"Put rings on everything, wear timbs on every scene"

1973 marked the year of a revolution, the creation of timbs. Nathan Swartz produced the iconic shoe, a leather waterproof boot,made solely for the working man not knowing how impactful it would soon become. Overtime the boots popularity began to rise, until the 1990's. When the art of gangsta rap became the new style and out came the timbs, the once known working boot became the new symbol for the urban community. There wasn't one person who didn't own a pair,or two, or three. In the early 2000's they even began to make it a little fancy, adding gucci labels and things of that nature to the boot, not the company itself but the wearers. The boot itself has been a symbol in the hip-hop community for a long time and now your starting to see it elsewhere. People that you normally wouldn't think to wear such an urban look is embracing it and loving it, I always said the Hip-Hop world can take something and turn it into worldwide craze. Im sure Nathan Swartz could have never imagined how large his work boot would become. Its not only a staple in the urban communities but now its a staple period. I myself get a new pair every year. 

"Downtown Mixing Fabrics tryna find the magic" Wk8

In September 2005 Kanye West first announced what was the beginning of his venture into the fashion world. A line called Pastelle Clothing was his first go at officially designing. The complications are unknown but the line was cancelled in 2009 but this was the start of a wild ride for Kanye. He then began teaming up with many different designers through the years; Nike, Bape, Louis Vuitton, and Giuseppe Zanotti. West has even had some success with the, I guess you could say redo, of his lines. Although Kanye always seems to discuss the lack of support he receives from the high end fashion world. Many people look at him as being egotistical and narsassistic  but i simply believe the he just wants to achieve greatness and go down in history. It seems to me as if he doesn't want to be known as a rapper who has a line but a true designer, which in a recent interview with Kanye i learned that he actually attended design school. He is qualified and shows dedication as well as a true passion for the art but is simply not well received or maybe well respected in the way he wants to be in the fashion world. 


Here are a couple looks from one of Kanye's shows:

The Art Of Name Dropping Wk6

Fashion seems to be the newest cliche in the rap community, a quick shout-out used to be the way to go, now it seems giving the fans a list is the new wave. Rappers have always been giving  handouts and special privileges when it comes to clothes, their influence over the community was something thats always been admired and used. Along with that, rappers seem to be to drop a couple names or even faithfully wear a brand and their interest and slight loyalty to brand grasps the attention of the designer. Thus, resulting in the partnership between the two, they end up front row at all the shows,they're seen walking around and showing up to industry events with these elite designers.One can call this a form a publicity, a beneficial relationship for both parties. Fashion designers get cool points and publicity while the artists get front row seat to a whole new world, and a chance to socialize different group of influential people.

"Rollin for Lana, dripped in Gabana" -Foxy Brown  

"Bought the Herve dress, it cause it fit the curves belts" -Fabolous

"Mr. Comme Des Garçons, Mr. Alexander Wang, Mr. Chain, pinky ring" -2 Chainz

"Raf Simons, Rick Owens, usually what i'm dressed in" - ASAP Rocky 

 

Outside The Lines Podcast

The lyric search website, RapGenuis, has thrown itself in the podcast ring. Rap Genius is one of the best websites for lyric look ups, the site not only provides accurate information, but also gives insightful analyses of the songs as well as the rappers. The company began doing the podcast last year, and trusts me when I tell you it’s worth your attention. It’s not some corny show with a bunch of unknown people, the show has a very friendly and inviting feel and its guest are very open. The channel has already had hip hop elite sit down and talk; Nas, Cipha Sounds,Talib Kweli, Rza, just to name a few. Do yourself a favor and go check it out!

Outside The Lines 

         - Rap Genuis

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/outside-lines-rap-genius/id530017639 

Project 6

The music lifestyle brand known as Rocksmith has been around for years, beginning in 2004 and there company continues to make strides in the street wear community. They are known for their music inspired collections and have recently been collaborating with an array of influential artists. One of the brands biggest projects this year is the ode to the Wu Tang Era. This year marks Wu Tang’s 20^th Anniversary of the release of the groups first studio album, 36 Chambers. The capsule collection features hoodies, T-shirts, and accessories, all covered in the original album artwork. Like anything else in the world, it is all about timing and it just so happens that Wu Tang is supposed to be reuniting and coming out with a new album. This partnership is a honestly a brilliant idea, any true Wu Tang fan had to have had original memorabilia from the group, all the way back from the 90’s and this new clothing line gives them items to add 20 years later. As far as the younger generation it’s something to look cool in I mean, don’t we all love retro stuff. Now, it is pretty obvious that the Rocksmith staff is hardworking bunch, due to the fact that they are doing pretty well with their own collection, taking on a collection with Wu Tang, and yesterday they just announced a new collection with Memphis rapper Yo Gotti.  The rappers album, I Am, is said to be dropping the 19th of this month and along with the album his fans will be able to support buy purchasing items from his own capsule collection. The collection will include French terry crewnecks and sublimated t-shirts in monochrome, volt, and magenta. Yo Gotti has definitely made a name for himself in the hip hop world, but will his collection be as successful as the Wu’s, one of the greatest hip hop groups of all time? All of the brands clothing can be found in select stores and, more accessible, there website RockSmithnyc.com

Midterm Interview

More Than Just A Rapper Wk5

In March ASAP Rocky had the honor of making the cover to one of the most elite fashion magazines, L'uomo Vogue, which is the Italian men's version. ASAP Rocky is definitely one of the many unique faces popping up in today’s hip hop world, he came into the game immediately capturing peoples attention due to his style, musically and fashion wise. Rocky brings a lot to the table; he's obviously far from being just some cocky Harlem boy. You can literally hear the extreme amount of knowledge and passion through every word he speaks. In the L'uomo interview the rapper expresses some of his views, 

"I’ve always been interested in fashion, since when I was a kid and used to shop on 5th Avenue. But the real leap in quality occurred when I was 16 years old. I immediately loved Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Gucci. Nevertheless, my approach has always been spontaneous, based on a sort of fashion sense that lets me blend haute couture with street wear. What's most important to me is originality. I don't have problems mixing things: I don't care if the outfit is considered elegant or not. It’s my style. Period."

This does not only hold true for his fashion sense but includes his musical taste as well. Below are some of the shots from the March issue. 

"...ratchets, designer jackets"

Coinciding with my recent interview, theres been an influx of artists stepping into the fashion world. In the years to come it seems hip hop lines will be no more, teaming up with high end fashion lines seem to be the new way to go, like rihanna's collaboration with River Island, and Kanye's clothing line with A.P.C. The downfall of hip hop lines can also be due to the change in street wear, thanks to brands like Ice Cream and BBC going against the grain.....But there is one group who gets a pass, the good ole Diplomats or should i say Juelz, Jim, and Cam'ron. Only Cam'ron can sell sock for $150 and have them sell out, Juelz promotion of slow bucks and Jim new line Protocol. Now don't get me wrong, there are still rappers who can create and sell clothes its just now they're competing with the whole fashion world, the competition isn't just with each other.