Words By Jason Hortillas

Fitteds.

With out elaborating you already know what I’m talking about.

Moreover, if you’re reading this you’re probably rocking one right now. With more influence than actual baseball players, Hip-Hop icons set the trend and even wearing your cap to the back is associated with the culture. Today, artists blissfully follow the Gene Simmons mantra of merchandising, planning clothing lines simultaneously with album releases.

For the less fiscally adventurous, small runs of accessory items such as fitteds become the smart choice to stitch your name on the industry, so to speak. The following are such examples and although there are definitely more to mention, these particular hats fit the criteria.

Clipse Commonwealth New Era Fitted

Clipse Commonwealth New Era Fitted

Not necessarily a stone’s throw away from Virginia Beach, Washington DC boutique Commonwealth gets down with The Re-Up gang on the project. Malice & Pusha-T, more known for rocking Bape via their Pharrell ties, go domestic with this project. Released in three different styles, the under-bill monogram is a great touch. This dropped last year in anticipation to their most recent album, Hell Hath No Fury. [www.cmonwealth.com]

Ghostface Swagger/Frank 151 New Era Fitted

Ghostface Swagger/Frank 151 New Era Fitted

So nice they had to collabo twice, the Wally Champ fitted is one of those eBay favorites reaching up to $300+ to get your mitts on the piece. Initial glances would suggest this is simply a Wu-Tang cap. Nothing wrong with that, but whispers of Jazzy Jeff directing you to “now turn the cap,” reveal the GFK logo stitched quite nicely. If you rock your cap to the back like a Major League catcher or a beer pong frat boy then this is your shit. This was released when Toney Starks toured Japan and sold out instantly. [www.hypebeast.com]

J Dilla "The Shinning" New Era

J Dilla “The Shinning” New Era Fitted

This was originally released in late 2006 in honor of both the passing of Dilla as well as the release of the his BBE album release, The Shining. Purchases included the CD with the maroon colorway and the instrumental CD for the black. The entire back section is monogrammed in gold foil, with a right side stitch of the album title and a crest in front depicting a silhouette of an adolescent Dilla. Proceeds from sales went to the J Dilla Foundation which raises money for Lupus research, making the $74 price tag well worth it. [caphappy.blogspot.com]

9 Grand New Era "Wings-N-Things"

9 Grand New Era "Wings-N-Things"

9 Grand “Wings-N-Things” New Era

AKA The “Bun B/International Players Anthem” Fitted

Bun had me fooled. I thought those rounded letters on his cap in the video for “International Players Anthem” were two letter “B’s.” Apparently they make out “9G” for 9 Grand, creators of the cap. The predominately white cap is added with purple stitching of a crown and wings alluding to a feel of regalia. Underneath the bill, the purple paisley would do Prince proud. The limited release of the Bun B version came and went due to their short run of the product. Rumors suggest a re-release but in the meantime make sure your Paypal is in order cause you’re going to have to cough up duckets for this bucket. [www.strictlyfitteds.com]