What Happened To Urban Clothing Brands?

[The Dre Era]

Lady Enyce
Enyce
Coogi
Avirex
Pelle Pelle
Baby Phat
Fetish (Eve's flopped clothing brand)
Akademiks
Apple Bottoms
ecko
Rockawear - fuck jay-z
Dereon
Southpole
Triple Five Soul
Phat Pharm
Pepe Jeans

and the list goes on

[Mercury]

Enyce-Purchased by Sean John then shut down
Coogi-purchased by Fubu and Samsung, popular among southern drug dealers
Avirex-don't make anything but jackets right?
Pelle Pelle-still make the best leather jackets on the market
Akademiks-still makes clothes
ecko-WACK
Rockawear - still makes clothes
Southpole-WACK
Triple Five Soul-Out of business
Phat Pharm-turned into argyle or whatever its called
Pepe Jeans-still makes leather jackets

[Tully Blanchard]

The majority of those joints are in City Trends, AJ Wright, and Burlington Coat Factory.

[The Dre Era]

Dead like hip hop
yall bamas rather support the white man
Ralph Lauren for example

and i still wear ecko dammit

[The Dre Era]

Enyce-Purchased by Sean John then shut down
Coogi-purchased by Fubu and Samsung, popular among southern drug dealers
Avirex-don't make anything but jackets right?
Pelle Pelle-still make the best leather jackets on the market
Akademiks-still makes clothes
ecko-WACK
Rockawear - still makes clothes
Southpole-WACK
Triple Five Soul-Out of business
Phat Pharm-turned into argyle or whatever its called
Pepe Jeans-still makes leather jackets

Avirex is now in JC Pennys
Phat Farm still exist and is owned by Kimora Lee Simmons
Argyle Culture is owned by Russell and also has a Jewelry line for Argyle to back it up

[The Dre Era]

speaking of the devil

Kimora Lee Simmons and Baby Phat Parting Ways

http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20100309/300.leesimmons.kimora.lc.030910.jpg
I just got word that Simmons and Baby Phat's parent company, Kellwood Company, will go their separate ways as of Sept. 1.

"After 14 years of conceiving and nurturing Baby Phat, it's time for me to move on and further expand my other businesses and create a new phenomenon," Simmons says. "I adore all those who have faithfully been with me since the beginning."

Baby Phat aside, Simmons' empire includes KLS collection, Kouture by Kimora and Fabulosity, among other ventures. Her hit Style Network reality series, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, is currently shooting its fourth season.
"I'm forever dedicated to my family, fans and customers," Simmons said. "My inspiration has always come from the fabulous women who have been with me through the years as we've grown from young party girls to power players! We're ready for our next journey together and we're taking a whole new generation of incredible young women with us. Girl power unite!"
Simmons has two daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee, with ex-husband hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons and a son, Kenzo Lee, with her husband, actor Djimon Hounsou.
http://idn.efashionsolutions.com/asset/image/format/BP-new-ex/id/BP-C2A00115_002_front

[DJ Robb Quik]

Ralph Lauren:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4lPjSE9ZiOQ/SYA_Q7le5wI/AAAAAAAAAC0/xUwHqL4lZSA/s400/Ralph+Lauren+Navy+Limited+Edition+Polo.bmp

Coogi:
http://img.diytrade.com/cdimg/837416/7760224/0/1234623158/Coogi_hoodies.jpg

It's not about 'supporting the white man', it's about looking fresh rather than looking like a victim of a epileptic's gun fight in a paint factory.

[Mercury]

I don't dislike urban brands. Its just that places that I go to won't let you in with it on. Plus the so called "white brands" clothes cost less so f' it. I can get aeropostale stuff for like $10 bucks and let the kicks carry the fit honestly. Urban brands, although you can get it for the low at certain places, are still relatively expensive compared to the old navys, aeropostales, american eagles, etc.

I really really don't wanna say this next statement. Because NOBODY should dress just to impress the opposite sex. I 100% don't dress for this reason, but just as a sidenote...them doctor/dentist/lawyer dime shorties been feelin that type of gear and whatnot. Its almost like a slap in the face though. I've purchased $300 coogi outfits in my younger days, iceberg outfits and all that...got zero play, other than maybe a hood rat joint or 2. $150 authentic jerseys, minimal play. Then i'll cop something cheap as hell and that be the joint everybody likes LOL

[The Dre Era]

I don't dislike urban brands. Its just that places that I go to won't let you in with it on. Plus the so called "white brands" clothes cost less so f' it. I can get aeropostale stuff for like $10 bucks and let the kicks carry the fit honestly. Urban brands, although you can get it for the low at certain places, are still relatively expensive compared to the old navys, aeropostales, american eagles, etc.

I really really don't wanna say this next statement. Because NOBODY should dress just to impress the opposite sex. I 100% don't dress for this reason, but just as a sidenote...them doctor/dentist/lawyer dime shorties been feelin that type of gear and whatnot. Its almost like a slap in the face though. I've purchased $300 coogi outfits in my younger days, iceberg outfits and all that...got zero play, other than maybe a hood rat joint or 2. $150 authentic jerseys, minimal play. Then i'll cop something cheap as hell and that be the joint everybody likes LOL
gotta disagree with cha bruh
i believe many people turned away from urban brands when they became much more affordable frowning down on them when they saw it for cheap at Burlington, TJ Maxx etc....
I believe these days people let a price tag brainwash them into thinking its actually worth that value.

[Mercury]

Another side note...damn near ALL urban brands are white owned. Before Sean John purchased Enyce, they were owned by Liz Claiborne.

Another side note...I do like/own these urban brands
LRG
AKOO
Blac Label
Crooks N Castles
The Hundreds
Rocawear
Play Cloths
and I still wouldn't mind having a coogi sweater but thats out my budget lol

[Mercury]

gotta disagree with cha bruh
i believe many people turned away from urban brands when they became much more affordable frowning down on them when they saw it for cheap at Burlington, TJ Maxx etc....
I believe these days people let a price tag brainwash them into thinking its actually worth that value.

I'm only speaking on me personally. But from retail experience, the reason they got sold at TJ Maxx, etc is because people stopped buying it, point blank period.

In my 2 years at DTLR...I saw people go from buying Rocawear, Coogi, Crown Holder, etc heavy...to buying DC, Vans, and that type of gear. Fashion just changed, point blank period. They had to switch up and start selling Polo, Nautica, and to help keep interest, especially in the mall stores.

Look at the entertainers...Jim Jones and Lil Wayne had cats wanting to do the rock/skater look. Pharrell, Lupe Fiasco, people like that gradually shifted the fashion dynamic.

[The Dre Era]

I'm only speaking on me personally. But from retail experience, the reason they got sold at TJ Maxx, etc is because people stopped buying it, point blank period.

In my 2 years at DTLR...I saw people go from buying Rocawear, Coogi, Crown Holder, etc heavy...to buying DC, Vans, and that type of gear. Fashion just changed, point blank period. They had to switch up and start selling Polo, Nautica, and to help keep interest, especially in the mall stores.

Look at the entertainers...Jim Jones and Lil Wayne had cats wanting to do the rock/skater look. Pharrell, Lupe Fiasco, people like that gradually shifted the fashion dynamic.

from what i was told the clothes were priced well at those stores because those retail chains had "direct" legit deals with those clothing companies compared to Mom & Pop stores who have a connect get the shit from NYC, bring it back to them and tax the hell out of it in order to turn a profit.
for the most part i believe fashion changes when shit becomes more availble and affordable.
"he got it, i don't want it anymore"

when the insults start to fly, one is quick to try to point out anything so call "cheap" you may have on.

[Mercury]

i guess we gonna have to agree to disagree on that point. Because the stuff that people wear NOW is way cheaper than what we used to wear.

In the 90s especially, everything was extremely brand driven. You had to have certain brands and if not it was wack. Whether the brand was urban or not, most name brand items were semi costly. I remember spending $100 on tommy hilfiger jackets and stuff like that.

Right now, the young cats don't like the name of the brand on their gear and stuff like that. And there aren't really brands that are popular, moreso overall looks. So if the brand isn't what makes the outfit, why spend $50 on a rocawear hoody when you can get the old navy joint for $20 and get the same effect? Since nobody really cares about brands as much as they used to.

The urban stores ain't doing good right now. Has nothing to do with markups. DTLR is probably the cheapest store you'll find, damn near burlington level. It just isn't as popular as it once was. Stuff just moves in cycles. Look at MTV Jams for a whole day. Right now I'm watching Lloyd Banks ft Lloyd video and they just got some regular sales rack at Macy's type stuff on. Thats just the look for right now

***this is not dissing urban brands. young cats just ain't rocking it, i can't help that***

[The Dre Era]

i guess we gonna have to agree to disagree on that point. Because the stuff that people wear NOW is way cheaper than what we used to wear.

In the 90s especially, everything was extremely brand driven. You had to have certain brands and if not it was wack. Whether the brand was urban or not, most name brand items were semi costly. I remember spending $100 on tommy hilfiger jackets and stuff like that.

Right now, the young cats don't like the name of the brand on their gear and stuff like that. And there aren't really brands that are popular, moreso overall looks. So if the brand isn't what makes the outfit, why spend $50 on a rocawear hoody when you can get the old navy joint for $20 and get the same effect? Since nobody really cares about brands as much as they used to.

The urban stores ain't doing good right now. Has nothing to do with markups. DTLR is probably the cheapest store you'll find, damn near burlington level. It just isn't as popular as it once was. Stuff just moves in cycles. Look at MTV Jams for a whole day. Right now I'm watching Lloyd Banks ft Lloyd video and they just got some regular sales rack at Macy's type stuff on. Thats just the look for right now

***this is not dissing urban brands. young cats just ain't rocking it, i can't help that***
Urban stores are not doing well because retail store chains are now back in style in regards to relating it to the hip hop culture. and thats mostly due to the fact that store chains like Macys are accepting vendors like Sean John, Rocawear, Argyle Culture into their stores across the country. Wasn't like that 10 years ago.
10 years ago it was well worth a trip to NYC/Harlem to cop exclusive shit.
Thats not the case anymore

Videos on MTV/Viacom speak for itself
gotta hide those labels or Viacom will try to come at them with their hands open wanting money for giving them a platform for them to advertise whatever on their channels. Shit they even got tape over the beer bottle labels in the Jersey Shore tv show.

[Broadway Joe]

What's the difference in supporting a black clothing line vs. a white? It's putting money in the hands of someone you'll never meet, don't know personally, and doesn't give a shit about you. they scream support this clothing company cause it's black owned, but then they just make shit that gets you profiled and looking thuggish. It's not helpful to the black community at all. make a black company that makes clothes that I can wear to work or a job interview without gaudy labels plastered all over it then we can talk. Sean john is the only label I know that comes close, and they make the most money. It has crossover appeal.

[king]

Dead like hip hop
yall bamas rather support the white man
Ralph Lauren for example

and i still wear ecko dammit


Isnt Marc Ecko white?

Dre supporting the white man lol

[Mercury]

Urban stores are not doing well because retail store chains are now back in style in regards to relating it to the hip hop culture. and thats mostly due to the fact that store chains like Macys are accepting vendors like Sean John, Rocawear, Argyle Culture into their stores across the country. Wasn't like that 10 years ago.
10 years ago it was well worth a trip to NYC/Harlem to cop exclusive shit.
Thats not the case anymore


but Sean John and Argyle especially aren't really in style so that kills your argument.Nobody cares that Macys sells it because people don't really wear it anyways. The most poppin urban brands are LRG, Coogi, Rocawear, and Blac Label...and Macys don't carry that much of those products. They sell alot of Ecko, Sean John, they do got some rocawear, but they mainly sell alot of urban stuff that ain't "in style". Macys will never have next level urban stuff like Play Cloths or The Hundreds and stuff like that.

You tryna place the blame on something that isn't to blame. Stop tryna blame the retailers. Blame the consumers. Something else came in style...so the younger cats jumped ship. Nothing wrong with that. You kinda stuck in 1995 honestly if you think that Ecko/anything Russell Simmons was poppin within the last TEN years.

I got cousins and stuff thats like 13, 14, 15. There generation ain't NEVER really wear urban stuff. That whole age group been Vans sneakers, mohawks, all that crazy stuff the whole time. Thats who the stores are tryna cater to now.

Me personally, I cut back because of the type of events I went to don't really allow me to wear that stuff too heavily. When I was younger, I went to a lot of college parties, concerts, cookouts, malls, movies that type of thing. So I could wear what I want. Now I go to bars, lounges, or chilling with a particular type of chicks and whatnot, and I really can't get in those places "IN RICHMOND" with that type of attire, they'll turn you away at the door. I stay with J's on deck but I can gain more access to places with polo's, nautica's, and that type of stuff. So I kinda get more use out of that type of gear than some of the stuff i used to have

[Eso]

So called "Urban Brands" turn me off because I don't want to look like a walking billboard. I don't wear stuff with huge logos or names written all over them. Furthermore, I buy all my clothes from outlets, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, etc. because I can get everything I like for the low low. I refuse to pay $50-70 for some jeans when I can get similar for $19.99. Same with shirts and coats.

[Qwasian]

urban brands had they run......... they come & go just like other stuff.

[The Dre Era]

but Sean John and Argyle especially aren't really in style so that kills your argument.Nobody cares that Macys sells it because people don't really wear it anyways.

are you kidding me? lol
Sean John is one of the top grossing companies in the game right now
and whats stocked in Macys is new
Macys is Sean John's and rocawear's biggest retailer
do your research

[The Dre Era]

but Sean John and Argyle especially aren't really in style so that kills your argument.Nobody cares that Macys sells it because people don't really wear it anyways.
Take a step outside of DTLR
http://i38.tinypic.com/2cgiw6v.png
Combs and Macy’s CEO Terry Lundgren declined to specifically discuss the terms of the agreement. But in response to a question from The Post, Combs said Sean John has “done more than $1 billion of business at Macy’s, and we plan to do a couple billion more.”


“Frankly, we turn down 95 percent of the invitations we get to sell these brands exclusively,” Lundgren said, noting that commitments to exclusive distribution deals carry greater risks. “We are committed to make this the most successful launch we’ve had.”

credit: New York Post


About Sean John

Sean John, a privately held company, was created by music icon and producer Sean “Diddy” Combs and made its fashion debut with a men’s sportswear collection for the spring 1999 season. In 2004, Sean “Diddy” Combs for Sean John was honored by the Council of Fashion Designers of America as Men’s Wear Designer of the Year. With annual retail sales in the United States of over $525 million, Sean John is sold in better department and specialty stores across the country, as well as select retailers around the world. In 2006 Sean John, in partnership with Estée Lauder Companies, launched its signature men’s fragrance, Unforgivable, which remains one of the highest selling men’s fragrance in department stores in America. Its feminine counterpart launched in the fall of 2007 and continues to be one of the best selling scents in the category.

[The Dre Era]

Denim Wars: Skinny vs Baggy. Who Wins?

http://www.sojones.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/kid-cudi-hip-hop_l.jpg
Kid Cudi taking a stand with his skinny jeans

An epic battle is raging right now in the hip hop world. There are two armies that are on opposite sides of the spectrum and there is no gray area for neutral folks to take cover.

This dispute is not over a coast, colors, or even the type of music being put out by artists. Instead this new rap quarrel is about jeans. More specifically the emergence of skinny jeans versus the more traditional baggy style jeans that hip hop made popular (some say infamous) during the 1990s.
http://www.sojones.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/asset1.jpg
Artists who made a name for themselves in the 1990s and early 200os rocking the more traditional baggy sized jeans have found themselves on the outside looking in, as they watch newer acts who are more in tune with the fashion of today’s younger fans and who wear the retro slim fitting jeans. These more seasoned artists have begun to feel the heat from the newer contemporaries and as a result it has become a trending battle topic in their music.
http://www.sojones.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/beyjay2.jpg
Jay-Z helped spark the controversy with his much talked about verse on T.I.’s “Swagger Like Us” in 2008: “Can’t wear skinny jeans cause my knots don’t fit/no one on the corner got a pocket like this/so I rock Roc jeans cause my knots so thick.”

This appeared to be the battle cry for all the so-called traditionalists in hip hop, and opened the floodgates for every baggy jean wearing artist to talk on the subject as everyone from Joe Budden to Jadakiss to Fifty Cent has now chimed in on it.

It’s not just the old heads speaking on the topic though. Up and coming Southern California duo The New Boyz have even gone so far as to title their debut, “Skinny Jeans and a Mic”.

artists like Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell Williams who are all known for their keen fashion sense have become pro-skinny.
http://www.sojones.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/kanye-west-dior-2.jpg

[Mojo]

gotta disagree with cha bruh
i believe many people turned away from urban brands when they became much more affordable frowning down on them when they saw it for cheap at Burlington, TJ Maxx etc....
I believe these days people let a price tag brainwash them into thinking its actually worth that value.

I disagree with that. TJ Maxx sells Polo for a lot cheaper than they are in the dept. stores. Did that cause people to stop wearing Polo? People wear it more, and they don't stop just because other people can afford them. Like Merc said, it's less about the money spent these days. My favorite brand of jeans are like $110 in the stores but I'm not ashamed to go to Marshall's or BCF to get them for $50.

Like someone said, urban wear had its run and now it's just over. That's all there is to it.

Personally, I was never into urban wear to begin with. I might have had a couple Mecca shirts in high school when they first came out but that's it.

[The Dre Era]

Continued.............

http://www.sojones.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/baggy-skinny-jeans1.jpg
I myself am stuck somewhere in the middle when it comes to the battle over our jeans. I don’t wear the oversized baggy jeans that were so popular growing up, but I’m not prepared to go all the way in and be pro skinny jeans.

I would have to say I’m more of a regular fit jeans kind of guy, not oversized, but not too slim either. I’m not opposed to one more than the other and I actually think there’s room for both in fashion. It really just depends on the individual and what they’re trying to do.

Are you repping skinny or staying old school baggy?

[Victrix]

And when it comes down to it, I'd say that Merc's theories outshine anyone else's on this board given that this is/was his line of work for years. The end.

[Mojo]

are you kidding me? lol
Sean John is one of the top grossing companies in the game right now
and whats stocked in Macys is new
Macys is Sean John's and rocawear's biggest retailer
do your research

I think it's all about your surroundings and environment that gives that perspective. Like Merc, I didn't think people still wore Roc and SJ like that either, but that's probably because I'm rarely around anybody that would be wearing it in the first place.

[The Dre Era]

I disagree with that. TJ Maxx sells Polo for a lot cheaper than they are in the dept. stores. Did that cause people to stop wearing Polo? People wear it more, and they don't stop just because other people can afford them. Like Merc said, it's less about the money spent these days. My favorite brand of jeans are like $110 in the stores but I'm not ashamed to go to Marshall's or BCF to get them for $50.

Like someone said, urban wear had its run and now it's just over. That's all there is to it.

Personally, I was never into urban wear to begin with. I might have had a couple Mecca shirts in high school when they first came out but that's it.
Polo sells because its still considered "high end" clothing and the hip hop culture still does and will always play 2nd fiddle to Polo in regards to sales.
Average price of a new polo shirt is $75.00

[The Dre Era]

My favorite brand of jeans are like $110 in the stores but I'm not ashamed to go to Marshall's or BCF to get them for $50.
Bingo.............

the power of the price tag

shakes my head at people not wanting to pay $50 compared to $110
when the shit probably cost $5.00 to make
thats urban culture for you
"when shit becomes affordable = i dont want it"

[Mojo]

Maybe you misread... I'm NOT ashamed to get them for $50 instead of $100.

and Polo was just an example. It's not the only brand that those kinds of stores sell for cheaper yet people still wear.

[The Dre Era]

Maybe you misread... I'm NOT ashamed to get them for $50 instead of $100.

and Polo was just an example. It's not the only brand that those kinds of stores sell for cheaper yet people still wear.
oh damn my bad :o
pops in another caffeine pill

[Mojo]

Pass me one. I'm sleepy as crap.

[The Dre Era]

Pass me one. I'm sleepy as crap.
man who you telling
haven't got much sleep the past few days
just finished 2 final exams
went to church this morning
early service

[The Dre Era]

Snoop Dogg Puts An End To His Clothing Line

http://www.sojones.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Snoop-Rich-Infamous.jpg
Ah the down side of celebrity clothing lines. Publicity can’t last forever to keep the line intact, and so does the economy condition. Snoop Dogg is the latest celebrity who pulled the plug on his own clothing line: Rich & Infamous.

In an interview with Hollyscoop in March, 2009, Snoop stated that Rich & Infamous was going under financial troubles caused by the recession.

“The recession is affecting everybody. We’re trying to keep it one hundred percent and do what we’re doing and try to keep the prices a little lower. [We're] trying to keep it cost sufficient for what [we're] doing.”

Rich and Infamous was founded by Snoop Dogg in 2008 and was launched at the August Las Vegas Magic Tradeshow. The line was spotted many times on Snoop’s reality TV Show: “Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood”. The clothing line included accessories, grooming products and home ware.

Snoop was last seen endorsing another clothing brand, Neff Clothing, before the official announcement of the end of Rich & Infamous.

[The Dre Era]

Notorious Style: Biggie’s Influence On Hip-Hop Fashion

http://live.drjays.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/notorious_chris_618322_600preview.jpg

Notorious Style: Biggie’s Influence On Hip-Hop Fashion

“…cuz the greatest rapper of all time died on March 9.”

- Canibus, “Second Round K.O.”

The Notorious B.I.G. Biggie Smalls. The King of New York. The Black Frank White. Big Poppa. Christopher Wallace, the Brooklyn native known also by these aforementioned aliases has been gone for over a decade, yet his influence on hip-hop culture has been monumental even in his absence.

The late and great emcee was considered light-years ahead of his time, which is probably why he’s still spun regularly on radio stations all over the globe. Biggie’s still in the forefront of the minds of virtually all those who appreciate hip-hop; from those who remember scrambling home and eagerly ripping off the plastic to the ’94 classic Ready To Die to the younger guys and girls that had no qualms illegally downloading Biggie’s posthumous album, Duets: The Final Chapter.

The one thing Biggie did phenomenally that was constantly overshadowed by his dazzling wordplay was dress himself stylishly. The younger generation didn’t really get a glimpse of his ability to start trends, but they definitely heard about it in his countless rhymes filled with constant references to his various designer clothes and accessories. To celebrate the 12th anniversary of Biggie’s passing, we decided to focus on the rapper’s most memorable fashion contributions to hip-hop.

COOGI sweaters
http://live.drjays.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/coogi_biggie.jpg
Sure, Australian clothing company COOGI had been creating these multi-hued sweaters since 1969, and Bill Cosby’s Heathcliff Huxtable character sported them on The Cosby Show in the ’80s, but the ‘hood wasn’t hip to the colorful look until Biggie did it. When Biggie donned the sweaters during performances — and, notably, on the cover of The Source with the Twin Towers behind him [picture above] — the look exploded in the hip-hop scene.

But as the story has it, Biggie borrowed his style from another New York kid, Mount Vernon resident Walt G. local As told to MTV News by veteran stylist Groovey Lew:

“We used to go to [Manhattan club] the Grand on Sundays, and my man had all the Coogi’s and the Kangols. And I got the pictures where G got his Kangol on and his COOGI, but Big had on Army jackets and Timberlands. So fell in love with this kid’s style right there — just took it to the next level for the world to see. If you weren’t Bill Cosby or just a rich mother—-er from Australia playing golf, nobody knew about [COOGI]. Big homie started running around with it, and that’s what opened the hood up to it.”

Once Biggie introduced the luxury company to the streets, he helped start a trend in colorful clothing that streetwear brands everywhere adopted.

[B]Versace
http://live.drjays.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/versace.gif
Biggie was often draped in Versace from head to toe – from the shades to the silk shirt to the upholstery in his crib. He didn’t mind that that Versace didn’t design 4XL; he wore it anyway, tailor-made. In 1997, when Biggie rocked a rare, limited edition of Versace sunglasses in his “Hypnotize” video, the streets went crazy trying to figure out what model of the shades he had on.

Even Lady GaGa referred to her 1980s vintage Versace frames as her “Biggie Smalls Versace glasses” to the media after they were stolen from her on her European tour earlier in ‘09. The international superstar went as far as to offer whoever finds them a spot in her next video. To this day, collectors are auctioning the few pairs in this style that still exist at ridiculous prices. Your best bet may be hitting eBay, but beware of fakes!

“Jesus Pieces”
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Biggie made the infamous “Jesus Piece” his choice of jewelry in the ‘90s and a significant amount of rappers today are resurrecting the piece. If there ever was a checklist of must have items rappers should have, this tops the list. Kanye West and the G.O.O.D. Music crew definitely have these bad boys crossed off their list. While his was glittering gold, the piece has been redesigned in various styles and with countless materials.

If you’ve ever wanted to own a Jesus Piece but didn’t have the funds and despised the cheap imitations on the market, New York-based brand Good Wood has a great alternative. The Good Wood Jesus Piece features a 30-inch wood beaded chain available in various colorways. These items became popular towards the end of ’09, and have been mostly sold out on their online store – check it out to see what you can still get your hands on.

These are just a few of the fashion items that Biggie brought to the forefront of hip-hop culture.

[Rotten]

urban clothing hasnt going anywhere, its just that, alot of the trend following clothing lines, follow street trends, that happen to not fit in the classic urban definition

Hell todays rapper either trying to be high fashion, or very pop artsy \metro with the shit they wear. LOL the only thing that stays the same is the kicks these cats wear, and even some of the sneakers are kind of George Jetson-ish

back in the day, it seem like it was a clear difference...you had your hardcore hip hop heads,conscious sisters and brothers, your pretty boy types, your skateboard types, your preppy types etc...but now for the most part, it seems like all the younger kids, dress along the same lines.........

[Mercury]

i agree, its all a cycle.

Look at the 90s. Cats was wearing Cross Colours, Karl Kani, Black college sweatshirts, thugged out Bugs Bunny t's, and that type of stuff in the early.

Then right after wards, a preppier look came about, and people started rocking alot of Polo, Nautica, Tommy Hilfiger, Chaps, and stuff like that. Look inside your copy of Raekwon's "Only Built For Cuban Linx" booklet or old Grand Puba videos.

Then after that, it kinda shifted to the rocawears, wu wears, phat farms, RP55, Fubu, and all that towards the end of the 90s.

You can compare the cycle of hip hop fashion to the cycle of hip hop music honestly. Back then, rap was very much only for those in the know. The average joe schmo didn't know who Smiff N Wesson was, but hip hoppers knew.

Now everybody knows about rap to a certain degree, and rappers definately went from being local in their music to more global. In the meantime, you mesh different sounds from different genres, the same thing happened in fashion. The same kid in a rocawear outfit went to the Wale/Wiz Khalifa/Tyga/whoever concert with the suburban kid who wears vans and dc stuff. Stuff just got meshed ya know?

[Jeff Sticks]

As long as there hoods, urban gear ain't going nowhere! Fuck the Sean John, most niggaz rocking them citi trends off brand collared shirts and custom tee's, lol. I just copped a dope artful dodger tee at dtlr for half price! I like a lot of the shit, but it's to over priced, especially the jeans. LRG is so dope.

[Qwasian]

im on stuck, I mainly gotta fuck with rocawear & blac label because it's some of the only shit that makes big & tall sizes.......lol

[Meta4.ce]

Dead like hip hop
yall bamas rather support the white man
Ralph Lauren for example

and i still wear ecko dammit

Marc Ecko is white...and indie clothing brands are the new urban label.

10 Deep, Hundreds, Crooks and Castles, MNWKA, Supreme, J-Work (local), Poverty Threadz...

LRG and Akademiks were the originals, actually...they were never URBAN brands...they were streetwear.

Streetwear is in, and urban bullshit (anybody can wear) is over.

Oh, and THE REAL COOGI, aka Coogi Australia...was never an urban brand.
Coogi America is that fubu coonery that I see southfags wear because gear is back, and car culture is at an all time low.

[Meta4.ce]

im on stuck, I mainly gotta fuck with rocawear & blac label because it's some of the only shit that makes big & tall sizes.......lol

I'm glad this style is in...Now the big hood niggas stay bummy and have to trick harder...In turn, these hoes spend more money on my sneakers and jeans.
Shit is great!

[Meta4.ce]

urban clothing hasnt going anywhere, its just that, alot of the trend following clothing lines, follow street trends, that happen to not fit in the classic urban definition

Hell todays rapper either trying to be high fashion, or very pop artsy \metro with the shit they wear. LOL the only thing that stays the same is the kicks these cats wear, and even some of the sneakers are kind of George Jetson-ish

back in the day, it seem like it was a clear difference...you had your hardcore hip hop heads,conscious sisters and brothers, your pretty boy types, your skateboard types, your preppy types etc...but now for the most part, it seems like all the younger kids, dress along the same lines.........

Depends on what region...If you look at an old issue of Blaze...where they did the local spotlight...Miami kids were rocking skate gear and shit like that in '98.
DC and Philly cats were always experimental w/ the gear.
What gets me is chicago...them niggas were BUMMY AS SHIT before Kanye came out...except when it came to smooth shit like suits and shoes...among things...their normal gear game was horrid.

[Mercury]

one of my friends is from chicago. He looked like straight garbage garbage garbage on an everyday basis. But this dude would pull out a straight gangsta al capone/scarface expensive suit in a minute if we rolled somewhere formal.

[The Dre Era]

Marc Ecko is white...and indie clothing brands are the new urban label.

10 Deep, Hundreds, Crooks and Castles, MNWKA, Supreme, J-Work (local), Poverty Threadz...

LRG and Akademiks were the originals, actually...they were never URBAN brands...they were streetwear.

Streetwear is in, and urban bullshit (anybody can wear) is over.

Oh, and THE REAL COOGI, aka Coogi Australia...was never an urban brand.
Coogi America is that fubu coonery that I see southfags wear because gear is back, and car culture is at an all time low.
oh really
what do you classify timberlands as then

[Mercury]

oh really
what do you classify timberlands as then

blue collar workboots that the hip hoppers started wearing one day and never looked back

[Rotten]

LOLZ Dre Timberland was never a urban brand eventhough, they milked the hell out of their popularity among urban youth

Timberland got in hot water damn near a decade ago, because they said that they didnt want their brand to be identified as a hip hop brand. At the time it seemed fucked up..but hindsight...it makes sense...they didnt want the stigma associated with urban brands


Just by what you have said in this thread so far, you kind of have dated yourself...Its cool, cause Im always been like wear what you wear. and lets face it..its not to many youngins on the site anymore...but seriously complaining about supporting white brands, while rocking ecko lol come on son!!!!

Also Who wear Timbs, other than old heads that wont let them die...Sheet for a while af1's was the new timbs.....

oh the memories, rocking them hot ass boots in the summer.....never again

[Tully Blanchard]

oh the memories, rocking them hot ass boots in the summer.....never again

That was one trend that I couldn't get with at all. Looking like you getting ready to hang with Jack Hannah and the Crocodile Hunter in the middle of summer. And some sons were wearing hoodies, shorts, and Timbs! That was too much.

[Rotten]

That was one trend that I couldn't get with at all. Looking like you getting ready to hang with Jack Hannah and the Crocodile Hunter in the middle of summer. And some sons were wearing hoodies, shorts, and Timbs! That was too much.

man Timbs and tee shirts lol...like I cant even do it now...my feet would be uncomfortable, my ankles would hurt, and you know the way cats use to rock them unlaced..no support at all......The hiking boots werent that bad, and they were more comfortable

[king]

lol Timbs also had zero ankle support cause cats always wore them extra loose

[T-MADDY]

timbs last longer than sneakers.

[Qwasian]

I never wore timbs all year round...... I used to wear em mainly in the winter like a regular boot and in season.

I remember d00d around my way had the cinammon joints and he wore them shits everyday cuz he was broke, feet stinkin 100 degree weather smell like shit was growin in them raggedly mawfukkaz.....

I offered to go buy him some shoes one day if he would throw those away and he declined.

[Plain Ole Me]

timbs last longer than sneakers.
people still wear timbs in 2010? Fail.

[king]

people still wear timbs in 2010? Fail.


In the winter time with snow all over the ground I bust some out


not as big of a fail as cracking your skull on the sidewalk

[Wallace341]

Fuck that i'm in my Timbs all day, all season long. Matter fact i'm an open toe leather sandal nigga in the summer but best believe if i ain't wearing my sandals or some dress shit wit a suit i'm in timbs it just make sense to me....Maybe i don't want to let 96 go or whatever but it's what i do fuk it....

[T-MADDY]

timbs got no grip to them tho, so you falling either way. especially when it raining.

but yea I still wear mines they black on black suede. I'll take the L.

[T-MADDY]

they wont cheap either.

[king]

timbs got no grip to them tho, so you falling either way. especially when it raining.

but yea I still wear mines they black on black suede. I'll take the L.

The Timbs I have work wonders in the snow lol I be trudging along out there

[Mercury]

I'm a timberland field boots fan my self. beef and broc's >>

[B.G.]

I got a pair in the closet, but I only wear them during the winter, and they're the non-workboot kind.

[Wallace341]

Like i said maybe i'm just a nigga that won't let 96 go but really sneakers are cool and all but who makes a better boot? i don't follow the trends and shit i just typically wear what i like and on the chill out street level i'm on some jeans, T and Timbs shit, i ain't wit all these color schemes going around in the game, ain't wit all that coordination shit i just make sure my shirt matches my boots and my jeans are clean and i'm rolling...and i'm 30 years old. The shit i don't like about keeping it with my style is when the old heads tell me i need to grow up and shit like that just because i prefer to wear a shirt that dosen't squeeze the life outta me and slacks and shit ain't my thing unless the situation calls for it...i am truly comfortable in sweats, timbs and a matching tee it's just me...but if we going formal i shuts shit down on some 4 peice suit harlem nights, overcoat duece duece in the liner wit a scarf type shit, when i step out i steps the fuck out but on a normal go to the bar or mall situation i just have to do me and my timbs...

[T-MADDY]

The Timbs I have work wonders in the snow lol I be trudging along out there

i dont really check for timbs so I forgot they got different designs.

the ones I have, water is its krptonite. I almost tumbled backwards on some rainy subway steps once, if it werent for the railing I would have been ass out down 14 flights....in front of a gang of bitches.

[T-MADDY]

when i step out i steps the fuck out ...

lmao @ that.

[Wallace341]

lmao @ that.

i'm dead ass i even said it in a verse,

"when i step out, i step out dressed down or dresssed out,
button up or throw back, know that, i goes out
3 piece, fresh sneaks,khaki's sharp crease,
like the west coast but this is VA all east,
sharp from the wrist up to the jeans wit the legs cuffed, both whips rimmed up, foot game i'm Timbed up, clean wit tha fresh cut steve harvery style
Flossins a part of me so it's a part of my child
keep the young one in baby phat i'm hurtin you bastards ,
a damn shame a nigga closet look like the NBA rafters,
my jersey's is so fresh you'd think the NBA drafted him,
trend setta the way he dress ya'll should be followin afta him"...so fresh, (so fresh, so clean) SO CLEAN....

$100 Paypal to the 1st MF'er who can tell me what track and album and scream my motto...LOL

[Plain Ole Me]

^IDK but u talmbout baby phat, Tims & jerseys so I'm guessin was written between 2000-2004

[Wallace341]

^IDK but u talmbout baby phat, Tims & jerseys so I'm guessin was written between 2000-2004

great guess...2004 to be exact...

[Plain Ole Me]

^yeah those were the years i was in HS so i remembered the style, you rap, post the song for curiosity's sake.

[Mojo]

I used to wear them all year round too. I even played ball in mine quite a few times.

[Mercury]

Nike Boots>Timbs as far as comfort.

[Mojo]

I refrooze to buy a pair of those Nike Boots. I don't care how long I live in the Northern VA area I will NEVER own a pair. Those things are awful to me. You have to wear bell bottoms just for your pant leg to lay right.

[Meta4.ce]

they're more comfortable than timbs...better all around kicks.

[The Dre Era]

i take mountain gears over both

[Meta4.ce]

Fuck that i'm in my Timbs all day, all season long. Matter fact i'm an open toe leather sandal nigga in the summer but best believe if i ain't wearing my sandals or some dress shit wit a suit i'm in timbs it just make sense to me....Maybe i don't want to let 96 go or whatever but it's what i do fuk it....

Lol you must be west african.

[Meta4.ce]

i dont really check for timbs so I forgot they got different designs.

the ones I have, water is its krptonite. I almost tumbled backwards on some rainy subway steps once, if it werent for the railing I would have been ass out down 14 flights....in front of a gang of bitches.

This shit happened to me in brooklyn on new years...luckily, a bitch fell behind me and broke her bottle...fuck the 4 train...

[Mercury]

I refrooze to buy a pair of those Nike Boots. I don't care how long I live in the Northern VA area I will NEVER own a pair. Those things are awful to me. You have to wear bell bottoms just for your pant leg to lay right.

they less bulky than tims IMO. Tims be heavy as hell. Especially the 6 inch joints

[Mojo]

I was in the store yesterday and they had an Akademiks shirt for a TODDLER that was $40. I laughed, and bought my daughter the polo shirt instead for cheaper.