I’m the biggest original Star Wars trilogy fan you’ll meet (well the biggest one that raps for a living). The fact that I even had to distinguish between the old ones and the new ones in my opening sentence tells you I take it seriously. Things I can not take seriously are these new collaborations between Lucasfilm and any clothing company with enough paper to license his empire. Possibly on a real subconcious level, some of what’s fueling my contempt for these designs is that they’re marketed towards “hip-hop.” Fitted caps and sneakers. Tracksuits. I can’t get over it, and maybe that’s the underlying reason because I almost sold Logan to get Xavier the Star Wars Pottery Barn bedroom set…and he doesn’t know Tatooine’s Luke Skywalker from Miami’s Luke Skywalker. Pottery Barn ain’t hip-hop. The latest culprits certainly are or at least pretend to be (Marc Ecko, Adidas, New Era). Hmmm below, witness some truly awful clothing. I will say this, contrary to the point of the post, the last image here captures some really outstanding kicks, and I want them.

HANDS DOWN THE MOST RIDICULOUS ITEM I HAVE EVER SEEN

OK, SCRATCH THAT. THIS IS THE MOST RIDICULOUS.

MAYBE FOR A SCARECROW BUT THAT'S IT

ALMOST PASSES AS A REGULAR JACKET, IF YOU IGNORE THE PLASTIC BLAST SHIELD SEWN INTO THE HOOD

KNOCK IT OFF

There’s always an exception though, so I will say this…I’d slaughter a tribe of Jawas for these…these were done well:

A+++ I'D OPEN A TAUN-TAUN FOR THESE (NO BEASTO)

Guess what? I’m in a new book called “How To Rap: The Art and Science of the Hip-Hop MC.” I’m very happy to be a part of it and can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. I have yet to thumb through the book, but according to the index on Amazon, you can find me on pgs. 26, 28, 66, 76, 100, 146, 165, 256, 263-264, 269, 296, 314, and 321. I can’t wait to see what I had to say about “how to rap.” Thanks to the author Paul Edwards for reaching out to me for a contribution, it’s an honor.

His words: “Esoteric’s advice and guidance on MCing is featured in the new book, “How to Rap: The Art and Science of the Hip-Hop MC”. He appears alongside 103 other artists who were also interviewed exclusively for the book, including Chuck D of Public Enemy, Big Daddy Kane, will-i-am, Kool G Rap, Mobb Deep, Nelly, Masta Ace, Twista, Jurassic 5, Blackalicious, and Dilated Peoples.”

Available at all good bookstores, or from amazon.com at –
 http://www.amazon.com/How-Rap-Art-Science-Hip-Hop/dp/1556528167

For more info on the book, visit - http://www.howtorapbook.com/