Reese LaFlare and Father Speak On Breaking Barriers In ATL
It's difficult to describe exactly what composes an icon. But admiration throughout multiple generations, adoption across various communities, and the boldness to challenge the status quo all seem to fit the bill.
When the adidas Superstar was created, it was originally intended for basketball. However, the Superstar’s signature shell toe quickly grew into something larger as it was able to blur barriers and bridge cultures by all wearers.
Celebrating the sneaker as an original icon of culture shapers, creative thinkers, and those who move against the grain, we put a spotlight on the places and faces that match this sense of rebellious optimism today.
Echoing the Superstar's elusive energy, we’ve focused on the city of Atlanta as a hub that brews the sounds, styles, and trends we see permeated throughout pop culture today. To help showcase the city's best, we linked up with ATL’s own Reese LaFlare and Father, who hosted parties to celebrate themes inspired by the adidas Superstar like youth culture, individuality, and moving against the grain.
At U Studio – a local photo studio space frequented by Atlanta’s creative scene – Father performed a lively set amongst an intimate crowd. With Ethereal by his side, and the Awful Records crew in the mix, the performance proved that community and authentic self-expression reign supreme in the world of cultural trailblazers - an area that Father is familiar with.
After the 2014 release of "Look At Wrist" with ILoveMakonnen and Key!, Father took off, unexpectedly releasing multiple studio albums and going on tour. Since then, the rapper has continued to forge his path by starting his own record label, Awful Records, so that he and other like-minded artists can fully own the work they create. Following the event, we caught up with Father to talk about the magic behind the creative scene of Atlanta, and, of course, the adidas Superstar.
What’s your most “Atlanta-like” trait?
I think my most Atlanta-like trait, aside from my language (we use a lot of shorthand speech), is probably my locs. While dreadlocks aren’t uniquely Atlanta at all, I think my style and shape are – keeping them trimmed ear length, and with an undercut.
How has your upbringing in ATL affected the expression of your craft?
Musically, it’s heavily influenced my production style and even how I enunciate lyrics. While generally southern, there are specific aspects of both that are very much Atlanta.
Fill in the blank: You’re not from Atlanta if you’ve never been to ____.
You’re not from Atlanta if you’ve never been to Metro Mart USA on the south side.
In which ways has your local community attributed to your success?
I wouldn’t be where I was now if the city hadn’t rallied behind me back in 2014-2015. I gained a lot of popularity around the US and overseas from having a viral song sure, but outsiders seeing the community support and the very real people around me helped garner that initial attention.
The adidas Superstar is best known for its adoption into rebel culture. How do represent this narrative when wearing the sneaker?
By going about my everyday life as I always have, without caring how anyone else perceives me.
At another event, artist Reese LaFlare took over The Wxllxm - a local space owned by renowned producer Mike Will. While the Wxllxm isn't being used as Mike Will's studio, the space is used as a lot of key gallery space for ATL's surrounding talent. Here, LaFlare gave a live performance amongst other talents including Key! and OHSO.
As a pro-skater-turned-rapper, LaFlare has defined his success by taking risks and not putting himself in just one box. From being sponsored by Diamond Supply to collaborating with industry legends like Lil Uzi Vert, LaFlare has been pushing the boundaries within the underground creative scene for years. Oh, and did we mention he's a designer too? The multi-hyphenate has recently launched Diva, which combines the best of skateboarding and grunge culture into the fashion world. To learn more about LaFlare's inspirations and the importance of Atlanta in his come-up story, we sat down with the artist. Read more below:
How has your upbringing in ATL affected the expression of your craft?
It’s played a major part in how I express myself. Atlanta has driven me to find music and use that platform to portray my life experiences.
Fill in the blank: You’re not from Atlanta if you’ve never been to ____.
Blue Flame and American Deli.
In which ways has your local community attributed to your success?
Atlanta is like one big family, everything is tight-knit. If your circle supports you, and what you’re doing is cool af, the whole community will get behind it because they won't feel a part of it too.
The adidas Superstar is best known for its adoption into rebel culture. How do represent this narrative when wearing the sneaker?
Before I ever decided to make music, I skateboarded all my life and even up to this day. Skateboarding is the original sport of the rebel culture, and I keep that spirit with me no matter what I get into.
