Are you rocking Youngsta CPT's Y?GEN Apparel?

Rapper YoungstaCPT is a rare talent. He dropped one of the most impressive albums last year with his debut, Things Take Time. And he has held down the best lyricists of the year award for two years in a row, according to the SA Hip-Hop Awards.

Now, the Cape Crusader has merch to go along with the movement. Y?GEN Apparel has been smart in making itself visible, recently collaborating with rapper Riky Rick to create Cotton Giemba T-shirts (R300) for this year’s Cotton Fest.

The overall feel of its work is laid-back, much like the city of Cape Town, with an off-kilter style. Cape Town brands tend to look like Cape Town brands.

Nifty Nylon: You see the old-school cut, like you're meeting up with Will and Carlton for the Fresh Prince. pictures:supplied

You could rock the gear on the beach or while hiking and then flip it to hit the club. The nylon pieces are perfect for combatting that strange weather they have in the Mother City, with retro cuts.

Bulletproof drip: It isn't real Kevlar, but with the right approach, the vest can work. pictures:supplied

In fact, the tracksuits (R1 450) are inspired by The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which explains the fit. The label’s management tells us its best seller is the classic Y?GEN brand T-shirt (R320) as well as flip-flops and the Kaapstad Naaier-branded hoodies.

The brand also released a series of bulletproof-style vests (R1 200) with Torture written on them, clearly influenced by the Korean techwear craze we’ve been seeing.

• Y?GEN will have a pop-up store at Shop 2, 155 Smit Street in Braamfontein on March 27 and 28