We all know hip-hop is all about collecting drip and/or swag to flex, floss, and stunt, but since it’s that time of the year when our priorities switch to giving over receiving, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a look at some of the items the hip-hop head in your life would appreciate finding under the tree come Christmas morning.
Since Bugattis and diamond-encrusted necklaces are likely out of most folks’ price ranges — hey, no judgment — we’ve put together a list of some affordable options for your favorite rap fan, from collectibles to apparel to even more useful options like speakers, bags, and even hair care products. Since all the best rap albums of 2018 are available for streaming and the Best hip-hop EPs are free, these products give you some to wrap, deliver, and receive with love for the holidays.
All the products on this list are rapper approved or inspired, and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, so get a move on. Rappers are allowed to be fashionably late. Rap fans probably like to receive their gifts before the lights come off the house.
Beastie Boys X Herschel Supply Co. Collection
Price: $49-$149
First up, we have this commemorative Beastie Boys merch celebrating the 20th anniversary of their album Hello Nasty. Consisting of a lap top bag and a tote designed specifically for DJs as a homage to DJ Mixmaster Mike, who officially joined the group for their fifth studio album, this collaboration between the band and the popular backpack brand is perfect for any mixmaster in your life as well. Get it here.
Beastie Boys X Sonos Speaker Play: 5
Price: $499
The Beastie Boys really got on a branding streak this year. While not everyone can tear up the ones and twos, most folks can appreciate a good sound system, and that’s exactly what the boys from New York City delivered alongside Sonos. The logo on the speaker’s face was designed by graphic artist Barry McGee and all proceeds of the speaker’s sales will help support Peace Sisters and Little Kids Rock on behalf of the Adam Yauch Foundation. Get it here.
Gorillaz X G-Shock Collection
Price: $120-$170
While one of the animated band’s most iconic songs may direct listeners to get a cool shoe shine, there’s no reason not to pair it with one of these limited edition watches. Each one features a different band member’s silhouette on the wristband. Get them here.
Kanye-Inspired Puma TR-808 Drum Machine RS-0 Sneaker
Price: $130
Okay, yes. I am stretching the definition of “inspired” like a yoga practitioner’s spine, but there’s no denying that Kanye West helped make “808s” a household term with his album, 808s And Heartbreak. While these are more closely inspired by the Roland TR-808 drum machine from which the album took its name, I’m calling it a win for hip-hop, especially since so many of your other favorite hip-hop songs utilized the machine even before Kanye came along. Get a pair here.
Kendrick Lamar X Nike “House Shoes” Cortez Basic Slip-On
Price: $117-$135
If Puma and Kanye aren’t your thing, Kung-Fu Kenny’s got you covered with this funky Nike collab that draws on both his west coast roots and his cinema-inspired nickname. Cozy, comfy, and flyer than an LA Sheriff helicopter hovering over Centennial High, this kicks disappeared with the quickness when they came out in October. Still, you can try your luck on StockX or Amazon and make your loved ones say “DAMN” on Christmas morning.
Kids See Ghosts Camp Flog Gnaw Merch
Price: $70-$250
You may have missed Kanye and Cudi’s gravity-defying performance at Tyler The Creator’s rapidly expanding festival this year, but fortunately for you, the commemorative merch is easy enough to get online. While Kanye’s store is all sold out, the Cynthia Lu-designed is likely available on StockX if you want to place a bid.
Notorious B.I.G. Brooklyn Nets’ City Edition Jersey
Price: $169.99
Spreading love is certainly the Brooklyn way. As part of Nike’s City Edition NBA Jersey collection, the Brooklyn Nets paid homage to the borough’s favorite resident with hints of Coogi sweater-inspired trim. Get one customized here.
Run The Jewels X Daylight Curfew Count To Xmas Sweatshirt
Price: $58
There had to be at least one actual Christmas-themed item on this Christmas-themed list. Fortunately for you, it’s one of the hardest items anyone could own, holidays or no. Featuring the iconic RTJ logo in a knitted design, this sweatshirt best represents the spirit of giving. Get it here.
Run The Jewels X Nickelodeon Krang Doll
Price: $125
If the sweatshirt is too festive for you, this limited edition collectible, which takes inspiration from the Ninja Turtles villain, is approximately 12 inches tall, and is rendered in soft vinyl with eight points of articulation, making a perfect gift for collectors, RTJ fans, and even little kids, if you’re a cool parent with money to burn. Designed by hip-hop toy designers Trap Toys in collaboration with Nickelodeon, this mashup turns Killer Mike into Krang’s cyborg body and El-P into the Dimension X dictator himself. Get it here.
Smino NØIR Silk-Lined Hoodie
Price: $80
St. Louis rapper Smino put a distinctive twist on a tour merchandise staple with his Noir hoodies. Showing a little bedroom-inspired love to all the natural hair aficionados who show love to his albums Blkswn and Noir (and himself), the afroed rapper lined the interior of the hood with silk so as to help maintain those moisture levels. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. Get one here.
Snoop Dogg-Approved Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Price: $39.99 on the Playstation store. $29.88 on Amazon.
If a game is good enough for Uncle Snoop to get hand-delivered from the game’s fire breathing star himself, it’s good enough for the rap fan in your life. Get it here.
Snoop Dogg Cookbook
Price: $10.99 for Kindle version. $15.83 for Hardcover.
Snoop eats good. Buy this cookbook, and you’ll eat good too. Get it here.
Stance Music Legends collection
Price: $18-$25
I don’t care what anyone says. Socks and drawers are the best present anyone could receive. They’re a necessity. You need them. You’ll appreciate having them. You’ll use them. And you’ll appreciate even more not having to pay for them. When they’re as cool as this Stance-designed collection, which features pieces dedicated to rap mainstays like Wu-Tang Clan, Cam’ron, Migos, and of course, Tupac and Biggie, absolutely no one could turn these down. Check out the full collection here.
Urban Legends Marvel Vinyls
Price: $39.98-$59.98
Some years ago, Marvel did a really cool thing where they released a bunch of special edition covers of their superhero books inspired by the artists’ favorite rap album covers. I recently bought the pair of hardcover collections and they make a great coffee table conversation piece. Recently, however, Universal one-upped my favorite purchase by securing the rights to re-release the albums themselves with the Marvel covers on vinyl. The collection includes LL Cool J’s Mama Said Knock You Out with The Punisher, GZA’s Liquid Swords with the cast of Contest Of Champions, and 50 Cent’s Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ with Iron Man. UMG sent some copies over to me for preview, and they do not disappoint. Make both your nerd friends and rap friends jealous here.
VLONE
Price: $150-$250 retail. Resale: Good luck.
Rappers have been name-checking this brand all year, from Lil Baby and Gunna to Valee. See what all the fuss is about here, but don’t expect to get much… these things sell like hotcakes. You can try Ebay, but there are a lot of fakes, so beware and godspeed.
As an Amazon Associate Uproxx may earn commission on qualifying purchases. UMG supplied Uproxx with sample products for us to review.
