Trapstar has long been a symbol of underground culture. What started as a London-based streetwear brand turned into a global fashion movement, flaunted by celebrities, rappers, and athletes. But behind the aesthetic lies a storm of controversy, particularly around a growing phenomenon now dubbed the “Trapstar Shooters.”
The term “Trapstar Shooters” doesn’t refer to the fashion label’s design team or marketing crew. Instead, it’s a phrase whispered on the streets, splashed across encrypted group chats, and trending in certain underground circles. It hints at a shadowy network of individuals—some loosely affiliated with the brand, others just admirers—who embody a more militant and violent interpretation of the Trapstar identity.
The Origins: From T-Shirts to Territory
Trapstar began as a grassroots movement in West London, founded by friends who wanted to create clothing that reflected the struggle, ambition, and defiance of life in the inner city. With edgy fonts, gothic motifs, and slogans like “It’s a Secret,” the brand became synonymous with mystery and raw energy. Soon, its popularity exploded—helped by co-signs from figures like Rihanna, Jay-Z, and UK grime artists.
But success didn’t sever its ties to the streets. Many fans saw Trapstar Shooters not just as a clothing line, but as a lifestyle and identity. Some of those fans, particularly in gang-heavy neighborhoods, began wearing the brand as a uniform—claiming the name “Trapstar Shooters” to signal power, ruthlessness, and loyalty to their set.
The line between branding and bloodshed began to blur.
Trapstar Shooters: Violence in the Name of Fashion?
Authorities in London and other urban areas have noticed a troubling pattern: individuals involved in gang-related shootings or assaults often appear on CCTV wearing Trapstar jackets or caps. In some cases, suspects have referred to themselves as “Trapstar Shooters” in court or during police interviews.
This has sparked debates about whether the brand is indirectly fueling street violence—or if it’s merely being appropriated by those seeking clout.
One London detective, who requested anonymity, said, “We’re not saying Trapstar is organizing hits or funding gangs. But it’s undeniable that some people are using the brand as a badge of intimidation. When someone calls themselves a ‘Trapstar Shooter,’ it’s about more than clothing—it’s about territory and fear.”
Social Media’s Role in Mythmaking
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram have played a massive role in magnifying the Trapstar Shooter identity. Videos show young men flashing weapons while dressed head-to-toe in Trapstar. Some post cryptic captions like “Certified Shooter” or “Moving in Silence #TrapstarWay.”
In one viral video, two masked individuals posed next to a black Range Rover, both wearing full Trapstar tech tracksuits and holding what appeared to be assault rifles. The video was captioned: “All black everything. Trapstars don’t miss.”
Although it was quickly removed, copies spread across the web, gaining millions of views. Whether the weapons were real or props didn’t matter. The message was clear: being a Trapstar Shooter is about status, danger, and fearlessness.
Trapstar Shooters: Branding or Responsibility?
Critics argue that Trapstar has a duty to denounce this violent image, especially given its massive influence on youth culture. Some community leaders have called for the brand to run awareness campaigns or fund youth outreach programs to counteract the glamorization of violence.
“It’s no longer just a clothing brand,” says Marvin Hughes, a former gang member turned youth mentor. “It’s become a symbol of street dominance. Young boys are getting the message that wearing Trapstar makes you untouchable. That needs to change.”
On the other hand, defenders of the brand argue that fashion is a reflection of culture, not its creator. Trapstar, they say, merely captures the grit and ambition of urban life. “You can’t blame the brand for how people twist its meaning,” one fan said. “It’s the streets that made Trapstar, not the other way around.”
Trapstar’s founders have mostly stayed silent on the issue, perhaps due to legal reasons or simply a desire to protect the brand’s mystique. In rare interviews, they’ve emphasized that the brand stands for “hustle, secrecy, and rebellion,” but have never publicly addressed the rise of the “shooters” identity.
Real Lives, Real Consequences
The glamorization of the “Trapstar Shooter” identity has had real-world consequences. In Birmingham earlier this year, a 17-year-old was fatally stabbed outside a shopping centre while wearing a Trapstar coat. His attacker, a rival gang member, was reportedly motivated by social media taunts involving Trapstar symbols.
In another incident in Manchester, a group of teens wearing Trapstar apparel were arrested after being caught with machetes and a firearm. Police reports noted that they called themselves “TS Unit”—believed to stand for “Trapstar Shooters Unit.”
Parents, educators, and community groups are now raising alarms about how a fashion trend has evolved into a dangerous identity marker for youth looking to prove themselves.
The Trapstar Dilemma
This situation raises difficult questions. Can a fashion label be held accountable for the way it’s interpreted by society? Is Trapstar just a victim of its own success—its symbols hijacked by those seeking violence and attention? Or is it complicit through silence?
As the brand continues to expand, launching collaborations and flagship stores, the presence of Trapstar Shooters looms in the background. Their existence may never be formally acknowledged, but their influence on youth culture and gang dynamics is undeniable.
Whether Trapstar chooses to address this controversy head-on or continue operating in silence, one thing is clear: the streets are watching, and the line between fashion and fear is thinner than ever.
