Dapper Dan on hip-hop fashion, Harlem history and constant reinvention | The Limits

On today's episode of The Limits, Jay talks to legendary fashion innovator, Dapper Dan. For over five decades, "Dap" has revolutionized the way hip-hop and fashion have influenced each other, dressing the likes of Eric B. and Rakim, LL Cool J and Salt-N-Pepa. He also always makes sure everything goes down in his native Harlem, where Jay met up with him.
Once a gambling prodigy, Dap briefly went to prison on drug charges, but he came out with a renewed respect for Black culture and sensibilities. He started dressing gangsters and hustlers, and gained popularity for repurposing the logos of brands like Gucci for hip-hop icons.
When the brands and the FBI came after his namesake Harlem store, it seemed like Dap would have to shut down for good. But he remained a cultural fixture, and in one of life's great ironies, built a new chapter in his career in a 2017 partnership with Gucci.
At 77, Dap thinks like a historian, relating everything he has made to the musical and cultural movements of the time. He tells Jay how Harlem has evolved, how he's managed to always look forward, and who he sees as this generation's successor to his vision.
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WHAT IS “THE LIMITS WITH JAY WILLIAMS”?
Today, the art of celebrity doesn't look like it used to. Now, it's all about betting on yourself and expanding your personal brand-sometimes even beyond your comfort zone. Few understand the art of rebounding your life better than Williams, now an author, entrepreneur and ESPN host. Each week, he'll go deep with heavy-hitters from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and pop culture to understand the principles of faith, vision, and grit they live by in order to see past doubt and build their empires. From rappers-to-moguls, to talk show hosts-turned-CEOs, you'll learn the ways that successful people define, push, and conquer their limits. Email us at [e-mail].
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VIDEO CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
4:59 - The evolution of Harlem
7:56 - The blueprint behind Dap’s vision
15:21 - Dap’s early fashion career and influence on hip-hop
18:48 - The FBI raids Dap’s Harlem boutique
21:52 - Internet outrage sparks a new Gucci partnership
31:29 - What cancel culture gets wrong

[@atifhameen196]

Dapper Dan doesn't dictate fashion he translates culture! Genius! The sage of Harlem.

[@briansnyder1641]

The legend, the icon my inspiration!!!

[@KaffeinatedENT]

Dapper Dan should be talked about way more! He is a fashion icon! I hope to see a Dapper Dan Brand one day.

[@incognegro1206]

Andre wore his fashion

[@kevinhoyle8367]

His Dap Hoodies by Gap are the S#!+

[@johnlock9318]

Dapper Dan is The Epitome of #FLY💯👍

[@RR-ur4kz]

💯💯

[@debrabest5035]

HE HAS A LINE, NAS ( THE RAPPER) WEARS HIS EYES ARE!!!!!! THIS IS ONE SHARP DUDE, RIGHT HERE🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@lorenzobaines6222]

My dude. Sharp as a tack. Always. A genius beyond compare. Hip hop is Dapper Dan and Dapper Dan is Hip hop.

[@jacquelinemanley8545]

I agree my dad was born 1919 in GA. Plowed a mule and picked cotton the last of 13children he moved to NJ in 1939 and got a job at AT&T as a Arc Welder from 1939-1984 in 1952 he had a black contractor build him a brand new house i still have the blue print dady went to the 11th grade and like your dad mine never complained about his hardship down south i asked him why his answer was no point can't do anything about it you must look forward not backward what you said reminded me of my father they don't have those kind of black men so rare thank you sir God bless

[@wendycampbell1949]

I love this interview. I remember using the phrase "Dapper Dan" but I didn't know it was a brilliant, brave, black brother. God bless you Brother Man.

[@gifted14sho]

Dapper Dan the Icon, the legend, the realist!🥰✊🏾🙏🏾

[@liveinviolet2908]

I learned so much listening to this interview with Dapper Dan. I always heard of his legacy, but never heard his story. much, much love and blessings ✨

[@thepurpleone5959]

You should read his memoir.

[@bwell6941]

You would enjoy his book…😊

[@Karess8701]

This was a powerful interview, that I gain such a great perspective from! Motivating while honoring greatness!

[@roberthemedes1064]

I always admired Dapper Dan but this interview was just so insightful and powerful to listen. Everything he said still can be applied to any career/industry today. He persevered in remaining relevant by constantly reinventing himself.

[@msway836]

Jay is a good interviewer he lets the host allow things to flow and allow them to put the framework together. Most interviewers, have to focus on themselves and how smart they are...

[@charlesbanks7715]

This is a dope interview. I remember 88 living in New Jersey and seemed like if you wanted to get sharp everyone I spoke with said Dapper Dan's was the place to go. Great to hear that he's still doing it in 2022

[@epicwizedome]

As a child and teenager even an adult, I still want one of his jackets. His imagination was and is legendary. He so fly!!! Love the interview.

[@ciegosanchez5289]

Living legend, such an important person in history. He really had a vision and was ahead of his time

[@23fredrick]

Idk what it is about dapper dan but I love this guy and I hate the way these yound people dont give him the credit he deserves for the state tht fashion is in today all the different emblems and things over the clothes dapper dan started all tht

[@politehammer9714]

OK! 🤯 Dapper just blew up the moment! 💣 💣 💣 💣# Ralph has 1 horse 🐎 THIS BLACK MAN HAS A HERD ! 🐎 🐎 🐎 🐎 🐎 🐎 🐎 # I'll buy BLACK!💯

[@easy8325]

I read that book in a day in a half. It was amazing.

[@RR-ur4kz]

@eric archer * What book?

[@carrotjoy]

An amazing interview!! Dapper Dan is an exceptional man! His style and grace!Profound! 💐 Thank you. 💖 ✌🏽

[@williamsc2429]

Man you should have kept that conversation GOING Jay!!!! 🔥 💎’s

[@styledtothetop3579]

This is OWNERSHIP… right down to the Harlem brownstone he still OWNS!!!!! Big name brands have stolen from Black people since the beginning of time. This is the full circle of karmic justice. Get yo money Dapp!!!

[@lakeisharobinson2132]

Straight Facts!!!!

[@mikeparker7562]

An amazing man and I'm glad he is getting his props finally!!!

[@RR-ur4kz]

Me 2

[@joycefrala5955]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@iwapelemovement]

Phenomenal interview 👏🏿 🤴🏿 So glad our elder was given his credit while he's alive. He's so blessed to live to see us thrive and his personal success. He deserves this. His story broke my heart. I've people been through so much.

[@carolyndarley1045]

I demand a Dapper Dan Movie!! Dapp is the epitome of "Stay ready so u dont hafta get ready!!" When Gucci came to negotiate, his shop was ready, his samples were ready..and that mind was on point!!!

[@johngillians1027]

"Dapper Dan does not dictate fashion , He translates culture". He doesnt even seem to have a care that he has influenced the most powerful houses in the fashion world for over 35 years.

[@cirmeramalone9791]

DAPPER DAN STAND BY HIS TRUTH , AND HIS FACTS HIS HISTORICAL HISTORY OF CREATIVITY HISTORICAL. IS PHENOMENAL FOR THE HIP-HOP GENERATION AND THE CULTURAL STATUS OF BLACK AND AFRICAN AMERICANS AND ALL ALIKE # LETS REMEMBER AND RESPECT KEEPING HUMBLE.

[@kareemtaylor2555]

Definitely an icon. I grew up in jersey and NY and acknowledged the transformation of his success

[@patienceisavirtue]

BARS in the first few secs!!!!!

[@northernking2604]

Idc that alpo Louis vuitton coat is crazy! They need to bring it back

[@rollsroyce2627]

Dapper Dan is a living legend!!! Much Respect to you my brother..✊🏾... Peace

[@staceydavis2016]

Great interview Dapper Dan was and still is the man.

[@Sister6]

A classy, classy gentleman. He was kind enough to sign his book for my sons birthday several years ago. Thanks Again Mr. Dan

[@PRUNEAVENUE]

"Ralph gave you 1 horse, I gave you the whole herd!" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tlqwtlqw6957]

It's shows what direction individuals try to pull you stay grounded because you can always succeed if you believe . Powerful interview great interview 👏

[@MaxcineRobinson-gh4vz]

Dapper Dan is a gift we need to listen to and learn from. Always keep your eyes on them

[@Salih.EduBlock]

Excellent interviewer and the great Dapper Dan. Legendary.

[@Debbiediamond0310]

Is it an Autobiography?

[@ButchBrown7]

Shout out Dapper Dan he talked about Images in Harlem I lived on 116th Street in the 60s. We had Malcolm X, Charles Rangel. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Percy Sutton etc. The Apollo Theater Moms Mabley. In living color regularly.

[@bobbachelor5930]

Excellent interview.

[@rafaelcastillo3834]

An excellent interview!

[@shoptalk3067]

Dapper Dan is the template fashionably

[@crystalriley9671]

Dapper Dan should be getting royalties for LV's and GG's entire clothing division.

[@tvwithtiffani]

Is there an unedited version? I'd love to hear his whole perspective on this wonder range of topics. Thank you for this NPR

[@MaxcineRobinson-gh4vz]

I hate social media but love what it did for this great man. I want to thank the lord for him!!!!!!!!!!!

[@davidrussell9730]

Never meet Dapper Dan, but he is a legion love his clothes and the style it represent with the era only Dapper Dan made the eighties gangster look phenomenal hood boutique.

[@chickenallthetime5851]

Thank you Dapper Dan for sharing..appreciate it

[@dalebrown6148]

Great interview J. Will. Salute to you Dapper Dan! He's right about cancel culture. Jay-Z had that same idea when dealing with the NFL.

[@RR-ur4kz]

@ Dale Brown * Please xpound on the JZ NFL deal you referenced. Thank U.

[@dalebrown6148]

@@RR-ur4kz When Jay-z was in talks with the NFL commissioner during the "woke movements" (Ban the NFL, Colin Kaperneck not receiving tryout due to his protests, etc) people wanted to cancel Jay-z as if he was doing something wrong by negotiating a deal with the league. If what I typed is not a enough Google the selective outrage he received for yourself.

[@claudephilips8468]

This was fantastic. Some of these edits seem like they came at real poignant moments though, it’s a shame!

[@rayleroy2490]

Massive interview. Thank you J Will. 👏🏾

[@alishashah7801]

so good thanks

[@carlmallory3319]

I watched this interview twice. The fashion “GoD” himself. Great interview.

[@aliwalk5179]

Thank you for sharing 🔥 that was such an encouraging and motivating conversation 💘 it was really a Blessing. God bless you gentlemen 💨🎉🎉

[@schuylerhuff]

Purely amazing... Thank you @NPR

[@ciegosanchez5289]

Dapper Dan is what Virgil is now. Visionaries

[@chrisbullock6477]

Can't believe that out of all the brothas they got to interview Dapper, they got DUKE alumni Jay!!?

[@brandonjackson3641]

What's wrong he's not hip enough lol 🤣😂?

[@plantpapi614]

Why not, hip hop doesn’t embrace him.

[@sabymindbiz]

Dapper Dan is the man...the real deal! Much❤🙌🔥💐

[@lwfaine]

so articulate --- thoughts, opinions, experiences -- sentences, paragraphs. such a creative talent. a national treasure

[@Lars-A.]

Shot out to J Will for his current work, we see you!

[@tgrace333]

beautiful interview 🖤

[@Alvin-dg9pq]

Man is super fly and suuuper wise!

[@kennisespivey]

Ok k Unc getting your roses 🌹 now .. Harlem loves u always. Spiv would be proud

[@StackhatsZPS]

Love this interview.. Dap is a legend.. Interesting at 21:25 he didn't answer the question at all..lol

[@traviswooten5872]

Great conversation.👏🏿👍🏿✊🏿🖤

[@derricksimmons9057]

He has my utmost respect. True inspiration.

[@arabionjames9290]

I see this brother some times when I am navigating the city.

[@davidrussell9730]

Jason Williams you ask some brilliant questions never realize you were so deep with the social awareness of where black thought of today's youths should be heading.

[@veronicaancrum4871]

Well Jason is dead wrong about looking up to Obama when he was just as bad if not worse than George W. Bush. Any black that supports white domination is pure trash and that includes the former president of American Express.

[@thepurpleone5959]

Great interview ❤️

[@lastchargemusic]

Amazing interview.

[@Petermomo5050]

Wow! So Powerful these types of interviews make things exist.

[@wendycampbell1949]

Great interview. I call my young men, "Dapper Dans.". An Iconic, intelligent and Brave brother. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!!! We love you. Teach! Teach!

[@50ishsophisticate33]

This a great interview! Great questions

[@dmdunn78]

Great interview!!

[@mannyfresh1706]

Good interview!🫡💯 Dapper Dan is always inspiration……..🤟🏾🖖🏾

[@876hkpm]

The first 5 min and the last 5 min are full of gems on the way to approach life.

[@donaldedmond3294]

Wesley Snipes went to jail for doing a documentary on Dr. John Henry Clarke. That documentary changed my life. I left the block n hit the book store. Been on point ever since.

[@aleasemontgomery7845]

This was one of the most informative educational interviews I’ve seen in a very long time. This is an intelligent brother with vision. A lot of the demise in the African American community comes from naysayers and people with Crab Syndrome. Thank you Dapper Dan, keep shining 🌟❤️🙏🏾✝️

[@lawearsmith9851]

Knowledge wisdom understanding thank you for sharing

[@joycefrala5955]

Oh my WORD!!!! THIS INTERVIEW WAS PRICELESS!!! Though I have yet to find "MINE," There is too me, NO FINER MAN THAN A BLACK MAN WHO IS ALSO A VISIONARY SUCH AS THIS EVER SO BLACK MAN IN THE PERSON OF "DAPPER DAN!". THE FIRST BLACK MAN, ( SECOND ONLY TO MY FATHER ( CLARENCE KING, SR.) WHO CAPTURED MY UNDERSTANDING AS "I" UNDERSTOOD THINGS TO BE, DURING THE MID 1950's; WAS THE LATE GREAT HONORABLE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE; THURGOOD MARSHALL!!! "SEPARATE BUT EQUAL!"

[@boskey10200]

Great interview

[@carlettagoodrich-mann1377]

Beyond behind the camera. Narrative’s that showcase and highlight black and brown emancipation after the preamble . Freedom is ignited with academics. Explore cultural Domains and intellectual circles.

[@patriciajenkins832]

Wow!!! Beautiful Man, Thank You for your Vision, Vitality, Intelligence, Fashion, etc...Above All Love for your People😇💝☝️🙏💯💋🥰🤗🤔

[@achaney]

Great interview. Fascinating man

[@MargeryHannah]

A brilliant visionary. Many pose, but Dapper Dan is the real deal. Pure genius.

[@AroundTheClockCano]

Dapper Dan so much influence and knowledge

[@infoya392]

Incredible work

[@deborahcox8285]

I shopped Dapper Dan fashion and loved it!

[@misterjahi]

That opening statement. The culture.

[@elizahhoward3923]

I didn't realize Virgil abloh bit off of dapper dan

[@PrettyGurlsRock12]

I love this man! Very wise!

[@JakeHutcheson]

There’s a guy named Ansil Saunders, a bonefish guide from the Bahamas, who was guiding Martin Luther King Jr. On a fishing trip as he wrote the I have a dream speech. He also desegregated major parts of Bimini and is a community leader. I see so many similarities in Dapper Dan and Ansil Saunders after reading Dap’s book and watching this. I’d love for them to have a conversation together!

[@incognegro1206]

Amazing inspiration

[@marlowharris-id3rg]

I'm looking forward to hear some more about dapper Dan.

[@brentdixon8340]

Great interview and Dapper Dan made a lot of profound statements.

[@emmanueleyiah5514]

Much respect ✊🏿❤to you SIR DAPPER DAN

[@carlettagoodrich-mann1377]

Malcolm was current If you want to know about the flower cultivate the seed.

[@incognegro1206]

Plant seeds

[@sidvicious647]

Thanks Dapper & J.

[@trevorzane272]

He literally birthed the style the world uses now .... There been no lil Kim's or Nicki Minaj without this man's impact.

[@sivuyilecelu1876]

Much love from South Africa ❤️🌍🇿🇦.....

[@Diamond-Essence]

legendary come up!

[@kennisespivey]

So much inspiration

[@dontapolite2832]

Big Respect to O.G. so much Wisdom!!

[@LouisJones-rg2bq]

Knowledge of dapper Dan

[@undadawgofthefederation4873]

What an amazing interview Iron sharpens iron