Whenever Kendrick Lamar drops a new album, the flames of passion ignite within the hearts of rap enthusiasts, causing an оutbreak of infectious music that travels across the globe. However, when it comes to this “king’s” fashion sense, does it measure up to the brilliance of his music?
In the past few years, the relationship between hip-hop and fashion has grown tighter than ever before. The dressing style of rappers has undergone a drаmаtic transformation, with A$AP Rocky and Tyler The Creator being prominent examples. Back in the day, hip-hop was all about rocking baggy attire and sporting brands like Timberland, Carhartt, or Polo Ralph Lauren. Nowadays, hip-hop fashion encompasses a wide range of styles, extending from glossy western footwear to elegant suits. The latest fashion trends are carefully crafted and showcased by renowned fashion houses on the catwalk.
Kendrick Lamar – The modern “Lord” of Rap music
Kendrick Lamar was born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California, USA; He is considered one of the most compelling craftsmen in American music in common and hip-hop culture in particular. Other than his solo career, Kendrick is additionally a part of the gather Dark Hippy with Ab-Soul, Jay Shake, and Schoolboy Q.
His melodic items are intensely affected by West Coast Hip-hop and 90s Gangsta Rap combined with components counting Funk, Jazz or Soul. Kendrick is known as an “ace storyteller” with verses depicted as “as sharp as a katana” and an adaptable, adroit stream. The subjects in Kendrick’s works spin around prejudice, dark strengthening, and social bad form.
In March 2012, Kendrick Lamar officially inked a contract with Interscope Records and Aftermath Entertainment- marking the end of his independent artist career. With the new contract, the reader” Good Sprat,m. A.A.d megacity” was released in October 2012 through Top Dawg, Aftermath, and Interscope. The reader reached No. 2 in the US, dealing with 242,100 clones in the first week. He achieved dizzying success thanks to precisely allowed-out content in his music.
Kendrick Lamar’s fashion in the early years of his career “King Kendrick”‘s fashion journey can be compared to a “trip” with many experiences and constant innovation through many different styles. When Kendrick’s reputation expanded in 2012 with the album “Good Kid, m.A.A.d city”, his style was considered more “standard” than any other Hip Hop youth in L. A – snapback pants, T-shirts. Paisley print, slim fit jeans, Timberland boots, Nike Air Force Ones, or Cortez.
Fast forward to 2017, the king released his third studio album titled “Dаmn”, one of which was the Һit “Humble” that made him famous. By this point, Kendrick had refined his style to basics like a white T-shirt, Nike Cortez shoes, and baggy chinos – a popular style from his hometown of Compton.
On stage, Kendrick Lamar “sinks” into neutral-colored clothes, along with worn, faded details. The change in style creates a more rugged and dusty look for the male rapper. Since this milestone, Kendrick has affirmed his name in the world of rap, along with his clothing style and “interface” being somewhat upgraded compared to the beginning of his career.
Big turning point in fashion
Sticking to popular trends with outfits with loose, medium-sized, and comfortable shapes, Kendrick Lamar uses straight-leg pants, flared pants, and traditionally tailored trousers combined with loose-fitting, shoulder-padded blazers. The male rapper’s overall outfit seems to have been upgraded in a “luxurious” way.
For example, when he wore Louis Vuitton between the Suρer Bowl and LV’s private show in Paris earlier this year. Both of these appearances show that the “king” is taking fashion seriously and gradually getting rid of his old silhouette.
Different from the bustle on stage, Kendrick’s everyday outfit is somewhat gentle, “clean and fresh” like a true fashionista. That’s when he wore a pair of patchwork shorts from the Bode brand and a basic long-sleeved white shirt in the MV called “N95”. Or more recently, on the 10th anniversary of Paris GKMC street, Kung-Fu Kenny combined a short-sleeved knit vest with oversized Jumbo pants and finally a pair of dark classic GATs. Kendrick continues to show his transformation in accordance with the world’s fashion trends but at the same time still retains the “essence” of the artist.
The crown caused a stir in the fashion world
On the final night of the 2022 Glastonbury music festival, Kendrick Lamar not only affirmed his class with quality rap songs in his career but also impressed and shone with the expensive crown he wore on his head.
According to Vogue magazine, the process of creating the unique crown of thorns took 10 months. This is a collaboration between Kendrick Lamar and his longtime collaborator Dave Free and high-end jewelry brand Tiffany & Co. The valuable accessory is crafted from polished titanium, studded with 8,000 small pebble diamonds with a total weight of more than 137 carats, and weighs about 200g. It is known that four craftsmen spent 1,300 hours working to perfect this product.
In addition, on the surface of the crown is also engraved the words “Mr. Morale” in the title of the 5th studio album “Mr. Morale And The Big Steppers” that Kendrick Lamar just released. Before bringing it to the stage at the 2022 Glastonbury Music Festival, the male artist had the opportunity to wear this accessory when attending a Louis Vuitton fashion show on June 23, 2022.
Kendrick Lamar’s career continues to open new chapters, it is difficult to predict what hits will be released. Kendrick Lamar is simply an icon in music and fashion for the next generation of rappers. He will be recorded in music history as an artist with a huge influence and his efforts to figҺt for the black community.