In the early ’90s, New York’s hip-hop culture embraced a revolutionary technique: sampling—taking fragments from jazz, funk, and soul classics to create entirely new soundscapes. This collage-like method demanded both sharp taste and skill, transforming old sounds into something fresh and powerful. A true form of musical alchemy.
Paying tribute to that era and its spirit, EXPANSION NY and Engineered Garments revive their legendary collaboration from a decade ago: Sampling Magic. Now reimagined for a new generation, the second edition features three limited-edition graphic tees that reinterpret the aesthetics of sampling into bold visual statements.
A new baseball cap will also be released. Additionally, a limited-edition colorway will be available exclusively through ExpansionNY.com and at Nepenthes stores in New York, Los Angeles, and London.
Greatest Elevation Tee
A thoughtful remix of Engineered Garments’ popular logo graphic DNA, viewed through the lens of EXPANSION NY.
- The original “Garments Engineered” text is flipped into Greatest Elevation—same typeface, new meaning.
- The classic black-and-white fabric and scissors motif is transformed into a mountaineer’s ice ax—symbolizing inner challenge.
- The production credit is updated from a nepenthes new york production to an expansion new york production, shifting focus from collective to personal vision.
- The ice ax and tagline are embroidered, contrasting with the screenprint details to highlight craftsmanship and intention.
Magic Tee for Expansion
Based on the original tee from 10 years ago—now upgraded with refined detailing.
- The Engineered Garments logo is printed on the front, with “Expansion New York” in matching type on the back.
- The logos use a split-technique:
- Engineered (print), Garments (embroidery)
- Expansion (print), New York (embroidery)
- Engineered (print), Garments (embroidery)
This subtle shift in texture adds depth and character, embodying the collaborative spirit in tactile form.
Queens 1998 Tee for Expansion
A rare photo tee capturing a legendary moment in hip-hop history:
DEV LARGE × Large Professor in deep conversation, NYC, 1998.
Originally shot for FRONT magazine, this photograph immortalizes a meeting of two icons:
- DEV LARGE – Drawing from his deep knowledge of jazz, soul, and funk, he crafted a distinctive sonic universe through masterful sampling and sharp lyricism. His music wasn’t just tracks—it was cultural statements. A multifaceted talent as a producer, MC, and DJ, he created timeless classics that have left a lasting impact on the entire Japanese hip-hop landscape. This year marks the 10th anniversary of his passing—a moment to reflect on and honor the legacy of a true pioneer.
- Large Professor – Born in Harlem and raised in Flushing, Queens. A renowned producer, MC, and founding member of Main Source. He helped shape the sound of East Coast hip-hop in the ’90s, mentoring a young Nas and producing for Eric B. & Rakim, A Tribe Called Quest, and Kool G Rap. His work laid the blueprint for sample-heavy, jazz-infused boom bap that defined an era.
Surrounded by crates of vinyl, their exchange reflects the philosophy and aesthetics of true hip-hop. The design features “Queens,” “Large Professor,” “Dev Large,” and “The session that happened in 1998” written in authentic 1980s NYC graffiti tagging style—a raw, hand-drawn script used before street art became art. Officially approved by DEV LARGE’s mother and Large Professor himself, this tee is a tribute for those who truly understand hip-hop’s roots.
