The Style of Sound: A$AP Rocky’s Merging of High Fashion and Rap Music

The self-proclaimed “Fashion Killer” has made a name for himself not only as a rapper, but as a fashion icon, too.

From the stage to the runway, The Style of Sound is a series that explores the intricate relationships forged between your favorite artists and their iconic fashion statements.

Written by Katie Karp

Before becoming a symbol for all things cool, Rakim Asthaelon Mayers was born in Harlem in 1988, as groups like Run-DMC and Public Enemy dominated the world of hip-hop. Mayers was raised in New York as the city further solidified its status as a rap capital, with NYC legends like Wu-Tang Clan, Notorious BIG, Jay-Z, and Nas gaining clout in the ‘90s. Beyond the loud beats and dexterous lyrics, ‘90s East Coast hip-hop was stylized by the oversized clothing, colorful jerseys, and gold chains that its creators wore.

While the number and esteem of NYC rap groups declined in the 2000s, A$AP Yams decided to form A$AP Mob in 2006. Mayers joined fellow New York rappers A$AP Barri, A$AP Kham, and A$AP Illz the following year and took the name of A$AP Rocky. As the most popular New York rap group of the new decade, A$AP Mob carried the same city pride as the groups before them. However, their lyrics shifted away from their rough pasts and tough exterior, instead moving toward the lavish lifestyle that they enjoyed.

The collective gained serious recognition after releasing the music videos for Rocky’s singles “Peso” and “Purple Swag.” Like previous rappers, women, drugs, and money served as indulgences and trophies for Rocky in his music. But the musician explicitly exalted over designer brands in his music as well. Between wearing a matching black t-shirt and hats with “F--K Swag” and “SILENCE” written on them in the video for “Purple Swag” and his iconic line, “Raf Simmons, Rick Owens, usually what I’m dressed in” on “Peso,” Rocky clarified his love of fashion, both lyrically and visually.

Rocky’s first studio album offered a clear glimpse into the style of both his music and his aesthetic. From coupling loud reverb noises with a reggae-sounding organ in “Wild for the Night” or transitioning from R&B orchestral melodies to loud siren beats in “Ghetto Symphony,” LONG.LIVE.A$AP. is incredibly experimental in its instrumental composition, much like Rocky’s fashion sense. But no matter the beat (or sneakers) beneath him, he maintains his casual, low-pitched voice as he raps about his rags-to-riches story, love of “bad b--tches,” and expensive clothing. Features from Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, and other well-esteemed rappers serve as validation within the industry that A$AP is an artist who should be taken seriously — not only in the music world, but in other facets of his career, too.

As A$AP Rocky’s status as a rapper grew to great heights, so did his time in the limelight. With each new interview, music video, and photoshoot, Rocky proved to be as pretty and well-dressed as he rapped about. He has not only sported the clothes of, but has also modeled for many of the names he features in the long list of designers on his song “Fashion Killa” (“Cause everything designer / Her jeans is Helmut Lang, shoes is Alexander Wang / And her shirt the newest Donna, Karan / Wearin' all the Cartier frames / Jean Paul Gaultiers 'cause they match with her persona”). Of the many luxury brands that he endorses, he most frequently reps and raps about Gucci, Dior, and Raf Simmons, a designer whom Rocky has devoted an entire song to.

Continually dressing in flashy but comfortable outfits, Rocky’s fashion sense has attracted attention from both his fans and his favorite designers. The rapper deleted all photos from his Instagram page in January, which formerly served as an outlet for his fans to see his latest outfits, but he still maintains a strong following of over 13 million followers. As both a rap and fashion icon in the age of social media, Rocky has used his many platforms to promote the nature of his unmatched swagger and become an influencer. In addition to public validation of his keen sense for style, Rocky has made a name for himself within the fashion industry. Between appearing next to Cara Delevigne and Jourdan Dunne in DKNY’s 2014 campaign to being the face of Dior Homme’s Fall 2016 campaign, it became clear that the big-named brands were just as excited to have Rocky sport their clothing as he was.

His wardrobe is not only just as expensive as his lyrics describe it to be, but it’s also just as experimental as his sound. His songs range from loud, uptempo party songs like “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)” to slow, neo-psychedelic beats like “Everyday,” featuring the stylish Rod Stewart. Likewise, Rocky remains confident, whether he’s flaunting new, bold designer clothes, or a simple, classic outfit. Layering a neon Balenciaga vest over a Gucci sweatshirt to sporting a t-shirt from Dior’s womenswear that reads “WE SHOULD ALL BE FEMINISTS” not only demonstrates the range of his wardrobe, but also his intentionality with each outfit he sports in the public eye. With fans and designers keeping tabs on his clothes, the “world’s flyest human” uses them to establish trends and make statements.

The comfort in risk taking that is evident in Rocky’s music also translates to his love for fashion and luxury wardrobe. Whether it be dressing head-to-toe in an embroidered Gucci set, pairing a black suit with Rick Owens x Adidas trainers, or flaunting laid-back Raf Simmons streetwear with a gold chain, the rapper has offered an array of looks as cool, but sundry as his music.

AESTHETICSAfterglow ATXApril 30, 2021katie karp, a$ap rocky