Fashion of a Neo B-Boy
Written by: Slangston Hughes
Throughout time, one thing that continues to define and outline the cultural eXpression reflective of the people in a society is without a doubt what they wear when they step outside. Fashion, just like any other form of eXpression, is an art form that is always changing form and growing in each and every conceivable direction. It, like any form of human eXpression, is often a product of beauty, freedom, identity and even scrutiny. These various axioms also apply to Hip-Hop fashion, which in its modern form has taken many new twists and turns; some reflective of past styles returning, others a new and innovative twist of a preexisting form being given brand new life in the form of new millennium Hip-Hop Swagg, or as I have come to identify it as “Neo B-Boy”.
To quote poet Aquil Mizan, “A B-Boy can become a B-Man,” and you can just as easily represent Hip-Hop culture with a suite and tie or a pair of high heel pumps on just as much as you can while rocking a Nike hoody with Tims and a Kangol. At the end of the day it’s all about eXpressing yourself creatively as an individual and letting your inner personality shine through your own unique fashion statement…
Neo B-Boyism is not merely a fashion style statement or way of dress, but, rather, at its core, very much like Hip-Hop, can be a state of mind or way of living that often manifests itself onto the canvas of fashion freedom. In Hip-Hop’s inception, the B-Boy and B-Girl laid the foundation for Hip-Hopcentric fashion in what they chose to rock while rocking to the breaks on the dance floor as the DJ set the tone. However, it was not a trend or fad that led to this, but rather (1) they where eXpressing their own personality through their dress just as they were through their dance style, and (2) the attire was made functional for the activity so that you could be comfortable while setting it off in the dance cipher. The sneakers of choice or hat to match and various other fashion accessories and aesthetics being worn by B-Boys, DJs and Emcees during the first two decades of Hip-Hop development led to new Hip-Hop based fashion trends and even an entire industry that markets to the urban consumer, as well as the suburban Hip-Hop music consumer who wanted to dress like their favorite Hip-Hop personalities. But, know that just like with any style of fashion which is influenced by a preexisting cultural phenomenon, Hip-Hop fashion trends do not begin with those who create fashion, but rather with the members of the culture themselves. The fashion industry then picks up on the trends that the culture starts in order to duplicate and market that trend to a larger audience. This is the essence of Neo B-Boyism in its fashion form; it’s not about following a style of fashion, but creating it yourself in the way that best identifies and eXpresses who you are as a member of the Hip-Hop culture at large.
Throughout time, one thing that continues to define and outline the cultural eXpression reflective of the people in a society is without a doubt what they wear when they step outside…
So, just what eXactly consists of Neo B-Boy fashion? Well, let me tell you it actually has much less to do with the clothes you wear, but much more to do with your attitude, personality, and the spirit you invoke when rocking your choice of fly attire. So, whether you rock mismatched shoes or bright colorful hoodies with matching fitted hats and accessorizing back packs, you identify what works for yourself. For following fashion trends is actually anti-Neo B-Boy; a Neo B-Boy or B-Girl makes their own concept out of the fashion direction of the day and innovates in his or her own way bringing out their own individual cultural Hip-Hop personality in what they wear as opposed to simply following what’s popular at the moment.
Another thing to note is that the price of the apparel has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of Neo B-Boy fashion. One can very easily display these quality aesthetics of Neo B-Boy eXpression with a limited budget. It’s all about creativity. Also, don’t let it be thought that only one kind of fashion style equates to Neo B-Boy. To quote poet Aquil Mizan, “A B-Boy can become a B-Man,” and you can just as easily represent Hip-Hop culture with a suite and tie or a pair of high heel pumps on just as much as you can while rocking a Nike hoodie with Tims and a Kangol. At the end of the day it’s all about eXpressing yourself creatively as an individual and letting your inner personality shine through your own unique fashion statement. And when that personality is one of a Hip-Hop make-up, Neo B-Boy/B-Girl is what you get, so let your inner style shine through and do you!
