Book Review: Lo-Life: An American Classic by George “Rack-Lo” Billips and Jackson Blount
carybenbow.substack.com
‘Lo-Life’ is the remarkable story of a small group of teenagers fighting to make a name for themselves who eventually made themselves seen, heard, and emulated globally. Lo-Life: An American Classic takes the reader on a trip to New York City in the early 80s — a time when crime and violence ran the streets. The infamous Lo-Life gang emerged from this tumultuous time. Formed by crews of teenagers from the Brownsville and Crown Heights neighborhoods of Brooklyn, they made a name for themselves by dressing head-to-toe in expensive Ralph Lauren clothing, or “Lo.” Polo apparel — and other preppy 80s fashion labels like Guess, Nautica, and Benetton, among others — represented an aspirational lifestyle for these kids from rough neighborhoods just struggling to get by. Fighting for style and survival, the Lo-Lifes targeted these brands, and would acquire them by any means necessary, including stick-ups, shoplifting, and hustling. A reign of terror ensued, when your new winter coat could make you the target for a robbery — or worse.
Book Review: Lo-Life: An American Classic by George “Rack-Lo” Billips and Jackson Blount
Book Review: Lo-Life: An American Classic by…
Book Review: Lo-Life: An American Classic by George “Rack-Lo” Billips and Jackson Blount
‘Lo-Life’ is the remarkable story of a small group of teenagers fighting to make a name for themselves who eventually made themselves seen, heard, and emulated globally. Lo-Life: An American Classic takes the reader on a trip to New York City in the early 80s — a time when crime and violence ran the streets. The infamous Lo-Life gang emerged from this tumultuous time. Formed by crews of teenagers from the Brownsville and Crown Heights neighborhoods of Brooklyn, they made a name for themselves by dressing head-to-toe in expensive Ralph Lauren clothing, or “Lo.” Polo apparel — and other preppy 80s fashion labels like Guess, Nautica, and Benetton, among others — represented an aspirational lifestyle for these kids from rough neighborhoods just struggling to get by. Fighting for style and survival, the Lo-Lifes targeted these brands, and would acquire them by any means necessary, including stick-ups, shoplifting, and hustling. A reign of terror ensued, when your new winter coat could make you the target for a robbery — or worse.