2016 Hip Hop Fashion Asap Rocky Fashion

The Style of Sound: A$AP Rocky's Merging of High Way and Rap Music

The cocky-proclaimed "Way Killer" has made a name for himself not only every bit a rapper, but as a fashion icon, too.

From the stage to the runway, The Manner of Sound is a series that explores the intricate relationships forged between your favorite artists and their iconic fashion statements.

Written by Katie Karp

Photo courtesy of GQ Magazine — Photo courtesy of GQ Mag

Before becoming a symbol for all things cool, Rakim Asthaelon Mayers was built-in in Harlem in 1988, equally groups like Run-DMC and Public Enemy dominated the earth of hip-hop. Mayers was raised in New York as the city farther solidified its condition as a rap capital, with NYC legends similar Wu-Tang Association, Notorious BIG, Jay-Z, and Nas gaining clout in the '90s. Beyond the loud beats and dexterous lyrics, '90s East Coast hip-hop was stylized by the oversized clothing, colorful jerseys, and gold chains that its creators wore.

While the number and esteem of NYC rap groups declined in the 2000s, A$AP Yams decided to form A$AP Mob in 2006. Mayers joined fellow New York rappers A$AP Barri, A$AP Kham, and A$AP Illz the post-obit twelvemonth and took the proper name of A$AP Rocky. As the nearly popular New York rap group of the new decade, A$AP Mob carried the same city pride as the groups before them. However, their lyrics shifted away from their rough pasts and tough outside, instead moving toward the lavish lifestyle that they enjoyed.

The collective gained serious recognition later on releasing the music videos for Rocky'south singles "Peso" and "Purple Swag." Like previous rappers, women, drugs, and money served as indulgences and trophies for Rocky in his music. But the musician explicitly exalted over designer brands in his music besides. Between wearing a matching blackness t-shirt and hats with "F--1000 Swag" and "SILENCE" written on them in the video for "Imperial Swag" and his iconic line, "Raf Simmons, Rick Owens, usually what I'm dressed in" on "Peso," Rocky clarified his honey of mode, both lyrically and visually.

Rocky's first studio anthology offered a clear glimpse into the style of both his music and his aesthetic. From coupling loud reverb noises with a reggae-sounding organ in "Wild for the Night" or transitioning from R&B orchestral melodies to loud siren beats in "Ghetto Symphony," LONG.LIVE.A$AP. is incredibly experimental in its instrumental composition, much like Rocky's fashion sense. But no affair the trounce (or sneakers) beneath him, he maintains his coincidental, low-pitched vocalism as he raps almost his rags-to-riches story, love of "bad b--tches," and expensive wear. Features from Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, and other well-esteemed rappers serve as validation inside the industry that A$AP is an creative person who should be taken seriously — not only in the music globe, but in other facets of his career, too.

Equally A$AP Rocky'due south status as a rapper grew to great heights, so did his time in the limelight. With each new interview, music video, and photoshoot, Rocky proved to exist as pretty and well-dressed as he rapped about. He has non just sported the clothes of, but has likewise modeled for many of the names he features in the long list of designers on his vocal "Mode Killa" ("Cause everything designer / Her jeans is Helmut Lang, shoes is Alexander Wang / And her shirt the newest Donna, Karan / Wearin' all the Cartier frames / Jean Paul Gaultiers 'cause they match with her persona"). Of the many luxury brands that he endorses, he most frequently reps and raps about Gucci, Dior, and Raf Simmons, a designer whom Rocky has devoted an unabridged vocal to.

Continually dressing in flashy but comfortable outfits, Rocky's fashion sense has attracted attention from both his fans and his favorite designers. The rapper deleted all photos from his Instagram page in January, which formerly served as an outlet for his fans to come across his latest outfits, but he still maintains a strong following of over thirteen meg followers. As both a rap and way icon in the age of social media, Rocky has used his many platforms to promote the nature of his unmatched swagger and become an influencer. In improver to public validation of his keen sense for style, Rocky has made a proper name for himself within the fashion manufacture. Between appearing next to Cara Delevigne and Jourdan Dunne in DKNY's 2014 entrada to being the face of Dior Homme'south Autumn 2016 campaign, it became clear that the big-named brands were just as excited to accept Rocky sport their clothing as he was.

Photo courtesy of Dazed Magazine — Photo courtesy of Dazed Mag

His wardrobe is not only just as expensive every bit his lyrics draw it to exist, but it's likewise only as experimental as his sound. His songs range from loud, uptempo party songs similar "Praise the Lord (Da Shine)" to dull, neo-psychedelic beats similar "Everyday," featuring the fashionable Rod Stewart. Likewise, Rocky remains confident, whether he'south flaunting new, bold designer clothes, or a simple, classic outfit. Layering a neon Balenciaga vest over a Gucci sweatshirt to sporting a t-shirt from Dior's womenswear that reads "Nosotros SHOULD ALL BE FEMINISTS" not only demonstrates the range of his wardrobe, merely also his intentionality with each outfit he sports in the public eye. With fans and designers keeping tabs on his clothes, the "globe's flyest human" uses them to establish trends and make statements.

The comfort in chance taking that is axiomatic in Rocky's music also translates to his honey for fashion and luxury wardrobe. Whether it be dressing caput-to-toe in an embroidered Gucci set, pairing a black arrange with Rick Owens 10 Adidas trainers, or flaunting laid-back Raf Simmons streetwear with a gold chain, the rapper has offered an array of looks every bit absurd, simply sundry as his music.