This new musical genre developed in the late 1960s in the slum areas of New York City.  It is highly influenced by funk, soul, reggae, and even Latin music rhythm. 

Over time, fans of the rap genre (typically, black boys from humble origins) started to stand by a specific type of speech and dress.  The style reached its peak in the mid-1990s and has not changed dramatically since that period. 

This article will provide information for beginners on how to dress similar to a rapper.

How To Dress Like A Rapper

1. Wear A Sweatshirt
2. Large And Wide Pants
3. The XL Shirt
4. The Jewellery
5. The Shoes
6. The Backpack
7. The Cap
8. The Walk
9. The Glasses

1.  Wear A Sweatshirt

Firstly, dependent on the weather, you will require a large sweatshirt.  The sweatshirt can have images of iconic rapper bands, brands or rappers such as Tupac on the back or chest.

2.  Large And Wide Pants

The pants need to be wide and very large to the point where you can see the underwear making it unconventional and casual.  The pants can have a sideband.

3.  The XL Shirt

The XL shirt is important to the overall gangster rapper appearance and can be one promoting an American basketball team or sports in general.  The United States is the largest exporter of this type of rapper dress, which is why the US is often expressed in the gangster rapper style.

4.  The Jewellery

Gangster rappers wear lots of jewellery including Hype Chains, rings and pendants with a US dollar sign.  This is a means of imposing respect and simulating power over other gang members.  The larger and heavier the item of jewellery, the better it is regarding status.  Heavy and big watches are also required, and some individuals even wear golden grills across their teeth.

5.  The Shoes

Branded sneakers are required to dress like a gangster rapper.  This type of sneaker is typically low with a large tongue, and most of them are either Vans or DC's.  The boot-high shoes are also commonplace, but you should wear the tongue above your trousers.

6.  The Backpack

You should carry all items required for graffiti in your backpack including drawing street art and your tag.

7.  The Cap

Wearing a cap is also a mandatory feature.  While you can wear the cap forwards, backwards or crooked, the rapper cap needs to present with a flat visor.  Some of the more common cap brands include LB, DC and New Era.

8.  The Walk

While style and clothing are important, the walk is essential to be a gangster rapper.  Gangster rappers walk using small steps and rock their upper body from one side to the other.  The gait demands respect from others; therefore, it is a little arrogant and you must feign indifference.

9. The Glasses

A lot of rappers wear glasses - after all they make them look cool and also a little bit sinister. Deal with it glasses are becoming increasingly popular for their comic appeal and tongue in cheek nature - you can see them here.