Pop Smoke X Vlone King Of NY: The Legacy That Redefined Streetwear
Pop Smoke X Vlone King Of NY: The Legacy That Redefined Streetwear
When you think about the intersection of hip-hop and streetwear, certain names stand out like neon signs in the city that never sleeps. One of those names is Pop Smoke — the late Brooklyn drill king whose voice echoed through boroughs and whose style turned heads worldwide. Another is Vlone — the raw, unapologetic streetwear label founded by A$AP Bari that’s become synonymous with the spirit of rebellious New York youth.
Together, Pop Smoke X Vlone King Of NY isn’t just a collaboration — it’s a cultural statement that lives on, transcending music and fashion to remind a generation what it means to be a legend.
The Rise of Pop Smoke: A King Crowned Early
Before we break down the hoodie or tee that carries his name, you need to understand the weight behind Pop Smoke’s legacy. Born Bashar Vlone Weeknd Barakah Jackson in Canarsie, Brooklyn, Pop Smoke rose from obscurity to the face of Brooklyn drill in what seemed like overnight.
Hits like “Dior” and “Welcome to the Party” turned him into the city’s new sound — gritty, booming, and distinctly New York. He was the King of NY in the eyes of many before he was old enough to legally drink. And he wore that crown proudly — gold chains, Dior kicks, Off-White fits, and yes — Vlone draped on his back.
Vlone: The Streetwear Banner of the Rebels
Vlone didn’t need an introduction in Pop Smoke’s world — it was already there. Founded by A$AP Bari, with early ties to A$AP Rocky and the A$AP Mob, Vlone is streetwear stripped to its core: black tees, bold graphics, and that unmistakable “V” stamped on the back like a badge of mischief.
Vlone is for the streets, by the streets. It’s worn by kids skating on abandoned lots, rappers pulling up to photo shoots, and artists like Pop Smoke who made the brand feel like a uniform for the culture.
The Collaboration: More Than Merch
The Pop Smoke X Vlone King Of NY collection was never about profit. It was a tribute. After Pop’s tragic passing in 2020, Vlone dropped this capsule as an homage — a way to immortalize his name through the threads of streetwear history.
Each piece screams loyalty to the Woo — Pop’s crew and catchphrase that became a global chant. The designs pull from his iconic lyrics, photos, and the gritty energy of Brooklyn’s drill scene. And above all, they stamp him as the King of NY forever.
Breaking Down the King Of NY Tee
Let’s get into the piece itself — the King Of NY Tee. Black is the canvas — naturally. On the front, a stylized image of Pop, often masked up or decked in ice. Some editions carry his lyrics scrawled in that signature gothic Vlone typeface. On the back? The massive orange or white Vlone “V” — a symbol recognized from Flatbush to Paris Fashion Week.
This tee isn’t just cotton — it’s a wearable piece of Pop’s legend. It’s an anthem for the youth who grew up blasting “Dior” in their headphones, dreaming of turning their blocks into stages.
A Hoodie For the Winter Kings
The hoodie version hits harder in the winter months. Heavyweight, oversized, and always black — because real New Yorkers know black matches everything. The same motifs appear: Pop’s face, “King Of NY” lettering, the unmistakable “V” on the back.
When you slip it on, it feels like armor. A way to carry Pop’s legacy through the cold, concrete jungle. For many fans, it’s more than a hoodie — it’s a piece of history.
Symbolism In Every Stitch
What makes the Pop Smoke X Vlone King Of NY so powerful is its symbolism. It’s not loud with colors — instead, it’s loud in meaning. It reminds the world that Pop Smoke’s voice didn’t get silenced with his passing — it echoes every time someone wears that tee down Fulton Street or Times Square.
It’s a rebellion against forgetting. A reminder that kings may fall, but crowns get passed down through music, through words, through the threads on our backs.
Pop’s Fashion Legacy
Long before the collab dropped, Pop Smoke was a trendsetter. He blurred the lines between luxury and street. Dior sunglasses one day, Vlone hoodies the next, designer kicks and jewelry that made headlines.
In interviews, Pop spoke about his love for mixing high-end with hood classics. It wasn’t about labels for him — it was about attitude. And Vlone, with its raw edge and simple statements, fit him perfectly.
Why It Still Matters
Years later, the King Of NY collection still sells out within minutes when drops reappear. Secondhand prices skyrocket. Fans worldwide hunt for authentic pieces like they’re relics — because to many, they are.
It’s a testament to the power of streetwear when it’s connected to real stories. Not just hype for hype’s sake — but hype rooted in culture, struggle, and raw talent that left too soon.
How To Style It
If you’re lucky enough to own a Pop Smoke X Vlone King Of NY piece, the rule is simple: let it speak for itself. Pair the tee with distressed denim, Timberlands or clean AF1s. Keep the hoodie oversized, layered under a puffer if the New York chill demands it.
No chains required — but Pop would approve if you iced it out a bit.
The Community Lives On
Vlone drops come and go, but the community around them is forever. Meetups at pop-ups, resale groups, fans sharing memories of blasting Pop Smoke tracks at parties — it’s all part of what keeps the King Of NY alive.
Every fit pic posted on Instagram with the Vlone “V” tagged is another brick in Pop’s ever-growing empire.
Where To Find It
Missed the original drop? Don’t stress. Pieces float around on trusted resell sites like Grailed, StockX, or hidden gems on Instagram resellers. But beware the fakes — Vlone is one of the most bootlegged brands on the planet.
Check your tags, stitching, print quality. Real Vlone carries weight — literally and figuratively.
Beyond Fashion: A Cultural Time Capsule
In the end, the Pop Smoke X Vlone King Of NY collection is more than streetwear. It’s a time capsule — a piece of Brooklyn’s drill wave frozen in fabric.
It’s a reminder of a 20-year-old kid from Canarsie who roared onto the world stage, changed the sound of hip-hop, and taught his fans to move different — even if they never left the block.
Long Live The Woo
So when you see someone rocking that big “V” and Pop’s face across their chest, know it’s not just for style points. It’s a salute. A nod that says, “Long Live the Woo.”
Pop Smoke may be gone, but the King of NY reigns every time the bass drops and the streets wake up to his anthems. And thanks to Vlone, his crown sits on thousands of shoulders across the globe — a constant reminder that legends never die.