The 20 Coolest Types of Jackets in Hip-Hop History

Hip-hop is a cold game, but the long winters rappers and their fans live through can be even colder, 2014 included. Over the years, hip-hop's finest have thrown on leather, suede, Gore-Tex, and furs to keep warm and not let Jack Frost slow them down. Some of the best jackets became synonymous with a certain time period. Others were dope just if they had the top brand's label on them. Whether they belong in the hip-hop hall of fame, or are still heavy in the streets today, these are The 20 Coolest Types of Jackets in Hip-Hop History.

Written by Lakeia Brown (@writernotabiter).

RELATED: The 15 Most Stylish On-Field Teams in Sports History

RELATED: A History of Drake's Best Sweaters

Notable Co-sign: Method Man, Redman, Mobb Deep, Eric Sermon

Mic Check: "I went from Helly Hansen to mini-mansions." –Mase on Brandy's "Top of the World"

The Nordic man that founded the eponymous Helly Hansen in 1877 probably never thought that his brand's HH logo would flood the streets in the '90s, but such is the magic of hip-hop style. Hip-hop fans and rappers in colder climates recognized the brand's quality and ability to stave off Jack Frost, so it only made sense to rock these in all types of brick weather.

Notable Co-sign: Dr. Dre, Nas, Action Bronson

Mic Check: "Carhartt sets and Horseys like the Preakness." Action Bronson, "Imported Goods"

Sturdy wear for outdoor work, the tan and denim Carhartts coming out of Detroit became a staple among Brooklyn emcees in particular. Rugged gear for a rugged game. Just another example of how everyday apparel can be mixed into the hip-hop game and result in something better than the original.

Notable Co-sign: Diddy, Mase, Run-D.M.C., Gucci Mane

Mic Check: "I used to trap on the corner, tracksuit with the thermal." -Gucci Mane on "Bob Marley."

Whether made of velour, jersey, or heavy polyester, tracksuits have been a part of hip-hop culture ever since b-boys started breaking in the late '70s and early '80s. Run-D.M.C. made the track jacket and pants a classic of the streets, but Diddy and Sean John also helped make it a signifier of wealth. The message was anyone in a matching jacket and bottom didn't have the need to get dressed up. It was the OG beta version of cozy boy, while also stating that you only fucked with king shit.

Notable Co-sign: Redman, Jay-Z, Rakim

Mic Check: "All I know is cold winter, hot slugs through your snorkel." -Drag-On on DMX's "D-X-L"

Hip hop hijacked this military look, thankfully. These three-quarter length nylon and polyester shell coats were designed for subzero temperatures. But when you're literally out here, only the heaviest-duty gear will cut it. The fur-lined hoods kept out the most biting winds, and haven't really fallen out of favor ever since they first started popping up. They also might be the only thing rappers have in common with Antarctic explorers.

Notable Co-sign: Kanye West, Pharrell, Jay-Z, Rick Ross

Mic Check: "Red bottoms, Moncler, high fashion." -Rick Ross, "Diced Pineapples"

It took hip-hop a while to jump on this v luxe bandwagon, but it's definitely made up for lost time. The popular—and usually shiny—down coats come with a hefty price tag, but if it's good enough for the super-rich elite chilling in chalets in the Swiss Alps, then it's good enough for the likes of Yeezy and Rozay.

Notable Co-sign: Redman, The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Nas

Mic Check: "Karl Kani down, camoflouge can't hide the sounds." -Redman, "Rollin'"

Adorning the biggest names in hip hop during the 90's, Karl Kani was the unofficial clothing line of Brooklyn. His signature adorned everything from denim to tees, but the label's jackets also had the metal and leather plate that gained immediate recognition from an appreciative eye. Karl Kani jackets were the ultimate piece for those who simply knew what was up. And if you don't know, now you know.

Notable Co-sign: Run-D.M.C.,The Fat Boys, 50 Cent

Mic Check: "Nana told me if I pass, I'll get a sheep skin coat." -50 Cent, "Hate It Or Love It"

During the '80s, countless outfits were taken to the next level with these lambskin coats. The natural hide kept the elements at bay, while the inner shearling of the animal's fur kept the wearer toasty and funky fresh. Back in the day, these pieces were paired with a thick dookie chain and crisp adidas for an unfuckwithable look.

Notable Co-sign: A$AP Rocky, DMX, Mobb Deep, Nas

Mic Check: "In my flight jacket, adrenaline heightened, mimicking Tyson." –Nas, "Street's Disciple"

Originally created for army aviators, rugged and lightweight insulated jackets have helped hip-hop stay fly (pun very intended) for a minute now. From bombers to deck jackets to other models that have graced both the air and the streets, these pieces have withstood the coming and going of trends over the years—a true sign of a modern classic.

Notable Co-sign: Notorious B.I.G., Bodega Bamz

Mic Check: "'93 with the First Down bubble." -Bodega Bamz, "Navy"

First Down may not have been the first to crush the hip-hop jacket game, but the brand definitely had a moment ruling the outdoors to the streets movement. The extremely overstuffed bubble jackets kept everyone toasty in the brickest of weather, and if you were really balling out you had the version with the fur.

Notable Co-sign: Cam'ron, Rick Ross, Kanye West, Diddy

Mic Check: "I'm shopping for chinchillas/In the summer they cheaper." -50 Cent, "P.I.M.P."

Rappers have been rocking animal hair long before Cam'ron "got the whole New York wearing pink." The ultimate symbol of wealth, these fur coats have helped hip-hop's best separate the haves from the have-nots as a serious status symbol in the game. And whether it's mink, chinchilla, or some other exotic creature, it seems like furs ain't going anywhere anytime soon.

Notable Co-sign: Drake, A$AP Rocky, Chief Keef

Mic Check: "Take her Gucci bag and her North Face off her back." -Notorious B.I.G., "Dead Wrong"

In the '90s and early '00s you were probably playing yourself (and also shivering) if you didn't have these three capitalized words on the left corner of your coat. Still a popular choice in hip-hop, the outdoors and mountainman coat remains the ultimate contradiction: cool and warm.

Notable Co-sign: Nas, Tupac, DMX, Mobb Deep

Mic Check: "Sneak a Uzi on the island in my army jacket lining."- Nas, "It Ain't Hard to Tell"

The military has inspired many great looks in men's style, and this of course translates over into hip-hop. Camouflage, literally and figuratively, has been a staple in hip-hop for years. Simply put, the masculinity and functionality of military-inspired gear translates very well into hip-hop, and it's definitely been a source of inspiration for years.

Notable Co-sign: 2 Live Crew, Another Bad Creation, Eazy-E, Chuck D

Mic Check: "Two beepers on me, Starter jacket that was two toned." -Pusha T, "Nosetalgia"

Sports and hip-hop have always overlapped with one another and inspired each culture. In the '90s, there was no better way to endorse your favorite team than with an oversized, colorful nylon jacket by Starter. You immediately put on for your city, or, like a lot of dudes, went back on hometown allegiances just to rock the dope Bulls or Cowboys piece.

Notable Co-sign: Big L, Raekwon, 50 Cent, Guru

Mic Check: Put one in your belly, leave you smelly, and then take your Pelle Pelle." -Big L, "MVP"

Designed by Marc Buchanan, these leather coats were so dope, they named 'em twice. A few years ago, Pelle Pelle designed a leather jacket for Furious Five and Grandmaster Flash's induction into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. And now that dudes like French Montana are wearing them indicates that the nostalgia for these buttery jackets is still very strong.

Notable Co-sign: Method Man, Lil Wayne

Mic Check: "Looking like I got in a fucking pillow fight with a Triple Fat Goose. –Eminem, "Underground"

These warm puffer coats kept dudes super warm in the late '80s and into the '90s. They even came complete with a street anthem, "Ooo-ooo, you got it, the Triple Fat Goose." They may have been knocked down a peg by First Down and Bear later on, but TFG's dominated the streets during hip-hop's golden era.

Notable Co-sign: Big Daddy Kane, Nas, Prodigy, LL Cool J

Mic Check: "Fly from Shirt Kings, from Queensbridge to 118, I had my eyes open." -Nas on Run DMC's "Queens Day"

Birthed on the streets of Queens, New York, these spray painted jackets became a popular trend in hip-hop during the '80s. Jam Master Jay was one of the line's first celebrity co-signs, but the jacket was widely worn by many members of the ever-growing hip-hop culture of the time.

Notable Co-sign: Grand Puba, Raekwon

Mic Check: "Tommy Hil was my nigga, and others couldn't figure, how me and Hilfiger used to move through with vigor." -Q-Tip on Mobb Deep's "Drink Away the Pain"

Tommy Hilfiger, who launched his men's collection in the early 90's, was as important to hip-hop as hip-hop was to his brand. The signature red, white and blue patriotic jackets were often paired with Girbaud jeans and knapsacks. The instantly-classic American prep brand flooded the closet of both hip-hop stars and fans alike. And once Aaliyah rocked the brand, guys only wanted to see their girls rocking Tommy as well.

Notable Co-sign: Kid 'n Play, Salt-N-Pepa

Mic Check: "From 8-ball jackets to cops and robbers." -Ghostface Killah, "Blue Armor"

Originally created by Michael Hoban, these multi-colored leather jackets were favorites among rap's finest fashion all-stars in the mid '80s. Their place in hip hop was forever cemented when Salt-N-Pepa sported them in the "Push It" video, but a few tragic incidences of lethal jacket jackings made these colorful pieces forever associated with violence.

Notable Co-sign: Eric B & Rakim, The Fat Boys, L.L. Cool J, Rick Ross

Mic Check: "Was on the land all geared up and Dapper Dan" -Cormega, "Redemption"

Dapper Dan, a Harlem designer, took the fabric from designer bags and used his bold flair to create remixed hybrid leather jackets worn by the biggest rappers, hustlers, and athletes in the '80s. Whether MCM, Gucci, or Louis Vuitton, these jackets were preferred by the label conscious crowd who took luxe garments and made it hip-hop's signature mark of ballin' out.