In January, 50 Cent sat down with XXL Magazine to discuss hip-hop’s influence on the current state of fashion. He explained that although rappers have been tapped as sources of inspirations and even hired for brand campaigns, Kanye West would have a difficult time gaining credibility within the design realm. Why? Well, as he recently told Fashionista, it's because many people within the business view West and other entertainers as outsiders.

"[The high end fashion designers] have been passionate about [fashion] for a very long time and worked to get to where they are and are not so prone to just letting people come in and just turning into a big deal," 50 Cent said. “There are really talented people [already in the business] and it kind of irks them that the person who’s been receiving the opportunity—that they really want and have been working, preparing for it for a long time—just comes out of somewhere else."

However, anyone who is a fan of Kanye West knows he has worked to make his mark in the fashion world. With a slew of collaborations ranging from popular collections with A.P.C. to sportswear partnerships with adidas, it’s clear that Kanye has at least put his foot in the door. But the few successes he has achieved, 50 explains, is likely because they appealed to a very specific audience.

"Well, I think it’s niche," he said, "Maybe I’ll go back into something that’s a little more niche and not so mass for the clothing. I think it’s interesting when you make wild choices and I have people who are supportive because they are actually into those ideas, instead of with trend cool."

[via Fashionista]