#BeenSlackin #OGM #OurGenerationMusic
Despite his name being a self-admitted put-off, BeenSlackin truly knows what it takes to succeed. A social media fashion icon - revered for his all-BALENCIAGA fits, stunning sunglasses (who was part of Ye's YZY x Gap SHADES campaign) and one-of-one aura - the 24-year-old curator-designer's humble beginnings are evident in how he carries himself.
Touting a prolific wardrobe packed with pieces from KAPITAL, COMME des GARÇON, Margiela, Louis Vuitton, Chrome Hearts and more, BeenSlackin's signature admiration for BALENCIAGA stems from the gratitude he's always shown for the evergreen enterprise. "I wouldn't be where I am without BALENCIAGA," he said, although not directly working for the brand in any professional capacity. However, he was once considered to be a marquee face for their runway show once upon a time. That’s his story to tell.
Amid growing his personal brand over the years - striking social gold when he flew out to New York City to flick up a fit-pic with a DRACO - BeenSlackin has his sights set on more than likes and looks on IG. Collaborating with Wiz Khalifa, Lil Uzi Vert and, of course, his friend and mentor A$AP Bari, these connections don't come from label ties or PR stunts, they come from a place of esteem. "I had to learn really quickly that you can't treat these people like a fan," he said. "You have to treat them like real people: That's how you get their respect.”
Looking to craft his own brand that embodies "ironic, fun merch," BeenSlackin displays his innate ability for curation through his conversation with OGM host Hakeem Rowe, methodically explaining why certain things are the way they are in the fashion world. "What's doing good now is making simple, funny, cool shit," he says, showcasing his one-of-one BALENCIAGA "TRASH" bag, clad with clothes beside him. With aspirations to walk in Paris Fashion Week (once he gains his full US citizenship), Hakeem Rowe spoke with Big Unk BeenSlackin about where his career is headed, his come-up, relationships with A$AP Bari, Lil Uzi Vert, Wiz Khalifa, his personal style and much more in this OGM exclusive interview.
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BeenSlackin: / beenslackin
CREDITS:
Hosted by: Hakeem Rowe (bit.ly/40N9vF5)
Directed/Shot by: TooSam (bit.ly/3MwlgfP)
Produced by: Jon Barlas (bit.ly/3GzPJFU)
Graphic by: Rafael (bit.ly/3ApPQQI)
Additional camera: @shootervisuals_
Research by: Mateo McKenzie
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STAMPS:
0:00 - Intros
1:28 - How BeenSlackin got his name
2:42 - Not going public on Instagram until 2020
5:04 - Immigrating from Ethiopia, differences in culture
10:05 - BeenSlackin's original style inspirations (before BALENCIAGA)
14:20 - The blueprint of starting his fashion career in New York City: "Everything was planned out"
16:52 - How BeenSlackin acquires his pieces
19:56 - Why BeenSlackin chose Balenciaga over any other brand
20:17 - Working with Kanye for YZY SHADES campaign
23:38 - Going viral with BALENCIAGA fit pic with a Draco, taking advantage of an opportunity
24:54 - BeenSlackin's ever-evolving aesthetic, talks piercings, hairstyle, tattoos
26:40 - Learning English from culture, cartoons, music
28:00 - Co-signs from A$AP Rocky, A$AP Bari, Ian Connor and more
29:25 - Meeting A$AP Rocky for the first time, relationship with Bari
32:12 - Relationship with Lil Uzi Vert
33:18 - Working with Wiz Khalifa, mutual love of marijuana: "I respect the f*** out of him"
35:19 - Being an architect of the culture, being unfazed by copycats
36:40 - What's next for Slackin, the direction he has for his own brand
38:40 - Relationship with BALENCIAGA curators/designers, career realization at Met Gala
41:21 - NYFW and Paris Fashion Week: Why BeenSlackin can't participate
43:35 - Does BeenSlackin want to walk in these shows? Aspirations to model Margiela, BALENCIAGA
44:39 - Accessories are key, love for sunglasses
46:04 - Trial-and-error, Constantly learning and soaking up new influences: "Student of the game"
48:15 - Message for Our Generation