanks to him.