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Page 3 • Friday, February 27, 2004
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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.
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