@mickeyfactz
If you don’t know who Mickey Factz is, he is one of the best lyricists in hip-hop. Once a part of XXL’s Freshman Class and approved by fellow legends such as N.O.R.E, Royce Da 5’9”, Sway and others, Mickey Factz is one of the best rappers in hip-hop as proved by his recent visit to the infamous Funk Master Flex Freestyle show. While rhyming is his thing, we wanted to get his thoughts on some fashion related topics. We had the opportunity to interview the Bronx, New York emcee and get his thoughts on the current fashion culture in hip-hop as well as some of his personal style habits…
Do you spend a lot of money on clothes? How would you describe your dressing style?
Mickey: No I do not. I try my best to be practically flashy and fly. If it catches my eye, I’m going to think on it before I cop. I am not an impulsive shopper. My dressing style as of late has shifted a bit. I’m more of a loud casual dresser. I want people to know what I’m wearing while not knowing. It’s a conundrum. As of late I’ve been into more independent clothing lines.
A large part of hip-hop culture is flaunting the expensive chains and clothes you wear. What is your thoughts on this and should this change?
Mickey: I’ve never had an expensive chain or expensive clothing. I don’t know if I ever saw the value in it. Not knocking anyone who does it. But passing around names of clothing just because its expensive has never been my thing. I’m more about rocking clothing that suits my style, personality and brand. I don’t believe people should change their way of thinking just because I am not a fan of it. I do think the younger kids see value in it and that can be problematic as it leads down a crazy rabbit hole.
If you are performing or have an appearance scheduled, do you put more emphasis on your outfit that day? For example, when you went up to freestyle at Hot 97 for Funkmaster Flex, did you put on a special outfit or you just wore what you typically wear every day?
Mickey: Depending on what event is happening, I may consider what top I’m going to put on. Those are more visible than anything else for me I’ve noticed. For Hot 97 my guy @newk757 sent me a custom hoodie of his wife on it for his clothing line. That’s my guy and I support him as I do others. Also @noblevices sent me a leather jacket to wear and both items did numbers for them when I went up there. You can only see the top as I said haha.
What inspired you to do your own merch? When did you feel you were ready?
Mickey: I’ve been doing merch since 09 but I feel as of late, now I know what works for my fanbase and the content that goes with it. I had to let my base grow a little bit to see exactly what they’d like. I wanted it to be something I would wear all the time and I feel I accomplished that.
Aside from your own merch, what would you say is your favorite clothing brand and why?
Mickey: Y-3 is my absolute favorite brand of clothing at the moment. Its extremely clean, unnoticeable and at times completely under the radar. I just love that it basically speaks to me every time I see their clothing. I dress around Y-3 meaning, that is the focal point and I build around it.
What is your favorite clothing item you own?
Mickey: I had a goldspun trench that got mold on it and a public school leader hoodie that I lost that were my favorites. Now my favorite piece of clothing as I type are probably my @danyakinyc denim. Those jeans stop traffic anywhere I go.
What advice would you give an aspiring rapper that is looking to sell their own clothes/merch?
Mickey: Make sure you cop and create merch that represents you and the supporter you are trying to reach. Don’t be afraid to push the envelope and think outside the box. Also look for the best materials to craft the best product.
Finally, what do you feel is the approach people should take when it comes to spending money on fashion. Is it important for people to budget? Or should people just save up and buy what they really want?
Mickey: I think people should do what they feel at the time. I’ve saved up to buy Prada’s when I was 19/20 and I kinda regretted it looking back cause I have none of them. I also spend money on Y-3 now and I keep about 90% of it. So it depends on what your heart desires. Itz Mickey! ♦
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