Killer Mike has inserted himself into Lil Yachty‘s controversial fashion debate with a reminder about Big Boi‘s history as a trendsetter.
After Yachty ruffled feathers by claiming that Atlanta is responsible for starting all of the current fashion trends and that New York has been biting the city’s style, Mike somewhat defended him by highlighting the A’s long-running sartorial influence.
Crediting the OutKast legend with pioneering one of Hip Hop’s most iconic looks, he wrote on X: “I have Zero Interest in this lame ass debate BUT, Big Boi Started the Throw Back Jersey Trend with that cold ass Houston Astro’s Jersey.”
He added: “Kanye (Atlanta Born) set the record straight on that, God Bless Him. Honorable Mention the ‘Flip Flop’s and Sox’ look was Some shit from the Dungeon Family.”
The Run The Jewels lyricist also shared a screenshot of Big Boi rocking said Astros jersey in Goodie Mob’s “Black Ice (Sky High)” music video in 1998.
After a user pointed out that Phife Dawg from A Tribe Called Quest would often wear sports jerseys before that video came out, Killer Mike clarified: “RIP OG Phife. He was a sports fan and inspired us all[.] with that said the Throw back Era is Something Big Boi who is also like us a Tribe Fan Started in 98 with that Black Ice Vid Houston Jersey. Long Live Tribe and Kast.”
Someone else pointed out that flip flops and socks had been prevelant in L.A. for years, to which Mike replied: “Cannot deny that BUT the Adidas Flop and Sox is what i am referring to not the OG Croaker Flops and House shoes. Adidas Flops and Soccer sox is some Rico Wade (RIP) shit.”
The debate began earlier this week after Lil Yachty said on his A Safe Place Podcast with special guest Cash Cobain: “I feel like New York didn’t have this — I don’t want to say identity — but everyone used to just kinda copy Atlanta. You said it yourself.
“Even, like, the influence was extremely heavy from Atlanta […] As far as style goes, I don’t think it’s shit going on when it comes to New York fashion.”
Lil Boat also took particular aim at people from the Bronx and Queens: “I feel just people on those outskirts — Queens, Bronx — do they even come to [Manhattan to shop]?”
His comments quickly caused a stir among New Yorkers, including fellow rappers Juelz Santana and Fivio Foreign.
“WE all Love Atl But did @lilyachty SAY say the flyes [ninja emoji] N the Most TRENDSETTERS Came from ALT WOW Much love bro,” Juelz wrote on Instagram.
He also highlighted the fashion imprint that both himself and fellow Dipset star Jim Jones have had on Hip Hop culture, as well as the impact of other fashion-forward NYC figures like A$AP Rocky and Fabolous.
Fivio, meanwhile, hit back on X: “How Yatchy say ATL dress better then ny w a whole NY fit.”
Sienna Spiro has revealed that she struggled with deep insecurities about her body while growing up and often wore baggy clothing to cover herself when she began sharing her music.
The Die on this Hill singer says her father introduced her to legendary stars such as Barbra Streisand and Ava Gardner, whose glamorous style inspired her to picture a more confident side of herself.
She said trying out her now recognizable hairstyle became a major moment for her, explaining to Variety: “The first time I experimented with the hair, I felt like a more polished and powerful version of myself.” Her stage look helps her feel confident, particularly when she is tired or experiencing period pain. “There are days when changing my hair from how I normally wear it, or putting on my boots, helps me enter a different mindset and feel more self assured.”
The 20 year old artist also shared that she has experienced vocal nodules since she was young, describing them as both a positive and a negative because they create her signature raspy sound while also placing considerable pressure on her voice.
She remembered: “I did not receive an official diagnosis until two years ago, but my voice has always been incredibly raspy. I believe I may have had them for most of my life, or at least since I was very young.”
She admitted: “They can be both a gift and a struggle. I really like the character they bring to my voice, and sometimes they prevent me from reaching certain sounds, which can actually create something interesting. However, I was almost unable to speak for an entire year. The year before last, I barely talked at all. It was extremely difficult and made me feel very alone.”
Away from the stage, Sienna looks completely different without her dramatic hairstyle and high heels. She explained that adopting her performance persona often helps create some space between herself and the feelings that inspired her songs.
She said: “I do not really censor myself, which can be helpful but can also create problems. Still, honesty is the only way I know how to write, and being myself is the only way I can show up.”
“I am simply a 20 year old woman, and there are mornings when I wake up on my period and still have to get onstage and perform. Changing my everyday hairstyle or slipping into my boots allows me to become someone slightly different, giving me more confidence and some emotional distance from how I felt when those songs were written.”
She added: “High heels are not something I would ever choose to wear in my normal life.”