Lil Nas X releases Satan Shoes with real human blood

New York, New York – Rapper Lil Nas X has dropped some new (unofficial) Nikes, and the devil is in the details.

Lil Nas X is stoking controversy with his new, limited-edition sneaker design (collage).
Lil Nas X is stoking controversy with his new, limited-edition sneaker design (collage).  © Screenshots/Instagram/lilnasx

The black-and-red Nike Air Max 97s were created in collaboration with the MSCHF art collective based in New York.

The Satan Shoes feature a pentagram and an inverted cross. The air soles contain about two fluid ounces of red ink and the real kicker – a drop of human blood.

The blood was apparently donated by MSCHF members. A spokesperson explained, "We love to sacrifice for our art."

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And the dark symbolism doesn't stop there – 666 lucky fans can get their hands on the wicked kicks. The price of $1,018 per pair is a Biblical reference to Luke 10:18, which reads, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." The verse is also embroidered in red on the side of the shoe.

Nike has sought to absolve itself of responsibility for the devilish design, telling CNN: "We do not have a relationship with Lil Nas or MSCHF. Nike did not design or release these shoes and we do not endorse them."

Unsurprisingly, the shoes received quite a bit of attention – and not all of it positive.

Despite the controversy, the singer remains unrepentant. He posted a YouTube video entitled Lil Nas X Apologizes for Satan Shoe. However, a few seconds into the "apology," the recording cuts to a scene from the star's new music video, in which he can be seen giving a lap dance to Satan.

Lil Nas X's devil-may-care attitude may be making him some enemies, but many fans would go through hell and high water to get their own pair of the limited-edition sneaks.

Cover photo: Screenshots/Instagram/lilnasx

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