A Timeless Fashion Icon in Hip-Hop

The lyrical and style genious
The Timeless Style of Nasir "Nas" Jones: A Hip-Hop Fashion Icon
BY Anni Leppälä
CONTENTS

Nasir Jones, better known by his stage name Nas, is not just a legendary rapper; he's also a significant fashion icon in the hip-hop world.

His style has evolved over the years, yet it has always maintained a distinct and timeless appeal.

From the streets of Queensbridge to the global stage, Nas's fashion sense embodies the perfect blend of streetwear authenticity and sophisticated elegance.

Illmatic Tour 2024

Nas embarks on a highly anticipated tour celebrating his groundbreaking debut album, Illmatic.

Nas Illmatic Tour Picture. Credit: Livenation

Released in 1994, Illmatic remains a seminal work in hip-hop history, revered for its lyrical depth and production.

The 2024 Illmatic Tour offers fans a unique opportunity to experience this classic album live, showcasing Nas's enduring influence in music.

As much as the tour is about the music, it also highlights Nas's signature style, which has evolved yet remained consistently iconic over the years.

The Early Days: Streetwear and Street Cred

Nas's early fashion choices were deeply rooted in the streetwear culture of the 1990s.

Nas in 1996 wearing Polo Ralph Lauren.

Emerging from the rough and tumble streets of Queensbridge, New York, Nas's attire mirrored the urban landscape he grew up in. Baggy jeans, oversized jackets, and Timberland boots were staples in his wardrobe.

Nas at Tribeca Film Festival in 2014.

This style was not just a fashion statement but a reflection of the hip-hop culture and the socio-economic conditions of the time.

Nas in the 90s.

Evolution to Sophistication: A Grown Man's Style

As Nas matured, so did his style. Moving away from the baggy silhouettes of his youth, he embraced more tailored and sophisticated pieces.

This evolution paralleled his growth as an artist and a businessman. Nas started incorporating more high-end brands into his wardrobe, mixing designer labels with streetwear—a trend that has now become a hallmark of modern fashion.

This transition marked Nas as a style icon not just within hip-hop but in broader fashion circles.

Nas x FILA x Ghostbusters

Nas partnered with FILA to release a special edition NAS FILA Ghostbusters Collection, coinciding with the upcoming remake of the classic film.

The Nas x FILA collaboration is steeped in nostalgia, drawing inspiration from the 1990s, a golden era for both hip-hop and FILA.

Nas x FILA x Ghostbusters shoe. Credit: Complex

FILA even said that, “There’s no bigger Ghostbuster fan than Nas.” To this day, he still watches the movie with his son.

This period saw FILA rise to prominence within the urban community, becoming a staple among hip-hop artists and fans alike.

Nas x FILA velour suit. Credit: Hypebeast

For Nas, whose career also began in the early '90s, the collaboration is a tribute to his roots and the cultural milieu that shaped him.

Nas on the Red Carpet

Nas at the 2016 Met Gala wearing Public School. Credit: Larry Busacca
Nas at the New Years Eve Kick Off at the Venetian Hotel in 2012. Credit:thejasminebrand.com

Nas's Style Today

His style is a perfect blend of streetwise authenticity and classic elegance, making him a timeless icon in the world of hip-hop and beyond.

As fashion continues to evolve, Nas's sartorial choices will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence future generations.

Nas collaborated with Hennessy on his 30th anniversary of 'Illmatic'. Credit: Renell Medrano
Nas wearing Laneus. Credit: utaartistspace.com
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