subject: Pop Artists: The Icons Of Streetwear Clothing [print this page] Most of us know that personal preferences of clothes and accessories complement the tastes and pursuits of all individuals. It gives a sense of identity and self-expression; hence the saying: To each his own.
Like everything else, things in general fall under certain categories that help us determine what suits us among the rest. These also contribute to our decision-making and analytical capabilities. Examples are: The Food Groups which includes: Dairy, Fruits, Grains, Vegetables, Sweets and Fats; thee General Education Courses: Basic English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Philosophy I, etc.; Nationalities/Races: Western, Asian, etc. and many more.
Music has its own categories too. We have Classic Rock, Jazz, Techno, Metal, Punk, Pop, and Hip Hip among others. The last category mentioned which is Hip Hop music - is considerably one of the most popular forms of music in our era. It embodies significant meanings (be it direct or indirect) focusing on political, personal and societal issues accompanied by a series of cool beats, musical styles and attention-grabbing lyrics.
Because of this type of music, the trend of wearing streetwear clothing or urban hip hop wear was popularized by the artists themselves. It all began somewhere between the late 1970s and the early 1980s when Hip hop culture became increasingly influential.
One of the most well-known trend-setters of the urban hip hop wear was Mc Hammer during the 1980s when Black Nationalism became eminent. Outrageous hairstyles, unconstrained pants, ornamental hats and chain accessories were in-style within that time frame. Eventually, the 90s rap artists such as Liza left-eye Lopez of TLC and Kriss Kross threw in some of their original ideas that contributed to the hip hop fashion and style. Bold and thick dangly earrings, heavy golden jewelries, gangsta jerseys, jeans and caps were also promoted.
The long history of hip hop music and those who continue to universalize it underwent critic scrutiny from both inside and outside communities. Issues about purchasing expensive valuables - such as the cars and the blings (a term used to describe jewelry) as the determining factor of what the music stands for have been debated on.
Whatever the issues surrounding this type of music may be, Hip Hop fashion will continue to affect those who support it.
