United State Clothing, a Sacramento-based, hip hop-inspired clothing vendor, opened its doors at a new location Saturday. Workers finished the move from 1014 24th St. to 2318 J St. with a grand opening celebration Saturday, and an in-store signing with legendary Oakland rapper Del The Funky Homosapien Sunday.

Store owner Paul Brizuela said he could not be happier about the move.

"Our previous neighbors did not want the kind of music events we support," Brizuela said, "and J Street is a lot easier for our customers to remember than 24th."

United State is an alternative clothing source for men and women, carrying brands that are usually only found online or in the hip hop fashion Meccas of San Francisco or Los Angeles.

"We try to bring a more modern, European style that can be hard to find in Sacramento," Brizuela said.

The in-store signing was United State's second event of that nature. Wale, another famous rapper, came to the old location in June before a show in Sacramento.

Del, best known for his involvement in rap group Hieroglyphics and alternative band Gorillaz, said he was excited about meeting his fans.

When asked about his knowledge of the Sacramento hip hop scene, Del responded, "There is none. I spend so much time making music at home and on tour I don't know what's going on there anymore."

The event was a welcome change of pace for Del. Armed with a laptop blasting his music, he spent a few moments with each of the dedicated fans who came to see him. There was even time before the show for some of his friends to have a quick skateboarding session in front of the store.

United State and Del both represent the current connection of skateboarding and hip hop. United State carries several skateboard brands and Del has made limited edition decks for Plan B Skateboards.

Del was also promoting his new album, "Root Stimulation" which is available at grooveshark.com and his current project, scoring the music for upcoming video game "Skate 3."

This will not be the last event of this kind for United State Clothing.

"Every second Saturday we have live hip hop acts performing all day," Brizuela said. "There will be a lot more general music events possible at the new location."

For more information on United State Clothing, visit unitedstateonline.com

For more information on Del, visit delthefunkyhomosapien.com

photo credit: Jay Canter, jaycanterphotography.com