Image via Complex Original
The debut season of Eddie Huang’s memoir-inspired series Fresh Off the Boat may have had its ups and downs—praise for showcasing Asian Americans on primetime television, and criticism from its very own muse. But what the show did succeed in was our constant nostalgia for all things '90s (think Shaq Fu, Rugrats, Lunchables). Young Huang’s wardrobe, worn by actor Hudson Yang, featured hip-hop heavy T-shirts that hat-tipped some of the decade’s greatest musical acts. We rounded up all 13 episodes of '90s-era tees, where you can get your own, and why Huang’s Beastie Boys tour shirt has the city Berkeley spelled wrong.
Nas “Illmatic” Tee
Episode: “Pilot”
Original air date: February 4, 2015
A staple in Huang’s wardrobe, this Nas Illmatic T-shirt makes an appearance in every episode thanks to the show’s opening credits.
Nas "Illmatic" Cover T-Shirt, $19, available at shirts.com
Custom Tee
Episode: “Pilot”
Original air date: February 10, 2015
According to the show’s costume designer Debra McGuire, this T-shirt was custom-made for the pilot episode. Any clothing showcasing artists and their artwork had to get approval—a not-so-simple feat. “Most of that stuff is original art of manipulated [artwork],” she said to Fashionista.
Notorious B.I.G. Tee
Episode: “Pilot”
Original air date: February 10, 2015
One of three Biggie-themed shirts that you see throughout the debut season.
The Biggie Tee, $21, available at jackthreads.com
Wu-Tang Forever Tee
Episode: “Pilot”
Original air date: February 4, 2015
This tee? Wu-approved. What would have been doper? Vintage Wu-Wear, of course.
Wu-Tang Forever T-Shirt Black, $10, available at target.com
Cross Colours Tee
Episode: “Home Sweet Home-School”
Original air date: February 4, 2015
Cross Colours Originals launched in the ’90s and recently experienced a revamp thanks to the resurgence of streetwear.
The Cross Roads Tee in Multi & Back, $10 available at plndr.com
Notorious B.I.G. Tee
Episode: “Home Sweet Home-School”
Original air date: February 4, 2015
Different Biggie shirt, same Coogi sweater.
Notorious B.I.G. T-shirt, $10, available at target.com
Public Enemy Tee
Episode: “The Shunning”
Original air date: February 17, 2015
Fresh Off the Boat highlights Public Enemy as the source that sparks Huang’s love for hip-hop.
Public Enemy Fight the Power T-Shirt, $19, available at mltd.com
Pharcyde “Bizarre Ride II” Tee
Episode: “The Shunning”
Original air date: February 10, 2015
Pharcyde’s 1992 debut album cover makes for an awesome all-over print. And “Passing Me By” fittingly plays during a scene where Huang discovers his grade school crush.
Bizarre Ride II All Over Print, $40, available at merchswag.com
Wu-Tang Forever Tee
Episode: “Success Perm”
Original air date: February 10, 2015
The Wu-Tang Forever shirt makes another appearance.
Wu-Tang Forever T-Shirt Black, $10, available at target.com
Notorious B.I.G. “Sky's the Limit” Tee
Episode: “Success Perm”
Original air date: February 10, 2015
The Notorious B.I.G.’s 1994 Ready to Die album art meets his 1997 “Sky’s the Limit” single from Life After Death.
The Notorious B.I.G. “Sky’s the Limit” Tee, $22, available at spencersonline.com
Notorious B.I.G. Tee
Episode: “Persistent Romeo”
Original air date: February 17, 2015
Told you that this tee would be popping up again.
The Biggie Tee, $21, available at jackthreads.com
Public Enemy Tee
Episode: “Persistent Romeo”
Original air date: February 17, 2015
The Public Enemy tee appears to fight the power for another episode.
Public Enemy Fight the Power T-Shirt, $19, available at mltd.com
Custom Tee
Episode: “Fajita Man”
Original air date: February 24, 2015
Noticing a pattern? Fresh Off the Boat stylist Debra McGuire’s custom-made T-shirt makes its second round.
Pharcyde “Bizarre Ride II” Tee
Episode: “Fajita Man”
Original air date: February 24, 2015
As does the Pharcyde tee.
Bizarre Ride II All Over Print, $40, available at merchswag.com”
Unknown Tee
Episode: “Showdown at the Golden Saddle”
Original air date: March 3, 2015
Dinner at Baohaus is on us if you can ID this graphic T-shirt.
Mobb Deep Tee
Episode: “Showdown at the Golden Saddle”
Original air date: March 3, 2015
The logo for hip-hop duo Mobb Deep, first seen on their 1995 album, makes for a classic graphic T-shirt.
Mobb Deep Mens Infamous T-Shirt, $18, available at dresscodeclothing.com
Notorious B.I.G. “Sky's the Limit” Teee
Episode: “Showdown at the Golden Saddle”
Original air date: March 3, 2015
There's no limit to how often young Eddie Huang can wear this Biggie tee.
The Notorious B.I.G. "Sky’s the Limit" Tee, $22, available at spencersonline.com
Beastie Boys Tee
Episode: “Phillip Goldstein”
Original air date: March 10, 2015
"We did a mock-up of this Beastie Boys shirt with the album cover and fake cities on the back," explains McGuire. "You’ll notice that the city Berkeley is misspelled. That should make it worth even more on eBay in 10 years."
Cross Colours Tee
Episode: “Phillip Goldstein”
Original air date: March 10, 2015
Cross Colours Originals gets another on-screen shout out.
The Cross Roads Tee in Multi & Back, $10 available at plndr.com
Public Enemy Tee
Episode: “Phillip Goldstein”
Original air date: March 10, 2015
The Public Enemy tee is back.
Public Enemy Fight the Power T-Shirt, $19, available at mltd.com
Custom Tee
Episode: “Phillip Goldstein”
Original air date: March 10, 2015
Third time's a charm for this custom tee.
Notorious B.I.G. Tee
Episode: “License to Sell”
Original air date: March 24, 2015
This episode recycles two Biggie tees. First, the white one of him rocking the Coogi sweater.
The Biggie Tee, $21, available at jackthreads.com”
Notorious B.I.G. “Sky's the Limit” Teee
Episode: “License to Sell”
Original air date: March 24, 2015
It's followed up by the “Sky's the Limit” tee.
The Notorious B.I.G. “Sky’s the Limit” Tee, $22, available at spencersonline.com
Notorious B.I.G. Tee
Episode: “Very Superstitious”
Original air date: April 7, 2015
After an episode sans hip-hop homage tees, this Biggie tee returns.
Notorious B.I.G. T-shirt, $10, available at target.com
Pharcyde “Bizarre Ride II” Tee
Episode: “Very Superstitious”
Original air date: April 7, 2015
And the Bizarre Ride II tee comes back for its third ride.
Bizarre Ride II All Over Print, $40, available at merchswag.com
Cross Colours Tee
Episode: “Dribbling Tiger, Bounce Pass Dragon”
Original air date: April 14, 2015
The Cross Colours tee returns in Season 1's penultimate episode.
The Cross Roads Tee in Multi & Black, $10 available at plndr.com
Wu-Tang Forever Tee
Episode: “Dribbling Tiger, Bounce Pass Dragon”
Original air date: April 14, 2015
So does the Wu-Tang Forever tee.
Wu-Tang Forever T-Shirt Black, $10, available at target.com
Geto Boys “Uncut Dope” Tee
Episode: “So Chineez”
Original air date: April 21, 2015
Finally, some freshness! The sophomore album Uncut Dope (1992) by H-Town rap group Geto Boys has a quick cameo on Fresh Off the Boat’s season finale. Chances are this is another custom piece by the wardrobe department, so check out the real thing here.
Public Enemy Tee
Episode: “So Chineez”
Original air date: April 21, 2015
Appropriately, the season ends with the tee that got our protagonist into hip-hop in the first place.
Public Enemy Fight the Power T-Shirt, $19, available at mltd.com