Yesterday, we launched a new competition called STYLE WAR, where we're asking you to vote to decide who the best-dressed rapper of all-time is. Right now (in Round 1), there are a whopping 64 rappers competing for the belt (click here to register and begin voting if you haven't already).
We tried our best to represent a diverse cross-section of different regions and styles of dress, from Cam'ron's pink Harlem style to Snoop's blue crip clothes. Almost all of hip-hop's heavyweights are represented, but there were a few big names who didn't make the cut. We think they're all great rappers, but we agreed that they didn't deserve to be recognized for their fashion sense. Read on to find out why we left out folks like Eminem, Ludacris and more...
EMINEM
Despite being the most famous (and arguably the best) rapper in the entire world, Slim Shady never developed a superstar fashion sense to match. Even with all that money, Em was never really able to move past his overwhelmingly generic Jordan sweatsuit and white Tee look. Also, one thing in racial relations that definitely hasn't changed since Obama's election: white boys still look corny in du-rags. Sorry.
LUDACRIS
It's not that Luda is a bad dresser per se (okay, sometimes he is), it's just that he's always been more of a fashion follower than a trendsetter. Despite being one of the most consistent hitmakers in hip-hop and one of the most lyrical mouths of the south, Luda has never found a look that really works for him. Maybe he should stick to the Hollywood-friendly formal wear he's been rocking lately, because his ability to keep up with hip-hop fashion trends has always been questionable.
TWISTA
The Tung Twista might rap fast, but he's a little slow when it comes to dressing well. Too often, his outfits cross the line from outrageous to just ugly. Also, if you're standing next to Don Magic Juan and you're the crazy looking one...that really says something.
DR. DRE
The good Doctor might be the greatest producer of all time, but he's one of hip-hop's most boring dressers. Sure, he looked pretty cool back in his NWA days, but he was basically just sticking to the uniform established by Eazy-E. Since then, Dre manages to look a little uncomfortable no matter what he has on, kind of like an alien wearing clothes for the first time.
SOULJA BOY
It's not that Soulja Boy has wack style (although we're sure some of you might disagree with that statement). What's the real reason he wasn't included in STYLE WAR? He's too young, people! You'll notice that almost everyone featured in the contest put out albums before 2007. To recognize the new generation of MCs—including Soulja Boy, Kid Cudi, Plies, Wale and more—we'll be holding a special vote next week to decide the Best Dressed New Rapper. Stay tuned!
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OFFICIAL STYLE WAR BRACKET!
LOL April 9th, 2009 at 08:53 PM
STYLE WAS IS 16 HOMO + 16 HOMO
Golden Child April 9th, 2009 at 10:29 PM
50 Cent should have been cut from the list as well. 50 dresses terrible. His style is played-out bottom of the barrel urban apparel that you can find at any ghetto mall in America. Nobody wears G-Unit but trashy ass white boys. Even though he my not always be in the spotlight, I think AZ should have made the best dressed list. AZ's fade always looks airbrushed. He's like the Steve Harvey of Hip Hop. AZ has been fresh since the era of Coogi sweaters and Avirex leathers. Plus AZ's swag has definately influenced alot of well known younger rappers like Cassidy of even Kanye.
Korey April 10th, 2009 at 01:28 PM
man em may be the worst dressed rapper in the history of rap
Zachary Busby April 10th, 2009 at 01:58 PM
aren't we over the "homo" line yet? I mean, no homo but that "no homo" shit is really, really, really gay. Sadly, the majority of dudes that say it haven't had a girl in their bed since 1987. If Slick Rick, Kane or Ghostface doesn't win the style wars, I'm going to riot. -Zachary
DSMITH April 10th, 2009 at 07:52 PM
Common, BDK, JayZ and Nas minus anything wit N!GG@R on the back are my Final Four. I'm goin' with Big Daddy Kane for the win. That dude had class with his, medallions not too big, waistline of his pants never on the back of his knees.
Incilin April 10th, 2009 at 11:19 PM
Looking at the current leaders on the chart, the better rapper wins out almost every time (From my quick look). Makes me wonder if Em (Who won the Vibe chart, which obviously inspired this chart) would be winning despite his awful dress style. Nah, prolly not. But maybe Luda would. Plus, where's Pusha T on the list?
50 cent pics April 13th, 2009 at 02:55 AM
50 cent is the best rapper of his time. His style is totally unique
Thrilla April 14th, 2009 at 01:28 AM
Why the hell is Treach even mentioned let alone make the bracket?! What rock did they drag him out from under?! You might as well put Tim Dawg or Uncle Luke...
riothero May 7th, 2009 at 04:33 PM
I find it ironic that for years hiphop heads have accused white kids of "dressing black" now since all the rappers have started dressing white all the heads want to hop on the bandwagon. Kanye dresses like a white kid and a gay one at that.
idiotas August 4th, 2010 at 09:00 PM
filhas da puta vao ser contra rapers na casa da tuas maes vacas porrra to aqui de coa e os caras ven fudendo os raperrs