Over time, hip hop became renowned for its diversity and ability to attract people from all walks of life who shared varied interests and personal styles—all united under the same love for this powerful new genre that continued to evolve throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

As a whole, hip hop is known for its freedom when it comes to self-expression. It’s always been about breaking down barriers: even with such an eclectic mix of personalities embedded within this culture, there aren’t really any rules or norms dictating what you have to wear or what your style should be like if you’re into rap music. This openness continues to allow diverse fashion styles to thrive within today’s hip hop community (and perform well on TikTok).

We see it now, we saw it in 1985.

To understand the relationship between hip-hop and fashion, you have to go back to 1985. Run DMC’s song “My Adidas” not only brought attention to the brand but also launched a new kind of energy into rap music.

The song is about how Run DMC wore Adidas shoes “from the beginnin’” because they were perfect for jumping rope and playing basketball when they were growing up. It was a simple song that would impact culture in unimaginable ways.

Run DMC were known for their style and flair, which had a major impact on fashion as well as hip-hop music itself. Their performance at Madison Square Garden with Aerosmith—a landmark collaboration called “Walk This Way”—resulted in an explosion of interest in rap music from new audiences, bringing it from the underground into popular culture.

At this point, the group had become such global icons that they signed a deal with Adidas Superstar, who created special customized sneakers for them—sneakers that are still popular today!

Hip Hop is Style

You can’t deny that music and fashion go hand in hand. The two mediums influence each other and continue to grow together. Rap and hip hop have always been the center of many fashion trends, especially when it comes to street wear. Today’s youth culture has become more influenced by rap than ever, and as a result, there is a lot more rap-inspired clothing on the market. Some of today’s most popular rappers are influencing the clothing industry every day with their unique styles, whether they’re conscious of it or not.

Rap music, style and longevity

The impact of music on fashion can be seen directly in the evolution of rap music and style, from Run DMC’s Adidas tracksuit ensembles to Rick Ross’ champagne-soaked lifestyle. Throughout the years, artists have used their platform for social change along with their fashion style. Rap music, style, and longevity are intertwined. Just like hip-hop has a history of artists being involved in fashion (think  Run DMC, Pharrell Williams), rap music’s influence on fashion has taken hold in the past decade. Nowadays, top rappers have clothing lines and successful brands to their name.

Younger generations now turn to social media, music videos and magazines for guidance on what to wear instead of television shows or movies because that is where they see influential people who inspire them. There are many rappers such as Swizz Beatz, Travis Scott, Rick Ross who have their own clothing lines which also help impact fashion trends throughout the world. Rap has certainly made an impact on culture around the world by spreading messages through different styles over time; it will no doubt continue influencing future generations of trendsetters everywhere.

Rappers have been influencing fashion for decades

Rap is one of the most influential musical genres in the world, having risen from the streets of NY to international stardom. In the 80’s rap groups like A Tribe Called Quest impacted how people styled their clothing causing a change in the fashion industry. Hip hop artists have been making waves in fashion for decades, starting with Run DMC and the oversized Adidas tracksuits they wore in their music videos. Since then, it’s become commonplace for rappers to have an interest in fashion; whether it be designing their own clothing lines, modeling for high-end brands like Rihanna, or simply aiming to look cool and expensive on stage.

Rappers with a dapper quirky style, such as Tyler the Creator, have a dapper quirky style. Tyler wore T-shirts, patterned camp shirts, the occasional box logo, Vans with tube socks, and his patented Supreme 5-panel. To refined streetwear staples such as sweater vests, pleated trousers, poplin shirts, and the ushanka hat. His style has an impact on boys all over the world, and his distinct taste makes him a powerful fashion influencer. His style influences his fashion, which contributes to the mood of his art and public image.

Participating in the hip-hop community entails being a part of the spirted decisive demeanor. Fashion and hip hop, thankfully, are not rigid concepts. They are constantly moving and evolving in bold and imperceptible ways, but they strive to meet quality that cannot be described by the word good or cool. The influence movement has put on us has been unavoidable and refreshing.