Rass Tokyo - Blög Störy

Rass Tokyo, a man of many talents but a man of mystery, Stööki couldn’t miss the opportunity to meet the ever-evolving visionary. With this in mind, you will never know what he’ll get up to next as he’s pretty much established himself in many ventures, including in music as a rapper, singer, producer, and fashion: as the proud owner & designer of the family brand Gnocchi Jeans. Tokyo mentions how dealing with the business side of a fashion label isn’t easy as securing investments for high quality apparel and dealing with entitled customers are still obstacles that need to be faced.

So let’s talk about his music for a moment - or should I say his ‘Water’ Music? - which personifies him as a multidisciplinary creative, someone who goes with the flow and isn’t afraid of altering his style. Like water, Tokyo’s soundscape resembles a dynamic wave, constantly in motion to change, for the purpose of communicating a deeper story through his music, as a way of washing away his sorrows. Since we’re on the topic, Tokyo recently released his third single called ‘Atlas’ during the lockdown of 2020, which he ignited from just the beat and is inspired by a true story he holds close to his heart.

Tokyo touches on how his family has been his power source to be productive during the lockdown of 2020. Even though his music was put on a pause, it gave him the space to focus on developing his clothing brand - Gnocchi Jeans - which definitely was an ideal move due to the growth of online shopping when people had to surrender to a life of isolation. Every brand stems from somewhere, and Gnocchi Jeans innovated from the desire to help curvy woman find jeans that suit their body type, as this is a common problem to exist.

Its in Tokyo’s vision to destroy the stereotypes associated with high fashion by keeping it real which means not being afraid to showcase the imperfections, rather than maintaining the pretentious side to fashion. He wants to highlight how the brand unlike many, aims to generate vibes that feel like home, a feeling of familiarity, bringing back comfortability to a place that normally wouldn’t be ‘comfortable’ - In his terms “Its a family thing”. Tokyo wants to be remembered by his contentment in helping others to be happy and strives to get the brand in a position where it achieves just that.

Be sure to check out his instagram @RassTokyo to join him in his journey to even greater success since he doesn’t want to spill the beans just yet!

1. For those who don't know , please tell us who you are ?

My name is Rass Tokyo. I'm a rapper, singer, producer, designer and dad.

2. Tell us a bit more about your journey as a creative entrepreneur ?

Boy...being a black man trying to start a ting aint easy but it's been fun destroying the stereotypical idea of what high quality fashion should be. I've learned a lot, and there's a lot more to learn but I'm having fun and I'm happy. That's what it's about.

3. Tell us more about Gnocchi?

Gnocchi Jeans was made primarily because I noticed a lot of curvy women struggled to find jeans that fit their body the right way. So I started my own thing to solve a problem. Then it spiraled into a whole thing, a family thing. Gnocchi is the fashion equivalent to that barber shop you went to as a kid, or that family BBQ, where you go and it's just a mutual respect, you know everyone and everyone knows you. We really care.

4. What are you working on currently ?

Capsule 5. That's all I'm saying!

5. What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome so far?

- Finding the money to create high quality clothes at an affordable price.

- Dealing with rude customers- can't stand rude and entitled people.

6. How did Covid-19 affect you ?

It actually forced me to slow down with music and create the brand. So it was a good thing, also people online shoppe more so it really gave us room to push through.

7. What are the goals for 2022?

Can't say.. evil eye is real - but big things! Keep watching...

8.Dream legacy, how does that look for you ?

Really, I just want the brand to get to a place where we can help others, the way people helped support myself and my family through these crazy times. My legacy is happiness and helping others truly makes me happy.

9. Where can we find you?

@RassTokyo on everything. Love.