“We are on the edge of a new era in music – accept it,” say hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd, whose Mike Will-produced “No Flex Zone” got a Nicki Minaj re-up this summer. But Atlanta-based brothers Swae Lee and Slim Jimmy have a style all their own, with their high-pitched southern drawls, dorm-party videos and penchant for teaming gas masks with traditional west African dashikis. Fresh from tearing up Kendall Jenner’s birthday party, the unpredictable duo will go far in 2015 – just don’t be too sure about what’s coming next: “It could be some pop, it could be some ratchet rap, because we versatile.”
What was your defining pop culture moment of 2014?
Swae Lee: When we was on the net and we saw this little girl out in Ferguson when everything was happening holding up a “No Flex Zone” sign protesting the shooting.
How would you sum up what you do in a sentence?
Slim Jimmy: We do the most awesome stuff ever. I don’t want to do anything else; I just want to keep doing this forever, for the rest of my life.
What are your favourite movies of 2014?
Swae Lee: The Purge: Anarchy.
Slim Jimmy: Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
How do you think that style and pop culture will change in 2015?
Swae Lee: Everybody is going to stop giving a fuck! They’re going to be like, 'Fuck it, I’m going to wear this,’ and it will just be more acceptable.
What’s the most exciting thing about the music industry today?
Slim Jimmy: It’s a rollercoaster and you make new friends, meet new people and you never know where you’re gonna see them; whether it be Japan, Florida, California, Texas – just random places.
What new skill did you learn this year?
Slim Jimmy: How to wear cool shoes right – I used to wear open toes. My grandma bought them for me when I was in middle school and I just never threw them away.
Who’s an unsung cultural hero that you discovered this year?
Slim Jimmy: I really like George Harrison, I got George Harrison albums, I be listening to them every time I go to the airport.
Who should have been at number one on the Dazed 100?
Swae Lee: I’d say Future, he’s really underrated but he’s got some music where if you’re ready to sit down and listen, he be saying some stuff.
Slim Jimmy: I’ve got to give props to Young Thug. He’s just bumping, the music is bumping.
Twitter: @RaeSremmurd | Instagram: @RaeSremmurd
Swae Lee wears jacket by G-Star Raw, trousers by Carhartt WIP, all accessories his own; Slim Jimmy wears jacket by Cast of Vices, t-shirt his own, trousers by G-Star Raw, watch by Swatch, all other accessories his own; styling assistant Lana Greenaway
Upvote your favourites to decide the Readers' 100