Celebrating Trendsetters: Five Decades of Hip-Hop Fashion
3 min read
By Charlotte Young Foye
Hey, hey, hey closet crew! I have a question; when did you first fall in love with hip-hop? Hip-Hop Fashion that is?
Ha, I’ve always wanted to open an article or interview with that question, ever since I saw Sydney Shaw aka Sanaa Lathan make it look so crazy sexy cool in Brown Sugar, one of my all-time favorite hip-hop movies.
As you see, this issue is dedicated to celebrating 50 years of hip-hop history and all that it encompasses. Fifty whole years and still shaping the culture. You guys know that I am a Hip-Hop head to my heart, and nothing says hip-hop more than fashion from the streets to the runway…
Read full article in the latest issue Amazon.com: Intellectual Ink Magazine: Issue 25 eBook
Kango Hats and Their Legendary Role in Hip Hop Fashion
Hey there, fashion enthusiasts! Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and explore the unique relationship between Kango hats and hip-hop fashion. These hats have been a staple in the hip hop world for years, and their journey is a fascinating one.
The Origin Story
Believe it or not, Kango hats didn’t start out as hip-hop fashion icons. These hats were originally created in England by a company called Kangol back in the 1920s. They were designed for golfers, with their flat, round crowns and short brims. It wasn’t until the late ’70s that they found their groove in hip hop.
Hip Hop’s Love Affair with Kango Hats
As hip hop was making its mark on the streets of the Bronx in the late ’70s and early ’80s, Kango hats began to be seen as a symbol of urban cool. Hip hop pioneers like Grandmaster Flash and Run-D.M.C. were some of the early adopters, and they really helped put Kango hats on the hip hop fashion map.
Unforgettable Moments in Kango Hat History
Paying Tribute to the Legendary Kangol Kid
Today, we tip our hats (or should we say Kangols?) to the one and only Kangol Kid, a true icon of hip hop culture! From his stylish headgear to his unforgettable rhymes, Kangol Kid has left an indelible mark on the world of music and fashion. Let’s celebrate his incredible contributions and the timeless swag he brought to the stage. Drop your favorite Kangol Kid memories or tracks below!
- Run-D.M.C.’s Fedora Kango: Run-D.M.C. rocked the fedora-style Kango hat, and it became inseparable from their signature look. They even rapped about their love for Kango hats in the hit song “My Adidas,” cementing the brand’s connection to hip hop.
- LL Cool J’s Kangol Cap: LL Cool J made the Kangol cap his own during the ’80s and ’90s. He had a knack for pulling it down low over his eyes, adding an air of mystery to his stage presence.
- Samuel L. Jackson’s Kangol Connection: Though not a hip hop artist, Samuel L. Jackson’s roles in iconic films like “Pulp Fiction” and “Jackie Brown” showcased the Kango hat as a symbol of cool, making it even more iconic.
The Timeless Appeal
The beauty of the Kango hat in hip hop fashion is that it hasn’t lost its charm over the years. It’s still seen as a symbol of authenticity and urban style. Even as fashion trends keep evolving, you’ll spot Kango hats being sported by today’s hip hop artists and fans who appreciate their classic allure.
From the golf course to the gritty streets of the Bronx, Kango hats have proven that fashion can transcend its origins and become a symbol of a cultural movement. Their enduring presence in hip hop fashion is a testament to the genre’s ability to redefine style norms. So, whether you’re a die-hard hip hop fan or just someone who appreciates a classic piece of fashion history, the Kango hat will forever hold its place as a cherished icon in hip hop fashion.
