That's the only direction I can see you taking it beyond what others have said. There is something to be said about rap'sinfuence on this, as indeed rap really facilitated vicarious listening. But remember when LL had his shirt off? That was still aimed at the ladies.

Perhaps this can be attributed to general social insecurities which have been nurtured by a media that constantly bombards us with messages of self doubt. I mean remember ruff ryder chains. Chains for dudes to buy. Of course before that was Wu-Wear. These things whent beyond mere merch because wearing them was supposed to associate you with the crew. You're just as hard as them. Posturing. These things started taking precedant. The music you listened to being reflective of not what you like musically but *who* you were.

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