The genre’s tough dog iconography has given way to something a bit cuddlier.
But outside a few exceptions the genre’s doggy iconography has recently shifted.
And for every jacked-up pitbull, you’ll see two small, fluffy poodles.
“There’s a wider variety of rappers now, and with that comes a wider variety of dogs,” says Aminé, the Portland rapper whose labradoodle Oliver accompanies him everywhere.Credit: Courtesy of Aminé
“[Oliver and I] clicked from day one.
He’s got so much personality and is always misbehaving, but I don’t mind at all.
He’s curious, interesting, and really playful like a family dog.
Meg Thee Stallion with her dog 4oe.twitter
That’s what I was looking for instead of a rapper-bulldog.”
Perhaps the softer-furred dogs of hip-hop new are a product of a more inclusive culture.
“I just had five Bernese Mountain dogs in my ‘Shimmy’ music video.
Back then, you wouldn’t have seen a rapper wearing a pink polo.
Now if you wear one it’s appreciated stylistically.”
“The same apply to our dogs.
Most rapper dogs are small and easy to carry and travel with sort of like an accessory.”
“Having a dog changed the energy at the crib,” he says.
Oliver also affects my music in the most positive way.
He helps me destress and be more carefree."
“I call her my emotional support dog even though she’s not technically certified,” she says.
She’s my number one."
Instead, they balance each other out.
After that, she’ll begin to bark and encourage her mom to snap out of it.
The young pup has also begun to play a heavier role in the creative process.
I absolutely trust her instincts, she’s not steered me wrong.
She can pick up great energy."
