Last month, a couple from Arkansas was attempting to sell a worn-out pair of Air Force 1’s on eBay when a promotional image of those very sneakers became the cover art for one of Kendrick Lamar’s latest tracks. Now, they hope to take advantage of the unexpected attention by auctioning the shoes on eBay.

For Billy Lingo, these Nikes were merely old shoes taking up space in his home; however, they inspired Lamar to create something new.

“It’s just one of those rare instances where he picked our image,” Lingo, from North Little Rock, remarked about Lamar choosing his sneakers for the artwork.

Lingo and his long-time partner, Darla Wilson, discovered Lamar’s untitled song when it was posted on the rapper’s social media on September 11. They had sold the shoes for $70 on the same day Lamar released the song, but after receiving an influx of inquiries from other eBay users later that evening, they decided to cancel the initial sale.

“We had already printed the shipping label and everything,” Lingo, 59, shared with YSL News in a phone interview on Friday. “It’s business, not personal.”

Lingo and Wilson, who manage the “Good2BYou” eBay account since 2021, have been together for 19 years and are still recovering from the recent fire that destroyed their home.

“It’s been a hectic year,” Lingo noted.

Kendrick Lamar has been a ‘blessing’

Although the couple took a hit to their eBay rating after reversing the sale, the sneakers continue to draw interest from buyers, especially those who admire Lamar and the song that has garnered over 3 million likes on Instagram. The song’s release coincided with Lamar being announced as the halftime performer for Super Bowl 59.

Lingo, a hip-hop fan since the days of Grandmaster Flash and Rapper’s Delight, admitted he wasn’t very familiar with Lamar before, but after their eBay listing gained popularity and he listened to Lamar’s new track, he’s become quite appreciative of the “Not Like Us” artist.

“When God puts a situation like this in front of you, it’s wrong not to seize the moment to the best of your ability, while respecting others,” Lingo declared. “Lamar has truly been a blessing!”

It remains unknown why Lamar chose Lingo’s sneakers for his song’s cover art. The couple tried reaching out to the rapper’s representatives but received no response.

Viral black Nike Air Force 1’s ‘look great on a t-shirt’

The Nike Air Force 1’s had lingered on their eBay account for over a year before catching Lamar’s attention as cover art, according to Lingo. They are now gearing up to sell the shoes in their first auction on eBay, which could happen within the week or the next, based on the level of interest.

“I’m not being greedy,” Lingo stated. “I might be a capitalist.”

Meanwhile, as they sort out when to host the auction, the couple is selling t-shirts featuring the now-famous image of the shoes.

“I’m trying to make the most out of this unexpected opportunity,” Lingo explained. “They look nice printed on a t-shirt.”

Even though their friends suggested they hold on to the sneakers, Lingo, nearing retirement from his insurance job, is willing to let them go if the price is right.

“This kind of thing isn’t going to happen to me again, I assure you, so I need to make the most of it,” Lingo confessed.