The 25 Best Dressed Crews In Hip-Hop History

Written by Jian DeLeon (@jiandeleon)

In hip-hop's golden age, you were only as dope as the people you associated with. Pioneering groups like N.W.A and The Juice Crew proved that there was power in numbers. Whether making classic tracks like "The Symphony," or just stepping in the club knowing you were "down with the sound called B.D.P." the importance of the hip-hop crew could never be overstated. And with fresh new collectives like G.O.O.D. Music, MMG andA$AP Mob building more buzz than ever, the hip-hop world is pretty much steady mobbin'.

Besides coming correct on the mic, many hip-hop crews became known for their ill style—from shell-toes and shearlings to designer suits by Dior Homme. Sometimes, the look was influenced by a particular member—like Big Daddy Kane or Kanye West. Other times, the whole crew nailed a signature look, or epitomized the trends of their time. We ranked the ones whose style stands out the most. Here are the 25 Best Dressed Crews In Hip-Hop History.

Years Active: 1983-1986

Key Members: Shakespeare, Dr. Dre, Cli-N-Tel, Michel'le, DJ Yella, DJ Alonzo Williams

Elements of Style: Bright colors, shiny suits, crazy knitwear

One of the earliest expressions of Cali hip-hop culture, the World Class Wreckin' Cru is notable for giving Dr. Dre his start in the world of music production. It also allowed Dre and DJ Yella to meet future N.W.A members Ice Cube and Eazy-E. Check out their look though: purple jackets, white suits with bright colors, red pants... Not exactly Straight Outta Compton.

Akin to Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five's penchant for gear that would be considered gaudy now, many early hip-hop trends had their roots in the electro and disco movements. At the height of his battle with Eazy, photos of Dre in frilly jackets and shiny fabrics were used to clown him. But though the look might have fallen out of favor, those flashy necklaces have remained pretty much omnipresent in hip-hop culture. If fashion is all about taking risks, you can't say the Cru didn't go all out.

Years Active: 2005-Present

Key Members: Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Tyga, Gudda Gudda

Elements of Style: Sweaters, North Face, Supra sneakers, Beats by Dre headphones, Trukfit

While Lil' Wayne's style choices can be quite polarizing—take his penchant for snowboard boots and skin-tight leopard jeggings for example—it's evident that whenever he gets dressed up, people notice. Lately, he's been rocking his own line, Trukfit, name-dropping the brand in his verse on French Montana's "Pop That" Remix.

Nicki Minaj is definitely creating a name for herself with her "Barbie" tendencies and unique sense of style. A regular at fashion shows, she's becoming something of a rap Lady Gaga with her attention to detail, presentation, and a legion of fiercely dedicated fans. Meanwhile, Drake, arguably one of the more stylish members of the crew, has built his OVO brand into a force to be reckoned with. Drizzy's known for wearing sweaters and frequenting cool guy clothing shops like Nepenthes in New York. Couple that with some pricey collaborations with Canadian labels like Roots and Canada Goose, and it seems Drizzy has this style thing taken care of.

Years Active: 1978-1988

Key Members: Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel, Kidd Creole, Scorpio, Cowboy, Rahiem

Elements of Style: Studs, Leather jackets and pants, Vests, Headbands

When they first started out, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five looked just like a lot of other kids in New York at the time—just look at the album cover for 1982's The Message. That was the point. But as time and the culture moved forward, they started to favor clothing that leaned more toward the theatrical side than the practical.

While the cover for 1988's follow-up album, On The Strength is relatively tame, their style would go on to include white, yellow, and black leather get-ups with a bondage feel, and outrageous ensembles like Melle Mel's Bud Light onesie and Grandmaster Flash wearing a gold trench coat... sans pants. Definitely influenced by the punk and funk aesthetics, the Furious Five's looks might be considered ridiculous by modern standards. But it was dope at the time. And you can't say they didn't pave the way for everything to follow.

Years Active: 1987-2008

Key Members: Shock G, Money-B, DJ Fuze, Pee Wee, 2Pac

Elements of Style: Fur coats, African-print pants and shirts, Sunglasses, Humpty Hump's brown nose

Oakland's Digital Underground proclaimed themselves as the "Freaks of the Industry" and the double entendre referred to more than just getting busy in Burger King bathrooms. The crew's look was kind of out there, especially when it came to Shock G's alter-ego, Humpty Hump.

DU's overall aesthetic was a hip-hop homage to Parliament Funkadelic, whom they often sampled for beats. Digital Underground launched the career of a young Tupac Shakur, who started as a dancer before he got the chance to kick a verse on their single "Same Song." Pac mostly refrained from partaking in the group's outre style, favoring baseball jerseys and snapbacks, although there is one pretty incriminating photo of him onstage in a zebra-stripe Speedo and bucket hat. The group's fame peaked with an appearance in the 1991 Dan Aykroyd film Nothing But Trouble, showing off Humpty Hump's crazy style on the big screen, and they broke up altogether in 2008—but their name, and their inimitable style, lives on.

Years Active: 2002-Present

Key Members: 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo

Elements of Style: Army gear, G-Unit Clothing, Tony Yayo's bucket hat collection

If we had to come up with a term to characterize G-Unit's militarized look, it might have to be "tactical swag." Remember how 50 Cent used to rock the bulletproof vest everywhere he went? He even had one in white for special occasions! Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo tended to follow the boss's style pattern, save for Yayo's love for hats. Most of the time the guys look like they're ready for war, whether decked out in all-black police sweaters, fitted caps, and gloves, or rocking full-on marine formal gear, it would seem that 50 Cent's stay in youth boot camp had a profound influence on the group's look.

In 2003, G-Unit Clothing was launched as a partnership between 50 Cent and Marc Ecko. Unsurprisingly, the line featured a lot of camo and army-themed graphics and it worked—the line did $50 million in sales during its first year. It actually would be kind of dope in today's streetwear market. The partnership ended in 2008, but recently, 50 has talked about re-launching it in countries like Brazil. So get to Rio if you're hoping to cop a "Property of G-Unit" T-shirt.

Years Active: 1998-2010

Key Members: DMX, Jadakiss, Styles P, Sheek Louch, Drag-On, Swizz Beatz, Eve, Grizz Roc, Flashy

Elements of Style: Coordinating jerseys, Dogs, Timberlands, Workwear

As the name suggests, the double-R crew was not about fancy designer labels. How tight was this crew's jersey game, though? They made athletic gear look super dope. Whether it was the black hockey jerseys with the striped sleeves and silver "R" on the front, or the personalized football jerseys with the number "88" on it and everyone's name on the back, they were fresh as hell whether they were riding motorcycles or ripping a stage.

Years Active: 1993-Present

Key Members: Black Moon, Smif-N-Wessum, Heltah Skeltah, OGC

Elements of Style: Camo, camo, and more camo, Timberlands, and oversized outerwear

Brooklyn's Boot Camp Clik really played into the whole "boot camp" thing from the start. 1997's For the People featured a photo of the crew on dog tags. They stepped it up for the album cover for 2006's The Last Stand, which was shot in a freaking airplane hangar. Although, we'll admit, the 2002 cover for A Chosen Few took a more athletic stance with the basketball shorts and jerseys, it was still pretty dope.

Their casual style was full of surplus gear too. M-65 and bomber jackets played heavily into the crew's personal style. In keeping with standard Brooknam survival tactics, it wasn't unusual to catch the members rocking camo—a look that wouldn't seem out of step with today's trends either.

Years Active: 2009-Present

Key Members: Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Wale, Stalley, Omarion, Gunplay

Elements of Style: Tattoos, Beards, Self-portrait chains, Cazal sunglasses, Versace shirts, Deadstock sneakers, Throwback jerseys

What does MMG have more of than most other groups on this list? Tattoos. Between Wale and Stalley alone, the ink is pretty staggering. (Tattoo artists BJ Betts and Bert Krak are responsible for Stalley's hands and Nikko Hurtado for Wale's Malcolm X portrait.) But you know what? They dress sharp too. Rick Ross' dedication to the beard and Cazals look is commendable, but so is his wardrobe of designer kicks, silk Versace shirts, and luxe outerwear. As he once rhymed, "excess is just my character."

Meanwhile, Wale's sneaker game is equally enviable, and he and Meek Mill both have a steady selection of throwback jerseys and streetwear. The real dark horse of the group is Stalley, who keeps it subtle with a workwear-meets-athletic gear vibe, wearing everything from RRL and (W)TAPS with a Cleveland Indians fitted. MMG remains one of the few well dressed rap crews in which each member represents their own personal brand and home region to a T.

Years Active: 1996-2004

Key Members: Jay-Z, Damon Dash, Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Kanye West, State Property

Elements of Style: All-black everything, Yankee hats, Rocawear, Freeway's beard

While Kanye West may get more credit for his impact on the fashion world, there's no denying Jay-Z's influence. From the first time you saw that Reasonable Doubt cover, you knew the guy in the fedora and the white scarf was about to takeover, so to speak.

By 1999, Jay-Z and his erstwhile partner Dame Dash dove into apparel with Rocawear, which is still a force to this day (although Jay rarely wears it himself). By 2003, Hov landed the first entertainer endorsement deal with Reebok and launched the S. Carter collection—predating 50 Cent, Rick Ross and Swizz Beatz getting in bed with the brand.

Around the time The Black Album came out, Jay opted to "Change Clothes." Smartening up for his new CEO gig, he left the jerseys alone and started rocking proper suits, button down shirts, and hard bottoms.

The Roc's influence on street fashion shouldn't be too surprising since they were of the streets themselves. Bleek did the doo-rag thing to perfection, and Freeway worked his beard into a personal signature. But it all begins and ends with Jay. He's the man who made the Yankee cap more famous than the team itself, and made his personal uniform all-black-everything way before the A$AP Mob. Today Jay-Z manages to balance his streetwear roots with an appreciation for dressing like a grown-ass man: whether rocking custom murdered-out Givenchy gear on stage, chilling with his wife on yacht in flip flops, or rubbing shoulders with the president in perfectly-tailored suits.

Years Active: 1985-1992

Key Members: KRS-One, Scott La Rock, D-Nice

Elements of Style: Rings, Varsity jackets, Nike sneakers, Baseball caps

Before Scott La Rock's untimely death in 1987, he and KRS-ONE sported an assortment of Nikes, leather caps, Yankee hats, and dope graphic T-shirts. But the standout of their style has got to be the customized BDP gear. There's a sick photograph of D-Nice and KRS-One rocking BDP track suits in rasta colors, with a coordinating ballcap and bucket hat. How fresh is that?

Scott La Rock's also been photographed putting together slim tartan pants with cabbie hats and tucked-in shirts. KRS-One has a pretty sick style too, favoring kicks like Nike Delta Forces and absolutely killing it in a 1984 photo wearing overalls with one strap down and a fresh cut. And let's face it, they both knew how to rock the hell out of a varsity jacket.

Years Active: 1993-Present

Key Members: Diddy, Ma$e, The Notorious B.I.G., Craig Mack, The LOX, Black Rob, Shyne, G-Dep, Faith Evans, Total, 112, French Montana

Elements of Style: White suits, Shiny suits, Sweatsuits, Lumberjack shirts with matching hats, Coogi sweaters, Versace, Moschino

Sean Combs always had an eye for style, back when he was making Mary J. Blige and Jodeci look fresh in their videos. Bad Boy style circa 1993 revolved around Puff Daddy and The Notorious B.I.G. from the Timberlands and Coogi sweaters, to Don-worthy suits and Versace shades. Paul Hunter's unforgettable "Hypnotize" video had every dressed-up rapper in the game wanting a speedboat. In 1997, Bad Boy ushered in the era of the shiny suit thanks to the "Mo' Money, Mo' Problems" video and stylist June Ambrose.

A year later came the launch of the Sean John line, pushing the whole sweatsuit thing to a new level before expanding into a full-fledged fashion brand. Currently, Sean John does revenues of over $132 million. Yeah, in addition to the vodka money he's making, it's safe to say Ciroc Obama can keep throwing those all-white everything parties for a while. Recent Bad Boy artist French Montana is known for his love of Versace gear, and you know what? He looks great in it.

Years Active: 1987-Present

Key Members: Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Terminator X, Professor Griff, The S1W

Elements of Style: Baseball caps, Coaches Jackets, Nikes, Track jackets, Huge clocks

Chuck D knew how how to keep it fresh in a snapback, but it was his hypeman Flavor Flav who stole the show with his huge clock and sideways cap—usually flanked by a phalanx of S1W members rocking black military uniforms and berets.

While Flav favored brightly-colored track jackets, sunglasses with neon frames, and an assortment of timepieces around his neck, the rest of the crew's style was more subdued and accessible. Black coaches jackets with "PE" on the sleeves kept things militant while still undeniably dope. Plus, Chuck D put that Pittsburgh Pirates hat on the map long before Wiz Khalifa.

Years Active: 2007-Present

Key Members: Tyler, The Creator; Hodgy Beats; Left Brain; Earl Sweatshirt; Domo Genesis; Mike G; Frank Ocean; Syd Tha Kyd; Matt Martians; Hal Williams; Jasper Dolphin; Taco

Elements of Style: Supreme, Five-panel caps, Tie-dye shirts, Shirts with animals on them, Coaches jackets, Knee-high socks, Vans

Like the punk and street culture that preceded them, Odd Future's style is informed by their anarchic attitude and rebellious lifestyle. Tyler, The Creator almost wears Supreme clothing begrudgingly, and has often taken to Twitter saying that he regrets the shine his own fame has given to the sub rosa brand.

Buzzed-about member Frank Ocean regularly kills it in a headband and dip-dyed Sidian, Ersatz, and Vanes button downs, though he won't hesitate to rock a Supreme hockey jersey on Saturday Night Live either. Five-panel caps, tie-dye T-shirts, and all-over prints also figure prominently into the OFWGKTA look, which has inspired a loyal cult following as evidenced by the long lines that formed outside their recent pop-up shops.

Years Active: 1979-1991

Key Members: Prince Paul, Frukwan, Wise, Daddy-O, DBC, MC Delite, Bobby Simmons

Elements of Style: Coordinating white suits

Originally naming themselves after Stetson hats, the hip-hop band has always been defined by their own distinctive style. The all-white suit thing really started with these guys. They literally had a bunch of them. Their 1986 debut, On Fire featured them decked out in the outfits, as did their 1988 follow-up In Full Gear, variations on this theme was the Brooklyn rap crew's go-to look it seems. When it comes to Stet style, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

Years Active: 1991-1997

Key Members: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, 2Pac, Suge Knight, Nate Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound, Rage

The heyday of Death Row Records epitomized the golden era of gangsta rap. When stepping out to Club 662 in Vegas, the Death Row crew's sartorial style captured the mixture of excitement and menace that made their movement so fascinating.

Progressing from blue Dickies to pinstriped suits, Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg channeled early 20th century gangsters like Al Capone. Suge Knight's red suits became something of a style signature—and the scariest exec in the rap game knew how to rock a Coogi sweater as well as a certain Bad Boy. Dr. Dre championed the stark black look, and really pushed the whole "mock neck with a chain" aesthetic that other Death Row members would emulate.

Workwear and chore coats from Carharrt were especially big, and Tupac and Dre rocked them on the regular. No one can forget Tupac's classic bandanna, or how he would parade around in a bulletproof vest or with no shirt to show off his T.H.U.G. L.I.F.E. tatts. When they recreated his likeness for Coachella as a hologram, the regular-fit jeans, wheat Timberland boots, and tattooed torso were unmistakable, proving what a West Coast icon Makaveli has become.

Years Active: 1993-Present

Key Members: Organized Noize, OutKast, Goodie Mob, Killer Mike, Future

Elements of Style: Loud suits, Tailored gear, Tees, Jerseys, Whatever CeeLo felt like wearing that day

Is there a crew with more eclectic style than the Dungeon Family? Ranging from CeeLo's "Fuck You" chic to André 3000's ability to flip from perfectly-tailored to "guys, I'm in a kilt" at a moment's notice, not to mention Future's seemingly endless collection of sunglasses, they do it all. Sometimes these guys seem less like a crew, and more like a bunch of free spirits drawn together by their slightly skewed sensibilty and a fever for the Dungeon funk.

But you know what? It really works for them. Carrying the torch of weirdness and freely letting their freak flags fly, these ATLien Androids truly don't give a "Hey Ya." But the fact remains that André 3000 is the only black dude hanging up on the walls of Bergdorf Goodman.

Years Active: 1988-1993

Key Members: A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, Leaders of the New School, Black Sheep, Queen Latifah, Monie Love, Chi Ali, The Beatnuts, Brand Nubian

Elements of Style: Floral prints, African patterns, Awesome hair

The number of rappers, groups and affiliates that comprise Native Tongues alone is staggering, not to mention their audible influence on socially conscious, Afrocentric hip-hop. They were free spirits both on the microphone and in their individual styles. Imagine getting Tribe, De La, the LONS, and Brand Nubian in one room—each group had their own dope look.

Style-wise, they absolutely owned it. The floral prints, varsities, rugby shirts, round sunglasses, Africa medallions and hoodies became pretty ubiquitous among '90s cool guys, and definitely seeped into mainstream pop culture on guys like Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, but perhaps most notably on pretty much the entire cast of A Different World. Native Tongues style became the new uniform of conscious youth everywhere.

Years Active: 2007-Present
Key Members: A$AP Rocky, A$AP Ferg, A$AP Bari, A$AP Yams, A$AP Twelvy, A$AP Nast, A$AP Ty Beats, A$AP Ant
Elements of Style: High-end sneakers from Raf Simons, Rick Owens, and Maison Martin Margiela, Black Scale, T by Alexander Wang, SSUR "Comme des FUCKDOWN" beanies, Adidas Originals by Jeremy Scott

Harlem's A$AP Mob made their expensive tastes known from the moment they arrived on the scene. Name-dropping designers Rick Owens and Raf Simons on the seminal track "Pe$o," A$AP Rocky scalded style-minded rap fans' ears from jump before appearing with Jeremy Scott on the cover of Complex. A couple of years later, and it's evident that this crew's putting their money where their taste is at.

Favoring a mix of high-end designers with a dark side and streetwear labels like Black Scale, Jordans, and custom Nike Destroyers, they championed a high/low "street goth" look that continues to develop a following. Meanwhile, Rocky has developed relationships with designers like Scott and Alexander Wang, ensuring his spot as rap's new high-fashion ambassador. "Good taste is important in hip-hop," Rocky explained in his first cover story. "I wake up saying I’m going to look the best I can and do what the fuck I want to do. And that’s what it’s all about." Are we clear?

Years Active: 1997-Present

Key Members: Cam'ron, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, Freekey Zekey, Hell Rell, 40 Cal., J.R. Writer, Vado

Elements of Style: Printed outerwear, Bright jackets, Fitted caps, Air Force 1s

Characterized by fitted baseball caps, sweatsuits, and colors as bright as certain sticky, chewy candy treats, Dipset's distinctive Harlem style brought uptown to the world. With a preference for loud patterns and baggy outerwear that could withstand a New York winter, the crew regularly accessorized their kits with shiny-ass chains and a fresh pair of Uptowns. Nowadays Jim Jones is ballin' in his own Vampire Life brand, but Juelz Santana's American flag get-up and Cam'ron's bubble gum pink and deep purple outerwear collection are eternal.

Years Active: 1986-1991

Key Members: Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, MC Ren, Arabian Prince, DJ Yella

Elements of Style: Raiders snapbacks, Coaches jackets, Semi-automatic weapons

This influential group did their part to put Compton and snapbacks on the map. Repping the West Coast to the fullest, they rocked athletic gear featuring teams like the Raiders—and you can't forget the iconic "Compton" hat, either. Coaches Jackets, black snapbacks, and Eazy-E's sunglasses and Jheri curl cemented their signature look. When they got photographed with guns, the steel in their hands perfectly contrasted the heavy gold metal around their necks.

Even their associates kept it fresh, most notably The D.O.C., a former member of the Fila Fresh Crew who contributed lyrics debut album Straight Outta Compton. N.W.A embodied West Coast street style: the snapback, the flannel shirt buttoned all the way to the top, the bandannas around the head—this is where you got it from.

Years Active: 1992-Present

Key Members: RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Cappadonna

Elements of Style: Polo Ralph Lauren, Wu-Wear, Clarks Wallabees, Baggy jeans, 6-inch Wheat Timberlands

Wu-Tang ran the gamut of '90s street style staples. Whether it was Ghostface Killah's penchant for crepe-soled Clarks Wallabees, Method Man's bucket hat game, or The RZA's propensity for doo-rags and football jerseys. Nothing was fitted (except maybe the occasional baseball cap) either—it was baggy and awesome as hell. In 1994, they dropped Enter The 36 Chambers, but it was Hype Williams' video for "Can It All Be So Simple" that made Raekwon an instant style icon.

He was rocking the an anorak from Ralph Lauren's "Snow Beach" collection for Polo, and at the time, Lo-heads reigned supreme. People were literally getting stabbed for their jackets (yes really, we asked Just Blaze). 1995 saw the release of the Wu Wear clothing line, which was started by their manager at the time, Power. Much of the line capitalized on the crew's iconic "W" logo. Meanwhile, Ghostface Killah made a name for himself as the "wallabee champ," and his 1996 album art for Ironman features Raekwon and Cappadonna in front of a slew of custom Clarks, decked out in fresh Polo gear, natch.

Years Active: 1983-1991

Key Members: Marley Marl, Mr. Magic, Roxanne Shanté, MC Shan, Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, DJ Polo, Kool G Rap, Glamorous, Masta Ace, Craig G, Tragedy the Intelligent Hoodlum, Grand Daddy I.U.

Elements of Style: Dookie chains, Customized snapbacks, Four-finger rings, Velour suits, High-top fades

Any crew that can claim Big Daddy Kane among its members already has a competitive advantage, but when you add the likes of Mr. Magic, Marley Marl, MC Shan, Biz Markie, and Kool G Rap, your place in the pantheon of hip-hop greats is pretty much guaranteed—both in terms of sound and style.

Their thick gold chains, high-top fades, four-finger rings, and velour suits became hot trends in hip-hop's golden age. If it wasn't for Kane and Juice Crew, this era's iconic look definitely wouldn't be as clearly defined. Building Bridges from QB to the rest of the world with their street-smart style, the Juice Crew showed and proved why Queens reigns supreme.

Years Active: 2004-Present

Key Members: Kanye West, Kid Cudi, 2 Chainz, Common, Big Sean, Pusha T

Elements of Style: Custom Givenchy, Rick Owens Tees, Balmain denim, Surface to Air leather jackets, Yeezys



Sure, you can credit Kanye West's creative input for making G.O.O.D. Music one of today's best dressed crews—from the Rosewood Movement to DONDA, a strong argument can be made—but it would be wrong to underestimate the taste level of members like Pusha T and Kid Cudi who've got their own inimitable style. Not to mention they've the perennially swagged-out 2 Chainz down with their team.

No, the crew doesn't always coordinate their 'fits, but when they do, you can bet people will take notice. Whether they're stunting in all-white Rick Owens and Balmain gear on 106 & Park, or decked out in Middle Eastern-inspired garb for the "Mercy" video, it's best to heed Ye's warning: don't talk about style cause they'll embarrass you.

Years Active: 1981-2012

Key Members: Adam "MCA" Yauch, Michael "Mike D" Diamond, Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz

Elements of Style: Leather jackets, Skinny jeans, X-Large, Adidas sneakers, Volkswagen chains

Evolving from punk to hip-hop to skater chic and beyond, the Beastie Boys have defined how 'cool' young people dressed for the past 30 years. Bringing punk rock fashion staples like leather jackets and skinny jeans into a hip-hop context, the Beasties always represented delinquent style at its finest. From Adidas Skytops and mesh trucker hats to wool caps, denim jackets, and big Volkswagen medallions, their aesthetic approach was a uniquely tongue-in-cheek rock-rap mash-up. In 1991 Mike D helped found streetwear label X-Large, which used an ape on its logo long before BAPE came along. 1992 saw the release of Check Your Head, an album whose imaging pretty much serves as a primer for the whole skater look that became so prevalent in the '90s.

They also created some very stylish videos with a little help from Spike Jonze, like the classic "Sabotage" clip that had them rocking mustaches and short-sleeve shirts. Cloer to the millennium they came with the Japanese robot steez of "Intergalactic," which dressed the Beasties up in coveralls, neon safety harnesses, hard hats, and goggles.

Years Active: 1983-2002

Key Members: Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, Jason "Jam-Master Jay" M

Elements of style: Adidas tracksuits, Adidas Superstars, Leather blazers, Kangol bucket hats, Fedoras, Thick gold chains

Run-DMC defined the blueprint of universal B-boy style. Adidas tracksuits and leather blazers never got a stronger endorsement than they did from the iconic Hollis, Queens trio—long before brands started paying rappers to drop their name in a rhyme. This is the crew that turned shell-toed sneakers into real Superstars. Rocking them unlaced with the tongues out, they created a look that nobody else has ever pulled off quite as well. They incorporated fedoras and Kangol bucket hats into their signature dark-colored look—usually accentuated with thick gold chains. And who can forget DMC's trademark thick-framed Cazals?

It's been almost ten years since the death of their late great DJ Jam Master Jay, but looking back, the tremendous influence of the group's signature look is clear. Meanwhile the classic "Run-DMC" logo has gone so mainstream that it was recently parodied by the Democratic Party—and there's even on online logo generator. Run and DMC have gone on to collaborate with Adidas on special projects, resulting in one of last year's best sneakers and adding to their untouchable aesthetic legacy.