In this clip from Black Out with Ian & Rashad, Rashad Bilal and Ian Dunlap dive deep into the viral "quarter zip" trend that’s sweeping social media—and stirring up controversy. Rashad shares how the trend started as an alternative to the ubiquitous Nike Tech tracksuits, and highlights its proponents’ view: that switching to quarter zips is about elevating style and self-presentation among young Black men. He even gives a shoutout to Councilman Kevin Riley for putting him onto the topic!

But not everyone is on board. The hosts play a counter argument from another voice in the community who calls the trend "anti-Black," critiquing the implication that elegance and respectability are tied to switching clothing styles. This guest points out that Black excellence comes in millions of forms and warns against further policing of what "acceptable" Black masculinity looks like.

Rashad and Ian both weigh in with personal anecdotes, touching on why appearance matters, and how certain streetwear trends sometimes leave them feeling uncomfortable or unsafe. From the infamous "Pooh Shiesty mask era" to Miami strip club stories, they explore how fashion, identity, and perception intersect.

This lively conversation brings out two sides of the ongoing debate: Is the quarter zip movement truly about self-improvement, or is it unintentionally reinforcing harmful stereotypes? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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