words & interview // Ian Stonebrook:
If you haven’t heard “Trap Queen” yet it’d be best to get out more or loosen up. The unlikely love song by New Jersey native Fetty Wap is as infectious as it gets, spreading to airwaves across the country and even catching the ear of Kanye West.
In fact, Yeezy liked the song so much that he brought out Fetty Wap as a special surprise guest at the First Annual Roc Nation Classic in New York City back in February. The only guest without G.O.O.D. Music affiliation, Fetty flourished on stage in both Kanye’s kicks and clothes. We caught up with Fetty at the Nice Kicks Shop in Austin, TX after his Sway in the Morning appearance to talk about the Kanye connection and his laid back approach to fashion.
Nice Kicks: The first time I caught you was at the Kanye concert at All-Star Weekend. How did that come about?
Fetty Wap: My manager set that up for me as a surprise. I thought I was supposed to do the fashion show but I ended up going on stage with him at the Roc Nation show instead. I actually met him before the fashion show when he was prepping for it and that’s when I got the Yeezys. He was a real cool dude.
Nice Kicks: What was Kanye’s demeanor like before the fashion show?
Fetty Wap: Basically just, Kanye. He was cool. He was smiling, he was real chill.
Nice Kicks: What was your reaction when he gave you the Yeezys?
Fetty Wap: I don’t know! [Laughs] I’m mad laid back, I don’t get too excited, but it felt good. It felt like an accomplishment. A lot of people don’t get that opportunity so it was a blessing. I got them two days before they came out.
Nice Kicks: When Kanye brought you out at the Roc Nation concert, did he lace you with the whole Yeezy Season 1 Collection?
Fetty Wap: I had the whole Ye outfit on from the fashion show. Everything I wore was from him.
Nice Kicks: Growing up, which rappers influenced your style from a fashion standpoint?
Fetty Wap: Gucci Mane, that’s my favorite rapper, but where I’m from we got our own swag. I’m more of the sweatsuit, laid back guy. You don’t know if I’m the main attraction or one of the dudes with the group. I just like to chill, I’m not really into fashion.
Nice Kicks: Aside from Yeezys, which kicks are in your current rotation?
Fetty Wap: My favorite sneakers are the Jordans and my favorite shoe is the 12s. I’ve got all of them. I’ve got the Jordan tattoo on my leg.
Nice Kicks: Since “Trap Queen” blew up, have brands been sending you all types of free gear?
Fetty Wap: I’ve got my own brand right now, Zoo Gang clothing, and the Fetty Wap Trap Queen line is going so I’ve just been doing my own thing. I haven’t really been accepting too much stuff from anybody. Shout out to Robin’s Jeans though, he sent me a little care package because all I really wear is Robin’s Jeans.
Nice Kicks: Fashion and music wise, what can Nice Kicks readers expect next from Fetty Wap?
Fetty Wap: Style wise, I don’t really have too much style, I’m real chill. Music wise, we’ve got a lot of good music coming and a lot of good singles coming. I’m gonna keep it rocking.
Keep up with Fetty Wap on IG and Twitter. “Trap Queen” is available now on iTunes.
