Everything About the Animated Sneaker Movie 'Sneaks' and its All-Star Rapper Cast

 Lace Up for the Ultimate Hip-Hop Adventure

From Shoe Box to Big City: 'Sneaks' — The Animated Movie Stepped in Sneaker Culture and Star Power

The world of animation has just laced up for its most stylish adventure yet with the arrival of 'Sneaks', a vibrant CGI film that dives deep into the heart of sneaker culture using a fun, family-friendly narrative. Released in April 2025, this movie is more than just a cartoon; it's a celebration of urban life, hip-hop, and the transformative power of a fresh pair of kicks. Led by a voice cast packed with Hollywood heavyweights and some of the biggest names in the music industry, 'Sneaks' offers a unique blend of high-stakes action and heartwarming lessons.

The Sole of the Story: Plotting the Adventure of Ty and JB

'Sneaks' introduces us to Ty (voiced by Anthony Mackie), a pair of pristine, one-of-a-kind designer sneakers, and his sister, Maxine (Chloe Bailey). Ty prefers the safety and prestige of his velvet-lined shoebox, but his comfortable world is shattered when he and Maxine are stolen by "The Collector" (Laurence Fishburne), a high-profile sneaker enthusiast.

During the escape, Ty is separated from his sister and finds himself utterly lost in the sprawling, bustling concrete jungle of New York City. His journey from a pampered life to a street-smart quest is the core of the film. Desperate to find Maxine, Ty teams up with JB (voiced by Martin Lawrence), an old, scuffed-up, but incredibly streetwise abandoned sneaker. JB becomes Ty’s guide, showing him that a shoe's true potential is realized not by staying in a box, but by getting out and living life, an insightful metaphor for the movie's theme of finding courage and identity.

Their odyssey across New York is an urban tour that takes them to recognizable landmarks and introduces them to a diverse cast of other anthropomorphic footwear. Their mission is complicated by the primary antagonist, The Forger (voiced by Roddy Ricch), a mysterious figure who plots to use Ty and Maxine to create a line of counterfeit shoes—the ultimate insult to a designer sneaker. The journey is a classic coming-of-age story that uses the lens of sneaker collecting and urban hip-hop to deliver its message about friendship and community.

The Ultimate All-Star Voice Cast: Rappers, Singers, and Hip-Hop Icons

One of the most buzz-worthy elements of 'Sneaks' is its incredible, star-studded voice cast, particularly the significant involvement of rappers and musicians. This creative choice immediately grounds the film in authentic hip-hop culture and gives it a distinct sound and feel.

| Musician/Rapper | Voice Role | Role Details |

|---|---|---|

| Roddy Ricch | The Forger | The mysterious, heavily tattooed antagonist and boss of The Collector, a master of counterfeit shoes. |

| Swae Lee | Edson | The high school basketball-playing teenager who is the original owner of Ty and Maxine, a "gifted young athlete." |

| Chloe Bailey | Maxine | Ty's sister, a high-end designer sneaker eager to be worn. |

| Ella Mai | Britany | Ty’s love interest, an Oxford-style shoe who helps on the journey. |

| Macy Gray | Adriana | A high-heeled stiletto and JB’s sassy ex-girlfriend. |

| Mustard | Himself / Marcel | The Grammy-winning producer serves as the film's music executive producer and voices one of the comedic Wire Shoes. |

| Quavo | Unnamed Role | The Migos rapper is part of the extensive ensemble cast. |

| Young Miko | Unnamed Role | Another musician featured as a Wire Shoe, helping to narrate the story with musical flair. |

This musical firepower extends beyond the voice booth. Mustard not only acts but is the executive producer of the film's original soundtrack, ensuring that the movie's sonic landscape is completely immersed in contemporary hip-hop and R&B influences. The presence of real-life figures, such as NBA star Chris Paul (voicing himself hosting a Met Gala-style sneaker convention), further solidifies the film’s commitment to authentic sneakerhead culture.

Why 'Sneaks' is a Must-Watch for Sneakerheads and Hip-Hop Fans

'Sneaks' is a cultural touchpoint, cleverly using anthropomorphic sneakers to discuss themes of identity, worth, and belonging. It’s an original family adventure that successfully highlights how sneakers have evolved from mere functional footwear into powerful symbols of status, creativity, and community. The film references real-world events, like a "Sneakerhead Gala," making it relatable and engaging for those deeply entrenched in the collecting community.

By casting artists like Roddy Ricch and Swae Lee in key roles, the film taps directly into the organic connection between hip-hop music and sneaker fashion. Since the 1980s, these two cultures have been inseparable, with rappers often setting trends and turning specific brands and models into must-have items. 'Sneaks' not only acknowledges this connection but makes it the literal foundation of its entire universe, offering fans a celebration of their shared passion.

Directed by Rob Edwards, the movie aims to be a diverse representation of urban culture, showcasing various neighborhoods and lifestyles in a positive light, set to a blazing hip-hop beat. While critics have offered mixed reviews on the script's coherence, the film’s vibrant animation, original concept, and unparalleled cast of rappers and artists make it an essential entry into the growing catalogue of pop culture-infused animated features.

Find out more about the voice cast and the music in this interview with some of the stars: Sneaks cast interviews with Martin Lawrence, Keith David and Macy Gray.