Don’t Watch Me, Watch TV: Virgil Abloh on ChicagoMag

Visit RSVP Gallery.

(Courtesy of ChicagoMag.)

Get Ya Mind Right. Read a Book.

This is a seminal body of work that explores the intersections of race, socio-economics, music subcultures and fashion. Despite is 1979 publication, most of the theoretical analysis is applicable today.  I thank my undergrad professor from “Sociology of Popular Music” course  for introducing me to this text that I still refer to today.

(Photo by Rachel Francois)

Hebdige, Dick. 1979. Subculture: The Meaning of Style. London: Routledge.

Don’t Watch Me, Watch TV: Pusha T on Upscale Hype

(Courtesy of Upscale Hype .)

Check My Fresh: Shaq + Daquan

“Check My Fresh” is my visualization of  how the streets define style, one ‘hood at a time.

I stopped these fellas while perusing through H&M today, how clean are they?!

Photo by Rachel Francois.

How You Gonna Say I Ain’t No ‘Lo Head

XXL Magazine did an extensive feature on the representation of the Polo Ralph Lauren brand in Hip Hop, which includes exclusive interviews from some notable ‘Lo heads.

It’s never simply about brand shout-outs, so get into the two part series here and here to learn more about Hip Hop’s adoption and redefinition of this preppy lifestyle brand to a symbol of street culture and style.

It makes me long for my Polo Bear T-Shirt from 6th grade.  Yeah, I’ve been fresh.

(Courtesy of XXL Mag and Trashness.)

This is Some Visionary…

My private home will regularly stream this short film…on mute.

The visuals suffice.  The lyrics are a bonus.

Get Ya Mind Right. Read a book

These weekly posts will feature books I’ve come across in my regular musings of Hip Hop culture and fashion that might edify the cerebellum.

(Photo by Rachel Francois)

Buckholz, William. 2010. Understand Rap: Explanations of Confusing Rap Lyrics You and Your Grandma Can Understand. New York: Abrams Image

Don’t Watch Me, Watch TV: Azealia Banks on MTV Style

Harlem is always in the building.

Rapstress Azealia Banks talk bows, birds, and Boris the Boot Man on MTV Style.

(Courtesy of MTV Style.)