Thirstin Howl III recently reflected on the impact of Polo culture on hip-hop during an appearance on Math Hoffa’s *My Expert Opinion* podcast. Howl, a rapper, producer, and entrepreneur from Brownsville, Brooklyn, is also a founding member of the Lo-Lifes, a group known for their devotion to Ralph Lauren Polo clothing.
Howl discussed receiving acknowledgment from Ralph Lauren: “It felt like … they see what we brought to the table,” he said. “We made Polo like a religious garment to be worn, especially in hip-hop.”
The Lo-Lifes, co-founded by Howl and Rack-Lo in 1988, originated as a Ralph Lauren Polo “boosting” (shoplifting) crew. Howl emphasized their influence on making Polo a staple in hip-hop fashion: “Look at hip-hop now. Everybody’s Polo, and that’s because of what we did. We brought that influence in and we showed them how to do it right.”
Highlighting the group’s approach to sharing Polo culture, Howl stated, “We were willing to share that culture with the world. We ain’t trying to hold it like, ‘Yo, this is ours only.’ Lo-Life is for everybody. It’s a culture.”
Howl has documented the Lo-Lifes’ history in his book *Bury Me With the Lo On*, which takes its name from lyrics in his song “The Polo Rican.” The book showcases the group’s influence on hip-hop fashion and culture, demonstrating how Polo, traditionally associated with privilege, became central to an enduring hip-hop fashion subculture.
The rapper noted the global spread of Polo culture, citing its popularity in Japan as an example of its international appeal. In 2015, Howl launched a Lo Life clothing line inspired by vintage Ralph Lauren, further cementing the group’s legacy in fashion and hip-hop cultured.