Ian Isiah on "Big One," Gay Music, Hood By Air, and NYC Culture

Fashion and Personal Style

• 👑 Ian Isiah's outfit features a Telfar suit, Balenciaga boots and sunglasses, and a Telfar t-shirt, emphasizing his affiliation with the brands.
• 💎 His jewelry, including grills, earrings, and rings, is primarily sourced from the African market or made by Black artists.
• 👜 He highlights his love for Balenciaga, noting Demna's influence and the brand's connection to standing on the shoulders of giants like Hood By Air.
• 💅 The conversation touches on the vagina prosthetic from his "Big One" music video, its artistic intent, and the shock value it generated in New York City.

Music and Artistic Identity

• 🏳️‍🌈 Ian Isiah describes his new single "Big One" as his first foray into "proper gay music," intended for his community to "do their big one."
• 🎶 He explains "doing your big one" as living authentically and truthfully, encouraging listeners to stop "capping" and embrace their true selves.
• 🎤 Isiah discusses his genre fluidity, moving from R&B and funk to exploring gospel house and parodying white pop music with his upcoming EP, "Cinderfella."
• 💡 He emphasizes the difference between influence, inspiration, and identity, stressing the importance of curating one's own unique identity.

Hood By Air and Fashion Industry

• 🚀 The legacy of Hood By Air (HBA) is discussed, with Isiah acknowledging Demna's work as standing on the shoulders of HBA's giants.
• 🌟 He recalls HBA shows as performance art and iconic moments in fashion history, referencing Rocky's walk and Kanye's presence.
• 🤝 Isiah views fashion and music as intertwined, a hybrid generation that understands the parallel between visual and auditory art.
• 🏛️ He reflects on HBA's early success, noting that a $500 t-shirt from the beginning signaled it was more than just a brand, but a cultural movement.

New York City and Community

• 🏠 Isiah expresses his deep connection to New York City, particularly Brooklyn, as his anchor, alongside family and church.
• 💇‍♀️ He draws significant inspiration from his upbringing in hair salons and churches, highlighting the emotional outrage and art found in these spaces.
• 👯‍♀️ He describes "enlightened straights" as those who are comfortable and honest in their style, contrasting them with those who are ignorant or trying too hard.
• 🗣️ Isiah criticizes the concept of "transplants" claiming New Yorker status after a short time, suggesting a trial period and meaningful contribution are necessary.

Personal Philosophy and Growth

• 🌱 Isiah identifies as a multidisciplinary artist, embracing the challenge of working across various creative realms.
• 🕊️ He believes in lifting people up and supporting friends' brands, seeing it as a collective effort rather than individualistic pursuits.
• 🤫 He reveals a newfound shyness as part of his personal growth, alongside five years of sobriety, indicating a transformation into a new person.
• 💖 His ideal partner is someone he can have a long-term connection with, emphasizing love and meaningful relationships over hookup culture.