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How to Dress Like a 90s Rapper

90s rapper

Hip hop has played a pivotal role in creating innovation in both music and fashion since the 90s. A new fashion trend was clearly forming in the 90s as hip hop became more popular and mainstream.

One that would signal the end of one era and usher in a new one. The world was watching with curiosity as hip hop used fashion to define its identity.

With this, we go back in time to find some of the best 90s rappers fashion for any party.

Snapbacks


NBA players like Michael Jordan and the rap group NWA helped popularize the Snapback. These caps always looked dope with throwback jerseys.

Oversized tops


Oversized fits and long silhouettes were key components of hip-hop fashion from the early 90s to the late 2000s. One explanation offered for this is that a lot of impoverished children in places like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago would get clothing as hand me downs from their older siblings.


Gold Rope Chain

90s rapper costume

Another status symbol in hip hop was the Gold Rope Chain. Drug dealers who could afford its high cost were the first to wear it. However, many hip-hop artists began wearing it as rapping became profitable.

The gold chain was thrust into the public eye because OF this, and it changed from being a garment worn only by drug dealers to a status symbol for people in many walks of life.

Air Force 1


The relationship between sneaker culture and hip-hop has always been clear. The Air Force 1 was designed to be a basketball sneaker,  like the majority of Nike's. Naturally that meant it reached the dope boys, who were often former or aspiring ballplayers themselves.

Once the hustlers got a hold of these bad boys, they gave swag over to the rappers; And once rappers got a hold of the Air Force 1 it changed the game.

By the 90s, rappers like Jay-Z, Fabolous, and others were donning Air Force 1s in a variety of looks and hues; some were officially licenced by Nike, while others were custom made.

Baggy Pants


baggy rapper pants

With the release of MC Hammer's smash hit song "Can't Touch This" in 1990, baggy trousers became widely popular. Rappers from all over the world eventually embraced the "baggies" trend, making them a cornerstone element of '90s hip hop fashion.


Denim 

Denim was a staple of the '90s hip-hop fashion scene partly because of black-owned brands like FUBU and Phat Farm.

Army Fatigue 


For many years, both literally and symbolically, hip-hop artists have worn camouflage outfits. Simply put, hip-hop benefits greatly from the masculinity and functionality of military-inspired clothing, which translates very well into hip hop.

For as long as anybody can remember, camo has been a staple of streetwear. The same is true of hip-hop, where countless musicians like Biggie, Tupac, and Das EFX have incorporated camo pieces into their ensembles. 

African Leather Medallions



The African Leather Medallion Necklace first appeared in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when artists such as A Tribe Called Quest, Afrika Bambaata of the Universal Zulu Nation, De La Soul, and Brand Nubians were using the creativity of a new generation of disenfranchised youths with a liberating and authentic worldview to create a movement.

During this period, hip hop was joyful, empowering, and educational, with an emphasis on self-knowledge. Wearing the leather necklace with the African medallion was a sign of such pride.

Overalls


90s rapper costume

If you grew up in the 90s, there's a good chance you wore overalls. These sleeveless denims jumpsuits were an essential fashion piece for the decade and was worn by pretty much everyone, including various rappers.

To pull off this look, try combining a pair of classic blue overalls with a comfy jumper or t-shirt with sneakers.

Bucket Hat



Bucket hats were a popular trend in hip-hop fashion throughout the early 1990s, and members of Wu-Tang Clan and EPMD were frequently seen sporting them. LL Cool J popularised this look in the late 1980s.

Puffy Jackets

Although puffy jackets were never intended to be a fashion statement, it was Black youths in the East coast made it look cool, just like they did with workman boots, hoodies and beanies.

When East Coast rappers rose to stardom, they took the style of their city with them and the puffy jacket became a cornerstone in rap fashion and streetwear ever since.

Plaid Flannel Shirt


As a longtime staple of the classic American wardrobe due to their cheap, affordable and versatile appeal, Hip hop and humble check flannel shirts go hand in hand.



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