The passing of Dr. Donda West reverberated around the world and nothing has been the same since. It didn’t change it directly, but it would change the life of the man who would. The then 31-year old Ye had just released his Grammy-winning Graduation album when the biggest inspiration, mentor, and pillar of his life—his mother—passed from surgical complications. It would be the catalyst that would open the Pandora’s box that was Kanye’s mind.

It would inspire his seminal 808s & Heartbreak, the singular tour de force that would alter the entire landscape of music, opening doors for the likes of Kid Cudi and Drake. It would lead him to pursue fashion, leading him to a deal with Nike that would uproot the traditions of brand-artist collaborations.

During their volatile partnership, while producing the groundbreaking Air Yeezy 1, FKA Kanye produced a special commemorative pair of the Air Jordan 6 as a tribute to his late mother. The silhouette has been seen on him countless time with its sole unit, at one point, lent to the aforementioned Jordans.

There’re only four to six pairs known in existence with one of them belonging to long-time manager, confidante, and fellow Chicagoan Don C. A sample pair unearthed by @NikeAirJordanVI points to a size 12, and can be purported that they were produced for Ye himself.

The Air Jordan 6 “Donda” is dressed in the classic “Chicago” colorway, with red accents highlighted on the tongue, lacelock, the rear pull tab, and mudguard. All-over rose envelope the shoes through the overlays, with a solitary one undisturbed on the toebox, tongue, and heel. Printed in cursive on the insoles are Kanye’s lyrics of “Roses”.

World-renowned auction house Christie, and their Department X—a division created to selling rare collectibles—will put up a pair in a size US12. There’s no general release planned for it and with the pair being extremely rare, and with its narrative, it’s anyone’s guess how exorbitant they’ll end up being.

In present time, Ye has been to the highest highs and lowest lows. Recently, he was spotted wearing diamond-studded flip flops.