For most people, it’s nearly impossible to recall a time when rap wasn’t all we listened to, the most popular genre, as well as the driving force behind modern-day culture. Once a niche style of music that’s now gone global by notably cementing itself as a real era-defining genre, the movement, which made its first few steps in the 1970s before going through a Golden Age from the 1990s all the way up to today, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, calling on all amateurs and professionals to pay homage to its roots, its impact, and its overall influence. From listeners to performers, dedicated media, and specialized journalists, hip-hop’s 50th birthday represents a dear and utmost important moment in the arena of the arts; and luxury fashion retail platform Farfetch has decided to mark the occasion with a celebratory release of limited edition vinyls.
Joining forces with one of the game’s biggest legends Nas, graffiti icon Futura, and streetwear brand 12ON12, the four-way collaboration includes a three-part vinyl drop, dubbed “Farfetch Beat 010” which combines the realms of art, music, and cultural expression together whilst placing a specific onus on certain defining aspects of hip-hop in particular.
In a commemorative effort towards the cultural pillars of MC-ing, graffiti, and turntablism, each discipline’s essence was carefully collected and coalesced into a vinyl record, a medium that once stood at the heart of the movement, especially throughout its inception.
Coming as an honorific sign of respect to the former tool of conveyance of the genre, “Farfetch Beat 010” will be comprised of an original piece of art, a set of three separate vinyl drops, including a limited set of 12 art prints hand-finished by Futura and co-signed by Nas, as well as a limited edition of 20 vinyl records, co-signed by both artists. What’s more, the former Wu-Tang Clan member curated an exclusive 12on12 vinyl collection featuring the 12 most influential hip-hop tracks of the past five decades, all of which would have shaped the trajectory of the genre in one capacity or the other.
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“In celebration of the now 50th year of hip-hop, I am excited to participate with Nas in the release of this ‘12 on 12’; a compilation of selected tracks from the history of this movement. The cover artwork, and hand styles are a nod to my past and a reflection of the future,” said Futura in a shared statement.
Set to release over the next six months, three separate types of vinyl will be available to purchase, with the final version culminating in an original triptych design titled “FUTURE LOOK FOR FLASH,” rendering the cover to soon be considered a piece of art in its own right, with each copy sold accompanied by the artist’s edition pieces, including a limited set of 12 prints hand-finished by Futura and co-signed by Nas.
