Hardcore is a music subgenre that’s a reaction to mainstream rock. It embodies outsider art made by and for young rowdy kids, and has never been defined by monetary success or pop zeitgeists.
The scene often embraced outside influences like emo, metalcore and screamo. This shaped the way bands wore and performed, but also changed the genre as a whole.
Tupac
The iconic rapper Tupac Shakur was an inspiration for a generation. The son of a Black Panther activist, Tupac made a splash with his first rap album 2Pacalypse Now, which drew on his childhood in Harlem and his violent adolescence to describe the violence and desperation that existed in the inner city.
His lyrics, his seeming hypocrisy and his vulnerability all helped make him a cultural icon. He was a symbol of Black pride, defiance, outlaw romance and unresolved internal conflicts. He also became the scapegoat for a series of senseless murders, which spawned a long-running East Coast/West Coast rap feud that continues to this day.
Pac had a long and complicated family background. His mother, Afeni Shakur, was a former Black Panther who spent years on the run. His stepfather, Mutulu Shakur, was a convicted criminal who was later released. His godmother, Assata Shakur, was a political prisoner who later emigrated to Cuba.
He was able to turn his revolutionary pedigree into a lucrative career with a series of hit records and a few movies. The most successful of these was 1990’s Juice, which he starred in and co-wrote.
Another rap group that wowed the hip hop world with their unique style was Run DMC. Their infamous three stripped shoe was an iconic moment in music history, and their outfits were also the stuff of legend. Rope chains, bucket hats and leather sport jackets were all part of their unique look.
There were many other groups that came out in the 90s, but some of the most iconic were gangsta rap groups like N.W.A, Eazy E and Wu-Tang Clan. They all had different styles and raps but their music was all about stories of hard times.
There are plenty of other notable gangsta rappers from the ’90s, but Tupac was one of the most famous and influential. He was a rapper, poet, dancer and actor who influenced generations of people with his music. His legacy is one of the most contested in music, but his impact was unquestionable. You can honor the legendary rapper with a unique Tupac dress on Redbubble, all designed and sold by independent artists. We’ve got a great selection of designs, colors and sizes for your next costume party.
Run DMC
The emergence of Run DMC as the pioneers of a new form of hip-hop that would shape the genre for the next two decades was one of the most influential moments in the history of the music. The duo’s raps were grounded in real life, but they also embraced rock and metal elements to make their songs edgy.
The group was formed in 1982 in Hollis, Queens, and was managed by Russell Simmons (Simmons’ brother), who was also co-founder of the Def Jam label. Their debut single “It’s Like That” / “Sucker MCs” was a major breakthrough, establishing their reputation as pioneers of hardcore rap.
Their raps were centered on hard work and success, but they also addressed their community’s social problems. They encouraged youth to get educated, and to be aware of their own prejudices and biases. They also emphasized the importance of being good friends and taking care of their own health.
They were also one of the first acts to be featured on VH1’s Hip Hop Honors in 2004. They paid tribute to their mentor, Russell Simmons, and they performed their classic hits at the ceremony.
While many rappers in the 1970s wore spangled superhero outfits, Run DMC opted for a more casual look that was more akin to the style of the hip urban youth of their day. They wore bowler hats, black leather jackets, and unlaced Adidas athletic shoes.
On their self-titled debut album, the duo combined a minimalist approach to production with an abrasive edge that would become synonymous with the hardcore hip hop sound of the early 1980s. They used live guitars on several of their songs, which helped establish the sound of the band as an innovator in the era.
The resulting music also introduced the idea of a rap-rock crossover, which has since been interpreted by artists ranging from Aerosmith to Chuck D and Anthrax. While this fusion has often been considered commercial, it was also groundbreaking in its ability to offer young listeners an opportunity to reconcile their interests in rap and rock.
Buggin’ Out
Buggin’ Out is one of my favourite characters from the movie Do the Right Thing and if you’re a loud, outspoken guy like him, this 90s hardcore kid costume will be perfect for you! In this classic movie, he is upset when his local pizza restaurant rejects his demand to put pictures of African American figures on their wall. The outfit is very classic and includes a kente print, african leather medallion and Jordans to finish off the look. Another iconic character from this movie is Radio Raheem who teams up with Buggin’ Out to try and convince Sal the pizza owner to add pictures of African American figures to his wall.
Garth Algar
If you’re going to dress up as a high-strung metal fan, then you should definitely go with Garth Algar. He’s a timid, high-strung heavy metal fanatic and Wayne Campbell’s sidekick on the public-access television show Wayne’s World. To really snag the garth-like look, you’ll want to rock a purple plaid shirt, distressed jeans, and black converse. Add a classic drum stick and Aerosmith shirt for a full Garth outfit. The best part is that this 90s hardcore kid costume is a snap to put together. It’s a great option for Halloween or any other occasion when you’re looking to show off your love for all things heavy metal.
