NARCO CORRIDO
MEXICAN MURDER MUSIC
SEBASTIEN FOUCAN
FREE RUNNING
JAKE DUNCOMBE
OZ SKATEBOARDING’S CURRENT KING
KILL PIXIE
ART WEIRDO
STEVE MONA
FORMER NY VANDAL SQUAD CAPTAIN
chromeo
GANGSTER LOVERBOYS
ISSUE 12 2008 AUS & NZ $9.95 (INC GST)
+ streetwear, TOYS, SNEAKERS, sport, FILM, cars, MUSIC, art & design, VIDEO GAMES, TATTOOS AND Much MORE
available at:
.
.
Calvin Klein Jeans stores - Australia & New Zealand Melbourne - Chadstone, Melbourne Central Auckland - High Street, Wellington - Willis Street
.
Selected department stores and specialty retailers across Australia & New Zealand including Australia - Myer, David Jones New Zealand - Smith & Caughey, Kirkcaldie & Stains, Ballantynes
VICTORIA
NSW
Chadstone Telephone: (03) 9568 6042
Homebush Telephone: (02) 8746 0264
Fitzroy Telephone: (03) 9419 0313
QUEENSLAND
Melbourne Telephone: (03) 8689 7589
Brisbane Telephone: (07) 3115 2437
Torquay Telephone: (03) 5264 7827
CONTENTS
24 32 34 36 48 50 52 54 58 60 64 70 72 76 78 80 96
lights camera action
FILM
EYE Y CAND
Mike Hill's 'the man who souled the world'
Fly gurl
beautifulLY street smart annette melton
BLANKTM ION FASH
original ausTRALIAN streetwear
beach street
ION FASH
malibu meets NyC
sebastien foucan
T SPOR
free running philosophy
jake duncombe
E SKAT
australia's best skater?
T SPOR
metal mulishaman cheating death
robbie madDison
F GRAS IS NEME
steve mona
former head of ny's vandal squad
paul wall
MUSIC
winning smile
MUSIC
gangster loverboys
MUSIC
songs to die for
L SOCIA
the future of sports cars
AUTO
perfect imperfections on four wheels
AUTO
drawing is ageless
chromeo
narco corridos tesla roadster rat rods
jon burgerman kill pixie
ART
art weirdo & his friends
lango
O TATTO
guns, brushes and spraycans
THE RECIPE
TYLE LIFES
young murph's 'pretty young thang'
editorial
SORRY This issue is dedicated to the Stolen Generation. Right now some of you are about to let out a groan and turn the page so as to avoid another politically charged rant by the editor, but that’s cool, y’all can eat a dick sandwich and meet the rest of us in the fashion section. As we put issue 12 to bed, Australia’s newest Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has made good on his promise and apologised on behalf of the nation for the suffering caused by the policies of former governments that saw over 100,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, mostly of mixed heritage, removed from their families and placed into state institutions and white families, a policy that existed until 1970. In pubs across the country you can hear the debate over the apology raging louder than ever. It seems that a lot of Australians are still uncomfortable with the concept of an official apology, regardless of how detrimental this country’s former policies have been to the Aboriginal population. You still hear Barry on the bar stool telling all in earshot that he shouldn’t feel guilty about decisions made by the previous generations. Well, maybe not Barry, but you should feel a sense of national shame at the fact that a significant portion of a race of people, the traditional people of this land no less, were monumentally fucked by our nation and continue to suffer the consequences today. Imagine if you will for a second that Aborigines counted for more than 3% of our total population, let’s say for argument’s sake that they made up 50% of our populace. In that scenario there would be Aboriginals working along side you in nearly every work place in the country and thus a much harder to forget or ignore group of people. They would be a considerable concern for the vote counting politicians too. Black music would count for more than the tiny percentage of airplay that it gets here currently and our television shows would not be the Anglo dominated joke that they are. The White Australia Policy would either have never happened or would have received the same level of condemnation the world over as Apartheid. Our
education system would probably be less inclined to skip the countless racist atrocities of our past and we might celebrate as heroes a few people who are not white. Did you know that the first bush ranger was an African-American former slave known as Black Caesar who came to Australia with the first fleet? I bet you didn’t. But I can guarantee you’ve heard the Ned Kelly story a bunch of times. That’s because our country doesn’t want to accept blackness on any level as part of our identity. But I digress. It’s such a cop-out to say that the way of thinking was different back then. This is recent history. Many of the Stolen Generation are still alive today and subsequent generations are experiencing the cost of total disintegration of the family unit before them. The way of thinking was different during the Third Reich in Germany but that doesn’t excuse what the Nazis did in the name of National progress. So next time your in the pub and Barry on the bar stool starts firing up about why he’s not Sorry, you can try reciting some of the above points or you can simply say “go fuck yourself Barry”. As forward thinking as we claim to be, this country still has a long way to go on the road toward equality for all our people. The first step is acknowledging our past mistakes. I’m sorry for starting this issue off on such a heavy note, (it gets lighter from here on in I promise) but I’m much more sorry for what the Stolen Generation have been through. Peace
Andrew Montell Editor In Chief
T H E
S O U L
O F
R & B
w w w . a l i z e . c o m
THE TEAM
// Melbourne office 9 Dundas Lane Albert Park, VIC 3206 Australia Ph: +61 3 9695 7815 Fax: +61 3 9682 4323 // PUBLISHER / editor in chief Andrew Montell
andrew@acclaimmag.com
// company directors Andrew Montell Matt Gudinski // editorial sub editor Frank Blanck
news@acclaimmag.com
FASHION SHOOT COORDINATOR Max Rivera style guide Memphis Auto editor Vincent Tang
// Sydney office 135 Forbes Street Woolloomooloo NSW 2011 Australia Ph: +61 2 8356 1289
// ART Original design template Mega mega@acclaimmag.com
Art director David Able
dave@clearintent.com.au
design assistant Matt Thompson VISUAL ARTs EDITOR Chris Delaney chrisd@acclaimmag.com
vincent@acclaimmag.com
// Advertising MELBOURNE ADVERTISING sales manager Tom Connellan tom@acclaimmag.com
sydney ADVERTISING sales manager Elle McCarthy
DVD STOR I N NOWES !
mccarthy@propelleagency. com
sales assistant Callum Vass callum@acclaimmag.com
Marketing & Promotions Jason Larke
jason@acclaimmag.com
production Assistant Alexandra Weiland
alexandra@acclaimmag.com
RHYTHM AND POETRY IS A DOCUMENTARY FILM THAT FOLLOWS THE CHANGE IN THE HIP HOP SCENE IN AUSTRALIA FOR THREE YEARS FROM UNDERGROUND SHOWS TO WIDER POPULARITY
// Text Ankia, Franck Blank, Tom Connellan, Nick D, Chris Delaney, Shane Edwards, Rhiannon Elston, Robbie Ettelson, Danielle Fear, Benn Gardiner, Anthony Gilbert, Jerry Jerri, Ben Johnston, Khaled Khalafalla, Jason Larke, Josh Malin, Mega, Annette Melton, Memphis, Andrew Montell, Young Murph, Okwerdz, Kyri Papapetrou, Nick Quirke, Aamer Rahman, T-Rock, Saeed Saeed, Sheep, Dan Steiner, Nick Sweepah, Vincent Tang, Tate, Callum Vass, Alexandra Weiland // Photography Nick Bassett, Brett Chan, Marcus Enno, Robert Adam Mayer, Garry Morrowl, Jorge Peniche, Rome Torti, Luke Ray // DJS A-Style, DJ Fuzz, Dow Jones, Girl Talk, Koma & Bones
FEATURING APPEARANCES BY: +//,)3- s $%& 7)3( #!34 s ",)33 . %3/ s 4:5 s $/7.39$% s 0(2!3% s 4(% (%2$ s -/2'!.)#3 s $* 0%2), s . &! s -50( . 0,54/.)# s &5.+/!23 s 2%!3/. s ")!3 " s 0%': s 0!# $)%3%, s 7)2% -# s $* 34!%. s 2)6!,3 s -!$#!0 s ,!:9 '2%9 s *534)#% s !24 /& 7!2 s 6%.43 s "2/4(!",!#+ PLUS ORIGINAL MUSIC BY M-PHAZES!
// COVER MODEL: Annette Melton // PHOTO BY: Marcus Enno MAKE-UP: Claire Hansen // STYLIST: Claire Hansen // SUBMISSIONS All images must be in tiff format at 300dpi. ACCLAIM is pleased to receive information but is under no obligation to review or return unsolicited products or material. // ONLINE Visit us at www.acclaimmag.com Add us at www.myspace.com/acclaimmagazine Facebook us at ACCLAIM Mag // PRODUCTION ACCLAIM is printed on Neo Gloss 300GSM and 115GSM paper. We use eco friendly soybased inks because you gotta respect the Earth, nahmean?
AVAILABLE AT JB HI-FI, HIP HOP STORES AUSTRALIA WIDE & ONLINE AT: WWW.RAPTHEFILM.COM
// ACCLAIM Magazine GOT SOME EXTRA LOVE FROM:
ACCLAIM Magazine is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved in material accepted for publication, unless initially specified otherwise. All letters and other material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly labeled “Not For Publication”. Opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of ACCLAIM Magazine or the publisher. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited material.
4)4,% $%3)'. ,!9/54 APRIL77.COM
AUS DISTRIBUTOR - Gordon & Gotch NZ DISTRIBUTOR - Imd INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR - Pansing IMM
&),- !.$ -53)# 6)$%/ 02/$5#4)/.
WWW.UTRANSMIT.NET
faces
Words by Andrew Montell
PAT CHIN
MILES AHEAD IN REGGAE MUSIC
Looking at Pat Chin, Reggae music powerhouse is possibly the last thing that would come to mind. However, looks // can certainly be deceiving because Pat co-founded VP Records with her late husband Vincent and helped to usher in an era of international embracement for the genre.
Setting up a record store dedicated to reggae music seems like an unlikely venture for a Chinese couple. What inspired that decision? Well, there are many Chinese Jamaican people who have a strong presence in every facet of the reggae business, varying from manufacturing, producing, distribution, etc. The way we look could never change the fact that we were 100% Jamaican. My love of the music business inspired me to follow this path. Also I didn’t want the traditional occupation that a woman had. I wanted to do something different. Did you meet many hurdles in being taken seriously by the black Jamaican community? No, not really, Jamaica is such a truly diverse country. It was not so much to do with race for me, but because I was a woman. In this male dominated business, they did not take me seriously in the beginning. But after talking with me for a few minutes they could tell I was the real deal. It took a lot of hard work and determination to stand my ground as a woman in this business – I earned my respect by knowing music and business inside out. How did your record label evolve? It started from selling used records in a tiny record store inside of a restaurant. From that we began to import American records and distribute. Then we eventually bought the restaurant to expand the record store. Upstairs we built a recording studio called Studio 17. In the 1960s, my husband and I created a label called Randy’s Records. We recorded artists like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown, Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt, Gregory Isaacs, Lord Creator, Bunny Wailers, and Lee Perry. We also recorded American artists like Johnny Cash. We worked with producers like Prince Jammy, Bunny Lee, and Jungo Laws. Eventually, in the 1970s, we moved to America and continued to conduct the business. We repeated the same process and became successful. After so many years in the industry are you still a fan of reggae music? Yes, after fifty years, I am still involved and in love with reggae music and the culture as a whole.
12 - 13 faces
Your sons are now running the label, have they grown up with an appreciation for reggae music? Yes, we can’t help loving our culture. It’s just in our blood. My sons grew up in and around not just reggae, but music in general…it was just natural for them to take over. What is your greatest memory from this monumental career in Caribbean music? The greatest moment was seeing our name at the Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan during our 25th Anniversary event. It brought tears to my eyes to think that we came from nothing and now we were at a historical venue in Manhattan celebrating not only our anniversary but the hard work we put into getting there. What is next from your stable? We formed a clothing brand called Riddim Driven. This line is reggae music fuelled fashion. Also we are involved in tours, films, and continuing to open the world to the culture through the music and fashion.
Z.Y. OFFICIAL: BRANDON WESTGATE
LOGGED: 1206 HOURS // 75째 // 25TH ST & BROADWAY, NYC ZOO YORK, NEW YORK // UNBREAKABLE
THE PANEL
THE PANEL //
For a bit of light hearted entertainment we decided to put the word out for readers of the mag to send in their problems in order for some highly dubious advice courtesy of a panel comprised of people with no particular expertise at all. it kinda backfired because We didn’t count on getting real problems and serious advice but hey…check it out! Yo Acclaim, I look to your magazine as a source of gospel-like guidance each issue so I’m praying that one of the great minds there can help me out with a personal drama. I’ve been seeing a Lebanese girl from a conservative Muslim family for the past two years. Until now she’s kept me secret from her fam but things are getting very serious between us and now my girl is talking about me converting. My family are strict Catholics and it would break my Mum’s heart if I converted. I’m also covered in tattoos that can’t be easily hidden and her Dad is dead against tattoos. I dread the day that I have to meet her family. Any advice y’all can offer would be hugely appreciated. -Crikey, NSW, AUSTRALIA (via email)
Annette Melton
Annette is our Fly Gurl and cover model this issue. Shot by Marcus Enno in Sydney, the presenter and full time model of Australian and Asian blood is definitely worth checkin' for on page 32. The picture I'm getting here is of a boy covered in tattoos who is with a girl who has kept him a secret for 2 years. He is capable of changing religions to be with her at the extreme disappointment of his mother but, is more concerned about the inevitable doomed meeting with his girlfriend’s family. It's a catch-twenty-two situation and boy do you need to start making some life changing decisions! Start prioritising what is important in your life, the life you have with your family now or the supposed worthwhile lonely life you want with your soon to be wife. Crikey, your name says it all!
Okwerds
14 - 15 THE PANEL
Rapper from Stockton, CA (USA). Former Battle champ, featured on the Hilltop Hoods Hard Road Restrung. Check the review of Ok’s new release The Rush Hour EP on page 89. What’s poppin’ Crikey, Oh where to begin, first of all your girlfriend of two years has been keeping you secret from her family? Yah, I’d say that’s a BIG red flag there! I probably wouldn’t even be with someone who kept me a SECRET from their family for two fucking years. I can partly understand not meeting them yet but if your girl is scared to even admit to her parents that you exist that’s gonna cause MAJOR problems later on for you. As far as converting goes, don’t do it for HER. If you are going to convert do it ONLY because that’s what YOU believe in and want to do, no exceptions. What I would do right now if I was you is this: 1. Find out if you truly in your heart want to convert or not. Then discuss your decision with your girl and if she can live with your decision then 2. Demand that she tells her parents about you RIGHT AWAY. Once you’ve done this then everything is out in the open and on the table... and if by some miracle that works, just be real polite to her parents, always give direct eye to her father when talking to him and always shake his hand firmly so he doesn’t judge you just by seeing your tattoos. Goodluck my dude!
Aamer Rahmen
Aamer is one third of Muslim comedy trio Fear of A Brown Planet. He’s got a new show about to launch this year and is one of the funniest dudes we know. Check the FOABP interview in issue 9. Crikey, Quite a turf war you find yourself in. No love lost between Muslims and Catholics. Or Muslims and anyone else, for that matter. I feel for you man - I’ve had a bunch of friends go through the same thing, from both sides. The first thing to ask yourself before you convert to another religion is, well - do you actually want to be Muslim? Don’t ever do it for the sake of another person - not this girl, her family, or anyone else. Converting for the sake of pleasing her or her family won’t mean much if you don’t follow through later on. (Incidentally, converting to Islam also means that all the things you did before you were Muslim get forgotten, for example tatts. Her dad should know that.) If it’s not for you and you aren’t REALLY feeling it, don’t do it. On the other hand, if you really want to convert, get on board. We need more white Muslims, they make good character witnesses in court. Besides, look at the people whose lives have been transformed permanently by converting to Islam – like Mike Tyson, or David Hicks. It is VERY important that you don't flip out and pull some desperate lovestruck whiteboy moves like confronting her pops to tell him how much you love his daughter and how you would die for her, she is everything to you blah blah blah etc etc like in the movies. That kind of Romeo and Juliet nonsense only makes things worse. Remember at all times that your girl’s reputation in her family and community are on the line in a situation like this and you need to be very careful how you do things. It sounds like you really like this girl, so you should be ready to do whatever to make it work. You should also know that you might inevitably find yourselves in a situation where neither of your families will be cool with you being together, and the two of you might have to make it on your own. Best of luck homie, -Aamer
If you've got a pressing issue that you think the ACCLAIM panel can help with please email your dilemmas to: info@acclaimmag.com This is the closest we will ever come to Dolly magazine!
justin eldrid ge Theo ry Mid
Choc olate Colla b ava ilable now
Special thanks to Aaron Lee for submitting this hubba to the Take ĂŠS to your spots! contest. Justin goes tall on a Switch 5-0 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Photo: Atiba esfootwear.com Quattro Sports P.O. Box 203 Collaroy NSW 2097 www.quattrosports.com.au
hot & fresh EK5OBITION
Table Turns steel
From an independent team in LA, Ek5obition is a brand on the move. Eye catching prints reference cartoons and pop culture imagery and take inspiration from the creators’ home city. Their Straight Left Coastin’ design which gives a nod to classic Santa Cruz imagery is dope and will appeal to the skaters out there.
Obviously there won't be any need to convince the DJs out there to hunt one of these babies down. Available with either a leather or steel band the Table Turns is a classic tribute to the most iconic piece of equipment in DJ history the 1200 Technic turntable. It comes in a mini technics carry case and all. Retailing at $65USD you can peep these at www.fludwatches.com. The rest of the Flud range is also well worth checking too.
The Chanel Choco Phone: Dreaming Is Believing
Designed by Fred de Garilhe, the Chanel Choco Phone uses an optical fiber system to display images between two glass sections. While still a concept phone at this stage, if it sees the light of day the demand for sugar daddies will go through the roof.
Folklore X Kid Zoom
West Aus skateboard company Folklore have just debuted their first limited edition art collabo board series with aerosol artist Kid Zoom who has also created a tee to compliment the series. Keep an eye out for more Folklore artist collaborations in the near future. www.kid-zoom.com www.folklore.com.au
DGK X UGK
Showing true recognition for one of the Dirty South’s most inspirational pioneering acts, DGK have released this UGK deck. A timely release given the tragic passing of one half of the duo, Pimp C. Cop this and keep it on your wall outta respect!
Element Push Construction
Push Construction presents new decks made from carbon fibre with Element’s patented Helium construction. The claim is that these boards are virtually unbreakable and with ingredients that sound like body armour from a sci-fi movie we believe them.
Addict X MitchStar Wars Icons Series
UK artist Mitch has teemed up with streetwear label Addict to release a range of truly awesome Star Wars tribute tees. Mitch’s illustrations feature three of the saga’s dopest looking characters: Sandtrooper, Biker Scout and the iconic Boba Fett.
Rip curl Boardshort Collective
16 - 17 hot & fresh
Grand Scheming
Australian artist-driven label Grand Scheme is bringing the heat with their latest drop for Summer/Fall. We dig it and probably don’t need to say much more. Check out more at www.grandscheme.com.au
AMERICA'S HARDEST PRISONS ON NAT GEO
We are pretty pumped that this show is going to get some serious airtime in Australia. If you don't have Foxtel, a) you are shit, and b) you can check some previews out on Youtube. Search for America's Hardest Prisons Song to peep a sweet montage.
It’s not often that you’ll find boardshorts profiled in ACCLAIM but when some of our favourite local artists (Koan and Meggs amongst others) are involved the results are this fresh. Rip Curl has also put the call out for design submissions, giving artists the chance to have their designs included in the boarshort range. Beach bums never looked so good. www.ripcurlcollective.com
ROCKSMITH
Clock by Pid
Tokyo style meets New York swagger. One word that comes to mind with all of Rocksmith’s designs is LOUD. The colours are bright and in your face but make for the perfect attention grabbing getup for those who have the ability to rock it right. Driven by nostalgia but crafted with new-school flair, check it like a ticket inspector!
There ain't nothin cool about a wooden clock…or is there? Leave it to the Swedish to design something extra cool for your bedside table. Design house Pid have created this wooden clock that appears like a polished lump of wood when it’s off but displays digital numbers when it’s on. Not available in Ikea!
Sub-Woofer by Pid
Back in the day all the pimpin’ emperors and kings were rolling with a canine by their side. Today in a world of tight-ass body corporates and 12th story apartments this isn’t quite as feasible. Pid now has the modern-day answer to man’s best friend with their hound-shaped sub-woofer in black or white. If you can decipher the website, you deserve to be an owner. www.pid.se
Pharell X Blason X Louis V
nostic x american needle
Remember before everyone started watching every style move that Kanye makes, Pharell was the hip-hop fashion kid to watch for? Well he’s been hard at work at the top end of the market and check out the results. This reversible ring is nuts!
Jim Jones' gothic/rocker inspired line, Nostic, have released a series of caps through New Era's arch nemesis, American Needle. Nostic's entire collection has exceeded our expectations, and this Hidden fitted follows suit.
Nori online store
We stumbled onto the Nori site by accident and liked what we saw. Nori is a golf brand that takes inspiration from the urban culture. And it turns out that one of their featured artists is our homeboy Mega. They ship worldwide, peep them at www.nori21-lifestyle.com
k2 x claw money
This doozy of a snowboard deck from K2 features the unmistakeable stylings of Claw Money. It has been previewed recently and is expected to be available for the next US winter.
Bourne Suede
Pro skater/artist and poet, Scott Bourne has a life long affair with Puma having skated in Clydes and Suedes since way back when. The Bourne Suede is based on the signature PUMA Suede but is customized with Bourne’s words, sketches, and personality. It has also been given a few technical mods to make it more suited for skating. Every purchase of the Bourne Suede will come a complimentary poster depicting Scott skating in Barcelona – a few hundred of which have been signed by Scott himself - with his poem on the back. Available for a limited time only from Puma stores.
Lasonic i931 iPod Ghetto Blaster
While you might feel the need to break out your old puma suedes with fat laces and don a Kangol when you see this thing. For the nostalgic B-boys out there this throwback to the classic ghetto blasters of our youth and is something you should probably track down if only for aesthetic purposes. Without going into the nerd babble of all the i931’s technical details this boombox basically comes with all the features of a traditional ghetto blaster but has been upgraded to include a kickass modern sound system and is USB flash disk supported with SD/MMC card for MP3 playback which means you can easily connect your iPod to this bad boy. Now you just need a sheet of linoleum for them backspins. Approx $169 USD
“Sold out” shoe-box by Nao
No matter how many pairs of sneakers one man accumulates, there’s always that one pair you’ve copped that was the perfect catch. The pair that makes you wish it was socially acceptable to have a de-humidified, internally lit, rotating trophy cabinet installed in the entry to your apartment with nothing but that pair in it. In lieu of said cabinet, the next best thing is this limited edition, plexiglass shoe box by Japanese designer Nao, exclusively for Sold Out and Colette. But be quick as there are only 80 boxes available worldwide. www.wesoldout.com
SAUCONY ORIGINALS x FLOOR LORDS
Saucony’s Original vintage athletic footwear has been revamped with the release of their special edition 'Courageous' Sneaker. With the base design taken from vintage Saucony kicks and coupled with modern design elements, the Courageous sneaker was developed in collaboration with Boston’s b-boy crew ‘Floor Lords’ and the colourways are representative of their crew colours. RRP: $179.95 AUD
hot & fresh Sould Cease and Desist
SOULD "AMERICAN EXCESS" COLLECTION
Once again, these dudes have come back with some pretty thought provoking shit while holding things down comfortably on the design front. This Open Wide tee is a standout, although probably not appropriate for your grandma's funeral. www.sould. com
The people behind Sould recently copped a "cease and desist" letter from Damien Hirst's people, out of the UK, for their depiction of his recently sold (for $100 Million!) ‘For the Love of God’ diamond-encrusted skull. The Sould tee in question is titled A Bloody Waste, which tells you what they think of Damien Hirst’s work. With a net profit of almost 90 million dollars from ‘For The Love of God’ as opposed to a profit of around $1000 for the Bloody Waste tee you gotta wonder, hasn’t dude made enough money?
SIN CITY 2
There ain't a red blooded male alive who won't be excited about the sequel to one of the illest movies ever made. At this stage all that is known about the sequel is that Clive Owen returns in his role as Dwight in a story that sees him plotting revenge against the woman who betrayed him. His story is a prequel to The Big Fat Kill which told the story of Dwight in the first Sin City. Mickey Rourke and Jessica Alba also return for the sequel.
PAM X CLOT Pizza Party Hoodie
The hoodie has got to be the most reliable and consistant item in anyone’s wardrobe. It’s like the clothing equivalent to that greasy pizza slice on a loose night out. Now you can combine these two gems of comfort in this reversible PAM x CLOT pizza party collabo hoodie. One side features a 100% silk shell by Hong Kong’s CLOT and the other is covered in PAM’s pizza party print, all encased in it’s very own pizza box. Available at Someday in Melbourne and Juice in Hong Kong.
free shit
Make Money Money: Savvy’s Search for the Million Dollar Woman
If you’re a fly gurl who thinks she has enough going for her to become a world class model then read on. Savvy are looking for the ‘next big thing’ in modelling and are coughing up a million dollars for the successful candidate. Since all our female readers are definitely hot we thought we better plug this. www.savvy.com for details
18 - 19 hot & fresh
COBRASNAKE SHOOTS UFFIE FOR MOB’s SPRING COLLECTION
The new Married To The Mob range is presented by uber cool French chick Uffie. Guest designer for the MOB fall range, Fafi, made the introduction between Uffie and the Most Official Bitches crew knowing they were a perfect fit. Uffie was instant MOB material, with her sex appeal, raw talent and unique style. The Uffie portrait shots were taken by Mark ‘The Cobrasnake’ as part of his series showcasing remarkable females from around the world. To peep the shots and the new range go to www.marriedtothemobnyc.com
Scorsese X Marley
After receiving rave reviews at the Berlin Film festival for his homage to the Rolling Stones, Shine a Light, legendary director Martin Scorsese is set to begin work on a documentary about reggae icon Bob Marley. The documentary will be produced by Bob Marley’s son Ziggy Marley with a scheduled release date of February 6th 2010.
Websites worth a visit www.acclaimmag.com (by the time you read this our site ‘better’ be up and running) www.sevenoversixes.com (new Australian based streetwear site) www.skribblestudios.com (the designer of our site finally relaunches his site) www.sneakerfreaker.com (the ultimate sneaker head’s website from our boys)
Once again ACCLAIM is feeling generous and we've got plenty of free shit to share with our readers. All you have to do to potentially score yourself any of the below is email comp@acclaimmag.com and let us know your favourite article or section of this issue. Don't forget to include your mailing address and your preferred choice of giveaway. > Some Aesop Rock packs including his new album, None Shall Pass, a limited edition mixtape, t-shirt and sticker. Worth it for the artwork alone! > Courtesy of Sabre Vision we have a few of their very dope Poolside, Die hippy and Sunday styles of sunglasses. Peep www.sabrevision.net for more. > A double pass in each city to the 2008 Australian V Festival - Sydney (Mar 29), Gold Coast (Mar 30), Melbourne (Apr 5) and Perth (Apr 6). Full line-up and ticket info on www.vfestival.com.au. Seriously, Duran Duran!? Shit fuck yeah. > A pair of DJ Turntable Cufflinks. You can use the promo code "acclaimmag" to receive a 10% discount on these puppies from www.tiesncuffs.com.au. Boom!
toys ‘r' ours
Selection by Callum Vass
Rebone Knuclebear - Waver
Andy Mouse
www.myplasticheart.com
www.haring.com
Designer: Touma
Mad TV Head Designer: Mad
Designer: Keith Harring
Designer: Tuoma www.touma.biz
Super Jepel Masked Designer: Kaijin
Steven the Bat
Green Slither
Axis Of Evil
Designer: Plasticgod
Designer: Bwana Spoons
www.plasticgod.com
www.scribble.com/mogwab
IWG Mod Squad - Titus Designer: Rocket World Manufacturer: Kidrobot www.rocketworld.org
Moneygrip Red Designer: Kano Manufacturer: Toygube
Yoshitomo Nara Little Wanderer Designer: Yoshitomo Nara www.myplasticheart.com
Haiiro & Shiro Kidninja Designer: Huck Gee Manufacturer: Kidrobot www.huckgee.com
kimanyen.blogspot.com
Slam x Hype S.L.M.
20 - 21 toys ‘r' ours
Designer: Sichi Manufacturer: adFunture
Craola Walrus
Justin Fines Stereotype
Sancho
www.imscared.com
www.demo-design.com
www.angelsandgringos.com
Designer: Craola
Designer: Justin Fines
Designer: Angels and Gringos
Van Orlax
Designer: Pete Fowler Manufacturer: Magic Pony www.monsterism.net
toys ‘r' ours
Selection by Callum Vass
toy news Vaughn Bode Broad
Qee - Toxic Swamp Dog Blue
Designer: Joe Ledbetter www.joeledbetter.com
White Bone
IWG Ciubs - Ginga
Designer: Micahel Lau
Designer: Rocket World Manufacturer: Kidrobot
www.michaellau-art.com
www.rocketworld.org
Red Demon
Designer: Bill & Jerry Frissen
In 1975 artist Vaughn Bode may have died of a "mystic experience" but his legacy of characters have been carried on by graffiti artists worldwide. Over thirty years on, his son Mark, an artist in his own respect, has recreated some of Vaughn’s most memorable characters including Cheech Wizard, Lizard Scarecrow and now the Bode Broad. Produced by Planet 6, there’s a full colour and also a DIY white version available, these are must haves for graff and toy collectors alike. The voluptuous Broads were recently launched at San Francisco’s Double Punch gallery with a custom gallery and rather fitting female dancers. www.markbode.com
Joe Ledbetter in Metal
Hen Kanser Red Dot Designer: Keith Poon www.keithing.com
Bat Brow Sqwert
L.A artist Joe Ledbetter has championed a pretty big name for himself in the toy scene with his unique characters and this new release only adds to his folio. His character Bummer has been cast in 100 metal cast figures, 99 of which are silver plated leaving only 1 in gold plating. Each figure comes in a aluminium can and is individually numbered. Rumour has it that we can expect to see more metal casts from well known artists in the coming year.
“”
Designer: Van Beater www.vanbeater.com
Zugan
Designer: Jim Koch www.jimkoch.com
Jeremy Fish – Barry The Beaver
Designer toys are often described as being toys for adults, but this one might just take that a little too literally. Barry the Beaver is a ‘vibrating vinyl friend’ designed by San Franisco’s Jeremy Fish and is collaborative effort between Superfishal and Upper Playground. Not sure how many more of these we can expect to see this year.
Capee
Designer: Mad Barbarians Manufacturer: Kidrobot
22 - 23 toys ‘r' ours
www.madbarbarians.com
Ned Zed
Designer: 123 Klan www.123klan.com
The Malvox Tribe - Maphi & Saphii Designer: Pete Fowler www.monsterism.net
STOCKISTS WWW HAKAN COM AU SHOT BY DAVID ROSENDALE
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
Words by Robbie Ettelson
Mike Hill
All Souled Out Ever wondered who to blame for Johnny Knoxville? Steve Rocco's your guy. Depending on your viewpoint, // the founder of World Industries is either the guy who saved skateboarding or the douche-bag who killed it. Melbourne's Mike Hill has documented his rise to the top with The Man Who Souled The World.
24 - 25 LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
What do you think people who don't know shit about skateboarding will get out of this movie? It's a classic 'rags-to-riches' story. To see someone come from one end of the spectrum, and as they get more successful and as their views on life and the world kinda change – and maybe as they get more jaded and cynical – they go the totally opposite direction. Skaters were once the most hated kids out there but it became more fashionable with the 'extreme sports' movement. Rocco had his hand in it both ways. He was the guy getting beaten up – I mean he was a flatland freestyle skater in the 1980s! They're just the ultimate dorks who even the cool skaters – the vert skaters – beat-up on. He created this really fierce underground culture - paid these young pro skaters way too much money and just let 'em do whatever they wanted. The same guy had his hand in bringing us one of the most popular, mainstream companies in the history of skateboarding, which led to the whole “extreme” thing. The guy who was the underground revolutionary was also the one who sold it out. Documentaries always manipulate the viewer to a certain extent. How do you deal with that? We interviewed over 120 people, mostly from the industry, so we got a lot of different views. You talk to two different people from that time and one will tell you that it was the greatest time in the history of skating and someone else will say that it's downright the worst period ever. I've tried to present it in such a way that it's back to you "the audience" to decide.
The logistics of interviewing that many people must've been a nightmare! It is – because they were skaters! It took about two years to get all those interviews. Surprisingly, some of the bigger name guys like Larry Flynt and Jason Lee and Johnny Knoxville - who have pretty busy schedules - were some of the easiest to lineup. The more obscure skaters who have disappeared from the scene are virtually impossible to get in front of a camera.
“The guy who was the underground revolutionary was also the one who sold it out” How much money did you have to spend on weed and whiskey? [Laughs] Quite a bit, actually! Has Rocco given you any feedback on the finished product? Before it released in America, I'm in his house and we're watching it on his massive big-screen TV, and he's critiquing everything. He's got the remote control and he's literally stopping it every thirty seconds and saying 'That motherfucker doesn't know what he's talking about!' [laughs] He was totally breaking my balls, but he said he enjoyed it.
DO
CO
sneakers
Section by Ankia Peou Words by Treis Hill
INDUSTRY PRO TREIS HILL- GUEST EDITOR
Treis Hill, member of New York’s top ballin’ Alife Rivington Club massive, picked up the pen for us // this issue to spill the beans about kicks. he details and
reveals how the relationship and romance began and also recounts his favourite sneakers of all time. I’m not even gonna start trying to explain Alife, they’re just a collective that’s doing way too much - just head here after the jump: www.alifenyc.com When did this whole sordid love affair begin? Growing up playing basketball I had developed somewhat of a fascination with shoes early on. By the time I was 14 I was already cutting down and making modifications to my sneakers so I could save an Achilles tendon or a get a few extra weeks out of a pair. I’m not over here tapping myself on the back and big upping my own shit; most of my friends and other dudes who had the same hobbies/backgrounds/ addictions were doing many of the same things. We were part of the technological revolution and our lives were actually part of this nostalgic cluster fuck that I have to relive on a daily basis. Treis Hill - Alife www.alifenyc.com
Jordan IV black/cement
Nike Air Max 95
This is that shoe.
28 - 29 Sneakers
I remember so many people hating on Nike’s new invention. There was a 1-800 number you could call when this shoe first came out that would breakdown why you needed this shoe. I was sold. This was also the first shoe I got into selling overseas in like 97. You’d have to call this guy, he'd have you go down this little check list of things they were looking for, but you could sell them your used pair for $150.00-$200.00. That was kind of major back then. Another shoe that rarely works outside of its OG colourway.
New Balance 586
By far one of the bulkiest of New Balance's trainers, and that’s why I fuck with them. 580, 586, it's all good with me. This was that shoe your friend’s dad with the sweatpants would always rock. They never looked so good.
Vans chukka boot
Nike air max 90
Just ‘cause six doesn't work for me. The Max 90 in its classic infrared colourway is what's up. The last couple years have almost made me turn my back on this shoe, but what can you do?
Stupid classic silhouette. Tim and Henry's pack of lies was almost a commercial for these things. I remember wearing this shoe in high school, and girls constantly telling me they loved my suede boots. That’s crazy talk.
Jordan 3 black/cement
Do I need to say anything about this shoe? This was officially the beginning of the haves and have not's for me. There was no Spud Webb counterpart to this thing. Either you had it or you didn't.
Selection and words by Ankia
new releases
New Balance Super Team 33 Luggage pack
Air Max 1 Light Sports Red
Nike releases the Air Max Light in sports red and white stealth, if you were a fan of the original AM1 sports red colourway then you’ll dig these. The Air Max Light is produced in the exact same colour with the addition of a leather toe box and patent heel tab.
Nike Safari Tech Pack
The latest release in Nike’s Tech Pack is the Air Max 1 and Air Safari Premium. The Air Safari Premium comes in black with a stand out pop of neon green while the Air Max 1 comes in a crazy combo of wild colours and prints.
Adidas x UNDFTd “1979” release
Adidas and Undefeated have teamed up to release a limited edition collaborative project, this joint project celebrates the release of the Adidas “1979” Top Ten and Adidas’ rich history in basketball. Commemorating the year of its release (1979) the Adidas Top Ten classic features reptilian leather effect with gold plated eyelets, Undefeated logo golden lace lock and transparent sole. The sneakers come in a custom wooden box with velvet lining and wooden court floor material, the pack is accompanied by a special book containing exclusive photography of various b-ball parks taken by noted photographer Estevan Oriol. Only 650 pairs will be released worldwide of this premium pack.
The first collection released as part of the New Balance Super Team 33 2008 project, this first release has been designed by the New Balance USA team and features a luggage inspired theme. Available in three exclusive designs on the 998 models, this new limited-edition collection celebrates the trend shift from multi-coloured, patchwork designs to richer, more understated design. Luggage was selected as a collection theme to support this trend evolution. The first of three shoe designs honours the rich and subtle nature of sophisticated high-end Italian luggage. The second design was inspired by limited edition vintage traveling trunks while the third shoe’s design pays homage to modern Swiss Army luggage.
New Balance Spring 2008
New Balance are rolling out their Spring 2008 collection. The Spring 08 line features new colourways in the 1500, 670, 470 and 574 styles. Some of these new kicks are released as limited editions.
Nike Huarache x Air Max BW
Victim x Pro Keds x G-Shock
Japanese brand Victim is celebrating its 5th anniversary and to celebrate Victim have teamed up with G-Shock and Pro Keds. With the G-Shock collab they kept it fresh and clean with an exclusive edit of the DW-5600 model. With the Pro Keds collaboration, the two companies have released a special version of the Royal America, released in 2 colourways (white and black), the Royal America maintained an authentic vintage look staying true to the original version released way back in 1949. There will only be 300 pairs released.
These are pretty crazy, a hybrid of the Nike Huarache and classic Air Max BW’s. This fusion sees the use of the Huarache upper on the BW sole, these are released in 2 colourways: red/white and black/green an exstention from the original all black colourway released earlier this year.
Nike Air Trainer 2SB
Since the launch of the Nike Air Trainer 2 SB in its original colourway of grey/black, Nike is pushing on with this model by releasing a new flashy colourway, the metallic gold/ brown version is the latest to be released in this model, and I gotta admit the colours work kind of well together.
Nike Air Max 1 Friendly Football Pack
Nike have just released a new pack in the Air Max 1 line, the Friendly Football Pack consists of 3 fresh colourways, each featuring special patterned heels. The ‘Thunder Camo’ features a black mesh upper, royal blue ankle parts, red shiny applications, gold details and a unique heel cap design which features black and grey camo. The ‘Brazzzil’ colourway features a black mesh upper, green leather and yellow ankle parts and the heel cap features an embroidered logo with black star prints. And finally the ‘College Orange’ features Supreme, white mesh upper, orange ankle parts with the heel cap featuring an elephant print in grey and black with white logo stitching. Fresh.
SNEAKERS
Words by Ankia Peou
CUSTOM ARTIST JOR ONE
Writing names on kicks for friends/drug dealers is what lead graffiti artist Jor One into the world of // sneaker customising. Based in Brooklyn NYC, Jor One has
been doing his thing on kicks since early ’00. Staunchly adamant about creating only one-off exclusives of each design, Jor One asserts himself as an artist - not just a customiser. His creations are some of the most highly sought after works out there. Jor One’s roots an as artist stem from and remain in the world of graffiti. “Pretty much my whole youth and young adulthood were spent running around writing my name all over other people’s property” he explains. It wasn’t until he was asked to tag up a pair of Superstars for a friend that he found himself in the world of sneaker customising. Heavily influenced by the inner city experience and street culture, Jor One is renowned for using themes that are derived from street culture in his designs. Things such as beer bottles, chicken legs and cash wads appear in his work. “I’m influenced heavily by the city, by the inner city experience, by the black experience, by the stores, restaurants, and garbage in low income neighborhoods. I feel like all those things tell a bigger story about the people living in them, as well as about the people who don’t have to live in them.” In terms of his design process Jor One explains, “I just try to jot down ideas when they hit me. I either draw a quick little picture or just write down the idea. Later when I sit down to paint, I go through the ideas and go with the one that moves me at the time.” Jor One is currently spending most of his days as a full time footwear designer for one of “New York’s most successful private shoe companies.” Jor discloses; “The company does shoes for about 12 different brands, I’m living and breathing shoes these days. It’s not the end-all be-all for me, but it’s a dope experience for now.” He’s also currently redesigning his website with plans to sell t-shirts and other goods alongside sneakers, this is in addition to a focus on art, “I’ve also got a new art studio in Long Island City, so you won’t see many more customs from me now that I’ve got space to make a mess with big paintings. And of course, I’ve got a very exciting secret personal project that I can’t even talk about yet. But I can tell you it’s going to be a great 2008!” Keep an eye out for the re-launch of www.jorone.com
28 - 29 SNEAKERS
KNOW YOUR CLASSICS PUMA CLYDE Before the Air Jordans, before the Carmelos, before the Charles Barkleys, before the Patrick Ewings there reigned the PUMA Clyde. The PUMA Clyde was the very first signature basketball sneaker released, the Clyde was a custom version of the popular PUMA Suede that was tailor made for basketball legend New York Knicks’ Walt “Clyde” Frazier. Nicknamed “Clyde” as a reference to Bonnie and Clyde and for the way he stole the ball, Walt Frazier was a pioneer for becoming a style icon both on and off the court during his all-star career. Originally released in 1968 the Suede cum Clyde was an instant hit, a future classic, the Suede was the footwear of choice for the kings running the streets from B-boys to graffiti artists to MC's and DJ's, the Suede's were without a doubt the business. In 1973 the Suede gained further fame and popularity as it transfigured into the PUMA Clyde – the official signature sneaker for basketball wonder Walt “Clyde” Frazier. The PUMA Clyde possessed all the engaging features of the original Suede; bright white form signature PUMA stripe set upon an intensely coloured suede base, however the Clyde pertained a few slight modifications specified by Walt Frazier. Walt requested a wider fit, a longer toe area and a lower ankle back area. In addition to these technical changes the Clyde featured gold block CLYDE lettering, a distinct green tongue label, gold stamp embedded in the sock liner, and a cat-less heel tab. It wasn’t until 2005 that PUMA finally re-released the PUMA Clyde signature model. The first run saw the Clyde released in 3 different colourways; the classic navy, orange/blue and orange/navy, these colours were specifically chosen as they were synonymous to Walt Clyde and the New York Knicks. These were then followed by additional releases in bonus colourways; the monotone black/black, the natural/natural and the tri-tones followed suit. An extra special release of the PUMA Clyde reissue contained special packaging with giveaway items which included; a suede brush and shoe-care guide, shoe authenticity certificate, a collector‘s envelope featuring a special signed photo by Walt Frazier himself. On top of all this booty, the exclusive limited reissue also came with a limited-print run Clyde book featuring a timeline of the Clyde through history with images and celebrity interviews from historic B-boys, hip-hop artists, graffiti artists and sneaker fans. It’s without a doubt that the PUMA Clyde is an undisputed classic - this is the shoe that started it all - three decades on and still the essence of fresh.
case study
Words by Jerry Jerri & Pigeon John Photos by Nick Bassett
PIGEON JOHN
30 - 31 case study
Executive Class
With countless acts currently touring the country for the Aus festival season, ACCLAIM took the opportunity to get a // peep into the travel luggage of Cali rapper Pigeon John. Watch this
hip hop is not a woman by Robbie Ettelson from unkut.com
space for a glimpse inside the suitcases of another artist next issue.
There have been so many shitty trends over the course of hip-hop's relatively brief life-span that it's tough to pin down the worst. Novelty dances named after comedians? The Roxanne Wars? Weed songs? Love ballads? Nah, it has to be that tired old “Hip-hop music = a hot chick” concept. Should I just blame Common? As much as I'd like to, I'm not sure if he was the first to record the idea to wax (let's assume he wasn't), but I Used To Love H.E.R. was certainly one of the most celebrated incarnations of this ohso-clever metaphor. Shit, even Ice Cube caught feelings over it and took a shot at Chicago's favourite son on the first Westside Connection album (which in turn led to Mr. Sense serving O'Shea the ethering of a lifetime with The Bitch In Yoo). Sure, it could be argued that several of these love letters to rap have actually been pretty good when judged on their own merits. MF Doom's The MIC and Tragedy's Deja Vu both work, but this is more of a testament to the abilities of Metal Face and The Intelligent Hoodlum that they're able to flip such a hackneyed theme and still win. But back to the Common version – the acronym used in the title should set off the alarm bells all by itself. “Hip-hop in it's Essence and Real”? Huh? While the track is widely hailed as a “classic” song, there are a few points about it that bother me. It's not the tune itself which is the problem, as both the beat and the lyrics are fine, but rather the awful trend it inspired. Thanks to I Used To Love H.E.R., we've had to endure Erykah Badu's The Love of My Life and The Roots' Act Too (The Love Of My Life), plus countless other copy-cats that I'd rather forget. Com might also be held responsible for much of the “back-packer” mind-set that plagued the late-90's rap underground (De La Soul's Stakes Is High is equally guilty). Instead of concentrating on making dope records, it became all the rage to make cheesy declarations that hip-hop had become “impure” and overly commercial. There's no denying that there was some supercheesy music released at the time, but making lame “anti-jiggy” and “no more gangsta rap” songs didn't exactly help matters, and was the main reason that back-packers became stereotyped as whinging hippies. If rap really was a girl she would've dumped you lames long ago.
This is a 2nd hand shirt. I forget where I got it but it probably cost 2 bucks. My wife hates this shirt! Most girls hate plaid but guys all seem to like it. I’m using a Sony handycam which was given to me by Jam Music courtesy of Myspace.com. I’m doing a video blog about the Good Vibrations festival so I’ve been doing interviews backstage and filming my experiences on the tour. Yamaha QY 100 - I’m writing most of my next record on that machine so I travel with it everywhere. It’s kinda like my guitar I guess. I’ve been working with it since my last record dropped in 2006. I’m reading Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. I bought it on the road from a garage sale in Venice CA. It’s written in the late 50’s and is a novel about a guy who’s writing a novel about the guy who made the Atom Bomb. It has a lot to do with God for some reason. It’s quite strange but really good. The sunnies are no name and from a second-hand store in Frezno CA. I’ve been doing the majority of my shopping in second-hand stores since high-school. The hat is by Hanna which is an Irish hat brand. I bought this hat from Mad Hatter in Hollywood. The Beatles Yellow Submarine tee was something that I made in a place in NY where you can get any logo printed onto a tee. I made it when I started touring in 2001 so the fade on it is natural. The Converse sneakers are hitop Chuck Taylors given to me by my wife for my birthday. Wooden Toy Magazine - Those guys came to the Melbourne show. There’s an interview with me in it and he gave me a copy. It’s pretty dope. Anything Can Happen tee bought in Sandiego CA. Hat from the Golden Gate Hat Company in LA. Tan slacks bought in a thrift store somewhere. Casio Databank watch bought in Philadelphia Pigeon John and the Summertime Pool Party is out now. Pigeon John’s Jacuzzi Afterparty (remix EP) drops in April. Both releases are through Quannum.
Photos by Marcus Enno Hair, makeup & styling by Claire Hansen
'LUCIFER' the dog thanks to owners Megan and Eso
Creative Recreation Ladies Hi-Tops $190.00AUD // Equip Earrings $8.99AUD // Hayley Mei Love me tender necklace, $45.00AUD
fly gurl
32 - 33 fly gurl
“”
Zoo Colours Tee, Zoo York $44.95AUD // Sweetheart Jacket, Zoo York $139.95AUD
Mossimo yellow windcheater // Zoo York Optical Zoo Tee, $44.95AUD // Creative Recreation Ladies Hi-Tops, $180.00AUD // Diva Bangles, $9.95AUD
G FA IRL SH ION
annette melton
STREET SMARTS
22 year old Annette Melton is exactly what ACCLAIM looks for in a cover model: Beautiful, exotic and intelligent. From the get-go Annette was as professional as they come and didn’t hesitate to put forward her own suggestions for the cover shot. She was quick to pull me up on our lull in professionalism when someone (ok, me) forgot to organise a makeup artist for the shoot but took it all in her stride. Even being paired up with a dog nearly bigger than her didn’t phaze Annette who tells us, “I love animals, in fact I own three different dogs. The Great Dane was very cool, it was the first time I’ve ever had to share the limelight with an animal so hopefully he won’t upstage me.”
Stussy Headz Zip Hoodie, $89.95AUD // Equip Earrings, $8.99AUD // Diva Necklace, $12.95AUD // Mink Pink dark denim hot pants
Although she enjoys music, particularly hiphop, R&B and vocal house, you’re not likely to find Annette out in the club as she avoids the sleaze that often comes with the club scene, preferring instead to spend her time reading or in the company of friends. With a level head and an easy going nature we’re sure Annette will travel far in the modelling biz. “My biggest challenge lies with how, where and when are you going to appear as a model. It’s easy to be side-tracked in the industry and to quickly have your reputation deteriorate when you make the wrong turn or decision. It’s hard to predict what would happen if you choose one path over the other but I always try to think of what is best for my career and those that it impacts.”
STREETWEAR
Words by Andrew Montell
BLANK™
THE NEW STYLE
In the late ‘90s Blank TM was ‘the’ Australian streetwear brand. Tapping into an underground // enthusiasm for graffiti art, their t-shirts and hoodies
featuring designs by local graff writers struck a chord with the Australian youth market. After a noticeable hiatus from local shop shelves Blank is back with a modern style and international distribution. Blank cocreator Rafael Rashid brought ACCLAIM up to speed on the evolution of his brand.
34 - 35 STREETWEAR
Initially Blank was very much a graffiti based brand. What motivated the evolution away from graffiti based designs? Graffiti has been a part of out lives since the late ‘80s when Danny and I first met. We always had a variety of print styles but the graff stuff really took off. I think we started to develop the prints in other directions just to keep it interesting. We are into all sorts of art so it was a challenge to see if we could bring a new feel. I am still really influenced by writers like Carl and Ghost and it was an honour to work with both. Blank has been on an extended hiatus. Tell us about the disappearance from shop shelves until recently? I think it was around the time that Danny left the business around 2003 that the whole way we were doing business and who we were doing business with really started to bore me. I lost focus for a while and it reflected in the product and the enthusiasm from the stores. The market we were selling in was being flooded with more and more US licensed product skate had become mostly mainstream and predictable, all of the stores were super commercial. I decided that if I was going to keep going with the line I needed to change the retail base, so I basically shut down 90% of the accounts. This was probably the hardest decision ever financially, but I knew that I couldn’t grow any further in the market we were in… You have been able to attract some decent stockists internationally. How did you go about this? I did a lot of travel for my book and for my partner’s label Princess
Tina. Along the way I met a bunch of great people, whom have been able to help me. I also did a bunch of interviews in the USA when my book dropped and people would always ask what else I got up to. I would tell them about Blank and slowly people started to check for it. You started Blank with Danny who has since left the company. How has his departure changed things with the brand? Danny’s departure from BK was slow, so as he started to ease back on his input I was stepping up mine and my brother Rudin was also taking on more responsibilities. His [Danny’s] departure probably allowed me to really look inside myself for all the ideas and also gave me the freedom to change things exactly how I wanted. Who is your target market? I would say people like myself. I find it hard to get things I like: Not too tricked up but a little different, using good quality fabrics and construction. What do you consider to be the biggest hurdles facing Blank clothing? There’s a few hurdles that affect us, the main being the limited resources we have in the textile industry. There are a lot of things that you just can’t make here no matter how much money you have. Another hurdle would be the lack of Australian labels, by this I mean if there where more good brands operating locally it would build our own identity so much more. Do you have any collaborations for Blank on the horizon? The new collection features art by Perks from PAM, we are also working on some tees with Josh Petherick and some products with Provider.
4 BRANDS THAT HAVE INSPIRED BLANK Pringle – they invented Argyle, what more can I say! PAM – seeing good friends doing exactly what they want and taking it to the world is mad inspiring. HUF – I love the way Keith opened his store then let the wholesale come to him. Rittenhouse – producing the majority of their product in Australia.
PIO
NE
ER
Sean - Still Life black straw hat from Heist // LRG white tshirt from Heist // Vintage black leather jacket, stylists' own // Cream pants, stylists' own // Vans black authentics shoes from Hype DC Jamie - Parc diamond blue jacket // LRG white/navy stripe tshirt from Heist // Grey pants, stylists' own // White shoes, stylists' own // Casio G-shock black watch
Stylist - Max Rivera Photographer - Stevie Maree Hair - Danielle Solier for Xiang Hair Makeup - Belinda Scholtes Models - Sean, Brooke, Jamie
Sean - Crooks & Castles black jacket from Heist // Akomplice white tshirt from Akomplice // Nudie black think finns jeans // Vans black authentics shoes from Hype DC
Brooke - Matthew Williamson white oversize t-shirt from Antipodium // Stella Mcartney Grey skirt // Adidas grey shoes from Hype DC // Jamie - Reason five panel cap // Mishka vs Another white tshirt // Acne jeans // Creative Recreation mens hi-tops
Brooke - Paul Smith straw hat // Vintage denim vest, stylist’s own // Wayne Cooper black zip dress // P2 silver bird necklace // P2 silver zip bracelet from P2 jewellery Jamie - Still Life black fedora hat from Heist // Futura black anniversary tshirt // Stussy black jacket // Acne jeans
Sean - És black tshirt // nudie black thin finns jeans // Vans black authentics from Hype DC Jamie - Mishka vs Another white tshirt // Marc Ecko black Crooklyn jacket from Heist // Acne jeans // Creative Recreation mens hi-tops
Sean - Vintage black leather jacket, stylist’s own // Grand Scheme white ‘Stupid Fresh’ tshirt // Nudie black thin finns jeans // Vans black authentics from Hype DC Jamie - Still Life black fedora hat from Heist // Futura black anniversary tshirt // Stussy black jacket // Acne jeans
Shopping
Words and Photos by Memphis
Shopping Guide Tokyo
It is impossible to cover all the places to hit when shopping in Japan in one page. The following is a // brief guide to some of our favourites... Uniqlo There are Uniqlo stores all over Japan. Some bigger than others so we recommend the Ginza store. Uniqlo is like Japan’s version of GAP only better. Uniqlo make everything, from underwear and sock to jeans and tees to outer wear and accessories. The kicker is the price, it's stupid cheap! Uniqlo even make their own selvage denim, only instead of the $250+ price tag that usually brings you can pick up a pair of these for around $50. Neighbourhood Neighbourhood is one of Japan’s best brands. The style is not one for everyone in its entirety but almost anyone can find some pieces from the brand to fit their personality. The clothing is well made, well thought out and well worth the money. Neighbourhood has also collaborated with Supreme on items from Vans to tees and New Eras to jackets the last couple of seasons. Supreme So we’ve shown you Supreme stores before but that doesn’t mean this shouldn’t be mentioned. Supreme Harajuku is the newest of all the Supreme stores. It sits atop Neighbourhood and has a great fit out. One thing you’re likely to notice is that these stores seem to be stocked better than the American stores, although as usual with Supreme shops this can be a timing thing. Bape You can’t go to Japan and avoid Bape. While the brand’s influence is not at the height it once was you will still notice it being worn around as you wonder Tokyo’s streets. Whilst many are deterred by price you’ll find that in the stores it actually isn’t that bad. Also, though they are famous for the all-over print and the full zip hoodie, visitors will find that the large ranges really aren’t made up of just that type of clothing and it’s great quality to boot. The stores themselves are also a spectacle, each one different and a sight that has to be seen.
44 - 45 Shopping
Visvim Another world class brand born in Japan is Visvim. This is the pinnacle of basics. Hiroki takes the basics and puts his twist on it with some of the most amazing materials to boot. Sea island cotton shirts, elk leather shoes and ballistic backpacks among previous examples.
Audi Building This place is purely amazing. Just look at the photo. The building is world class and a sight that has to be seen. The bottom level has all of the company’s best examples on display. However the real surprise is upstairs, with full café sitting facilities and concept cars, the friendly staff will show you around and accommodate your needs. A great piece of architecture by anyone’s measure. Ralph Lauren The Polo mansion! For any Polo head at any level this is just straight up cool. The place is stocked with Polo everything including the men’s Purple Label, women’s Runway Collection, Black Label and the Blue Label collections for men and women. Add to that haberdashery, dress furnishings, vintage preppy, luxury women’s accessories and men’s made-to-measure. The Omotesando store covers 24,000 square feet with a Beaux Artsinspired façade. The whole thing is straight up Ralph Lauren. Carnival This is for the fixie heads. Carnival is a great store for anybody that geeks out over bikes with no gears and brakes. For those that like a bike that’s smaller, Wbase BMX store is downstairs. The staff are friendly and helpful but their English isn’t the best. They also run open cruises on weekends so if you bring your bike or skateboard on your trip you should drop in. Clothing and accessories from relevant companies like HUF and DQM are stocked as well as in-house clothing.
Honourable Mentions Black Flag Atmos The North Face Base Control Mad Hectic Places Of Interest: Gucci Cafe Bape Cuts Bape Café Bape Kids Freshness Burger Mos Burger
Mainflow
In the backyard of AKOMPLICE Headquarters
STYLE GUIDE
Words by Memphis Styled by Memphis
Photos by Joe Duck
STYLE GUIDE
With the Fly Gurl section catering to the fashion needs of our female readers we thought a section specifically designed to highlight some of our favourite men’s outfits was a good idea. Our resident // streetwear and sneaker guru Memphis provided the various fashion ensembles and commentary. Keep an eye on this section as it evolves to incorporate a wider variety of styles in the future. Red & Pink? They say it’s one of the biggest fashion faux pas… we disagree. This shows that with the right shades, any colour combo works, even red and pink.
Leather Hooded Jacket This is official. It’s on some rock star shit but damn it looks dope. There’s a few out there, textured or otherwise, so get hunting and rock it at night with a swagger.
Sunglasses Morrissey Paparazzi Blue Day Tee Rogue Status script tee Jacket faux gator skin by Kr3w Jeans Levis Raw 501s Shoes Lozan men’s low white/gold
Dark Denim Each outfit has it, it can’t be beaten. With light or dark tees, dark denim makes an outfit, so to quote Outkast, “so fresh and so clean clean”.
Sunglasses Morrissey Neonz Watermelon Tee Akomplice X Stabs Hooded jacket Supra Jeans Class Act denim by Akomplice Shoes Vans chukka
Hat Supreme x Neighbourhood New Era Tee Another Inch 2 year Anniversary tee Jacket Class Act Hood by Akomplice Jeans Class Act denim by Akomplice Shoes Jordan 4 Black cats
46 - 47 STYLE GUIDE
Purple If you haven’t heard by now, it’s ok to wear. Purple is such a rich, striking colour, try it some time and you won’t regret it.
“the clansman parka� all wholesale or retail inquiries www.secondfamily.com.au
SPORT
Words by Rhiannon Elston Photos by Nick Bassett
Sebastien Foucan FREE RUNNING PHILOSOPHY
Eighteen years ago, Sebastien Foucan and his mate David Belle would prowl the narrow backstreets // of Paris, climbing around on the urban landscape like a
couple of wild alley cats. Back then, Foucan was just a kid with time on his hands. He would never have guessed that his child’s play would one day create a lifestyle, a philosophy and a lucrative career.“Like every kid, we would just walk along, climb everything, jump everywhere,” Foucan says. “We just did it as a hobby.”
48 - 49 SPORT
Foucan and Belle would eventually go on to found dual global movements from their boredom-fuelled games. Belle, the son of a soldier, borrowed from his father’s military training to develop what became known the world over as parkour – a disciplined system of jumps and tricks, not dissimilar to a high-octane urban obstacle course. Foucan initially joined him, but the pair split when he became tired of the chase. “With parkour, every move has a finish. You start like this, you follow a technique,” he explains. Parkour is about speed, and escape. Free running, as Foucan calls his adaptation, is more about the journey. “We don’t care if people like to do tricks. You do what you like, what’s helpful to you and what feels good for you.” The art of free running lies in precision, balance and fluidity. In full flight, Foucan looks like a world class skateboarder, flipping off streetscapes, scaling apparatus and getting some serious air. Only there’s no board. And unlike parkour, there are no rules. What you make of it is down to you, your ambition and the street. This mind frame has tracked Foucan pretty well over the years. Since those early days with Belle, he’s taken a lifetime of running, not walking, to unanticipated heights. Foucan is the focus of several documentaries, including Jump London and its sequel, Jump Britain. And the aesthetic appeal of free running has attracted some more mainstream interest. Foucan was tracked down by Madonna’s people to make an appearance on her Confessions tour. More recently, he appeared as the chickendodging badass in Bond franchise Casino Royale. Foucan shrugs off the scene where his character sets off a staggering vertical chase through a construction site as it collapses around him. “I know it sounds crazy but for me it’s just normal – it’s almost like walking”. Working with a stunt coordinator he choreographed the entire sequence, which was filmed over several months on location in the Bahamas. “We just worked to
decide what we can do, what we wanna do, to fit with the script and figure out what can be done. They gave me a lot of credit.” Though each movement requires impeccable timing, balance and accuracy, sometimes at staggering heights, the fear of falling never enters his mind. “I never think I’m going to fall down - It’s a part of my discipline. There is risk, like everything in life, but after years of practicing, your body can just do everything naturally.”
“There is risk, like everything in life, but after years of practicing, your body can just do everything naturally.” As for the future, there’s no slowing down for Foucan, which is just the way he likes it. “I’ve just finished another film called The Tournament, it’s a British movie. I play the bad guy again,” he laughs. “And I’m planning on doing a free running tour. Hopefully I’ll make it to Australia, but the way it works is that people just invite me… if someone contacts me in Australia to come, we can work together to make that happen.”
THE ARIAKE Sebastien Foucan is the ambassador for the world’s first free running sneaker dubbed the Ariake manufactured by K.Swiss. Available now.
PIO
NE
ER
SPORT
Words by Rome Torti Photos by Rome Torti
JAKE DUNCOMBE AUSTRALIA’S BEST? Jake Duncombe is Australia’s best skateboarder. That’s a bold statement, especially when it involves // skateboarding, a culture that prides itself on not having
titles or rules, but if there were to be a crown given out, it would be Jake’s. No matter what is put in front of him, whether it be a vert ramp, a hand rail or a skatepark, Jake will tear it apart better than anyone. If this is the first you’ve heard of Jake, take note, because he's going to be the first one mentioned in conversations about Australian skateboarding for many years to come.
Where were you born and where have you lived throughout your life? I was born in Tweed Heads and I’ve lived all over the place but I grew up in Brunswick Heads and Byron Bay ‘til I was 12 then moved to the Gold Coast for two years, then dad had to move to Sydney for his work, we lived there for two years then moved back to the GC. I’m barely there though. I guess you could say I kinda live in the States but I still call GC home!
50 - 51 SPORT
Growing up in places like Byron and Brunswick Heads, how the hell did you get good on a skateboard. Byron just has that terrible bowl thing and Brunswick has an old basketball court... Well it started in Bruns. My friend’s dad gave me his old deck and my mum and dad bought me the rest. Before you start burning the tennis courts, I happened to love that place and the cement taco in Byron until I skated a real park (laughs)! …After that I just started shredding the streets. What kind of a young guy were you, tell us how much time you spent at school? I was a little shit! Always in trouble at school and fuckin’ up with the cops. I dropped out after the first term of year 9 (laughs). I know I can say skateboarding saved my life. If I wasn’t skating I don’t know what I’d be doing and don’t even want to think about it!
So it seems like skating was the only option in your head. When did people start noticing your talent on a board? I wouldn’t say option ‘cause when I was younger I was a really good soccer player so I would call it a choice. When I was like 11 I got a shop sponsor, then everything just fell into place after that. You’ve come along way over the years and done it in a shorter time than pretty much any other Aus skater in history. Do you ever sit back and say "holy shit! I have a pro shoe and board, my board is on the shelf next to Eric Koston’s!"? All the time, the board was the first thing, now I’m getting my own shoe from Globe, a pro truck on Tensor and a pro backpack with Dakine... it’s so crazy. A pro backpack! I’m hyped! The last couple of years have had their fair share of tragedies and unfortunately you’ve been close to many of them. How have you stayed so strong through the tough times? Yeah I’ve lost some close people to me across the last couple of years, we all have... but you just got to keep your head on your shoulders and know they want you to enjoy life just like you were when they were alive. You seem to use things like that to motivate you. How does it feel to do a trick that you know Shane or Kenny would be amped on? It makes me feel so good, especially knowing my mum is looking down and seeing me doing what I told her I was going to do! Please feel free to give some shout outs or words of wisdom… Treat people how you want to be treated and just keep shredding the cement. PEACE!
JAKE’S CURRENT SPONSORS Blind, Volcom, Globe, Hoon, Tensor, Electric, Modus, Dakine.
360 SHOVE-IT
180 BIG FLIP
SK 8 KIN G
in depth
Words by Andrew Montell Photos by Robert Adam Mayer
STEVE MONA
THE FORMER HEAD OF NY’S VANDAL SQUAD ACCLAIM has done plenty of articles on graffiti writers. Many of our contributors are graffiti // writers and as could be expected you’re generally
gonna encounter a fairly pro-graffiti mentality within our pages. It might surprise y’all then to discover an interview with one of the graffiti world’s most notorious arch nemesis here in ACCLAIM. Why would we interview the former head of New York’s Vandal Squad? Because it’s a side of the graffiti story you probably haven’t heard and you might be surprised. Readers, meet Steve Mona.
52 - 53 in depth
About a year ago I received an email from Steve Mona, the former head Detective of New York’s Vandal Squad. Steve had come across my interview with T Kid in our first issue and decided to get in touch. He liked the article and while he acknowledged that most of what had been said about him was true he wanted to clarify a couple of things. “Yeah, well actually the story is basically true. The only quarrel I would have with it is, I laugh because, if I remember the article correctly, he says that I had said to Everlast [House of Pain], both him and a few other writers, I complimented them, and I definitely did not do that…that part of the story was kind of embellished. But the rest of the story was basically true. Eric [Everlast] and I have become friends. He’s one of the people that I’ve come to have a different appreciation for some of the aspects of the culture, because of him. Yeah, I definitely have a Krylon can tattooed on my arm. And he’s got my badge [tattooed on his arm].” For anyone who grew up inspired by the glory days of New York graffiti, the 70s and 80s are an applauded time. In part, the Vandal Squad’s constant pursuit of the graffiti writers we admired added to the sense of adventure and the sense of nostalgia towards that era. I asked Steve how he looked back upon that time. “Those of us that have been in the unit for a long time, I hate to use the word ‘respect’ in the common connotation of it, but there is a respect of sorts for the history, for the subculture itself. So I look back on it, I enjoyed what we were doing, I enjoyed how we did it, I enjoyed the give and take. My partner used to refer to it as the ‘ultimate cat and mouse game’ and to that degree I look back and I
remember those days when I was a young buck working on the road, chasing after these guys in subway tunnels and train yards and I’m a little nostalgic for it, I have to admit it.”
“We don’t acknowledge the fact that there are guys who have a talent. There are guys who go out and do stuff with permission.” Despite nearly two decades hunting graffiti writers, Steve Mona retired from the Vandal Squad in less than ceremonious circumstances following a regime and mentality change at the unit. “In narcotics in the NYPD they grab as many of the ‘little fish’ that they can, and they shake the net a little bit and some of those little fish give up some of the bigger fish... But in the graffiti world I found that the little fish don’t know who the big fish are, and the big fish couldn’t care less about the little fish. So we would spend literally months working cases…And we’d go after the big fish and my theory was that is if you grab some of the big fish, the little fish stop swimming. Well they brought in new people and they made the unit a lot more high-profile in a negative way. What they started to do was, instead of looking at, ‘hey, we had five arrests over the last couple of weeks and we grabbed five prolific, big-time, graffiti writers’, no, now they wanted numbers. They didn’t care who we locked up.”
PO IN F T VIO EW
“My expertise was knowing the graffiti sub-culture. Guys like Bongos knew the graffiti sub-culture. The new echelon of people they brought in that I was answering to, basically without saying the actual words, they said ‘what you know about the graffiti sub-culture doesn’t mean jack-shit. It doesn’t mean anything, we want arrests’. I think the last straw was when I walked into a precinct where an officer who was new to the unit had an arrest. I’m looking around and I see a cop and I see a girl in a Catholic school uniform sitting there, and I’m like ‘who’d you catch?’ and he’s like ‘her’, and I said ‘what?’ And he’s like, ‘yeah the school called and she wrote on her desk, so we arrested her’ and I’m like ‘you know what, that’s it, I’m done’.
54 - 55
Given the fact that Steve has spent years of his life chasing down and sometimes locking down graff writers it’s interesting to learn that friendships across ‘enemy lines’ are possible. “I have gotten to be very friendly with Kaves. When we first interacted, it was a little rough, you know. He was tweaking me and I was tweaking him and then we came to become friends. When he had the tattoo parlour, the first thing I told him when I went in there, I said ‘I promise you one thing. None of my cops will ever come here looking for anybody, noone will ever come here looking for information and I will never ask you about anything regarding anybody we’re looking for, because I’m not going to cross that line with you.’ And he said, ‘I’m never going to ask you whereabouts the cops are hanging out so guys I know can go places.’ So you know we had a mutual understanding.” Throughout his career Steve Mona blatantly dismissed graffiti as nothing more than a criminal act but after retiring from the force and having developed some friendships within the graffiti world I was interested to hear his point of view on graffiti today. “Prior to recently, a lot of times I was being interviewed by people in the media and they would always say to me, ‘Well haven’t you seen graffiti that you thought was artistic?’ and I always used to say, ‘well I’m not an art critic, I’m a cop’. And recently… I’ve had a bit of an epiphany lately… I was at a benefit a couple of months ago and it was a benefit raising money for the Jam Master Jay Foundation… and I came to realise sitting there watching this whole thing go about that there’s this
major dishonesty that goes on both sides of the aisle in the graffiti world. From the police standpoint, we’ve attacked the art-form, we make these blanket statements like ‘graffiti’s wrong, graffiti’s bad’. We don’t acknowledge the fact that there are guys who have a talent. There are guys who go out and do stuff with permission. There are guys that go out and do stuff on canvas and you have to respect the art. So when we make these blanket statements, we attack the art-form, not the illegality of it.” He goes on to explain that, “On the opposite side of the fence, the graffiti writers with the help of the media, there’s a dishonesty that goes on there. Every time there’s a story done about graffiti, they show pieces and then they make the cops look like we’re like attacking this art-form. They say to people, ‘the police are cracking down,’ and then they show this beautiful piece on the side of a building, when that’s like less than ten-percent of the graffiti that, let’s say, New York City experiences. Most of it’s tags, most of it’s throw-ups, most of it you can’t really say that there’s really an artistic quality to it.” Given his acknowledgement of graffiti’s merits I asked Steve whether he thinks that graffiti can co-exist with today’s mainstream society. “The problem is, because the illegality of it is what’s the draw for most of the writers, I don’t ever see it being embraced for that reason because if they made sections of New York City where they said ‘hey you guys can graffiti these walls’, it wouldn’t stop the graffiti elsewhere. It’s a bad thing because you don’t get any respect in the subculture for doing only legal work… When there’s tags on street signs, sides of buildings, commercial vehicles, it’s never going to be embraced. And let’s be honest, it doesn’t want to be embraced. It wants to be the rebel, it wants to be illegal. You know that’s the draw. But you know, graffiti’s been around since the pyramids, that’s a fact. It’s just the ‘70s and ‘80’s that brought it to the forefront.” Steve Mona retired from the Vandal Squad in 2006 after serving 18 of his 21 years in the NYPD with the Vandal Squad where he eventually became Commanding Officer. Since retiring from the Squad he does some Anti-Terrorism and Security consulting work and runs a café with friends.
Words by DJ Skee Photos by Jorge Peniche
music
DJ SKEE VS REASON 4 Californian DJ and Producer, best known for his role as the official DJ for The Game, DJ Skee was // more than happy to test-drive Propellerhead’s Reason 4. Here he gives ACCLAIM the rundown on his first effort using Reason 4.
This actually will be a relevant review to a lot of people as this is my first taste of Reason. Quick background: I have been on Pro Tools for 10 years and use it for everything from recording everyone for albums and mixtapes (and myself when sequencing them), and even use it to chop up and sequence samples and beats (often from a keyboard and MPC). I immediately was into this software, hooking up my Fantom through the Digi 002 Midi with Pro Tools and using ReWire to use Reason. After glancing through the super easy to use quick start guide, I immediately was able to jump in. I love how it mimics a real studio (by hitting tab you see the "analog cord" connections), and how the different samplers, synths etc all mimic their real-life counterparts with knobs, mixing controls, etc. I messed around for an hour or so until I felt comfortable enough to jump in for real. I decided my first project on it [Reason] would be trying to create a beat for the Jay-Z American Godfather project I'm working on, where I am recreating the entire American Gangster album with samples from The Godfather. I had an orchestra sample I wanted to use already in mind, and soon went away with it into Reason. It took me a few minutes to really understand how to import samples (I used the NN-XT), but after playing around I finally got it working. It immediately sequenced my Fantom keyboard with the sample and I was soon going in, recreating the sound with all the different settings, reverbs, effects, and other features which I found extremely deep. Initially, I thought there would be more synths, samplers, and other machines in Reason 4, but I soon learned they weren't really needed once you figured out how to manipulate the sounds on each one, as they provide billions of options. Once I had my melody in place, I went backwards and put in a drum pattern. I decided to use the standard kits they had (no great hip-hop sounds, I’m going to resample the kick and snares later) to make a skeleton. The drum sequencer was actually really easy and fun to use. It has a unique setup that takes away the real playing feel you get from slamming keys on an MPC, but nonetheless it works really well and I can see myself using it in the future. I spent the rest of the time playing around with the tremendous Reverb and Effect patches that come with Reason and trying to make the song sound perfect. The possibilities that Propellerhead (makers of Reason) incorporated into this software are truly amazing, and mimic the real analogue ‘feel’. However, the sounds still can’t touch the real thing, so it will never replace the true analogue machines and sound. In conclusion, my first experience with Reason 4 was extremely positive, and I look forward to mastering it in the near future and incorporating it into my work. The setup and user interface are generally great and the possibilities are endless. It’s amazing to see how far music production has come in the past ten years, and tools like Reason are already making my need for a huge studio and tonnes of gear a thing of the past. Check out how the final sound turns out in my upcoming Jay-Z American Godfather mixtape and hear it for yourself!
Propellerhead Reason 4: RRP $699AUD
SPORT
Words by Jerry Jerri Photo by Garry Morrowl
ROBBIE MADDISON CHEATING DEATH
On New Year’s Eve 2008 Robbie Maddison broke the world record for the longest motocross jump when // he successfully jumped 322 feet 7 1/2 inches. As the only
Australian member of the world famous Metal Mulisha, the distinctively tattoo free 27 year old Maddo, as he is affectionately known by his team mates, has already earned the respect of the motocross world and still has plenty more in store.
Robbie’s list of injuries so far is daunting to say the least and includes a broken neck and a concussion that saw him on life support. Knowing the risks, one has to wonder whether the riders still feel fear before a jump despite their expertise. “Fear is always a healthy thing, it has to be there. You have to have fear because if you start to get too cocky with it in principle you go down and obviously the injuries you can get can be serious. I remember the dangers every time I get on my bike and I know that every time I get on my bike I am risking my life doing back-flips and breaking records or whatever so you have to be scared of it but you have to face your fears to live your dreams.”
56 - 57 SPORT
And of course not anybody with a dirt bike has the natural ability to do what guys in Robbie’s league do. As well as physical ability, a rider needs to be incredibly focussed before completing a jump. “Yeah there is a lot of mental preparation that goes into my riding. You have to be totally prepared for it beforehand and make the sacrifices like going to bed early and eating right. All of that is part of the lead-up, getting your mind right. Especially in competition I sit down and I picture my run in my head, I go over every single detail of it… For this world record jump there has been years and years of mental preparation. Pretty much anyone can ride the bike off the ramp at that speed but to bring it back to earth at that speed is what is so hard and is the reason why it’s never been done before.” His first few years as a professional FMX rider saw a younger Robbie Maddison fully embrace the debauchery of life on the road, he has more recently settled down and is engaged to be married in the near future to fiancé Amy. Robbie confesses to a sense of regret at potentially leaving his fiancé heartbroken if things go wrong.
“Yeah It’s gnarly man. Obviously I consider it but I don’t like to think about it because failure is not an option. I don’t go that far to feel guilty about it because if you’re not confident you can’t do it. I just stay positive. We both know that the risks are there but we just don’t talk about it. She just asks me if I’m comfortable and I’m confident. I know that she’s asking a million questions with those few words but we don’t go there. We’re not planning for the worst.”
“Sooner or later something probably will go wrong and I could pay the price with my life” Robbie has a few more years in the FMX game to achieve all of his insane goals before reaching his planned retirement age of 30. “I’ve started an importing business and we have an action sports store on the south coast of Australia. We’re importing Moose clothing which is the gear I wear on the bike. Bikes are my life so I’m setting up other avenues because with the riding I know that sooner or later something probably will go wrong and I could pay the price with my life.”
INK FREE “Most of the Mulisha boys are tattooed up but not me. I’ve drawn up some artwork before that I like but I just don’t know that I want to have it on my body the rest of my life. Anyone can go get tattoos… but I’d rather just let the riding speak for itself. I don’t have to look the way I’m expected to look, I just do my own thing.”
FM
X
music
Words by Danielle Fear Courtesy of Underground Promotion UK
PAUL WALL
Exclusive interview with the world’s hottest ice man
When it comes to one of Texas’ biggest hip-hop stars, is an introduction really needed? Well, probably not but // let me school you anyway. Having a dominating presence
within hip-hop for over 10 years, Paul Wall really is one of the pioneers of Southern music. Every release is massively successful reaching untold levels of fans around the world. whether in the album’s original format or the Screwed and Chopped style, you are always guaranteed a hot track listing. Starting out as a street team member for Def Jam and No Limit in his early teens, the Texas born superstar has really hustled to gain the international status that now surrounds him. Beyond his music, Paul Wall is famous for his vast selection of Grills and now has a fully functional online jewellery store. With the recent release of his new album, ACCLAIM got the word from the horse’s shiny mouth. Your career started what seems like a lifetime ago but in fact it has only been 10 years, how do you feel you have progressed as an artist in that time? I've grown and matured so much since I started. I go back and listen to my old raps and I'm amazed at how young I was, and how far I've come. But even back then I thought I was the SHIT (laughs). Was music something you always dreamed of delving deeper into? My mom used to sing me to sleep when I was a kid and we were going through hard times. So music always brought me happiness and peace. It just always felt natural to make music. Tell us about Get Money, Stay True… I've got some great songs on there and incredible collaborations with Lil Keke and Juelz Santana. I love the song I have with Freeway too. It’s a very diverse album with a lot of different song concepts. But they all relate to the theme and title of the album: Get Money, Stay True.
58 - 59 music
What are your views on mixtapes? Do you think the DJ really can help ‘break the artist’ so to speak? Definitely, that’s how I got my start. Mixtapes are what made me who I am. I would be nothing without the DJ. The chopped and screwed versions of albums seem to create just as much hype as the original release, why do you think chopped and screwed is such a popular music form? Give us a breakdown of what chopped and screwed actually is? It just represents how we live in Texas. We live a slow paced life, and the music reflects that. I thank God for DJ Screw and his legacy. I wouldn't have a career without what he did for Texas music.
We all know you are a big car fan, give us some info on your “fleet”? You are a Cadillac man right? Yeah fa sho! All I have is Cadillacs. I've got a 1975 El Dorado Convertible I just got, I'm getting the engine right now and then I'm going to paint it cobalt blue over gold. It’s a dark candy blue colour. I also have a 1977 El Dorado hard top I got from my homeboy Skinhead Rob. I call it the Richie Rich Baritz, it’s candy gold over a gold base. It’s serious. I have another 1991 that just made 16 last year, so happy birthday. It’s a Fleetwood Brougham. It’s painted brandy wine over grey, it’s a red colour. The insides are a plush egg shell white leather, soft as a fur. It’s the real deal.
“I thank God for DJ Screw and his legacy. I wouldn't have a career without what he did for Texas music” I heard you recently linked up a group “Expensive Taste” with Skinhead Rob and Travis Barker? Yeah Travis does all of the production and me and Rob do all of the rapping. We have a free mixtape that you can download at www.expensivetastemerch.com I have to ask about the grills, how did you even get started in the custom jewellery business? Can you actually eat with a grill in your mouth? We don't recommend that you eat with them in your mouth, but some people do! I started making grills back in 1997 for a guy named Crime. He took me under his wing and then we teamed up with Johnny Dang and now we're selling grills worldwide on www.grillsbypaulwall.com What can be expected from Paul Wall over the coming year? Any plans to visit Australia? Yeah I can't wait to come over there and put it down. One of my favourite movies is Chopper, so I've always wanted to come out there.
TE XA ICE S
WINNING SMILE
Texas’ foremost dental decoration expert gives ACCLAIM his short list of favourite grill styles. All grills listed are available from Paul Wall’s site www.grillsbypaulwall.com. The site now has a section for ballers on a budget, yes, anyone can now own a grill. Prices are per tooth and range from one tooth to ten.
MONEY IN YOUR MOUTH - (Princess Cut Invisible set) this is the style that I wore on my album cover for The People’s Champ. It quickly became the most popular style of grills for 2005. It has princess cut diamonds hand crafted in an invisible setting on each tooth. $800-$8000 USD
SNOW STORM - This features crushed round diamonds in a prong setting. It is what I am currently wearing as my bottom grill. The prong setting allows the round diamonds to shine from all angles without the diamonds being hidden by bulky metal. It is a lot like the invisible setting only with crushed round diamonds. $250-$2,500 USD
KING OF THE SOUTH - This features princess cut diamonds in a non stop invisible setting that covers multiple teeth together to create a wall of ice effect. (Where the Money in Your Mouth style covers them separately). When you open up your mouth with the King of the South, all you see is diamonds. $850-$8500 USD
POP TRUNK NEONS GLOW - This is what is known as "Open Face". It was originally made with only gold and no diamonds. The gold covers the trim of each individual tooth leaving an opening in the center for the actual tooth to be seen. We've taken this style and added channel set round diamonds to the trim to give it an extra glow. $250-$2500 USD
music
Words by Alex Weiland
CHROMEO
ELECTRIC GANGSTERS
Dave 1 and P-Thugg are Montreal duo Chromeo. Together they are bringing back slick ‘80s synth // and savage guitar solos in a big way and in the process making the sexiest music you will ever hear, just don’t call them ironic.
60 - 61 music
Chromeo take the slick, sexed-up melodies of Minneapolis groove circa 1987, and trick them out with a gangster edge, making a sound totally at home in the club of today. While Chromeo’s music undeniably references the smooth sounds of the decadent ‘80s, what they have created transcends the duo being labeled as simply an ironic band, unlike groups such as The Darkness. Beat maker P-Thugg maintains there’s a difference between appreciating the ‘80s and being an ‘80s band. “We’ve fought really hard for people not to portray us as, you know, a retro band, or a fun, ironic band. I mean we’re fun and we understand the references and we understand the cheese, and all the cheesiness of our references sometimes but there’s a second level where we’re just like, this stuff was really good.”
Fancy Footwork, Chromeo’s follow-up to their first album She’s in Control, has continued with the electro-funk sound that was destined for the dance floor. The beats on Fancy Footwork are some of the slickest, most unique out there right now which is, in part, due to the group’s heavy interest in hip-hop. Vocalist, Dave 1 has been described as a ‘walking hip-hop encyclopedia’ and is the older brother of the famed DJ A-Trak and P-Thugg’s love of the ‘80s sound begun primarily from hearing it sampled in early ‘90s hip-hop. “I discovered that stuff because of hiphop. Because I grew up listening to hip-hop, hearing all these samples, you know, I became curious. I started listening to seventies funk, and then I gradually started listening to the eighties, the more obscure stuff that was happening and then that opened me up to like Hall & Oates and all the more mainstream stuff, the pop. Like Aha, Hall & Oates, the Eagles etc. So basically that’s how it happened, so I’m not nostalgic I just genuinely love the music.”
Part of the appeal of Chromeo’s sound for their audience is it’s likeness to the smooth Dad-rock of our youth, such as Phil Collins and Lionel Richie. However when it comes to nostalgia, beat maker P-Thugg’s heart lies in a different genre. “The real thing I’m nostalgic about is the old school hip-hop. You know like A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Big Daddy Kane, EPMD. That’s my era, that’s what I’m nostalgic about. I’m not nostalgic about the eighties.”
“Our show is a perfect occasion for a geek to encounter good looking females” So with these differing influences, what’s a Chromeo fan like? P-Thugg says it best, “What’s really fun about Chromeo shows and Chromeo fans, is that beautiful girls like us and geeky guys like us. So our show is a perfect occasion for a geek to encounter good looking females and mingle and have something in common. This is something I’m really proud of.”
P-THUGG ON MODERN ROMANCE “Guys don’t know how to act with girls anymore. These new kids, they’re sad, they’re depressed, they want to kill themselves, they don’t know how to do it. They don’t know how to approach girls and that shit doesn’t fly when you’re past 16 years old (laughs).”
FU
NK
music
Words by Jason Larke
LADY SAW
runnin' things
Equipped with sass, soul and a dirty mouth - Lady Saw's ability to go toe to toe with any Deejay (MC) // in the male-dominated scene of Dancehall music has
earned her regard as the "Boss Woman" of the genre. With over twenty years experience in the industry and now on her seventh album, the First Lady of Dancehall shares her wisdom with some of our local pioneers.
Vida-Sunshyne:
As an empress in this music scene, what keeps you going when you encounter "haters"? Where do you get your strength and inspiration from? When you feel hate and jealousy you know you must be doing something right because people want to be where you are. I get my inspiration from everyday living and the people around me in my community. Jamaica is a place that has a lot going on and you really see the haves and have-nots in society. I feel that I am a voice that can be heard and I can represent the people to my listening audience.
Ru*C.L:
How do you feel your music is accepted outside the Caribbean? I travel quite a lot overseas and I see my music being accepted everywhere I go. It amazes me that I travel nearly 24 hours on a plane to Australia/New Zealand and find I have genuine fans that have all 7 of my albums and were singing the lyrics along with me. I think that not only do I represent Jamaica but that I am also a voice for females around the globe.
Rik-E-Ragga:
Which artist(s) would you most like to collaborate with outside of the reggae/ dancehall industry? I would love to collaborate with Madonna, that would be hot. She has been doing her thing for so long now and has never really compromised herself, which is why I have a lot of respect for her. She is nearly 50 and yet she is still setting trends and gaining a following within the younger generation.
Jay
Not too many people understand that behind the sexual facade, in many ways your music is actually very political. What is the most important message you hope that your fans extract from your music? I would like my fans to know that I am not all about sex‌ but it do sell. I came into the game telling things from a woman’s viewpoint and that is what captured the music industry, putting me firmly in the reggae scene. I have always contained other subject matter on my album such as my current one Walk Out. While I do have tracks like Power Of The Pum on there I also have Not The Worlds Most Prettiest and No Less Than A Woman which is a song about infertility. I think the most important thing is that my fans realise I am an everyday person and where they hear my album they hear me being me.
Jesse I:
Why are female artists so under-represented in Jamaican music? The reggae scene is a 'man's world' and sometimes females can be pushed around and not have their voice heard. When I first came onto the scene I created a bit of controversy with my lyrics but I was only doing what the men were saying but giving it from a woman's perspective. From this, a lot of people supported me when I received negative reaction from certain sectors. The surprising thing was it just wasn't ladies who were backing me but a large number of men too.
62 - 63 music
DJ Kay Z:
As an artist who stays clear of such topics, do you feel that violence in dancehall music perpetuates more violence, particularly within the Jamaican community? Yes I believe songs about guns and killings mess up the minds of young youths and have them doing what the songs tell them to do. Jamaica is a country where there is such a divide between the rich and poor that when the youth see the videos and hear the lyrics they want to be just like these artists. A lot of people want to live that glamorous life by any means necessary, which can mean robbing, killing etc. This is a daily occurrence in Jamaica and it is affecting the community I live in. Music is a form of entertainment and sometimes people must take it as that like when they go and watch a movie. But at the end of the day though, it is us artists that must take some responsibility to teach the youth dem.
Take this There is an infamous video on YouTube in which Lady Saw interrupts one of her own performances to address a boisterous heckler in the crowd. Saw demands that the music is stopped and that the stage lights be directed at the nuisance. She then unleashes a very unforgiving freestyle towards him. In short, she tears him apart. Search "Lady Saw vs Angry fan"
in depth
Words by Saeed Saeed Band Photos courtesy of Elijah Wald
Steve Northup for Getty Images Wesley Boxce for Getty Images
Narco-Corridos Songs to Die For
It is Mexico's fastest growing music industry. Narco corridos is often compared to Gangsta Rap with its // lyrics glorifying criminals and violence. But it has a
64 - 65 in depth
body count that would make the hardest rapper tuck in his chain.
Deaths in Mexico December 2nd 2007, Sergio Gomez is back stage of what is to be his last gig as lead singer of K-Paz de la Sierra, one Mexico’s top selling bands. He is in Mexico’s historic town of Morelia, which is home to a very strong fan base of ‘K-Paz’ fans. Last year the band cancelled their gig here due to anonymous death threats Gomez received. This year, immediately after K-Paz’s Moriela tour was announced, the threats returned. This time Gomez ignored them. After all, he learned to tough it out after growing up in the violent neighbourhoods of Michoacán, the center of Mexico’s drug trade for the last few years. Before hitting the stage Gomez is slightly rattled, but he reassures fellow band member Humberto Duran that he is not afraid to die because he achieved all his life’s ambitions with the group. Gomez’s last show is a success as fans soak up and sing along to all the songs of love and death that K-Paz are famous for. Gomez leaves the venue with two of his business associates. On the road out of Moriela, his vheicle is intercepted by a series of black Chevrolet suburbans. His associates are told to leave as Gomez is bundled into the back of a car. His body is found a few hours later in the rural roadside with burns on his legs and signs of severe bruising and strangulation on his abdomen and thorax.
Sergio Gomez dead at 35. The night before, Zayda Pena, the raven haired lead singer of Zayda ylos Culpables (Zayda and the Guilty Ones) was in hospital in Matmoros, across the border from Brownsville Texas. While she was being treated for gunshot wounds suffered whilst on tour, a gunman burst into the Intensive Care Unit to finish the job. Zaya Pena, dead at 27, two shots to the face. These two are not gang members, criminals, nor drug runners. They are musicians who sing in a Mexican musical form called narcocorrido. Like American gangta rap, narco-corridos is fast becoming Mexico’s highest selling musical genre, much to the dismay of the government, police and the nation’s artistic elite. But unlike the reality for most of their American counterparts, to be a successful narcocorrido artist in Mexico is a dangerous and violent business. In 2007, up to thirteen performers were killed in similar gruesome circumstances. From the Revoloution to Chalino A corridos, or ballad, is a blend of narrative driven folk music mixed with hyperactive polka rhythms. To the non Spanish speaking listener, the music sounds harmless and a little giddy, but it is the lyrics in which the magic of the Mexican corrido is revealed. For centuries, the corrido has encapsulated Mexico’s colorful history and preserved the memories of daring bandits, the fastest race horses and the most blood thirsty of generals. It was during the Mexican Revoloution between 1910-1917 that the
SO
CIA
corrido went through its golden age. The country was rife with high rates of illiteracy and the corridos served as a form of oral history for those working in farms or too poor to go to school. Corridistas churned out thousands of songs which acted as front line dispatches informing the population of the progress of the civil war against long term dictator Porfirio Díaz. The years after the revolution saw the corridos diminish in popularity only to be reborn as ‘narcocorridos’ in the mid seventies when shoot-outs, drug runners, corruption and gang wars was fast becoming a mainstay of Mexican life. The reaction of Mexico’s elite was one of contempt at what they viewed as a complete debasement of a noble folk tradition. The Catholic Church, which continues to yield great influence in Mexican society, has denounced it for its glorifications of criminals. However, like hip hop which emerged across the border nearly a decade later, the controversy only emboldened narco-corrido artists and massive support from fans continued to swell. The first superstar of the narcocorrido scene was Rosalino ‘Chalino’ Sanchez. While many narcocorrido songs are written about mythical and heroic figures, Chalino only had to look at his own life experiences to spark many of his legendary songs. Sanchez was born to a poor family in the crime ridden state of Sinaloa, north west of Mexico, a region known for its quality of marijuana and the short fuse of its inhabitants. At the age of 15, that fiery temperament erupted when Sanchez shot and killed a local crime boss for raping his sister. Sanchez escaped to California where he worked as a ‘coyote’, earning a handsome income smuggling illegal immigrants and drugs across the border. Sanchez was eventually arrested and spent nearly a year in a Tijuana prison. It was there that he learnt and mastered the craft of the narcocorrido.
L
Sanchez possessed a tuneless, guttural voice. His songs celebrated the brutal realities of the Mexican underworld with lyrics detailing incidents of shootings, torture and executions. This was a far cry from the Mexican lover-boys that dominated the pop charts with their innocent smiles and shiny clothes. Sanchez wore a cowboy hat, a cotton shirt and jeans. His only accessory was the gun tucked under his belt. He was a ‘valiente’- a hard man. This reputation, which garnered equal commercial success and notoriety, was sealed in a 1992 concert where a member of the crowd shot him in the side during his performance. Wounded, Chalino immediately took out his pistol and blasted back. The gun fight left at least one person dead and seven people injured. His albums sales sky rocketed as a result but the increasing success could not subdue the violence which was always never far. A few months later, a large touring contract convinced Sanchez to return to Mexico from the US to play in the city of Culiacán. After leaving the venue, he was forced out of his car by men brandishing police IDs. Sanchez was found at dawn with two bullets in the back of his head. Nobody was arrested and no gangs claimed responsibility for the murder. Similar to Tupac Shakur, it was in death where Sanchez found his biggest success with more albums released posthumously and his music sparking a swarm of imitators who proudly call themselves ‘Chalinillos’ – Little Challinos. Shooting the Messengers A performer heavily influenced by Chalino’s music is Jose Manuel Carmago, who sings under the name of El As de la Sierra (The Ace of the Sierra). The Ace works in the traditional corrodista method where a payment is made to compose a song about a person’s heroic stand against adversity (adversity most often represented through corrupt officials and criminals).The Ace’s success lies in the clients he composes for. He once unabashedly described his clients to a
in depth
journalist as ‘fans who are…well I call them business people. Mafia people. It’s nice to sing to them”. The Ace’s songs, for which his ‘fans’ pay US$30,000 a piece, are about drug runners and kingpins who desire to permanently preserve their heroism. One of his most famous compositions is about Hector ‘Whitey’ Palma, the head of the Sinaloa cartel who was arrested for ordering the murder of a state attorney general. Palma is currently languishing in jail but in the Ace’s corrido his ‘rivals in jail and outside are trembling/ They know what he is capable of, when it’s time to pay, they’ll pay with their skins’. While such songs became extremely lucrative to The Ace, the price he pays for such success is a constant team of bodyguards that shadow his every move. Rival criminal syndicates have taken the view that corridistas who glorify or who are ‘adopted’ by rivals are guilty by association and the punishment is consistently gruesome.
66 - 67 in depth
Last December, Javier Morales Gomez from the band Los Impacables de Norte was shot dead in a park. In February 07 gunmen gunned down four members of the group Banda Fugaz. Both incidents occurred in Michoacan, a state notorious for drug related gun battles, shootings and beheadings. One of the most outrageous cases of murdered artists was of Valentin Elizaldes who was nicknamed the “Golden Rooster”. Elizaldes’s narcocorrido A mis enemigos (To My Enemies) appeared in a grisly Youtube video last September in which Elizalde’s lyrics provide the soundtrack to footage of bloody bodies slumped at steering wheels, piled up in pickup trucks and lying crumpled on the road. The webpage was immediately filled with threats by drug lords who accused Elizalde of promoting the Sinaloa cartel and mocking its main rival, the Gulf Cartel. They also responded with videos depicting beheadings, torture and execution style killings.
Elizalde was killed within months in a driveby shooting after a show at a state fair. But the final revenge was exacted weeks later when Elizaldes’s autopsy appeared on Youtube. The grainy images recorded on a cell phone depicted Elizalde’s bloodied corpse as people laugh mockingly in the background. Elizalde never claimed to have posted the initial video that started the cyber drug feud, but the fact that he was unwittingly caught up in it was enough to seal his fate. Attempts to Ban Narco-Corridos The Mexican government are currently engaged in an uphill battle to ban narco-corridos. It is illegal to enforce a national ban because of the Mexican constitution’s right to freedom of speech. Instead, it encourages Mexican states to negotiate with local radio stations to reach agreements whereby radio stations can ‘voluntarily’ ban narco-corridos from the airwaves. While in the US, the Federal Communications Commission has also taken similar action against several Spanish language radio stations. However, such measures cannot stem the growing popularity of the genre which is worth an estimated US$300 million annually in the US alone, with Los Angeles’ large Latin community forming the hub of the industry. Narcocorrido has also become popular in neighbouring countries such as Colombia and is spreading towards Central America in El Salvador. With so much money involved it is increasingly difficult to see how any government can curb this raging and historical music industry. Yet behind those popular songs loved by millions lie artists who are punished for their craft with their blood. A tragic example is that Valentin Elizalde and Sergio Gomez’s group ‘K-Paz de la Sierra’ have been nominated for their releases at this years Grammy Awards.
SO
CIA
Elijah Wald, author of ‘Narcocorrido: A Journey into the Music of Drugs, Guns, and Guerrillas’ recommends these 5 releases to kickstart your narcocorrido selection: Chalino Sanchez: Nieves De Enero (Musart) The most popular album from the most important modern corrido artist, with a mix of his own corridos and excellent compositions by other writers. Various Artists: The Roots of the Narcocorrido (Arhoolie Records) An anthology of smuggling and drug ballads, from Prohibition through the 1960s. Los Tigres del Norte: La Banda del Carro Rojo (Fonovisa) A good collection of their big hits, with a DVD of the movie that made them superstars. Jenni Rivera: Simplemente... La Mejor (Univision) The contemporary, post-Chalino Los Angeles sound, from the one woman who has made an impact in the genre Ramon Ayala: 20 Corridos Bravisimos (Freddie Records) Ayala does not sing many drug songs, but he defines the Texas border style.
L
shift gear
Words by Vincent Tang
momo thunder
Monster SoundStream Amp
15,000 watt Amplifier
In the recent race in the mobile electronics industry for who can build the biggest amp, SoundStream takes the lead with their monstrous amp packing a whooping 15,000 watt giant. You can hear me before you see me, I got King Kong in my trunk!
Suzuki Hayabusa
Limited Edition White
A limited edition Suzuki Hayabusa was unveiled at the beginning of February. Limited to only 150 units, each will be sporting white and comes with a framed, print “signifying the origins of the highly celebrated Hayabusa range”. The Hayabusa, named after the Japanese bird-of-prey, will be snapped up quickly by collectors at AU$18,790 so we’ll just sit back and drool from a distance.
AC Schnitzer Watch
German Tuner Time-Piece
68 - 69 shift gear
AC Schnitzer, the German tuning company that’s specialized in making BMWs quicker and meaner since 1987, have turned their attention on making very expensive timepieces. Get this, the Quartz Chronograph 2’s entire face is made of phosphorescent Luminova, we have no idea what the fuck that is, but sure sounds sick. This watch sounds, looks and costs like something you’re retired, eccentric, millionaire, distant uncle would wear while wine and cheese tasting in the south of France with his trophy wife, and that’s why we want one.
Hummer HX Concept
The New Hummer?
Saleen Sterling Edition Mustang
Mean Muggin’
Mansory DB9 Package
British Perfection
European powerhouse tuner Mansory (see issue 9) has released its kit for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Volante. Very nice and perfect for the inner rice boy in every rich guy.
“”
ACCLAIM really hopes the HX makes it to the production line just like its concept. We need more tank/ monster-truck/turtle-mobile fuel guzzlers like this to terrorize our streets and keep the Prius drivers off the road. There’s not much to say about the HX, only that it looks like it just crushed your mum’s Corolla and is going to take your lunch money too. Watch out for the 09 Hummer H3T too, which will be finally “officially” unveiled to the rest of the world in February.
If cars were people, the Mustang would be Van Damme a la Universal Soldier, and the Saleen SA-25 Sterling Edition Mustang would be Van Damme in The Quest. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you deserve to die, but this special edition ‘Tang packs 620 horsepower and a don’t fuck-with-me aura like Van Damme when he fights the Mongolian dude in the end. Get ya axe kick on.
Melbourne Motor Show 08
As the motor show festivities finally come down to ACCLAIM’s home-town, we’re counting down the days 'til the launch on the 29th of February. Some very tasty treats will be released to Melbourne and the world, along with the usual eye-candy of Ferraris, Lambos and Maseratis. If you’re down here, try not to miss it!
S H O G U N
D I S T R I B U T I O N
P R E S E N T S
Akrobatik Absolute Value
Pete Rock NY’s Finest
Kool G Rap Half A Klip
The return of the Boston legend. Featuring Talib Kweli, B-Real, Mr Lif, Little Brother, Chuck D and beats from J Dilla, Illmind, Beatminerz, 9th Wonder and more.
The new album from the man who revolutionised hip hop production. Featuring Redman, Little Brother, Lords of the Underground, Jim Jones, Raekwon and more.
New music from the most influential MC of all time. Beats by DJ Premier, Marley Marl and Domingo. Features the single “On The Rise Again” produced by Premier.
IN STORES 23.02.08
IN STORES 01.03.08
IN STORES NOW
auto
Words by: Vinny Tang Photos by: Tesla Motors
Tesla Roadster
The Future of Sports Cars
The Tesla Roadster was officially launched in November 2006, and the automotive world was swept // away by the prospect of an all-electric sports car
that could go from 0-100 in four seconds and actually look just as good, if not better, than its gas-guzzling counterparts. Fast forward to 2008, and Tesla is gearing up to start serious production of the Roadster in March. It’s time ACCLAIM gave our readers some insight into the most exciting car on the road in 2008, the Tesla Roadster.
The first thing that sticks out at you, and arguably the most exciting feeling for any car enthusiast, is that you get the full 200 lb-ft of torque at 0,000 rpm. In normal language, you would get full acceleration right off the bat once you plant the foot down, no need for the engine to rev high enough or for turbos to spool. You have access to the full power of the lithium ion-powered electric motor. The advantage of this allows the Roadster to be able to go from 0-100 km/ph in under four seconds, bragging rights that are only reserved for the most expensive exotics in the world like the Carrera GT and Murcielago.
70 - 71 auto
Developed with the help from Lotus, the Tesla Roadster resembles its British cousins, which isn’t a surprise since it was styled at the Lotus design studio and even assembled alongside the Exige and Elise at the Lotus factory in Hethel, England. It also borrows the basic chassis development technology from the Lotus Elise along with suspension components and other parts, so the car is just as much a Lotus as a Tesla. The way the electric engine works is just like a battery, using a lithium ion (same one that’s in your laptop but on a larger scale) to rev right up to 13,000 rpm with up to 185 kilowatts to have fun with till the top speed of 125mph (201kmph). The fully charged battery can last up to 220 miles (355 kilometers), which leaves all previous electric vehicles to dust (most only last around 100
miles). After three and a half hours of charging, the battery will be full again and ready to attack the twists and bends like any good car out of the Lotus factory should. Oh and did I mention it doesn’t need any petrol and produces zero emissions?
“Did I mention it doesn’t need any petrol and produces zero emissions?” Although the car has hit some troubles (the delivery date was pushed back, the transmission was faulty) and cynicism, all planned 650 Roadsters for 2008 have already been reserved. The coolest part about this car is that not only is it pushing the boundaries of the automobile and is environmentally friendly and all that lame stuff, but it looks effing cool doing so. Move your ugly ass over Prius, the Tesla Roadster has stepped into the automotive green spotlight with all guns blazing. Tesla Roadster Titles Even though the Roadster hasn’t even started commercial production, it has already racked up a number of awards. Forbes – Best Cars 2006 Time Magazine – Best Inventions 2006 Business Week – Best Product Design of 2007 Global Green USA – Product/Industrial Design INDEX – INDEX Award 2007 Autopia – Car of The Year 2007
RE
VO
LU
TIO
N
auto
Words by Vinny Tang Photos by Luke Ray
Rat Rods
Roll Out The Rats
Custom Hot Rods are cool, the immaculate candy paint with the nice mirror-finish chrome gleaming // in the sun, sitting oh-so-perfectly with nothing out of
place. But the rawness, the thrown-together looks and the originality that oozes out of Rat Rods clearly is a different taste to their shiny brothers and they refuse to fit inside the square. Turning heads for decades, the rats have finally invaded the pages of ACCLAIM.
72 - 73 auto
Rat-Rod is a dirty word to some people. “Purists” say they shouldn’t be considered part of the Hot Rod scene, “preservationists” believe that modifying rare historical cars is a sin and other Rodders say that Rats are just sorry excuses for real cars. The universal response from Rat drivers consists of a middle finger and a big “fuck you too”. Rats were originally Rods that were in the process of getting finished, driven around in primer till the owner saved up enough money to paint the car, with bits and pieces missing. They would one day be completed if the owner’s wallet allowed them. During the evolution of the Kustom Kulture, the mentality of many Rodders was geared towards expensive “show cars” that traveled around only on trailers. These ‘trailer-queens’ were all about form over function, and this was quite contrary to the Hot Rod mindset that Rods were supposed to be driven. The reaction from some was to do the complete opposite, and thus the Rat Rods were born. There’s no real guideline or criteria for a car to be a Rat Rod, but generally they appear to be unfinished, with makeshift accessories and parts, stripped, chopped, shaved and customised to the owner’s own style. Most of the cars are early American rides, Fords being the most popular, but the influences
have spread to other makes and spawned their own styles and trends, most notably Rat Rod and Rat-Look Volkswagens. The cars can range from lowered original cars complete with original paint and patina (rust and blemishes) to outrageous home-made leadsleds. There are no boundaries and most of the cars are built by the owner’s own two hands, with the help of some mates and some brews of course. Therefore no car will look the same as the others. Some sport wrenches as door handles, Mexican blanket interiors and even potato-sack car bras, yet there are endless ways to customize the rides.
“Rat Rods are perfect imperfections on four wheels” These cars still turn heads and cause a scene wherever they are driven, and they’ll be around for a while longer regardless of what the opposition say. There’s an aura that surrounds these cars that cannot be explained to someone who just doesn’t get it. Rat Rods are perfect imperfections on four wheels. Rat Fink Rat Fink was created by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, one of the founders of Kustom Kulture. This ugly-ass mouse became the poster-boy for the Hot Rods universally, making it onto cars, flags, bonnets and even onto children’s shirts. The kids who wore shirts with Rat Fink and his friends were even banned from school.
BA
DA
SS
all eyes on
Selection by Chris Delaney
Andy Warhol
If you're in Brisbane this summer, you're letting yourself down in a major way if you don't make it down to the Queensland Art Gallery for what is probably the most comprehensive exhibition of Andy Warhol's work ever seen on Australian soil. Over 300 works spanning all areas of his interest - paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, films, videos and installations, this exhibition is a must see. Coming up in the 50s and 60s, Warhol's work had a direct influence on early New York graffiti. His pop art revolution inspired many early writers and spawned a new generation of urban artists that were desperate to break the mould. The exhibition runs until March 30th. www.qag.qld.gov.au
Saber Mad Society
(Gingko Press) For those unaware of who Saber is, he’s the man who’s responsible for the infamous L.A River Piece: the biggest piece in the world (nearly half the size of a football field), it has to be seen to be believed. This book provides a pretty good insight into the blood, sweat and tears (literally) this man has put into graffiti. Tales of impalement, witnessing homeless sex and being chased by gangs and police just to take photos - all of which is mostly under the radar of his surprisingly supportive parents - make this a pretty good read. Not to be forgotten is the incredible art content, including his more recent move into fine art, which reflects the changing face of both Los Angeles graffiti and the city itself. Callum R. Vass
Peap
Another fresh young talent ACCLAIM wants you to keep an eye on is a New Zealand based artist and good friend of ours called Peap. Skilled at painting dark creatures that look like they're straight out of a nightmare, he drapes them in tentacles, drowns them in bubbles and covers them in tattoo like patterns reminiscent of his Cambodian and New Zealand background. Working closely with another kiwi young gun, 2tone, he's performing live, being featured in magazines and making his mark on the world. Check him out. myspace.com/peap_tarr
KET
Back in issue 9, we brought news of a variety of charges being laid against New York veteran, Ket. Charged with 12 felony counts and facing a lengthy prison stay for what was being described as a politically motivated agenda, Alain Ket Maridueña made a deal with prosecutors in 3 different districts. In return for pleading guilty to three counts of criminal mischief in the 3rd degree, he will be spared from doing prison time. The courts felt a more justified sentence would be US$13,000 in fines and restitution, as well as ordering him to paint a mural in Brooklyn as his community service. That means the punishment is essentially the same as the crime he committed in the first place. Go figure.
PIECE OF THE MONTH SAEF
74 - 75 all eyes on
12 Ounce Prophet
If you don't know about this website, then you haven't really been using the internet. 12ozProphet was once a seminal urban lifestyle magazine based in the states. Named after the correct weight of a spray can, it was launched in 1993 and was the first graffiti magazine to combine high quality flicks with serious and intelligent text. Ground breaking graphic design put it leagues beyond all its competitors and today, back issues are hot property on eBay. When the magazine folded, a website was launched and then The Writers Forum was added, which is now the world's largest hub for graffiti writers and urban culture. Membership to the forum is open to the general public. A newer addition to the website is fourthehardway.com. Stocking high end clothing, graffiti accessories, skateboards, paintings and highly sought after books from their own label and others, it's a global centre for high end hotness. Throw in regular blogs from some of the world's most famous writers and dudes with serious street cred and you've got a website that is just about the final word on everything rough, tough and street ready. 12ozprophet.com
IRONLAK PIECE OF THE MONTH
ACCLAIM Magazine and Ironlak have launched a new campaign. Each issue, ACCLAIM features a 'Piece of the Month', the freshest wall sent in by readers. To sweeten the pot, Ironlak are now giving away 12 cans of their finest colours to whoever sends in the best piece that shouts out to both ACCLAIM and Ironlak. All images must be high resolution, 300 dpi. Low res jpegs will not be considered a valid entry and the shout outs must be easily read. Send all submissions to chrisd@acclaimmag.com.
REALS - SOFLES - SIRUM - LINZ - TUES
IRONLAK WRITER – TRIP PERMIT BURNOctober 2007 - See the wall at Ironlak.com MELBURN 2007IRONLAKTEAM TEAM ROAD - Car washTO wall, Melbourne,
THE IRONLAK TEAM – PERMIT TO BURN
Four new colours available soon - Delicious, Storm, Ozone, Crush (Ironlak Name A Colour Comp Winner).
Ironlak - Australia’s First Aerosol Art Paint. learn more at ironlak.com
SKILL CHECK
Interview by Mega Photos by Nathan Beddows
JON BURGERMAN
DRAWING IS AGELESS Jon Burgerman grew up in England on a diet of Walkers crisps and lemon Tango, doodling through // his lessons at school, barely paying enough attention
to hear when the teacher was telling him off for not paying attention. He then went to study Fine Art at University in Nottingham (where he still lives now) and paid just a tiny bit more attention… but not that much more. Since then he has been scrawling images for fun, for companies and for exhibitions. Jon may be a weakling but his fingers are super buff!
76 - 77 skill check
With new works usually coming out more often than a Lil Wayne guest feature, how do you maintain staying prolific and keep coming up with fresh ideas at the same time? I have a very low attention span, I also get excited and inspired by lots of things around me, so I’m always keen to try new stuff out. I have lots of ideas about what I want to do with my work and try and slip them into new projects I’m working on. The only way I can stay sane with my work is to try new things. On the surface, drawing might seem simplistic and limiting but actually it’s infinite and sometimes overwhelming. I try and feed my brain good music, literature, thoughts, food etc and I think this in someway comes through in my ideas and work. The answers can often be found in books. Prints, paintings, toys, animations, clothing, sketches, etc. How do you choose the medium you’ll use for a new work? The medium is sometimes suggested by the project at hand, for instance it might not be practical to work with slices of bread and squeezy ketchup for a clothing project (though it could be interesting). I approach most projects in the same way regardless of medium. The concept or story needs to work on paper and in my head first for the rest of the project to flow. So even if it’s a one-off graphic for a tee-shirt there will be an idea behind it that makes sense to me and allows me to get on with making the work. I need to convince my brain all is well, and then it’ll allow me to get on with the doodling. Do you sometimes get tired of people asking you about the “childhood” factor in your work? Not really, not many people really ever ask me about that. Some of my work might look simplistic or even childish but that’s a very surface judgment to make. Although having said that, I’ve run some workshops with children and some of their artworks and ideas are amazing, their brains are open to wild possibilities and strange thoughts. So being compared to them is a complete compliment. Drawing is ageless.
You’ve done a bunch of collective exhibitions and collaborative projects in your career. Are there some more people you would like to work with? I’ve really enjoyed working with a lot of different artists, from doodlers, to designers, animators and musicians. It’s great to be in the company of people that know what they’re doing, it’s such a relief for me. I’d like to work with more people outside of what I generally do – so I’d love to hook up with more musicians, fashion labels, filmmakers and chefs. Yeah, I’d like to work with some chefs… maybe a baker, that would be nice. How do you see your style evolving in the next 3 years? I just hope it becomes more. More everything and less nothing, shiny and colourful, rich and satisfying.
“I’d like to work with some chefs… maybe a baker, that would be nice” What are your projects and expectations for the next 3 hours? During the next three hours I hope to be made a cup of tea by someone, I will eat an apple, I will walk home and hopefully it will not be raining, I’ll have some lovely post waiting for me at my flat, the smells of dinner will soon be emanating from my kitchen and then I’ll get on with some drawings and check my emails. This is the best I can hope for but also it’s all I’d like to achieve in the next three hours. There is comfort in conformity, pleasure in predictability and the majestic in the mundane. If anything, it’s good to escape the manic doodle-world for a little while.
More to see on www.jonburgerman.com www.flickr.com/photos/jonburgerman/ www.biro-web.com
WO
RL FA DWID ME E
SKILL CHECK
Interview by Mega Photos by Brett Chan
KillPixie
… HAS SOME FRIENDS
"After watching Killpixie burning his fingers and his mindframe to the bone, those of us in his immediate // vicinity took it upon ourselves to shed some light into
this already luminous world of him, just so you know that everything is a-okay. Jaime Fazackerley is a filmmaker of independent skateboarding films, and wears pants that are hemmed to show his socks. George Ribbon recently arrived on our couch, or rather the pull out mattress, from his hometown of NYC, where he is a photographer. Brett Chan is a futurist, who recently released the film ruthless, he just set up a new board, where he customized a shane cross graphic.“
78 - 79 skill check
Can you give us a little background on yourself? Killpixie: I live in Sydney. Jaime: Killpixie likes to climb up on big backgrounds where citizens can see his finesse. Lately he has been in the cave concocting artwork for the indoor audience. You had a show in Melbourne in February, what is it all about? Jaime: It’s all about communication and little men running around with shoes. Killpixie: It’s called ‘EVERYTHINGS A-OK’ and opened on the 20th of Feb at Until Never Gallery, Hosier Lane, Melbourne. New Works and installation. It was also the launch of my book Kill Communication. Brett Chan: On a greater level those works spoke of the transormation of things, the osmosis of worlds. The flux of min-sets or internal circumstances. A comment on this pinball game we are all playing. George: It’s all about destruction. Trucks, walls, roller doors, rooftops, this kind of destruction is in the past. Killpixie is now looking forward, seeing the swarms of creatures destroying themselves, their idols, their ability to see and understand what is right in front of them. And selling paintings. What does studio painting and commissioned exhibitions allow/bring you that street action wouldn’t, and vice versa? Killpixie: It allows me to explore and create more thought out and detailed work rather than my street work which is more quick and simple.
You work in China Heights, which is an open space studio in Sydney. How do the interactions with the other artists influence your production? Killpixie: No I dont work at China Heights but I have worked with them on projects in the past and had openings with them, they are great to work with and they are supporting good things in
“I get inspired from different styles of folk art/folklore” the art world. Apart from that, who and what inspires you? Killpixie: I get inspired from different styles of folk art/folklore, cutlures and influences from the past, and different pattern and linear illustration styles. Brett: Killpixie dreams of scapes Of paths to negate In realms that carry More so than the lesser A magnitude in weight What do you plan to do after this interview? Killpixie: Painting. Brett: If we are fortunate enough, killpixie might be around long enough to clean up the dishes, and allow us an unravelling thread into our world that surrrounds us. George: Watch me get stoned, eat candy and watch movies. Jaime: Business men they drink my beer, and they paint my earth, none of them knowing what any of this is worth.
More to see on www.killpixie.net
LO TA CAL LE NT
TATTOO
Interview by Mega
LANGO
GUNS, brushes, AND spraycans
With a constant increasing quantity of new faces showing up every morning, it is currently // essential to find new perspectives from which to unite
personal creations and commercial success in the trendy landscape of tattooing. With nearly twenty years of practice, the Brazilian artist Lango today masters various tools including Guns, brushes, or even spraycans, with a highly recognizable and tasteful style. Without any art school background to orientate his technique, this multi-faceted creative artist now develops his original approach in his San Diego studio, from where he gives acclaim’s readers the opportunity to know a little bit more about his life and views.
80 - 81 skill check
Could you tell us a bit more about Lango? I grew up in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, where I started tagging at a very young age and was exposed to the skateboarding culture, punk rock, metal (Sarcofago), and was always hanging around older crowds. I had a few friends that were tattooers and they encouraged me to start tattooing, in spite of my hesitation. I started working at a tattoo shop as a counter person during the day and tattooed people at home. What is the creative process behind your work as a tattoo artist, a painter, or a graffiti artist? I use a different approach for each medium, but a lot of times it all clashes together. When I paint with oils or acrylics, I try to stay away from tattoo imagery. When I use water-colour I work more with graphic tattoo related themes. My approach to tattooing is either graphic/traditional or very painterly, depending on the subject matter. With graffiti, I prefer letters over characters, but I also stay away from tattoo imagery when painting characters and look for a medieval or experimental character. My style focuses on old traditional and medieval imagery (skulls, dragons, snakes, witches, heraldic lurkers, etc.) and good old bio-mech. After all these years in the business, what do you think about the world of tattoo today? When I started tattooing, it was so hard to find information. It
was like a secret world so whenever you learned something like making needles you knew that you learned something fundamental and that you had to master that also. I was lucky that I was accidentally around some of the best tattooers in Rio of that time. Nowadays, you can buy everything from home, and there are numerous TV shows related to tattooing. Thanks to those shows, every middle-aged person that walks into a tattoo shop brings some kind of wack reference, or sad story that has nothing to do with tattooing and expects to get a sleeve in two hours.
“I use a different approach for each medium, but a lot of times it all clashes together” What was so fascinating about tattooing was the fact that it was underground. Whoever was heavily tattooed was like a rebel, an outlaw. Now every poser has neck and hand tattoos before getting anything else.
More to see on www.langotattoo.com
IN IN K C.
film buff
DIZzEE RASCAL
Our guest Movie Buff this issue is UK Grime legend Dizzee Rascal. He took some time off from his hectic international touring schedule to share with ACCLAIM // Mag’s Frank Blanck some thoughts on his favourite flicks of all time.
The Matrix (1999)
Let’s start with The Matrix. Like a lot of people, I’d just seen nothing like that when it came out. All the effects, just the way it was shot and everything, it was just really different, wasn’t it? It really did make me start thinking about the world and all these little conspiracies started coming up and we started really believing shit and really believing in the Matrix and when a film can do that to you, that means it’s good. It’s special. What did you think of Keanu Reeves’ acting in that one? He’s been pretty heavily criticized in the past for being the same in each role. A lot of actors are pretty much the same in every role. There’s only a few that really like diversify and be different. I think in that role he did good. He made you sympathise with the character. He made you want to be him. I think that was probably his best role, innit. What about the sequels? Did you dig them as well? I thought they were alright. They weren’t really as memorable as the first one. They were still good but. They carried on the story and really had you believing in the Matrix, which was good.
82 - 83 film buff
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Star Wars. Fucking all of them. Fucking love it man. I’m a ‘Star Wars’ head as well, man. Are you including the three latest ones in that, or just the originals? Yeah I think they’re good. You
see with them yeah, because it’s obviously fucking how many years later and it looks a bit more digitally whatever, after like ten minutes you just sink into it, you know what I mean. It just feels like it carries on from the others again. My only criticism with the new ones is that the fact that heaps of the aliens speak in English. Whereas in the original ones they all had their own languages and were subtitled. You go deep with it, you go deep man! The other thing was I didn’t like the guy that played Anakin. I thought he was a bit too emotional. Right, right. Yeah, I see what you mean. Do you have like a favourite one out of the series of movies? What’s the one where he goes off for his training and Yoda has got him there and fucking takes him to that little place? Empire Strikes Back? Yeah I think that’s the one. That’s the one I like the most but I love them all. It’s fucking wicked. Comes on every Christmas innit. It’s good.
Blade of Fury (1993)
Oh, there’s so many good films. It would have to be probably a Kung-Fu one. One film I always used to watch when I was a kid was Blade of Fury. I think um, ah what’s his name…[Editor’s note: Sammo Hung and Ti Lung star in this feature, not Chow Yun-Fat]. It’s like Crouching Tiger. Like one of the films Crouching Tiger kind of got the whole style from, like the flying and the Shaolin people and all that kind of shit and the proper real rapid sword play. Like unbelievable shit. What’s the basic story line of that one?
Do you know what? I don’t even know. I know there was a kid there fighting. There was this mad little kid with all these mad little weapons. It’s something to do with the takeover or some shit, I don’t really know, some shit like that. But fuck it, when I was a little kid, it was the one Kung-Fu film I watched over and over again. But I love Bruce Lee, I love Jackie Chan, I love Jet Li and all them. This film is another classic. You ever heard of Moon Warriors? It’s like Moon Warriors. Like when you’re watching the film, you see the adverts in the beginning, Moon Warriors in on there. So it’s kind of like in that family of films.
Short Circuit (1986)
Another one from when I was a kid, Short Circuit. Remember Johnny Five? Yeah, you wanted to cry for that robot when he was all leaking and ill. I wanted a robot. Everyone wanted a pet robot or alien. So is that movie in your top five because of the nostalgia thing? Yeah nostalgia. It was the kind of film that always used to come on every Christmas. Have you seen it again in recent times? Nah, I haven’t seen that for years. Don’t even know why I thought of it.
40 Year Old Virgin (2005)
40 Year Old Virgin, that shit is funny. Yeah man, and 40 Year Old Virgin is hilarious. Yeah, my favourite part of the film is when he’s trying to pick up that girl and she’s driving home, driving around all drunk. Like the first time I watched it, I was just dying laughing. I couldn’t believe it. It never looked like something that appealed to me when I saw it advertised, but I watched it by chance on TV. When I saw it, I couldn’t believe it. That main guy [Steve Carell] is perfect in the role too isn’t he? Yeah. Like he’s got craziness in his eyes. He’s nuts… My song Stand Up Tall is on the soundtrack when he’s in the car with the crazy drunk bitch.
Honourable Mentions: FRIDAY (1995) Friday, I think Friday’s got to be another one. Classic. It’s funny but it’s still got a real family feel to it, like you’ll always stick together no matter what.
PEOPLE MAGAZINE [US] WWWWW “The Sexiest Album of 07” DAILY MIRROR [UK] WWWW “The Real Thing… perfectly suits her ferocious lung power and deliciously acute phrasing” MOJO [UK] WWWW “This is soul music in every sense” METRO LIFE [UK] WWWW “The queen of Philly Soul shows no sign of relinquishing her crown”
JILL
SCOTT The Real Thing
2 time Grammy Award, three times Lady of Soul Award and Soul Train Award winner for best R&B album... Jill Scott is an artist with an abiding, deep commitment to lyrical honesty and musical integrity. Simply put, if Jill Scott feels it, she writes and sings it. Nominated for three Grammy Awards in 2008: Best R&B Album, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance & Best Urban / Alternative Performance... Welcome to The Real Thing Words & Sounds Volume 3
Words And Sounds Vol.3 // WWW.INERTIA-MUSIC.COM
DEL THE FUNKY HOMOSAPIEN ELEVENTH HOUR Del The Funky Homosapien - seminal rapper, hip hop icon, and founding member of the mighty Hieroglyphics crew is back! Eleventh Hour ends a hiatus for Del the Funky Homosapien, one of the world’s most uniquely brilliant rap artists.
His fourth album is classic material, full of lyrical twists and turns, forthright yet deeply subtle and metaphorical in its exploration of life in the Bay Area. It is a triumphant return for one of the pioneers of underground hip-hop culture. Let the fun commence - you have been warned!
DJX156 CD OUT NOW
mixtapes mick boogie presents jay-z and marvin gaye
Brooklyn soul
OP HIP H
diplo
Writers Block 5 (BABYGRANDE)
Man In The Mirror
OP HIP H
op hip h
OP HIP H
"I Like Turtles" declares young Jonathon on Portland’s KGW network. Such is the random 15 minutes of fame the internet is spewing out at us via YouTube and the like, in the same way every artist and their dog can get on a Diplo mixtape. Philly’s finest party/mash-up DJ and across the board music lover brings plenty to the table in his latest offering. Interestingly his ex-girlfriend M.I.A. features fairly heavily on the album even including the line from Boyz that disses Diplo "How many mash up and in a haze/How many wacky dip fall the head", the best offering off her album is the Paper Planes remix featuring verses from both Bun B and Rich Boy. Almost no genre is dismissed as tracks fall together seamlessly including a clever combination of Queen and David Bowie’s Under Pressure, Kelly Rowland’s Like This and your current ringtone Soulja Boy’s Crank Dat. Toward the end of the tape it does get a bit boring but picks up with a deconstructed remix of Rhianna’s Umbrella and ends with a messy climax of Bart Simpson rapping over a White Stripes song. Definitely worth getting your hands on and looking for a tour sometime this year. Callum R. Vass
I have a lot of love for J.R Writer’s past. To me the Dipset member has brought some unforgettable heat into the Dipset mix tapes and in most cases single handidly started a lot of their beef with Mase and co. Writer’s block 5 doesn’t quite live up to its predecessors but its still worth the purchase. Unfortunately it’s not the solo album that most people where expecting but in a way I think that’s a good thing for J.R . Stand out tracks have to be Make a Move and the self indulgent Intro, these will be the ones that keep you coming back to enjoy the rest of what J.R is offering. The production isn’t perfect for the 16 tracks but most are strong enough to carry through J.R’s fire. J.R Writer just signed a seven figure deal with Babygrande so the man is comin up without doubt. His true potential is definitely yet to be realised and hopefully he wont just drop off like a lot of the mixtape heavyweights in the scene. Definitely check the mixtape out and keep ya ears open for when his solo hits the press because it most certainly will make some serious waves if his past is anything to go by. RhymeSchematiks
I was one of those kids in primary school who tried so hard to do the moonwalk that I ended up damaging the rewind button on my VCR. So to those devote Michael Jackson fans out there, don't worry I approached this mixtape on the "Don't be dissin MJ" tip too. But it wasn't long before I found myself rolling on the floor laughing at the sheer genius of Man in the Mirror whilst all that devotion flew out the window. Rhymefest keeps us aware that his momentum as an MC has not slowed down one bit by enlisting a bunch of random lyric excerpts from MJs' past albums to become the topic of his rhymes. Superb production from his long time producer Mark Ronson and Best Kept Secret helps substantiate this concept by taking MJ's less-obvious hits and recreating them with a hip-hop flavour. Snippets from MJ interviews are used to make it seem as though the King of Pop himself is actually hosting this mixtape. Now I'm not going to be stupid enough to attempt to re-tell you all the gags on this record, but I will tell you that it is not full of your regular MJ bashing and he at least keeps it tasteful when he does have some fun at his expense. Mike the Mentor is probably the most definitive track on the album. It starts off with Rhymefest asking MJ for some career advice and soon develops into a song in which MJ provides all the punch lines to his rhymes. The brilliance of this track and many others had everyone in the ACCLAIM office in hysterics. This compilation brings out the best in both artists and acts as a good prelude to both of their forthcoming albums. Jason Larke
www.getrightmusic.com
Founded in March 2006, getrightmusic.com is a website created to offer the best hip-hop mixtapes as free downloads. The mixtapes are accompanied by insightful reviews and release information. One of the most comprehensive websites dedicated to mixtapes, getrightmusic.com receives 10,000 hits per day. This site is a great source of new music.
dj profile girl talk www.girl-talk.com
What’syourmusicbackground and how have you come up with your style of party/mashups? I started cutting up songs after being influenced by sound collage artists like John Oswald, Kid 606 and Negativland. Can you explain the aims of the Illegal Art label? From my perspective, their aim is to put out interesting music that is sample-based.
rhymefest
jr writer
I Like Turtles - A Diplo Mix (MAD GREASY // SHOCK)
84 - 85 mixtapes
There’s little wonder as to why DJ Mick Boogie gets so many props when you hear a mixtape, or rather remixtape, as awesomely put together as Brooklyn Soul. With Brooklyn Soul Mick Boogie has created a mash up of Jay Z’s American Gangster laid over old Marvin Gaye tracks and created some of the smoothest shit I’ve heard in a long time. You know how in all gangster movies there’s that period in the beginning where the main guy is living the best life you could ever conceive? Like when Tony Montana gets that mad car and nabs Elvira, or when Harry Hill starts dropping insane cash on dates with Karen at The Copacabana Club or when Frank Lucas gets the Puerto Rican beauty queen and starts buying all those nightclubs, okay you get the idea. But it’s that part of the movie where you just wished you were a gangster (or in my case a gangster’s girlfriend) so fucking badly. Well Brooklyn Soul is the mixtape equivalent to that glorious period, all rich, smooth and decadent. Mick Boogie with the help of producers Shuko and The Gunna, has created a mixtape so smooth and listenable that it’s hard to remember what American Gangster sounded like in the first place as Jay Z’s rhymes fit so effortlessly over the beats of Marvin Gaye. Hello Brooklyn mixed with Sexual Healing is a standout but really the whole mixtape is as dope and catchy as they come, so sit back and enjoy. Alex Weiland
At what point for you do two or more songs comes together, because you have some amazingly seemless mashups in your tracks? It's a long trial-and-error process. I try out many different combinations. What does a live show comprise of for you? To what degree is it improvised? Every time you hear a change in the music, I'm clicking the mouse. The loops are as isolated as possible, so I cue up individual kick drums, vocal samples, hi hats, and so on. I do the arrangements beforehand, so there's not much improvisation but it's all done in real-time. You often have stage invasions from the crowd. Do you like breaking the traditional DJaudience division? I come from a background of playing with bands and rap groups. I've never really played with DJs. I've never played dance clubs or nights. When you have 30 minutes to open for a live act and you're playing a laptop, you have to provide some level of entertainment or people are going to ignore it. That's where I come from, so that's what I still do. Getting the audience involved seems to work well in the settings of my show. What’s next for Girl Talk? I'm making a new album now, it's called Feed the Animals. Callum R. Vass
cds It’s been almost two years since Spank Rock’s freshman effort YoYoYoYoYo hit our ear waves. This Baltimore club sound with it’s tricked out electro and breaks-influenced beats, mixed with Spank Rock’s raw and quirky lyrical style was dancey enough to have the indie kids moving but also slick and heavy enough to keep most hip-hop heads bobbin’ at the same time. Spank Rock has finally returned with producer Billy Blanco with a Bangers and Cash EP new EP Bangers and Cash. The aptly named album is inspired by, and heavily samples, the filthy repertoire of (Spank Records // 2 Live Crew. Beat-wise, Spank Rock and 2 Live Crew seem like a match made in heaven. All that talk of tappin’ ass and girls shakin’ shit seemed destined to be spread out over some signiture Baltimore style, dark and Inertia) P grindy beats circa YoYoYoYoYo. Additionally when I saw the cover of this album I knew it was worth a listen. HIP HTORO Spank Rock and Blanco have remixed that infamous 2 Live Crew cover with awesome results. I’d really like to ELEC say the same for the music itself, but unfortunately I felt it fell short of what I had anticipated from the cover. The beats on this offering are nowhere as interesting as what you hear on Spank Rock’s previous offering. The tracks generally lack that really, dense, dirty, dark sound that I loved from Spank Rock in the past. I realise the EP is supposed to be a party album unlike their last but the tracks sound pretty repetitive and too sped up to really get down and dirty with. But all is not lost, the track Loose has hints of that bass I craved and uses the samples in a fresher way than some of the other tracks. The standout though is definitely the last track Bitch. In fact, Bitch is so good it legitimises the whole album. It has that slow, deep bass teamed with that real quick electro-style off-beat that has you really pulled into the track from the get go and remembering just how good Spank Rock can be. So even if you just listen to Bitch on repeat and look at the front cover (inside is even better) you’ll come away with something from this EP, at least until the next Spank Rock album drops.
spank rock & BENNY BLANCO
Alex Weiland
Axe Aklins Limb By Limb (Grindin)
chris rock Cheese & Crackers (Geffen)
86 - 87 review
aussie hip hop
In all honesty, I picked up this record with some scepticism. His moniker alone creates the misconception that Axe Aklins is likely to be one of them "hardcore Oz hip-hop" artists. The title of his debut album Limb by Limb can be just as misleading. Despite every opportunity available to use hip-hop as an avenue to blow his own horn about the years he has spent throwing his weight around in the NRL, or to lay emphasis on his struggle as an underground emcee, Aklins has instead put together an album’s worth of some really funky feel-good music. In fact, Limb by Limb provides for such easy listening that you could probably play this record in a coffee shop or at a family barbecue without raising too many eyebrows. Koolism’s Danielsan is credited for most of the album’s production, which is predominantly jazzinfluenced, blending very smoothly with Aklins' laidback and comical flow. However the most standout tracks are; the Ska-laced Biggest Tree in which he re-creates Bob Marley's Small Axe and the funkdriven Month of Sundays. Hauie Beast (Koolisms other half) makes notable appearances on Shit Starters and Ready to Go. While Axe Aklins is very talented, this album definitely showcases more of his skills as a rapper than of a song-writer. But still I am happy to say that Aklins is one of a few athlete-turned-emcees' we can be proud of. Jason Larke
y Hilarit Ensues
There's certainly no mistaking a Chris Rock routine – dude's voice could cut through fog. This collection of some of his funniest stand-up moments is - as you might expect – crammed with winning material, as he covers everything from the US government’s hatred of rap to the whole “fucking vs. intercourse” issue that faces most married men. Fans of the Everybody Hates Chris TV show will appreciate his references to family life – shopping for food with his mum in particular. As a rule, comedy albums are only good for a couple of listens, but Cheese and Crackers is still cracking me up a couple of weeks after I first threw it on. I'm almost ready to forgive Chris for Pootie Tang after this shit. Robbie Ettelson
all stay winning, but most of the other songs are dragged down by appearances from sub-par weed carriers and uncharacteristically tinny beats. The patchy quality of the CD is quickly forgotten once you throw on the movie though. An auto-biographical style collection of previously unseen 'Mega videos, in-depth interviews and general fucking around with his crew on the streets of New York and outta state, this joint is also chock-full of essential footage of the Queensbridge Projects, the never dull stomping grounds of countless rap legends. Essential viewing. Robbie Ettelson
dubbledge The Richest Man in Babylon (Lowlife // Shogun) UK HIP HOP
Dubbledge is an interesting rapper. UK accented, with a flow that adapts easily to all kinds of beats. It’s laidback swagger one minute, cormega then cocky battle raps, catchy Who Am I sing-song hooks, or maybe a (Legal Hustle // Koch) straight up Kane-style fast-rap DVD flow. Sometimes bits of each on CD the one track. The production the realness side echoes this variety in almost It's a good thing every way, ensuring the album that the Who Am I? never gets boring, even if nothing DVD is full of classic shit, because really jumps out and grabs you by the accompanying soundtrack is the throat. The wildest it gets is on a huge let-down. After gracing 777, with it’s minimal grime-styled us with three superior solo beat that’s sure to anger some albums that benefited from listeners, and thrill just as many. minimal cameos and intelligent He’s not slack with the concepts production choices, this comes off either, the aforementioned track more as a collection of left over detailing the 7 deadly sins, and teams-ups. 718 with M.O.P.'s Lil' Tel-a-lie-vision chronicling a Fame, Use Mad Clips featuring love-hate relationship with the Styles P and The Rap Game (a idiot box. There’s really nothing combination with Little Brother) bad to say about this album,
except that it sounds like a lot of Lowlife records output – albeit a little more polished and varied than some. Nick Sweepah
g&d The Message Universa (Look Records) neosoul
I have to be honest that I do find neosoul a pretty hard genre to digest however I approached this offering for G and D (Georgia Anne Muldrow of Stones Throw Records and Dudley Perkins) with an open mind and ear. The press-release states that “in an age where unjust men pass judgment and the world’s leaders are in need of spiritual rehab, these two alien beings will arrive with a mission of unity, soul and love.” The result is a weird mix of soul, funk, jazz, spoken word and light rapping from Dudley which at times is fairly appealing. Basically imagine if Andre 3000 got old, mellowed out big-time, set up a recording studio at home, smoked a lot of blunts and decided to record a conceptual album, the result would sound a lot like The Message Universa. Like Andre, G and D seem to have an annoying penchant for bizarre and frequent skits throughout the album but get past this and you might find a pleasant listen in a laid back, puff-puff-pass kind of vibe. Alex Weiland
And
The Winnie Coopers
ON TOUR MARCH - APRIL NEW Albums Out Now
www.illusive.com.au www.myspace.com/illusivesounds
cds LOWRIDER
Diamond Amongst The Thieves (Illusive)
SOUL
When funk, soul and hip-hop are blended together and conveyed through the elemental sound of a live band, it can be a beautiful thing. Only Lowrider has created such a unique sound with their second release Diamond Amongst The Thieves that it would be unfair to categorise this album in any of the genres it draws its influences from. I picked up this record as a critic, but by the end of the first track Going Up I was a fan. The ensemble of keys, percussion and bass in this track create such an infectious bounce that you cannot listen to this song without conjuring up images of an Impala cruising down the street ever-so composedly, only to stop at each red light and bounce around like crazy on its hydraulics. The following couple of tracks Living This Way, Friend and Right Side Of Me appear to set the tone for a feel-good album. But as you get deeper in to it the vibe gets darker with tales of lost love, lifes confusions and "…the coke-heads who used to abuse you". One of the things I really appreciate about the song writing on this album is that the lyrics never get too specific, which allows for the listener to create their own interpretation of what the song is about. How Brave is a painfully beautiful track that seems to have come from a heavy place. Lead-singer Joe Braithwaite brings a really soulful edge to the group with his smooth vocals and eccentric personality, especially on Be Bad the catchy first single. In fact most of the songs are catchy enough for you to be able to hum along right through the first listen. One thing I found amusing was the way in which the group allows you to get comfortable with who they are before they start pulling out cuss words here and there from the 8th track onwards. Diamond Amongst The Thieves was my introduction to Lowrider, so excuse me if this has happened already, but I think a collaboration with their label mates Bliss n Eso would be really interesting. I look forward to seeing these guys live.
Jason Larke
Ghostface killah The Big Doe Rehab hip hop
This is Ghostface’s 7th solo album and I get the feeling I'm never going to get sick of the guy. While the rest of Wu-Tang (namely RZA) are still wallowing in the early nineties, Tony Starks chose to push his own release over that of his flailing collective, which pushed his game and really shaped him as a solo artist. He's perhaps only on par with Weezy for hip-hop’s most flamboyant character, making me wonder if one day his quotes will be in fortune cookies. He has a style that is best summed up as being Supercalifragalisticexpialidopeshit which comprises of crisp production work, tight beats, a healthy injection of soul and a story telling ability that will one day have him studied in all educational institutions. Paisley Fontaine
jill scott The Real Thing: Words & Sounds Vol 3 (Inertia)
88 - 89 review
r&B soul
While there’s no denying the vast and soulful vocal ability of Jill Scott, there’s something about this kind of grown-up R&B sound that I just can’t ever seem to get down with. While some of the sounds on this album are quite sexy and Scott’s voice skips really nicely along the soft rhythms of the stripped back jazz-style melodies, there’s something about the overall sound that comes across as less soul or R&B and more ‘adult contemporary’. Let’s just say I’m sure Oprah would
go ape-shit over this album. The content of the songs themselves are genuine and quite soulful. I did enjoy the track Crown Royal which is grown up and sexy in a good kind of way. Scott is a true song-writer in the sense that nothing seems fake about her lyrics however when it comes to R&B I prefer to have it in the club than at my momma’s dinner party. Alex Weiland
Hi-tek Hi-Teknology 3 (BabyGrande) Hip hop
Regarded as the production master to Talib Kweli’s lyrical genius, Hi-Tek steps out of Kweli’s light and basks in his own glory with the third volume to his solo path with Hi-Teknology 3. A blend of pure hip-hop beats, HiTek proves his production genius yet again and delivers an album that his listeners cannot only relate to but take on board his messages of religion, highs, lows and relationships. He also pays homage to his Midwestern home state of Ohio on the club banger Ohio All Stars. This album not only highlights Tek’s production prowess but enlists some guest artists that truly bring his vision to light. From heavyweights Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Little Brother, Young Buck and Outlawz, to his partner in rhyme crime Talib Kweli, Hi-Tek 3 has a flavour for everyone. Introducing the smooth soul sounds of newcomer Dion also gives it a feeling of the perfect fusion between grimy hiphop undertones with soul accents in all the right places, Hi-Teknology 3 is an album not to be missed! Stand out tracks on the album are God’s Plan, Ohio All Stars, Step Ya Game Up, Know Me and Time feat Talib Kweli and Dion. Maxine Cohen
Lady saw Walk Out (Hardwax // Destra) dance hall
There's a hidden vibrancy throughout this album that indicates Lady Saw has a killer stage show. Rampant reggae beats and the powerful delivery of lyrics are clearly her strengths, and these shine through in places on this album. Unfortunately, caught up in plastic, her music begins to sound repetitious and stale. Some clumsy track-listing doesn't help. The first three tracks have an incredible sameness, which muffles the anticipated impact of Me and my Crew. This is a shame, because it's easily the best song on the album. A tempo shift halfway through sees the introduction of slower, deeper ballads. Infertility laces heavy lyrical waxing with an upbeat tempo, while Chat to mi back is a classic example of why Lady Saw holds the title of the first lady of dancehall. Those who want to relive the atmosphere of her recent debut Australian tour will no doubt get a kick out of this, as will fans of dance beats who want to mix up the rotation a little. Rhiannon Elston
Lupe Fiasco The Cool (Atlantic // Warner) Hip Hop
In 2006 Lupe Fiasco soared to great musical heights and notoriety with his ground-rattling debut: Food and Liquor. Now back in the saddle for his second-go-round, this popminded Chicago-born lyricist goes a
little Wes Craven on our arse. Owing to a series of tragedies surrounding the writing and production of the album, including the death of Lupe’s father and incarceration of his business-partner, The Cool projects a distinctly darker shadow over the emcee as we know him. Forever the socially-conscious story-teller, beats are aflame with blistering social commentary about kids with guns, humanities’ evils and self-righteous anger - thematically moving through familiar veins. But this is where similarities between the two albums cease. Most notably on The Cool is the absence of super-producers (West and Williams) who have been traded-in for experimentation with artists like 1st & 15th’s Soundtrakk and electro-rock outfit Unkle. On top of this Lupe has developed a hectic rapid-fire delivery to complete an already deadly arsenal; the result being an elaborate multi-layered puzzle for fans to piece together over time, not overnight. Michael Joy
okwerdz The Rush Hour EP
hip hop
Cali resident Okwerdz has come up with a novel idea for this free EP, working with producer The Wrist, Okwerdz has created an EP where all of the samples are taken from the soundtracks of different Jackie Chan movies (21 Jackie Chan flicks in total). The lyrics on this joint are typical of a rapper from a freestyle background with braggadocio making up much of the rhymes which are peppered with references from Jackie Chan movies and the kung fu genre in general. Okwerdz has a very distinguishable style of rapping with a fairly
aggressive delivery most of the time and while his skills are obvious, his delivery can get a bit monotonous. I think Okweezy is one of those rappers that you either really dig or not much at all. For me I was already digging Ok from his last joint plus I grew up on Jackie Chan flicks so this was a cool listening experience. I would like to here Okwerdz switch up his delivery a little but aside from that I’m giving The Rush Hour EP a thumbs up. Download it for free here: http://mustreact.com/okwerdz/ okwerdz-the_rush_hour_ep-2007www.okwerdz.com.zip
social change V.High.EP (Butterthief) Aussie hip hop
This is simply plain hip-hop in the purest meaning of both words. Nothing more than adequate product, comprised of recycled ideas drooled over sufficient production and cuts. But before I go any further I’ll run you through a brief history, to bring you up to speed with this phenomenon known as Social Change. Part of a crew called “V.High.P” and yet another drove to emerge from the Adelaide scene who see hoodies as ‘the calling’ to put a ‘left foot, right foot’ forward as Australia’s next big thing. On the album cover Social Change positions his mug front and centre as the brains-behind-themic and proprietor of Butterthief, whilst flanking him on either side lurks Funkwig on beat-duty and DJ Snair who cuts shit up. Four tracks of same-old or say-mold; the first release out of the Butterthief camp is not a promising prospect for investors. Go ahead and call me a hater if it’ll make you feel better, but I just don’t see the point of artists who, five years ago would’ve still fallen into the ‘been-done’ category. Here’s to hoping that this is simply the gristle left on the side of the plate from an upcoming LP. Michael Joy
styles - p Super Gangster (Extraordinary Gentleman)
(D-Block // Koch) gutter Rap
These D-Block guys can be frustrating. They make some sick mixtapes but whenever they release an “official” CD it's clogged with radio-targeted trash. The first half of the latest
from The Ghost is straight cheese – nothing but 80's pop beats, hand claps and R&B hooks from fruits like fuckin' Ray J. Just as I was about to frisbee this drink coaster out the window of the car, Styles decided to throw some dope songs at me! The Kid Capri-steered Da 80's slaps you in the face with military drums, Sheek and Jadakiss form like Voltron for the superb Gangster, Gangster (with Pete Rock on the boards, no less), while Black Thought seals the deal on the album’s crowning jewel, Cause I'm Black. Is it worth buying Super Gangster for three tracks though? Might want to iTunes them instead. Oh yeah, it would be nice if someone could releasae a rap album that doesn't feature Akon. On second thoughts, that would mean T-Pain would replace him! Nevermind. Robbie Ettelson
wu-tang clan 8 Diagrams (SRC Records // Universal) hip hop
From the first strings in the obligatory kung-fu movie-sample intro, you know it’s Wu Tang. No doubt you’ve read articles about Ghost and RZA’s disagreements over the Wu’s “new sound” but, honestly, it’s not that drastic. Anyone who’s followed RZA’s work from the beginning will be able to recognize his trademarks. Truth be told, 8 Diagrams is just not as different as we’re led to believe. Which is the best and worst thing about this album. It’s best when it’s just a bunch of dudes spitting fire over twisted RZA beats. But at the same time, this gets predictable, so we look to the more inventive tracks - like the 'infamous' The Heart Gently Weeps - for “progression.” Strip away the guests and the gimmicks though, and this is just another sad crime saga. It sums up the album succinctly; either stick to what you do best, or push the envelope a lot harder. As it stands, this IS disappointing, but NOT AS disappointing as you might expect. Nick Sweepah
“”
games
Words by Alex Weiland and Aek Fisher Photos by Nick Bassett (www.nickbassett.com.au)
FIFA Street 3 the streets are no longer safe
The odds are seemingly against pro-skater George Taseski when he welcomed Sydney FC rookie Ben Vidaic // to his crib to battle it out over EA Sports new offering
FIFA Street 3. As an ex Young Socceroos player, Ben who now plays with Sydney FC in this year’s A-League, has clearly got mad skills on the field. George on the other hand has spent his life tearing up the streets and skate parks of Sydney as a rider for Emerica, so he’s got some smarts of his own. It’s an age-old battle of technique versus street-smarts, let fight-night begin boys! The console and game arrive to George’s abode early, which allows sneaky George to get some practice in before Ben arrives. That’s them street smarts for you! Alas, this act of stealth is thwarted with a faulty console, leaving George to kick a soccer-ball around the yard muttering that soccer players are fairies, while he waits for Ben and the new console to arrive.
90 - 91 review
FIFA Street 3 is basically a super fast ‘street’ version of the regular FIFA games. The game play is much faster than the regular FIFA games, with players able to jump off walls, duck and weave while performing a huge array of dribbling and footwork tricks. The fastpaced nature of the game makes it great for a group environment and the game’s intuitive control system means you can use simple button controls with the analogue stick to combine moves and create hundreds of manoeuvres. This all makes for some really exciting matches that are not only fun to play but cool to watch. Ben arrives and chooses Portugal as his team while George chooses Cameroon. The first game is quite tight, which sees the boys up the stakes for the second. The stakes are: if Ben wins George owes him a new skateboard and if George wins Ben owes him a signed Sydney FC jersey. Ben now seems to pick up the game super-quick while George is struggling and still asking what each button does, however the game remains fairly close. George manages to score a few goals and Ben pulls off the ultimate
shaming by scoring a goal in the wrong net yet still manages to come out on top. Perhaps football really is in the blood. This theory in mind, George challenges Ben to go out drinking…
games
Section by Kyri Papapetrou
Stranglehold XBOX 360 (Midway Games) N
ACTIO
The more I think about it, I am kind of resentful towards Hollywood for what they’ve done to the eastern martial arts flick. These days, all you’ll find is a token Asian acrobatic protagonist, a gimmicky sidekick, and guns. There is no martial arts anymore. That is what you’re going to find in John Woo’s Stranglehold. Midway’s Hollywood inspired game with a main protagonist named Tequila (‘played’ by Chow Yun Fat) who is an undercover cop who gets thrown straight into a case where the main antagonist can throw a seemingly unlimited amount of henchmen at you. Stranglehold makes use of the slow motion manoeuvring that was made popular in the Max Payne videogames. It is called ‘Tequila Time’, and is activated every time you dive in any direction. The developers have given the game a good balance of flow and difficulty with just how long you’re able to use the slow motion time. Diving isn’t the only acrobatics you can make Tequila do. You can also slide over almost any surface, and slide down hand rails on stairs. Also, occasionally you’ll be confronted by a number of enemy’s, and the game will go into a mini-game style interface which involves you shooting the enemies while dodging their bullets in a dramatic fashion. Graphics are very well done, and the environments are without a doubt the most destructible environments I’ve ever seen in a game. Some questionable level design will occasionally be frustrating, with heaps of different things obstructing your vision at certain points, and the characters ‘stickiness’ to the environment will sometimes send you unwillingly sliding across a table into a pit of enemies, but these things can be overlooked when you consider that the game is one of the better high production games to be released in the last few months. For best results, just put the game on mute and turn up some Wu Tang. It’s really fitting. -Tate
Timeshift XBOX 360 // PC (Sierra)
Conan Xbox360 // PS3 (THQ)
Guitar Hero 3 Xbox 360 // PS3 // PC (Activision)
Tech Review Nintendo’s Newest Plastic Warfare The Zapper.
ORM PLATF
Ah Conan, the mere mention of the word conjures thoughts of Arnold Schwarzenegger intoxicatingly punching a donkey. Now that there’s a pretty fun game to compliment the movie (relax, it doesn’t actually have anything to do with it), memories are as refreshing as a warm summer breeze. THQ’s Conan game is a multi-dimensional platform game reminiscent to games such as Prince Of Persia. The typical button bashing fare, but it’s also mixed up with some pretty challenging combos that give the game more depth than the conventional methods. Purchasable combos do indeed make the game more lively to play, and the result will have you wanting more, bringing out the blood lust in oneself. Enemies are scaled, each one with a new set of moves and defences, adding a more difficult feel to the game. Did I mention that throughout the game you also rescue half naked girls with their tits out from the perils of aggressive swashbucklers? Enough said. -Tate
1st ON PERS ER T SHOO
After over 2 years in development, Sierra has finally released Timeshift in a bit of an unfortunate timeslot; not only in the middle of the industry’s high season, but amidst arguably the best era of first person shooters released to date. What chance does it have of making a dent in the flooded market? A slight chance, actually. Timeshift does throw an interesting idea into the mix. Your character is a futuristic warrior who dons a suit that allows your character to bend time. You can speed up, slow down, and pause time to varying extents in the heat of battle to aid yourself. It looks brilliant when it comes into effect and makes for some innovative gameplay moments, especially when you weigh up your surroundings and you’re forced to think outside of the box. It may not be your first choice, but it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re sick to death of playing mediocre World War 2 Normandy scenario’s. - Marty Gray
music sim
Videogames are fashion now. Even my ex girlfriend who’s never played a videogame in her life has a pink PS2. “Solely for playing DVD’s”… yeah right. Either way, an influx of casual gamers is good news for game developers, especially if you’re hoping that people will lose their inhibitions and not feel like a jackass holding a small plastic guitar to play your game. Obviously, people can push aside the personal image thing and enjoy Guitar Hero for what it is: A videogame that is entertaining to both play and watch someone play. With Activision behind the reigns now, expect the game to be just that little bit more palatable to the casual gamer; there are some top 40 songs and some legendary riffs, but you’ll still find the classics and the token guitarist wankfest song (Cliffs of Dover). Multiplayer is pretty good, but will most likely end with either you or one of your friends in hospital after a fit of rage. The inclusion of Rock you like a Hurricane makes this the best GH yet. -Kyri
Nintendo is all about happiness. They love it. That’s why when they make a Zapper that’s suitable for the post 9/11 society; they don’t want any chances of it causing a heist, or scandals about police beating kids down on the street. So instead of a gun, we have a weird frame that fits the wiimote into it. I can’t even decide if I think it’s ergonomically comfortable or not. That leaves this thing as useful as a surfboard in Iraq, which leaves me thinking that anyone who invests in this mangled up plastic crap has too much money, or isn’t lucky enough to have held in their hands the original Nintendo Zapper. It comes with a free Zelda themed game (a standard pack in from Nintendo, don’t expect much), and Capcom have already made a Resident Evil game that compliments it, but ask your self if the means justify the end. -Kyri
playlists DJ A-STYLE (Solid State)
A purist when it comes to the art of DJing, a sure-fire crowd mover at the club, DJ A-Style has it all. A-Style emanates a raw yet funky style that fuses the leftfield, or simply less mainstream sounds of turntablism with a unique selection of tunes. In recent times the 2007 VIC DMC Champ, A-Style has evolved his set from traditional hip-hop to include Baltimore. Along with DJ Simon Sez, A-Style has been steadily touring around Asia for the past year showcasing their 4 Deck set. DJ Tittsworth - Thunderstruck (AC-DC) Tittsworth remix Bubba Sparxx featuring Timbaland - Twerk a Little / op Flo-Rida featuring Timbaland - Elevator Hip h baltimore Soulja Boy - Crank Dat Bonde Do Role - Bondallica Ken Hell – Don’t you Want It Benisoir featuring Junior Reid - Shining Dj Blaqstarr - Hands Up Thumbs Down Missy Elliot featuring Jay Z - Ching-a-Ling (remix) The Dream featuring Fabolous - Shawty is a Ten (remix) DJ Fuzz spins regularly at various KL hip-hop clubs and events. DJ Fuzz now stands as the only Malaysian urban DJ to have his very own hip-hop Mixshow, aptly called, Club Hitz, on HITZ.FM (Malaysia's number one English radio station). Recently, DJ Fuzz was inducted into Worldwide] the prestigious, and largest coalition of top rated DJs in the world, The Bum Squad. His debut mixtape Mixology is out now.
DJ fuzz
[Bum Squad DJZ
Pitbull featuring Lil Jon- The Anthem DJ Laz featuring Pitbull and Diaz Bros- Move, Shake, Drop Jowell y Randy- No te veo Missy Elliot- Ching a Ling Pop it Boyz- Crank dat Batman op hip h Flo-Rida featuring T Pain- Low Playaz Circle featuring Lil Wayne- Duffle Bag Boy KLG Sqwad- Amplified Snoop Dogg- Sensual Seduction Pop Shuvit featuring Nitro y Fanta- Rockera South Rakkas Crew are the most innovative force in dancehall today. They’ve just dropped their latest release, Mix Up, through Diplo’s label Mad Decent and now they’re heading to Australia to bring their dancehall-hip-hop-electro party. South Rakkas Crew (SRC) was founded by producer Dennis 'Dow Jones' Shaw in late 2002. Dow Jones teamed up with Alex 'Alex G' Greggs to create what is proving to be one of the hottest dancehall music production teams today. Santogold - Creator Rusko - Cockney Thug Sinden & Herve - Organ Grinder Dude N’em - Watch my feet Sean Kingston- Take you there Baby Bash - What is it M.I.A - Paper Planes various Tameil - Trans Newark Express Snoop - Sexual Seduction Uffie- Dismissed
dow jones
Koma & bones
Koma and Bones are a two man outfit from the north west of England. This duo are lucky enough to be considered pioneers of two completely different scenes. It’s been 8 years since they first hit the headlines with their remix of the seminal house track The Phoenix by Scott Hardkiss. The guys were snapped up by Rennie Pilgrim’s seminal breakbeat label TCR. From that moment they became known as one of the pioneers of nu skool breakbeat. Now, through their label Burrito, they are pushing the nu electro sound alongside Justice and Digitalism. Hot Chip - Ready 4 The Floor Alex Metric - Pins Koma and Bones - Dead Soles Adam Freeland - Hate Dylan Rhymes and Blend - Stars electro STA - Livin Colour (Dim Remix) breaks Pink Skulls - Drugs (Trevor Loveys Remix) Koma and Bones - Letters LCD Soundsystem - Get Innocuous! Alex Metric - Deadly on a Mission
92 - 93 playlists
girl talk
Pittsburgh's Gregg Gillis may be a biomedical engineer by day, but by night he's Girl Talk, easily the coolest mash up laptop DJ/artist ever. His album Night Ripper which has to be heard to be believed fuses everything from commercial hip-hop and pop to underground indie and alternative and literally everything in between. His live show is sick especially when he has half the crowd up on stage and he's taking most of his clothing off (no homo).
Suzi Quatro & Chris Norman - Stumblin' In various Shawty Lo - Dey Know Merzbow - Worms Plastic Earthbound UTFO - Roxanne, Roxanne Soul Asylum - Black Gold The Hollies - The Air That I Breathe Webbie featuring Lil' Phat & Lil' Boosie - Independant Juliana Hetfield - Spin The Bottle Supertramp - The Logical Song Til' Tuesday - Voices Carry On The Office Stereo Girl Talk ‘Night Ripper’, Slum village ‘Slum Village’, Clipse ‘Hell Hath No Fury’, Murs & Slug ‘Felt 2’, Ghostface Killah ‘Big Doe Rehab’, Jay-Z ‘American Gangster’, Pharoahe Monche ‘Desire’, M.I.A. ‘Kala’, Diplo ‘I Like Turtles’, UNKLE ‘Never.Never.Land’, Dizzee Rascal ‘Maths + English’, Amy Winehouse ‘Back To Black’, Loads of Rage Against The Machine.
KNOW YOUR CLASSICS the j. geils band Southside Shuffle
SAIGON C'MON BABY
Feat. JAY-Z & SWIZZ BEATS
Saigon has never released a full length album yet the Brooklyn MC has been on every magazine's "Artist to watch" list for years now. His debut album - The Greatest Story Ever Told - has been postponed a lot due to sample clearance problems. C'mon Baby is the first single off this long awaited LP and guess what? That's the track that held down the album's release because of the sample from Southside Shuffle by The J. Geils Band. Produced by Just Blaze, the original version of the track was featuring Swizz Beatz on the hook but with Jay-Z gracing a verse on a remix version, the remix should be used on Saigon's LP. C'mon baby is one of those tracks that you need to listen to more than once to really capture the essence of the music. It has this kind of raw street vibe but with a bouncy feeling that could almost make it a club banger if the tempo was faster. The screaming vocal samples add a lot to Just Blaze's beat, which by the way is very similar to the one he made for Jigga on the Black Album's Public Service Announcement. What makes this track outstanding though is the use of the guitar sample from The J. Geils Band. Taken off Southside Shuffle, from the band's fourth album Bloodshot (released in 1973), the guitar riff perfectly mixes with a mad organ squeal and is sustained by the numerous screams in the back. J. Geils Band was an American rock band formed in 1967 near Boston (Massachusetts). Their career as a band spanning two decades, it's no surprise that their style evolved over the years. While they started as an acoustic blues trio in the mid 1960s, they quickly moved on to a more successful R&Binfluenced blues rock sound in the 70s before going pop in the 80s. Although guitar player John "Jay" Geils and his band may not have been the most original ensemble touring the US back in the day, they did put out some really funky rock'n'roll records with a bluesy edge and a lot of great hooks. Keep digging for their work son!
Pierre Henny
acclaim party Christmas came early for the Melbourne readers who attended our launch party at Miss Libertine in December. The Jameson Whiskey was flowing steady and everyone was treated to showbags containing a shitload of giveaways courtesy of Heist, Timberland, FreshIn, Es, And1 and Sony. Nfa was feeling the festive spirit when jumped on the mic and had crazy freestyle sesh with DJ Simon Sez. Another special moment was when our reggae band, Jahmakn'it'Funky, invited Ru*C.L on stage to jam with them. All up the night was a great success. For those who missed out here are a few photos...
“�
dvd THE WAR ON DEMOCRACY
HOPSCOTCH ENTERTAINMENT (ROADSHOW ENTERTAINMENT)
DOC O
A DIRTY CARNIVAL
CONTROL
2006, KOREA
(Madman)
(Madman // Eastern Eye) gang
94 - 95 review
Yes, it tells a story about Venezuela’s struggle to rightly distribute its oil wealth under the rule of Hugo Chavez, but again buckles under the cliché that now almost every docco follows. In fact, it’s almost as cliched as this: “Ladies and gentlemen, we finally have a film that complains about the residue of the US’s tyranny in South American politics” (crowd roars with appeasement). While I did have a dashing time watching a very scrupulously compiled montage of clips and stats from the comfort of my home, Pilger merely pricked my galloping desire to learn more about Latin American politics through youtube and wikipedia. While swaying pendulously from the images of violence (American induced of course) and an ongoing interview with the leader, Pilger’s attempts at instilling benevolence through the mist of a snuffed candle fall short of original. Alas, by piggy-backing on the Marxist narrative, Pilger has forced me to one conclusion: despite the renewal of my concession card with the new year, thus reducing my cinema fair to only $10.55, I’m still glad I didn’t pay to see this in the movies. Khaled Khalafalla
ster
BIOPIC
I had no idea what A Dirty Carnival was about when I slid the promo DVD into my DVD player the other night. It turned out to be one of the best gangster flicks that I’ve seen in ages. The Koreans sure have been on the money lately in the film realm and gangster flicks such as A Bittersweet Life and Friend are challenging the US film industry’s traditional dominance of the genre. A Dirty Carnival is the best gangster movie that I have seen from Korea thus far with a great storyline, top acting and plenty of violence (an essential ingredient for any gangster flick). Byung-Du is a low level under-boss for a Korean crime family who has found himself in the criminal world out of necessity, burdened with the care of his terminally ill mother and younger siblings. When his financial situation gets out of control Byung-Du volunteers to carry out a high profile hit which wins him favour with the big boss Hwang. Add to this storyline a best friend who is making a gangster movie and comes to Byung-Du for consultation on the script and a childhood love interest who wants nothing to do with a gangster and you have a great film script. Buy this DVD and put it on the shelf next to Goodfellas and American Gangster.
In Control, a stark and poetic biopic of the late Ian Curtis, lead singer of post punk legends Joy Division, the gangly front man remarks to a Belgian journalist that his music is not meant to be always beautiful. A year later he hanged himself. Such was the power and myth of Joy Division who managed to create a musical landscape that was utterly bleak, uncompromising but with a few slivers of beauty that made their songs so stirring. Tragically, the material often reflected the fractured mental state of Ian Curtis, who through out Joy Division’s career was battling epilepsy, drug abuse and a punishing tour schedule. Curtis was not the most sociable of creatures and was quite awkward in social situations, but actor Sam Riley does a superb job in capturing Curtis’s hidden sensitivity which often sparked his creative genius. The film is directed by photographer Anton Corbijn, mostly known for his iconic black and white music photography that captured the likes of U2, Iggy Pop, John Lee Hooker and REM. In this debut feature, he employs similar elements of his photography in adopting raw, black and white visuals that portrays the gloom of seventies English suburban life with its high unemployment, smoky factories, run down pubs and clubs which so choked Curtis.
Andrew Montell
However, the greatest triumph of Closer is that it does not succumb to hero-worshiping. Corbijn’s lens remains unsentimental right through
KNOW YOUR CLASSICS FIST OF LEGEND Gordon Chan (1994)
to Curtis’s tragic end. The only hint of affection is in the many scenes which show a sweaty Joy Division on stage and in their element – loud, aggressive and painfully vulnerable.
Saeed Saeed
Rhythm & poetry (Underground Transmitter // Obese) Doco
It’s a documentary about Aussie Hip Hop. There was a time that none of us would’ve dreamed of something like this being made, let alone several different titles on the subject. So it’s pretty cool to see this piece – a slick, professional looking documentary - trying to cover every element of the Australian scene(s). And, for the most part, it’s successful. We’ve got insightful interviews - with veterans through to youngsters. We’ve got live footage, rare video footage and coverage of a lot of different issues. Indigenous culture in hip hop even gets a detailed lookin – unfortunately something of a rarity. The “accent debate” is kind of talked up too much, but it’s probably because a lot of this footage was shot several years ago. It’s well shot though, and very crisp with the editing – only occasionally losing focus and drifting for a while, but not severely. Would be excellent to show to someone just getting into the local sound.
Nick Sweepah
Anyone with even a passing interest in martial arts cinema would be familiar with the name Jet Li. In recent years his name has become recognised in the West for roles in mediocre action flicks such as Romeo Must Die but his true onscreen magic can be witnessed in the earlier days of his film career in Hong Kong. There are many great kung fu titles including the Once Upon A Time In China series where Jet Li plays the starring role, but for my money one of his most slept on classics is Fist of Legend. Set in occupied China in 1937 during the second Sino-Japanese war, Fist of Legend is a remake of the Bruce Lee masterpiece Fist of Fury. Like its predecessor Fist of Legend is based on the story of the assassination of real life martial arts hero Huo Yuanjia and the quest for vengeance by his student Chen Zhen against the Japanese who poisoned his master. Of course there is also a love interest thrown into the plot, a Japanese girl Mitsuko, who’s relationship with Chen Zhen causes problems of its own. The main ‘bad guy’ in this movie is the ruthless Japanese general Fujita who frames Chen Zhen for murder and then ultimately fights him in the movie’s climactic final battle. For the most part the plot loosely follows that of Fist of Fury and gives several nods to the original in terms of shooting style courtesy of director Gordon Chan and fight choreography courtesy of Yuen Woo-ping. The great thing about this movie is that most of the fights pair Li’s amazing kung fu skills against those of legitimately skilled Japanese karate fighters making for a unique viewing experience. In particular Li’s bout with esteemed Japanese 5th dan martial artist Yasuaki Kurata is a classic. The fight choreography throughout Fist of Legend is incredible. You can appreciate why Yuen Woo-ping soon became the go to guy for Hollywood fight choreography (Matrix 1,2 & 3 and Kill Bill), as his ability to make a brawl look amazing is second-to-none. This is a hard movie to find but should be available through Amazon.com and try to get the Hong Kong version with subtitles as opposed to the US dubbed version as the translation is more accurate in the former.
Andrew Montell
books The Memory Of Pablo Escobar James Mollison [Chris Boot] “Escobar and Gacha gained the dubious honour of being the only men to appear in the top 10 in both of the Forbes list of the world’s richest men and the FBI’s Most Wanted list in the same year.” With characters like Pablo Escobar and his men as the subject of anything, it’s almost impossible to make it boring. James Mollison’s The Memory of Pablo Escobar a mindblowing biography following Escobar’s rise from petty thief to his fall as the largest drug supplier in the world, with words from his friends, family, enemies and capos. Esco’s stories are jawdropping as the book covers his fight against rival suppliers and the Government. The book also acts as a photo album, with hundreds of photos collected by James Mollison while he researched Escobar, and the pictures show both the brutality and the large-scale that his operations were, but also the softer “human” side of him when the man behind thousands of murders was around his family. This is a must read for the Scarface/ Cocaine Cowboys/Miami Vice fans.
All photographs © James Mollison / Chris Boot Ltd 1 mug shot of Escobar taken after his arrest for cocaine smuggling in 1976, from a polaroid by Javier Peña. 2 Escobar and his wife, Victoria Henao, early 1980s, from the files of El Espectador. 3 Photos from Hugo Martinez’s album, 2 December 1993
The Books of Albion Peter Doherty (Orion Books // Hachette Livre) Peter Doherty’s art has been heavily over shadowed by a tabloid hell mainly due to his headline grabbing relationship with Kate Moss and dependence on any number of drugs at any given time. At the same time his two bands The Libertines and Babyshambles have had a profound effect on the post-2000 music scene and after several biographies written by everyone from "journalists" from The Sun newspaper to his own mother Jacquie, this publication is in some respects Pete's attempt to set the record straight. Having long been available on the internet the diaries are a compilation of Pete's own "books of Albion" which he has kept since he moved to London in 1999. His blood, sweat and tears literally stain the pages of his literature obsessed poet/singer/junkie. At times indecipherable, his notes contains journal entries, poems, lyrics in work (such as his recent hip-hop debut with The Streets), sketches (mainly of mini-Martell bottles which he and his cat smoke crack from) defaced pictures of Kate and himself as well as more mundane entries like looking for a new flat. Highly presentable even a good read if you’re a fan, the sort of thing that makes you wonder whether one day he'll be revered as a genius out of our time, but in the meantime he'll no doubt continue to sell records and newspapers.
Callum Vass
Vincent Tang
Icepick Icelandic Street Art Thordis Claessen (Gingko Press // Bookwise International) Iceland has more green than Greenland and Greenland has more ice than Iceland and I would assume Iceland also has more graffiti that Greenland. Icepick is Thordis Claessen's documentation of Icelandic street art, presented in a scrapbook like format. There is very little text or history which is a real downside because it would be an interesting subject to cover. That said, it’s a presentable book and it’s pretty cool to see that Iceland has it’s own unique spin, including AA stickers that read Halló Nafn mitt er (HELLO My name is). One interesting character essential to the Reykjavik scene is a tunnel security guard named Joí who allowed writers to paint in his tunnel provided that the content isn’t violent or pornographic, he also photographed the pieces over the years and his albums are to Iceland what Martha Cooper is to New York.
Callum Vass
The Godfather Classic Quotes Carlo De Vito [Cider Mill Press] In theory, this should be a killer book of quotes from a true classic of modern cinema. The thing is, aside from the infamous lines that everyone's already familiar with, this isn't the type of film to lend itself to entertaining snippets. Something like Scarface, for example, would have lent itself to this format far more effectively, since pretty much every phrase that Tony spits over the course of that flick is priceless. Not to say that The Godfather isn't ripe with timeless lines, but recalling lawyer Tom Hagan saying: “Well, if I accepted that – in a court of law, they could prove that I had knowledge of his whereabouts” isn't a patch on Tony Montana declaring “You wanna waste my time? Okay. I call my lawyer. He's the best lawyer in Miami. He's such a good lawyer, that by tomorrow morning, you gonna be working in Alaska. So dress warm.” Regardless, The Godfather Classic Quotes is a nice little coffee table joint, complete with stylish design and photography from the movie. Just let me know when the Scarface one drops, OK?
Robbie Ettelson
THe RECIPE
YOUNG MURPH
the “Pretty Young Thang” Mock-tail Against a background of colourful street culture STEP 1: PREPARATION and sports fanatics, California’s Bay Area is known // for producing exciting hip-hop artists. Born and raised
in notorious East Oakland, Young Murph is a rare crossover artist who combines buttery harmonies and amped up raps hyphy style. The son of a professional gospel singer and a hustler, his party anthems sound at home in lavish clubs and raucous sideshows alike. Young Murph shared with ACCLAIM his recipe for the ultimate mocktail.
INGREDIENTS
4 strawberries 2 lychees 10 mLlychee nectar 30 mL lemon juice 60 mL guava nectar Dash of sugar syrup (shaken well with heavy ice) Garnish, strawberry halved & lychee
96 - 97 RECIPE
SOUNDTRACK
UTENSILS
Bar standard tin cup Glass 2 straws
Well during the preparation period of the process, there’s a lot of physical activity, me being from the Bay Area and all, I can really appreciate some up-tempo “hyphy” music during this time to really get me going, whether it be Clyde Carson, E-40, Keak, or even the homie D.Willz. Obviously when we start “doin the thang” Too Short is involved in the process, but my favorite part of course, is the end when I’m looking at the beautiful concoction that I’ve created. The PYT looks so good when you’re done, you almost don’t want to drink it. The perfect song to sit back and sip to would have to be “Prettier” by The Transfer. Life is so much prettier with a “Pretty Young Thang” in your hand.
Ok, first what you wanna do is 100 push-ups. (5 sets of 20 is cool). Then 150 sit-ups. I find it best to do 5 sets of 30 between each set of push-ups. (feel free to improvise)What does all of this physical activity have to do with making the best mock-tail ever? You enjoy it that much more when you’re done, haha. After this, jog to the closest super market to get your blood pumping even more. Pick up a small case of strawberries, 2 lychees, lychee nectar, lemon juice, guava nectar, and sugar syrup. I’m from Oakland so I know all about having a low budget, so if you fit into this category, wear really big clothes with deep pockets, if you get my drift.
STEP 2: DOIN’ THE THANG
Using one bar standard tin cup filled halfway with ice, and another glass cup filled with the ingredients, flip the glass cup into the tin cup and shake it faster than a 19 year old girl at a Too Short concert.
STEP 3: PRESENTATION
Pour what is now our perfect mock-tail into the glass and garnish with a strawberry cut in half and split over the rim of the beverage facing up, and a peeled lychee set right in between the two halves. Presentation is key, so by this point, you should definitely be wearing a customized “Young Murph” t-shirt, and matching hat of your choice……as seen in the picture above. The only place I’ve encountered that comes close to doing this as well as me is the Trinity Bar in Canberra.
directory Acne Jeans
LRG
Afends
Mink Pink
Akomplice
Morrissey Eyewear
Another Inch
Mossimo
Antipodium
National Geographic Channel
contact@acnejeans.com www.acnejeans.com +61 2 6684 7184 www.afends.com Info@Akomplice-Clothing.com www.akomplice-clothing.com +61 2 9360 0533 www.anotherinch.com +61 (0) 2 9698 9902 www.antipodium.com
Casio
1300 768 112 www.shriro.com.au
Creative Recreation +61 2 9332 4744 www.cr8tiverecreation.com
Diva
(02) 9938 3311 www.diva.net.au
Electronic Arts (02) 8569 1200 www.eaplay.com.au
Equip
(02) 9479 7888 www.equipyourself.com.au
És
(02) 9972 1641 www.esfootwear.com
Grand Scheme
info@grandscheme.com.au www.grandscheme.com.au
Hayley Mei
info@hayleymei.com www.hayleymei.com
Heist
+613 9650 3933 www.heiststore.com
Hype DC
info@hypedc.com www.hypedc.com.au
Inertia
(02) 9698 4886 www.espionagebrands.com 02 9212 4788 www.minkpink.com 1300 721 160 www.sunshadeseyewear.com.au 1800 132 780 www.mossimo.com
(02) 9813 6870 www.nationalgeographic.com.au
New Era
(03) 8480 4700 www.neweracap.com
Nudie Jeans
+61 2 9699 7399 www.nudiejeans.com
Pulse Vodka
(03) 8369 0300 www.independentdistillers.com
sales@roguestatus.com www.roguestatus.com
Sabotaz80
info@sabotaz80.com.au www.sabotaz80.com.au
1800 625 603 www.levis.com.au
Lonsdale
(02) 9698 4886 www.lonsdalelondon.com
Infamy
Notorious BIG Bigger Than Life
BKTM Crashing To Earth
The Man Who Souled The World
Skribble Studios
(03) 9428-4556 www.skribblestudios.com
Sould
YES, I want to suscribe to
+1 858 699 0504 www.sould.com
First Name:
Stussy
Address:
1800 132 780 www.stussy.com
Supra
+612 9907 4054 www.suprafootwear.com
Wayne Cooper
Levis
international subscribers can hit us up on the email info@acclaimmag.com and we'll get our quote on.
Rogue Status
K.Swiss
(02) 9907 4054 www.kr3wapparel.com
premier league would be pretty sweet but they have got sweet fuck all on this offer. it's AU$40 for for six issues and we'll throw in a motherfucking dvd!
(02) 9380 5082 www.reconstore.com
Triumvir
Kr3w
I can't really think of anything better than subscribing to acclaim magazine. Say...like, saving the earth or winning the
Recon
(02) 9698 0111 www.inertia-music.com +612 9550 1187
FREE DVD WITH EVERY SUBSCRIPTION!
www.secondfamily.com 02 9211 4769 www.waynecooper.com.au
Surname:
Suburb:
State:
Postcode:
Email: Phone:
My choice of DVD: Mail this coupon to: Acclaim Magazine Level 1/9 Dundas Lane Albert Park, Vic, 3206
Infamy DVD Notorious BIG DVD BKTM DVD
Zoo York
The Man Who Souled The World DVD (Please include money order or cheque made out to acclaim magazine)
10 Deep
As a special bonus, all subscribers before 18th of January will get free tickets to Sony Ericsson Night Tennis in Melbourne, an invite only event. Flights not included.
(03) 8525 9999 www.lushproductions.com
www.10deep.com
Alternatively, you can get this crackin’ online over at: www.acclaimmag.com
the end
CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT Callum Vass Callum first walked through our doors as an intern, keen to get a foot in the publishing door. He has proven to be an invaluable asset here at ACCLAIM with his ability to do just about anything that the magazine requires. Killa Cal or 40 Cal currently compiles our toys section and keeps us on our toes with his knowledge of music. Sure he looks a bit like a budding serial killer but we’ve learnt never to look him directly in the eye.
Jason Larke When he’s not busy being the ultimate lady’s man, Jay has been applying his experience from the club industry to organise ACCLAIM’s launch parties and other promo activities. Anyone who attended the Melbourne Christmas party will attest to a job well done. Jay has proven to be a great writer and now contributes several reviews each issue and it was his concept to approach local Reggae identities to interview Lady Saw for our feature with her this issue (which led to him being almost raped by her on stage).
The Wall
98 - 99 the end
This is a piece of the wall in our office. People just cruise by and stick things up and we shoot it when we finish the new issue. If you wanna be featured on this beautiful and messy canvas, you can also send us stuff by mail.
INGREDIENTS This issue was created with one rushed office move; I ridiculous 30th birthday and the subsequent hangover from hell; 1 crazy Peruvian; 1 dose of the flu; 1 Lady Saw public raping of our Promo Manager; 3 tickets to Good Vibrations; One public vomiting incident by our Ad Sales Manager; Another pepper spray incident; 1 intern courtesy of V Raw (thanks for everything Alex, old mate!); Several messy industry parties, movie preview screenings and album launches; 10 ACCLAIM starved Geelong Grammar kids and lots of vodka and beer
AUSSIE TOURISTS BY THE HATER Australians love to travel, it’s in our culture along with sport fanaticism and drinking beer. Unfortunately the combination of these three past times often equals hordes of obnoxious Aussie bogans giving all of us a bad name overseas. Take a trip to Thailand or Bali and you can’t escape the mobs of dumb fuck Australian football teams drunk out of their brains and reeking havoc on the local population. Even when you take booze out of the equation there’s still that arrogance that seems to come with an ingrained sense of superiority that some of our people carry with them. Australian’s are so quick to point the finger at foreigners who come here and ‘don’t adopt our ways’ but we’ve got to be some of the biggest perpetrators of cultural ignorance when visiting the third world. You’ve got no damn right to get snappy with someone in Bali for not understanding your order at a restaurant. Do you speak Balinese or Bahasa Indonesia? Almost certainly not, in fact you probably haven’t even bothered how to learn to say thankyou in their language. But the person that you’re getting shitty with has done his best to learn basic English in order to serve you and your kind and carve out a meagre living for his family. I’m embarrassed to tell people that I am an Australian when I visit some parts of the world in case I’m automatically being branded along with the rest of the herd. It is shocking to me to see how many Australian men spend their time in Asia in the company of young, often underage prostitutes and if you look closely a lot of these guys are wearing wedding rings. So, not only are they contributing to the endless cycle of third world dependency on the sex trade but they are potentially bringing home sexually transmitted diseases to their wives. I aint no preacher but believe me it happens and it happens a lot. Our media loves to portray our South East Asian neighbours as archaic and sometimes brutal but I’m yet to see anything put out there addressing the cultural insult that our people often present through their insensitive presence in these countries. It isn’t hard to do a bit of reading and learn about these places and their ways before visiting. A little bit of research is enough to learn where certain displays of public affection are or are not appropriate or where walking around in short shorts and a singlet is likely to cause offence. The problem is that many Australians don’t bother to do this and travel with the attitude that our ways are right and everyone else should adapt. Moving into the future it’s important for Australia to build closer ties with Asia on all levels but before this is possible we have to repair our reputation and that is only possible with a massive change of attitude. Maybe we could develop a bogan stamp for Australian passports so that anyone caught in repeated bogan behaviour has travel restrictions put on them?