YG is one of the west coast’s most respected artists, with a buzz too grand to dismiss. With his debut album, My Krazy Life, being so well-received and countless, infectious singles taking over the airwaves, YG is showing no signs of slowing up. From documentaries, to full length movies and soundtracks, YG has a load of major moves lined up for 2015. We had the pleasure of linking up with YG fresh off of his collaboration with RVCA, to learn about his inspiration, his style and what’s in-store for the 4 Hunnid frontman.
The West Coast. When I walk into the building, I always want to show that I’m from California.
What are some of your favorite and least favorite trends right now?
My least favorite trend is everyone copying off each other. My favorite is being authentic. I come up with new shit all the time. I wear my pants with cuffs and high socks. It’s not new, but I do it. My long socks look, people are doing that.
How has skateboarding culture impacted you as a person?
I wear a lot of skateboard clothes. It’s different. They got the flannels, khaki pants, all the Vans – I been wearing Vans.
What are some of your favorite collaborations of all time, from any realm?
Snoop Dogg and Tupac, Snoop and Dre, Wayne and Santana, NWA, Outkast, Converse and Bape, Kanye and Nike.
Why did you choose RVCA? What kind of relationship do you have with PM Tenore?
RVCA happened organically. The dude Mike Miller was cool with Pat, so he said he’d connect the two. He said his people will bring RVCA clothes to the album shoot and Pat told PM, “YG wants to collab.” We chopped it up at a show in December, had breakfast and vibed out – riding jet skis and all that. We had convos about what we wanted to do – what he wanted to do with RVCA, what I wanted to do as an artist. So we started making designs.
Did you do more orchestrating or creating?
It was 50-50 with designing and creating. I was all in the mix.
What’s your take on the connection between fashion and music?
That shit parallels- Fashion and music. It’s a way to express yourself. The way I look at it is, if you dress a certain way, people will think this, this and this.
Coming off the release of a well-received debut album, what’s in store for you?
Everything is next, dog. We got big shit popping. I’m just trying to get ready for the next album. I’m trying to figure out when it’s going to drop. I’m trying to stay safe. I’m working on my 4 Hunnid brand – a real brand, a clothing line that represents the culture. Label opportunities and movies. With Blame it on the Streets, I wrote the whole movie, but it was only a short. Now I’m writing a full length movie.
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