Oscar winner Spike Lee reveals story behind the viral red Yankees hat, paving the way for rappers Jay-Z, Rakim, and others

The New York Yankees hat has become a fashion statement, thanks in part to celebrities like Spike Lee and Jay-Z. While Jay-Z is often credited with popularizing the merch, Lee actually started the trend with his red Yankees hat.

In ESPN's "SC Featured: Beyond the Bronx," the Oscar-winning filmmaker revealed how he got the iconic red hat back in the '90s:

"I was going to Game 3 (1996 World Series between the Yankees and Atlanta Braves) at that time. The teams weren’t on the field yet, and that was it. There was one thing I needed: a red starter hat with an 'N' and 'Y' in white.

"I found the guy I needed to speak to at New Era, and they said they cannot do it, 'the only way it was going to happen was if you call the boss, George Steinbrenner.'" (Timestamp: 1:30).

Lee contacted Steinbrenner and assured him that the red color was just to match his red jacket and had nothing to do with the Boston Red Sox. The then Yankees' owner had no issues with the request, and the acclaimed filmmaker got his hat in time for the game.

The Bronx Bombers were trailing 0-2 in their series against the Braves as they began Game 3 at Fulton County Stadium. Lee, wearing his custom red Yankees hat, was acknowledged with a thumbs-up by Steinbrenner. The men in pinstripes won the game, and pictures of Lee in his custom red hat spread like wildfire.

According to Jacob Gallagher, a fashion columnist who was featured in "Beyond the Bronx," Lee broke an invisible wall, making the Yankees hat fashionable. Gallagher added that Jay-Z's habit of wearing and rapping about the hat further enhanced the popularity.

Rapper Rakim, also featured in the documentary, said that the Yankees hat seemed like an inevitable part of a hip-hop artist's outfit, as music and sports go hand in hand.

Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Rizzo on the Yankees hat

Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton and first baseman Anthony Rizzo also spoke about the hat on the ESPN documentary. The former NL MVP had an unrestrained response:

"I think it's bigger than baseball. I think it's bigger than what we do. I mean, we're a great representation of it every night, but I think it's more worldwide. We're just the sprinkle on top." (Timestamp: 5:27)

Whereas, Rizzo said:

"Without fans and celebrities promoting it, we're just baseball players. But there's a reason these pinstripes are a little heavier than other uniforms, and it's because it's such a global brand." (Timestamp: 5:39)

People all across the globe, from Japan to Brazil, have worn the Yankees hat even if they might not know who the players on the team are.