Why do we act surprised when we Know the Hip Hop lifestyle is a fraud?

Louis Vuitton head honchos reached out to the editors of XXL magazine to express their displeasure at the cover featuring Rick “I ain’t no CO” Ross wearing a fake pair of Louis Vuitton shades. As if XXL editors are experts at distinguishing a rapper’s fake bling and fake accessories from the genuine articles.

Dear Editor:

We were dismayed to see the cover of the May 2009 issue of XXL Magazine, which features a photo of Rick Ross wearing a pair of sunglasses prominently featuring counterfeit Louis Vuitton trademarks. Because the photo has generated considerable confusion among your readers and Louis Vuitton customers among others, we feel it is important to clarify several points.

The first is that the sunglasses Mr. Ross is wearing were not made by Louis Vuitton, and in fact, are counterfeit. Louis Vuitton did not grant permission to Mr. Ross or to whoever did make the sunglasses to use our trademarks. The second is that no affiliation, sponsorship or association exists between Rick Ross or XXL and Louis Vuitton. The third is that counterfeiting is illegal.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to correct the confusion.

Is it any wonder that boutique labels and high end brands wish to distance themselves from Hip Hop? Expect Gucci to reach out to Sean Combs any day now to discuss that Pucci jacket he wore on the season finale of MTV’s Making the Band.