Dapper Dan on hip-hop fashion, Harlem history and constant reinvention | The Limits

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  • čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
  • On today's episode of The Limits, Jay talks to legendary fashion innovator, Dapper Dan. For over five decades, "Dap" has revolutionized the way hip-hop and fashion have influenced each other, dressing the likes of Eric B. and Rakim, LL Cool J and Salt-N-Pepa. He also always makes sure everything goes down in his native Harlem, where Jay met up with him.
    Once a gambling prodigy, Dap briefly went to prison on drug charges, but he came out with a renewed respect for Black culture and sensibilities. He started dressing gangsters and hustlers, and gained popularity for repurposing the logos of brands like Gucci for hip-hop icons.
    When the brands and the FBI came after his namesake Harlem store, it seemed like Dap would have to shut down for good. But he remained a cultural fixture, and in one of life's great ironies, built a new chapter in his career in a 2017 partnership with Gucci.
    At 77, Dap thinks like a historian, relating everything he has made to the musical and cultural movements of the time. He tells Jay how Harlem has evolved, how he's managed to always look forward, and who he sees as this generation's successor to his vision.
    Follow Jay on Instagram and Twitter. Email us at thelimits@npr.org.
    WHAT IS “THE LIMITS WITH JAY WILLIAMS”?
    Today, the art of celebrity doesn't look like it used to. Now, it's all about betting on yourself and expanding your personal brand-sometimes even beyond your comfort zone. Few understand the art of rebounding your life better than Williams, now an author, entrepreneur and ESPN host. Each week, he'll go deep with heavy-hitters from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and pop culture to understand the principles of faith, vision, and grit they live by in order to see past doubt and build their empires. From rappers-to-moguls, to talk show hosts-turned-CEOs, you'll learn the ways that successful people define, push, and conquer their limits. Email us at thelimits@npr.org.
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    --------------------------------------
    VIDEO CHAPTERS
    0:00 - Intro
    4:59 - The evolution of Harlem
    7:56 - The blueprint behind Dap’s vision
    15:21 - Dap’s early fashion career and influence on hip-hop
    18:48 - The FBI raids Dap’s Harlem boutique
    21:52 - Internet outrage sparks a new Gucci partnership
    31:29 - What cancel culture gets wrong

Komentáře • 197

  • @KaffeinatedENT
    @KaffeinatedENT Před 2 lety +121

    Dapper Dan should be talked about way more! He is a fashion icon! I hope to see a Dapper Dan Brand one day.

    • @incognegro1206
      @incognegro1206 Před rokem +4

      Andre wore his fashion

    • @kevinhoyle8367
      @kevinhoyle8367 Před rokem +4

      His Dap Hoodies by Gap are the S#!+

    • @johnlock9318
      @johnlock9318 Před rokem

      Dapper Dan is The Epitome of #FLY💯👍

    • @RR-ur4kz
      @RR-ur4kz Před rokem +1

      💯💯

    • @debrabest5035
      @debrabest5035 Před rokem

      HE HAS A LINE, NAS ( THE RAPPER) WEARS HIS EYES ARE!!!!!! THIS IS ONE SHARP DUDE, RIGHT HERE🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

  • @atifhameen196
    @atifhameen196 Před rokem +48

    Dapper Dan doesn't dictate fashion he translates culture!
    Genius! The sage of Harlem.

  • @jacquelinemanley8545
    @jacquelinemanley8545 Před rokem +6

    I agree my dad was born 1919 in GA. Plowed a mule and picked cotton the last of 13children he moved to NJ in 1939 and got a job at AT&T as a Arc Welder from 1939-1984 in 1952 he had a black contractor build him a brand new house i still have the blue print dady went to the 11th grade and like your dad mine never complained about his hardship down south i asked him why his answer was no point can't do anything about it you must look forward not backward what you said reminded me of my father they don't have those kind of black men so rare thank you sir God bless

  • @lorenzobaines6222
    @lorenzobaines6222 Před rokem +12

    My dude. Sharp as a tack. Always. A genius beyond compare. Hip hop is Dapper Dan and Dapper Dan is Hip hop.

  • @wendycampbell1949
    @wendycampbell1949 Před rokem +6

    I love this interview. I remember using the phrase "Dapper Dan" but I didn't know it was a brilliant, brave, black brother. God bless you Brother Man.

  • @gifted14sho
    @gifted14sho Před rokem +18

    Dapper Dan the Icon, the legend, the realist!🥰✊🏾🙏🏾

  • @epicwizedome
    @epicwizedome Před rokem +12

    As a child and teenager even an adult, I still want one of his jackets. His imagination was and is legendary. He so fly!!! Love the interview.

  • @Karess8701
    @Karess8701 Před rokem +37

    This was a powerful interview, that I gain such a great perspective from! Motivating while honoring greatness!

  • @liveinviolet2908
    @liveinviolet2908 Před 2 lety +37

    I learned so much listening to this interview with Dapper Dan. I always heard of his legacy, but never heard his story. much, much love and blessings ✨

  • @roberthemedes1064
    @roberthemedes1064 Před 2 lety +20

    I always admired Dapper Dan but this interview was just so insightful and powerful to listen. Everything he said still can be applied to any career/industry today. He persevered in remaining relevant by constantly reinventing himself.

  • @msway836
    @msway836 Před rokem +4

    Jay is a good interviewer he lets the host allow things to flow and allow them to put the framework together. Most interviewers, have to focus on themselves and how smart they are...

  • @charlesbanks7715
    @charlesbanks7715 Před rokem +8

    This is a dope interview. I remember 88 living in New Jersey and seemed like if you wanted to get sharp everyone I spoke with said Dapper Dan's was the place to go. Great to hear that he's still doing it in 2022

  • @easy8325
    @easy8325 Před rokem +9

    I read that book in a day in a half. It was amazing.

    • @RR-ur4kz
      @RR-ur4kz Před rokem

      @eric archer * What book?

  • @MaxcineRobinson-gh4vz
    @MaxcineRobinson-gh4vz Před 28 dny

    Dapper Dan is a gift we need to listen to and learn from. Always keep your eyes on them

  • @ciegosanchez5289
    @ciegosanchez5289 Před 2 lety +9

    Living legend, such an important person in history. He really had a vision and was ahead of his time

  • @styledtothetop3579
    @styledtothetop3579 Před rokem +18

    This is OWNERSHIP… right down to the Harlem brownstone he still OWNS!!!!! Big name brands have stolen from Black people since the beginning of time. This is the full circle of karmic justice. Get yo money Dapp!!!

  • @williamsc2429
    @williamsc2429 Před rokem +10

    Man you should have kept that conversation GOING Jay!!!! 🔥 💎’s

  • @carrotjoy
    @carrotjoy Před rokem +7

    An amazing interview!! Dapper Dan is an exceptional man! His style and grace!Profound! 💐 Thank you. 💖 ✌🏽

  • @politehammer9714
    @politehammer9714 Před rokem +5

    OK! 🤯 Dapper just blew up the moment! 💣 💣 💣 💣# Ralph has 1 horse 🐎 THIS BLACK MAN HAS A HERD ! 🐎 🐎 🐎 🐎 🐎 🐎 🐎 # I'll buy BLACK!💯

  • @mikeparker7562
    @mikeparker7562 Před rokem +9

    An amazing man and I'm glad he is getting his props finally!!!

  • @kareemtaylor2555
    @kareemtaylor2555 Před rokem +2

    Definitely an icon. I grew up in jersey and NY and acknowledged the transformation of his success

  • @rollsroyce2627
    @rollsroyce2627 Před rokem +2

    Dapper Dan is a living legend!!! Much Respect to you my brother..✊🏾...
    Peace

  • @cirmeramalone9791
    @cirmeramalone9791 Před rokem +2

    DAPPER DAN STAND BY HIS TRUTH , AND HIS FACTS HIS HISTORICAL HISTORY OF CREATIVITY HISTORICAL. IS PHENOMENAL FOR THE HIP-HOP GENERATION AND THE CULTURAL STATUS OF BLACK AND AFRICAN AMERICANS AND ALL ALIKE # LETS REMEMBER AND RESPECT KEEPING HUMBLE.

  • @iwapelemovement
    @iwapelemovement Před rokem +1

    Phenomenal interview 👏🏿 🤴🏿 So glad our elder was given his credit while he's alive. He's so blessed to live to see us thrive and his personal success. He deserves this. His story broke my heart. I've people been through so much.

  • @Sister6
    @Sister6 Před rokem +5

    A classy, classy gentleman. He was kind enough to sign his book for my sons birthday several years ago. Thanks Again Mr. Dan

  • @patienceisavirtue
    @patienceisavirtue Před 2 lety +6

    BARS in the first few secs!!!!!

  • @johngillians1027
    @johngillians1027 Před rokem +5

    "Dapper Dan does not dictate fashion , He translates culture". He doesnt even seem to have a care that he has influenced the most powerful houses in the fashion world for over 35 years.

  • @carolyndarley1045
    @carolyndarley1045 Před rokem +1

    I demand a Dapper Dan Movie!! Dapp is the epitome of "Stay ready so u dont hafta get ready!!" When Gucci came to negotiate, his shop was ready, his samples were ready..and that mind was on point!!!

  • @MaxcineRobinson-gh4vz
    @MaxcineRobinson-gh4vz Před 28 dny

    I hate social media but love what it did for this great man. I want to thank the lord for him!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @23fredrick
    @23fredrick Před rokem +3

    Idk what it is about dapper dan but I love this guy and I hate the way these yound people dont give him the credit he deserves for the state tht fashion is in today all the different emblems and things over the clothes dapper dan started all tht

  • @staceydavis2016
    @staceydavis2016 Před rokem +6

    Great interview Dapper Dan was and still is the man.

  • @northernking2604
    @northernking2604 Před rokem +4

    Idc that alpo Louis vuitton coat is crazy! They need to bring it back

  • @tlqwtlqw6957
    @tlqwtlqw6957 Před 2 lety +8

    It's shows what direction individuals try to pull you stay grounded because you can always succeed if you believe . Powerful interview great interview 👏

  • @ButchBrown7
    @ButchBrown7 Před rokem +3

    Shout out Dapper Dan he talked about Images in Harlem I lived on 116th Street in the 60s. We had Malcolm X, Charles Rangel. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Percy Sutton etc. The Apollo Theater Moms Mabley. In living color regularly.

  • @davidrussell9730
    @davidrussell9730 Před rokem +2

    Never meet Dapper Dan, but he is a legion love his clothes and the style it represent with the era only Dapper Dan made the eighties gangster look phenomenal hood boutique.

  • @sabymindbiz
    @sabymindbiz Před rokem

    Dapper Dan is the man...the real deal! Much❤🙌🔥💐

  • @derricksimmons9057
    @derricksimmons9057 Před 5 měsíci

    He has my utmost respect. True inspiration.

  • @tvwithtiffani
    @tvwithtiffani Před 2 lety +12

    Is there an unedited version? I'd love to hear his whole perspective on this wonder range of topics. Thank you for this NPR

  • @shoptalk3067
    @shoptalk3067 Před 2 lety +5

    Dapper Dan is the template fashionably

  • @donaldedmond3294
    @donaldedmond3294 Před rokem +1

    Wesley Snipes went to jail for doing a documentary on Dr. John Henry Clarke. That documentary changed my life. I left the block n hit the book store. Been on point ever since.

  • @SalihARCrypto.i.o
    @SalihARCrypto.i.o Před rokem +3

    Excellent interviewer and the great Dapper Dan. Legendary.

  • @PRUNEAVENUE
    @PRUNEAVENUE Před rokem +2

    "Ralph gave you 1 horse, I gave you the whole herd!" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @dalebrown6148
    @dalebrown6148 Před rokem +6

    Great interview J. Will. Salute to you Dapper Dan!
    He's right about cancel culture. Jay-Z had that same idea when dealing with the NFL.

    • @RR-ur4kz
      @RR-ur4kz Před rokem

      @ Dale Brown * Please xpound on the JZ NFL deal you referenced. Thank U.

    • @dalebrown6148
      @dalebrown6148 Před rokem

      @@RR-ur4kz When Jay-z was in talks with the NFL commissioner during the "woke movements" (Ban the NFL, Colin Kaperneck not receiving tryout due to his protests, etc) people wanted to cancel Jay-z as if he was doing something wrong by negotiating a deal with the league. If what I typed is not a enough Google the selective outrage he received for yourself.

  • @claudephilips8468
    @claudephilips8468 Před 2 lety +6

    This was fantastic. Some of these edits seem like they came at real poignant moments though, it’s a shame!

  • @aliwalk5179
    @aliwalk5179 Před rokem +2

    Thank you for sharing 🔥 that was such an encouraging and motivating conversation 💘 it was really a Blessing. God bless you gentlemen 💨🎉🎉

  • @crystalriley9671
    @crystalriley9671 Před rokem +1

    Dapper Dan should be getting royalties for LV's and GG's entire clothing division.

  • @chickenallthetime5851
    @chickenallthetime5851 Před rokem +3

    Thank you Dapper Dan for sharing..appreciate it

  • @JakeHutcheson
    @JakeHutcheson Před 5 měsíci

    There’s a guy named Ansil Saunders, a bonefish guide from the Bahamas, who was guiding Martin Luther King Jr. On a fishing trip as he wrote the I have a dream speech. He also desegregated major parts of Bimini and is a community leader. I see so many similarities in Dapper Dan and Ansil Saunders after reading Dap’s book and watching this. I’d love for them to have a conversation together!

  • @rafaelcastillo3834
    @rafaelcastillo3834 Před 2 lety +5

    An excellent interview!

  • @lwfaine
    @lwfaine Před rokem

    so articulate --- thoughts, opinions, experiences -- sentences, paragraphs. such a creative talent. a national treasure

  • @chrisbullock6477
    @chrisbullock6477 Před 2 lety +6

    Can't believe that out of all the brothas they got to interview Dapper, they got DUKE alumni Jay!!?

  • @rayleroy2490
    @rayleroy2490 Před rokem +3

    Massive interview. Thank you J Will. 👏🏾

  • @arabionjames9290
    @arabionjames9290 Před rokem +1

    I see this brother some times when I am navigating the city.

  • @bobbachelor5930
    @bobbachelor5930 Před rokem +4

    Excellent interview.

  • @davidrussell9730
    @davidrussell9730 Před rokem +1

    Jason Williams you ask some brilliant questions never realize you were so deep with the social awareness of where black thought of today's youths should be heading.

    • @veronicaancrum4871
      @veronicaancrum4871 Před rokem

      Well Jason is dead wrong about looking up to Obama when he was just as bad if not worse than George W. Bush. Any black that supports white domination is pure trash and that includes the former president of American Express.

  • @schuylerhuff
    @schuylerhuff Před 2 lety +3

    Purely amazing... Thank you @NPR

  • @kennisespivey
    @kennisespivey Před rokem +1

    Ok k Unc getting your roses 🌹 now .. Harlem loves u always. Spiv would be proud

  • @alishashah7801
    @alishashah7801 Před rokem +3

    so good thanks

  • @ciegosanchez5289
    @ciegosanchez5289 Před 2 lety +4

    Dapper Dan is what Virgil is now. Visionaries

  • @AroundTheClockCano
    @AroundTheClockCano Před rokem

    Dapper Dan so much influence and knowledge

  • @StackhatsZPS
    @StackhatsZPS Před rokem +2

    Love this interview.. Dap is a legend.. Interesting at 21:25 he didn't answer the question at all..lol

  • @carlmallory3319
    @carlmallory3319 Před rokem +1

    I watched this interview twice. The fashion “GoD” himself. Great interview.

  • @tgrace333
    @tgrace333 Před 2 lety +4

    beautiful interview 🖤

  • @876hkpm
    @876hkpm Před rokem

    The first 5 min and the last 5 min are full of gems on the way to approach life.

  • @Petermomo5050
    @Petermomo5050 Před rokem

    Wow! So Powerful these types of interviews make things exist.

  • @Lars-A.
    @Lars-A. Před rokem +4

    Shot out to J Will for his current work, we see you!

  • @patriciajenkins832
    @patriciajenkins832 Před rokem +1

    Wow!!! Beautiful Man, Thank You for your Vision, Vitality, Intelligence, Fashion, etc...Above All Love for your People😇💝☝️🙏💯💋🥰🤗🤔

  • @lastchargemusic
    @lastchargemusic Před 2 lety +3

    Amazing interview.

  • @thepurpleone5959
    @thepurpleone5959 Před rokem +3

    Great interview ❤️

  • @Alvin-dg9pq
    @Alvin-dg9pq Před rokem +1

    Man is super fly and suuuper wise!

  • @traviswooten5872
    @traviswooten5872 Před rokem +2

    Great conversation.👏🏿👍🏿✊🏿🖤

  • @wendycampbell1949
    @wendycampbell1949 Před rokem

    Great interview. I call my young men, "Dapper Dans.". An Iconic, intelligent and Brave brother. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!!! We love you. Teach! Teach!

  • @emmanueleyiah5514
    @emmanueleyiah5514 Před měsícem

    Much respect ✊🏿❤to you SIR DAPPER DAN

  • @50ishsophisticate33
    @50ishsophisticate33 Před rokem

    This a great interview! Great questions

  • @carlettagoodrich-mann1377

    Beyond behind the camera. Narrative’s that showcase and highlight black and brown emancipation after the preamble . Freedom is ignited with academics. Explore cultural Domains and intellectual circles.

  • @mannyfresh1706
    @mannyfresh1706 Před rokem +1

    Good interview!🫡💯 Dapper Dan is always inspiration……..🤟🏾🖖🏾

  • @lawearsmith9851
    @lawearsmith9851 Před rokem +1

    Knowledge wisdom understanding thank you for sharing

  • @dmdunn78
    @dmdunn78 Před měsícem

    Great interview!!

  • @MargeryHannah
    @MargeryHannah Před rokem

    A brilliant visionary. Many pose, but Dapper Dan is the real deal. Pure genius.

  • @joycefrala5955
    @joycefrala5955 Před rokem

    Oh my WORD!!!! THIS INTERVIEW WAS PRICELESS!!! Though I have yet to find "MINE," There is too me, NO FINER MAN THAN A BLACK MAN WHO IS ALSO A VISIONARY SUCH AS THIS EVER SO BLACK MAN IN THE PERSON OF "DAPPER DAN!". THE FIRST BLACK MAN, ( SECOND ONLY TO MY FATHER ( CLARENCE KING, SR.) WHO CAPTURED MY UNDERSTANDING AS "I" UNDERSTOOD THINGS TO BE, DURING THE MID 1950's; WAS THE LATE GREAT HONORABLE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE; THURGOOD MARSHALL!!! "SEPARATE BUT EQUAL!"

  • @deborahcox8285
    @deborahcox8285 Před rokem +1

    I shopped Dapper Dan fashion and loved it!

  • @aleasemontgomery7845
    @aleasemontgomery7845 Před rokem

    This was one of the most informative educational interviews I’ve seen in a very long time. This is an intelligent brother with vision. A lot of the demise in the African American community comes from naysayers and people with Crab Syndrome. Thank you Dapper Dan, keep shining 🌟❤️🙏🏾✝️

  • @infoya392
    @infoya392 Před rokem

    Incredible work

  • @boskey10200
    @boskey10200 Před měsícem

    Great interview

  • @incognegro1206
    @incognegro1206 Před rokem +1

    Amazing inspiration

  • @misterjahi
    @misterjahi Před rokem +1

    That opening statement. The culture.

  • @elizahhoward3923
    @elizahhoward3923 Před 2 lety +4

    I didn't realize Virgil abloh bit off of dapper dan

  • @achaney
    @achaney Před rokem

    Great interview. Fascinating man

  • @blakbuttaflyz
    @blakbuttaflyz Před rokem

    DAP YOU DID THAT ..Harlem we love😎💝😎 you ,

  • @PrettyGurlsRock12
    @PrettyGurlsRock12 Před 9 měsíci

    I love this man! Very wise!

  • @kennisespivey
    @kennisespivey Před rokem

    So much inspiration

  • @marlowharris-id3rg
    @marlowharris-id3rg Před rokem

    I'm looking forward to hear some more about dapper Dan.

  • @carlettagoodrich-mann1377

    Malcolm was current If you want to know about the flower cultivate the seed.

  • @sidvicious647
    @sidvicious647 Před rokem

    Thanks Dapper & J.

  • @dontapolite2832
    @dontapolite2832 Před rokem

    Big Respect to O.G. so much Wisdom!!

  • @sivuyilecelu1876
    @sivuyilecelu1876 Před rokem

    Much love from South Africa ❤️🌍🇿🇦.....

  • @Diamond-Essence
    @Diamond-Essence Před rokem

    legendary come up!

  • @webertmathieu5427
    @webertmathieu5427 Před rokem

    26:40 I've always needed this to be answered.

  • @trevorzane272
    @trevorzane272 Před rokem +4

    He literally birthed the style the world uses now .... There been no lil Kim's or Nicki Minaj without this man's impact.

  • @brentdixon8340
    @brentdixon8340 Před rokem

    Great interview and Dapper Dan made a lot of profound statements.