Curious why Kai Cenat turned down a Christmas gift from A$AP Rocky? The popular Twitch streamer and internet personality sparked buzz when he rejected the rapper’s thoughtful gesture during a holiday livestream. The moment left fans wondering what prompted Cenat’s reaction and how it ties into his public persona.
Here’s a closer look at the incident, its context, and what it reveals about Cenat’s approach to brand loyalty and public interactions.
Kai Cenat shares why he rejected A$AP Rocky’s gift
On Christmas Eve, Kai Cenat, one of Twitch’s top streamers, went live to open gifts sent by fans and celebrities. Among the presents was a package from A$AP Rocky containing Puma merchandise, including sneakers and apparel. The gift, though well-intended, was quickly dismissed by Cenat, who is a Nike brand ambassador.
Upon opening the package, Cenat exclaimed, “A$AP Rocky! Puma? I’m checks over tigers,” referencing Nike’s logo and a popular lyric from Travis Scott’s Sicko Mode. He added, “I can’t do this, I’m [team] Nike. The opps… Puma, you really tried. I’m Nike, you really tried that?”. Cenat’s reaction underscored his commitment to his Nike endorsement deal, which he signed in February 2024.
This isn’t the first time Cenat has faced brand conflicts. Earlier in the year, he mistakenly opened a package of Asics sneakers on stream, expressing concern about violating his Nike agreement. The partnership has been significant for Cenat, marking him as the first major streamer to sign with Nike. He later debuted the Nike Air Max 1 “Low Poly” sneakers in September, a moment celebrated by both the streamer and the brand. (via Dexerto)
While some fans found humor in Cenat’s animated rejection of Puma’s gift, his loyalty to Nike is evident. However, the festive mood of his stream wasn’t dampened. Later in the broadcast, Cenat pledged $16,000 to 10-year-old rapper Lil RT’s family to support medical expenses for his hospitalized brother. This gesture raised awareness and funds, increasing their GoFundMe goal to $40,000.
