Drum n Bass music and street fashion have a unique and longstanding relationship that's deeply rooted in subculture. Both of these worlds have their own distinct style and ethos, and they've influenced and inspired each other for decades. In this blog post, we'll explore the connection between drum n bass music and street fashion, and how these two vibrant subcultures intersect.
Replicant , Mr Deeds & Blitz Los Angles 2012 Shake Like an Earthquake
Photo by Jimmy Caves
The History of Drum n Bass and Street Fashion
Drum n Bass emerged in the UK during the early 1990s as a genre of electronic dance music that was heavily influenced by jungle music. It quickly gained a following among young people who were drawn to its fast-paced beats, heavy basslines, and futuristic soundscapes. At the same time, street fashion was also taking off, with young people around the world embracing styles that were inspired by hip hop and other urban subcultures.
Ray Keith - Merge - The Circle - Huntington Beach, CA 2022
As drum n bass grew in popularity, it began to influence street fashion in a variety of ways. From baggy pants and oversized jackets to colorful graphic tees and bold patterns, drum n bass culture began to shape the way that young people dressed and expressed themselves.
DJ APX 1 - Respect - Los Angeles, CA
Photo by Regal Dee
Rig, Replicant & Blitz - Jungle Beats 2007 Downtown Los Angeles, CA
Photo by James Solano
The Intersection of Drum n Bass and Street Fashion Today
Today, the connection between drum n bass and street fashion is as strong as ever. Both of these subcultures continue to evolve and inspire each other, with streetwear brands Like Panic 39 incorporating elements of drum n bass culture into their designs, and drum n bass artists using fashion to express their individuality and creativity.
Way Way - Superstitious - Salem, Oregon 2011
One example of this intersection can be seen in the vibrant streetwear styles worn by drum n bass fans at festivals and events. Bright neon colors, bold patterns, Camo, and oversized silhouettes are all common elements of these styles, reflecting the high-energy and futuristic vibe of the music.
Another example is the way that drum n bass artists incorporate fashion into their performances and personal brand. Many artists have their own unique style that reflects their individuality and creativity, and they often collaborate with streetwear brands to create limited-edition collections and merchandise.
Panic 39 rose from the Underground Hip Hop scene in 1999 and quickly crossed paths with the Southern California Drum N bass / Junglist scene within our first year of existence. In these early years there were many events that crossed over and had Hip-Hop / Drum N Bass Line Ups. The Drum N Bass Scene Showed us love and support from day 1 and we quickly became a mainstay in both scenes.
Werd MC, Jeff Joints (Funny Bones Crew) Upgrade Drum N Bass 2016 Orange County
Conclusion
Drum n bass music and street fashion have a longstanding and vibrant relationship that's deeply rooted in subculture. From its early days in the UK to its global influence today, drum n bass has played an important role in shaping street fashion and inspiring young people to express themselves through their clothing. As these two subcultures continue to evolve and intersect, we can expect to see even more exciting and innovative styles emerge, reflecting the creativity and individuality of both drum n bass and street fashion.
