You are viewing this article in the AnnArbor.com archives. For the latest breaking news and updates in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, see MLive.com/ann-arbor
Posted on Sat, Dec 1, 2012 : 12:47 p.m.

Puffer Reds in Ypsilanti hosts launch of signature shoes from Detroit rapper Big Sean

By Lisa Carolin

Puffer Reds in Ypsilanti is a very busy store Saturday thanks to the launch of a new shoe inspired by rapper Big Sean, who grew up in Detroit. The shoe release event is tied to the artist's much-anticipated performance tonight at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Adidas Originals launched the Pro Model 2 "Detroit Players," and there are only 380 pairs of the shoes in the world. Today's release of the red reptile-print sneaker with gold plated accents is an exclusive to Puffer Reds, the only store in Michigan selling the shoe.

"We got 88 pairs, and that's an honor," said Ty Mopkins, a buyer and marketer for Puffer Reds. "More than half the staff here is from Detroit like Big Sean. Detroit is on the rise, and we are part of the movement bringing Detroit back."

Dozens of fans lined up behind the store before it opened Saturday, hoping to buy a pair of the shoes.

"I just love him," said Tonia Anderson of Ann Arbor about Big Sean. She was accompanied by Chris Stephens, who was visiting from California.

"He makes good music," said Stephens.

"Big Sean actually talks about life struggles," said fan Laqueen Sturdivant , 17, from Ypsilanti.

"His music inspires people," said 11-year-old Amani Pittman, also from Ypsilanti.

Daniel Jarrett and Meredith Mahan came from Dallas, Texas to see Big Sean in concert tonight and to buy his shoes.

"He was from my neighborhood and that means a lot," said Jarrett, who also grew up in Detroit. "To see somebody come this far is great. It doesn't matter where you're from if you get the right drive and the right people behind you."

Big Sean's signature shoe features a quote from the intro to his "Finally Famous" album on the inside of the shoe stating, "I say I'm still dreaming bigger than I'm living."

The shoes retail for $160.

Big Sean was born Sean Michael Anderson and is 24 years old. He graduated from Cass Technical High School with a 3.7 GPA. He was discovered by Kanye West, who signed him to his record label G.O.O.D. Music in 2007, and in 2008 Big Sean signed with Def Jam Recordings.

"We show Big Sean a lot of love so this is him showing love back," said Puffer Reds sales consultant P.L. "We play a lot of his music and support him. He came from the bottom and shows people anything is possible. He's staying true to his generation and culture."

Comments

Bashir McCrutcheon

Sun, Dec 2, 2012 : 6:08 a.m.

Too bad his 3.7 GPA is buried in the story, that's more impressive than the sneakers.

Belisa

Sun, Dec 2, 2012 : 5:08 a.m.

how is this a story ??

PineyWoodsGuy

Sun, Dec 2, 2012 : 5:46 a.m.

@Belisa. $176 for Red Sneakers. That's the story! What do you think of that Belisa?

brian

Sun, Dec 2, 2012 : 3:39 a.m.

Puffer Reds, about the only business doing good in Ypsi. Oh wait, we have a Family Dollar coming. That will be a booming business.

PattyinYpsi

Sun, Dec 2, 2012 : 6:38 p.m.

"The only business doing good [sic] in Ypsi"? You have no clue. Try not posting about things you know nothing about.

PineyWoodsGuy

Sun, Dec 2, 2012 : 1:23 a.m.

Do the math. Working at the $8 an hour minimum wage, a teenager would have to work 22 hours to earn the money to buy a $176 pair of Red Sneakers! What kind of values are our young people grounded upon? This is a philosophical discussion . . . let's not use it to bash people . . .

A2comments

Sun, Dec 2, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.

Does the teenager pay taxes? With Social Security, Medicare, etc. They'd need to work roughly 9% longer, assuming they make so little they pay no fed or state tax.

say it plain

Sat, Dec 1, 2012 : 10:56 p.m.

Yeesh, the comments here are so very not with it, it seems to me! These shoes on ultra limited release aren't just appealing to people who you've decided shouldn't be spending that kind of money on sneakers lol. You can talk about a 'moat' , but it might not be the barrier you think it is. I don't mean to show love for 200dollar sneakers, because I think they're as ridiculous as 600dollar jimmy choo platform pumps and that shoe in the photo is particularly nasty-looking to me honestly, but I'm just sayin'.

Homeland Conspiracy

Sat, Dec 1, 2012 : 10:27 p.m.

Big who?

brian

Sun, Dec 2, 2012 : 3:40 a.m.

Yeah, I said the same thing.

EyeHeartA2

Sat, Dec 1, 2012 : 10:23 p.m.

"Detroit is on the rise, and we are part of the movement bringing Detroit back." So, evidently that moat at Carpenter Road is effective. Ypsi seems to identify East 30 miles rather than West 1 mile.

Ron Granger

Sat, Dec 1, 2012 : 9:43 p.m.

I hope the buyers lined up in the street have actual warm shoes.

PineyWoodsGuy

Sat, Dec 1, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.

$176 (tax inc) for a pair of sneakers? Buyers lined-up in the street. How is that working out . . .

Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

© 2013 MLive Media Group All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of MLive Media Group