Exploring the Roots of 80s Hip Hop Fashion: From B-Boys to Run-D.M.C.
Hip hop fashion originated in the early 1980s when the hip hop subculture emerged in the Bronx, New York City, among African-American and Latinx youth. The fashion of the era was influenced by the music, dance, and visual art of the time, as well as the social and economic conditions of the urban neighborhoods where it originated.
The roots of hip hop fashion can be traced back to the b-boy, or breakdancing, culture. B-boys wore clothes that reflected their athletic and acrobatic moves, such as loose-fitting clothing that allowed for free movement. They also wore sneakers with thick soles for support and grip during dance battles.
As the hip hop movement expanded beyond the Bronx, artists like Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, and Rakim established the “old school” hip hop sound, which would lay the groundwork for the genre’s future developments. As the movement began to gain mainstream popularity, Run-D.M.C. became the first hip hop group to receive airplay on MTV with their hit song “Rock Box” in 1984.
The iconic fashion of Run-D.M.C. was also revolutionary for the time. The group popularized the “Adidas tracksuit” and were often seen wearing large gold chains (now known as “bling”), fedoras, and thick-framed glasses. This aesthetic became emblematic of hip hop culture as it began crossing over into the mainstream.
In addition to the b-boy and Run-D.M.C. influences on hip hop fashion, the “Fresh Prince” era of the 1980s also brought a more preppy and laid-back style to the genre. Will Smith’s character on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air often wore brightly-colored sweaters, oversized blazers, and preppy collared shirts. This style, which was often seen in the wardrobes of other hip hop artists of the time, was a product of the growing middle-class black community.
One of the biggest impacts of 80s hip hop fashion was its use of clothing as a form of self-expression and identity. Because hip hop music and culture was born out of marginalized communities, the fashion of the time often reflected the struggles and experiences of the people making it.
In conclusion, the roots of 80s hip hop fashion can be traced back to the b-boy culture of the early 1980s. The fashion of the time was heavily influenced by factors such as athleticism, music, dance, and social and economic conditions. As hip hop expanded beyond its initial Bronx roots, Run-D.M.C. and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air popularized new styles that crossed over into the mainstream. Ultimately, hip hop fashion of the era was a reflection of the community and culture from which it emerged, and remains a powerful symbol of identity for those who continue to embrace it today.
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