Image via Complex Original
In the early and mid-2000s, throwback jerseys were a hip-hop staple. The trend died out as more streetwear and high-fashion items invaded the culture, but ever so slightly, throwback jerseys are making a tasteful comeback. With Drake, Wale, Curren$y, and many other influencers bringing their old jerseys back out of the closet, a small comeback is being mounted. Still, it's doubtful that we'll ever see it dominate the game like it once did. So ride with us as we remember Hip-Hop's NBA Throwback Jersey Trend.
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Xzibit
Throwback jersey(s): Shaquille O'Neal, Los Angeles Lakers
As a rapper who came up within the Los Angeles hip-hop scene, it's no surprise to see X rocking the Big Diesel.
Twista
Throwback jersey(s): Isiah Thomas, Detroit Pistons
The fastest rapper alive rocking the jersey of one of the NBA's fastest players ever. Dope.
Nelly
Throwback jersey(s): Jerry Stackhouse, Detroit Pistons
Backwards hat? Check. Backwards jersey? Check. No word if Nelly's pants were on backwards too.
Ludacris
Throwback jersey(s): Dominique Wilkins, Atlanta Hawks
An Atlanta rap legend meets an Atlanta basketball legend.
LL Cool J
Throwback jersey(s): Michael Jordan, '03 All-Star
LL Cool J hasn't had a relevant rap career since Jordan's first comeback, but the jersey is ill.
Jin
Throwback jersey(s): Yao Ming, Houston Rockets
No surprise to see rap's last Asian hope rocking Yao's jersey.
Freeway
Throwback jersey(s): Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
It may be a Lakers jersey, but we all know that Philly's own Freeway is repping it for Kobe's Philadelphia roots.
Jermaine Dupri
Throwback jersey(s): Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers
Can't forget that back then, you had to have the matching fitted or else your whole style was whack.
Dame Dash
Throwback jersey(s): Julius Irving, Philadelphia 76ers
Throwback for real. Rest in paradise, baby girl.
Curren$y
Throwback jersey(s): Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
The black pinstripe Jordan jersey is hard to find. Give Spitta props.
Snoop Dogg, Dame Dash, Jay Z
Throwback jersey(s): Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers/Drazen Petrovic, New Jersey Nets/Bob McAdoo, Buffalo Braves
What a legendary moment for throwback jerseys. Hov and Dame are dropping NBA knowledge with the Petrovic and McAdoo looks, and Snoop's jersey is iced out.
Cam'Ron
Throwback jersey(s): Clyde Drexler, Portland Trailblazers/Julius Erving, Philadelphia 76ers
Killa Cam with the mean Jailblazers jersey and the ode to Dr. J in the next pic.
Metta World Peace
Throwback jersey(s): Mike Bibby, Vancover Grizzlies
Thank goodness that Metta's basketball career has outlasted his rap career.
Kobe Bryant
Throwback jersey(s): Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
Kobe in an MJ jersey. Well this is awkward...
Allen Iverson
Throwback jersey(s): Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee Bucks
Props to A.I. for the #veryrare Kareem-Bucks jersey.
Jay Z
Throwback jersey(s): Latrell Sprewell, Golden State Warriors/Julius Erving, Philadelphia 76ers/Ray Allen, Milwaukee Bucks/Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
It's only right that the man who told us to "Change Clothes" has every single throwback jersey ever.
Wale
Throwback jersey(s): Scottie Pippen, '95 All Star/John Starks, New York Knicks
Wale's sneaker game is crazy, so it's no surprise to see him pull out all stops on his jerseys too.
Tyga
Throwback jersey(s): Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
We can't tell if the jersey is tattooed onto Tyga or not.
Drake
Throwback jersey(s): Dennis Rodman, Chicago Bulls
Say what you want about Drizzy, but he gets love for this one.
Fabolous
Throwback jersey(s): Alex English, Denver Nuggets/Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers/Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers/Antoine Carr, Utah Jazz
Fab has extensive history with throwbacks.