There aren’t many movements in the history of pop culture that has lasted quite as long as the movement hip hop created.
This movement, one that emerged from New York City’s South Bronx in the 1970s, has risen to become a cultural juggernaut, known and appreciated worldwide.
During those early days, DJs like Kool Herc would host block parties while groups like the Rock Steady Crew entertained the masses with their unmatched performances. And as record labels signed these young artists, this seemingly new culture spread across multiple cultures even more.
But it was not just about music and dance—fashion and graffiti art were also signatures of this movement. Most people would pair men’s baggy jeans with oversized shirts, which resulted in effortlessly cool vibes.
How has this culture evolved?
Well, maybe it was even illogical to think that Hip Hop could become this popular during its infancy. But do you actually know that, according to Spotify, this is among the most-listened genres on the platform? In fact, a 2023 article claimed that over 400 million users had streamed hip-hop music.
Featuring a lot of creative energy, this movement really helped to empower the marginalized youth of the South Bronx. Remember, at this time, the region was actually grappling with socio-economic conditions.
Years later, Hip hop became the most popular way of asserting individuality, with its baggy pants, large hoodies, and Timberland boots, that became staple iconic pieces of the legendary trend. This is with the exclusion of the chunky gold chains and large silver hooped earrings, which were common attributes to the outfits.
The rise of high-end luxury brands in the 1980s and 1990s also added to the popularity of this fashion movement. It was during this time that artists like Run-DMC began adding brands like Adidas to their outfits. This merge of luxurious fashion and street style provided good grounds for a heightened revolution in the sector.
Who were the pioneers of Hip Hop?
Of course, when answering this question, names like Dapper Dan cannot fail to be mentioned. In fact, most people attribute the origin of luxury streetwear to him.
Born in August 1944, this Harlem native’s understanding of the style was greatly influenced by his locals and the likes of Bumpy Johnson. But Harlem was not the only source of inspiration. After traveling all over Africa, he met a tailor who made him an outfit that became the genesis of all he’d become.
Later, in 1982, he opened a haberdasher-come-boutique that saw a variety of clients flock in. From hustlers and rappers to celebrities, the list is endless. In 1989, his work exploded to the global scene when he made a Louis Vuitton jacket with balloon sleeves for Diane Dixon, a popular US Olympic track star.
The thing that actually made his work stand out was that he copied what DJs and producers were doing with their music, but with more precision. He would take a sample from popular brands like Fendi and rebrand it into an entirely new look.
Other figures that have contributed to the popularity of this style include:
- Karl Kani: Most people know him for popularizing baggy jeans. And if you’re well acquainted with West Coast Hip Hop, Karl Kani might not really be new.
- Sean John: The Sean John sensation popularized the fusion of urban style with luxury. Velour tracksuits and blinged-out accessories were a common characteristic of this sensation.
- Baby Phat: The female gender was also not left out in the Hip Hop journey. Female artists, including Alicia Keys, would draw upon Baby Phat’s streetwear aesthetic in their videos.
Our final word
It’s quite clear that New York has influenced Hip Hop in a way that’s never been re-written. And this influence is not just in music alone – it has also affected how people dress.
It could actually be the reason Fortune Business Insights approximates the global streetwear market size to have reached $347.14 billion. Given the growing appeal of nostalgic outfits, more people could turn to this style in the coming days, leading to an even greater market size.
New York will always go down in history as the home of hip-hop especially in the 70’s and the 90’s. Home to stars known across the globe and it still has parts of the city with the same rich culture. Will you be venturing down to New York to experience this rich culture of music, people and fashion?
Photo credit: Dapper Dan, Puma.
Latest Posts
Become a Harlem Insider!
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
