Virgil Abloh was a Black designer who broke down barriers and rose to the top of the traditional luxury fashion industry. His success changed what was possible in fashion.
He died in Chicago on November 28, 2021, at the age of 41, after fighting rare cancer called cardiac angiosarcoma for two years. In a new music video for the song “What Happened to Virgil,” Lil Durk and Gunna pay tribute to Virgil Abloh, who died last year.
The music video, which came out on April 12 and was directed by Cole Bennett, was inspired by the work of the late Louis Vuitton creative director and Off White founder. The video also pays tribute to D Thang, Lil Durk's late brother, and King Von, a rapper who was shot and killed in 2020.
What is the Meaning of “What Happened to Virgil”?
Aside from bearing all of the usual trademarks of a Lil Durk song, “What Happened to Virgil” pays a very specific homage to someone both he and Gunna were very close with: the late fashion designer Virgil Abloh.
The Off-White brand founder and Louis Vuitton Men's Creative Director sadly passed away on Nov. 28, 2021, at the age of 41 after years of living with a rare form of cancer.
Throughout the song, Lil Durk and Gunna repeatedly sing, “What happened to Virgil?” and make comments such as, “I wish my brother had made it out the surgery,” and “I am up thinkin', that s–t do be hurtin' me.”
According to an Instagram post on Virgil's official page from the day that he died, the designer “battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer: cardiac angiosarcoma.” It continues, “He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments.
All while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture.” Speaking to his career ethos, it notes, “Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and to his mission to open doors for others and create pathways for greater equality in art and design.”
Also, Virgil Abloh is Remembered in the Music Video for “What Happened to Virgil”
If you thought Lil Durk and Gunna's memories of their friend who died ended with the song title and a few lyrics, you were wrong. The new music video for “What Happened to Virgil” is a fun way to remember the designer who died.
The production, which is led by Lyrical Lemonade, takes place on a set that looks like Virgil's most recent Louis Vuitton runway, complete with big cartoon houses and other big props.
For those who don't know, Virgil has had a huge effect on culture and fashion over the last ten years. Virgil's signature design elements can be seen in the work of Been Trill, Kanye West, Pyrex, Off-White, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Mot & Chandon, Rimowa, Mercedes-Benz, Evian, and many other big brands.
