Fashion Icons in Hip-Hop/ Rap

There are some trend setting rappers that have style. I will talk about a few fashion designers that rap and wear their own stuff. The first rapper I will talk about is Pharrell Williams.

Pharrell


He is a recording artist, producer, musician and fashion designer. Along with Chad Hugo, they make the record production duo The Neptunes, where they produce pop, hip hop and R&B music. He is also the lead vocalist and drummer of rock band N.E.R.D, which he formed with Hugo and childhood friend Shay Haley. He is also the co-founder of the clothing brands Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream Clothing.



Nigo


Tomoaki Nagao aka Nigo is a Japanese music producer, DJ and the creator of the urban clothing line A Bathing Ape, otherwise known as Bape. Nigo's venture into fashion started in a small store selling a few Bape t-shirts and camouflage print hoodies, which became very popular among the teen demographic. Nigo then released the Bapesta, which is a sneaker. The Bapesta logo on the side of the shoe resembles the Nike swoosh but has a lightning zap and a star instead. The clothing line is considered by many to be difficult to acquire, considering the fact that the only stores in the United States are in New York and Los Angeles. Along with Pharrell Williams, Nigo is also responsible for helping produce the Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream Footwear brands.




Andre 3000


André Benjamin aka Andre 3000 is a rapper, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and actor, best known for his work in the group OutKast. He launched the "Benjamin Bixby" clothing line in spring of 2008, inspired by college football circa 1935.


Russell Simmons

Russell Wendell Simmons is an entrepreneur, the co-founder, with Rick Rubin, of the pioneering hip-hop label Def Jam, and creator of the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm.

Diddy


Sean John Combs aka Diddy, P. Diddy, Puff Daddy, Puffy,and Sean John currently known by his stage name Diddy, is an record producer, rapper, actor, men's fashion designer, entrepreneur and dancer. He won three Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards, and his clothing line earned a Council of Fashion Designers of America award. His business interests under the umbrella of Bad Boy Entertainment Worldwide include Bad Boy Records; the clothing lines Sean John; Sean by Sean Combs, a movie production company; and two restaurants. He has taken the roles of recording executive, performer, producer of MTV's Making the Band, writer, arranger, clothing designer, and Broadway actor. Combs' net worth was estimated at US $346 million in 2006.


Jay-Z


Shawn Corey Carter, better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is a rapper and businessman. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America having had a net worth of over $500 million in 2009. He has sold 40 million albums worldwide while receiving ten Grammy Awards for his musical work.He is the founder of the urban clothing brand Rocawear along with Damon Dash. Rocawear has clothing lines and accessories for men, women and children. The line was taken over by Jay-Z in early 2006 following a falling out with co-founder Damon Dash. In March 2007, Jay-Z sold the rights to the Rocawear brand to Iconix Brand Group, for $204 million. Jay-Z will retain his stake in the company and will continue to oversee the marketing, licensing and product development.