8 Of The Best Hip-Hop Merch Lines In Recent Memory
Hip-hop merchandise has spread its wings and helped influence just about everyone, even Kylie Jenner.
Artists are always looking for ways to extend their relationship with fans outside the lines of music. Over time, merchandise from tours or upcoming albums has provided fans with a close bond to their favorite acts.
It's almost no surprise that other celebrities are looking to cash in on the growing trend. Take Kylie Jenner, who recently announced her new merch line, "THICK!," inspired by the trend and perhaps Moschino. While the line has caused a bit of controversy before its Valentine's Day release, we've decided to revisit some of our favorite merch lines from the past two years. These lines were not only ideal for artist revenue but influenced other acts to get creative for their fans.
From vanishing pop-up shops to condoms, here are the best hip-hop merch lines in recent memory. See them in the gallery above.
- Pedro Pincay and Michael Saponara
Eight Of The Best Hip-Hop Merch Lines In Recent Memory
Drake, OVO Merch Line
Drake’s influence is undeniable on the radio waves and as it would have it, in the fashion world as well. Throughout his permanent flagship stores, the famous golden owl logo is upon hats while owls of other colors fill denim blue crewnecks and camo hoodies. On top of his venture with Jordan Brand that produces some of the best collaborative sneakers we’ve seen in a while, his tour merchandise has been a tremendous success. Just ask Sasha and Malia Obama, who have sported the gear.
Chance The Rapper, Coloring Book Merch & '3' Hats
Hip-hop’s golden boy can do no wrong. When Chance isn’t singing with puppets or outshining his idols, he’s creating a name for himself in the merch game. In 2016, the “Blessings” artist made major moves by teaming up with New Era to release his infamous ‘3’ hat. The cap sold out in less than a day, while his hoodies and tees prove to be other favorites among fans.
Kareem "Biggs" Burke, "Reasonable Doubt" 20th Anniversary Gear
When you hear Roc-A-Fella, you think of the greats so it’s only right that co-founder Kareem “Biggs” Burke spearheaded the pop-up shops dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Jay Z’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt.Although Hov made his own dent in the world of fashion with Rocawear, Biggs took the line in a different direction, celebrating the timeless bars on the apparel. Like many pop-ups, the NY shop had a theme, the famous D&D studio where Jay recorded the record. Rap merchandise just keep getting better, no?
Kanye West, 'Life of Pablo' Tour Tees
You can’t talk about rap merchandise without mentioning the one who perfected it in the modern era.
Whether he's channeling Pablo Escobar or his own greatness, fans loved Ye’s approach to his Life of Pablo gear.Pablo pop-up stores were seen around the globe because, it’s Kanye. The fashion great has made all the hypebeasts feel like Pablo.
Kanye West, “Yeezus” Tour
This was Kanye’s most expansive merch line to date. Artist Wes Lang provided the designs that coincide with the seemingly heavy Yeezus project. Whether it was the skeletons, indigenous headdresses or even the confederate flags, the 2013 tour merch helped kick off a theme we’ll see later on the list.
Travis Scott, “Rodeo” Merch Line
The fashionable Scott has become an icon to his fanbase and so has his gear. To go along with the successful release of his debut album, La Flame channeled his heavy metal influences for the Rodeo merchandise line. Some standouts included a Texas theme capsule of bomber jackets, t-shirts, hoodies and accessories such as an ashtray and lighter for all the smokers out there. There was even an album themed condom in the collection, so whatever you were doing, the rapper had you covered. The collection has been sold out for some time now, so finding pieces may take some hard work.
Tyler The Creator, “GOLF Wang”
Back in 2010, the Odd Future member launched Golf Wang. The collections speak to those in favor of bright and bold, but simplistic designs. Back in June, he held his first public fashion show, that included a performance and free shoes for all attendees, which we are still waiting on. The sky's the limit for the 25-year-old as there is a Golf Media app available for $5 a month.
Young Thug - “Slimeland” Merch
