Over the past few years, hip-hop artists have been embracing a new trend: the modern cowboy aesthetic. Discover how this connection is shaping the western wear frontier.
Everyone remembers Lil Nas X’s genre-breaking single, “Old Town Road,” and many believe that this song was the first to ring cowboy hip-hop, also called cowboy-core, into the limelight.
Since then, well-known artists like Beyoncé and Drake have been embracing the same cowboy aesthetic, and the trend is beginning to shape the world of western wear in new ways.
Drake Spotted in Brenham, TX
Drake, a popular Canadian rapper, and current Texas resident, was spotted recently in Brenham, TX, outside the shuttered doors of his favorite family-owned western wear store, Brenham Saddle Shop Inc.
Given that the popular artist owns a ranch nearby and has adopted the new cowboy-core aesthetic, it’s not surprising that he’s been frequenting this Brenham, TX, shop. The problem? It recently closed.
Brenham Saddle Shop Inc. closed in April after 65 years in business. Now, Drake sightings have people speculating that something might be in the works to reopen the shop. Some rumors posit that Drake has purchased the property.
How to Embrace a Cowboy-Core Aesthetic
You don’t have to shop at Brenham Saddle Shop Inc. to embrace a modern cowboy-core aesthetic. The basics are simple: artists and their fans alike are taking elements of traditional western wear and blending them with a contemporary urban style.
If you’re wondering how to adopt this same style, don’t worry. It’s actually pretty easy. All it takes is incorporating traditional western wear pieces like cowboy boots, wide-brimmed hats, and fringe shirts into a more contemporary, urban wardrobe.
Now that cowboy-core has caught on in the mainstream, you can even find designer brands putting a unique spin on cowboy style. From Balenciaga to Ralph Lauren, everyone is trying to get in on this trend.
Who Popularized Cowboy-Core?
While the cowboy-core phenomenon dates back at least half a decade, it’s only within the past two years or so that it has taken mainstream urban fashion by storm.
Most people attribute the change in attitude toward Western wear to Beyoncé’s impressive NFL Halftime performance, where Beyoncé played two songs off an upcoming country album.
Of course, Beyoncé isn’t the only one popularizing cowboy-core, but she was a significant part of bringing it to the mainstream. Cowboy Carter wasn’t just a hit among her fans. It sparked a global fashion movement thanks to the artist’s promotional tactics.
Small-Town Shops Become the New In Place
As Drake’s potential purchase of Brenham Saddle Shop Inc. shows, one of the best places to find iconic western wear items to incorporate into a cowboy-core aesthetic is local shops.
While celebrities may be donning designer cowboy boots, you don’t have to. Supporting local western wear shops is a great way to make a unique fashion statement and incorporate more cowboy authenticity into your self-expression, whether you listen to hip-hop or not.
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