Recently, Chicago-based hip hop artist Rich Robbins joined us at our studio for a conversation that spanned topics as far reaching as domestic garment manufacturing to Chicago's poetry scene to the need for more creative infrastructure in the city. The ability to leap subjects seems second nature to Robbins, both in his lyrics and in his life; not merely a rapper, Robbins is a poet, producer, TV show host, and educator among other things. His music, too, finds comfort in complexity: “The real trick was learning strength through the softness / I grew up with a Black man who kissed me often” he raps on “The Invitation” off his 2024 album Soft & Tender.

Robbins’ more intimate approach to hip hop has made us, and many others, fans of his music in recent years, garnering him the title of “Best individual hip-hop artist” in the Chicago Reader’s 2023 "Best of Chicago" contest. It has also helped him build community as a teaching artist through Young Chicago Authors and as the founder of the Respect the Mic open mic at Positive Space Studios in Logan Square.

Follow Robbins for the latest updates on his albums, performances, and more, and scroll down for more photos of him trying on items from our Fall/Winter 2024 collection.

Photos: Felton Kizer