On Kanye West’s new jam "Theraflu," among the many friendships he shouts out to bolster his rep is Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, often considered the most powerful woman in fashion. It's not the first time she's been on a track—against the odds, the bobbed-haircut, Prada-wearing magazine editor from London has become an unlikely and popular reference for rappers, a poetic symbol of their inclusion in New York's media illuminati. In the world of lyrical one-upping and competitive dressing that exists in hip-hop, Wintour is the perfect metaphor, the crispiest, cleanest style and power icon around. We rounded up her most honorable mentions.
Kanye West, "Theraflu"
Kanye had a love/hate relationship with fashion this year, debuting a collection in Paris to not-so-good reviews and then soldiering through a second runway show with slightly better results. But whatever you think of the clothes he designs, he had Anna sitting front row on both occasions, a fact he's proud to mention on his new song.
Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys, "Empire State of Mind"
Along with Robert DeNiro, Frank Sinatra, Biggie, a Yellow Cab, Lebron James and the Statue of Liberty, Anna Wintour gets included in Jay-Z's pantheon of New York greats.
Diddy and Anna Announce Fashion's Night Out
To announce Vogue's recurring Fashion's Night Out initiative meant to bolster the clothing industry, Diddy and Anna got together at Anna's "legendary" office to discuss the details of the event.
Nicki Minaj, "Come on a Cone"
Nicki's just-released second album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded is partly a retrospective on what a crazy, successful 2011 she had, and on "Come on a Cone," she's psyched to mention sitting front row next to Anna at a few fashion shows during last September's New York Fashion Week: I'm really sitting with Anna/ Ain't a metaphor punchline, I'm really sitting with Anna.
Nicki Minaj, "Muny"
Nicki boasting about her friendship with Anna on "Come on a Cone" is made all the more amazing since just last year, she was using the Vogue editor's not-yet-gained approval as a barometer of her future success. On "Muny," out in 2011, she asks Anna for the cover; one year later, she's close but no cigar, hitting the recent March 2012 issue of Vogue in a two-page spread.
Childish Gambino, "New Prince"
To separate himself from the pack, Childish Gambino mentions high-fashion brands like Band of Outsiders, A.P.C. and Kitsune. You got Jacob's Jeweler, I got Anna Wintour.
