Press
An Exclusive Look at Where to Cop Jay-Z’s New Favorite Hats
Inspired by his former stomping grounds, the Marcy Projects and 560 State Street
By: Madison Russell | March 8, 2019
Jay-Z, one of the greatest rappers and entrepreneurs of our time, was spotted wearing a hat proclaiming his neighborhood allegiance to his California homestay, the neighborhood of Bel Air, in September 2018 as he cuddled up to wife Beyoncé during a helicopter ride on the way to Houston during their On the Run II tour. The photo of Jay-Z wearing the hat was posted to Beyonce.com. The cap in question was one-year-old brand Hood Hat’s Bel Air cap.
Hood Hat, a Los Angeles–based lifestyle brand, launched its debut collection of baseball caps in April 2018, featuring 10 iconic Los Angeles neighborhoods to capture the essence of each location’s culture. Next, designer Max Nelson tapped into his New York roots and created a collection paying homage to his hometown boroughs. Playing on the nostalgia of early-’90s snapbacks, he wanted to make luxury ball caps from 100 percent merino wool that allowed people to represent their favorite places.
The line continues to evolve with the introduction of new destinations handpicked by the designer and taking note from the celebrity attention. A few months ago, Compton-born rapper YG requested a custom style that says “Bompton.” Raekwon, American rapper and member of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, requested a “Park Hill” hat. The collection not only looks and feels luxurious, but each hat tells a story.
