Published: Friday - June 22, 2007
Words by Alyssa Menard
The Shop Boyz (Photo: Universal Republic)
Whether we embraced them or despised them, hip-hop has endured its share of fashion fads over the years. From its obsession with everything pink, down to its overly modest white tee, hip-hop has definitely been at the forefront for starting new trends. Regardless of the time period or style, hip-hop clothing has always embraced its urban roots. But as we near the end of this millennium's first decade, it is only natural to observe how significantly the times have changed. A new wave has taken over our clothing and music, and ushered in a much needed breath of fresh air to our slowly dying legacy. We are no longer being defined by big clothes and even bigger jewelry, instead, hip-hop's taste has begun to evolve almost as much as the style of music.
2007 has been the Year of the Rock Star, and rappers nationwide are joining in to add their distinct sound and unique flavor to this new fusion between rock and hip-hop clothing and music. Many of today's rappers can now be seen dressed in skulls and bones, and adorned in rock-inspired brands such as Ed Hardy, Tru Religion, and Great China Wall, brands that no one had envisioned would span to cover this new territory.
Producer extraordinaire/R&B artist/rapper Pharrell is arguably one of the leading founders of the rock movement in hip-hop, with his distinct fusion of the two found openly throughout his music and his signature skateboard always on hand. He was able to successfully launch Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream after fans showed interest in his eclectic style, clothing brands that showcase his rockstar edge.
Not long after, rappers known to have grittier style were soon lining up to add their essence. Lil Wayne, known for his easy flowing freestyles, softened up his music after emerging with a guitar in hand for singles like "Leather So Soft." Fans quickly caught on to the track, and it was a popular choice for video countdowns and radio playlists. Around the same time, Jim Jones and the Diplomats set were bringing life to the hip-hop/rock movement with their gradual transition into a rock style of clothing. Although many were weary at first, it wasn't long before followers could be seen donning their own wallet chains and skull-shaped belt buckles. The once isolated trend was finally beginning to slither its way into mainstream hip-hop.
The Rockstar Movement couldn't possibly be mentioned without including the likes of up-and-coming rap group, The Shop Boyz. Pharrell has always been more of an eclectic artist that is constantly changing his style, and his genre of music can easily be debated. Though Lil Wayne and the Dipset crew dabbled in the rock look, their music never swayed from its original urban sound. The Shop Boyz can debatably be deemed as one of the few hip-hop acts to actually rap and incorporate a hardcore rock sound into their music at the same time. Their single, "Party Like A Rockstar," set off frenzy across the country, within only four months of its release. Fans definitely took a liking to the song, and it isn't uncommon to see the hip-hop lovers out of their element singing taglines such as "totally dude." When urban clubs bust out with the hit, club goers are quick to bob their heads and surf through the crowds.
Hip-hop has received a lot of criticism lately, for basically becoming a giant pool of mass-produced mainstream garbage. Songs have lost their originality, and we have all suffered from the monotonous lyrics that reek of sex, drugs and money. We've all heard the phrase: "keeping up with the Joneses." It seems as if artists these days are all trying to portray an image, to try and get rich quickly off of what is already selling. So regardless of whether or not this "HoodRock" movement is here to stay, it is safe to say that it is a relief to bring some originality back into this teetering genre.
The views expressed inside this editorial aren't necessarily the views of BallerStatus.com or our staff.
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