EarthGang

Atlanta-based hip-hop duo EarthGang, comprised of Olu and WowGr8, brings the vital perspective of music creators who understand how sneaker culture intersects with artistic expression and community identity. As co-founders of the musical collective Spillage Village, alongside artists like JID, 6lack, and Mereba, they represent collaborative creativity that resonates with Sneaker Week PDX's focus on community and connection. Attendees benefit from their insights into how footwear functions as both personal expression and cultural signifier within musical communities, offering valuable context for understanding consumer motivations beyond pure aesthetics. Since their formation in 2008 and their first EP release in 2010, EarthGang has cultivated an authentic artistic voice that parallels many of the values celebrated in sneaker culture—originality, storytelling, and cultural resonance. Their Sneaker Week appearances create unique opportunities for attendees to explore how musical movements influence footwear trends and vice versa. Through panel discussions and performances, EarthGang demonstrates how creative professionals outside the direct footwear industry can offer valuable perspectives on product development, marketing strategies, and community engagement. Their presence enriches the festival by highlighting the cross-disciplinary nature of contemporary sneaker culture.