By: Hailey Sisk, Film Director 

Conscious hip-hop developed in the ‘80s as a call to action and form of social activism. Think Public Enemy, Lupe Fiasco, and Kendrick Lamar. It emerged during the same time as the Black Power Movement, with songs such as “Say it Loud (I’m Black and I’m Proud)” by James Brown, an essentially unapologetically black pride anthem.

The social commentary expanded to address increasing social problems such as police brutality, oppression, and poverty. Streetwear, a fashion genre formed within the same hip-hop community, followed suit in creating an impact.  

Nowadays with ‘fast fashion’ trends built on hype and wealth, it can seem like that message of activism is lost. But there are modern brands trying to revive it.

424 Fairfax’s dropped a line of conscious t-shirts and hoodies featuring the phrase, “we’re here to help.” It makes an ironic statement about the increasing levels of brutality in a profession that is meant to protect the public from harm.

Noah, a brand founded by Supreme’s creative director, dropped a shirt in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement.

On the back, the lyrics of “Break Down the Walls” by Youth of Today are printed.

And last, Most Prominent Co. is a brand that works to create ethically operated and promote global issues through their clothes.

They not only criticize unethical labor in the fashion industry, but also call out fast fashion trends that don’t aim to create a social impact.

Each purchase goes towards improving conditions in garment-related facilities.

We strive to combine streetwear and activism. We hope popular brands and their wearers follow… individuality and making a positive mark on the world is what streetwear symbolizes.