How to Dress Like a Hip-Hop Artist

America is fascinated with Hip-Hop culture. Evident from school-yards to commercials, Hip-Hop culture permeates advertising, product placement, product production, attitudes, personalities and even the music genre itself. Since this subset of American culture is such a boon to business, pop culture and American values in general, many people who aspire or strive to be a "part" of what's hip and cool actively seek to emulate it. Being a hip-hop artist or part of their entourage is one thing, but let's face it, not all of us were cut out to be one among many who create the music or characteristics of the culture. Nonetheless, it is possible to behave like it, show allegiance to it and most of all, walk the walk by dressing the part. Here's how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Get your footwear on. Starting from the bottom on up, outfit yourself with some new kicks (sneakers). Most hip-pop performers and artists prefer clean-as-a-whistle white. You probably can't go wrong with anything that American basketball players don, but a seemingly favorite are Nike Air Force Ones.
2. The threads on your legs should reflect the trends (some lasting many years). Get a pair of baggy name-brand jeans.
3. Keep those baggy jeans up with a belt, preferably one with a massive buckle.
4. Buy shirts that are at least XXL. Your upper torso should be covered by either a t-shirt that is much to large for you (read as: the more X's on the label the better) or a basketball jersey, again, larger than life in size.
5. Be cool but stay warm. If it's cold out or to further the effect, wear an over-size hoodie (sweatshirt with a hood). If it's really cold out then purchase an oversize winter coat with this stipulation: it should be tuned with a fur (faux fur is just fine) collar.
6. Check your head. Cover your noggin with a baseball-style cap. Of course your cap should match your choice of shirt. For example, if you are sporting a sports jersey, make sure your teams match. Otherwise, in the case of a t-shirt, simply match colors. A durag underneath is completely optional but only adds to the entire package.
7. Accessories are a vital purchase. A little bling-bling goes a long way. In other words, sprinkle your body with flashy jewelry (the shinier the better, or better yet, diamond encrusted--otherwise known as ice). This includes everything from rings to necklaces.

Tips & Warnings

• Feel free to throw in a bracelet, just don't skimp on the accessories. Speaking of accessories, a tattoo is a sure-fire bet to elevate your status as a true player. Get one.
• Watch out for cultural beliefs concerning those who exude this image. There are many negative attitudes and ideas about those who emulate Hip-Hop artists.