BmoreArt

There is a culture of rappers that only wear the most exclusive luxury pieces. There are also a number of rappers using their position as major influencers to the culture of streetwear as an opportunity to support their community. Rapper NLE Choppa does just that. NLE Choppa is a Memphis rapper popularly known for his song, “Shotta Flow” and his debut album, Top Shotta. He’s been seen wearing REPUBLIC while shopping and performing on tour. I had the chance to learn more about why he supports the brand. 

Why do you support REPUBLIC? 

NLE Choppa: I support REPUBLIC because I like new start up streetwear brands. I love that they are Black owned. I want to support my people. 

Is there anything specifically about the brand that you connect with?

NLE Choppa: I connect with the graphics and the quality. I love the streetwear aesthetic. 

How are your fans responding to the styles? 

NLE Choppa: My fans love my style. I switch it up a lot and I wear entry price points as well as luxury price points. I want my fans to connect with my style and be able to purchase things that they see me wear. 

How does what you wear align with performing in your experience? 

NLE Choppa: I work very closely with my stylist Miquelle West. We choose looks based off of what I am doing for the day and how I feel. I like to feel cozy and free with my clothing.

I was first introduced to the REPUBLIC by my mother Mya D. Ajanku, fellow Dunbar Poet to CEO Andre Miles. And, personally, I admired the quality of the brand’s sweatsuits. While in the process of researching to develop a sweatsuit for my own brand, I asked Andre if he knew any quality vendors. Andre then shared the details with me and said, “I want you to win.”

There is a sort of gatekeeping mentality that many entrepreneurs have and to know the visionaries behind REPUBLIC move with a community mindset and abundance mentality means everything! 

What were the inspirations for this new line?

Andre Miles: The inspiration comes from wanting to showcase our talents to the world. I have always been an artist with a creative mind. Along with our creative director, Elijah A.K.A. Boog’s vision, I was able to create pieces that would be different but undeniable in this catalog to the fashion world. The goal is to showcase that we are expanding and growing to a brand that a lot of people value, respect, and feel as though will be the next big brand to break into mainstream fashion.

How does this line compare to your previous lines?

AM: It’s different! It is bold, fierce, creative, and artsy—giving a plush look with a flared vibe, more oversize, more comfort, more flare, more options, more color… we love color. But most importantly, it is the best of the best in quality, and creativity. This collection is the collection that has everyone raving. From the first premiere until now, everyone believes in the aesthetic of this catalog along with the designs, and creativity.

What would you like people to know about the future of REPUBLIC?

AM: REPUBLIC is growing constantly, our consumers in Portugal, Mexico, California, and New York City are growing constantly. Being classified as an urban-luxury brand based out of Baltimore, in our opinion, is big. We are one of the most prominent brands in Baltimore City. After making the front page of the Baltimore Sun as a staple brand in Baltimore’s fashion hub; we want people to know that the future of REPUBLIC looks bright, and will continue to grow into a global powerhouse fashion brand, that prides itself on comfort, luxury, details, style, color, flare, and creativity. 

We want those who do and do not follow us to stay tuned, we have bigger news to announce soon! 

Pouring into the community that pours into you is extremely important and if you aren’t on the radar of Baltimore’s fashion scene I advise you TAP IN!!!