1990s THE FLATTOP

The mid-80s and early 90s saw the emergence of what would become an all-powerful cultural force: hip-hop. The formative years of the genre are synonymous with the flat top haircut, worn by some of rap's early pioneers. Alongside its elongated cousin the hi-top, the cut became a staple of young people in the black community—further cemented by popular TV series and prominent basketball players of the time.