Complex's February/March 2012 issues features hip-hop's favourite rookie, A$AP Rocky, along with hip-hop style-maker, Jeremy Scott. The photoshoot seemed like a pretty dope one, peep some photos and the cover below.
In the interview the two, who had never met before, chop it up about the usual- fashion, music. Read some excerpts below.
You've name-dropped Jeremy in a bunch of songs. When did you first notice his designs?
A$AP: Around 2008. We started doing the whole thing. He used to come out with Mickey Mouse shit, three tongues, African patterns and shit. I started getting exclusive shit from France. I liked it so much because the only way you can find it is if you go on eBay, and you’re paying double. There’s no way an average person is gonna have it.
Jeremy, you’ve collaborated with some major players in rap. How does it feel to be co-signed by A$AP, one of the leaders of the new generation?
J: I’m very appreciative. I love hearing the stories about what my work means—not only to him, but to the kids he came up with. His friends, all of Harlem. For me that’s my ultimate goal: to touch people’s lives. The real people on the street. Of course I love having accolades from the fashion world and I’m thrilled with Rihanna and Gaga and Katy and everyone wearing my clothes. But when the real kids are using their money—
A: —Mmm-hmm.
J: —To buy something to express to the world who they are, to say, “This is who I am because I’m wearing this,” that is the ultimate compliment for me.
A$AP, you’ve talked about this before, but why do you still think there’s homophobia and ignorance in rap?
A: I’m not homosexual. That’s not where I’m at with my life. But I can still be greatly inspired by a homosexual. It has nothing to do with their sexuality. If I start discriminating against people, that will stop me as a person. That’s ignorant. What the fuck does that have to do with anything? It’s not like I want to date this motherfucker—I’m inspired by this dude. This isn’t about fashion, it’s what he personally did for me. I’m not saying I’m going to be an activist. I want to enlighten those brothers. I used to be like them, but I’m a grown-ass man. I don’t care what another man does with his time.
J: Why does it exist in the world? I don’t know. It’s just one of those things. I don’t know why people care about what other people do. When this becomes an issue in politics, that’s the thing that boggles my mind. I heard on CNN that Republicans won’t get behind Mitt Romney because of abortion and gay marriage. Why do you care?
Did each of you want to stand out from a young age?
J: I did for sure.
A: When I was 20 I got fed up with doing shit just because it was the popular thing to do. I became miserable trying to keep up with trends so I started setting them on my own.
J: I always felt there was a fire burning inside me that was different, that was stronger. I grew up on a farm. I was removed from everything.
A: That is fuckin’ amazing! You grew up on a farm? You see what I’m saying right now? He grew up on a fuckin’ farm! I grew up in Harlem and my music sounds like it’s from Houston, from Cali, or Westbumblefuck, for that matter. He grew up on a fuckin’ farm and look at this. Look at this!
What would you consider your breakthrough moment?
A: Right now. [Laughs.] Also when I signed my deal. You know that was a crazy fuckin’ deal to happen for me.
J: I feel like I’m always having a breakthrough.
A: That is so crazy. I should’ve said that!
