Ex-A$AP designer Dominic Lord reigns over that experimental hip-hop space where ghetto street cred and avant-garde fashion by gay designers collide. His debut video “Pierce,” which came out last week, is on some next-level shit, to the point that he had to give us an exclusive slowed down version of the track just so we could fully appreciate his vision. Musically, “Pierce” brings together the braggadocios and the emotive, supported by spaced-out synths, distorted vocals and banging kick drums. Listen to our exclusive slow mix of “Pierce” below:
Dominic Lord – “Pierce (Oh Hail Mix) by Noisey.com
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I was able to get on the phone with the Harlem native on the Fourth of July, despite his harrowing schedule – he’s reportedly caught in a bidding war, running his own record label – Dominic Lord Recordings, just finished wrapping up a three-month recording stint in Miami, and is now overseeing the first releases of his burgeoning music career. He talked to me on his cell phone while dangerously riding a bike through the busy streets of Harlem, because he’s cool like that.
VICE: Why’d you give us this exclusive track?
Dominic Lord: To me, VICE is like the Vogue of raw. It’s not prissy, you know? I love your shit.
Tell me about “Pierce.”
What people don’t get is that this was like a fashion project. It was shot by Aram Bedrossian, who doesn’t typically do video. He does stills. His work is amazing and the way he edits is fucking crazy. When I look at it now, we put together a video that you could pause at any given second and it would look like a beautiful still picture. Maybe people won’t fully get it today, but eventually they will understand.
Yeah, the song and video are incredible. What’s special with the mix of Pierce that you gave us?
I slowed it down. It’s just slowed. I did it just so you can hear what I’m saying and then look at the video and really get it. This slow version is my shit, I call it the “Oh Hail Mix.” And the remix will be incredible, too. Pusha T is going to kill it, as will someone I can’t name. I’m also producing half of the remix with Mohawke Hudson.
How do you feel about A$AP and why are you no longer in the crew?
They’re cool, you know? I don’t have problems with Rocky, if that is what you are asking. I have genuine love for them and they know that. It’s personal… I don’t know how to stop this fucking bike, bro. What if I got hit by a car?
Are you riding a bike and talking on the phone?
Yeah, it’s not even a BMX, it’s one of those Lance Armstrong bikes. If I pause that means, I’m looking both ways.
Well, that’s good. Safety first… So, you won’t tell me what happened between you and Rocky?
I feel like its personal andI don’t discuss personal business like that. I don’t have much to say about it because we are cool. Harlem World! [Laughs]
Would you work with them musically?
I would have to respect the creativity and what goes in to the song to jump on it. I’m not saying I don’t respect anyone’s previous songs. But it’s all about the moment and whether it is working at that time.
What do you think Frank Ocean’s recent announcement?
Shout out to Frank Ocean, man – props to him for coming out. I feel like if that’s you that’s you. I wear clothes that gay people make and I have gay friends. So, I’m not knocking him
Do you think it could be a publicity stunt?
Nobody should play like that. If it is you, it is you. When I first saw it, I thought it was song lyrics, honestly. I’m not going to front. I thought one of his girls sent that to him and he put it out. But mad props to the man, I fuck with his music – it’s my shit.
It’s clear by the “Pierce” video that you are really into fashion and I know you’ve worked on your own clothes. Are you a musician or are you designer? Which form of expression has you heart the most?
Music has stolen my heart, but fashion is my heart. It’s like when you see a bad bitch, but you have a good wife. You fuck with the bad bitch, but then you still have your wife bitch. Music is my bad bitch, and fashion is my wife bitch.
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