That's Mr. Carter to you.

So much of hip-hop style leaves me saddened at the state of popular fashion today.  Too often a Triple XL white t-shirt and pants sagging so low... I think "thug fashion" is so inundated in our culture for me to try to come up with snarky commentary on it will sound cliche'd instead let me just shine a spotlight on a man who while in the past was guilty of many of the traditional rap sartorial sins, has resurrected himself as a style icon; Lil Wayne.

Lil Wayne started his rebound from the closet full of oversized clothing, by embracing his frame.  Google Lil Weezy, and most of the pics you will get are shirtless.  He describes his body as "marked up like the subway in Harlem".  I am a firm believer in tattoos as a sartorial choice.  While the majority of the Birdman Jr.'s tattoos are not of the quality I aspire to, the shear quantity creates a striking image, and with the silhouette created by his mane of locks, he looks inhuman.

Lil Weezyana has created a hybrid style, incorporating certain trends from urban culture, usually a flat brimmed baseball cap or a baggy hoody, but more often lately, he has a skate/rock vibe, trading in the extra large pants for a slimmer jean or khaki, which still hang off his slight frame, breaking around the ankles.

Accesories are the real key to President Carter's style arsenal, and he has masterfully blended iced out watches, "nerd glasses", designer scarves and belts, trilby's, and a personal favorite of mine, the wallet chain.  The wallet chain gets such a bad rap for it's involvement in the grunge movement and the neo-zoot suit trend.   Personally my chain is not attached to a wallet, for like many of the best fashion choices, it serves no purpose other than to enhance an outfit.  Many people disagree with me, but a chain can break up the monotony of an outfit, and add texture, and I think The New Orleans Nightmare utilizes them perfectly.

What's most important is that Young Mulah has made it his own, making bold choices, holding on to some trends he likes, and incorporating new ones.  He has given the hip-hop community more sartorial options.  Like Kanye West did with preppy fashion, the Martian has made it okay to slim it down and throw on a vest with a wallet chain and a Phillies hat... okay, that last one is always appropriate, but you get it