Sheck Wes is the multifaceted Harlem-born artist who creates atmospheric, yet catchy, bass-heavy dark anarchic hip-hop beats like “Mo Bamba” and “Live Sheck Wes, Die Sheck Wes”.

Backed by Kanye and Travis Scott, his unshakeable confidence and distinctive looks have also earned him catwalk rights with LV and Yeezy, and he’s no stranger to ballin' like a mo'fuckin' (basketball ) pro either. We caught up with him to talk about fashion faux pas and going crazy.

Left Suit, shirt & sneakers Louis Vuitton and sunglasses MoscotRight Jacket Balenciaga and hood Kenzo — Left Suit, shirt & sneakers **Louis Vuitto**n and sunglasses **Moscot**
Right Jacket **Balenciaga** and hood **Kenzo**

Your father was a tailor for the legendary hip-hop couturier Dapper Dan - how did that influence your own style growing up?

Growing up, my Dad’s shop really influenced me a lot, as I would meet so many other people who weren’t even Dapper Dan, and just get to learn about fashion and look at things in a different way, and see so many different people outside of my African / Senegalese heritage. Being in New York especially was really cool too, because there were so many designers and I met so many people who were all around my Pops, so he was really important.

Jacket & pants Balenciaga and hood Kenzo — Jacket & pants **Balenciaga** and hood **Kenzo**

What was the first item of clothing or shoes you bought?

I bought white Nike Air Force 1’s with the blue patent leather back and blue check, they were super smooth!

Suit, shirt & sneakers Louis Vuitton and sunglasses Moscot — Suit, shirt & sneakers **Louis Vuitto**n and sunglasses **Moscot**

Did your Mother ever make you wear something that you were like, noooooo way, I can’t be seen out in that!?

My Mother made me wear everything that made me say ‘No Way!!’ I had a Bob the Builder overall suit when I was like 8 years-old, and red turtle necks with Frosty the Snowman on the collar. My Mom didn’t care, I had army fatigue chuck tailors, my swag was everywhere! I feel that’s why I just created a style which is just natural, everything I ever wear, even with my shoes, is just so natural.

Crewneck Denim Tears, short & hood Kenzo and sneakers Balenciaga — Crewneck **Denim Tears**, short & hood **Kenzo** and sneakers **Balenciaga**

You’ve modelled for Helmut Lang, Louis Vuitton and Yeezy, how did you perfect your ‘Blue Steel’ face? :)

You gotta clench ya jaw man and look at the caaaaaaamera!

Left Turtleneck Prada, beanie Telfar, jacket APC X SACAI, pants Junya Watanabe & sneakers BalenciagaRight Crewneck Denim Tears and hood Kenzo — Left Turtleneck **Prada**, beanie **Telfar**, jacket **APC X SACAI**, pants Junya Watanabe & sneakers **Balenciaga**
Right Crewneck **Denim Tears** and hood **Kenzo**

From when you started rapping to the multitalented artist you are now, how have you evolved musically, where’s your head at?

I think I’m more patient now, very patient. I feel like now that I’m more established I can take more time to look at things, because when you’re not established you’re always having to keep your foot on the gas and keep things going. I’ve just been chill and be cool, but I’m used to going crazy, so I think I might just go back to going crazy!

Turtleneck Prada and jacket APC X SACAI — Turtleneck **Prada** and jacket **APC X SACAI**

You’re playing pro basketball in Paris too, so along with fashion and music, that’s your three wishes granted - next time you blow out the candles on your birthday cake, what are you going to wish for next?

I’m gonna wish and pray for more time, a long life and good health.

You have new music coming out too, can you tell us what to expect?

A more mature version of the young Wes, this is not my boy, this is Sheck Wes, headed to paradise it’s a whole journey, it’s levels, like from the bottom to the top or from the top to the bottom, however you want to see it.

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Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Ricardo Gomes

Fashion by Rita Melssen

Sheck Wes is represented by IMG