Key Glock Knows You Can't Buy Style

Key Glock became interested in True Religion while in middle school, influenced by other musicians and by Memphis culture. He described the brand’s distinctive denim stitching as new and noticeable in the South, especially the horseshoe back pocket stitching as a statement and symbol. His first purchase was a pair of cargo pants from Opry Mills Mall near Nashville, and he has remained a fan since. He later became an official face of True Religion and starred in the “Make It True” campaign alongside Megan Thee Stallion. He felt it was long overdue, and he approached the shoot as a detailed, high-production process that required keeping spirits up and having fun.

"“I was in middle school,” the 28-year-old rapper tells me. He was turned onto the brand by other musicians, namely 2 Chainz and Chief Keef. But it was also part of the culture in Memphis, where Glock-born Markeyvius LaShun Cathey-grew up. “It was real big down south,” he says. “It was something new. We weren't used to having big stitching on our denim. It was a trend, but it stuck out and stayed around.”"

"“The horseshoe-that back pocket stitching-it's a statement. A symbol.” The first thing he bought from the brand was a pair of cargo pants, procured at the Opry Mills Mall near Nashville. “I did a little school shopping,” he says. He's been a fan ever since. “I always make my way back to them.”"

"No huge surprise, then, that Glock is now one of the official faces of True Religion. This spring, he stars alongside Megan Thee Stallion in a campaign called “Make It True,” in which both artists show off the latest wares from the 24-year-old denim label. “I was like, 'About time,'” Glock says when I ask him how it felt to join the campaign. He's measured when he speaks, never giving too much away, but he laughs a little. “Been waiting long enough, for sure. But I was highly excited. I really appreciate it.”"

"He says the experience reminded him of a video shoot-a big production where you have to nail the details while keeping your spirits up and ensuring everyone on set is feeling good, too. To boost the mood, he played unreleased tracks for the crew. “You gotta have fun,” he says. “Whatever you're doing, you've gotta have fun with it.”"

Read at Esquire