Hip Hop: More Than a Style, it’s a Way of Life

By Victoria Viveiros

When talking about streetwear, it is inevitable that elements of hip hop are a part of the conversation. Hip hop culture is at the heart of streetwear, where style is more than just the outfit, it’s who a person is. I’ve had the opportunity to learn about hip hop culture through taking hip hop dance classes with Jackie Lopez, founder of Versa-Style Street Dance Company. At the foundation of what was taught about dancing were lessons about culture, about community, and about people existing despite a system that oppresses them.

Hip hop originated from the Bronx in New York. It is said that the first ever hip hop event, “Back to School Jam” was hosted by DJ Kool Herc in 1973, where he created a genre of music which is now seen as the spark that ignited a cultural revolution. The music, the dancing, the way of presenting oneself, became a cultural identity for marginalized youth in America. At this this time, New York was faced with an economic crisis leading to thousands of people becoming unemployed.

The lack of economic stability left already vulnerable communities with even less government support. Inevitably, communities turned in towards each other for support. One of the main reasons hip hop is so deeply rooted in community, is because the music, the dancing, and the style, were unifying facets for people of color who were marginalized socially and economically. It became a means of redefining identity and empowering the youth.

Clothing was more than just fashion and expression; it was resistance, and protest. Oversized silhouettes, bold color choices, gold chains, and brand loyalty were all ways artists and communities claimed visibility in a society that often tried to ignore them. What someone wore was unique to them. Outfits were rooted in creativity, where they were curated out of what people had in their closets.

Hip hop eventually spread throughout America and soon became part of a larger cultural identity throughout the 80’s and 90’s. Artists such as Nas, Tupac, Snoop Dog, and Notorious B.I.G. helped popularize and spread hip hop as a musical genre. Hip hop style also began to spread, where outfits were still coordinated, expressive, and unique to the individual. As the music genre evolved into the 2000’s so did the clothing.

Today, we see a blend of hip hop street wear and a wide variety of fashion brands, both affordable and luxury. Hip hop continues to be a relevant and fundamental influence in pop culture and fashion, and although it may visually look different today than it did decades ago, its cultural values are still at the heart of many communities today. Popularized street wear still emphasizes ideas of boldness, of representing yourself, and of showing up as you are.

References:
Public Broadcasting Service. (n.d.). NYC in Chaos. PBS.
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/blackout-gallery/
PQ, R. (2024, November 27). Hip hop history: From the streets to the mainstream.
ICON Collective Music Production School: LA & Online.
https://www.iconcollective.edu/hip-hop-history