At the recent Paris Fashion Week, the renowned fashion house YSL spotlighted local talent when it opened its show with “I Will Carry You,” a track by Colorado rapper Old Man Saxon and the group Safari Riot. This performance marks a significant moment for both the designer and the artist, as it coincides with Anthony Vaccarello’s tenth year leading the brand.
The event took place on March 3, 2024, against the iconic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. The show featured a dramatic opening as a model graced the runway, encapsulating the theme of “nocturnal elegance” that Vaccarello aimed to convey. The music selection was curated by French DJ Sebastian, who has been associated with YSL since 2019.
Old Man Saxon’s Unexpected Recognition
Old Man Saxon expressed his surprise and excitement upon learning that his song would open one of the fashion industry’s most prestigious events. Initially, he believed that the opening model was Zendaya, for whom he had previously written the song for the film Malcolm & Marie. “I’m not a big fashion guy…and I never really thought about making music for fashion shows,” Saxon stated, reflecting on this unexpected crossover into high fashion.
The rapper has gained notable traction in the hip-hop scene, recently being recognized as one of Colorado’s top artists to watch. With millions of streams and over 100,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Saxon’s career is on the rise. He is currently preparing for the release of an EP later this spring.
Changing Narratives in Hip-Hop
Beyond his music, Saxon aims to challenge the narratives often found in hip-hop. He has established a nonprofit organization called Three Things, where he encourages young artists to draw from real-life experiences rather than conforming to the often violent stereotypes prevalent in mainstream rap. “I used to lie and say I got shot; that’s not a normal thing,” he shared, reflecting on the pressures to exaggerate personal stories in order to fit into the genre.
Saxon’s mission includes educating students about hip-hop history and encouraging them to write songs focusing on their futures. He finds that those who consume more positive hip-hop envision longer lifespans compared to fans of artists who have tragically passed away early, such as King Von or XXXTentacion.
He noted, “It’s almost like an expiration date in hip-hop,” emphasizing the need for change in the way narratives are shaped within the genre. Through his programs, Saxon aims to inspire young people to see their futures differently and express their authentic selves through music.
Currently, Saxon is set to receive support from Sonic Guild Colorado for a series of concerts and speaking engagements across Europe. He plans to address hip-hop’s “imagination problem” during an upcoming talk in the Netherlands, emphasizing the importance of hope and positivity in music.
As he continues to evolve as an artist and advocate, Old Man Saxon remains committed to sharing his story and encouraging others to do the same. “The more specific your story, the more universal it is,” he concluded, highlighting the power of authenticity in music.
