“From the early days of Hip Hop, rappers have used fashion as a way to showcase their success and status. Name-dropping clothing brands has been a staple of the genre, with artists boasting about their designer duds to flex their wealth and style. Check out some notable examples below.”
Hip Hop’s Fashion Flex: From Brand Name Brags to Designer Dreams
Rappers have always name-dropped clothing brands to boast about their success. But as hip hop and fashion evolved, so did the rappers’ relationship with these brands. Today, many rappers are no longer just wearing the hottest labels; they’re designing their own and partnering with major fashion houses.
This list highlights 13 rap songs named after clothing brands, showcasing this ongoing love affair between music and fashion.
1. ‘My Adidas’ by Run-DMC (1986) – A pioneering ode to the iconic shoe brand, cementing the trio’s status as hip-hop’s first fashion trailblazers.
“My Adidas” by Run-DMC was a groundbreaking song that revolutionized the relationship between hip-hop and fashion. Released in 1986, the track celebrated Run-DMC’s affinity for Adidas, particularly their iconic shell-toe sneakers. The song not only expressed their personal style but also sparked a cultural movement.
Fans of Run-DMC began showing up at their concerts wearing Adidas sneakers, creating a visual representation of the group’s influence. This caught the attention of Adidas, leading to the first-ever major sports apparel partnership with hip-hop artists. This collaboration between Run-DMC and Adidas paved the way for future rap sneaker collaborations and solidified the connection between music, fashion, and sneaker culture.
“My Adidas” demonstrated the power of name-dropping brands in music and showcased how influential hip-hop artists can be in shaping fashion trends. It was a pivotal moment in hip-hop history, highlighting the impact of artists’ personal style and their ability to shape popular culture.
2. “Gucci Bandanna” by Soulja Boy featuring Gucci Mane and Shawty Lo
“Soulja Boy, the self-proclaimed pioneer of various rap feats, has a penchant for name-dropping clothing brands in his tracks. One of his most memorable ones is “Gucci Bandanna”, a collaborative effort with Gucci Mane and Shawty Lo. The song chronicles a day in the lives of the three rappers, who revel in their love for the luxury Italian brand and the extravagant lifestyle that comes with it. The catchy chorus, paired with impressive features, catapulted “Gucci Bandanna” to instant success, making it a standout in Soulja Boy’s discography.”
3. “Versace” by Migos
This high-energy track by Migos name-drops the luxury fashion house Versace and features their signature triplet flow. The song’s popularity soared after a remix featuring Drake.
4. ‘Christian Dior Denim Flow’ by Kanye West (feat. Kid Cudi, Pusha T, John Legend, Lloyd Banks, and Ryan Leslie)
“Christian Dior Denim Flow” by Kanye West (now known as Ye) is a captivating track that was released during his GOOD Fridays series in 2010. As part of the promotional campaign for his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye West dropped free music every Friday leading up to the album’s release.
“Christian Dior Denim Flow” stands out as a bass-filled, hard-hitting track that pays homage to the luxury fashion brand Christian Dior. The song not only celebrates Dior but also encompasses the essence of high fashion and its opulent elements.
Featuring a lineup of talented rappers, the track showcases Kid Cudi’s appreciation for the perfect fit of Dior’s jeans, while Kanye West takes the opportunity to name-drop popular fashion models of that time. This serves as a testament to the influence of fashion in the world of hip-hop and the significance of designer brands within the genre.
“Christian Dior Denim Flow” encapsulates the fusion of music and fashion, highlighting the allure and desirability of luxury brands. It demonstrates Kanye West’s ability to seamlessly integrate fashion references into his music, further solidifying his status as a trendsetter and visionary in both industries.
The track serves as a reminder of the impact that fashion can have on music, and vice versa. It showcases the power of collaboration between artists and brands, blurring the boundaries between artistry and haute couture.
5. “Polo Down” by Young Dro
“Young Dro’s passion for Polo is unparalleled and well-documented. The Atlanta rapper, formerly signed to T.I.’s Grand Hustle label, has consistently expressed his admiration for the iconic brand through his music, even dedicating a mixtape and multiple tracks to its glory. On “Polo Down”, he proudly proclaims himself the unofficial ambassador of Ralph Lauren’s esteemed brand, boasting lyrics like “Polo, polo turtleneck, Ralph Lauren, you ain’t even heard it yet”. His devotion to the brand has come at a significant cost, with the rapper claiming to have spent millions on Ralph Lauren’s luxurious designs throughout his career, solidifying his status as a true Polo aficionado.”
6. “Tom Ford” by JAY-Z
“Tom Ford” by JAY-Z (2013)
This song by JAY-Z references the luxury brand Tom Ford and encourages listeners to elevate their style. The lyrics “I don’t pop Molly, I rock Tom Ford” became famous, reflecting a shift in JAY-Z’s image.
7. ‘Dior’ by Pop Smoke
“Dior” by Pop Smoke
This breakout hit by Pop Smoke name-drops the luxury brand Dior and helped propel drill rap to new heights.
8. ‘RAF’ by ASAP Mob (feat. ASAP Rocky, Playboi Carti, Quavo, Lil Uzi Vert, and Frank Ocean)
“RAF” is a captivating hip-hop track that showcases the influence and appeal of the Raf Simons brand. Led by ASAP Rocky, the song features an impressive lineup of artists who all share their admiration for the Belgian fashion designer and his creations.
In “RAF,” the rappers take turns bragging about their exclusive and expensive pieces from Raf Simons. They proudly flaunt the rarity and value of their fashion items, emphasizing the status and luxury associated with the brand. The lyrics serve as a testament to the desirability and prestige of Raf Simons’ designs, creating a sense of aspiration and envy among listeners.
Quavo, one of the featured artists, issues a warning to anyone who might accidentally step on his Raf Simons sneakers. This line highlights the importance of preserving and respecting these coveted fashion items. It also adds a touch of swagger and assertiveness to the track, further emphasizing the confidence and style that come with wearing Raf Simons.
Meanwhile, Frank Ocean adds a unique perspective to the song by boasting about receiving free merchandise from Raf Simons that he doesn’t even want. This line highlights the exclusivity and influence of the brand, as even someone like Frank Ocean, who can afford to buy anything he wants, is gifted with Raf Simons’ creations. It speaks to the brand’s reputation and the level of recognition it has attained within the fashion industry.
Overall, “RAF” is a celebration of the Raf Simons brand and its impact on the world of fashion. The song showcases the allure and exclusivity of Raf Simons’ designs, with the artists expressing their admiration and desire for the brand’s pieces. It serves as a testament to the power of fashion in hip-hop culture and the influence that designers like Raf Simons have on artists and their personal style.
9. “Marni On Me” by Future ft. Lil Uzi Vert
“Future and Lil Uzi Vert, two rappers renowned for their high-end taste, joined forces on “Marni On Me” to pay homage to the esteemed Italian fashion house. The track, which served as the lead single for their collaborative album Pluto × Baby Pluto, features the duo name-dropping Marni an impressive 30 times, flaunting their access to the brand’s coveted designs and boasting about their ability to effortlessly acquire whatever they desire. The song showcases their shared passion for luxury fashion and their status as style icons in the rap world.”
10. “Chanel (Go Get It)” is an energetic hip-hop track by Young Thug featuring Gunna and Lil Baby.
“Chanel (Go Get It)” by Young Thug, Gunna & Lil Baby
This Atlanta posse anthem by Young Thug, Gunna, and Lil Baby showers their significant others with luxury gifts, including Chanel.
11. ‘VALENTINO’ by 24kGoldn
“VALENTINO” by 24kGoldn is an upbeat and catchy song that can be interpreted as a metaphor for self-love. The lyrics “I don’t want a valentine, I just want Valentino” suggest that the artist finds happiness and fulfillment in treating himself to luxurious items, such as Valentino products. This alludes to the concept of retail therapy, where spending money on oneself can provide a sense of joy and satisfaction.
In the track, 24kGoldn also showcases his high-profile lifestyle and expresses his desires for the women in his life. He boasts about his success and the fast-paced nature of his life, challenging others to keep up with the changes and excitement. This reflects his confidence and ambition, as he embraces the fast-paced nature of his lifestyle and encourages others to do the same.
The song’s energetic beats and catchy melodies contribute to its appeal, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy vibrant and upbeat music. The lyrics of “VALENTINO” convey a message of self-indulgence and living life to the fullest, encouraging listeners to prioritize their own happiness and enjoyment.
Overall, “VALENTINO” by 24kGoldn can be seen as a metaphor for self-love and finding joy in treating oneself. The song’s lyrics and lively energy make it a relatable and enjoyable track for those who appreciate the concept of retail therapy and embracing a high-profile lifestyle.
12. “YSL” by Gunna ft. Playboi Carti
“From Gunna’s sophomore mixtape, Drip Season 2, comes “YSL”, a collaborative track with Playboi Carti that showcases their shared admiration for the iconic French fashion house, Yves Saint Laurent. The song features the duo bragging about their love for the luxury brand, whose initials also cleverly reference YSL Records, Gunna’s label. As they flex their high-end style, Gunna reflects on the transformative journey he’s undergone since achieving fame and wealth following his record deal, highlighting the lavish lifestyle that comes with success in the rap game.”
13. “Old Chanel” is a collaborative track by Wiz Khalifa and Smoke DZA that pays homage to the iconic fashion brand Chanel.
“Old Chanel” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Smoke DZA
Wiz Khalifa flaunts his vintage Chanel style on this laid-back track. Smoke DZA complements the vibe with his own designer shoutout.
