Throughout the history of hip hop fashion has played a major role in reflecting the artist personality, life experiences, and ideals. Sometimes clothing in hip hop isn't reflective of who the person is but moreso who the person wants to become. Hip hop between the 90's and 00's was possibly the most inflential art form. Designers such as Tommy Hilfiger and Missioni looked to hip hop for a fresh approach. While artist like Lil Kim and Kanye West were making Europian labels household names in the hood. However all of hip hops fashion moments weren't so high end, some of the most powerful moments were low brow. Click "Read More" to see the full list of artist who put a look on the sound of hip hop!
#10 Nas - As an explosion happens in the middle of the street a man walks through with the smallest leather pants and jacket set (Hate Me Now video) since Eddie Murphy. He has on no shirt and his boxers are fully exposed. It's Nas! White fur coats and Fila sweat suits are a part of his legacy. The hot pink suit in the "Street Dreams" video was borderline revolutionary. I'm pretty sure if I asked my boyz when would be an appropriate time to wear a pink suit, they would say never. However, Im pretty sure they never seen this video cause the desert is a perfect place!
#9 Dipset- Killa Cam had his stint w/ pink. Jim Jones put skulls on the map. Juelz proved swag was the best accessory. These brothers transitioned the hood from baggy jeans to fitted (not skinny) urban wear. They breezed through videos w/ scarfs on their heads and made being hood fly seem effortless. Custom jerseys in the 00's and letterman jackets today. Their style is undeniable.
#8 OUTKAST- In a very boxy industry Outkast leaped out the boundaries. Mixing elements of 60's soul, Atl, and avant garde these brothers were on some other shit! Promotion of self expression was all through their campaign.
#7 LL Cool J- Sporting the one leg up in the 90's and Kangols in the 80's LL Cool J developed a trademark style. Seems like every dude at one point was wearing a Fubu shirt and a stocking cap on their head. LOL
#6 Wu-Tang- Gritty & Grimey Wu Tang Clan was the hip hop version of Grunge. They made Wallabees the must have shoe and demonstrated that you could never wear enough black. Ghost in his bathrobes, Meth with his hair half braided, and lets not forget the green industrial oversized coat they all seemed to pass around.
#5 Pharell- Dudes in the hood didn't skateboard but because of Pharell they started to look like it. When Pharell adopted Bape (a asian clothing brand inspired by American hip hop) the next thing you knew college kids were wearing full zip hoodies w/ Asian characters all over them. Canvas kicks and graphic t-shirts were the uniform for black hipsters. Oh and the trucker hat was a phenom!
#4 Biggie & Lil Kim- Minks, Versace silks and shades, diamonds, exotic skins, Coogi, and the list goes on. High fashion didn't even have a place in hip hop before these two. They were respected by Donatella Versace. She would allow them to hang out with her at home. Marc Jacobs is Lil Kims best friend and she also was David Lachapells muse for sometime. With artist like Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj adopting the duo's classic swag their vibe has yet to die.
#3 Diddy- When the world of fashion and hip hop sat down to have their first meeting Sean "Diddy" Combs was at the head. He over saw the Biggie and Kim movement and defined an era with his Bad Boy image. Though many may look at Sean John as just another urban brand. Try to understand that his runway shows and show room is something much more. He is the first Hip Hop artist to win a CFDA award which is the Oscar of the fashion industry. Shiny Suits and graphic Black & White are his trademarks.
#2- Run DMC- How do you define a genre, a movement, a culture through clothing? Well, Run DMC did it with a pair of lace free Adidas and a sweat suit. How can something so simple define so much!
#1 Kanye West- Playing the middle ground in hip hop meant back packing at one point. College hip hop for a brother who wasn't as animated with his clothing as Busta Rhymes nor as street with his gear as DMX. Guys like Tribe called Quest ushered in the "Back Pack" movement but they never invoked fashion. Kanye West took that niche and infused it with a fashion concious edge that appeals to a whole new generation of Back Packers. He never wore a costume but if you pop your polo collar on Halloween one might think your Kanye West! His level of respect and knowledge of the industry has allowed him a place within the fashion world that's bigger than business or inspiration. His style is Iconic! No other rapper outside of Run DMC and Lil Kim has that title.
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