Hip hop culture has become a rich part of the Rainier Valley Community over the last couple of decades. The urban styles that accompany the hip hop culture are all the rage, and the Rainier Valley has a great selection of clothing, shoes, salons, auto detail shops, recording studios and more to keep you in the know for current styles and trends.
Hip hop started in New York in the 1970s but has made its way around the world. It's a very popular culture, not just a fashion or musical genre. According to Webster's Dictionary, the complex hip hop culture includes four elements: Deejaying, rapping, graffiti, and dance.
Without the right outfit none of the four elements would be complete. While my friends would not call me a hip hop fashion expert, they did turn me on to some great shops in the Valley that I wanted to share with readers.
Platinum Plush is a hip hop clothing store located at 6511 MLK Jr. Way South. Nikita Mathis has been working hard to make sure her store is still accessible during Sound Transit construction, and she has come up with some great marketing ideas to keep the products moving off the shelves. Mathis offers personal shopper services, door to door delivery, and she takes her clothing on the road to many of the local salons.
A few months ago Mathis planned a block party that featured music, food, specialty cars, clothing and a great way to see what her store had to offer. Coming soon is her second annual customer appreciation night on November 18. She'll have vendors such as Pro-Keds Footline, Timberland Footware and Universal Record represented as well as a ton of other clothing, music and fun.
If you want to know more about her upcoming event you can reach Mathis at 721-7774 or www.buyplatinumplush.com. Mathis offers great specialty airbrush designs, but don't forget that she also carries shoes, shirts, sunglasses, jeans and more.
If you are looking for hip hop clothing for men, NY Finest might be your choice located at 7630 Rainier Ave. S. They carry a large selection of tennis shoes, great hooded sweatshirts, Polos, and ROC t-shirts. They also have a nice selection of jeans. With three locations - Kent, Tacoma and the Rainier Valley - you can find the latest trends for a great price.
Master Piece Motors owned by Joey Smith has been operating out of its current location since 2004. Smith specializes in rims for your tricked-out vehicle. Masterpiece Motors also offers stereos, tires, nurfbars, custom grills, lights and can special order almost any kind of item for your vehicle.
Masterpiece Motors also supports community events and is the sponsor of the Central District Panthers Football team. Smith partners with other businesses in the area for installation services and has a great business operation at 7636 Rainier Ave. S. For more information you can go to their website at www.myspace.com/masterpiecemotors.com.
Upcoming Events
The Rainier Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a networking and information event for businesses and organizations in the Rainier Valley on November 9. There will be information for businesses regarding the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund loan programs, community loyalty card, community directory and membership information about the chamber.
The event is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. at the Columbia City Cinema located at 4816 Rainier Avenue South. Come and find out ways your business can benefit from the Rainier Valley Marketing Campaign. For more information contact the chamber offices at 725-2010.
Tiffany Crosby may be reached via editor@sdistrictjournal.com.
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