1
Ralph Lauren Snow Beach Pullover
Listing Price: $2,142.00
When Raekwon the Chef wore the now iconic Snow Beach pullover in Wu-Tang’s 1993 “Can It Be All So Simple” music video, the jacket immediately became one of the most sought after Ralph Lauren collectibles. For many, this piece acted as a gateway to Ralph Lauren, as Raekwon introduced Polo’s brand aesthetic of bright color schemes and bold lettering to the masses. A holy grail for ‘Lo heads and hip-hop lovers alike, Raekwon’s exclusive $300 pullover reinforced Ralph Lauren’s movement in hip-hop culture, embodying the hip-hop ideology of wealth and flyness for decades to come.
2
Eric B. & Rakim Still Paid In Full 1988 Concert T-shirt
Listing Price: $1,699.00
In 1986, hip-hop duo Eric B. & Rakim released their first single “Eric B. Is President”, gaining hype with Eric B.’s mastered turntable technique and Rakim’s god-like lyricism. Challenging perceptions of rap, the innovative DJ/MC partnership marked a new benchmark for hip-hop as Rakim’s clever rhyme schemes and wordplay brought forth a new era of MCing as a lyrical art form. The price alone should serve warning for the legendary rap ambassadors. If you can’t comprehend the inflated price tag, you don’t know hip-hop.
3
Yo! MTV Raps Promotional T-Shirt
Listing Price: $149.99
Yo! MTV Raps was the first major vehicle that took hip-hop from a regional unit to an international platform, making hip-hop a global phenomenon with the network’s exposure. Since its debut in August of 1988, hosts Doctor Dre, Ed Lover, and Fab 5 Freddy have delivered some of the most memorable freestyle sessions, interviews, international event coverages, and music video playbacks to living rooms worldwide. The series aired nearly 1800 episodes during its 7-year span, and to this day reigns undisputed as the world’s best hip-hop show of all time.
4
Coogi Knit Sweater
Listing Price: $249.00
First introduced by Bill Cosby’s upper-class Mr. Huxtable on The Cosby Show, Coogi sweaters didn't gain credibility until Notorious B.I.G. emerged onto the hip-hop scene. While Biggie Smalls often name dropped luxury brands like Versace, Gucci, and Rolex in his raps, he was arguably best recognized for his hard hitting collection of Coogi’s Australian sweaters. Coogi’s unrivaled $300-$700 signature knitwear became widespread in hip-hop culture with its crazy color combinations and one-of-a-kind textured designs.
5
Run-D.M.C. x Adidas Crewneck Sweater
Listing Price: $999.99
Run-D.M.C. established the definitive old school hip-hop get-up, donning dookie chains, black leather jackets, Kangol hats, and most importantly, unlaced Adidas Superstars. Prior to 1986, Adidas Superstar sales were low. The Hollis Queens trio single-handedly revived the sneaker’s production with their breakout single “My Adidas”. Adidas corporate executives struck up a deal after being invited to Run-D.M.C.’s sold out Madison Square Garden concert, looking out from the stage to 20,000 shell toes raised in the air. This marked the first ever sneaker endorsement deal for a nonathletic entity. Soon after, Run-D.M.C. released a complete line of apparel and accessories in collaboration with Adidas, turning Adidas’ $1 million dollar investment into $22,000,000 of sales in just one weekend. Now rare, this Run-D.M.C. x Adidas crewneck sweater is a serious collectors piece.
6
Salt-n-Pepa Street Screenprint T-Shirt
Listing Price: $19.99
With the late '80s dominated by male hip-hop artists, the inception of the first all-female rap crew Salt-n-Pepa opened new doors for women in the hip-hop community. Salt-n-Pepa were one of the few hip-hop artists to crossover into mainstream music, catching the public’s attention with strong, female empowerment in both their lyrics and wardrobes. By mixing high waisted denim pants, door knocker earrings, and tight cropped shirts under baggy flannels or jackets, Salt-n-Pepa helped lay the groundwork for female hip-hop style.
7
Oakland Raiders Starter Jacket
Listing Price: $629.99
Making prolific waves from the West Coast in 1986, Compton’s unapologetic five-member collective N.W.A. exposed the violence and hardship of the streets to the public. With the rise of their popularity came interest in their statement style, paying full homage to their team with Los Angeles (now Oakland) Raiders hats and starter jackets. Cut and sewn to perfection, the satin-finished team apparel showed allegiance much like a gang. The brand’s higher price point and exclusivity was widely criticized by the media, as their popularity led to a flood of stick-ups and robberies.
8
Mars Blackmon She’s Gotta Have It Brooklyn Messenger Hat
Listing Price: $18.95
Brooklyn hooligan and Spike Lee’s alter ego Mars Blackmon first appeared in 1986's hip-hop classic She’s Gotta Have It. Mars’ street-corner wit and definitive style captivated a cult following, and Nike marketing execs took notice. Visually characterized by his oversized thick rimmed glasses and BROOKLYN bill cycling cap, Mars became the ultimate spokesperson for Nike’s Air Jordan product line, who’s legacy in urban streetwear culture and lifestyle needs no introduction. Spike Lee’s involvement played a major role in bridging the gap between urban and athletic styles, leading to a monumental deal of his own— the Air Jordan Spiz’ikes.
9
Tommy Hilfiger Rugby Pullover
Listing Price: $64.95
Although Tommy Hilfiger was long on the radar, the integration of Tommy in hip-hop style is largely credited to Snoop Doggy Dogg’s 1994 performance on Saturday Night Live. Looking dapper in a preppy, American colorblocked TOMMY rugby, Snoop inaugurated Hilfiger into the hip-hop community through his national head-to-toe Tommy broadcast. The sportswear label immediately became a staple in the rap community, with Snoop’s pullover selling out of stores the following day.
10
Phat Farm Leather Jacket
Listing Price: $699.00
Phat Farm was one of the first apparel companies to have diverged from a hip-hop entity. Always about the money, business mogul Russell Simmons capitalized on hip-hop’s undisputed influence on fashion. Russell took advantage of the untouched market, applying his hip-hop tastemaker influence into an entire lifestyle brand. Since its start in 1992, the multi-million dollar business has paved the way for other artist-turned-apparel brands like Wu-Wear, Sean Jean, and Rocawear.
