SALES of hip hop clothing driven by the growing commercialism of music acts are soaring in Britain.

Hip hop labels provide a level of individuality for youth, allowing young people to feel like their favourite rapper or singer while setting their own trends.

Examples of music acts that are taking advantage are 50 Cent (G-Unit Clothing), hip hop tycoon Jay-Z (RocaWear), and rap mogul P Diddy (Sean John).

For years, artists watched as sales of the clothing they wore took off as a result of their association with it. Now their own personal clothing brands are becoming as important as their music.

The market for hip hop was initially a niche one with purchases by hardcore hip hop fans only. Now it’s more diverse, with a wide range of ages becoming interesting ˆ from 10-year-olds up to people in their mid 30s.

A major factor in broadening the attraction is that American hip hop manufacturers have worked with European distributors to adjust their sizes to meet the more fitted look sought in Britain which contrast with the ‘baggy’ look more commonly associated with urban fashion.

As well as big American players like Akademiks, ECKO, Ed Hardy, G-Unit, LRG, Phat Farm and RocaWear, home grown talent in Britain such as King Apparel and Projekts NYC are making waves in the UK urban streetwear market.

The hip hop trend has expanded into Hollywood and computer gaming.
50 Cent has a multi-platinum sophomore album, The Massacre, and has followed in the footsteps of mentor and fellow rapper Eminem by releasing his own biographical film Get Rich or Die Trying alongside the release of his console game Bulletproof, allowing fans to simulate the street life of Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson.

Hip hop has become a multi-faceted industry, where urban and hip hop artists are making significant moves into other areas of the entertainment business, providing further credibility and cross selling opportunities for affiliated brands.

Ladies,

Back by popular demand, Southpole pleated denim mini skirts are back at Yukka:

Denim skirt comes complete with elaticated belt, this super sexy skirt can be worn in a sporting fashion with a track top, tee and trainers or even on a Friday night out! Check out further details here

Growth is a great thing, but at the same time can really complicate things. Take Yukka for example, over the last 6 months we’ve increased our product range by in excess of 50% - we now carry over 1000 lines of urban, skate and hip hop clothing and accessories.

 This is great but at the same time such a large amount of products means it can make a slightly more challenging for you guys and girls to sift through the amazing products on offer today. So we’ve gone a launched a special footwear site, FootwearFreaks. We’re bored of wearing the same old styles seen on the highstreet, so much so that we’re utilising our relationships with great brands such as Akademiks, Phat Farm, Baby Phat, Ed Hardy, JB Classics, Run Athletics and more to bring you footwear passionate freaks the most exclusive and limited edition shoes anywhere!

Bookmark this site or FootwearFreaks to stay tuned into the hottest footwear fashion launches, cos our product range keeps on growing well into ‘06.

This week sees the launch of LRG (or L-R-G) clothing for men on Yukka, one of the most hyped brands both sides of the pond, with mass appeal from fashion crazy people (with taste we hasten to add) such as Swizz Beatz, Chris Brown, Jazzy Jeff and a hell-of-a-lot more.

The style, colourways and fabrics used throughout the LRG collection are truely amazing for this cross-into-all-urban-markets brands. The cuts vary to suit your style and styles stay fresh to keep you from looking like the rest!

As one of Europes largest stockists of the LRG clothing range you’re sure to find a fresh design that you’ll love, a remember we’re stocking sizes from Small all the way upto 3XL in this collection for most lines.