lanffiasBiiBH The Battalion Page 3 • Friday, February 27, 2004 m yfrien! mnypeojj emorpol las i nid 3erfomn up come; first time iran, and iy. collatt :ock San 1 to doin« id Myca tations fi 'x thefii er oagel VIN IS1 nen wort* fineesi tes tta\ network, llbeven because ;s to peo- arked in ir t By Lauren Smith THE BATTALION "Hip-hop started out in the heart, now everybody trying to art,"begins Lauryn Hill’s “Superstar” from the “Miseducation of LanrynHiir Hip-hop culture has evolved and is not just about rap- 1, the clothes they wear and rhymes they drop, but is instead a itliculture with knowledge and authenticity at its heart. In being ol,hip-hop fashion stays true to its roots and remembers the his- tot) 1 behind the present. The concept of authenticity is essential to those who actually fe the culture. A lot of what is on MTV and BET is built on some one’s view of what a rapper should look like, so subconsciously, that Iwhatyou think is popular or hip,” said Adam Williams, a senior nechanical engineering major and a founder of Texas A&M’s Hip- top Society. “Rappers do have a large influence on how some dress, more in tune to who they are individually will make the own.” rappers may not be the sole influence of hip-hop fash ion, dropping brand names in a song can start a craze such as MyV’Air Force Ones” or Q-Tips of A Tribe Called Quest saying, y others couldn't figga. How me and Hilfigga, Used to move tough with vigga.” Finnie Coleman, an A&M professor who teaches a course on Ip-hop culture at A&M, said many mainstream hip-hop artists nill get contracts for making a brand popular, although some com panies, such as Timberland, do not want to be associated with urban culture. Shorty Dawg, a sophomore philosophy major, coordinates from head to toe. Shorty is immersed in the hip-hop culture and often travels to MRU with Lauren Smith / ouiure See Hip-hop on page 4 Hip-hop fashion is not all about rap music, and it is definitely not Eminem. What fascinates me most about hip-hop fashion and its cul ture is that creativity and individuality are at its forefront. Two peo ple could be wearing exactly the same thing, but it will look com pletely different because people who are a part of the culture pay spe cial attention to detail, and color coordination is a top priority. Hip-hop fashion has this unique ability to update an ordinary piece of clothing in a way that is fresh and striking. Converse All- Stars, for example, have been around for decades, but those fash ionable in the hip-hop world will put a new twist on it. It’s about bringing the new, but remembering the old; what has worked in the past will probably come up again. Another way the fashion is innovative is in the way two colors that you could never imagine putting together somehow perfectly match. Throwback jerseys, which range in price anywhere from $75 John C. Livas • THE BATTALION a recording studio in Houston. Despite all the color Shorty is wearing in the picture, he loves his trusty white T-shirt. to $500, are available in not only the traditional colors, but pastels and neons as well. The throwback jersey is a billion-dollar industry that although is still thriving may have recently hit its downslope. As Jay-Z put it in his November release, "The Black Album,” “And I don’t wear jerseys, I’m 30-plus. Give me a crisp pair of jeans, Button up," members of the hip-hop culture often grow out of their throwback jerseys and opt for the more mature look of the suit. But, don’t expect this to be anything like your dad’s old suit. There is definitely some flare to whatever it is; the stripes and color are ever-present. Whether it’s Adidas with fat laces or LeBron James’ shoes, “kicks” are an essential part of putting an outfit together. They are the cherry on top, if you will, as they always seem to unify the col ors from the jersey with the colors on the hat. For women on dressier occasions, the heels are never too high, and there is no such thing as too much color. Women also sport the colorful tennis shoes of Puma, Nike or Converse. The hip-hop world is diverse, accepting and full of life. From the bright colors graffiti artists use to anything throwback, the history is still alive and inspires much of what today’s hip-hop fashion is. ounce }uirf the Baptr if rei ;s nts 3hy Jr. afl s. ir’s ii ie si jay as nancial s 1 Fficials gd aft. DudgeU 1 ’ Lion, )N ditor ar ducer ■tor riday W' - sunlllll , jnlveisilf. I addreS taW •