The rap superstar Lil Wayne launched his new streetwear line at Hotel Americano in Chelsea last week, holding court at El Privado, the hip hotel's basement bar, charming reporters and a parade of admirers. "I want to be a skater," the rapper explained, of launching his clothing line "TRUKFIT," which is designed with skateboarders in mind. "One thing about a skater: they never quit. So a skater, to sum it up, is awesome."
The party also served as a 19th birthday celebration for Wayne's protégé, the rapper Lil Twist. Models in silver face-paint circled the room, and tuna tartar was served.
The generally chilly party-set acted uncharacteristically star-struck around the best-selling rapper. One magazine reporter even pulled down his lower lip to reveal a tattoo bearing Wayne's nickname, "Weezy F," inked there for eternity.
Wayne, who hung out behind a curtain in a VIP area with pals Mack Maine and T-Streets, took the fandom in stride. "I do not consider myself a literal genius," he said. "What I think about everyday—just try to figure out a way to be me."
A line of partygoers gathered by the rapper as he continued: "I believe music should reflect yourself in some way and not just yourself at the given time. I feel that when you die or when you're going, someone's supposed to listen to that music and know everything about you. And I just try to get that across."
Not so long ago, the rapper was serving an eight-month stint at Rikers Island. "It humbled me," said Wayne, who wore a hat reading "I'm Fresh" and one of his own pink T-shirts that evening, spontaneously rapping and dancing at times. "But I was already humble as hell."