Hip Hop and R&B’s Top 10 Best Dressed: New School Edition

Article written by: Andre Sanchez
Posted on: June 6, 2009

There’s iconic…

There’s classy…

And then there’s the eccentric and zany.

I’m convinced only Andre 3000 of Outkast could pull off a soldier’s helmet, a multi-colored Indian blanket,  or whatever that is, and shoulder pads.

But I digress.

This article is hip hop and R&B’s best dressed of the new school.  In no particular order, the top 10 candidates for hip hop’s best dressed are:

10. Kelis

Since 1999, She’s been an eccentric one with her rainbow hair. She’s clearly a creative genius with her tons upon tons of hits with the Neptunes so she’s allowed some artistic license with her image. Yet when she goes out, she’s almost always keeps it classy and simple.

9. Beyonce

Had to do it; for the stans and of course because Beyonce probably doesn’t have much fashion sense herself, but BOY does her army of designers and stylists take care of that! And Beyonce looks airbrushed within an inch of her life in this particular photo. But I still stand behind my decision: the fact remains that Jay-Z’s lady is spectacularly dressed to kill on most occasions.

8. First Lady Michelle Obama

Mrs. Obama, I know you don’t sing or rap but sheesh, with all the mixtape love her husband gets, she might as well be on the list.

Okay okay, the real #8: Monica

On her song “before you walk out of my life” she sings, “I, only wanna make things right”

In her fashion sense, she always does. Who remembers that joint by the way? Still a favorite of mine.

BTW…

7. Janelle Monae

…the thing with Janelle Monae is she hasn’t worn too much OTHER than what you see above. She loves her black and white, and no one’s seen her legs yet! But I think if she steps out in something else, it will be all good.

6. M.I.A

Without a doubt!  She has already brought world music and Hip Hop together in perfect harmony. In the midst of her color clashing outfits and unique attitude on fashion, she somehow brings that together as well. I expect some of ya’ll to disagree with me on this one! Speak your piece ;)

5. Q-tip

Kamaal the abstract, Q, Whatever you call him..can’t deny the steez. Usually dresses urban, then at special events will find him in a tuxedo, laid back and classy.

“You got’z to believe up in Quest”- Phife Dogg

4. Pharrell Williams

Here’s a guy I can relate to on a fashion level. Creator of the Billionaire Boys Club, master creator of soundscapes via the Neptunes, his expensively tailored custom outfits and one-of-a-kind accessories buy a lot of cred in the streetwear world. I Love his flannel shirts, the jeans are a good fit, plus for what it’s worth, he’s not a bad skateboarder!

3.  Common

You’re welcome, ladies. How could I forget one of Hip Hop’s best lyricists? (when he actually tries; another topic for another day) ANYWAYS…

I don’t know why he doesn’t step out with a clothing line; maybe it’s for the best. Common always dresses to the nines, whether it’s a tee and jeans, or a tux jacket.

2. Mary J. Blige

Mary was a huge part of the 90’s soundtrack. Being able to stay out the spotlight and maintain a marriage is respectable enough. For Mary to have enough longevity in the game and stunt on the young ladies in music today is something not many can do. She does it effortlessly. Nuff said.

1. Mos Def

..initely.

So what are your thoughts, reader? Am I crazy in the head for this top 10, or are you with me? Let’s hear it in those comments!

-Andre

PS: I should have included T.I…