In recent years, the line between hip-hop and fashion has become closer than ever. From A$AP Rocky to Tyler The Creator, the way rappers dress has changed dramatically. In the past, hip-hop only had baggy clothes and workwears like Timberland, Carhartt or Polo Ralph Lauren… Now, hip-hop fashion can also range from shiny western shoes to suits. designed and performed on the catwalk by leading fashion houses.
Kendrick Lamar – The new “King” of Rap music
Kendrick Lamar was born on June 17, 1987 in Compton, California, USA; He is considered one of the most influential artists in American music in general and hip-hop culture in particular. Besides his solo career, Kendrick is also a member of the group Black Hippy with Ab-Soul, Jay Rock and Schoolboy Q.
His musical products are heavily influenced by West Coast Hip-hop and 90s Gangsta Rap combined with elements including Funk, Jazz or Soul. Kendrick is known as a “master storyteller” with lyrics described as “as sharp as a katana” and a flexible, skillful flow. The themes in Kendrick’s works revolve around racism, black empowerment and social injustice.
In March 2012, Kendrick Lamar officially signed a contract with Interscope Records and Aftermath Entertainment – marking the end of his independent artist career. With the new contract, the album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” was released in October 2012 through Top Dawg, Aftermath and Interscope. The album reached No.2 in the US, selling 242,100 copies in the first week. He achieved dizzying success thanks to carefully thought out content in his music.
Kendrick Lamar’s fashion in the early years of his career
The fashion journey of “King Kendrick” can be compared to a “trip” with many experiences and constant innovation through many different styles. When Kendrick’s reputation explоded in 2012 with the album “good kid, m.A.A.d city”, his style was considered more “standard” than any other Hip Hop youth in L.A – snapback pants, T-shirts. Paisley print, slim fit jeans, Timberland boots, Nike Air Force Ones or Cortez.
Fast forward to 2017, the king released his third studio album titled “Dаmn”, one of which was the Һit “Humble” that made him famous. By this point, Kendrick had refined his style to basics like a white T-shirt, Nike Cortez shoes, and baggy chinos – a popular style from his hometown of Compton.
On stage, Kendrick Lamar “sinks” into neutral-colored clothes, along with worn, faded details. The change in style creates a more rugged and dusty look for the male rapper. Since this milestone, Kendrick has affirmed his nаme in the world of rap, along with his clothing style and “interface” being somewhat upgraded compared to the beginning of his career.
Big turning point in fashion
Sticking to popular trends with outfits with loose, medium-sized and comfortable shapes, Kendrick Lamar uses straight-leg pants, flared pants and traditionally tailored trousers combined with loose-fitting, shoulder-padded blazers. The male rapper’s overall outfit seems to have been upgraded in a “luxurious” way.
For example, when he wore Louis Vuitton between the Suρer Bowl and LV’s private show in Paris earlier this year. Both of these appearances show that the “king” is taking fashion seriously and gradually getting rid of his old silhouette.
Different from the bustle on stage, Kendrick’s everyday outfit is somewhat gentle, “clean and fresh” like a true fashionista. That’s when he wore a pair of patchwork shorts from the Bode brand and a basic long-sleeved white shirt in the MV called “N95”. Or more recently, on the 10th anniversary of Paris GKMC street, Kung-Fu Kenny combined a short-sleeved knit vest with oversized Jumbo pants and finally a pair of dark classic GATs. Kendrick continues to show his transformation in accordance with the world’s fashion trends but at the same time still retains the “essence” of the artist.