The phrase “standing on business” gained traction in September last year, thanks to cultural influencers like comedian Druski and Drake, who spotlighted the term in his song Daylight. It has since become synonymous with owning one’s responsibilities and commitments. While icons like Rihanna and Beyoncé embody this ethos, another key figure also stands tall — celebrity stylist and creative director Fatima B.
Fatima is the creative genius behind the signature looks of hip-hop heavyweights like 21 Savage, Wiz Khalifa, Swizz Beatz, Metro Boomin, and the late Nipsey Hussle. She’s styled these stars for major editorial spreads and TV moments, from GQ to Saturday Night Live. Her career began with a major splash when she styled Nicki Minaj for her debut album at just 21 years old, marking the beginning of a unique journey in a male-dominated industry. “It kind of just happened naturally, especially since I work so closely in the hip-hop space,” Fatima tells Essence GU. “The industry is male-dominated, and over time, I connected more with male artists.”
Though her rise to the top has been defined by working with some of hip-hop’s most prominent men, Fatima attributes much of her success to her cosmopolitan upbringing. Growing up between New York and Japan due to her parents’ roles with the United Nations, she was exposed to a world of innovative fashion from an early age. “My love for fashion was ignited by my parents’ impeccable style,” she says. Their blend of Japan’s cutting-edge streetwear and New York’s bold, casual fashion left a deep impression on her.
Fatima’s father, in particular, shaped her appreciation for detail and craftsmanship, favoring high-end brands and perfectly tailored suits. “His focus on quality tailoring left a lasting impression on me,” she shares. This early exposure to global fashion aesthetics laid the foundation for her effortlessly chic, eclectic approach to styling.
One of Fatima’s most notable styling moments came in 2012 when she dressed Wiz Khalifa in a daring, Jimi Hendrix-inspired ensemble for his O.N.I.F.C. album cover. Featuring skin-tight striped trousers, a speckled fur coat, and gold jewelry, the outfit sparked heated debate among rap fans but earned praise from the fashion world for pushing the boundaries of menswear.
Fatima B’s unique ability to blend cultures, resist traditional classification, and authentically draw from her clients’ personalities has cemented her as a trailblazer in the fashion industry. She continues to stand on business, redefining hip-hop fashion one look at a time.
