The Melbourne massive just wouldn’t be the same hadn’t For The Homies come along over five years ago. A t-shirt and lifestyle brand dedicated to taking the piss and adding mad flavour to iconic hip hop lyrics, album covers, artists and sayings, Homies wrecked the streets from the get go. The brain child of genius designer and mad rap fan Pete LeCreep, Homies sort about doing what the name suggested - creating dope pieces for his inner crew that would eventually leak out onto a worldwide scale. And leak they did. One only has to look at Japanese photographer/artist Yone’s work showcasing Homies tees on hot Japanese babes to know this ish is next level. Fast forward to 2011 and we’re all still rocking our hilariously on point tees, leather varsitys, Japanese denim and leopard print Homies caps with more patriotism than a Mid-Western gun nut. I caught up with the master as he releases his new collection of apparel (including tees, leather jackets and caps) to find out more about where he’s been, what’s the haps and why George Costanza is the shit!

For The Homies has been a little quiet of late with your new line Noir really taking off into the contemporary fashion stratosphere...where ya been, what's been poppin?
I've mainly been in Australia for the past year with a couple trips to Tokyo. The economic downturn really hit the country hard, there were practically tumble weeds rolling through Harajuku. In the past few months a lot of interesting things having been happening - new labels, exhibitions and vibe. A new Tokyo is rising from the ashes. I'm still here, kickin' it, head down and working. I guess I forgot to tell everyone about it!

Tell us a little about the new collection and the inspiration behind it....
It's about being a ‘90s child and how the ‘90s influenced me. From watching gangsta movies, rockin' starter caps, listening to the first Wu-Tang and Biggie album again and again, it's part of who I am.

You're known for your original take on hip hop inspired icons...and now you're throwing down some Seinfeld loving...why George and not Jerry?
George was the shit!. He really was the greatest sitcom character of all time. Who was rockin' camp caps, Nike cortez and Gore-Tex jackets in the ‘90s? Costanza! He also dated Marisa Tomei and had his own company; Vandelay Industries - such a baller

Hahaha, true that! Well it's been a while since we've seen large prints and booming boldness on tees with most labels stripping design back over the last couple of years. How important is it for you that your tees make a statement and bring us back to their original intent...spreading a message?
Bring back individuality! When did it become acceptable to look like every one else? Shit is boring. Everything that comes out of Homies is an expression of my cultural experience. The day something wack comes out, is the day I'm over it. Forget trying to keep it real, I'm trying to keep it right.

Preach on! For The Homies has exactly done what you've wanted with your inner circle all rocking your brand religiously and proudly...how far spread has the brand gone in 2011?
All I ever wanted for my Homies was to enjoy what I do. The rest, it's all gravy.

What's up next for The Homies?
I'm gonna get back to working on my album 'Detox.' it's been almost 13 years since my last album '2001' was released, so I better get back into my routine of wakin' up in da AM and composing beats..

Buy the new collection of For The Homies online here.