Business As Usual - The Regime
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
SHORT FILM: Drake - Obey Your Thirst (Episode 1)
Drake - Obey Your Thirst (Episode 1)
Drake is a superstar—the only guy who could dethrone Taylor Swift on the charts with a mixtape. In a rare interview, he spoke with The FADER.
Coming up in Toronto, people told Drake to move to New York if he was serious about making it. Instead, he stayed where he was and made history by proving that if you’re a truly multi-layered artist, you can make it from anywhere. “Do it the way I did it," he says in the above Obey Your Thirst documentary. "Do it from where you’re at. If you have the music, that's all it takes."
Now, at the top of his game, Drake says he competes not with established legends or other top-sellers, but with the countless kids itching to take his spot.
Now that hip-hop's playing field is more open than ever before, Drake knows
there are countless kids itching to take his spot. Those up-and-comers are now his competition, not any established rapper. “That’s how I try to keep pushing this forward,” he says. “Just to let that kid know that I’m not done yet.” Watch the full documentary above, and stay tuned for three more by Sprite and The FADER, sharing the stories of Nas, Vince Staples, and Isaiah Rashad.
http://www.thefader.com/2015/06/24/dr...
Subscribe now for more The FADER http://bit.ly/XPZVfG
Read the FADER: http://www.thefader.com
Follow the FADER on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefader
Like the FADER on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/11JaNSJ
Follow the FADER on Tumblr: http://bit.ly/xerObW
Coming up in Toronto, people told Drake to move to New York if he was serious about making it. Instead, he stayed where he was and made history by proving that if you’re a truly multi-layered artist, you can make it from anywhere. “Do it the way I did it," he says in the above Obey Your Thirst documentary. "Do it from where you’re at. If you have the music, that's all it takes."
Now, at the top of his game, Drake says he competes not with established legends or other top-sellers, but with the countless kids itching to take his spot.
Now that hip-hop's playing field is more open than ever before, Drake knows
there are countless kids itching to take his spot. Those up-and-comers are now his competition, not any established rapper. “That’s how I try to keep pushing this forward,” he says. “Just to let that kid know that I’m not done yet.” Watch the full documentary above, and stay tuned for three more by Sprite and The FADER, sharing the stories of Nas, Vince Staples, and Isaiah Rashad.
http://www.thefader.com/2015/06/24/dr...
Subscribe now for more The FADER http://bit.ly/XPZVfG
Read the FADER: http://www.thefader.com
Follow the FADER on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefader
Like the FADER on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/11JaNSJ
Follow the FADER on Tumblr: http://bit.ly/xerObW
Saturday, June 13, 2015
VIDEOS: Dope: Battle Rapper "Ooops" Spits Some Real Bars!
Dope: Battle Rapper "Ooops" Spits Some Real Bars!
Ooops vs. O RED (Rare Breed Ent)
NEWS: Suspect Shot & Killed By Sniper After Attack On Dallas Police Headquarters!
A man planted pipe bombs outside of Dallas' police headquarters early Saturday before opening fire on the building and officers who tried to stop him, spraying the building and a squad car with bullets during a wild street battle but injuring no one. After cornering the fleeing suspect's van in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant in the suburb of Hutchins, a police sniper shot and killed him.
Suspect Shot & Killed By Sniper After Attack On Dallas Police Headquarters!
Friday, June 12, 2015
Thursday, June 11, 2015
INTERVIEWS: Akon: “America was never built for black people”
Akon: “America was never built for black people”
The Senegalese-American recording artist talks frankly about US race relations, “rebranding” Africa, and his music.Akon talks to Al Jazeera about running his musical career as a business; his projects – both philanthropic and artistic; singing songs for peace and whether he thinks it can really make an impact; and being an African in the US.
In the interview, Akon talks about being a businessman, and how that’s very important in the field of entertainment. He says that even though he can perform on stage, he’s a businessman before being an entertainer.
AUDIO: Kanye West Addresses Allegedly Kicking Kids Out Of Chuck-E Cheese & Sex Of His New Child!
Kanye West Addresses Allegedly Kicking Kids Out Of Chuck-E Cheese & Sex Of His New Child!
The audio of Kanye's interview with Hot 97
BREAKING NEWS: 22-Year-Old Man Held On Rikers Island Without Trial Commits Suicide
22-Year-Old Man Held On Rikers Island Without Trial Commits Suicide
Kalief Browder, a Bronx man who was held for three years on Rikers Island without trial for an alleged robbery in 2010, committed suicide on Saturday (June 6). Taken into police custody at just 16 years old, Browder recounted an experience that included two years of solitary confinement, starvation, and abuse by prison guards and fellow inmates. In a profile published for The New Yorker after his case was dismissed in 2013, Browder discussed the lasting effects his time inside would have.
“People tell me because I have this case against the city I’m all right,” he said. “But I’m not all right. I’m messed up. I know that I might see some money from this case, but that’s not going to help me mentally. I’m mentally scarred right now. That’s how I feel. Because there are certain things that changed about me and they might not go back.”
Kalief Browder: Prison Guards Starved Me
While in solitary confinement, Browder attempted to end his own life on numerous occasions, including an instance in which he tried to use his bedsheets to hang himself from a light fixture in his cell. Upon his release, he attempted to commit suicide again, after just six months of regaining his freedom. After being treated in several psychiatric institutions, Browder hung himself from an air-conditioning cord in his Bronx home. His lawyer, Paul Prestia, echoed his sentiments of the imprisonment having lasting effects.
“I think what caused the suicide was his incarceration and those hundreds and hundreds of nights in solitary confinement, where there were mice crawling up his sheets in that little cell,’ he told the Los Angeles Times. “Being starved, and not being taken to the shower for two weeks at a time … those were direct contributing factors. … That was the pain and sadness that he had to deal with every day, and I think it was too much for him.”
Browder’s case led New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to reform the solitary confinement laws for city inmates, raising the legal age to 21 years old.
NEWS: Female Viagra Nears US Approval
Female Viagra Nears US Approval
The pink pill may be on the market soon but not everyone thinks its safe
An FDA advisory committee voted 18-6 to recommend that the FDA approve the drug Flibanserin for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.
The panel’s recommendation will be given to the FDA, which will decide whether to approve the drug, known by some as “female Viagra”.
A member of the FDA panel, Dr. Walid Gellad, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, was supportive of Flibanserin. Gellad, said “there are many women that suffer and there are many women for whom the drug will work and there are many women for whom the drug will not work. The benefits are modest … maybe less than modest, but I think that puts it in good company with other approved drugs.”
Executive Director of National Women’s Health Network, Cindy Pearson, does not support the approval of the drug. In an essay written in The Washington Times, Pearson says that,“I’m a pro-sex feminist, but I believe that advocating for women’s health means finding solutions for women’s sexual problems that are safe and effective. That hasn’t happened. Not yet. Several drug makers wanting to break into this potential blockbuster market have tried to prove that their products work and are safe. So far, they’ve failed.”
-Abesi Manyando(@abesipr)
SNEAKER GAME: The Jordan Brand Poster Pack Comes Spring 2016
The Jordan Brand Poster Pack Comes Spring 2016
Attention fellow sneaker heads, we have good news
Next spring the Jordan brand will present to us a limited edition “Poster” pack that will feature two legendary and fan favored J‘s. The Air Jordan 2′s and 12′s. Covered in dark grey, black and white, these babies are ready to be rocked with next years gear. The “Wing it” edition from the AJ2 shows respect to the 1986 ad campaign, and even marks the campaigns slogan on the heel. On the back of one shoe is “Wing,” and the other features “it.”
This also captures the essence of Jordan’s game above the rim.
This was just a sneak peak of what’s expected for 2016, we’re sure there is more greatness to come.
- Aquil Small
INTERVIEW: Teyana Taylor Brings Out Total at Summer Jam, Talks the Music Scene in Harlem
Teyana Taylor Brings Out Total at Summer Jam, Talks the Music Scene in Harlem
When Kanye West stressed that Teyana Taylor‘s debut album, VII, was important for the state of R&B at her Los Angeles listening party last year, he wasn’t just blindly praising the young Harlem native he signed 5 years ago. VII has since been praised as a necessary refresher course in classic R&B by critics nationwide, and it earned Taylor a spot on the Hot 97 Summer Jam Festival stage, which is often a direct launching pad to the main stage of the world’s most notorious Hip-Hop and R&B concert.
After her performance, during which she ran through a bevy of her most popular songs, including what’s probably her biggest record to date, “Do Not Disturb.” As a quick surprise, Taylor brought out two-thirds of 90′s R&B group Total, who performed their hit single “Can’t You See,” and engage in a bit of “Kanye dancing.” Watch a brief clip of her performance above, and check out her comments on meeting the classic Total, and the music scene in her hometown of Harlem.
NEWS: Rikers Island Guards Charged in Death of Inmate
Rikers Island Guards Charged in Death of Inmate
2 Rikers Island guards have been charged in the beating death of an inmate
According to the NY Daily News, jail guard Brian Coll and former guard Byron Taylorhave been charged in the shooting death of inmate Ronald Spear in 2012. In December 2012, Coll brutally kicked Spear while Taylor restrained him according to prosecutors. Both guards then crafted a story on how Spear was killed. Before being charged, Coll was still an officer at Rikers, while Taylor had left the position. Both men are to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon.
Coll has been charged with with deprivation of civil rights for the beating and obstruction of justice, whilst Taylor has been charged with covering up the beating. Another officer,Anthony Torres pleaded guilty to conspiracy to obstruct justice and filing false reports stemming from the beat down. Spear had been approaching the guards for their failure to give him the proper treatment for his kidney disease. Spears’ autopsy shows that he died from blunt force trauma to the torso and arms. Spears’ family was awarded $2.75 million.
- Ballah-moni Kollie (@Gottadream87)
photo credit: NY Daily News
BREAKING NEWS: 9 Shot, 1 Dead in Apartment Complex Shooting
9 Shot, 1 Dead in Apartment Complex Shooting
9 people were shot and one has died after an early morning shooting at an apartment complex in Bridgeport, Connecticut. According to the NY Daily News, the shooting occurred at 1 a.m. on Thursday morning when multiple gunmen opened fire on a group of people hanging out in the parking lot of the Trumbull Gardens apartment complex. According to witnesses, the shooters fled on foot. One of the injured is an 80-year old woman who was taking a bath when the shooting occurred.
Six men and three women were shot. The deceased is a man in his 40′s, and all victims were transported to the St. Vincent and Bridgeport Hospital. They have all been listed in serious, guarded condition and will require surgery, but their names have not been released.
Police have multiple leads and are looking for the suspects.
- Ballah-moni Kollie (@Gottadream87)
photo credit: NY Daily News
NEWS: Nicki Minaj Slams Ex-Boyfriend Safaree Samuels For His New Song
Nicki Minaj Slams Ex-Boyfriend Safaree Samuels For His New Song
On Wednesday (June 10), Nicki Minaj’s ex-boyfriend Safaree “SB” Samuels released the snippet to a song entitled “Love the Most.” SB opens up about his 12-year stint with the Young Money MC, claiming he deserved more credit for her career, among other things. In response to Safaree’s song, the Queen of the Barbz hopped on Twitter last night to share her thoughts.
Her first few tweets were directed at SB for his lyrics. Nicki basically tells Samuels not to try her, and to tell the truth. The “Truffle Butter” rapper also seems to be saying that she may have done too much for SB, or perhaps let too many things slide. Despite their rough patches, it looks like Nicki doesn’t regret the 12-year run, but is happier then ever now that she’s moved on. Onika just wants the world to know that she’s completely over it and totally in love with her new man, Meek Mill.
Since last night, she’s deleted the first few tweets, but you can view them all below.
God gave me a good heart. I always let ppl get over on me way too long. But that's why I'm blessed. I'll always b blessed. May God keep u
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) June 11, 2015
And just for the record, I'm in love with meek. ☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) June 11, 2015
Lol and now I have a huge smile on my face. 😁😛😱😘😘😘😘😛😛😛😛
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) June 11, 2015
Making a 12 yr relationship work at such young ages? We're BOTH the real MVP. things got rocky at the end but we had a GREAT run. #B4Ujudge
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) June 11, 2015
NEWS: Jim Jones and Juelz Santana Denied Entry Into Canada
Jim Jones and Juelz Santana Denied Entry Into Canada
Fans in Canada hoping to catch Dipset during the group’s tour stop North of the Border were instead treated to a Cam’ron solo show after Jimmy and Juelz were denied entry by customs trying to cross into the country. Cam’ron made the announcement that he would be performing by his lonesome on Instagram and TMZ followed up with a report stating that Jones and Santana were denied due to previous arrests in the country. The report states that the two rappers and their friend Trav, who was driving the tour bus, pulled up to the border in Buffalo, New York ready to embark on an nine-date Canadian tour but were turned away due to lengthy rap sheets that included arrests for making death threats (Juelz) and a DWI (Jimmy).
TMZ also writes that Capo knew that there might be an issue due to his arrests up north so he worked with lawyers who were supposed to have everything squared away with immigration and the FBI to get across the border. The missed tour dates will allegedly cost them upwards of $500,000.
With eight tour dates remaining, including tonight’s show in Calgary and two more concerts over the weekend, it is unclear whether Cam’ron will handle the shows by himself the rest of the way.
NEWS: Bow Wow Leaving Cash Money and Linking Back Up With Jermaine Dupri
Bow Wow Leaving Cash Money and Linking Back Up With Jermaine Dupri
Are you independent or are you signed to So So Def?
Yeah, I’m with Jermaine. I’m no longer on Cash Money. I’m back home and I’m going to be here for life. This is where the magic happens.
You were on Cash Money for six years teasing your album Underrated, which never came out. Why did you wait six years to leave?
For me, I got so many hustles and I was doing so many other things, it would pass me by that I was on the label for three years. I was like, "Damn." As soon as I signed to Cash Money, the first thing I did was Lottery Ticket. As soon as I signed, the first thing I did was a movie. After that, I think I did another movie. Then after that, I got called on tour with Chris [Brown]. Chris called me while I was in the studio working on my album. Chris was like, "Yo, come on tour with me, Tyga and T-Pain." I left the studio, stopped my album and went on tour with them. That took up time.
So it was like, I had so many other things going on. Then 106 comes and I do that for two years. I was making so much money outside of rap that I was so comfortable, I wasn’t even checking for music like that. I never even blew up the label’s phone like, "Yo, what’s going on?" I never once tripped because I was cool. I was fortunate to have so many hustles that not doing one wasn’t hurting me. The only thing that was hurting me was the fact that my fans would want music or I wanted to put out stuff. It was a situation that I wished worked out for the best, because any situation that I do, I want it to work. Anything you do in business, you want it to win.
I don’t take my time over there for granted. I had a great time over there. I had a chance to learn a lot from everybody. I’m still cool with them to this day. I have no problem with nobody over there. I’m just a non-confrontational dude. I just did my business the cool way and the respectable way because you never know when you might need somebody. So I’ve never been the type to burn bridges with people. Now I’m back at home and I get the chance to make the music I want and give my fans what they want.
So is Underrated still coming out?
I don’t even know if I’m going to title the album that. It’s been so long. With artists, our minds change so much. Right now, I told Jermaine that I’m not even focused on an album. I want to just put out records. I just want to flood the market with these singles. I want to shoot some videos and I just want to load up. He was like, "Alright cool, we’re going to follow your plan. I’m going to do the beats and you show up. We do what we do and let’s go." We’re rocking out like that.
You’ve kind of witnessed the whole transition of the music industry where labels don’t really matter as much and albums don’t really matter as much. You’re going along with the times.
Yeah, you’ve got to. It’s crazy how it is. I remember when everybody used to be able to sell. Now, you only got five rappers, out of 55 that are dope [but] don’t sell records. It’s crazy. You just gotta move along with the times. You’re even starting to see rappers DJ now, trying to find extra bread to get. You see I took the hosting thing. I know I can’t DJ for shit. [Laughs] So my hustle was, Let me get into this hosting thing. That might open up another lane. Once I dipped into that, it did. I just had a big ass meeting the other day. I can’t really talk about it, but I had a big meeting with somebody really big out here in Hollywood. It would have never happened if it wasn’t for 106 & Park. That was the first thing this man brought up to me in the meeting.
You’ve got guys like Jay Z, JD and Diddy who did it, just sticking their hands into everything. Bottles, clothes, television, owning companies, records labels; they’re just dipping into everything. That’s what you gotta do nowadays to stay above the rest and to separate yourself. That’s what I’m trying to do. That’s why I got the NDI Vodka and AYC clothing line. We just signed Snoop to push the clothing line, which is big. I’m just trying to make moves. The next step is producing in television. In the next couple of weeks, y’all going to see these moves that I just made and you’re going to be like, "Okay, this boy ain’t fucking around."
CSI: Cyber is a huge win for you. I just saw that you guys got renewed for a new season. How has that experience been?
Dope. It’s been a learning experience. It’s the hardest acting job I ever had in my life. I mean that. I’ve done a lot of acting but not to this magnitude. From the words to everything, even the pronunciation. This is the high A-level of acting. It’s crazy because I never had any acting background experience. I’m raw with my acting. Nobody taught me any techniques or how to remember things. I’m a self-teacher. I’ve always been a person to teach myself. Working with Patricia Arquette, who’s an Oscar Award winner, and to be a part of a franchise as big as CSI, it don’t get no bigger than this. When you get a chance to roll with winners, it always feels good.
Yeah, I’m with Jermaine. I’m no longer on Cash Money. I’m back home and I’m going to be here for life. This is where the magic happens.
You were on Cash Money for six years teasing your album Underrated, which never came out. Why did you wait six years to leave?
For me, I got so many hustles and I was doing so many other things, it would pass me by that I was on the label for three years. I was like, "Damn." As soon as I signed to Cash Money, the first thing I did was Lottery Ticket. As soon as I signed, the first thing I did was a movie. After that, I think I did another movie. Then after that, I got called on tour with Chris [Brown]. Chris called me while I was in the studio working on my album. Chris was like, "Yo, come on tour with me, Tyga and T-Pain." I left the studio, stopped my album and went on tour with them. That took up time.
So it was like, I had so many other things going on. Then 106 comes and I do that for two years. I was making so much money outside of rap that I was so comfortable, I wasn’t even checking for music like that. I never even blew up the label’s phone like, "Yo, what’s going on?" I never once tripped because I was cool. I was fortunate to have so many hustles that not doing one wasn’t hurting me. The only thing that was hurting me was the fact that my fans would want music or I wanted to put out stuff. It was a situation that I wished worked out for the best, because any situation that I do, I want it to work. Anything you do in business, you want it to win.
I don’t take my time over there for granted. I had a great time over there. I had a chance to learn a lot from everybody. I’m still cool with them to this day. I have no problem with nobody over there. I’m just a non-confrontational dude. I just did my business the cool way and the respectable way because you never know when you might need somebody. So I’ve never been the type to burn bridges with people. Now I’m back at home and I get the chance to make the music I want and give my fans what they want.
So is Underrated still coming out?
I don’t even know if I’m going to title the album that. It’s been so long. With artists, our minds change so much. Right now, I told Jermaine that I’m not even focused on an album. I want to just put out records. I just want to flood the market with these singles. I want to shoot some videos and I just want to load up. He was like, "Alright cool, we’re going to follow your plan. I’m going to do the beats and you show up. We do what we do and let’s go." We’re rocking out like that.
You’ve kind of witnessed the whole transition of the music industry where labels don’t really matter as much and albums don’t really matter as much. You’re going along with the times.
Yeah, you’ve got to. It’s crazy how it is. I remember when everybody used to be able to sell. Now, you only got five rappers, out of 55 that are dope [but] don’t sell records. It’s crazy. You just gotta move along with the times. You’re even starting to see rappers DJ now, trying to find extra bread to get. You see I took the hosting thing. I know I can’t DJ for shit. [Laughs] So my hustle was, Let me get into this hosting thing. That might open up another lane. Once I dipped into that, it did. I just had a big ass meeting the other day. I can’t really talk about it, but I had a big meeting with somebody really big out here in Hollywood. It would have never happened if it wasn’t for 106 & Park. That was the first thing this man brought up to me in the meeting.
You’ve got guys like Jay Z, JD and Diddy who did it, just sticking their hands into everything. Bottles, clothes, television, owning companies, records labels; they’re just dipping into everything. That’s what you gotta do nowadays to stay above the rest and to separate yourself. That’s what I’m trying to do. That’s why I got the NDI Vodka and AYC clothing line. We just signed Snoop to push the clothing line, which is big. I’m just trying to make moves. The next step is producing in television. In the next couple of weeks, y’all going to see these moves that I just made and you’re going to be like, "Okay, this boy ain’t fucking around."
CSI: Cyber is a huge win for you. I just saw that you guys got renewed for a new season. How has that experience been?
Dope. It’s been a learning experience. It’s the hardest acting job I ever had in my life. I mean that. I’ve done a lot of acting but not to this magnitude. From the words to everything, even the pronunciation. This is the high A-level of acting. It’s crazy because I never had any acting background experience. I’m raw with my acting. Nobody taught me any techniques or how to remember things. I’m a self-teacher. I’ve always been a person to teach myself. Working with Patricia Arquette, who’s an Oscar Award winner, and to be a part of a franchise as big as CSI, it don’t get no bigger than this. When you get a chance to roll with winners, it always feels good.
INTERVIEW: 50 Cent On Access Hollywood Live
50 Cent On Access Hollywood Live
Another recent TV appearance from 50 Cent on Access Hollywood Live.
In addition to appearing on Live! With Kelly & Michael earlier today, 50 also paid a morning visit to Access Hollywood Live, where he discussed a bit more about the current movies he's involved in and "Power."
While 50 has been busy promoting a new season of "Power," he's also got a few films on deck to promote, perhaps the most anticipated is "Southpaw," which stars Jake Gyllenhaal and features a soundtrack executive produced by Eminem. However, he also discusses his small role in "Spy" and his many business ventures (EFFEN Vodka, Frigo underwear). During 50's visit with Access Hollywood, randomly enough, we get a cameo from Mr. T (second clip), and 50 confirms he does not fuck with Diddy ("no Puffy Juice, we not with the Puffy Juice" he says. "It's competitive energy but at the same time I don't agree with a lot things he's done, personally.")
Watch one clip from the interview above and the second below.
NEWS: Young Thug's Stylist Explains The Inspiration Behind His Wardrobe
Young Thug's Stylist Explains The Inspiration Behind His Wardrobe
It turns out, there's a method behind the madness of Thug's fashion. Meet the woman behind it.
One of the main reasons Young Thug is so controversial is simply the way he dresses; "I swear every time I dress myself, it go motherfuckin' viral" is now one of his most famous lines. Just look at him at the end of the "Check" video-- wearing a skintight Hooter's tank that even the restaurant's most underendowed hostesses would have trouble fitting into. And that's tame for Thugga. While most of his outfits can pass for androgynous, he's perfectly happy to show up in a dress. And not a dress meant for a woman his age, but rather, one designed for a little girl.
Obviously, his unprecedented wardrobe choices has hip-hop, the ultimate dick-measuring contest, in shambles. Longtime fans say all of our fallen heroes are turning in their graves. Though the more hate-- and I mean real hate-- that gets hurled his way, the more shocking his next outfit. Indeed, that seems to be the obvious method behind the madness. No rapper embodies the trending "if you ain't got no haters, you ain't poppin" sentiment better than Young Thug. You'd think Thug spends most of time haphazardly piecing together outfits at high-end department stores, taking full advantage of each section: men's, women's, even children's. You'll be shocked to find out, then, that every single element of his style is carefully calculated. Even more shocking, and contrary to the aforementioned "Halftime" line: Thug rarely dresses himself.
Thanks to Pitchfork, we've been introduced to Young Thug's full-time stylist. JoJo Zarur is an ex-double major from Stanford who, after meeting Young Thug during a visit to Atlanta, never returned to school. Fashion was a serious hobby, and after Thug stalked her Instagram, he asked her to style his "Stoner" video shoot. Not bad for a first gig, though Thug would prove to be an extremely challenging first client.
Before Zarur, Thugger's experimental approach to fashion had long been established. "It wasn't even the women's section, he would go to the kid's section and buy a kid's dress." As a buzzing artist, those around him knew his one-of-a-kind style would be an indelible part of his image, and it needed some fine-tuning. Enter Zarur: "When I first met Young Thug, Birdman came up to me and he was like, 'You need to help him.'"
Since the beginning of their partnership, Zarur and Thug have established a close working relationship, but one that involves no shortage of risk-taking. She knows what he likes-- he's only "comfortable with really tight pants"-- and Zarur will put an outfit together out of seemingly incongruous pieces, therefore protecting Thug's ever-evolving singularity. "Mixing men's and women's, that's how I work. I'll look at three pieces and make one out of it... The other day I made a jacket out of a backpack. I have no limits."
Zarur might feel guilty continuing to throw Thug on the front lines, exposing him to the Internet's worst corners of vitriol and hatred, if each of her outfits didn't win ringing endorsements from the man himself. Attempts to get under his skin, or shame his masculinity or sexual orientation, will, according to Zarur, surely backfire. "He’ll look at Instagram and read the hater comments and laugh, and show his friends. He’s the perfect person for what he’s doing. I could not see anyone else doing it better, honestly."
Being with Thug since "Stoner," Zarur witnessed the dissolution of Rich Gang front and center: "It was actually really sad. For a minute, we were all so close. We did everything together. I was always at the studio with them, we were always talking about ideas, all of us, Birdman, Thug, and Quan. We were a huge family." Her comments allude to what we already imagined was a bitter fallout between Thug and RHQ, but also touch on the more recent, less talked about, end of Thug's mentorship under Birdman's wing.
As Thug's business affiliations grow increasingly confusing, though, you can expect his style to remain his own-- with the help of Ms. Zarur.
Alright, haters, we know you're out there: Time to sound off in the comments. If Thugga checks the site, he'll have plenty to laugh about.
[via Pitchfork]
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