BAPE Lands In Chi-Town

It’s been almost 10 years since I left NIGO’s former SoHo workshop, yet everywhere I go, I’m still recognized as “Mr. BAPE.” I’m not going to hold you, the love feels amazing because it proves that my time at the shop wasn’t in vain. The fact that I can touch so many people’s lives (pause) by simply being myself is truly a gift from the Creator.  Speaking of gifts, the iconic Japanese streetwear brand has blessed staunch BAPE heads all over Chicago with their very own flagship store!

Located at 113 E Oak Street, BAPE’s first Chicago store welcomes shoppers from Mondays to Saturdays between 10am - 7pm and Sundays between Noon - 5pm. Just like BAPE in New York, the Chicago shop will have its own camo.  The brand recruited none other than Chi-City’s don himself, Don C, as the current star of the Chicago camo campaign. Products from the line include signature pieces like hoodies, tees and trinkets in the blue and red colors of the Chicago flag and features the BAPE theater sign graphic as an ode to the theater’s infamous theater signage. 

As part of the BAPE Chicago store opening, the brand will also collaborate with local creatives to celebrate their contributions to the community. Check out some flashy flicks from the new shop below:

While you’re at it, click the pic below to purchase items from my OMO merch collection:

Benevolent Malick

Malick Ba is one of the most memorable individuals I have met at NIGO’s former SoHo workshop. “What makes him so special?” you might ask.  Well, it’s simply because of his benevolent nature. 

Throughout his pre-teen years, a bright-eyed Malick would frequent the shop with so much wonder that his joyous energy would flicker the lights in the glass display which showcased all of the rainbow colored Bapestas. (Think of a swagged out version of ‘Seven’ from Stranger Things using her super power—without the pent up anger…and nosebleed.) All jokes aside, Malick always had a sincere presence and his appreciation for our talks on the second floor was a testament of his sheer eagerness to win in this matrix.

Fast forward to today, the 25-year-old creative is thriving exactly like I thought he would. Malick is now living an eventful, globetrotting life with his 070 crew which is led by the sonic-bending musical acrobat herself, 070 Shake. 

It’s been years since I had a full conversation with Malick so this sitdown is a very special one. Check out our talk below as we discussed his childhood, dabble in rap, undeniable bond with Shake and future endeavors. Enjoy!

FRENDY: Fam, I didn’t even know you were a rapper until I started doing research on you and the 070 crew. I like how you kept it a secret throughout the years you visited me at BAPE.

MALICK:  *Laughs* That was something I did a bit after the BAPE store days.  I don’t make music at the moment though.

Kanye West On The Second Floor of BAPE NYC (91 Green Street, SoHo)

FRENDY:  *Laughs* Ok, I see. I was about to say it was impressive how you kept it lowkey if you were actually rapping back then because I was always bombarded by people telling me they made music and got constant inquiries about the possibility of me managing them.

MALICK:  I pride myself on being lowkey in everything I do. Sometimes I like to have people guessing or wondering *Laughs*. Back then I was a bit shy too.

FRENDY:  Yeah you were, but that’s what intrigued me about you. You reminded me of my younger self.  How are you, my man?  I remember when we first spoke about having this sitdown you were in Paris during Fashion Week. How was that experience?

MALICK:  I’m doing great.  Trying to balance being social while being creative.  Fashion week was really cool actually. This isn’t my first one but definitely one of my favorites. Things were a bit crazy because of protests, but besides that it was great!

FRENDY:  I’m really happy to hear that. How long did you end up staying in France?

MALICK:  I was meant to go for only three days, but I ended up staying for one week.

FRENDY:  Got you. Were you having too much fun out there? *Laughs*

MALICK:  Yeah, trying to balance it though. *Laughs* 

FRENDY:  I don’t blame you.  Pardon my ignorance, but I always thought the 070 collective was from Miami or somewhere in Florida since Shake was managed by social media star YesJulz at one point.  Come to find out, y’all are from New Jersey. Most of the crew is from the North Bergen area. Are you as well?

MALICK:  Yes! Jersey is Home. 

New Jersey Photographed by ABC News

FRENDY:  I saw some amazing pics and videos on Instagram showcasing your trip to Dakar, Senegal with the caption: “The motherland.” Do you have roots there?

MALICK:  Yeah, I’m fully Senegalese. I grew up there and moved to the U.S—I have deep roots there.

FRENDY:  When did you and your parents move to the U.S? And how big of a culture shock was it for you coming here?

MALICK:  When I was four-years-old we moved to the U.S. It was a big culture shock to me but in a positive way [because] it opened my mind up so much.

Malick in Les Almadies (Dakar, Senegal)

FRENDY:  Same way I felt when I moved here when I was seven-years-old.  You were stopping by the BAPE store at such a young age…by yourself at that.  How long did it usually take you to get to SoHo from Jersey?

MALICK:  It took me a bit *Laughs*.  I was on Tumblr a lot and saw the style in NY. As well as NY having all the coolest stores, I naturally gravitated there. Some of the best times of my life were when I was young and in NY.

Old Supreme Store in SoHo Photographed by Joe Buglewicz

FRENDY:  Did anyone in particular introduce you to the area besides seeing all of the amazing pics of it on Tumblr?

MALICK:  No one specifically, it was just me and my friends from Jersey starting to explore a bit and naturally just ended up in the coolest area. Which to us was definitely SoHo. 

FRENDY: Exploration leads to expansion. What made you fall in love with SoHo when you were actually there?

MALICK: I think it was the fact that I was so into fashion at that point in my life and literally every store or brand I can think of was in that area.

FRENDY:  When did your interest in rapping come about?

MALICK:  It came from just tagging along to the studio with friends and one day I just tried it. I always loved rap music, though, growing up.

Malick In Recording Studio

FRENDY:  Who were your favorite spitters growing up? And who are you currently rocking with right now?

MALICK:  Definitely listened to a lot of Kanye, Lil’ Wayne then moved to even older music like Biggie, lots of MF doom. Right now, I listen to a bit of everything and really like UK rap like my boy Lancey Foux, Fimi Guerrero etc. 

MF Doom Photographed by Jo Ann Toy

FRENDY:  How’d you link up with Shake and the 070 collective?

MALICK:  Me and Shake grew up together. [We] went to the same middle school and High School. We just became close after working the same summer job and from there everything just took off.

FRENDY:  Dani better known as ‘Shake’ said, “I have to change the way people think. They don’t think. They think about physicality. They don’t think about what they don’t see, which is what’s important.” Does her statement overall summarize the essence of 070?

MALICK:  I think that it does. In essence, we are trying to expand people’s way of thinking to be bigger than what you just see. Ideas that inspire is the goal. 

Malick, 070 Shake and some members of the 070 Crew in Billboard Photographed by Matthew Salacuse

FRENDY:  Amen.  How many members are in the group?

MALICK:  To be honest with you it’s not a crazy number, but more than I can count on my hands. *Laughs*  

FRENDY:  You guys released The 070 project: Chapter 1 mixtape back in December of 2016.  Any chance of y’all dropping a follow up?

MALICK:  It's highly requested, who knows maybe it will happen.

FRENDY:  Shake got her nickname from her shifty basketball moves.  Were you heavily into the sport as well?

MALICK:  I played a lot of soccer growing up. I definitely loved sports and still do.

Shake With HS Basketball Teammates

FRENDY:  At what point did you realize the crew can go far with this music shit?

MALICK:  Once people would stop us in the street and ask for photos.  Also when Julz got in the mix and we started performing outside of Jersey—I knew it was lit. 

FRENDY:  Are you cultivating new raps or do you have a more intrinsic role behind the scenes with Shake and the collective?

MALICK:  I’ve definitely stepped more into the role of creative direction + curation rather than recording music. But who knows, that can change at any point too. I’m not bound to anything. 

FRENDY:  In 2022, you were involved in the YZY shades campaign, which was an epic look.  How’d that play come about?

MALICK:  I was in London and it happened super randomly through Julz.

Malick in YZY Shades Campaign

FRENDY:  Besides YZY, I saw you’ve been working with a few clothing brands who are coming up in their own right. What attracts you to a particular line?

MALICK: I think I just like authenticity mostly. Not trying to fit in but doing something I think is cool will definitely make me gravitate towards a brand. Also comfortability.

FRENDY: What are your favorite brands at the moment?

MALICK:  Hmmm…that’s a tough question *Laughs*. At the moment I don’t have a favorite.

FRENDY: *Laughs*  That’s a first—but I respect it!  Are you interested in creating your own clothing line one day?

MALICK: Surprisingly no, I wouldn’t be.  But I would be into creating cool accessories or partnering with a brand to do a collaboration. 

FRENDY:  You’ve traveled to various places around the world simply from your devout passion for art, music and fashion. Which location has been your favorite destination thus far?

MALICK:  Most surprising place I never thought I’d go was Russia, which I really enjoyed.  But my favorite place I’d have to say would be Stockholm, Sweden. 

Malick in Moscow

FRENDY:  Why is that?

MALICK:  I think the lifestyle in Sweden is very healthy, clean, progressive and I just love it aesthetically.

FRENDY:  What do your parents think about all of the major moves you’re making?

MALICK: They’re traditional so at first it was hard to get their support. But now they trust me and know I’m doing the right things in my life.

FRENDY:  How does it feel to have a best friend like Shake blow up and not switch sides on you?

MALICK:  It feels good to be able to have a close connection with someone despite who they are or what they have. 

FRENDY:  What would you want your legacy to look like after it’s all said and done?

MALICK:  I would like to be an example for anyone who has ever been confused on what their purpose is. Creating my own world, expressing my creativity and building a legacy for my family name.

YEEZY Gap

“Yeezy, Yeezy where you been, uh?” Making history, of course. Back in June 2020, megastar creator Kanye West took to Twitter to officially announce a colossal joint venture with his brainchild brand YEEZY and Gap.  Finally, after a full year of anticipation the garment giants have unveiled the first release of their whopping 10-year partnership.

The YEEZY Gap “Round jacket” is a bold outerwear piece made with recycled nylon and boasts an eye catching blue hue. What’s truly unique about the unisex puffer is its unconventional collar—well, technically there’s none.  Furthermore, the jacket does not feature a closure so there’s no way you can hide that winter gut (I mean, there’s nothing wrong with having one…just sayin’).

Last week in Los Angeles, Ye himself was snapped wearing the jacket with a pair of Nikes! (::Gasps:: talk about marketing!).  Priced at $200, The YEEZY Gap “Round Jacket” will be available for preorder starting June 7 exclusively in the good ol’ US of A on Gap.com.  Unfortunately, shipping is scheduled to take place this Fall.  Check this out though, in order to access the preorder you must first enter your contact information, shirt size, pant size, shoe size and social security number (just joking…pretty believable, right?).

In grand Yeezus fashion, YEEZY Gap will showcase its “Round Jacket” floating projections in major cities starting with New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Peep the exact locations below:

New York City
Madison Square Garden
Guggenheim Museum
New York Public Library
Spring Street Salt Shed
The Met Breuer
New Museum
166 Lafayette Street
142 Spring Street
184 Wythe Avenue
Essex And Rivington Streets

Los Angeles
Disney Concert Hall
Hollywood Palladium
LACMA
Staples Center
The Broadflower St And W Olympic Boulevard
Melrose Avenue And N Virgil Ave
Abbot Kinney Boulevard And San Juan Avenue
Dolby Theatre
Santa Monica Avenue And 2nd Street
Vine Street – Walk Of Fame
8349 Sunset Boulevard

Chicago
Michigan Ave And Roosevelt Road
1601 N Milwaukee Avenue
1453 N Milwaukee Avenue
1927 N Milwaukee Avenue
621 W Fulton Street

Love Is The New Money

“We got love, love, love. You better believe it.”

There’s nothing more soothing than an incredible song with an equally powerful message. Teyana Taylor’s “We Got Love,” is a clear example of such riveting tune.

The minimalist track, rightfully produced by the Kanye West we all adored, was initially scheduled to appear on Teyana’s sophomore album K.T.S.E, but didn’t make the cut due to clearance issues (The chorus features a sample of The Younghearts). Fortunately, there are rumblings that the song will find a spot on the Harlem songstress’ forthcoming project The Album (yes, that’s the name of the...you get the drift), which is due for release in early 2020.

Ye and Tey actually shot a video for this scorcher last year, yet it is nowhere to be found. Hey, at least we can still rock out to it with our lit sage on deck.

Listen below:

The Thiiird

Throughout my nearly nine-year stay at BAPE, I’ve encountered a vast array of personalities who taught me so much about myself and various aspects of life.  A few “bad” apples, but for the most part, I formed long-lasting relationships with individuals who remained sturdier than 2 Milly dancing at a poppin’ Brooklyn basement party.  Robert Owusu III is a member of this elite group.

Although he wasn’t a regular shopper, the fashionable Yonkers, New York native would stop by Nigo’s former shop on the release dates of our most exclusive pieces. It was during those times we were able to chat about life and practically everything else in between. Despite having a neck-breaking drip, Rob’s most defining trait is his sincerity. “A lot of people think I’m from another borough based on how I carry myself,” he humbly says.  “I enjoy the fact that nobody can never guess that.”

Recently, Owusu—also known as “The Thiiird”—and I reconnected in person after four years at his In My Miiind art exhibit which paid homage to “the nostalgic space and times that birthed a generation of creatives and dreamers.”  Which particular period of time you might ask?  It is the era of 2006 through 2010, where the incomparable tandem of Pharrell Williams and Kanye West influenced an entire generation to become the “freaks and geeks” they truly are. Rob’s presentation was so inspiring, I had no other choice but to showcase his genius on this #FrendyOriginals series.

Check out the transcript of my sit-down with The Thiiird, as we discussed Skateboard P and Ye’s undeniable influence in pop culture, his childhood years in Yonkers, fashion, and artistic endeavors.

FRENDY:  My man, Rob.  I’m really looking forward to the gems that are about to be dropped in our talk.

ROB:  First and foremost, thank you for interviewing me. We’ve known each other in passing since the BAPE days. It’s ironic that we are doing things creatively and linked up on the same frequency. Always been a genuine person so I thank you for that.

FRENDY:  The pleasure is all mine.  You revealed earlier that you were actually born in Harlem.  When did you move to Yonkers?

ROB: Yeah, my family moved to Yonkers when I was about two years old.  Like DMX said: “home of the brave, baby. Home of the brave.”

FRENDY: Those who are uninformed would assume that people from “the backyard of the Bronx” are mean, rugged, and just straight up grimey *Laughs*. You’re the total opposite of that stereotype.

ROB: I mean, Yonkers is the lost borough.  It still gets real in the field out there, but it isn’t the way it used to be. Yonkers is a place where unity isn’t practiced since most have a “crabs in a barrel” mentality and everyone wants to be “the man”. But now things are starting to change and there are a few who are leading the pack. You have DJ Steph Cakes, who recently opened for Meek’s Motivational Tour, you have Iman who is doing songs with The Lox, Rondon doing beats for HighBridge, Sav The Genius, Prada Mama, and more.

FRENDY: How was it like growing up in Yonkers? Were your parents strict?

ROB: Growing up in Yonkers was the average ghetto story. The normal: parents trying to make a living for my brother (Brandon) and I, keeping us out of trouble in the best way possible. They also instilled principles and morals within us that we still carry on till this day. My parents are from Ghana and they were NOT lenient. I’m sure if you ask anybody whose parents are from a third world country would say the same *Laughs *. But they did the best that they possibly could for Brandon and I.

FRENDY: Did you experience any sort of hardships in school?

ROB:  I would say one of the hardships in school was finding friends that shared similar interests as me.  I had a few close friends though. Looking back, I’ve realized that my gift was being able to relate to all different types of people. I had honors classes with the smart kids, Spanish community embraced me, the hood dudes messed with me by default. I don’t judge anyone and do not care about status or race—I believe that’s how the world should rotate. Slowly but surely.

FRENDY:  Same here, I’ve always had the ideology that we’re all one. When did you start caring about your aesthetics and such?

ROB:  I started very young. I started caring about clothing and my appearance in fifth grade.  My cousins would put me on to what was cool and what wasn’t. One of my cousins, Trisha, lived in the Bronx and she had EVERYTHING.  We would travel there to just observe and bring the swag back to Yonkers.

I started taking my style seriously once I found out about SoHo—thanks to Pharrell wearing BAPE. I was mesmerized by the Bapestas he wore in Jay-Z’s 2004 documentary, Fade To Black.  Once I found out that BAPE had a store in New York, things only snowballed from there.

FRENDY: Yeah, when I was informed that Nigo opened up a store in New York, I knew I was supposed to work there. It took a few years, but my dream came true! Do you remember your very first purchase from The Busy Workshop (BAPE’s old moniker)?

ROB: Of course, like it was yesterday! My father took me. It was my first $200 sneakers at the time. I was in middle school so this was around 2004-05. The beginning of a big spending habit *Laughs*. I had to beg him to take me. This was when I would get lunch money. I literally saved up $2.00-$3.00 religiously. I believe I was a few dollars short and my father spotted me since he saw how determined I was to purchase them. From the aesthetics of the store to the consumers coming in, I knew this was where I belonged.

FRENDY:  Crazy.  Were you the first person in your hood with Bapestas during that time?  If so, that’s legendary status *Laughs*.

ROB:  At this point, Stas started to get popular with [rapper] Cassidy having it in his videos and etc. There were a lot of fakes floating around. Maybe not the first, but I was probably the youngest to my knowledge.

The only person I knew with an authentic pair was my close friend Sway who I met my freshman year of high school. I gained his respect on being that young with the style I had.  We literally learned the streetwear game together. From then on, we started bonding off of similar interests and did campouts. We were the ONLY people from Yonkers on all the lines. We had to stick together.

FRENDY:  Funny how fashion can bring people together.  I was initially drawn to Pharrell and Kanye’s artistry because they were winning by simply being themselves during a time where gangster rap was dominant. I’m sure you were intrigued by them for the same reason.

ROB: Exactly. Coming from where I'm from, we’re only exposed to so much. I thrived off of anything that was different from all spectrums. From fashion, music, and art, these were the figures who were being themselves and still had the ability to thrive in hip-hop. To finally find an area [SoHo] where I stumbled upon kids who looked like me—I felt like I found my nirvana.

FRENDY:  The two albums that changed your life are Skateboard P’s debut solo album, In My Mind, and Kanye’s third project, Graduation. Why were those two so monumental for you instead of their earlier works?

ROB: Oh man! Those two projects were like a breath of fresh air sonically, never mind the backpack luxury bars. Rap has always been this boastful, rambunctious art form, but the way they put it together was entirely different.

I wasn’t around during the time of De La Soul or A Tribe Called Quest, but their music stands the test of time. It’s no surprise that they are the influence of Pharrell and Ye’s music. I literally lived In My Mind that summer when it dropped in July. I played the album EVERY…SINGLE...DAY. 

Graduation was the first album that I didn’t want to hear not one leaked song until it came out. I think “Barry Bonds” leaked and I had to literally keep away from the computer and radio to prevent from hearing any song from it. I’m glad I did that because when I first heard the album from top to bottom, it took me to utopia. I couldn’t get past “Good Morning.” The fact that music can have such an impact on us is really beyond me. Both of their earlier works played a significant role in my life as well and seeing the growth, but those two projects was the “baby boom” of our era.

FRENDY:  I feel you.  You know what’s strange, P felt In My Mind was a failure. In a 2014 GQ interview, he said he wrote those songs out of ego and the album served no real purpose.  I definitely disagree—that body of work helped kids like us tap into our real creative bag, you know? Like “we can do it too.”

ROB: I totally agree with you. I feel that when anyone wants to reach the masses, they have to put the medicine inside the candy. It was the perfect blend, especially at that time to penetrate musically and cross over. 

We know that Pharrell is far from being an egotistical maniac, but even at that time, I never viewed the project like that at all. I’m glad he has that in him *Laughs*.   Even with all the super flexing he was doing, I was super inspired. People still follow his way of dressing till this day. From AP’s to Goyard, that was way back in 2005. People are still playing catch up 14 years later!

 FRENDY:  A true visionary indeed.  For as long as I’ve known you, I wasn’t aware of your passion for curating. Which college did you attend? Were you an art major?

ROB: I first attended the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) as a medical major, and then transferred to the University Of Hartford in Connecticut where I graduated at Barney School of Business with a Marketing degree. I wish I was an art major *Laughs*. But it was there where I had an epiphany to go into the creative field I am in now.

FRENDY: What caused that epiphany?

ROB: Going to UHART, I was still a medical major. It was heading into my junior year when I had a realization that these courses are only getting more difficult as my interest in the field that I was majoring in. It clicked to me when it would take more effort to grasp information that would come second nature to my colleagues. To go even deeper, this was a major my parents wanted for me and I had no desire in it—I didn’t know what I would replace it with. It was a tough decision on switching majors but once I did that, everything clicked for me. It was one of the best decisions I made in my life. My father wasn’t too happy, but I think up until recently that he knows I was destined to what I’m currently doing.

FRENDY:  Proud of you for following your gut instinct. I was thoroughly impressed by your “In My Miiind” exhibit. Did you pull it off with an outside team or received any backing to complete it?

ROB:  Thank you so much, I appreciate that. I wish I had backing. Everything was self-funded and no outside team. Just home team. After countless attempts to gallerists, etc., I was not going to wait for approval for that space. I have a community behind me. It takes a village to raise a child. 

FRENDY:  Speaking of village, can you tell me a bit more about The Dynasty collective?  Was the name inspired by JAY-Z’s moniker for his former crew?

ROB: Yes, that’s where the inspiration came from. It was all my brother’s idea (Don=Brandon). We all studied the blueprints of the greats in this industry. From Ruff Ryders, to Roc-a-fella. They were only powerful because each person played a significant role. Newcomers like AWGE brought a new concept that it isn’t just about the individuals, it’s about the vision in its entirety.

The goal was to create an innovative experience with products and activities. What we all have in common is that we’re all first generation Americans. From Ghana, to Colombia, to Jamaica, to Dominican Republic, we each have a responsibility to carry on the legacy of our family. Creating a Dynasty. Trying to tie all this into an idea is when the name evolved. Jay-Z repeating “Dynasty Continues” is what we all agree with. I’m sure you remember the clip of prime Roc era of Dame saying, “Never one man above the team.”  We truly believe that. Majority rules in decisions as well as leaving any ego you may have at the door.

FRENDY:  Amazing. We all need a power crew, or like minds to help us push our agenda for the greater good.  The common denominator in all of your exhibits are the incredible neon light displays. What’s your process of making them?

ROB: I kind of work backwards. There are some artist who just create as they go, and though sometimes  I may do that, I am always thinking longevity and creating an overall experience. No matter how long it takes me. Once I have the overall theme first and what I want to convey, then it’s time to undergo the process. Sometimes I may “build too much for my bridges,” but there’s no better feeling than to create EXACTLY what I have in my head. Of course things won’t come out 100% perfect, but the 90th percentile is enough for me.

FRENDY:  Are you curating full time?

ROB: No, I am a freelance creative as an art creative and social media strategist for different companies and clients.I’m aware that galleries and art curatives frown upon that but that doesn’t stop Sallie Mae from harassing me. Got to do what I got to do. I have to fund these ideas by any means. Full time is the destination on this journey.   

FRENDY:  We’re funding our own dreams out here. Did you receive any sort of mentorship from anyone who’s deeply embedded in the art world?

ROB:  I have one main mentor in this and that is my bro Ronald Draper. He is a visual artist from Harlem whose work illustrate his experience as well as being pro-black in his message. The main thing that made us click is that he is unapologetically relentless in his work. When he has an idea, he is trying to have it out YESTERDAY. I finally met my match in level of craziness of getting ideas out. He is a hustler in every sense of the word and I believe he sees a younger version of him in me.That is why we mesh and I am grateful to have him as a mentor.

Also, another artist I have in my journey is the talented Sarah Owusu from London She has given me tremendous guidance and confidence in the intro to this art world. Ironically we have the same last name, but I think it’s the universe aligning me to her. She continues to set the bar for all African-American women in the world and we continue to root each other. I am appreciative to have her in my life as well.

FRENDY:  Who are your dream collaborators?

ROB: Since I live in multiple mediums there’s so many. Where do I begin…as far as visual goes with my light installations, I would say Kaws, George Condo, Murakami, Albert Diaz (Samo), or a Virgil Abloh and Patrick Martinez as far as collaborating on a neon since we have the same medium. With cinematography, Kid Art is at the top of the list. Photography, Nick Knight, Jonathan Mannion. Garment wise, Hedi Slimane or Raf. 

FRENDY:  I commend you for taking such a bold step in pursuing your passion.  What’s your ultimate goal in the art world?

ROB: My ultimate goal in the world is to make my mark in it. I view myself as a man in this new Renaissance that is occurring. Art spewing into all these different mediums. But I believe that they coexist with each other. The art matches the visuals which aligns with the garments which align with product and garments.

More importantly, I want to show that regardless of your background, skin color, or where you're from; you can achieve anything and everything no matter what the odds are against you. You have to be determined to get even with it. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. I hope my neon is at the end of it for motivational purposes.

Seven Is The Magic Number

As part of its Fall/Winter 2018 collection, Balenciaga is turning up the heat (literally) by releasing a coat with not one, not two, but a whopping seven layers for your ultimate cozy needs.

This is the type of parka that'll make you feel like Kanye West after he's been asked a demeaning question by the paparazzi about his possible venture into the fashion industry: "Do you see this coat?!  Come on, man."  Fortunately, being a style icon isn't a requirement to rock this jacket, but you better be sure to have a sufficient amount of funds in your bank account (or mattress, for the trappers reading this) to cop.  Valued at $9,000 USD, the luxury fashion house's prized outerwear piece consists of different garments, ranging from plaid shirts all the way down to fleece jackets.

Interested in upgrading your skier aesthetics this winter? Pre-order this item here.

In other news, my good friend Elisabeth Hadida is gearing up to leave Balenciaga after working there for almost a decade!  Revisit my Original Story on her by clicking the link: Elisabeth Hadida.

The Rage

Aww man, it's always great to hear Cudi back at it again spitting potent bars on atmospheric beats.  Although Scott's latest tune titled, "The Rage," is found on the soundtrack of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's latest movie Rampage, it could easily be a bonus track in any of his iconic albums.

The single, produced by Ben Billions and Kid Cudi's longtime buddy and collaborator Dot Da Genius, samples the legendary alternative rock group The Smashing Pumpkins' classic 1995 track, "Bullet With Butterfly Wings."  If Cudi plans to drop more songs like this in the near future, his next project is sure to be one for the ages!  

Check out his latest groove via Spotify below:

Calabasas Style

Don’t front!  Most of you didn’t have a clue about The City of Calabasas before Kanye West started reppin’ it heavily out of thin air.  Don’t feel bad, though, I wasn’t aware of the super rich California suburb either until I saw its name printed on Ye’s highly sought-after Yeezy pieces.

Now that we’re all somewhat familiar with the exclusive community, let’s go beyond its protective pearly gates and find out what the region’s style is all about.  Refinery 29’s Connie Wang went on a journey to fully comprehend the swag that is dripping in Calabasas (If there's any ragù at all).  I’ll let you watch the video below to find out what transpired.  It's truly safe to say that Yeezy taught them all!

ALYX

As of late, Kanye West and even the broski Luka Sabbat have been seen rocking fashionable chest rig bags. In case you didn’t know, these intricate statement pieces are made by Matthew Williams’ brainchild, ALYX.

Some of you may remember Matthew from his days with the popular DJ and art collective Been Trill alongside Virgil Abloh and Heron Preston, but now the stylish California native has his eyes set on conquering the fashion world with total creative control.  ALYX is a perfect mélange of Punk aesthetics and contemplative craftsmanship, which is why it is lauded by the fashion industry’s swaggiest (is that even a word? Ah well, I made it work though).  Founded in February of 2015, the brand initially started out by making women’s clothing and is now slowly becoming a major contender in the menswear scene.

Recently, ALYX unleashed its men's Spring/Summer 2018 collection titled, “Halcyon Blvd,” filled with raw cut leather jackets, leather pants, mesh military vest , cargo pants, chest rigs and many more tactical designs.

Peep the lookbook below:

The entire collection can be bought on ALYX's official website here.

Virgil Abloh x Air Jordan 1 "White" Release Date

Virgil Abloh’s white-hot run in the sneaker game is truly commendable!  For his next footwear feat, the Off-White label founder is scheduled to release the blanc version of his highly sought out sneaker collaboration with Air Jordan 1.

The Virgil Abloh x Air Jordan 1 "White" (USD $190) will be exclusively sold in Europe on March 3rd!  If you know anyone in France that can possibly cop a pair for you, tell him/her to enter the kick's online raffle here.  

Good Luck!