Biggie Smalls: The Man, The Fashion, The Influence

Dear Christopher 'Frank White' Wallace, on the anniversary of your death, I just came to pay homage...

Biggie will forever go down in history as one of the most noted rappers in hip-hop.  However I think we often leave out the fact that he had the strongest influence on fashion, and attributed greatly to the acceptance of high end fashion houses into urban homes. In a day in age now where brands cling to celebrity endorsements to solidify its validity in urban communities Biggie did it effortlessly. Now we all no, and remember seeing Bill Cosby wear those silly sweaters each week as Cllff Huxtable on the Cosby Show, but it would take a huge influence and a muster of confidence to pair that same Coogi sweater with Timberland wheat construction boots, and a Yankee fitted. Then to later mature the look with a Kangol hat, Versace shades, and Wallabee shoes. Not only was this look a huge stretch away form the uniform of Brooklynites, it carried a pretty hefty price tag. But thats what Fashion and being dope is all about, being the first to set to a tone, while allowing others to follow suit. Groovey Lew (Big's Stylist) and Biggie Small created a movement , that I feel has never been matched to date. Though there are many rappers that come and start a new wave of something, Biggie created a Legacy.

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