Jidenna’s hairstyle and “Classic Man” fashion

Jidenna Mobisson introduced to the music world as simply “Jidenna” is getting the recognition he deserves. From Jidenna’s hairstyle and fashion to his music, he brings out class in the modern man. The dapper music artist is signed to Janelle Monae’s Wonderland Records label where he fits perfectly. He call his sound “swank”: elegant hip hop that is classy and funky.

Jidenna released the single “Classic Man” ft. Roman GianArthur and we have absolutely fallen in love with the song.

Lyrics like…

I’m a classic man
You can be mean when you look this clean
I’m a classic man
Calling on me like a young OG
I’m a classic man
Your needs get met by the street, elegant old fashioned man
Yeah baby I’m a classic man

…are refreshing in an urban music world led by pants sagging artist. The music video is exceptional and we watched it at least three times the first go around. Under the director Alan Ferguson it grabs your attention to what is going on with our African American men.

We are happy to see a well groomed and highly educated black man displayed in music today. Choosing his words very carefully in interviews and not just running his mouth should be spoken on by many. You will hear words like “Honor” which is not practiced much in our community. Born to a Nigerian chief allowed him to witness strength, courage and principles. Jidenna’s name means “Embracing the Father” which he says honors the positive sides of his dad.

“I carry a walking stick in honor of my father. My father passed a few years ago, and he used to carry a walking stick. So I walk with one in honor of him.”

– theurbandaily.com: Style Guy’d: Jidenna Is Leading The ‘Dandy’ Movement in Men’s Fashion

Jidenna’s Hairstyle and Dandy Fashion

Paschal Beverly Randolph (October 8, 1825 – July 29, 1875) was an American medical doctor, occultist, Spiritualist, trance medium, and writer.

Not only has Jidenna stepped on the music scene with a hot hit, but he rebirth the “dandy” style to the hip hop culture. His immaculate appearance is heavily inspired by the dapper gentlemen of the 1800’s, the Harlem Renaissance, and traditional West African design.

“My style is heavily inspired by the Harlem Renaissance with hints of traditional West African design. The marriage of European and African aesthetics is a direct expression of my heritage.”

– Fashionbombdaily.com: “Fashion Bomber of the Day: Jidenna from Brooklyn + Behind the Scenes of Classic Man“

Jidenna’s hairstyle choice is slicked back hair with a heavily stated side part. And resembling one of his muses from that era, Paschal Beverly Randolph, The rising hip hop “swank” star wears an impressively stylized (but well-groomed) beard.

Much like Andre 3000’s style inspiration from vintage cloths, Jidenna appreciates the refined tailored suit:

“A suit suits me. Honestly when I was trying to follow all the trends and I was a broke young man, I had to go to thrift shops, like a lot of us. And when you go to thrift shops you see a lot of suits in the men section. So I would take those suits, go to a tailor, and I’m paying $20. What some people pay for a t-shirt, I paid to get a suit that fits. I was always more concern with the fit, then fitting in.”

– Z903 San Diego interview “Jidenna Talks Suits, Style and Swank”

We love that Jidenna embraces fashion as a form of self-expression, but also feels that “a man’s presentation is an extension of himself… the outer is a reflection of the inner.”