Dive into the electrifying story of the Shirt Kings, the visionary pioneers who shaped a style that became the cornerstone of hip hop culture in the 1980s and beyond.

In mid-1980s Jamaica, Queens, New York, rappers, celebrities, and hip hop enthusiasts from across the city flocked to the Shirt Kings’ shop to commission their one-of-a-kind custom T-shirts. These bold designs quickly gained global recognition, featured prominently on record covers and in music videos, and became a hallmark of hip hop culture—turning creativity into a movement of “making something out of nothing.”

Shirt Kings: Pioneers of Hip Hop Fashion offers a vivid glimpse into the birth of streetwear through the eyes of these artistic entrepreneurs. By adapting graffiti techniques from trains and spray cans to T-shirts and airbrushes, the Shirt Kings revolutionized urban fashion, creating a fresh aesthetic for a new generation.

Through the archives of Edwin “Phade” Sacasa, a founding member of the group, readers are transported back to 1980s New York, where fashion was loud, colorful, and uniquely urban. These weren’t just any cartoons—Mickey Mouse rocked a Fila tracksuit, Casper the Friendly Ghost sported gold teeth, and the Pink Panther dripped in gold chains. Their shop, nestled in Jamaica, Queens’ Coliseum Mall, became a hub for the biggest names in hip hop, from DJ Red Alert to LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, and even Mike Tyson—all eager to don Shirt Kings’ iconic designs.

This richly illustrated book chronicles the art, the culture, and the loyal supporters of the Shirt Kings, taking readers on a nostalgic journey to a time when customization and creativity reigned supreme in New York City.

Now, in celebration of hip hop’s 50th anniversary, this long-awaited softcover edition offers a fresh opportunity to explore the inspiring legacy of the Shirt Kings and their enduring impact on hip hop and streetwear.

Pages: 144, Size: 17 x 23 cm, Language: English, ISBN: 9789188369789