INDIE REWIND: The 10 Greatest Fashion Moments in Music History

Edited by Lester Brathwaite

Music and fashion have always seemed to go hand in hand; one inspiring the other, one amplified by the other, one blatantly stealing from the other, etc.  As rock and roll became a lifestyle and MTV invaded the airwaves, the line between music and fashion began to all but disappear. That is in large part thanks to these 10 performances, albums, songs, music videos — moments in pop history — that forever defined and redefined the relationship between music and fashion.

Essential Listening for the Stylish Man

Edited by Lester Brathwaite

Sleek, cool, smooth, strong, sensitive, powerful and sexy. Not only do these words describe a stylish man, they describe his music collection as well. To wrap up our Month of Men and Music, here are 30 Essential Albums that will put some some funk in your fashion, swagger in your step and some rock in your roll. Not only is the music stylish, but the dudes behind the microphone teach you a sartorial thing or two.

The Ten Most Fashionable Artists In Hip Hop History

Edited by McArthur Joseph

To celebrate then end of our music month here are 10 trendsetters from the hip hop world.

THE TEN: Most Trendsetting Male Musicians

Edited by Hillary Frazier

We’ve concocted a list of male musicians that have their own band of fashion followers. (In no particular order, it’s too hard to decide that stuff)

1. Michael Jackson: Even more so now, MJ was always known for his crazy fashion sense, and sparked trends all around the world, from military blazers to one glove.

2. Buddy Holly: Huge among the hip crowd right now, 50s and ‘nerdy’ styles are back, or never really left. Ray Bans and skinny ties, win.

3. David Bowie: Glam rockers unite for the man in the makeup.

4. Justin Timberlake: After he trimmed his curls, JT is almost always spotted in a dress vest and tie, keeping it casual with jeans but still looking undoubtably cool.

5. The Beatles: They not only influenced millions with their music, but also with their collared shirts and circle-shaped glasses.

6. Kriss Kross: I have no idea which marketing exec. told these kids to put their clothes on backwards (although I’m sure they probably came up with the idea themselves), but this was HUGE (just as huge as their clothes were on them…) 

7. Sid Vicious: Ah Sid and Nancy, every punk’s idol. (minus swastika shirts)

8. Andre 3000: My favorite style ever, Andre 3000 is always dressed to kill.

9. Run DMC: You can still find those chains in St. Marks. Adidas classics? Nice.

10. Pete Doherty: Aside from the drugs, it’s now cool to look like a homeless drug addict, apparently.

Who are your favorites?

Dem Doopie Ropes Is Not Tight.

Edited by Corey Moran

Do ya wants da swagger o’ uh hood who just jacked da local jewelry shop? Do ya wants yo’ Tims ta match da glisten o’ da grills on yo’ teeth? Do ya wants ta peep like ya iz da long lost brudda o’ Run DMC? Well, dat’stoo damn bad muh ma brothers. Ghetto fabulous Timberlands iz not da way ta be rocking werk boots. In the hood. This shit is whack.

Thanks to muh brothers at Highsnobette and Da Ebonics Site! 

Ricky Powell: Apt. A

Edited by Andy Wass

I met Ricky Powell last year shortly after moving to New York and had no clue who he was.

I guess I was never in the right scene to be super familiar with his work, but I can know respect him as a pioneer in his field.

Before hip-hop became mainstream and more or less a caricature of itself, street photographer Ricky Powell, was the independent. He was a major player in documenting the rise of hip-hop culture (think the mid-80s New York of Run DMC and the Beastie Boys). Powell still keeps busy shooting artists, events and ad campaigns, hosting a public access show, publishing photography books, and writing a column for Mass Appeal. He has done some collaborations with clothing companies like Converse, and has even been immortalized in the Beastie Boys song “Car Thief.”

Tomorrow night, the Rickster invites you to view his private work that chronicles decades of works. His Apt. A collection, which will run for the next two months, features Powell’s shots of legendary artists at a pivotal time in New York street culture.

Signed pieces will be available through SHQ.

Apt. A also marks the beginning of the Rick Powell World Tour 2009.