I’ve been trying to gloss up since first being introduced to the force of nature that is Brooklyn’s 700Stackzs and Swook, a.k.a., Gloss Gang. Following the release of their super impressive Money. Brower. Respect. mixtape, the Brower-based duo have quietly been releasing visuals for tape standouts (like “Feelin’ Good” and “She Only Love Me When It’s Lit”) and popping up for performances around New York, to show the city what a Gloss Gang party is really about. Their beats are fire, their lyrics are catchy and clever. The gloss is undeniable.
Premiering today on The FADER, the new video for their current single “Flexin’ On Bitches” (directed by Will Lucas) is a celebratory family affair, with the Gloss recruiting a handful of Brower friends—and a noteworthy St. Paul Minnesota supporter, Allan Kingdom—for an evening of debauchery, and, naturally, flexin’. The track, which is produced by friend and Phony PPL drummer MaffYuu, is dark and menacing, but its smirk-inducing braggadocio will make you shamelessly blast the joint when you’re out with the squad, you feel good, and there’s no bullshit phasing you.
The curiosity around them is brimming and the guys’ excitement is palpable. As it should be, after rounding out 2015 with a feature on Kingdom’s latest project, Northern Lights, and having caught the ear of Kanye West and Virgil Abloh.
The FADER caught up with Gloss Gang to learn more about their origins and sound, recent collaborations, what 2016 has in store for them, and more.
You’re from Brooklyn, but specifically Brower, in Crown Heights. Tell me a little about the area.
700Stackzs: Brower is where we're from, that’s the neighborhood. You know the planet Tatooine [in Star Wars,] with multiple suns? That's like [Brower]: it’s like a land full of very talented, creative, strong minded, opinionated individuals. We grew up together and went to the same schools, and the park was the thing that kept us [bound] together from day one.
Where did the name Gloss Gang come from?
700Stackzs: Pressure can either make diamonds or break a person, and it made us glossy. [So Gloss Gang is about] just being able to persevere, being able to be comfortable with yourself, know who you are, things of that nature, no matter what. Gloss Gang is the future.
Your music doesn’t sound like your traditional New York rap, it’s a little bit more turnt.
700Stackzs: I wouldn’t say that we sound like Dipset or G-Unit. I love what's hot now, I’m pretty sure we both listen to a lot of Atlanta, Philly, and California people right now. I give a lot of people a chance. But remembering that we come from New York before anything, so not to get caught up with what's hot now, and taking everything for what it is—what’s new and whats old—and putting it all together and giving it my own gloss.
What has the year been like since the tape dropped?
700Stackzs: It’s been a lot of networking. There’s been growth. [I have been able] to bond with my brother on a different level, even beyond business, being older and more focused. It’s been intense getting into habits, [like having] deadlines. But as much as it’s new, it’s everything that I wanted. Coming from nothing, it’s been different.
Do either of you have like one standout moment (from the past year) where you were like 'wow this is happening' or just a favorite memory?
700Stackzs: For me, right now: Kanye West, Travis Scott listening to 'Flexin' On Bitches.'
Swook: Virgil Abloh played it in Paris as well. Just so much shit, fam. So much shit.
How did the Allan Kingdom Northern Lights collaboration happen?
700Stackzs: Allan's been showing us love from the jump, since we put out our first project, Money. Brower. Respect. He was fucking with that shit from the jump, and then later down the line, after him and Kanye had performed the “All Day” [at the BRIT Awards], he came to New York. We were vibing and he ended up chilling with us in the hood. We ended up recording a few songs before he left. He's really been showing love, he's fam. Him and Matt (MaffYuu of Phony PPL). Matt grew up with us.
Tell me a little more about the video? How did it come together?
Swook: [The 'Flexin' On Bitches' video shoot] was a welcome home party for me. I had just gotten out the hospital. Everybody already loved the song, so for me to be telling everybody “Come outside, we about to shoot the video” was more like a welcome back to my comfort zone, my neighborhood.
What can you tell me about the track itself?
Swook: I always say ‘Flexin On Bitches’ is like 2015/2016’s “Golddigger,” [the Kanye West song]. But, instead of just exposing them [fakes] for what they want, it’s more of a get away from me vibe.
What does 2016 look like for you guys?
700Stackzs: Definitely push Money. Brower. Respect a little more, because 'Flexin' On Bitches' is going to be coming out, so shedding light on that. And putting out more music—a second project should be coming out—and more visuals and, hopefully, more performances.
Swook: And merch.
Do you have a release date for the new project?
700Stackzs: We don't have a date, but very, very, very soon. We already have it done.
