Lil Tracy, Forever the Antagonist

Cover photo—Jacket and top by COMME DES GARÇONS HOMME PLUS

Luckily for Tracy’s peace of mind, he’s refurbishing his previous dysphoric threads and wearing a lighter and more carefree version of himself. To be known merely as a “SoundCloud rapper” would be an understatement. Tracy’s diverse discography mirrors his mutinous lifestyle, purely driven by an appetite for freedom.

In his upcoming record, Designer Talk 2, Tracy channels that insatiable hunger for pleasure and channels back to his source of confidence: his roots. This nod to his home base can be heard woven into tracks that pay homage to true designer talk, Virginia flex-flare. This style of music can be heard mastered by acclimated artists like Pharrell and The Clipse, but with a flamboyant Tracy-twist to it.  It is safe to say that, at least right now, Tracy is in a pocket of flexing and fun.

The rapper stopped by our office to play dress up, and to talk about his new album and headspace.

How’re you in these trying times?

I’m good. I’ve just been playing a lot of video games.

Are you playing Animal crossing?

No, I’ve been playing Minecraft.

You’ve been dropping music at such a rapid rate ahead of the newest album. "Bonjour" is the latest single. I’m assuming you speak French?

No, I don’t. But I made the song during a time where I was talking to this French girl and she was trying to teach me to French, so yeah. 

Left—Jacket, shirt, pants, and necklace by ALEXANDER MCQUEEN; glasses Lil Tracy's own

Right—Coat, sweater, pants, and shoes by ALEXANDER WANG; Gloves stylist's own

No but seriously, ["Bonjour"] definitely has a more upbeat and whimsical feeling to it. Very astrological and other-worldly sounding. Where are you traveling to with this song? 

Well, I actually made this song about a year ago so it’s not my current frame of mind. But, this song is traveling to a world of, like freedom. I want everything to be carefree. 

It kind of feels like you are scoring the sound of a video game or anime. What video game or anime would you think "Bonjour" best fits in with? 

Probably Minecraft. 

This is very different than your regular sound and kinda stray aways from your emo roots. Is this the sound that we might be hearing for the whole album of DT2? 

Well, I made this song a year ago so the whole album will be completely different but it does have some similarities. I don’t know, I think it will have some of those emo roots but a more free sound. 

If you could describe what pocket you’re in for this newest album, what would you say with just a few words? 

Finesse, carefree, and like you said, whimsical. 

Right—Jacket, top, and pants by COMME DES GARÇONS HOMME PLUS; sneakers by NIKE x COMME DES GARÇONS HOMME PLUS; necklace stylist's own 

Are you scared of neglecting your emo loving fans with a different sound? 

I think I’m ready for a new sound and don’t really give a fuck what people think. I think I have so much of that music, the “emo music,” that if those fans don’t like this they can always go back to that. 

Because of your roots, I'm assuming you went through a hardcore emo phase. If you did what did that look like and what were/are your favorite bands?

It actually wasn't an emo phase. It was definitely more punk. I never really dressed super emo, I used to go to the thrift a lot. So whatever I got from there. In regards to bands, The Casualties, South Central Riot Squad, and the P.I.N.S. were my favorite. 

On some of your other albums, you play the trope of the antagonist a lot. On your newest, would you describe yourself as the protagonist? What does this newest relationship look like? 

I think I will always see myself as the antagonist. Forever. 

Villian or superhero, who are you rooting for? 

It’s funny you say that, because ever since I was a little kid I always rooted for the bad guy. 

So this newest album is about flexing and fun, do you think producing this type of music has changed your outlook on life or does it just reflect your current frame of mind? 

I think it definitely shapes my outlook. If I make happier songs then I will feel that way, as opposed to making sad music. I use it as a form of therapy and it helps me get into that right headspace. 

Flex talk is definitely huge in the South. Are you taking any of that Virginia flex flare? 

Definitely. I am taking a lot of inspiration from Virginia. I’m working with a lot of artists and producers from Virginia so there's a lot of that sound. 

So you’re in your Pharrell pocket, so to speak? 

Exactly! I fuck with Pharrell a lot. 

Speaking of flexing, what was your latest flex that you bought that genuinely made you really happy? 

I have a lot of things. I just bought this really nice Vivian Westwood hat. Its like wool and fur. And then this crystalized Chanel bracelet 

And that you regret buying? 

I regret a lot of shit, probably just these pants I have. They don’t fit. I’m giving them away. 

Left—Pants by DAILY PAPER, boots stylist's own

Post-quarantine, what looks will we be seeing from Lil Tracy? 

I’m really into sportswear, so I’m trying to get more into that. Like rich tennis wear. 

Any specific colorways? 

I'm fucking with yellows and greens lately. 

It seems like you're breaking barriers when it comes to fashion and music. Where does that inspiration come from? 

I think you're either born with it or you're not. From a very young age, my dad just instilled confidence in me, so I have never been scared to try out any look. 

Lastly, in regards to the style, in 2018 you tweeted about not wanting to fight because you have too many piercings. I’ve always wondered, how many piercings do you have? 

Now I have a lot less. When was this? In 2018 I had a shitload. Maybe like, I had my nose pierced, two eyebrows, two dermal piercing, and a lip piercing.