Kool A.D., how would describe Hima's style?
Kool A.D.: "Aspirational."
Dap, how would describe Kool A.D.’s style?
Dap: "Victor wears a lot black with a few colorful pieces thrown in. He finds them 'here and there.' He's got an A's shirt and a shirt with maybe Barry Sanders (we can never figure out for sure) on it I like a lot, and would kill him for in a second and just smell the underarms of the shirts as I wait for the cops to get me."
Heems, how would you describe Dap's style?
Heems: "Fun."
On your last record, the song you did with Chairlift—on "Fashion Party"—You guys poked fun at the fashion scene, but your first email to us asked for free clothes. What free clothes were you hoping for? (We still can’t give them to you).
Heems: "I asked for clothes. I did it because I want any free clothes I can get. Don't worry about what I do with them."
What’s a typical night look like for Das Racist when you’re not playing shows or recording?
Kool A.D.: "Transcendental meditation, dancing, push-ups, sit-ups."
Heems recently said in a New York Mag interview if the music thing doesn’t work out, you could always go back to grad school. What would you study?
Kool A.D.: "Grad school is a scam."
What were your most recent day jobs?
Kool A.D.: "I was living off the record advance for my last band, Boy Crisis, and before that, I was working at a movie theater."
What outfits do you think girls look hottest in?
Kool A.D.: "Sweatpants, hair tied, chilling with no makeup on."
There’s a wide range of producers on Relax, from Blood Diamonds to Diplo. How did you choose who you worked with?
Kool A.D.: "Cool Hunters."
How would you characterize the typical audience at a Das Racist show?
Kool A.D.: "Cool Hunters."
What’s the best thing you’ve ever found in a thrift store?
Kool A.D.: "A copy of
Black Elk Speaks
."
What’s the nicest thing a fan has ever done for you?
Kool A.D.: "[Das Racist superfan] Kimie Hayashi flew from Japan to New York to see us, and gave me a pair of shoes and a bag of candy."
I recently saw this picture of Dr. Dre and he's probably thinking, “Man, I really wish I hadn’t worn a crocheted chef jacket back then.” In 25 years, do you think you’ll regret anything style-wise?
Kool A.D.: "That jacket is amazing."
There seems to be a big trend in rappers and R&B stars, from Drake and The Weeknd to Kanye West, who feel really bummed out by success and fame. Is success making you guys sad yet?
Kool A.D.: "I usually have no idea how I feel."
You once rapped “Underrated in the game like Mark Ruffalo.” I love Mark Ruffalo. Who else do you think is underrated?
Kool A.D.: "E-40, Mac Dre."
You all live in Williamsburg or Bushwick. What's your take on the evolving culture in these neighborhoods?
Kool A.D.: "From what I've noticed, Williamsburg has a fair amount of relatively new bars and restaurants and condominiums that are culturally alien to and out of the price-range of many, if not most of the people that have spent their whole lives in that neighborhood. That 'cultural evolution' is also known as gentrification. Bushwick, since it's close to Williamsburg, is in the early stages of it.
Whose wardrobe would you jack if you had the chance?
Kool A.D.: "Will.i.am."