Diddy Calls Sean John Clothing ‘Elegant’ — Say What!

Diddy, whose fashion company, Sean John, takes in $500 million in annual velour track suit sales, recently discussed the common misconceptions about his "sophisticated" brand. "We have been able, in the U.S., to break down color barriers and break down stereotypical barriers," Combs recently told CNN. "A lot of people, if they see somebody of color, they may think, 'Oh, it's the baggy clothes. It's hip hop clothes.' Our line is directly the opposite. It's pure fashion, elegant, sophisticated and fun." Suuuure. [HipHopDX]

On listening to gansta rap as a kid, indie band The Walkmen's Hamilton Leithauser said "That was when it was a big deal to be scared of rappers, and all the new rappers that came out were trying to out-badass the next guy. You listen to [Ice-T's] 'The Iceberg' now, and it's just terrible. So bad. But, as a 10-year-old kid, it was fun to have something to stuff under your mattress. I had to listen to it really quietly at home." We still listen to rap at low volumes, with the windows up. It's mad rugged that way. [Pitchfork]