Westside Gunn and the AF1

[Hypebeast] October 26, 2023 Weekly Digest 🦂 Westside Gunn and the Nike Air Force 1 TLDR: The Flygod discusses the Air Force 1’s enduring popularity, his own bespoke AF1 iterations and how sneakers reflect the wearer’s personality. Why It Matters: When asked what shoe he’d like to discuss, Westside Gunn doesn’t hesitate. “Let’s talk about the Air Force 1” he replies. The Bruce Killgore-designed masterpiece is no stranger to a Sole Mates spotlight, but the Buffalo-born rapper has a slightly different perspective on it, both as a fan and as an artist who sees it as yet another canvas to express himself. He began wearing the Air Force 1 heavily in high school after mostly wearing Air Jordans when he was younger (his beloved aunt Michelle always made sure he had a fresh pair on his feet), and quickly saw it as more than just a fly pair of sneakers to rock to school. Read the full article [here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- 👐 The JSP x Philadelphia Eagles Collaboration Was a Lifetime in the Making TLDR: JSP founder and lifelong Eagles fan Jimmy Gorecki describes his new collaboration with the Eagles as a “life achievement.” Why It Matters: Growing up in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Gorecki essentially had no choice but to become an Eagles fan: three generations of his family would gather around the television to watch the Birds every Sunday, and even though he moved to California to focus on his skate career and, eventually, his then-budding labels, Gorecki’s love for the Eagles never diminished. That passion is evident on the JSP x Philadelphia Eagles collaboration, which Gorecki says came from a conversation with Julian Lurie, son of team owner Jeffery Lurie. This isn’t your standard, mailed-in “brand A meets sports franchise B” offering: Gorecki’s passion for the team, its iconography and its place in Philly culture is manifested in the designs. Read the full article [here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🚶‍♂️ Nottingham's LostBoys Channel Is Proof That "Kool Kids Never Die" TLDR: LostBoys Channel is the collective spotlighting a new wave of creativity from the “UK’s Atlanta.” Why It Matters: Over recent years, interests have changed around the UK; the youth of today crave content constantly, whether that’s music, clothing, or a new party to attend on a Friday night. That’s where LostBoys Channel comes in, who since its inception, has stood by its slogan: “Kool Kids Never Die.” “It can cost you four to six pounds to travel to another city, and that four to six pounds can change your life.” This is what Nottingham-based director, Mullz, said when asked about his process of joining the fashion, music, and events collective, LostBoys Channel. Read the full article [here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🎛️ James Blake on UK Club Culture, Devotion to Design, and 'Playing Robots Into Heaven' TLDR: In nurturing his electronic roots while creating his sixth studio album, the British music pioneer admits he had more fun than ever. Why It Matters: Over the past decade, James Blake has become a master of collaboration. But by tapping into his past as a more singular solo artist, he created one of his best albums to date: Playing Robots Into Heaven. “This album wasn’t exactly a return to a sound,” he explains to Hypebeast, “It was more like, “Where does this process lead me these days?” The process mentioned is one which first brought James Blake his original success. While Blake seemed to appear out of nowhere in 2010, you wouldn’t say he “burst” onto the scene. Instead, the Enfield-born musician carefully dropped a considered array of avant-garde, spectral and awe-inspiring tracks that would go on to shake up the course of electronic music. Read the full article [here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- 💌 Hypeart's 'Love Letters to LA' Exhibition Supported by Bisquit & Dubouché Draws Over 300 Attendees TLDR: This past weekend, Hypeart held a momentous exhibition dedicated to the vibrant immigrant communities that make up the city of Los Angeles, named Love Letters to LA. Why It Matters: This collective showcase beautifully reflected the personal journeys of each artist, their distinctive use of materials, and the narratives and societal messages woven into their creative expressions. With the generous support of the Bisquit & Dubouché Cognac, Love Letters to LA aimed to further Hypeart’s mission of highlighting innovative and diverse artists, providing them with a platform to display their cultural contributions that have helped shape Los Angeles and its communities. The private opening reception for the exhibition saw the attendance of over 300 guests, including local celebrities like Chace Infinite, Taz Arnold, and more. Read the full article [here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Hypebeast] [Download the Hypebeast App]( On iOS & Android Devices [hypebeast facebook]( instagram]( twitter]( youtube]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Manage Subscriptions]( Policy]( You are subscribed to Hypebeast’s marketing emails with the address: {EMAIL} Contact [subscription@hypebeast.com](mailto: subscription@hypebeast.com) for assistance on any enquiries. 2023 Hypebeast Limited. All Rights Reserved Hypebeast, 40/F, Cable TV Tower, No.9 Hoi Shing Road, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong