The fashion of grime was once always different from what was mainstream, but now the same MC’s influence a hell of a lot of what we buy. From the questionable to the sick, we’ve narrowed down grime and fashion’s wide (and sometimes weird) relationship to bring you five MCs who have completely revamped their style.
Skepta
Probably one of the most obvious ones, but still one of the most iconic. Skepta went from wearing weird “cool-messy” hoodies and massive fluffy trapper hats to being one of 2016’s most influential. He made the simple, all-black (or all-white) Nike tracksuit the “Skepta look” after putting all his Gucci in the bin, and ended up walking for Nazir Mazhar in the designer’s S/S 15 catwalk show.
Wiley
Wiley’s style is ever-changing. He, like several MCs, started off in bright, outlandish garms and then began quieting down his outfits. He did have some weird moments in cardigans though, but was still looking casual back in 2008 in plain colours. Nowadays he tends to stick to relaxed black fits and hats, but still wears some stand out pieces like the red shirt in “On A Level”, the video for which was styled by Skepta.
Frisco
Frisco’s change is an odd one. Man didn’t just go from ugly tracksuits to sleek ones, he went from wide-leg jeans and your younger brother’s favourite shirt, to simple and clean fits in hoodies and jeans, not to mention his now-trademark hat.
Tinie Tempah
Ahh Tinie. He’s had chart-topping Ibiza pop songs and Rated Award-nominated videos, and during that time he’s also gone through an extreme style evolution. From his beginnings in cardigans and questionable puns on tees, Tinie became a red carpet favourite with brands like Burberry and Ralph Lauren keeping him constantly suave. Oh, and he also rocks some sharp shirt & shorts combos.
Ghetts
Ghetts glo’d up madly. His old Westwood freestyles saw him in bright, garish fits including the bright blue matching tee and hat look above, or this unusual brown and yellow hoodie. Fast forward to today, and the Ghetto’s style has levels. He can go sharp as hell in muted turtlenecks and bombers, but can still effortlessly finesse a classic all white or black tracksuit.