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Fashion plays a particularly important role in hip-hop. Especially because Hip-hop and fashion have become synonymous with each other over the years. From designer sunglasses to custom pieces and diamond chains, everything that rappers do helps push the culture forward. Here are four rappers who influenced fashion without even trying.
Kanye West
We had to kick off this list with Kanye West. He has made such an imprint in the fashion industry so much that oftentimes you forget that he got famous because of his music. Kanye’s impact started with his “Graduation” album on a song titled “Barry Bonds” which features Lil Wayne. Ye spits that he is “feeling good in his pink polo” From that point Kanye became synonymous with the brand and led a generation of younger people going out in business casual attire. However, Kanye’s official introduction to the fashion industry came when he signed an endorsement deal with sneaker giant Nike in 2007. It was a historic move as he became the first non-athlete to sign an endorsement deal with the brand. In 2014 he turned the industry upside down when he released the “Red October” colorway of his “Yeezy 2” silhouette.
Jay-Z
Jay-Z has been a legend in several games. The fashion game is one of his most noted ventures. Jay-Z and former music executive Dame Dash co-founded Rocawear in 1999. The clothing brand peaked in the early 2000s, but at the height of its popularity, Rocawear became a global phenomenon. Major artists like The Diplomats, Memphis Bleek, and Beanie Sigel have helped further the brand’s popularity with their endorsements while other celebrities such as Ciara, Kanye West, and Naomi Campbell helped bring the brand mainstream.
Travis Scott
Travis Scott is one of the artists that Kanye West paved the way for with his 2007 endorsement deals. Despite boasting endorsement deals with star athletes such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant, Travis Scott is without a doubt the biggest star on the brand’s roster. Travis Scott’s “Cactus Jack” sub-brand has been one of the most sought-after sneakers from the brand. His sneakers have been know to go for more than triple the retail price. In addition, he has flipped his Cactus Jack brand into collaborations with other brands such as McDonald’s where he had his own “Cactus Jack” meal and accompanying merch line.
Pharrell
Pharrell Williams is another music icon who has made his imprint in the world of fashion. He along with the Clipse were among the first rappers to endorse Nigo’s Bathing Ape (BAPE) clothing brand in the early 2000s. After becoming one of the first ambassadors for the brand, Pharell went to try his hand at his clothing brand. He and Nigo launched his Billionaire Boys Club / Ice Cream line in 2003. BBC/Ice Cream has become one of the staples of hip-hop fashion. Pharrell became immortalized in the fashion industry in 2023. He was named the new creative director of Louis Vuitton. He replaced the fashion icon, Virgil Abloh, who passed away suddenly in November 2021.
