Image via Complex Original
It's been 15 years since Hype Williams' landmark film Belly came out and changed the game. The 1998 cult classic starring DMX and Nas is a glossy, fisheye-lens view of New York City hustlers in the '90s living out their best Tony Montana dreams. Shootouts, drugs, and treachery; It's basically a Hype Williams music video on repeat and that's why we love it.
Hype's painstaking attention to atmosphere and lighting is evident and hip-hop's favorite stylist, June Ambrose, laced the cast in the illest gear of the time. Brands like Avirex and Enyce may be played out now but back then, they were fit for only the flyest. As a film that encapsulated the looks and style of hip-hop culture back in the '90s, we took a look at The Greatest Outfits From Belly.
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Sparkly Bandit
The movie starts with Buns aka DMX shooting up the strip club. What better way to be stealth than by wearing a sparkly snakeskin jacket?
Look into My Eyes
Nas (aka Sincere) knows that colored contacts are ideal for nightclub vision. We'll see the Avirex jacket make several more cameos throughout the flick.
Nas' Belly
Poor Sincere. He's just trying to ball like Tony Montana and his girl (T-Boz) is tripping. At least he's comfy in a boxers and crucifix chain combo.
Phat Farm
While counting money in the basement, the grimy Black rocks a Phat Farm hoodie under a military green jacket. We don't trust him either.
Meet Ox
What to wear when meeting a Jamaican druglord and possible heroin connect? Buns changes into formalwear to see Ox. Check the abundant bowl of green (no Lucky Charms).
Wave Caps
Sincere mulls over his bleak future with self-help books while wearing a wave cap, pajamas, and reading glasses, an early prototype of the cozy boy look.
Corner Boy Swag
Timberland boots, sagging white sweatpants, and a hooded windbreaker: The low-level drug dealer's uniform.
Meet Rico
Local dealer Rico is not happy when Buns and Sin start taking over his block. Don't let the perfectly pressed hair, yellow sweatsuit and thick-rimmed glasses fool you. He's not one to mess with.
Welcome to Jamrock
Buns goes down to Jamaica and brings along his Tommy Bahama shirt for the trip.
Shake Ya Tailfeather
Sosa's blond hair and feather mohawk make him a pretty easy target for Buns to murder.
Avirex and Kangols
Method Man aka Father Sha is a walking '90s rap stereotype in his Avirex jacket and Kangol combo.
Shootouts in Enyce
"I am the original Jamaican don dada!" Ox screams, after shooting a bunch of guys in his Enyce sweatsuit.
Big Brother
Avirex makes another appearance as Sincere tries to mentor a young drug peddler on the park bench.
Fur Coat and Timbs
Sincere and real life friend AZ share a tender moment in this scene. Sin's brown fur and Timbs provide a warm and fashionable winter look.
No-So-Subtle Camo
Only in the world of Belly does a guy who's about to shoot another guy in broad daylight wear obvious camouflage from head-to-toe.
Dapper Buns
Plotting a New Year's Eve murder requires formalwear sometimes.
Fur is Murder
Method Man keeps on a furry trapper hat in the trap before he tries to kill Buns' girl.
Nerdy Buns
Once he's turned into an informant Buns' wardrobe grows ever nerdier.
Fashion Killer
Real killers wear tight Missoni-esque shirts.
Do the Right Thing
In the end, Buns and his hexagonal framed glasses decide not to shoot the Minister but join him. Thug love conquers all!