Steve Lacy Returns With Bold New Single “Nice Shoes”

After a three-year pause, Grammy-winning artist Steve Lacy is back with his long-awaited single, “Nice Shoes,” released on August 15. Known for his genre-blending sound and unfiltered lyricism, Lacy once again pushes boundaries with this latest track, giving fans a raw and unapologetic glimpse into his creative world.

The release marks his first new music since the massive success of “Bad Habit,” the chart-topping single that cemented his place as one of modern music’s most daring voices. With “Nice Shoes,” Lacy doesn’t shy away from sharp honesty, delivering lines that oscillate between humor, vulnerability, and provocation.

Lyrics such as “If I had a dollar for the friends I would fck / I could buy a pair of really nice shoes”* showcase his ability to balance wit with candid reflection on relationships, youth, and desire.

The track is the first preview of Lacy’s forthcoming album Oh Yeah?, which is currently in progress and expected to showcase an evolved approach to songwriting. In a recent interview, Lacy explained that his earlier music often prioritized beats and production over words. This time, however, he has deliberately placed lyrical storytelling at the center of his process. “It feels like fully designing a new language for myself,” he said, highlighting his intent to refine both message and sound.

Adding to the intrigue, the album’s cover art will nod to the iconic Kool-Aid mascot—though with Lacy’s characteristic twist of humor and risk-taking.

With “Nice Shoes,” Steve Lacy reaffirms his role as a fearless innovator in today’s music landscape. Fans who have been waiting since Gemini Rights now have a taste of what’s to come: a project that promises to be bold, experimental, and unapologetically Steve Lacy.