Niko knows...CULTURE // Issue #26
What's going on in the #Nikoverse? ✨🪐 There's a ton of hip-hop, soccer, podcasts, basketball, football, and gaming happening. To sum it up: a lot of culture.
Yoo! Great to have you back! Welcome to my culture newsletter on Substack – your source for everything buzzing in the world of culture.
From the hottest brands and hip hop to game-changing collaborations and all things hype, this is where you’ll find the latest trends shaping the streets, social media, and the creative scene. Whether it’s fashion, streetwear, sneaker drops, art, or pop culture, I’ve got you covered with fresh insights and updates.
Best, Niko ✌🏼
#NikoKnows…HIP HOP
Erykah Badu is Back. 15 Years Later.
Some voices fade. Erykah Badu’s only grows stronger. Fifteen years after her last studio album, the High Priestess of Neo-Soul is ready to bless us again. In a new interview, Badu confirmed that she’s working with The Alchemist on the follow-up to New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh). No title, no release date—just the promise of something special.
Badu’s connection to hip-hop remains as deep as ever. “Rap is the people. Hip-hop is the tribe,” she said, watching the new generation carry the torch. And while she hasn’t dropped a full album since 2010, But You Caint Use My Phone (2015) gave us a taste of her timeless genius—including an André 3000 feature that still hits.
Now, the wait is nearly over. New era, same Badu magic.
#NikoKnows…NERD CULTURE
Suki’s Pink Honda S2000 Joins the LEGO Fast Family
Some cars turn heads. Suki’s Honda S2000? Pure scene-stealer. Now, the 2 Fast 2 Furious icon is getting the LEGO Speed Champions treatment, dropping this summer in all its bubblegum pink glory.
A rare splash of pink in the Speed Champions lineup, the set stays true to Suki’s fearless, neon-soaked style—and yes, she’s coming as a LEGO minifigure. This isn’t the first Fast & Furious set to hit LEGO shelves—Dom’s Dodge Charger and Brian’s Skyline GT-R paved the way—but this one brings serious JDM energy to the mix. Exclusively dropping at Walmart and LEGO Stores, this is more than a set—it’s a piece of street-racing nostalgia, ready to be built. You in?
#NikoKnows…SNEAKER CULTURE
Supreme x Nike Air Max 1: The Collab We’ve Been Waiting For
It took 23 years, but it’s finally happening—Supreme and Nike are dropping their first-ever Air Max 1, and sneakerheads are already bracing for impact. Four colorways, all premium – Dropping March 20, the collab reinvents the AM1 with a full-leather build, faux croc Swoosh, and Supreme’s “World Famous” branding on the heel. Choose from black, white, yellow, or purple—if you’re fast enough.
High-end flex details: A stainless steel dubrae, co-branded tongue, and a limited-edition box make this an instant grail. This is just the beginning. With a Nike SB Dunk Low collab also on the horizon, 2025 is looking like a big year for Supreme x Nike fans. Retail is set at $170, but let’s be real—the resale market is about to go crazy. Get ready to click fast.
#NikoKnows…MUSIC CULTURE
A$AP Rocky Just Revived Isabel Marant—12 Years Later
Some songs age well. “Fashion Killa” just changed the game—again. A$AP Rocky’s 2013 hit is fueling a full-blown Isabel Marant comeback, thanks to TikTok’s obsession with his “Her Isabel Marant” lyric. Suddenly, Marant’s slouchy, boho-chic aesthetic is the moment again, with thousands of videos recreating her 2010s-era fringed fits.
Wedge sneakers started it. Marant’s Bekett & Balskee wedge kicks have been everywhere, inspiring even wedged Converse. But now, it’s bigger than shoes—her entire rockstar-boho vibe is trending again. TikTok and Pinterest are flooded with Marant-istas, hunting down vintage ruffled blouses, suede jackets, and gladiator sandals.
SS25? A victory lap. Isabel Marant’s latest collection doubles down on the aesthetic that Rocky name-dropped over a decade ago—except this time, it’s got Kate Moss in leather biker jackets. Fashion Killa? More like fashion prophet. Rocky saw it coming.
#NikoKnows…STREETWEAR
Interludex Apparel: Dubai's Newest Streetwear Movement
Dubai's creative landscape is expanding, and Interludex Apparel is leading the charge. Founded by Iraqi-Canadian Sara Al-Qaes, the brand brings a fresh perspective to streetwear with an ethos that celebrates self-expression, authenticity, and community.
After already making waves in the UK, Canada, and the U.S., Interludex now sets its sights on Dubai—ushering in a new era while staying true to its roots. With gender-fluid designs and a focus on high-quality fabrics, each piece blends high fashion cuts with the comfort of everyday streetwear.
The latest collection is packed with statement pieces: target emblems, oversized T-shirts, and heavyweight hoodies, all designed to be customized to reflect individuality. Its denim offerings, including dungarees and pants, feature bold prints and custom washes, while the tracksuits stand out with unique colorways and craftsmanship.
As Al-Qaes says, “We are the shift.” Interludex is more than a brand; it’s a movement that empowers individuals to redefine style—and with its new campaign showcasing Dubai’s vibrant streets, it’s clear that Interludex is just getting started.
