Inconspicuous Dave
“Light but heavy.” This statement best describes the inconspicuous nature of Dave Singh. Although of slim build, Dave’s weightlessness is attributed to the way he maneuvers without attracting much attention, just like a feather carelessly floating in the wind. However, when one eventually catches a glimpse of him through their peripheral vision they will be instantly stunned by his immense star power.
The 31-year-old Queens native and I met through mutual friends more than a decade ago. I can count on one hand how many times we saw each other in person, yet our mutual respect never faltered. From the looks of Dave, it would be safe to assume he’s the stereotypical “bad boy” archetype who’s living a pretty wild life. On the contrary, he is a humble serial entrepreneur who is part of a crew that’s taking over the luxury reselling game by storm. (I mean, of course Dave likes to have his fun too…but that’s besides the point).
I recently sat down with Dave to take a peek into his adventurous lifestyle as we discussed his upbringing, various business ventures, friendship with the infamous “4GSeller” and more. Enjoy our conversation below.
FRENDY: Gotdamn! It's been quite a while since we’ve seen each other. Feels good to finally reconnect. How’s everything?
DAVE: It's definitely been a minute, my G. All is blessed, actually—I’m feeling great. [ I ] appreciate this write up.
FRENDY: The pleasure is all mine. Congratulations on all of your recent success! Then again, you’ve always had a winning spirit from the very first day we met about 11 years ago.
DAVE: Things are for sure moving faster than I expected. I don’t know if it was the winning spirit or just the hungry spirit *Laughs*. Either way it’s kind of working out.
FRENDY: I feel you on that. Love the humility *Laughs*. We became friends through the Areyo brothers and I know they’re from Sunnyside, Queens. Are you reppin’ the Q borough as well?
DAVE: Yessir—shoutout my brothers Matt & Andrew. I’m from Richmond Hill, Queens AKA “Little Guyana.”
FRENDY: Most definitely shout out to them—they’ve supported me since I first started writing. I know you’re of West Indian descent like myself. I moved here from Haiti with my family when I was seven-years-old. Were you born in the states?
DAVE: Yeah—born in Queens. My dad came here from Guyana when he was 17-years-old. Him and my mom met in NYC and have been together since. She's Puerto Rican, born in New York. So I’m half Puerto Rican and half Guyanese.
FRENDY: Have you ever visited your roots back home in Guyana and Puerto Rico?
DAVE: Actually fucked up to say, but nah *Laughs*. I want to go with my mom and dad, but honestly, we are always so busy that we haven’t gone on a proper family vacation in probably 18 years.
FRENDY: It’s all good! I’m sure y’all make it there sometime soon. As much as you love having a great time, you’re extremely business savvy. Did your parents instill that value in you growing up?
DAVE: Without a doubt. My mom and dad are the reason for sure.
FRENDY: I saw a pic of your mom and dad at their very first cafe in Bloomfield, NJ. What impact did that milestone leave on you as a kid?
DAVE: It was everything. I watched my parents scrape up every dollar they had to open it. I remember how happy my parents were to create something for themselves for once and not have to answer to a “boss.” It definitely inspired me to take risks for the bigger picture and not look at this on a transactional-scale.
FRENDY: We’ll definitely discuss your own lucrative business ventures later on. I vividly remember your deep infatuation with import/tuner cars and bikes. When did that passion come about?
DAVE: From a young age. Probably like seven-years-old. I had an uncle pick me up from my grandma's house for a quick ride in his new whip. [It was a] Mitsubishi 3000GT twin turbo. At the time this shit was dumb fast (to me at least). I remember that feeling when he hit the gas was insane. That was definitely the beginning of my love for fast shit.
FRENDY: An emotional connection, that’s pure. Do you still have that electric orange souped up custom whip you were infamously known for riding around in Soho? *Laughs*
DAVE: I actually sold it and the bikes. I drive a Tesla now *Laughs*. As I got older I just wanted something less flashy and more comfortable/practical. Signs I’m getting old I guess *Laughs*.
FRENDY: Evolution, my brother. It’s such a wonderful juxtaposition because despite having such a flashy car, you’re a low-key individual. With your splendid lifestyle, one would expect you to constantly showcase your various escapades all over Instagram.
DAVE: Instagram definitely sees its fair share *Laughs*. I like to keep it that way though—low-key. I feel like the ‘less is more’ way works for me. Also keeps you guessing *Laughs*.
FRENDY: Facts. You and your longtime friend/business partner Vincent Ferraro, notoriously known as “4GSeller,” are killing it in the luxury reselling space. When did you two become friends?
DAVE: I want to say like 12 years ago now? We actually met on a model set for a mutual friend's brand. Shout out Dave Axelrad.
FRENDY: Vincent was in the nightlife business before developing the shop. In fact, I did some digging and found out he modeled in a Kool cigarettes ad that I’ve seen all over the bodegas a few years back. Were you in the same industries as him?
DAVE: I wasn’t. I did like to go out though *Laughs*. If you knew Vince back in the day you were good in any club.
FRENDY: You’ve always been stylish, but I had no clue you had an interest in the business end of fashion. How’d you get involved with such a successful venture in luxury reselling?
DAVE: It kind of just happened organically. I have been involved as much as I could with 4G since Vin started it. He’s always been there for me so I felt like the least I can do is help out.
FRENDY: That’s great to hear—friendship at its finest. I read Vincent’s interview with the New York Times. I loved how he recognized you and the other homies who play an intricate role in the 4G showroom. He also shared that y’all give no fucks about haters or critics who complain about the pricing of the exclusive garments y’all resell etc. How exactly do you guys drown all of the noise?
DAVE: My favorite thing to do is read those comments *Laughs*. It’s all love though, we get it.
FRENDY: What I’ve learned is that opinions don’t matter. As long as your heart is in the right place, you can accomplish anything and win no matter what. What role do you play in the 4G operation?
DAVE: Vin is the mastermind behind the brand. I’m there to help bring his vision together.
FRENDY: I love the nonchalant attitude—it’s actually a key ingredient in succeeding *Laughs*. Where can a person book an appointment for a chance to cop a very rare piece at the 4G showroom in Soho?
DAVE: You can’t. It’s more of a referral only for the private showroom. But we are opening a public location in a few weeks on Sullivan Street in Soho. You’ll be able to walk into that location to shop.
FRENDY: Nice, I know a lot of people are looking forward to that. In your opinion, who’s the most stylish celebrity that stopped by?
DAVE: That's tough to answer. Gervonta Davis is definitely the most effortlessly sick. He knows exactly what he wants and just throws that shit on. I’d say him or Terry Rozier.
FRENDY: Intention is definitely key when it comes to dressing. Besides Chrome Hearts, what other brands are you heavily rocking with right now?
DAVE: Enfants Riches Déprimés. Rick Owens. Anything Hedi Slimane. Those are my essentials.
FRENDY: Are you involved in any business dealings outside of fashion?
DAVE: I am. Cafes, interior design and some real estate. Nothing crazy but keeping busy for sure.
FRENDY: ‘Nothing crazy’ *Laughs*. I’m happy to hear about your diverse streams of income—it’s inspiring. When time allows, what do you do for fun?
DAVE: I have an (almost) one-year-old son. Lil Dave. Any free time I have I try to spend it with him. That’s my new found ‘fun’ *Laughs*.
FRENDY: That’s beautiful. You’re tatted up even more since we first met. Which tattoo artists are in your main rotation?
DAVE: Mike Wilson and Rob Ryan. OG’s.
FRENDY: What’s your most meaningful tat?
DAVE: They all have a story/meaning. I think it’s corny to sit here and tell you what means what but they are all really meaningful. Most are reflections of the darkest times of my life.
FRENDY: Totally understandable. What can we expect from you and your crew in the near future?
DAVE: More 4G. That's for sure.
FRENDY: Fire. Going through all of the experiences that made you who you are today, what advice would you give to your younger self?
DAVE: Don’t take life too seriously. Have fun and embrace the journey.