Pooh Shiesty Says He’s ‘Supposed’ to Be on Nike Balaclava Packaging

Pooh Shiesty believes he’s owed a ski mask deal for his influence on the accessory.

The Memphis rapper joined Complex’s Joe La Puma on the latest episode of Sneaker Shopping, where the host brought up ASAP Rocky referencing him on The Questlove Show in February. On the episode, the Don’t Be Dumb artist told Questlove that he still casually rides the train in his hometown of Harlem, New York, although he often conceals his identity with balaclavas, an accessory that is synonymous with the “Back In Blood” rapper.

“I take the train, I put a Pooh Shiesty on,” Rocky told the host. “Sometimes I’m by myself. Sometimes I’m with security. I take the train to keep myself grounded.”

La Puma shared the clip with Shiesty on Sneaker Shopping, with the rapper co-signing the mask term. “Come on now. That’s supposed to be me right there, man,” Shiesty said after La Puma handed him a packaged Nike Hyperwarm Knit Hood. “These joints get you through some places.”

“Like he told you, he snuck through the subway,” Shiesty added. “Wouldn’t be able to do that with no regular [look].” The Memphis native later admitted that he didn’t know the mask would become a phenomenon, but acknowledged that fans “gravitate” towards his style.

The Pooh Shiesty mask trend has also been controversial, with cities like Philadelphia having bans on the accessory, which politicians believe has an influence on criminal activity. In Philadelphia, wearing the mask is punishable by a $250 fine, while those caught in the accessory during a crime will be fined $2,000. In 2023, the legislation passed in a vote of 13 to 2 by Philadelphia’s City Council.