I’ve heard countless stories on which side of town originated the Buck Fifty hat. Some say the hat was the brainchild of Jo Jo Capone and friends on the southside. While others claim it started out west with “the brothers” off 16th street. Regardless of which side of town the hat originated in, one thing I know for sure is that the westside has kept the hat relevant since it’s introduction to the world in the 80s. But now the hat has gone global thanks to a post-game interview from westside native and New York Knicks star guard Iman Shumpert.
Now I’m pretty sure that fashionably conscious black people all over the world have heard of or at least seen a 150 hat on a visit to Chicago (a variation of the hat has been made popular by Kanye’s manager Don C, also owner of RSVP Gallery who sells them as ‘Don C’ hats.) However, non-fashionably conscious black people and non-local whites got their first look at the hat last night, and have stirred up mass confusion and mixed feelings about the brim ever since. In fact, Twitter and Facebook exploded this morning with jokes and off-color discussions on whether this hat is some sort of Flavor Flav tribute or an actual thing that exists in the world.
The first time I ever saw a 150 hat, was when my older cousin and his friends were wearing them to match the colors of their Pelle Pelle leather jackets. Other than new a crispy new pair of Air Jordan’s, I had never wanted something more in my life. However, my older cousin had to have a conversation with me about whats now known as “Big Boy Shit.” Big Boy Shit, or BBS, is something that is not for children or irresponsible adults. BBS, like cars, jewelry and hats that range from $150.00 to $1,500 are reserved for not only people who could afford such frivolous spending, but more for those of us are are willing to do anything to obtain and secure such items.