The world of sneakers and hip-hop is abuzz with speculation following a recent Instagram post by 50 Cent. In a video promoting the latest release from his G-Unit brand—a sauna suit—fans couldn’t help but notice a crispy pair of Reebok G-Unit sneakers adorning the rapper’s feet. This subtle yet tantalizing detail has made many wonder: Is Reebok gearing up to bring back the iconic G-Unit sneakers?

The G-Unit sneakers, launched in 2003, marked a significant collaboration between Reebok and 50 Cent, a partnership that emerged during a transformative era for hip-hop and sneaker culture. The sneakers quickly became a cultural phenomenon, capitalizing on the meteoric rise of 50 Cent and his rap group G-Unit.

The sneakers’ success was unprecedented. The initial release sold out within days, and 50’s hands-on approach to promoting the sneakers—attending meetings, visiting retail stores, and constantly pushing for sales—played a crucial role in their popularity.

Financially, the G-Unit sneaker line was a massive triumph. 50 Cent reportedly earned around $80 million from the deal, with the sneakers outselling other popular lines by significant margins. 50 Cent even stated that his sneaker outsold Jay-Z’s S.Carter Reeboks six-to-one. This partnership helped Reebok carve out a niche in a market dominated by giants like Nike and adidas. Various iterations of G-Unit sneakers were released on the market, with the G6 undoubtedly being the most popular. Models include the Reebok G XT, G6 Runner, G-Unit Boot, and even a women’s exclusive G-Unit Ladies

Fast forward to June 2024, 50 Cent’s Instagram post promoting G-Unit Brand’s sauna suit has sparked renewed interest in the G-Unit sneakers. In the video, 50 Cent is seen wearing a pristine pair of the Reebok G-Unit G6 in an original colorway, the same pair that inspired Bronze 56K’s Reebok collaboration in 2019. This subtle inclusion has not gone unnoticed by fans and sneakerheads alike, leading to widespread speculation that Reebok might be planning a re-release of these iconic sneakers.

Reebok’s potential revival of the G-Unit sneakers could be perfectly timed. The sneaker market has seen a resurgence in nostalgic releases, with brands reissuing classic designs to great success. Allen Iverson and Shaq, the vice president and president of Reebok Basketball, respectively, appeared on Complex’s Sneaker Shopping and teased a possible comeback for the G-Unit sneakers. Shaq was quoted as saying, “50, when I call you, holla… We definitely want to give the fans and the consumers what they want.”

Moreover, 50 Cent’s enduring influence in music and fashion makes him a potent partner for such a venture. His recent ventures, including the popular TV series Power, have kept him relevant in pop culture, ensuring that any product bearing his name would garner significant attention.

While Reebok or 50 Cent has no official announcement regarding the return of the G-Unit sneakers, the recent Instagram post has undoubtedly set the rumor mill in motion. If the sneakers return, they will likely be met with the same enthusiasm that greeted their initial release two decades ago. For now, fans can only hope and keep their eyes peeled for more hints from 50 Cent and Reebok. To stay updated on the latest happenings in the sneaker and streetwear world, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.