Image via Complex Original
They're not the most highly-represented group out there, but Jewish rappers have definitely left their mark in the fashion world. Sartorially, they've covered the the spread from streetwear to well-tailored suiting—no doubt a result of bar mitzvah training.
And yet their style rarely receives its due. So, on the first day of Hanukkah, we wanted to give shine to the most stylish Jewish rappers who’ve done just as much for fashion as guys like Run-D.M.C, Biggie, and Kanye West. These are The Most Stylish Jewish Rappers of All Time.
Marissa G. Muller is a Jewish writer living in L.A. Find her on Twitter.
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Kosha Dillz
Jewish Pride: "I got news for promoters who think I'm doing my next show for exposure, rappin' Israel in the hood" from "Freelance vs. Written"
Kosha Dillz is not afraid of loud prints. The pro-Israel rapper, who's worked with RZA and the Insane Clown Posse, has a penchant for splashy hats, whether they're beaded, lined with leopard print, or embroidered. He keeps the rest of his look casual, often reaching for jeans and a graphic tee, and of course his beloved Chai necklace. And, he's got the hard-earned approval of the Fashion Killa.
Soul Khan
Jewish Pride: "I stopped caring if I stayed kosher/Jehova made way more serious shit to pray over" from "Soulstice"
Former battle rapper Soul Khan has more of a coffeehouse, professorial look than his hard-hitting verses lead on. The California via Brooklyn artist often steps out in tailored blazers, fitted button downs, and square glasses. True to his music though, his style is straightforward.
Hoodie Allen
Jewish Pride: "I don't wanna be a legend/I just wanna get to heaven" from "Let Me Be Me"
Hoodie Allen looks like the Jewish Mayer Hawthorne and, also like the songwriter, can wear a suit as well as a leather jacket and jeans. Born Steven Markowitz, the rapper will don a perfectly tailored suit in press photos and wear a jean jacket with a tee on stage.
Shyne
Jewish Pride: "Carter I'm a martyr/Jewish mobster like Bugsy Siegel desert eagle" from "Bury Judas"
P. Diddy's protégé, Shyne could have had an easy, straightforward career. But after his platinum self-titled debut, the rapper was involved in a mishap where he fired a gun in a Manhattan club alongside Diddy and his mentor's then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez. Following his prison release in 2009, the rapper moved to Jerusalem, studied Hasidic Judaism, and changed his name to Moses Michael Levi. The rapper, who's plotting a comeback for next year, has an enviable hat collection, alternating between snapbacks, pork pie hats, and, of course, yarmulkes. He's often spotted in fitted black garb, alternating between suits and pinstriped robes.
Aaron Cohen
Jewish Pride: "Aaron Cohen, the brother of Moses/Biblical shit you don't bite this you quote this" from "Light It Up (Remix)"
Aaron Cohen dresses like a young Action Bronson, often repping street brands' tees and accessorizing with his beard and a baseball cap. He has ties to the fashion world too. Last year Mishka released his solid mixtape, Murk, which features production from A$AP Ty and Ryan Hemsworth.
Mac Miller
Jewish Pride: "I'm down for the movement, trying not to lose it/Jewish Buddhist tryna consume the views of Christianity" from "S.D.S."
Mac Miller is somewhat of a streetwear virtuoso. There are entire Tumblrs dedicated to the Pittsburgh rapper's style and his closet is brimming with the hottest new brands. Talking to Complex about 11 of his favorites, Miller said he picks up a lot of his clothing on tour. But there's something homegrown about his love of jerseys and hoodies, items that comprise the iconic sporty American style.
Matisyahu
Jewish Pride: "Jerusalem, if I forget you/Let my right hand forget what it's supposed to do" from "Jerusalem"
You'd be hard-pressed to find a Hasidic person more styled out than Matisyahu. Even though the musician recently, and to much controversy, shaved off his trademark beard, Matisyahu is still the quintessential jewish rapper. When he started out in 2004, the reggae rapper donned more traditional Hasidic garb. But his style has since evolved into fashion-forward tees, jackets, and streetwear.
Action Bronson
Jewish Pride: "Fully auto mac under the table/Jewish platters, kreplach soups and sable" from "Chuck Person"
Action Bronson is often topless, tats out for the world to see. When he's actually clothed, he'll rock a baggy T-shirt and baseball cap. These elements don't exactly add up to coppable style, but that's the key to his look: A DGAF attitude that's not easy to emulate and carries over to his clothes. Others have taken note. His simple workwear look resonates with most dudes who just want to remain comfortable.
Drake
Jewish Pride: "I flow tight like I was born Jewish/Well, actually I was born Jewish," from "Still Drake"
Like the song goes, Drake's style started from the bottom. In his years playing Jimmy Brooks on the Canadian teen soap Degrassi: The Next Generation, Aubrey Graham's preferred look was relaxed fit light-wash jeans and oversized button-ups. Fast forward nine years and he's acting as the poster kid for impeccably-fitted shirts, championing the most buzzed-about streetwear, and turning his love of '90s fashions into a full-on trend. Not to mention, dude gave his favorite era's designers renewed relevance. See: Versace and Calvin Klein.
Mike D and Ad Rock of the Beastie Boys
Jewish Pride: "I'm a funky-ass Jew and I'm on my way/ And yes I got to say fuck the KKK" from "Right Right Now Now"
Streetwear has the Beastie Boys to thank for its first wave of popularity. One of the most iconic skate apparel brands of the early '90s, X-Large, was partly created by the group's Mike D and made popular by the group's press photos and videos (Peep the clothing label's gorilla mascot in the 1992 video for "Pass the Mic").
A year later, the Beastie Boys started their magazine Grand Royal, which gave shine to street culture and emerging artists. It also popularized the notion of the mullet and peoples' interest in it. Along with Quentin Tarantino, the group solidly defined trashy-kitschy, '70s throwback culture. Their influence still reigns over fashion today. Paris luxury house Kenzo recently commissioned Mike D to create a mix for its spring/summer '14 show.