Fashion: Def Jam goes BAPE-shit
We were in Taipei recently and visited the new Bathing Ape Store. As well as men's apparel, BAPE had its latest women's line called BAPY and a girls range called APEE. Globally, BAPE has developed brand extensions including a BAPE cafe, a luxurious BAPE hotel and a record label called '(B)APE Sounds'. Launched in 2000 with help from James Lavelle of UNKLE fame, (B)APE Sounds has released about four recordings through Def Jam. Nigo, founder of BAPE, said, “James is a good friend and he loves Japan,” Nigo continued, “He's a representative of London's new generation, the way I am a representative of Tokyo's.”
Nigo produced Teriyaki Boyz' debut album, called "Beef or Chicken". Although Nigo brought together a superstar roster of artists to collaborate with the Boyz (think Daft Punk, Kanye 'The Louis Vuitton Don' West, Mark Ronson, Dan The Automator and more) the end results are a mixed bag. (B)APE Sounds can only be described as J-hip hop (Japanese pop blended with hip hop). For weirdness' sake check out Kanye guesting with the Teriyaki Boyz:
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