As our love for rap and fashion are nearly equal, we thought the only fitting (lol get it) course of action would be to put together a list of rappers who own clothing lines. The following list features 9 of those brands, some of which you’ll be familiar with, while others, unless you’re a Hip Hop clothing connoisseur, possibly not.
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So in aim of today’s mission, which is to drop some music-related fashion knowledge, we went with those that are still in production. And yes, while not every line has retained the same amount of allure it once did, they are still in fact in the fashion game. In no particular order, lets get started, ready set break.
Tyler the Creator - Golf Wang
Fit for the runway just as much as it is for the golf course or skate park, Golf Wang stands apart from others on this list. If not for its use of color than for the humor behind its designer, which contrary to the vibrant palate, dark and rebellious just like Tyler’s flows. Established in 2011, the name Golf Wang is an intended mispronunciation of Wolf Gang, a common phrase used throughout Tyler’s early music. With each eccentric collection Tyler further cements himself a place in fashion, in the way a lot of the lines listed below also did when they first started out.
Pharrell - Billionaire Boy’s Club / Ice Cream
Actually, now that we think about it, Billionaire Boys Club in a way set the tone for Golf Wangs current vibes. Because before Tyler was a rapper who skates… Pharrell was. From the start, the clothing line was exclusively manufactured in Japan, which resulted in high-quality construction and limited quantities. And as soon as BBC dropped in ’05, all anyone wanted, was to be ice creamed out (if you know, you know). Unlike other lines, which we’ll get to, BBC has been a master at reinvention and staying relevant, collaborating with artists, designers, other brands and musicians, while most importantly still remaining true to its roots.
JAY-Z - Rocawear
Yup one of those you probably thought was no longer around, well you thought wrong. Headed by Hov, who throughout his multi-decade long career that started with rap, has ventured into more than just the fashion world. But that’s not what we’re here to talk about, what we are here to discuss is Rocawear, which got it start in ’99, breathing new life into streetwear. With some ups and and more recently downs, the brand, which is not as sought after as it once was, has evolved with the times. However still all about reminiscing and giving props to its Y2K past.
Kanye West - Yeezy
While you’re busy wanting the old Kanye, he’s been busy crossing accomplishments off of his long list of world domination. One of those is his globally known endeavor with Adidas into the world of fashion. As the clothing options are mostly made up of one monochrome collection after another, the brand’s footwear line is the real hero of the Yeezy empire, of which they are very much aware, and the proof is in the pricing.
Wu-Tang Clan - Wu Wear
While everyone and their mom knows about the existence of the classic black tee, yellow symbol Wu-Tang shirts, some might ignorantly think they’re an Urban Outfitters brainchild, don’t lie… you know you’re out there. So for those particular individuals, we’re glad we could let you know that isn’t the case, and that in fact the real OGs have a clothing line of their own. Featuring tees, sweatshirts and beanies all repping that Wu symbol in one way or another. From the jump the longstanding brand that got its start in the mid-90s has been the definition of streetwear, and that was before streetwear was even a thing.
Diddy - Sean John
Once upon a time, well in 2004 to be exact, 5 years after it was founded, Diddy’s Sean John line won him a CFDA Award for Menswear Designer of the Year. First launching with sportswear in ’98, in recent years, Sean John has expanded to a full blown lifestyle brand including multiple product categories in addition to its OG claim to fame. Such as tailored suiting, dress shirts, ties, hosiery, eyewear, fragrances, loungewear, footwear and more. While the hype around the brand isn’t what it used to be, it’s still around which clearly means at least some people are still about it.
Drake - OVO (Octobers Very Own)
For his venture into clothing, in 2012 Drake teamed up with one of his besties and business partners Oliver El-Khatib. In pursuit of creating a brand with a unique aesthetic and vibe, they took to Myspace and various blogging websites to gather information about the hottest music, fashion, and art trends going, with OVO as the end result. Initial plans aside, Drake’s line is more simplistic than the rest. Focusing on basic pieces, tees, sweatshirts, outerwear and headwear usually inspired by a sports team or whatever SZN Drake’s in at that moment, always delivering on current trends. And no matter what, one thing remains constant, the owl of course.
T.I. - A.K.O.O.
Started by T.I. and his Grand Hustle Records partner Jason Geter in 2008, A.K.O.O. boasts colorful streetwear, actually inspired by the streets, or at least the graffiti on it. The brands unusual name is actually an acronym for "A King Of Oneself.” Including almost any trendy clothing combination you can think of, A.K.O.O. has it, meaning “you can have whatever you like.” Retro vibes tracksuit, you got it. Need another bleached and painted denim jacket-hoodie hybrid, well Akoo’s got you, and with the matching jeans.
Clipse - Play Cloths
Launched by Pusha T and No Malice aka Clipse, even though we’d never heard of it, Play Cloths has been around since ’08. Featuring graphic tees, snapbacks and more, the streetwear brand is the duo’s attempt to mix their individual styles with high fashion, and street culture. Many pieces in the line are rather simple, sticking to complimentary colors with a logo or word printed across the front, for example “Play.” Like us, some might also be those claims of “high fashion” references. With that said, might we dare to suggest that rather influences of art would be a better fit, as the brand often plays around with patterns and prints.
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