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Hats Worn by Hip Hop Artists: 5 Interesting Facts

By Taylor James

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Updated on

Many big hip hop artists over the year have had their signature hat they could be recognized by.  Hip hop artists have used their style to bring back vintage hats or propel a new one into popularity. 

Here are 5 intriguing facts about the hats that hip hop artists wear:

  1. Kangol is the most popular brand amongst hip hop artists. 
  2. The fedora or trilby is still fashionably worn.
  3. Beanies and bucket hats have been a popular choice.
  4. Tyler the Creator has been a recent trend setter for hats. 
  5. Baseball caps are everywhere. 

Hip Hop artists can be seen wearing expressive clothing, and their hats do not stray from this purpose as well. Below are the expanded upon facts about the hats that hip hop artists wear. 

hip hop artist wearing baseball cap
@TheCoffey via Twenty20

1: Kangol is the most popular brand amongst hip hop artists.  

Kangol started in the 1920s as a London hat manufacturer specializing in the beret. WWII popularized the company in the UK. Then, the company Kangol began focusing their hat designs on famous individuals like the Beatles and Princess Diana in the 1960’s. This shift made the hats desirable for their exclusivity and the Kangaroo logo started being used. The first rapper in the 1980s to wear the hat was LL Cool J. Then other rappers like Run-DMC, Grandmaster Flash, Slick Rick, and Missy Elliott began sporting the hats. Read more intriguing facts about Kangol hats in this article.

2: The fedora or trilby is still fashionably worn. 

Wiz Khalifa has been known to favor a flipped-brim fedora or trilby for his style. He pairs this hat with a bandanna and chain jewelry and sunglasses. 

3: Beanies and bucket hats have been a popular choice.   

A$AP Rocky has frequently worn beanies along with an eye-catching outfit. His style is flashy and confident, so beanies have been associated with this as well. Schoolboy Q is known for wearing bucket hats in different variations. Read more about why beanies are popular here.

4: Tyler the Creator has been a recent trend setter for hats.  

For a younger generation, Tyler the Creator has been influencing outfits and hats by selling products featuring custom designs. Tyler the Creator has made the 5-panel cap popular and sport the style in bright, eye-catching colors. 

5: Baseball caps are everywhere.  

So many different hip-hop artists simply decide to wear baseball caps. Baseball caps are comfortable, functional, and can be used to demonstrate a humbler, relaxed tone for hip hop artists.  Dr. Dre has sported a college baseball cap before, and Kendrick Lamar frequently wears them. 

About Taylor James

As Philip Treacy once said, “How a hat makes you feel is what a hat is all about.” And on that note, I hope you enjoy your hats and find the site useful. Learn more about Hat Realm's Editorial Process.