At the center of Gap’s ethos is a commitment to individuality, creativity and self-expression. And while the company points to one’s fashion sense as a surefire way to incorporate all three into one’s life, it has also intentionally sought ways to ensure that consumers can see their style and values reflected in the brand as well. The Hip-Hop generation will likely recall first becoming aware of Gap’s desire to connect with the culture in 1997, with the iconic LL Cool J commercial. Today, the company continues to foster those cultural moments through unique brand collaborations, and by making sure that those tasked with spearheading these initiatives are people who truly get what these moments can mean when properly executed. “Gap is one of the world’s most beloved brands. People know and love Gap because at our best, we do more than sell clothes. We create conversations,” says Brigid Andrews, who leads the company’s partnerships and collaborations. “By blending creativity with...

Employees have stepped forward with claims of what it’s like to work under Kanye West.

Kanye West is determined to push forward in the fashion industry on his own terms. As previously reported by AfroTech, the businessman has had ongoing issues with Gap and adidas. In an interview with Bloomberg, he shared that he had his mind set on going solo by cutting ties with big corporate partners.

Kanye West’s quest to open stores in Yeezy is being backed by Young Thug. As AfroTech just told you, West shared on Instagram that he had plans to open Yeezy stores globally, beginning first with Atlanta, GA. “We are going to open a Yeezy stores worldwide starting in Atlanta,” West wrote in an iPhone Note posted on Instagram that has now been deleted. “Who would be best to open it? I’ll buy the land and or building. Then we gonna open up in every state and then internationally. Anyone who has over 10 years retail experience and is ready to change the world post your Instagram handle or store location in the comments and we’ll find you.”

Although there may be trouble in paradise for major retailer Gap, Kanye West took to Instagram revealing previous milestones cemented through their partnership. West’s comments follow days after it was announced that Gap’s CEO Sonia Syngal would be stepping down, Yahoo Finance reports. According to the outlet, “The retailer warned it expects sales for the second quarter to decline in the high-single digit percentage range. Operating margins are pegged to land somewhere between zero to slightly negative. This marks the second straight material warning from Gap this year.”

When you’re Kanye West, your interaction with money is different. The Chicago native has been in the game for years and has achieved much success, but when it comes to the coin, he probably doesn’t move like most. And, it’s to the point that he has to think about the last time he’s ever physically come into contact with cash. According to HipHopDX, the rapper has confirmed that it’s been years since he’s actually touched cash. “What you want me to pose with that?” he asked as a woman approached him with a wad of cash. “I ain’t going to lie to you. I ain’t touch cash in like four years.” With a smirk, the rapper shrugged off the statement and even began to chuckle as someone next to him pointed out that his response was an indicator of “real wealth.”

Nearly a year ago, rap icon Kanye West was following in the footsteps of Jay-Z as Hip-Hop’s second billionaire. Today, Bloomberg reports that the rapper’s upcoming Yeezy deal with Gap could increase his billion-dollar net worth to $6.6 billion. According to the outlet, West’s sneaker and apparel business with adidas AG and Gap Inc. — two of the world’s largest outfitters — is now valued at $3.2 billion to $4.7 billion by UBS Group AG, according to a private document reviewed by Bloomberg. The bank document also reveals that the new Gap deal — which is set to hit stores this summer — could be worth up to $970 million of that total. Additionally, it shares details of an ideal alliance that aims to emulate the same level of success of the adidas partnership. Last year, West — who maintains sole ownership and creative control of the Yeezy brand — signed a 10-year agreement with Gap to design and sell clothes for men, women and kids. The purpose behind the deal was to help revitalize...