Karl Kani has crafted a legacy of excellence, creativity, and resilience over four decades of hard work and hustle. The reimagined Karl Kani x E&J XO label celebrates his story—so read on to discover how we’re raising a glass to a legend.

EARLY DAYS: MAKING THINGS HAPPEN

Karl Kani was born in 1968 to Costa Rican immigrants and grew up in Brooklyn. From shoveling snow at eight to delivering packages in high school, Kani embraced hard work and hustle.

That determined spirit remained when he got his start in fashion—inspired by hip hop, bolstered by his family’s legacy of resilience, and knowing he’d never accept failure.

THE 90s: KANI & THE CULTURE

The Karl Kani brand was launched in 1989. The decade that followed was an explosive one—not just for Kani, but for hip hop culture. Kani’s street style became a hit with icons from Tupac to Notorious B.I.G. to Snoop Dogg.

Demand for clothes that reflected the popularity of hip hop culture meant that stores had no choice but to stock his lines and continue to give him opportunities to innovate. In 1996, Black Enterprise magazine named Karl Kani Infinity Corporation the world’s most successful Black-owned firm.

THE 00s: UNDERSTAND & EXPAND

The new millennium brought Kani new challenges—and new opportunities. A young generation of social media-savvy consumers needed to be embraced; and the growing worldwide popularity of hip hop created the need for international expansion.

As love for the culture grew more mainstream, Kani turned to social media to build the brand across the world. Launching in the international market was a major shift, and what he calls the brand’s biggest success in the 2000s.

THE 10s: COMEBACK ERA

The 2010s saw a resurgence of vintage style and affinity for 90s culture. A fresh generation of consumers, who idolized the Kani-clad rappers of the 90s, spearheaded a new golden age of desire for Karl Kani signature pieces.

The brand focused on reinterpreting classic styles, joining forces with a new generation of consumers that valued heritage as much as innovation. Successes from this decade include connecting with the newest class of hip hop artists, like Migos and G Herbo.

THE 20s: GAME ON

As the brand clears the 30-year mark, Kani says this decade is everything. Now understanding the dedication it takes to become an icon, he’s filled with energy for what’s on the horizon.

Karl Kani is currently the #1 street brand internationally. The team has no plans to halt the momentum, or rest on its laurels. After all, the self-made, breaker of barriers, always-inspired Karl Kani is just getting started.