If 2021 was good for anything, it was new music from the industryās biggest names. Significant releases included Adeleās 30, Yeās Donda, and Lil Nas Xās MONTERO, but Drakeās long-awaited Certified Lover Boy was one of the most anticipated of them all. While the album was met with mixed critical reviews, streaming numbers and album sales have minted the record as an unquestionable hit. The popularity of Drakeās album merch and Nike collaborations mirror fansā reception to the album, as several Certified Lover Boy themed apparel items have been best-sellers on StockX since September. With the year coming to a close and “Best Music of 2021” lists dominating the TL, weāre taking a look at the Drake merch that fans loved most.
Chrome Hearts x Drake Girls Love Chrome Hoodie
Drakeās public relationship with Chrome Hearts began to take shape two years ago. First, the artist was photographed on a consistent basis wearing Chrome Hearts-altered Vintage Leviās and soon after that, he revealed that the brand was making custom pieces for him. Earlier this year, the two took their relationship to the next level in a big way, revealing a collaborative Rolls-Royce and merchandise collection for Drakeās then-forthcoming album, Certified Lover Boy. This light blue hoodie is one of the pieces released as a part of that collection and itās become an instant symbol of a committed Drake fan. The hoodie features a custom wash as well as yellow Chrome Hearts and Certified Lover Boy motifs. If youāre looking to truly flex your Drake fandom in the most indisputable way possible, this hoodie is a good start.
Nike x Drake NOCTA Golf Crewneck Top
2021 has been a very big year for Drake. The artist finally delivered his new album, received a custom Rolls-Royce from Chrome Hearts (and had it displayed in a museum), and cemented the relevance of his Nike NOCTA collaboration. The Nike sub-label released their first capsule in December of 2020, but this year they took it to the next level. The partnershipās most recent release was centered around golf, a sport that may not have immediately jumped out to Drake fans as a go-to for collaborative apparel. This green Nike x Drake NOCTA Golf Top is the most popular piece from the collection and for good reason. It covers the bases on both form and function, delivering large, yet tasteful, Nike and NOCTA logos and it features a mesh interior and lightweight feel for optimal weight and breathability. If you even remotely enjoy golfing and consider yourself a Drake fan, youāve got to add this to your wardrobe.
Nike x Drake Certified Lover Boy Hoodie
This hoodie was released last year as a part of Drakeās original merchandise drop for Certified Lover Boy. The album was supposed to release far sooner than it actually was, with an original delivery set for January of 2021. Certified Lover Boy ended up delayed meaning its merchandise was already out in the world for nearly eleven months before the album was actually available. This particular hoodie was made in collaboration with Nike and features a gold Certified Lover Boy logo on its chest below a Swoosh of the same color. Prior to the release of the actual album, this hoodie was trading for prices of nearly $300 but Drake restocked the merch in September, shortly after Certified Lover Boy officially came out. That led to a dramatic drop in resale prices, meaning thereās never been a better time to get your hands on this hoodie.
Nike x Drake Certified Lover Boy Hat
The most popular piece of Certified Lover Boy merchandise by far has been this white Nike hat. It was the first piece of merch that fans got to see as Drake leaked images of the hat on his Instagram a few months before it released. The hat truly captures the essence of Drakeās Lover Boy ethos, featuring a lipstick print on the bill of an otherwise traditional white Nike Hat. At one point, the hat was trading for more than $150, but right now itās available on StockX for less than $40.
Nike x Drake NOCTA Cardinal Stock Hoodie
Drakeās collaborative partnership with Nike has some serious legs. In just a year weāve seen NOCTA prove that it can pretty much do it all, delivering apparel for every season and every sport. Because Drake isnāt tied down to a particular athletic field, his partnership with Nike could go anywhere. This Nike x Drake NOCTA Cardinal Stock Hoodie was released earlier this year and demonstrated the partnershipās ability to create must-have basics that can be worn pretty much anywhere. The Cardinal Stock Hoodie features subtle Nike and NOCTA branding embroidered to a tech fleece hoodie. If youāre looking for a minimal Drake merch option, Cardinal Stock is your go-to.
Nike x Drake NOCTA Puffer Jacket Black
Drake and Nike made a big splash in the apparel world last winter with the announcement of their long-term NOCTA partnership. Their debut release was just a first peek at what was to come and now that weāve seen more, we can confidently say that this collaboration isnāt going anywhere. This Puffer Jacket dropped as a part of their first delivery last year, and itās still probably the most iconic item that the partnership has to offer. The all-black colorway features a large monochromatic embossed Nike Swoosh on its back and down fill to keep you warm so this is the way to go if youāve been looking for some new outerwear as a Drake fan.