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Gucci Admits Dapper Dan Influenced Its New Collection

Gucci’s 2018 resort collection was a 115-look nod to the designs of its past, but one look in particular became the center of controversy for its uncanny resemblance to a Dapper Dan original. The fashion house has now responded to claims that it copied a piece created by the iconic Harlem tailor three decades ago, admitting that he influenced the design. Gucci says it’s an “homage” that “celebrates an iconic style of hip-hop fashion culture from the ’80,” which “legendary tailor Dapper Dan influenced…by making such custom pieces for his rapper and athlete clients out of logos from famous fashion houses, including Gucci.”
A spokesperson from Gucci told The New York Times that creative director Alessandro Michele reached out to Dapper Dan and is looking to collaborate but has yet to hear back.

Cam Kirk Is Hip-Hop's Most Trusted Photographer, Now He's Teaching Everything He's Learned

Photographer Cam Kirk has a way with gaining the trust of the musicians and celebrities he’s taking portraits of. There’s humility in his personality and a focused drive to his method. These are just some of the reasons why he’s so easily approachable and understanding when it comes any creative collaboration. The talent is obviously there — his shots are beyond epic and always capture the honest attitudes of his subjects.
Everyone from Gucci Mane, Migos, Future and Lil Yachty to name a few continue to trust his vision without an ounce of doubt. A rapper’s image is obviously important to his or her brand and Kirk has done an impressive job conveying the bravado, fierceness, and even the vulnerability they portray in front of the lens. Cam Kirk recently stopped by the office to talk about his journey from business student to becoming one of the most revered photographers in hip-hop. What we find out is that he’s more than just a man behind a camera, but a budding philanthropist on a mission to give back to Atlanta’s younger generation interested in the arts.

Eddie Lee/HYPEBEAST

A Morehouse University graduate, Cam Kirk originally studied marketing and wanted to pursue something within the fashion industry. While still in school, Kirk lead a fashion organization and through one of the fundraisers he helped put together, he was able to get Wiz Khalifa to perform at an event. The show sold out and Cam Kirk had his foot in the industry’s door, but there was something missing that night — he never got a picture with Wiz. This missed opportunity prompted him to buy his first camera — a Canon T2i that he didn’t even pick up and start using after six months of making the purchase.

Eddie Lee/HYPEBEAST

After graduating college, things didn’t go smoothly for Kirk and he actually took a break from doing more events. “I knew I didn’t want to go the corporate route and I eventually got fired from my job at adidas at Lenox mall,” Kirk says. “I got fired right before Christmas and I had a choice whether to go corporate or try to do something from what I did with the Wiz Khalifa concert because I now knew some people.” Cam bravely chose the latter and his second chance came when a friend asked him for help to organize a ScHoolboy Q concert. Kirk said yes but on the condition that he document Q with his camera for a day. The result was a success and the project Cam did for Q was a vid he shot on that Canon T2i he bought six months prior. With the success of that project, the Morehouse graduate knew he would be able to open more opportunities with his work behind the lens, whether video or photos.

Eddie Lee/HYPEBEAST

The trickle down effect was quick after working with ScHoolboy Q. The likes of Estelle, Young Jeezy, Metro Boomin and more caught wind of his reputation. But with the rising trend of everyone wanting to become directors/videographers at that time, Kirk wanted to shift to doing more photography as well. “The transition actually started when I linked up with Metro Boomin in 2012,” Kirk states. “We focused heavily on photography and Instagram had just started. My initiative was to push Metro’s image out there — the guy everyone could recognize for his style on Instagram. We ended up doing weekly photo shoots and that helped me come up as a brand of the “photographer in hip-hop” in a time when everyone wanted to be a “videographer in hip-hop.”

Eddie Lee/HYPEBEAST

Cam states that he’s different from other “hip-hop” photographers because he thinks “outside the box.” This evidence came when he did the “Trap God” exhibit featuring Gucci Mane. Kirk was known for working with a lot of trap artists before they started to become famous. “The ‘Trap God’ exhibit was something that I did on my own where I showcased myself as my own brand,” Cam says. “The show was dedicated to Gucci Mane, but he was locked up. There was no production involvement from outside and it was all me.” After “Trap God,” Cam Kirk as a brand was put on the map. He continued that “outside of the box” thinking by doing billboard exhibits around Atlanta and it was something that pushed his name even further.
Kirk’s resume speaks for itself — Gucci Mane, Metro Boomin, Migos, Lil Yachty, Young Thug, Travis Scott, Future — the list goes on and these artists choose to continue working with him. But it was also through these connections that the renowned photographer wants to give back, especially to Atlanta’s younger community.

Eddie Lee/HYPEBEAST

This summer starting June, Cam Kirk is holding special courses for some lucky students (ages 17-24) chosen from an application process. The immersive classes will teach them not only how to take photos, but how to also build themselves as a brand. Cameras are provided and Cam Kirk will be there to guide them from first shot until they’re all given the chance to shoot some of the hip-hop photographer’s friends.
“It’s a summer school program for seven weeks and I’ll be accepting five students and I’m totally hands-on,” Cam says. “I’m helping them build a portfolio and everything is free. I provide the cameras and all. The curriculum follows everything I’ve learned. Week 1, for example, is learning your camera and starting your brand — what do you want to be known for, what subjects do you want to shoot. It’s going to be really interactive and they’re going to get a chance to shoot artists, album covers, magazine editorials, shoot fashion lookbooks etc. all though the partners I have involved. It’s a big mission and I’m really excited about it.”
Cam Kirk’s photography classes alongside The Collective Gallery in Atlanta has already chosen students for this summer’s curriculum. However, if you are further interested in more opportunities with Cam and the Gallery, hit up apply@collective-gallery.com.

The Pharrell x adidas Originals Tennis Hu Gets New Multicolor Remixes for Summer

                                  

                                  

                                   

                                  

                                  

                                  

                                   

                                   

                                   

                                  

                                  

                                  

                                   

                                   

                                   

                                   

                                  

              

Pharrell‘s adidas Originals Tennis Hu has debuted in pastel colorways and bright tonal makeups, but if you’re looking for more than one color on your sneakers, the low-top model is coming in four new multi-color renditions for summer 2017. Ranging from subtle pastel mixes to high-octane hues, the sock-like model gets dressed in marled weave or tonal Primeknit uppers, crisp white or marbled midsoles, as well as hits of color at the heel tab, collar and laces.
The tonal tan upper with the marbled pink and orange midsole channels this season’s trending colors, while the rainbow weave upper with the white midsole offers a classic take on multicolor renditions. The baby blue and pink weave is a subtle take on an all-white sneaker, whereas the teal upper with the concrete gray midsole is a more novel combination.
No official announcement on the exact release date yet, but these pairs are expected to drop sometime in summer at a retail price of $130 USD. Stay tuned for more details and let us know which colorway is your favorite in the comments below.

ENTERTAINMENT, FASHION & MUSIC NEWS

Following up on the Kanye West and adidas Calabasas collection, Yeezy is apparently working on a deal to design uniforms for the SoCal city’s high school athletics department. According to TMZ, Ye’s team met with Calabasas High School’s officials to propose a revamp of the sports program, which could also include a generous donation to upgrade the institution’s athletic facilities. The pitch reportedly also involved altering the mascot from the Coyotes to the Wolves, along with the school’s black and gold colors. CHS currently has ties with the Three Stripes already, but has not made a decision on the alleged offer. Be sure to check back for more updates on this possible collaboration.

Kevin Hart has a collaboration with Nike on the way. Earlier today, Hart took to Instagram to post two brand new colorways of the Nike Free Train Virtue, dubbed “Hustle Hart 2s.” In the description, the comedian reveals that the sneakers are “dropping this summer” and that the colorways represent “day” and “night” because “training can happen anytime and anywhere.” Hart notes that he will be announcing thee release date soon. Check out the post below and let us know if these are a cop or drop.

Image CreditNike

Rap duo Rae Sremmurd has joined the Reebok Classic roster. The global athletic footwear and apparel company made the official announcement today regarding the new partnership. Reebok previously solidified partnerships with Teyana Taylor, Gigi Hadid, Future, and Kendrick Lamar. The “Black Beatles” rappers will endorse an upcoming Classic Leather campaign that is slated to launch later this month. Brothers, Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi, have quickly become young style influencers within the pop culture realm.
“Swae and Jxmmi are the perfect partners for the Classic Leather. These guys are constantly pushing boundaries, which Reebok Classic is all about,” said Todd Krinsky, General Manager of Reebok Classic. “Few artists so passionately embrace life and nonconformity like Rae Sremmurd and we’re excited to bring them into the Reebok Classic family.”
To promote the partnership, Reebok will send a Classic Leather truck around to cultural events throughout the year. At each stop, the Classic Leather truck will host a block party style event complete with shoe customization, shoe cleaning stations, giveaways and a VIP lounge. On Saturday, June 3^rd and Sunday, June 4^th from 11:30am to 7pm, the Classic Leather Truck will make a stop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at North 9^th Street between Berry St and Bedford Ave.

According to Deadline, comedian Kevin Hart and hip-hop artist T.I. are joining forces on a new comedy series. Currently in developments by ShowTime, the show will chronicle various characters working in a recording studio both day and night. Though both T.I. and Hart will produce, they will not regularly act in the show but are expected to make guest appearances.
Currently titled The Studio, Ayesha Carr is one of the writers behind the scenes who already has an impressive track record with such shows as Brooklyn Nine Nine and Everybody Hates Chris. Stay tuned for more details.

ENTERTAINMENT:

         

Blac Chyna goes Sneaker Shopping with Joe La Puma at Flight Club in Los Angeles and talks about growing up in D.C. and wearing New Balances.
         

Sports fans are very passionate about their favorite teams and players. They love to love, and sometimes they love to hate. With that said, it’s time for another special NBA edition of #MeanTweets featuring Zach LaVine, DeAndre Jordan, Mike Conley Jr., Paul George, Karl-Anthony Towns, Devin Booker, Jay Williams, Caron Butler, Doc Rivers, Walt Frazier, Michelle Beadle, Joel Embiid, James Harden, Magic Johnson, Shaq and Karl Malone.

SOSOSUMMER TOUR NEW MUSIC & INTERVIEWS