Band T-Shirt Guides

From Wu-Tang's C.R.E.A.M. to Biggie and Tupac memorial shirts and the Up in Smoke Tour, 90s rap gave us some of the boldest tees ever printed. Here's the story behind the classic designs and how to wear a rap tee today.

The 90s rap tee has a look you can spot from across the street: a giant photo of the artist, usually cropped tight, surrounded by chunky type, airbrushed color or a collage of album covers. It was loud on purpose. These shirts were sold at shows, in mall kiosks and at swap meets, and they ended up on everyone from teenagers to the artists themselves. Today "vintage rap tee" is one of the hottest searches in graphic tees, and people want the 90s version. Here is what defines the style and how to find one you'll actually wear.