The past year has been nothing short of a milestone for hip-hop style with many different trends influencing its way into the culture. 2023 also marks the 50th anniversary of this confluencing genre. Our favourite rappers have once again demonstrated that their influence extends far beyond beats and rhymes, gracing instagram feeds with fits that go harder than a Metro Boomin instrumental. Let’s take a look at who did it best.
Kendrick Lamar
Fresh off his set on the Hello neighbour stage, Kendrick intros the list. Ever since K Dot cheekily declared himself the "best dressed" on "The Hillbillies," he has upheld that claim with some respect, solidifying his status as a fashion icon. Embracing the latest trends, Kendrick often likes to dress himself in the workwear designs of Martine Rose and Wales Bonner. Serving as an unofficial muse for Martine Rose throughout 2023, he seamlessly merged music and fashion, becoming a living canvas for the designer's creations. Memorable among these moments was Kendrick's appearance at the Grammys, donned in a bespoke ensemble from Rose's Fall 2023 collection. The collaboration reached new heights with an official merch release at Camp Flog Gnaw, marking another chapter in their creative partnership.
Smino
Similar to the likes of Pierre Bourne, Smino brings a playful and unconventional approach to fashion that sets him apart in a pretty crowded landscape of hip-hop style. Demonstrating a keen understanding of loud colours, shapes, he effortlessly avoids the pitfalls of appearing clownish, showcasing a distinctive skill set. During his Paris tour stop, he turned heads with a daring ensemble featuring a colourblocked satin jacket, a polka dot scarf creatively tied around his head, and baggy cargo jeans. Even in more subdued moments, Smino's style remains impactful, whether it's a striped T-shirt and leather jacket combo with baggy jeans accessorised by a studded belt and a green scrunchie-turned-bracelet, or a basic black shirt and olive green shorts elevated by a furry cap. Hailing from St. Louis, Smino exudes a distinctly Midwestern sensibility reminiscent of the St. Lunatics' 2000s style, yet he boldly carves out his own identity without relying on luxury designers. Beyond his wardrobe, Smino's crowning glory lies in his ever-changing hairstyles, from twist outs and Afros to braids, often adorned with barrettes and accessories. His influence even extends to heavyweights like Drake and Rocky, who've embraced hair accessories in 2023.
Lil Yachty
2023 was undoubtedly Boat’s year. From the release of Tesla which is one of our favourite songs of the year to making it public that he wants Concrete Boys to have a crazy 2024 run. Lil Yachty emerged as a fashion trendsetter with a bold style that seamlessly blended vintage sports gear, high-end designer pieces, and emerging streetwear brands. Known for his love of nostalgia, Yachty frequently sought out the best vintage spots in each city he visited, showcasing his affinity for retro hockey jerseys and rare Starter jackets. However, his fashion repertoire extended beyond the classics, incorporating avant-garde choices such as Bode crochet shirts and Balenciaga coats adorned with paint splatters. What set Yachty apart was his commitment to promoting up-and-coming brands, with Aris Tatalovich and The Filthy Project among those benefiting from his influential support. Yachty's attention to detail extended beyond clothing, with distinctive elements like $1 million diamond teeth and exclusive, unreleased sneakers like the Cactus Plant Flea Market’s Nike Air Flea 2s adding a unique flair to his outfits. Regardless of the ensemble, Yachty exuded confidence and style, cementing his status as a fashion icon who effortlessly navigated the intersection of vintage, luxury, and streetwear with unparalleled flair.
Tyler the Creator
Tyler, initially distinguishing himself from his rap contemporaries, eschewed the allure of high-end designer labels. Anchored in his roots as a skate enthusiast hailing from Fairfax, Tyler's early wardrobe comprised no more than skate shoes, a hat, a T-shirt, and a hoodie. The evolution from this minimalist aesthetic led him to craft his own fashion identity through his brand, Golf Wang. Yet, as time unfolded, Tyler's style underwent a remarkable transformation. Presently, Tyler is often spotted in impeccably tailored suits, elegant loafers, serene knits, and other dapper ensembles as well as a well timed expensive supreme piece.
A$AP Rocky
Pretty Boy Flacko is pretty much a no brainer. Easily one of the flyest celebrities out there, ASAP has the ability to seamlessly blend luxury and streetwear, making him a versatile fashion icon. Rocky's fashion choices reflect a genuine understanding of style, and he doesn't adhere strictly to a particular look or brand. This versatility sets him apart from some of his contemporaries who may be more committed to specific styles or labels. His outfits don't appear forced, and he effortlessly puts together ensembles without conforming to a prescribed uniform. Rocky's fashion sense extends beyond mainstream brands, as he is known to embrace emerging labels like Proleta Re Art. This willingness to explore different styles and brands adds to his authenticity and cements his reputation as a fashion trendsetter. Ultimately, whether he's wearing luxury pieces or unique finds from emerging designers, ASAP Rocky's style remains effortlessly cool and reflective of his own personality.
The past year has been nothing short of a milestone for hip-hop style with many different trends influencing its way into the culture. 2023 also marks the 50th anniversary of this confluencing genre. Our favourite rappers have once again demonstrated that their influence extends far beyond beats and rhymes, gracing instagram feeds with fits that go harder than a Metro Boomin instrumental. Let’s take a look at who did it best.
