Todays Lesson: How to Dress Retarded.

Actually, it’s How to Dress “Hyphy” by Anthony Cohn . . .

“You have heard about it all over the news. It appears to be the buzzword of the Bay Area, with rappers from E-40 to TooShort using it in their songs. According to VIBE magazine, rapper Keak Da Sneak invented the term “hyphy” (pronounced “high–fee”) to describe people just letting go and dancing wildly, no matter where they’re at. Hyphy is now being used to describe a hip hop music, dance and fashion movement in the Bay Area characterized by people “going dumb”, “riding the yellow bus”, or basically just acting crazy. Whether they are dancing next to their in-motion cars, screaming “Yeee Yeee” or just plain ole’goofing off, hyphy is spreading throughout Northern California.

The hyphy movement has inspired many Bay Area youth to take on new activities and customs, including new fashion trends. Discussed in almost every song relating to the hyphy movement, one must wear certain clothing items if one truly wants to embody the spirit of hyphy. Thus, this article gives you the reader an opportunity to fit in with the latest phenomenon. I now present you with the essential items required to dress hyphy. . .

Stunna’ Shades:
Probably the most important accessory of the hyphy movement, stunna’ shades are basically sunglasses that stand out and will get you attention. These glasses can be expensive or can be purchased at the 99 Cent Store. As long as they are colorful and unique, any pair of sunglasses can be stunna’ shades. In addition, stunna’ shades are often worn at night, as evidenced by the 2006 Federation song “I Wear My Stunna Shades at Night.” Examples of these shades include aviator style glasses, glasses with loud colors, and oversized glasses.

White Tees:
Wearing a clean and ironed plain white t-shirt is the standard upper body garment for those who want to be hyphy. White tees can be tucked or untucked, whatever your preference. These shirts are very simple to get, as they can be purchased at just about any clothing store.

Vans:
Slip-on shoes made by Vans are becoming the must have hyphy footwear. Often worn by skateboarders, Vans are really just plain shoes. You probably had a pair when you wear a kid, as these shoes are simple slip-ons and can usually be purchased from around $20-30.

Saggy Jeans:
If you want to be hyphy, you can’t wear Wranglers or Bugle Boy jeans. Pants from urban clothing manufacturers such as Sean John, RoccaWear and ECKO are the jeans of the hyphy movement. In addition, these jeans must be worn baggy at all costs, even if you have to buy your jeans two sizes too big. The easiest way to spot a “square” is by the jeans, so let them sag.

Original Article Source: HERE
Stunna Eye Wear
The Hyphy Movement 2006
California’s Latest Sound: ‘Hyphy’
Hyphy: Crunk, Northern California-Style