Brooklyn-born native Joey Bada$$ has always had a style that is both deeply rooted in New York culture and uniquely forward-thinking. This rich cultural foundation found a perfect match in KidSuper, the creative vision led by fellow New Yorker, Colm Dillane. Their recent collaboration and pop-up shop is not just a fashion drop; it's a statement—a sartorial love letter to their shared city.
The collection, featuring four core pieces—sweatpants, a hooded zip-up, a crewneck sweatshirt, and a short sleeve tee—is a successful exercise in intentional design. Each item can be styled interchangeably and effortlessly, lending itself to a cohesive, distinctly "New York" and "Brooklyn" aesthetic. For those of us who call the city home, we understand that clothing must be more than just fashionable; it must be functional—built to move with the gritty energy of the five boroughs. This synergy between Dillane and Bada$$, two artists from the same concrete canvas, is what makes the collection resonate so powerfully.
Joey Bada$$ is celebrated for his lyrical poetry, rhymes that are rich with emotion, culture, and a profound sense of self. It is this same intentionality that is woven into the fabric of this KidSuper partnership. I love the trend of rappers not conforming to what is expected, but instead being more thoughtful and considered in their evolution. This shift also encourages their loyal fans to evolve and experiment with textures, silhouettes, and even vintage elements in their own personal style. This is key to the collaboration's message: the importance of being intentional when you spend, just like being intentional with the lyrics you write or listen to.
This collaboration taps into a welcome, recent trend where modern rappers are evolving beyond the typical "rapper wardrobe," instead embracing a touch of refinement and individuality without sacrificing their gritty edge. The choice of colors—almost faded grays and blacks—and even the font choices feel deliberate. They evoke a timeless, vintage-inspired quality that is perfectly in sync with Joey's classic yet contemporary sound. These pieces aren't just clothes; they are conversational pieces, immediately timely yet durable enough to be worn from the brisk New York winter right into the cool spring air.
While New Yorkers often prefer to keep to themselves, these garments command a different kind of attention. As you observe the movement of the pieces, they feel like poetry in motion—a silent yet powerful declaration of culture and identity.
Both Joey Bada$$ and Colm Dillane/KidSuper have cultivated fiercely loyal and unique followings who value authenticity and artistic expression. This collaboration is a mutual nod to that audience, creating a wearable artifact that celebrates their shared ethos: Anything's Possible—KidSuper's foundational belief—when you stay true to your roots. This collection successfully merges high-level artistry with everyday utility. It is an authentic, emotional, and richly cultural milestone that proves that fashion, when done right, is just another form of storytelling.
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Photographs by Jelani Warner @warners_work
