PRESS RELEASE
The Originators Clothing & Skate Brand Honors the Pioneers of Hip-Hop
The Originators is the original Hip-Hop Streetwear brand committed to the education of the early years of Hip-Hop; honoring the DJs, MCs, Graffiti Writers, and B-Boys that helped pave its way.
"After 30 years of Hip-Hop it was time to look back and give credit and respect to those that helped build it," says founder Adam Bach. "These guys, and still many others, built its very foundation. Hip-Hop is a strong Culture today, and it's time we learn who was instrumental in its conception and growth."
The Originators was started in 2004, by then filmmaker Adam Bach. "I had a strong desire to tell these guys stories in films. One day, I got the idea. Instead of taking money that I didn't have and 2 years of my life to tell one guys story, I could tell all of the early Pioneers stories in t- shirts and in clothing. With every shirt we would include a hang-tag with a biography of the person on the shirt so that the consumer could learn more about that individual. I saw it as an opportunity to educate on the early years of Hip-Hop, and on those responsible for its growth. That's when I got the idea for The Originators."
Obviously Mr. Bach is passionate about what he does as he tells me more. "Every Artist involved in this thing, is under a per-unit licensing deal, so the Artist makes money on every shirt sold bearing their name and likeness. This was very important to us when setting up the company. I wanted the Originator to make money as the company made money. They do well as we do well, and that's the way it should be."
When asked about the company's strategy and growth in the marketplace Mr. Bach answered, "I know this sounds funny but we want to grow organically, almost grassroots, like the Hip-Hop Movement itself. There will be other lines that try to do what we have done. They will saturate the marketplace in an attempt to make money... but the key in this thing is to do things with integrity and to do things correct, historically. We have a large responsibility here and we know it."
The line has honored such great Originators as: Kurtis Blow, Melle Mel, the Cold Crush Brothers, Love Bug Starski, GrandWizzard Theodore, Grand Master Caz, Prince Whipper Whip, DJ Disco Wiz, Jo Jo - Founder of the Rock Steady Crew, Mr. Freeze, Brother J, Wanda Dee, Tracy 168, Taki 183, Daze, and Stay High 149. Since 2004 The Originators has gone outside their comfort zone of Hip-Hop to honor such people as Gandhi, Roberto Clemente, Chick Hearn, and great sports teams like the 1985 Lakers and the great Yankees of yesterday's past. When asked about this Mr. Bach adds, "We are grounded in Hip-Hop. That is the foundation from which this company has been built and that is who we are as people. But as well rounded people that continue to be inspired and continue to grow, we have many interests that lie outside of Hip-Hop. It is with these many interests that we choose to introduce to our customer... It is
important in today's day and age to be diverse as a brand. We will continue to strive for diversity while remaining true to our foundation and true to our core customer. We will continue to honor more and more Originators because there are so many out there that deserve it!"
The Originators recently opened a flagship store in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles known as The Originators Store LA which exclusively sells Originators’ clothes, skateboards, and more.
The Originators Store LA is located at:
142 N. Hayworth Ave.,
LA, Calif. 90048.
The Originators is sold worldwide and online. For more information about The Originators and retailers please visit: http://www.theoriginators.com/
About the founder:
Adam Bach was raised in Los Angeles, and later graduated NYU with a degree in English Literature with a specialization in writing. Adam then attended the America Film Institute and graduated with a Masters degree in film directing. It was at the American Film Institute that Adam had a strong passion to tell the stories of those that helped build Hip-Hop.
Thanks to Adam and Nicole for the samples!
