Here’s how Hip-Hop Influences Fashions
Ever wonder why Yeezy, Supreme, Air Jordan 1’s, and dozens of other brands are so popular and so. Damn. PRICEY? Well, lucky for you Jerk has answers.
In sum: It’s because your favorite rap and hip-hop artists are the ones repping these brands (and sometimes even creating them)! The hip-hop industry practically invented the general category of ~street style~ and, thus, boosted the popularity of these specific brands along the way.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see how trends based on hip-hop came to be:
It all started in the late 1970s & early 80s when B-boys birthed hip-hop fashion in New York. Yes, you read that right. B-boys. No e-boys here — sorry Lil Huddy. Now, you may be asking yourself, “wtf is a B-boy?” Basically, anyone who was a member of early hip-hop culture, specifically breakdancers, were classified as B-boys. Maybe, like, ask your dad?
At this time, there was a strong correlation between B-boys donning Adidas track suits and thick ass chains and these items gaining mass popularity. What a duo — that ever-popular meme of Robert Patterson looking hella fresh. Run DMC, a renowned rap group at the time, were also largely responsible for making this look popular. Soon enough, famous rapper LL Cool J began rocking these trends and then they became what we now call “mainstream.”
Picture credit to @never2bforgotten via Unsplash
Moving right into the 90s, hip-hop style started to get a little more bad and boujee. Think Gucci, Prada, and Louis V. Trendy dress suits, big sunglasses, fedoras, and boujee loafers stepped into the spotlight. These trends still weren’t as popular as other high fashion, but when rappers such as P. Diddy started sporting these kinds of clothes, heads started turning. If we had the money, you could be damn sure you’d find us in the Gucci store making it rain right there along with P. Diddy.
Picture credit to @flowclark via Unsplash
As we rolled into the late 90s, baggier clothing came into play. Thank god. Fetus Billie Eilish probably cried of joy at the sight.
Picture credit to @pinterest
Snoop Dogg was really into this more loose-fitting style, so safe to say it’s dope. While hip-hop fashion in general largely didn’t become mainstream until the 2000s, some of rap’s greatest legends could be seen rocking these trends from the very start.
Off topic, but does anyone else think Snoop Dog looks kinda hot in this pic? Just us? Oh well, we’ll save it for another article.
But today, in 2021, even the title of hip-hop fashion has changed. Everyone now refers to it as “street style,” and SHIT it’s everywhere.
From Hailey Bieber to Bella Hadid to Kendall Jenner, our socials are packed with trends whose origins lie in hip-hop culture. While not all of us may be 5’11” supermodels, street style is something everyone can pull off. Think sweatshirts, joggers, and Air Jordan 1’s — instant model-off-duty look that’s giving very much Tha Doggfather. Or, a little crop top with a big blazer moment. Instantly camera ready. You’re welcome.