NEWS
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.”
Last Summer, Hot97 had a shake-up at the radio station, which led to the dismissal of names like Ebro, Peter Rosenberg, Laura Stylez, and even DJ Enuff. At the time, there were fears that Funk Flex would be let go as well, although that turned out not to be the case.
Not long after he departed from the radio station, DJ Enuff told TMZ that he believed Flex had a hand in getting him fired. This led to widespread debate, with Peter Rosenberg claiming that Funk Flex had nothing to do with it. Furthermore, Rosenberg suggested that the corporate branch of the station wanted everyone to turn on each other.
Now, almost a year later, Funk Flex is leveling a response against DJ Enuff. In fact, he is accusing the long-time DJ of taking payola. For those who may not know, payola is the act of taking money and then playing specific songs or albums on the radio in return. Effectively, it is a bribe.
"DJ ENUFF / HEAVYHITTERS I GOT U FIRED?," Funk Flex asked. "DID FRENCH MONTANA PAY U 25k FOR THE HEAVYHITTER CONFERENCE CALL? DID MAINO PAY YOU 40k FOR THE MIXSHOW LIST ADDS? WAS NORE OFFERED A “DISCOUNT” OF $2,500 FOR A MONTH OF SPINS? DID MYLES BRANDO PAY U 10K TO PERFORM AT MIXSHOW MEETING AND GET ADDED TO MIXSHOW LIST? WAS DJ WAVY ASKED TO PAY $2,500 TO SPIN ON SUMMER MIX WEEKEND?"
These are serious allegations, especially when you consider how payola is a crime that can come with grave penalties. For instance, if someone were to be convicted of the act, they could face five-figure fines and even jail time.
At press time,DJ Enuff has yet to respond to the allegations.
