ACCLAIM Magazine Issue 13

SANTOGOLD

BROOKLYN SONGBIRD

URBAN DECAY

LIFE IN RIO'S GHETTOS

TOSHIO SUZUKI

GTR35 DRIVER // DEVELOPER

PASCAL LENISTON

CREATIVE SKATER

SNEAKER FREAKER WOODY

STYLE SHARK

THE PRESETS' KIM MOYES

THE DARK HORSE OF ELECTRO

CHUCK ANDERSON Australia $7.95 GST) ISSUE 13 (INC 2008

New & Zealand $8.95 (INC GST) AUS NZ $9.95 (INC GST)

DESIGN BOY-WONDER

+ streetwear, TOYS, SNEAKERS, sport, FILM, cars, MUSIC, art & design, VIDEO GAMES, TATTOOS AND Much MORE

© 2007-2008 Rockstar Games, Inc. Rockstar Games, the Rockstar Games r logo, Grand Theft Auto, and the Grand Theft Auto logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. in the U.S. and/or foreign countries. “PlayStation,” “PLAYSTATION,” and “PS” Family logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft. The ratings icon is a trademark of the Entertainment Software Association. All other marks and trademarks are properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved. The content of this videogame is purely fictional, and is not intended to represent or depict any actual event, person, or entity. Any similarity between any depiction in this game and any actual event, person, or entity is purely coincidental. The makers and publishers of this videogame do not in any way endorse, condone or encourage engaging in any conduct depicted in this videogame.

Lollipop Girl

April 29th 2008 www.rockstargames.com/iv

W “Spread the Truth, Guru is the best MC of all time”

HIPHOPGALAXY.COM

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BY HOSTED P

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ED PRODUC ODUCER SUPERPR

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GURU’S JAZZMATAZZ WWW.MYSPACE.COM/GURU7GRAND

WWW.RAPSTERRECORDS.COM

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Ex GANGSTARR main man GURU drops a killer mixtape of dope joints! Featuring collaborations with COMMON, DAMIAN MARLEY, ACEYALONE and ZION I from the West Coast, BLUE SCHOLARS from Seattle, MR. LIF from Boston, YUNGUN from London, as well as legends LORD TARIQ from the Bronx, NATURE from Queensbridge, C. KNOWLEDGE from DIGABLE PLANETS and TONY TOUCH to name but a few…

// WWW.INERTIA-MUSIC.COM

AVAILABLE NOW AT ALL STORES //

BBECD/LP065

THEN WHAT HAPPENED? WWW.INERTIA-MUSIC.COM

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/JLIVE

WWW.BBEMUSIC.COM

MC, DJ, AND PRODUCER FROM NEW YORK J-LIVE (AKA JUSTICE ALLAH) IS BACK WITH HIS FOURTH ALBUM, “THEN WHAT HAPPENED” - FRESH INFECTIOUS HIP HOP FROM AN ARTIST ON TOP FORM. Collaborators include JAZZY JEFF, DJ SPINNA, J5’s NU-MARK & CHALI 2NA, DA BEATMINERZ’ EVIL DEE, FOREIGN EXCHANGE’s NICOLAY and RAWKUS’s MARCO POLO.

Humourous narratives and biting social commentary with a timeless, bass heavy Hip Hop sound – J-Live’s gonna tell you what happened…

CONTENTS

30 32 34 36 38 40 52 54 58 60 62 68 70 74 76 78 84

STYLE

GIRL N IO FASH

Case study

cool kids

Fly gurl

our own Barbarella - judith west

AKOMPLICE ION FASH

A Team effort

In4mation

ION FASH

pers o o C ie n in W e h T Worth The Weight” “

hawaii via ny

Woody

KERS SNEA

Sneaker freaker x puma

rollin on chrome

ION FASH

STREETWEAR AND SPOKES

Pascal LenisTon

E SKAT

its all about how it feels

MUSIC

POP STARS OF THE APOCALYPSE

MUSIC

retracing his steps

MUSIC

are we ready to uff?

THE PRESETS

del tha funkee homosapien uffie

urban decay

PTH IN DE

favela life & Rio's war on drugs

saluting a classic

AUTO

the vw beetle

AUTO

test driving the gtr35

toshio suzuki

“This Albums smart - like a graduate diploma.”

Time Off “Bringing elements of De LaSoul, the Wailers & classic funk to their inimitable Australian flow. Fans of Geek hip hop rejoice” Rolling Stone

“Superb homegrown hip hop” Zoo Weekly

chuck anderson

ART

FLASHING LIGHTs

mitch

ART

in a galaxy far far away

ART

gum leaves and prawns

“This is Aussie hip-hop at its best” SMH Metro

eamon

VIDEOS GAME

GRAND THEFT AUTO IV

test driven

www.illusive.com.au www.thewinniecoopers.com

editors foreword

respect

Apparently my last issue’s editorial struck a chord with a lot of people because the emails have been flowing. It’s encouraging to know that so many people out there share my somewhat abrasive attitude towards the redneck mentality that exists in Australia. I find myself without anything politically charged to write about this issue so hopefully that isn’t a let down for you guys. So no banner waving, instead I’m starting off this issue with a lil’ nod to the word respect. I’ve come to realise throughout my career that respect is the one essential ingredient necessary to make something work right. In terms of ACCLAIM it’s the mutual respect between all of our contributors that keeps us on point despite often less than ideal conditions. When things go wrong, it usually has something to do with someone disrespecting our organisation. Whether the lack of respect comes from a client, contributor or service provider, things fall apart when respect goes out the window. Maybe I’m just old school and out of touch but I’ve always tried to carry myself with respect and respect those that respect me so when someone goes back on their word or does some snake in the grass shit it gets under my skin.

This issue suffered a few setbacks due to lack of respect but it got back on track quickly and still turned out dope because of the dedication and respect given to me by the rest of the team. With every person that throws a spanner in the works someone good does come along and in this case we have welcomed a new Sub-Editor to the team: readers meet

Alexandra Weiland, Alex meet the readers. Alex will be on the grind, helping to make this monster every couple of months and hopefully help to keep me a few steps away from the brink of insanity. If not, I’ll be that dude in the bell tower, wearing the clown suit, taking out civilians with a sniper rifle…did I just say that out loud? We’ve taken a few steps in a different direction with this issue of ACCLAIM squeezing in a few new pages of streetwear content and taking a more diverse direction with our music features. We’ll continue to change things up until everything fits just right and know what? I think we’re almost there. Welcome on board to our new readers in China, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia (we international baby!) Keep the comments coming and visit us online at www.acclaimmag.com Peace

Andrew Montell Editor In Chief

NOT FOR PARIS, LINDSAY OR NICOLE www.hayle ym e i.com

HayleyMeiAd_AcclaimMay08_1.indd 1

20/5/08 10:41:34 PM

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Booka Shade

The Sun & The Neon Light

Following 2006’s massively acclaimed Movements album, which included the club hits Night Falls, In White Rooms, Mandarine Girl and the classic Body Language, BOOKA SHADE return with their third album!

// WWW.INERTIA-MUSIC.COM

Utilising everything from orchestral strings and buzzing guitars to JOHN CARPENTER-esque synth lines and KRAFTWERK-evoking stylophones, The Sun & The Neon Light is their most exquisitely arranged album to date.

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 Alex Weiland

alexandra@acclaimmag.com

FASHION SHOOT COORDINATOR Ritchie at [an:other] 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

// Advertising MELBOURNE ADVERTISING sales manager Tom Connellan

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tom@acclaimmag.com

SYDNEY ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Elle McCarthy

design assistant Matt Thompson mccarthy@propelleagency.com VISUAL ARTs EDITOR sales assistant Chris Delaney Callum Vass chrisd@acclaimmag.com

vincent@acclaimmag.com

callum@acclaimmag.com

Marketing & Promotions Jason Larke

jason@acclaimmag.com

production Assistant Alexandra Weiland

alexandra@acclaimmag.com

// Text 360, Ankia, Marc de Carne, Remus Chang, Chris Delaney, Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, Rhiannon Elston, Robbie Ettelson, Jon Ferris, Paul Frew, Vivian Huynh, Jerri Jerri, Jo Koy, Graeme Macdonald, Malins, Chris Martin, Mega, Memphis, Andrew Montell, Kyri Papapetrou, RhymeSchematiks, Saeed Saeed, Swish Cheese, Vinny Tang, Tate, The Greedy Cactus, Tourettes, Callum Vass, Alexandra Weiland, Woody // Photographers Anonymous Favelado, Glenn Barry, Geoff Budd, Michael Danischewski, Monique Easton, Tom Goh, JoDuck, H. John Maier Jnr, Blake Peterson, Christopher Pillitz, Thom Rigney, Antonio Scorza, // DJS Jaime Doom // Simon Sez //DJ Kawk Sampology // COVER Model is Judith West // Photography by JoDuck // Hair by Carl Reeves at Rhubarb haircutters using Kevin Murphy products. // Make up by Fiona Middleton // 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?

AUS DISTRIBUTOR - Gordon & Gotch NZ DISTRIBUTOR - Imd INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR - Pansing IMM // 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.

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faces

Words by Andrew Montell

JO KOY

FUNNY TALK

Who the hell and what the hell is Jo Koy? He’s a Californian comedian who’s stand-up routine includes // reference to the fact that nobody can ever figure out

his ethnicity, which as it turns out is Filipino. ACCLAIM interviewed this hilarious dude when he toured Australia recently with Russell Peters, often stealing the show in front of sold out audiences. Jo discusses his rising star status, life on tour and his son’s unusual habits…

What has been your career highlight so far?

Oh God, the last four years of my life have just been incredible!

The Tonight Show three and a half years ago changed my life and since then it’s just been a rollercoaster in the right direction from doing tours non-stop to getting my own TV show on Comedy Central.

What has the experience of touring with Russell Peters been like?

Great ‘cause we’re friends, that’s my guy you know? We’d just be hanging out anyway so going on tour means we’re hanging out for longer ya know. I think this is one of the best tours out there right now.

Do you ever have any concerns about family sensitivities when you’re up there, like from your mum for example?

Hell no. My mum is the coolest. She let me curse growing up, the only thing was I wasn’t allowed to curse at her. Like if I got in trouble when I was young and went “Oh fuck it mum!” If I did that I was done! She always used to say “You can curse Josep, but if you curse at me it’s ober!”

12 - 13 faces

Your son provides the basis for a lot of your material…

He’s gonna be a comic this fucker! I do this joke where I talk about how he calls his dick his Ting Ting. I called his mum today and she said “you’re not gonna believe what he did to his Ting Ting”, I said “what?” She said “he fucking coloured it green with a magic marker!”, I go “his whole dick?” She says “his whole dick and balls are green!” I say, “You’re kidding me” and she goes “but that’s not the funny part…he drew eyes on his balls!” So I asked her if she took a picture and she said “Took a picture?! It wont wash off!” (laughs) so now my four year old son has a green dick…He just decided he’s gonna have an Incredible Hulk dick.

You need to get him some underwear that will rip easily. (laughs) Yeah I know, some purple underwear. Or maybe I should just rip them up anyway and get him to wear them around the house. That way I can say “Hey look, my son’s dick is a superhero” when I introduce him to people.

You could do it as well and walk around as a father and son Hulk team.

Yeah, well we both have the same sized dicks so…

Check the video interview with Jo Koy online at www.acclaimmag.com

Z.Y. OFFICIAL: KEVIN TAYLOR

LOGGED: 1236 HOURS // 64째 // 36TH ST & 11TH AVE., NYC ZOO YORK, NEW YORK // UNBREAKABLE

advice

THE PANEL

Each issue a panel of “experts” (cough cough) offer advice to a problem submitted by a reader. ACCLAIM strongly advises that // readers take this advice with a large grain of salt.

Hey ACCLAIMERS, I saw your post about the new advice column and thought y’all could help me out. I recently bought me a mean looking rotweiler. I love dogs but have to admit that a big part of my reason for getting this dog is image. He goes well with my muscle car, shaved head and general attempts at looking intimidating. The trouble is that every time I take my dog anywhere the randy beast tries to hump anything male including the legs of my friends. Now that aint gangsta! What should I do about my gay dog?

Jay, NZ via facebook

Jo Koy

Comedian Jo Koy recently accompanied Russell Peters on his Australian tour and is fast becoming one of the hottest names in comedy. Keep an eye out for the Jo Koy Show on Comedy Central and a solo tour later in the year. Joe is interviewed on pg 14.

"This really sucks because you went and got tattoos and shaved your head and even bought a muscle car. You bought the pitbull and the big thick chain to hold him back but now you’re holding him back from humping other dogs and instead of trying to attack people he wants to fuck people. Just accept it. Grow up man, so you’ve got a gay dog, he’s still going to protect you. I’ve got gay friends and if I get into a fight they’ve got my back…I might have to fuck them when we’re done but so what? They’ll be like “you know I did save your life…” Now I gotta go blow this fucking guy coz he just saved my life. So I mean big deal! You’ve got a gay pitbull but at least he’ll protect you so keep him but go buy a pink chain."

Del Tha Funkee Homosapien

Del is probably best known for his collaboration with The Gorillaz on the track Clint Eastwood but the Bay Area MC has been putting in work since way back with his debut single Mr Dobalina. His first album in 8 years titled Eleventh Hour is out now. Peep the interview on pg 58.

"What should he do? Should of thought about that before you bought a dog! I mean you think you want something and then when you get it, do you really want it? I mean if you love the dog then keep the dog. You can try to train it but if you don’t like it then get rid of it and get another dog, know what I mean?"

360

14 - 15 advice

360 has been solidly earning a rep for his witty punchlines and humour driven raps for several years now. Following a much publicized first single and controversial video clip and making it to the World Final of the Jump Off battle recently his debut album is out now. Check 360’s interview on pg 18.

"Jay that is totally gangsta! You got yourself an old school, shit dinting prison dog - the most gully of all! You gotta understand man to the dog it’s not because he's attracted to males, it’s a "power" thing as they say... my only advice I can give you is to name your dog "No Homo"."

If you’ve got a problem that you think can be solved by the ACCLAIM Panel please email your dilemma to info@acclaimmag.com

Executive Class the return of rapsloitation

by Robbie Ettelson from unkut.com

If you've ever had the misfortune of having to sit through Breakdance 2: Electric Boogaloo, Rappin' or even Posse, then get ready for more cinematic horrors in the not-too-distant future. Yeah, you guessed it – they started shooting the effin' Biggie Smalls movie. After holding a nation-wide audition for the lead, the producers (I'm assuming Lil' Cease is on as “creative consultant”) decided on Gravy, who – as luck would have it – just happens to be a fat, black rapper from Brooklyn. Actually, he was pretty much a shoe-in for the role months ago, but I'm guessing the auditions were some type of pointless publicity stunt.

The point being – does anybody actually think this movie will be any good? Previous Rapsloitation flicks like Krush Groove at least had some live performances to distract us from the cheesy acting, and Beat Street had that dude who bit a can in half. Do you really need to see a young B.I.G. discovering that life as a shorty shouldn't be so rough on the mean streets of Bed-Stuy before finding rap stardom, ugly Italian jumpers and finally getting his end in a dame with a blonde weave?

For all you '80s fanatics, there have also been some reports that fruits like Cuba Gooding Jr. had been cast in the role of Engineer-All Star Marley Marl, and David Banner was to play Biz Markie in the Juice Crew flick! I doubt we'll see this movie for another five years, but I'm sure that when The Vapors is finally made I'll be first in line to see how badly it tells the story of how Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan and Roxanne Shante got their start. As long as Mario Van Peebles isn't involved, I'm good. Admittedly, Paid In Full was pretty good despite not being an actual movie about rap, but if you ever peeped the back cover of Eric B. & Rakim's first album you know the deal (plus it good to see Cam'Ron making himself useful for a change). As for 8 Mile and Get Rich Or Die Trying? Blame them for this new wave of hip-hop themed films. OK, maybe not much Curtis' caper. It's only a matter of time before Kanye gives us his autobiographical magnum opus, although I suspect it will be closer to Tougher Than Leather or Cool As Ice than Wild Style. Here's hoping the Black Eyed Peas get signed on for a remake of the Fat Boy's comedy vehicle Disorderlies.

Faces

Words by Jerry Jerri

360

Since a controversial first video clip 'Mamma Mia' // that saw the Melbourne MC confessing to stalker tendencies towards soap star Bec Cartright there has

been a huge buz for 360 that sees dude’s myspace traffic going bananas and a lot of hype for his debut album 'What You See Is What You Get.'

Why did you decide to go with a solo record for your first release as opposed to a group album with Forthwrite?

Before me and Pez really got working together as Forthwrite he had a project in the making with a producer named Matik.

So in the meantime I decided to write a solo project of my own.

Forthwrite is definitely our main focal point with music and I think these solo projects can only help us in the long run.

Humour is a huge part of your music, do you struggle to write from a more serious perspective?

Definitely not. Once you have a listen to the album you’ll see there’s not really much humour on there at all. There’s a lot of personal and deep music on there that I think a lot of people will be able to relate to. I didn’t want to be labelled as only a comedic MC, so to me it was important to show all sides of my personality.

You’ve been quite vocal in the past with your criticisms of some big names and the Aussie hip-hop scene in general. Have you perhaps alienated a big portion of your potential fan base?

I don’t think your giving the Australian public enough credit – I believe Aussies are intelligent enough to become fans of an artist because they like their music and not dismiss them because of some of their views... Mind you, from then ‘til now the local scene has changed dramatically - things are looking really great at the moment for hip-hop from Aus and I’m glad I can be a part of it.

16 - 17 Faces

Is it true that you’ve slept with over 100 women including a whole bunch of fat chicks?

(Laughs)… Well I guess that depends if you rate your mum as fat? Just joking mate… I'm a gentleman I don't kiss and tell.

What can the uninitiated expect from your debut?

I wanted to portray my personality through music, I want people to listen from track 1 to 17 and get an idea of what kinda dude I am in real life. So overall the album is very light-hearted and mellow, but it’s also got some really deep shit on there and some stupid funny shit – basically just portraying me!

www.myspace.com/emcee360

STEEZY TUCK KNEE - 10 O’CLOCK

hot & fresh Smirnoff Experience 2008

EMPIRE AVE. THE ONLY ADDRESS FOR ACTION SPORTS

Ace of All Trades

Street brand Ace of all Trades lifts the veil on the American dream with their new range of tees.

Their ‘Home Town Hero’ tee features a menacing pic of a grinning OJ, while their ‘American Dreamin’ tee shows a masked Uncle Sam. Through messing with these icons the boys at Ace of all Trades remind us to keep ourselves in check as really “We can only get as high as we high as we can fall”. www.aceofalltradesapparel.com

For news on all action sports and the street wear associated, Empireave.com is your one stop site.

Founders Lincoln Eather and Tim Hawken both actively work in the industry and have created the site as a perfect vehicle for companies to show off the fresh products that they are coming up with on a daily basis. The site mainly focuses on limited editions, artist collaborations and specialty lines but they also display feature articles on interesting characters who work for the action sports industry, event wrap-ups and much more.

So pretty much everything action-sports related, except maybe roller-blading. www.empireave.com

Smirnoff Experience is back in 2008 with more parties, in more cities and more awesome (albeit, mystery) international and local acts. For those of you clueless, Smirnoff Experience 08 is a series of secret parties that will take place in unknown locations in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane from the 10-13 July. There’s not a lot else we can tell you because, well we don’t even know ourselves, but what we do know is that the only way to get tickets to this mischief is to win them. It’s like a grown up Willy Wonker and the Chocolate Factory but instead of lots of candy, lots of vodka and no scary dwarves. Well actually there could be, that’s just how little we know. For more information on how to win your way in to the party of the year, visit www.smirnoff.com.au

COM-RAID: STYLE WITH SINCERITY

“Competition is great and noble if you can accept the possibility of losing and you're ok with it. When you can't, it becomes all about desperately winning superiority over others rather than extending your own individual limits, which leads inevitably to a point of breakdown” says Com-Raid founder Anthony Costa. On the eve of the most controversial Olympics in a while, it’s great to see a brand that makes solid social commentary on current events without sacrificing style. This Olympics inspired tee is just one design from their killer new range. www.com-raid.com

NEW STORE ALERT - SEVENOVERSIXES

Just like Weird Science, every cool kids favourite online store Sevenoversixes, has magically transformed from an intangible entity on the interweb to a real life, bonafide shop-front!

Okay, so not exactly like Weird Science but definitely as awesome, the Greville Street store in Melbourne boasts a wide range of products from LRG, Orisue, Prohibit, Crooks & Castles and limited stockings of RockSmith and Kilo International. There are also private collections of shoes, caps, records and other collectables on display and for sale at selected times. But for those net-inclined shoppers, the website will still be there for you and will soon feature articles on up and coming brands and artists from around the world, plus the occasional opinion on current affairs. Hit it at www.sevenoversixes.com.

NOONE PUTS BABY-G IN THE CORNER

Back when I was in high school I wanted nothing more than a Baby-G watch (it’s okay, I’m a girl). That and a pair of Sketchers, ahhh they were simpler times. Well unbeknownst to me Casio’s Baby-G is still around and further-more, she slimmed down and got all hot. Gone are the super-chunky numbers circa 1997 and in are these hot babies just out from Japan with fresh colour-ways that seem to echo those of the guy’s G-Shock range rather than the pastel numbers from back in the day. I predict a lot of girl’s my age snapping these up, not only for the throw-back appeal of them but for the fact that they are also damn-fine looking watches.

18 - 19 hot & fresh

BLADE RUNNER DEFENDER HOODIE

What’s so hot about a black hoodie I hear you scoff. Shut up haters because this here is the Defender Hoodie from the appropriately named UK label Blade Runner. This bad boy is bulletproof, stab-proof and even taser-proof, you heard!

It’s lined with “2mm of Type IIA bulletproofing, enough to stop a 9mm full-metaljacket round at a velocity of 1,090 feet-per-second." Down side is it costs $600 and has no lining in the hood so like, wear a helmut.

BBDS Al Capone Shirt

You can’t fuck with a classic and Melbourne-based indie designer BBDS (short for Big Ben Dim Sim) knows it with his Al Capone tee. Despite what Ice Cube might say, Capone was truly the original gangster. The thing about Capone was that he fully pulled this upstanding citizen shit like opening soup kitchens and giving milk to schools to fight disease and shit while still being a total bad ass. Now that’s class.

Rep him hard with this iconic tee only from BBDS. www.bbds131.com

PIXEL COUCH

This Pixel Couch from UK Royal College of Art graduate Christian Zuzunaga is so hot you might just become unnaturally attracted to it. If this couch was a girl, it would be that impossibly hot, probably Asian, chick who always wears really expensive and exclusive street wear labels and has perfect hair like it ain’t no thing, yet never seems to have to work to pay for anything. Just effortlessly and flawlessly hot. That old leather Lazy-Boy in your lounge room on the other hand is, well the girl you’re currently dating. Just kidding. I actually really like Lazy-Boys. They’re comfortable.

Sansa MP3 player by SanDisk

The obvious benefit of this MP3 player is its miniature size. For me it’s already a pain in the ass having to carry a wallet, keys and mobile phone in my pockets every day so a standard sized audio device is annoying. This little doozy clips onto your waste band or sits easily inside your pocket and is practically invisible so you avoid looking like a fat lady jogger with an old school walkman clipped to her waste. I’ve been using this over the past month. Especially at the gym the small size of the Sansa MP3 player is a huge bonus. You get a gig of memory on this sucka which isn’t too bad but of course a bit more memory wouldn’t go astray and I couldn’t figure out how to load songs from itunes onto the player (from windows media player it’s a sinch). All in all this is a great unit when traveling light is important.

NIXON X BEAMS BOY VEGA WATCH

Another girl’s watch I know, but there are so many hot ones out there at the moment. This one from Nixon, the Rainbow Vega, is a collaboration with Japanese women’s boutique Beams Boy to celebrate the retailer’s 10-year anniversary. One of the most popular women’s boutiques in Japan, Beams Boy has had a massive impact on the fashion market both within Japan and abroad. The one-size-fits-all band features a spectrum of colours that will match anything you wear. Because that shit’s important. With the make limited to 550 pieces and only available from Beams Boy stores in Japan, now’s probably a good time to organise that trip.

ASPIRE APPAREL – PAID IN FULL

“But now I learned to earn cos I’m righteous, I feel great! so maybe I might just Search for a 9 to 5…” Don’t do it Rakim, don’t do it! And he didn’t. But if he did, he would of totally rocked up on his first day in this killer PAID hoodie by Aspire Apparel. This South Australian brand has launched a whole range of fresh hoodies and tees that are bound to make you feel money. Check out the collection at www.aspire2be.com. au and sign up for the newsletter for bonus discounts and updates on not only Aspire but the whole street-wear game.

Lush Life x Eazy E Deck

Street label Lush Life have teamed up with famed NYC photographer Ricky Powell on a range of tees and other items. The highlight is this awesome skate deck which immortalizes legendary gangsta rapper Eazy-E wheeling and dealing as snapped by Powell.

Signed and numbered (only 50), the deck also comes with a signed print of the original photo. Talk about collector’s item.

NAILS DID TEES

Whenever I go bowling I always break my thumb-nail, and I always get pissed, and the dudes always give me shit for being a little bitch over a broken nail. Dudes just don’t get it. Well all dudes except UK graffiti artist, Frame. The ‘Nails Did’ founder has taken inspiration from those awesome 80’s posters you used to see in nail salons and made some of the hottest tees any lady can get her paws on. Classy bitches will know to match their acrylics with their tee. Purchase accordingly from the Nails Did Myspace page. www.myspace.com/nailsdid

Burton Chuck X Jake Snow Jacket

Ok, so I know we’re going pretty Chuck Anderson crazy this issue but this jacket from Burton’s Chuck x Jake ‘Light Camo’ range is just too fresh not to feature. Good luck nabbing one though, as everyone’s going crazy trying to cop it after Burton team rider Kevin Pearce recently one the 2008 X-Games half-pipe gig wearing it.

Addict X Swifty Wallet

Pretty much everyone I know who’s moved to the UK is making crazy pounds and skipping around Europe every other weekend with wads of euros. I find solace in the fact I’m more tanned than them. Perhaps my friends should peep UK street wear label Addict’s Ian Swift collabo wallets for all that paper. Swifty is a famed typographer who paved the way in terms of making concert and party flyers viewed as high art. You can own a piece of the art action with his unique camouflage patterned wallets and Ipod holders in the four colour print or embossed leather.

Available from Addict’s online store and flagship store in London. www.addict.co.uk

HIGHS AND LOWS, CLAREMONT STORE OPEN

CUBANNIE LINKS CAPS EARRINGS

To the untrained eye these babies appear to be just some bullet-shaped gold earrings but not to ladies in the know. A couple twists here and there and you got yourself a tool kit on the go.

Each earring can convert into a screw-driver, flat head, sharp pointer and a spoon. Great when you want to feel like Inspector Gadget. That is if Inspector Gadget was a hot Latino girl with a coke habit. Man, that would be an awesome cartoon. www.cubannielinks.com

Sneaker-heads of Perth rejoice. West Coast sneaker store Highs and Lows has opened a new store so fresh when you leave you’ll still smell of that sweet-ass new sneaker smell (kinda like new car smell but better). The Claremont store features rich wood panelling throughout and a diamond feature wall that could give any East Coast store a run for its money. Check it at www.highsandlows.net.au

hot & fresh Alife.

The makings of an iconic brand

Alife. You’ve done it again! Alife once again shows them how it’s done with their new range of shoes and tees. With prints and colour-ways that are bold without being flashy and funny without being dweeby. Alife proves why they’re one of the dopest street brands out there. Our pick is this cartoon print tee. Takes me back to those days of Fat Albert and Bangers and Mash, without being one of those lame ‘80s cartoon tees every idiot seems to be wearing these days. I hate those tees!

EDMOND – NEW KIDS ON THE RAIL

Straight from Cali to you, Edmond is a new skate label by long time friends, designer Dylan Anderson and musician Tom DeLonge (yep, that Tom DeLonge). “There was once a time where if you saw a kid wearing a skate tee you could walk up to him and start talking as one skater to another.

Being a skater made you unique and recognizable to other skaters. Not so much anymore” says its founders who have endeavored to inject a fresh burst of uniqueness back into the skate market. But with prints and colour-ways this fresh, it’s going to be hard for non-skaters to resist. Items from this first range also come with a part of their dinosaur mascot to collect and assemble, so you might as well buy the lot. www.edmondclothing.com

Destructo Money Trucks

You’ll be feeling money when you’re riding these bad boys (no homo). These gold base, money print trucks from Destructo bring a touch a class to any deck. Imagine how baller they would be on the Eazy-E deck from Lush Life.

free shit As always ACCLAIM has some free shit for our faithful 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 of this issue. Put that together with your mailing address and your preferred choice of giveaway and start praying.

The Smirnoff Experience is giving twelve lucky peeps entry to the party of the year with two double passes to be won for each event (Sydney 10th July, Melbourne 11th July, Brisbane event 13th July). With Smirnoff Experience 2008, the only way in is to win! Just email us with Smirnoff in the subject and tell us the most random place you’ve ended up on a night out. Entries close June 10.

20 - 21 hot & fresh

Our boys at Byron Bay label Afends have got a prize pack for one lucky reader full of hoodies, caps, tees and heaps of other shit from their latest fresh range.

Check their blog at w w w. a fe n d s . co m for more on these skate peeps.

Speaking of skate, Zoo York has graced us with one of their very limited-edition Ghostface decks made in collaboration with Def Jam and Cornerstone Promotion for the release of Ghostface's album The Big Doe Rehab. Trust me, this prize is insane.

And for those of you into your BMX, we have a pack from Fox consisting of knee pads, elbow pads and gloves.

Strap it up, before you back it up, yo!

MAGS FOR DAYS

At ACCLAIM we love mags and while some newsagents are pretty chilled in terms of you browsing and not buying, you can’t go there and browse magazines, say in your underwear. Not til now anyway. Issuu.com is the magazine addict’s best friend.

The site is like the You-Tube of the mag world. Here you can browse hundreds of mags from the privacy of your own computer and it’s free. We’re even on it!

(Not this issue, so don’t get any ideas). Be warned though, like You-Tube the site can be a real time-sucker, yet unlike You-Tube you come away from an hour of browsing feeling like you’ve gained something, not feeling dirty. www.issuu.com

Adidas Archive CG Windbreaker

For those who like to stand out from the pack you can’t go past this new release of the Archive Windbreaker from Adidas. The classic shape with the out-there colourway make it look like an Olympic Games uniform for Trinidad from the ‘80s, which by the way is a huge compliment. Props to Adidas for forever reinterpreting those classics. In stores July/August.

Miami Animal Police 2

PERSONALISE YOUR SHARPIES

For the man who has everything and likes to draw on stuff, Sharpie has started a new service where you can personalize your own set. Not a lot more I can say about that, but come on, having your own name on shit is always cool, plus no little punks can pass them off as their own which is important as Sharpies have got to be the most racked pen in history. God bless the work stationary supplies closet. Get started at www.mysharpie.com.Warning: the site is really lame so persevere with it.

Who doesn’t love ‘Cops’? The show that is. Well imagine if ‘Cops’ was always set in Miami (the best eps were always in Florida) and instead of crack-heads and hillbillies, it was rabid dogs and loose gators.

Well quit dreaming because Animal Planet is giving you just that with Miami Animal Police 2.

The show is almost better than ‘Cops’ because instead of busting harmless college kids with weed in their glove-box, they bust peeps that aren’t looking after their pets right and these peeps tend to be a bit crazy which of course makes for awesome viewing. Did I mention it was in Miami? Starts June 9.

Smirnoff Experience Terms and Conditions: Entries close June 10, Entry is only open to residents of Australia who are aged 18 years or over. The exact location of the event will remain a mystery until the night of party. The prize is the double entry pass only. All other costs are the responsibility of the winner. Prize is not redeemable for cash under any circumstance. The Promoter and event organizers reserve the right to eject any winner (and/or his/her companion) for any inappropriate behaviour, Winners may be photographed or filmed at the event. Winners acknowledge that the Promoter has the right to use such publicity photos, videos and/or films in any medium and in any reasonable manner it sees fit without further permission from or payment to winners. Neither the Promoter, Diageo or the event organisers will be liable for personal injury suffered during Prize winnings or due to or in connection with the receipt of or utilisation of a Prize. Each winning entrant, and his or her guests (if any), must sign and return any liability release and indemnity provided by the Promoter and/or its contractors as a condition of a Prize being awarded. Failure to return the signed releases and indemnities will result in the entitlement to the Prize being forfeited and the selection of another winner. Entrants grant the Promoter permission to communicate with them by email and/or SMS in order to provide details of the prize (including location and dates of the Party), provided that entrants may opt out of such communications at any time. Recording Devices such as camera and camcorders, will not be permitted at the Smirnoff Experience Secret Party (mobile phones allowed. Any form of communication sent out regarding the Smirnoff Experience Secret Party is intended for the winner only and must not be forwarded to members of the public under 18 years of age (a) mail (b) SMS (c) voicemail (d) email

TOYS 'R' OURS

Selection by Callum Vass

Chumps Mini Series Designer: Frank Kozik Manufacturer: Kidrobot www.fkozik.com

Grand Theft Auto III Designer: Kubrick Manufacturer: Medicom www.medicomtoystore.com

Bonga Konga Designer: Touma www.touma.biz

Breakfast Mongers Designer: Frank Kozik www.fkozik.com

Trexi Coca-Cola Series Designer: Koa

Postal Bud

www.koadzn.com

Eva Peecol

Designer: Jamungo

Designer: Eboy

www. jamungo.com

Opera Dude

Designer: Tokyoplastic www.tokyoplastic.com

Kotaro & Chuwta Designer: T9g

Rocco & Al x Carhartt Designer: Carhartt www.carhartt.com

Anarchy cat

Designer: Frank Kozik

Sex Pistols 1000% Be@rbrick

www.fkozik.com

Designer: Medicom

www.medicomtoystore.com

Hot Cha Cha

Designer: Gary Baseman

Quatric : 001

www.garybaseman.com

Designer: Maxim Zhestkov www.zhestkov.com

Upper Playground Walrus Designer: Craola

22 - 23 TOYS 'R' OURS

Zugan

Designer: Leo Burnett

www.imscared.com

www.myplasticheart.com

Trexi Coca-Cola Series Designer: MCA

Kirro Mini Series Designer: Devilrobots Manufacturer: Kidrobot

www.dvrb.jp

Bird God Day

Mephist Festa

www.studiojarvis.com

www.touma.biz

Designer: James Jarvis

Designer: Touma

toy News [adult swim] x Kidrobot

Murko

Designer: 10.Deep

Star Wars Mighty Muggs

www.10deep.com

www. hasbro.com

Original Fake x Santastic Kaws Hasheem www.kawsone.com

Yira

Designer: Go Hero Manufacturer: Kidrobot www.gohero.com

Design Interior Series 3 Chairs Designer: Design Interior www.kidrobot.com

Dj Panda & Off World Designer: Michael Lau www.mindstyle.com

Spongebob Squarepants x Bape Plush Vintage Slappy

Designer: Bape www.bape.com

Designer: Brandt Peter www.peter-brandt.com

Trexi Coca-Cola Series Designer: Jeremyville www.jeremyville.com

S.L.M x Devilock Designer: Sichi

www.devilock.com

Aiko Bunny

Designer: Aiko Nakagawa Manufacturer: Kidrobot www.ladyaiko.com

Its already being hailed as being the perfect collaboration on the toy scene, with [adult swim] being cartoons for adults and kidrobot making toys for adults. Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Harvey Birdman, Frisky Dingo, The Venture Bros., Metalocalypse, Robot Chicken, Squidbillies, Morel Orel and Ashey McGee are all going to be blindboxed up and no doubt will no doubt sell like hot cakes. I'm personally hanging out for Master Shake (of ATHF fame). Best of all their only US$7.95 a pop, and if your not familier with the cartoons their definetly worth checking.

Supreme x Kermit

Another unlikely collab thats caused quite a buzz are these two New York heavy weights, so far they've only dropped in Japan and have of course already sold out. No word on other releases so its likely you might have to get your ebay on.

Gloomy Bear USB

Always on the more practical end of things Mimico have been some noteworthy crossovers of late, working with the likes of Mori Chack (gloomy bear) and also Tokidoki. Available in 1, 2 and 4 GB sticks at a pretty reasonable price you don't really have an excuse not to own one of these notoriously blood spattered up bears.

Dot Dot Dash Robert

Soccer Jesus Toodee Yo Gabba Gabba!

Designer: We Are Fishermen www.hasbro.com

Designer: Kr Love Ygg

Dunny French Artist Series Designer: Various Manufacturer: Kirobot www.kidrobot.com

Jim Philips x Beams x Medicom Designer: Jim Philips Manufacturer: Medicom www.jimphilips.com

Klanten (Editor) Matthias Hubner (Editor) (Gestaltan // Manic) I thought it might be good to start including some book reviews going and this is one of the most definitive places to start.

It was published in 2006 when the toy scene was just breaking and is really well layed out and organised with captions and text. Also their is a substancial section on plush. Go out check it out for yourself.

SNEAKERS

INDUSTRY PRO WOODY (SNEAKER FREAKER)

For those that don’t know, this issue’s guest Editor is one of the foremost industry pro’s in the world of sneakers. Woody, who we’ve interviewed this issue about his recent colabo with Puma has quickly // hustled his way to the top of the sneaker world through his captaincy of the dopest sneaker magazine

on the planet Sneaker Freaker. Woody was kind enough to take time from his hectic schedule to break down his favourite sneakers (at least for now).

PUMA FIRST ROUND SKATE

I think everyone was a bit surprised when Puma dipped their paws back into skate shoes last year.

The Scott Bourne shoe was reasonable, but this is way better and more appealing on a few levels.

Pumas always look good in suede, and when you add it to a chunky hightop you've got a balltearer and a half. Available in black and red or royal blue.

NIKE AF1

NIKE AIR TECH CHALLENGE

Andre Agassi's denim shorts, fluoro lycra and frizzy hair is enough to love this reissue alone.

Throw popping pink on a midtop tennis racquet and you're got a shoe that will fly out the door quicker than you can say Brooke Shield's your aunty. Traffic on sneakerfreaker.com has been mental on this model and you can see why - the most anticipated re-release of the year by a long way.

ASICS GT QUICK

24 - 25 SNEAKERS

We haven't seen this shoe for a long time and absence makes the heart grow fonder. I'm a big fan of the techie looking sole and the robust tennis/squash/runner feel is right up my alley. I hope this one does well for ASICS, it thoroughly deserves to. Orange and royal blue color combo is pretty good, but the best may be yet to come.

LACOSTE MISSOURI

There are three of four Missouris in this edition, we just happened to show you the cyan blue model. Since Sneaker Freaker collabed on this model a few years back, its appeal has stealthily grown and it's now rightfully regarded as a proper Lacoste classic. The forefoot strap makes it an interesting halftennis, half-crosstrainer beastie. Look out for the other colours in your local store.

(Talaria, Mowabb, Spiridon, Air Max, Wildwood) This is all about taking a half dozen iconic Nike models from over the years and remix their killer colours and fabrics by applying them to the Air Force. Yeah the idea's not totally original in some ways, but the shoes are off the hook. There's 5 or 6 of them in the series and they are ALL GOOD! There's a ton of details including peculiar badging and etchings in the sole and all sorts of sneaky business at work here. The biggest problem is trying to decide which ones I don't need.

SAUCONY SHADOW 6000

An early nineties runner, this thing has got the chunk in the trunk for days. Just look how tough this bandit is. Fans of the AM90 will be tempted to cross over in Shadow 6000 territory, especially when they see the colabs that Alife have put together. Instant winner straight outta left field.

ASICS GEL LYTE III

Here's the model of the moment, the Gel Lyte III. We have about a half dozen in this issue and all of them are good - this orange and black shoe is a Prime exclusive (Melbourne).

You can't really go wrong with a Gel Lyte, all the colours and creeds are good in my book, but the Solebox Colab is out there way ahead of the pack. Enjoy.

P-ROD HIGH

This is the new Nike SB created for Paul Rodriguez. Some have unkindly called it the J-Rod for its Jordanesque physique, but I think that's a little unkind and this shoe has potential to become a classic. Yeah it's not crazy style like an E-Cue or a URL, but at the very least it's not a Dunk. I can imagine a lot of kids fiending for this shoe.

ADIDAS ZX SERIES

Put eighties and runner in the same sentence and you've nearly always got a winner in your hands. This is the best stuff adidas is doing right now by a country mile, and if they could just get their colours mixed right, they could have a gold rush on their hands.

GAMEOFSKATE.COM

www.quattrosports.com.au GameOfSkate@SoleTechnology.com

Sign up online at gameofskate.com. See the website for fulldetails and updates. If you’re under 18 you must have parental consent.

GAMEOFSKATE.COM

[DAMSON .radface [

Section by Ankia

NEW RELEASES

UNDFTD x Converse x Medicom – Raw Dogs Product (RED)

Nike Dunk High Supreme 2008

Nike has just re-released these 1985 basketball classics. This time round these Dunk’s have been reengineered for premium comfort and support. Pictured here are the white/pine green – Varsity Maize and Varsity red/black featuring zoom Air technology, and a perforated leather toebox with reptile print on the upper.

Nike Air Flight 89

Nike has just released these bad boys in a black/white/ university blue colourway nicely detailed with patent leather and cement print.

As part of Converse’s Product (RED) project set up to help expand opportunities for the people in Africa, and to promote the awareness and education of HIV/AIDS, UNDFTD have teamed up with Medicom and Converse to create Raw Dogs. This collab set consists of a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors, Medicom 100%, 400% Be@rbrck set and a ‘Wear A Sock Kid’ tee, available in April via UNDFTD

Reebok Pump D-Time

Nike Air Max 90 Splatter Pack

A new release for Reebok; the D-Time Pump features Reebok’s patent Pump technology and provides great ankle support due to the elevated design. These basketball sneakers come in two lively colourways; white/blue/limegreen and a gray/black colourway.

Just released Nike Air Max 90 - Paint Splatter Pack, pictured here in the White / Navy / Red colourway. The design of the pack features simple and clean colour combinations to contrast the neck-breaking paint splatter.

Nike Vintage Vandal High Supreme '08

This year it seems that Nike are throwing things back in a big way by re-releasing all their heavy hitting sneakers of the 80’s in their original colourways, first it was the vintage Cortez, the Dunk, the Terminator and now the Vandals. Three original colourways of the Vandals (first released back in1984) will once again hit streets mid this year.

Nike Air Jordan Opening Day Pack

The Air Jordan Opening Day Package was created to commemorate Jordan’s achievements and accomplishments on the baseball field. The colourways created are inspired by his time spent with the Chicago White Sox and the Birmingham Barons minor league in which Jordan played for briefly in 1993.

Lupe Fiasco x (RED) Converse

Product

Another Product (RED) collab, this number comes courtesy of Chi-Town’s Lupe Fiasco. These Chuck Taylor hi’s are full black patent leather, has an all red outersole, with white and red accents.

The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air x Puma

Not sure if these are something to rock or just report, but Puma have paid homage to one of the most iconic television sitcoms of the 90s; The Fresh Prince of Bel Air (a strange collab as Will donned more Nike’s and Jordan’s than Puma’s on the show.)

Puma have created the Prince Of Bel Air pack, which consist of a 2 sneaker release accompanied by matching watch and bag. The pack consists of a West Philly themed First Round/Agitation design to represent Will’s hometown of Philadelphia. The print on the sneaker is of the graffiti artwork seen on the show’s opening credits, whilst the second pack is a Bel-Air inspired Clyde/Forcer embossed with classic croc and constructed with the best Italian leather available. The shoe features a PUMA X Fresh Prince medallion badge, metallic gold form strip and lining, Bel Air raised screenprint and exclusive artwork from the graffiti wall on the sock liner. Both shoes come in a specially designed velvet bag with metallic gold embroidery. Only 1032 pairs per style have been produced and will be available at selected retailers worldwide.

SNEAKERS

Words by Ankia

CUSTOM ARTIST Dr Medzoo

This issue’s featured customiser is the talented Dr Medzoo, based in Paris, France, Dr Medzoo started designing sneakers in 2005 after gaining notoriety for his work with clothing and apparel. He has // since been enlisted by the likes of DJ Revolution; hip-hop artists: Wildchild, Sean Price, Guilty Simpson,

and Rack Lo; SNKR ADKT; Hip Hop Resistance and Texaco (to name a few) for his fine design skills, a collaboration with the Wu Tang Clan is also in the works… keep reading to find out more about Medzoo.

When and why did you get started?

In 2005 I began to apply my knowledge of textiles into my sneakers. What I wanted to achieve was to totally modify the sneakers, painting on new colours and graffiti designs.

This desire has grown stronger as I continue to get more and more involved within the sneaker customising game.

How would you describe your designs?

I would describe my designs as clean, precise and fresh.

That is the most important aspect of customising. Making the end product look newer, cleaner and more exciting than the original product. My goal in design is to make my product stand out above the original factory product. In one word my work is… CLEAN. What influences your designs? What design processes do you go through when painting a sneaker?

I grew up within a cross culture of skateboarding, graffiti and basketball. It is these street cultures that have influenced my designs today. These subcultures are etched inside me so when I design, it is these [influences] that come across the strongest. When it comes down to the actual customising, the designing comes very easily to me. I have an idea in my head and I will simply transfer that onto the product.

What are you most prized pair of customs?

I have many pairs that have great value to me, but the ones that I have fallen in love with are a pair of sneakers I customized for the LA artist Wildchild. The name I gave them is ‘AF1 Jack Of All Trades’.

And finally what are you working on at the moment and what have you got planned?

I have a lot of things going on at the moment, but the prospect of doing a collaboration with Redman and Methodman in the upcoming weeks is really exciting to me. I am presently working on a website, that will be up and running soon, but if you need any information you can visit my Myspace to keep you in the loop of what’s going on in the labs of DR Medzoo!

Head here after the jump www.myspace.com/drmedzoo

KNOW YOUR CLASSICS

28 - 29 SNEAKERS

Nike Air Max 180

Widely regarded as an "underrated classic" the Nike Air Max 180 was released in 1991, and is without a doubt a serious heavy-hitter in the prestigious Nike Air Max familia. Tinker Hatfield got it right with the design of the 180, considered as a revolutionary sneaker; the Air Max 180 boasts 50% more air than its predecessors. Another defining trait of the 180 is its clear sole that covers the Air unit allowing a 180 degree view of the air. Initially released in just a handful of colour combinations, the most popular being the original men’s all white with pops of bright green/blue and the European only released women’s white /crimson / magenta colourway, the 180 was originally intended for running but quickly found it’s way onto the basketball courts. Despite the massive advertising push by Nike, specifically via TV adverts involving high profile filmmakers and directors, its attraction was low and subsequently the Nike Air Max 180 was only around for one year. 1992 saw the release of the now highly sort after special, Olympic edition180's that Nike developed for pro basketballer, Dream Team member and foul-mouthed forward Charles Barkley (which he wore at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic games). However it wasn’t until the early 2000's (close to 15 years later) did the Air 180 see it's first official retro release. The Air Max 180 is also the only sneaker to be released as part of the History of Air package as well as Lance Armstrong’s 10/2 signature collection.

case study

Words by Vinny Tang Photos by Thom Rigney

COOL KIDS

The Cool Kids are the fellas to keep your eyes on. Already toured most of the world without an official release of any kind, Chuck and Mikey Rocks are definitely playing their cards right. While in // Melbourne, the Cool Kids were more than happy for ACCLAIM to take a peep into their cases.

30 - 31

case study

Chuck: We bring a small set-up with us, it’s just a baby set-up at the mo’. I have the Macbook, the Korg, and I also have the Akai MPD 24. Also got my M-Box somewhere.

Mikey: I’m playing a game called Disgaea on my PSP. It’s like Final Fantasy. I’ve been playing this game since I’ve arrived in Australia and it’s the longest game since Good Jesus.

Mikey: This is a nice tiger, jaguar, leopard jacket from back home in Chicago. It’s old as shit, I picked it up at this thrift store called Family Thrift. Thought it looked cool so I grabbed it for like two bucks. It might not look cool on anyone else but I make it work!

Chuck: Got a bunch of New Eras, shout out to New Era, they hold us down! Whole bunch of Starters too. We bring heaps of shoes, mostly Jordans, got some V’s and X’s but our favourite are still the Spizikes. Hi-top Nikes thrown in too for good measure.

Mikey: Got this Cassette Playa ‘Peaceman’ tee as well from London, shout outs to our boy from Cassette Playa.

Chuck: Don’t forget the iPod too, this is a vital item, this thing is glued to us dude. I don’t listen to anything new, mostly old-school joints that I’ve downloaded from iTunes.

Listening to Starpoint at the moment.

Go to Vinny Tang’s blog at www.acclaimmag.com for video footage from the shoot and Mikey Rock’s day in Melbourne City.

fly gurl

Shakuhachi mens tshirt worn as dress // Stussy Alex zip hoodie

Photography by JoDuck Styling by Jade Leung

Make-up by Fiona Middleton Location at Royal Crown Barbers Hair by Carl Reeves at Rhubarb haircutters using Kevin Murphy products.

Lee Cooper overall dress // Mossimo ‘80s shirt // Hayley Mei necklace

32 - 33 fly gUrl

Toki Doki I love LA tee // Freshjive Animal Jersey hoodie

FA GIRL SH ION

Jay West

The barbershop. The ultimate home of secret man talk and boy did we give // those boys something to talk about when

the beautiful Miss Judith West appeared at the Royal Crown Barbers in Hawthorn for our shoot that honours that temple of men’s business.

When not turning heads, Judith or Jay as friends call her, likes to spend her time on all things art related. With a preference for drawing Jay says that art is essentially what she enjoys about modelling. “The thing I most enjoy about modelling is the way you are almost a piece of art” Jay muses. No arguments here. Perhaps Jay’s arty and down to earth nature can be attributed to the fact she grew up in Byron Bay as a ‘hippy kid’, though the gradual commercialism of the area brought her to Melbourne. Introduced to modelling through a friend, while Jay hasn’t had much experience in the industry but you’d never pick it. A true professional, Jay even braved icy winds and standing on a milk crate on the sidewalk for a portion of the shoot without so much of a peep, much to the delight of the old Italian men at the pizza parlour next door. With her unique looks (a mix of Chinese, Filipino, Danish and Australian) and hardworking nature, the future looks sharper than an old-school razor for our Miss West.

Mossimo Latifah hoodie // Toki Doki ‘80s tank // Stussy Drake track pant

Streetwear

Words by Andrew Montell Photos by Blake Peterson

AKOMPLICE

A TEAM EFFORT

Four year old street wear brand Akomplice caught our eye some months back and we’ve been // corresponding with them ever since. The Akomplice guys

give the impression that the industry hasn’t gotten to them yet, keeping their style and their personalities down-to-earth. The core team is made up of four people, Mike aka Kool Aide (the designer), Aron aka Deuce, Blake aka The dude that fucks with Eggos hard [whatever the hell that means] and Patrick aka 12PM who gave ACCLAIM the rundown on Akomplice.

34 - 35 Streetwear

While you can see an obvious hip-hop influence in the Akomplice style, it is not a brand intended for an urban audience exclusively.

12pm explains that “We are for people who wanna look fresh or people that wanna wear something that represents something they believe in. We’re for the hip-hop kid that skates, rocks the freshest kicks, and is plotting a revolution in his bedroom …”

The range of influences and backgrounds behind Akomplice are many and help to explain the look and feel of the product range. According to 12pm these influences include, “Mountains, skating, BMX, freestyling, beat making, organic food, politics, mackin’ on hot chickenheads (girls), art, parties, hip-hop, philosophy, cinema, blazin’ trees in the trees, the Caribbean Ocean and sadness. There’s a taste of our background”.

12pm goes on to explain his perception of what sets Akomplice apart from the street wear crowd. “I think just the style. I have heard people say you can tell it’s an Akomplice shirt from a mile away. Also, a lot of times we have concepts that other brands don’t have. Lastly, a huge part is that my brother designs 95%

of everything for Akomplice. It’s our baby, so we watch carefully what we feed it.” And it’s largely because the Akomplice crew remain so personally attached and protective of their product that the style stands out. “Our goal is to just make clothes we like and people like, so you will see how we progress. Right now, a lot of the game is just getting played out, so we will be taking people in new directions. Some stuff we got comin’ is just a lot calmer, cleaner and less graphic orientated, but we also had to continue making the hottest graphic tees. There’s definitely some super political joints.”

While most of the Akomplice collaborations are under wraps until the jump date. One of their bigger moves came about through a collab with Warner Brothers. “We teamed with Warner Brothers on The 11th Hour documentary produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio. By the time you read this, our global warming t-shirt titled The Globe Is Warming will be out and is packaged with The 11th Hour DVD.” In an attempt to discover their influences in street wear specifically we asked 12pm what other brands he’s digging. “I like this question because when most brands are asked this they always answer with four brands you have never heard of to show they know about something you don’t. Also, they don’t wanna help the competition or look like they’re jocking anyone.

So now I am gonna answer with some brands that your readers have heard of. We’re feelin’: 10.Deep, Kilo, Rocksmith, Penfield and Coup De Grace, but Akomplice is still the hottest. (Cue the loud, evil genius madman laugh.)”

CHECK IT OUT www.akomplice-clothing.com

S MATYLE KE RS

Streetwear

Words by Jerry Jerri

In4mants HAWAII VIA NY

Part street, part surf, part skate, In4mants is a clothing label that aint easy to pigeonhole. With its // roots in Hawaii, its design team in New York and one of

their designers an Aussie expat, ACCLAIM was keen to get the low down on this unique outfit and spoke to designer of the In4mants women’s range Elska Sandor.

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Is there a philosophy behind the In4mants brand?

‘I shall proceed… and continue’ is the main tagline for the brand, but I think In4mation is really about knowing your roots, being humble and paying respect where it’s due, and definitely never taking ourselves too seriously. Within In4mation it really is a family (or “ohana” in Hawaiian)…

Is there a particular group of people that embrace In4mants?

How would you describe the In4mants market?

I would say folks that appreciate the creativity and sense of humour that Rhandy always brings to the men’s tee graphics.

We’ve all had such strong roots in the action sports market, so I think there’s definitely a following there. But mainly it’s because all these fellas are just so genuine and sincere; it shows through in the brand and people really respond to that.

Who is involved in In4mants and what are their backgrounds?

The Hawaii based crew is; Todd Shimabuku and Ryan Arakaki who both worked as buyers for skate/surf/street stores in Hawaii prior to opening the In4mation stores, and Jun Jo who is a pro surfer (whose sponsors include; Zoo York, Casio, Vertra Suncare, Anon sunglasses). The NYC based In4mants are Rhandy Tambio who has worked as a designer for years for various streetwear companies, and Elska Sandor who cofounded Rookie Skateboards Nyc in 1996.

You are originally from Australia, how did you come to be designing for a Hawaiian clothing brand?

Rhandy is the menswear designer, he is from Hawaii while I am the women’s wear designer and was born and raised in Melbourne; but we’re both living and working out of NYC where the In4mation Design Office is located. I’ve been living here since 1995 and through Rookie I got to know Todd and Ryan. I then met Rhandy who did a pro deck graphic for Jamie Reyes - a skater on Rookie. Through the fellas I eventually met Jun and we’ve all been like family ever since, so when they asked me to join In4mation as the women’s designer it was both an honour and an easy decision for me to make.

There’s obviously a surf influence to the brand, what else sets In4mants apart from other streetwear labels?

I think the way that Rhandy and I design is trying to balance that relaxed ideal of island living with the style of city dwelling. We all grew up with the beach, bbq, fun, chilled out lifestyle, and we want to bring that to our clothing, but combine it with the faster paced, more practical NYC aesthetic. I think both the men’s and women’s collections have managed to convey that through simple silhouettes that focus on interesting detail and hidden elements that bring our sense of humour to the garments.

IN4MANTS COLLABS COMING SOON The Sea Foam G-Shock (the second watch collab with Casio), the Etnies SLB sneaker (which is pretty gosh darn exciting), the DC Volcano sneaker, an In4mation/Diamond skateboard series, an In4mation/Diamond/Gravis bag, and ‘A Penny Saved’ fedora hat with Brixton.

C MEITY SU ETS RF

Photos By Slb x Etnies x In4mation shoe (the shoe that started this whole skate collector shoe thing) // Casio X In4mants watch

faces

Words by Andrew Montell Photos by Thom Rigney

INTRODUCING THE JIROZAME BLAZE OF GLORY SNEAKER FREAKER MAGAZINE X PUMA

Simon Wood, aka Woody is the brains behind the underground mag, come hugely popular, worldwide // publication Sneaker Freaker. Not content with a

magazine distributed to over 30 countries, a recent deal to see a Spanish language version of the magazine in the market and a job that sees him jet-setting around the world on the regular, Woody has just unveiled the first Sneaker Freaker shoe, mysteriously named the Jirozame in collaboration with Puma. ACCLAIM caught up with Woody at his Fitzroy office for the lowdown on the project.

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You’ve got fairly solid relationships with most of the high-ups at the major sneaker brands, what lead to you working with Puma specifically?

To be honest, we’ve said no to a lot of possible colabs, and the reason we said yes to Puma is that we are very close to the guys in the local office who have supported us since the earliest days.

We actually started talking nearly two years ago about doing a shoe and at that point they had a lot of Clydes in the market and our idea was to do the complete opposite. So when the product guys in Boston hit us with the Blaze, we were all over it. There’s the chunky, jacked up stance, the weird lacing design and the fact that it hasn’t been in the market before made it the perfect vehicle. Personally, I love this shoe with all my heart which is the most important thing. I could never work with a company I didn’t respect, although I do think the second colourway is even better! Wait til you see it and you can make up your own mind.

There’s also 40 pairs made out of genuine shark skin and they are nuts. These will be given to friends and family only.

Where did the Jirozame name come from?

Well that’s bit of a mystery. If anyone can work it out, I’ll send you a prize. Send your answers to info@sneakerfreaker.com How did you go about designing the Jirozame and what made you decide to work with the Disc Blaze template over other iconic Puma templates?

A lot of people are curious as to how you design a shoe. It’s actually pretty much as you’d expect. We trace the shoe’s outline in Illustrator and then mark it up for colour and choose

materials. That’s sent off to a factory somewhere in the far East and then one day a man in a van knocks on your door with a first strike-off. After a lot of anxiety about juggling colour combos and fabrics and stress trying to create something totally original, it ended up pretty close to the original design.

You worked with a 90s sneaker template for the Jirozame, is that your favourite sneaker era?

I guess so. I’m not really fussed by decades as such. In actual fact, the Blaze of Glory never actually went into production until recently. The shoe shares the same sole unit as the Disc Blaze, but it doesn’t have the clunky disc system sitting up top. I like the fact that it’s retro but it’s also a vision of the future.

“There’s also 40 pairs made out of genuine shark skin and they are nuts.”

For 2008 what are your tips on the sneaker releases to look out for?

I hate to be a suck, but we do keep mum about a lot of shoes that are still secret... but I would say that colabs are still where it’s at. Watch out for Alife, they’re on a roll in 2008. I think the Bok are back! Nike will always be strong, Supra seem pretty hot and of course, Puma keep things moving in unexpected directions, which is one of the things I really like about them. It’s a petty weird business to be in some days, but you wouldn’t be dead for quids. Who wouldn’t like a job flying around the world talking about shoes for a living?

For the full interview with Woody check out www.acclaimmag.com

S SHTYLE AR K

Zoo York zip-up hoody // Illustrated People dress // Zoo York track pants // Vans authentic lo-downs

Photographer: Monique Easton // Hair and Makeup: Rose Borg // Stylist: Ritchie at Another Inch

Lifetime Collective hoody // Mossimo tee // Levi’s LVC denim

LRG hoody // Mishka tee // Fallshaw pants // Adidas sneakers

Mooks singlet top // Fallshaw pants // Adidas sneakers // Dakine backpack

Another flocked tee // Mooks orange jeans // Vans mountain edition half cabs

Supreme x Oakleys chrome sunglasses // Carhartt windcheater

Mishka x New Era cap // M.H.I by Maharishi hoody // Adidas track pants // Converse yellow All-Stars

shopping

Words by Memphis Loaded photo courtesy of sneakerfreaker.com

Tongue photo by Geoff Budd

Shopping Guide

New Zealand

Despite being primarily recognised for its natural beauty and adventure tourism, New Zealand actually has something to offer the streetwear fiends and with flights from Australia hitting // bargain levels, why not tie your thirst for the great outdoors with a spot of shopping?

Good As Gold 140 Victoria St // Wellington Ph: +64 4 381 4653 Good As Gold is a cool spot located in Wellington City with a more risky and fashion focussed twist on the usual street brands. They cater for clothing shoes and accessories and the list of brands they stock is massive so you're sure to find something for everyone. A small sample of them includes 10 Deep, Alife, Gram, Amos, Blank, Claude Maus, Colab, Chronicles of Never, D_luxe, Keep, Ksubi Eye, Cheap Monday, Medicom, Nike, Of The Castle, Perks & Mini, Po-Mo, Rockers NYC, Salasai, Shakuhachi, Something Else, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Thousand Reasons, Umbro By Kim Jones, WESC, Wood Wood and more.

Loaded 57 High St // Auckland Ph: +64 9 302 3680 76 Manners Mall Wellington Ph: 04 381 2205 Slightly more street/skate focussed than Good As Gold is Loaded. They have 2 locations, one on High Street in Auckland and the other on Manners Mall in Wellington. They stock Nike SB, Vans, Adidas Skate, Reebok, Puma, Wrangler, Levis, Lower, Reason, Carhartt, Nixon, New Era, Crooks & Castles, ABC, Edwin, Undefeated, Milkandhoney, Blinde and more. Their events are rumoured to be well worth attending so sign up to the mailing list online and get along to one if you’re in town. Recent in-store highlights include the Reebok Kool-Aid pack.

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Qubic 154-160 Broadway // Newmarket // Auckland Ph: +64 9 520 1685 It’s finally open! Qubic took months to finally come together but the wait was worth it. Qubic is a huge sneaker and street wear focussed boutique as well as the flagship store for Republis and a gallery space. Shoes come courtesy of Nike SB, New Balance, Adidas, Vans, JB Classics and DC. Clothing includes Republic, The Hundreds, Alife, Swagger, KIKSTYO, Trumvir, Kid Robot, Royale Fame (SBTG’s label), Schwipe, New Era, 10 Deep, Fuct, Lola & Evie, Little Lady From, Something, One teaspoon, Nudie Jeans, Hem & Haw, Levis.

Tongue 95 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby // Auckland Ph: +64 9 360 2610 Tongue has been open since 2003 with the aim of bringing key European brands to New Zealand. They also won Metro Magazine’s readers choice Best Men’s Shoe Store award in 2005. Not your usual store but definitely worth checking out, footwear brands stocked include Lacoste, Puma, Adidas Originals, Kathryn Wilson and more.

Fabric 5 High Street // Auckland Ph: + 64 9 3664528 This one’s for the fashionista that finds him or herself in Auckland.

From all reports the staff are surprisingly approachable, adding a great vibe to a store full of amazing stock. Catering for guys and girls they stock Eley Kishimoto, Clements Ribeiro, Rogan, Dirk Bikkemberg, Dirk Schönberger, Paper Denim, Sevens, Sass & Bide, Antoni & Alison, Duffer, Evisu and more. A nice sized, minimalist decorated space that should definitely be visited. Überfunk Shop 35 // Richmond Mall Richmond // Nelson Ph: +64 3 544 2692 Überfunk is a more urban standard footwear and apparel focussed store but they do have a few gems and it is definitely worth a look when in the area. Brands stocked include Onitsuka Tiger, Lacoste Shoes, Adidas Originals, Odyssey 2020, Goorin, Nooka, Royal Elastics, Diesel, Puma, Zanerobe, 310 Motoring Shoes, Nike, Havaianas, New Era, DuFFS, Vein Wear Shoes, Neves, FC Quick Footwear, Blinde, Bench Clothing, Henleys, Red Monkey Designs, and Feit Footwear.

Why not buy online at www.funkyshoes.co.nz Others Adidas Original // Identity // Mufti The Loft // Burger Fuel Places of Interest The Mermaid // 73 Courtenay Place Wellington // Ph: +64 4 3850552 Now I know what you’re thinking, a strip club? Really? Take this with a grain of salt. We could have covered the usual traditional stuff as there really is a wide array of amazing things to do in New Zealand, but that’s all readily attainable anyway. In the dominant white collar environment of Wellington sits this place. You have to give it to them; the set up sure is unique. Giant fish tanks with scantily clad mermaids doing their thing surround you in the most entertaining way. Word has it that the mermaids can also be finger-painted… if you’re so inclined.

Mainflow

In the backyard of AKOMPLICE Headquarters

streetwear

Selection and photos by Memphis

STYLE GUIDE

As our part of the world moves into the colder seasons our resident style guru Memph Doggy Dog has gone on the hunt for a range of outfits to help you step out in style no matter ya swagger. If // you’re fiending for a new look this season without going the metro route look no further than the 50 - 51 Streetwear

ACCLAIM Style Guide…

Simple, subtle darkness. Black long sleeve with dark denim and a charcoal over layer, hooded or not, is perfect for winter. Throw in the black shoes and you’re set. These vans are great, take the laces out and it’s pretty much a slip on sneaker, hello laziness. The bandana out the side is a swagger you either love or hate, your call.

Addict Hooded Jacket // Triumvir // Hakan Jeans Raw // Black Vans Authentics // Hakan Bandana

Perfect look and could even be your nightly uniform. Mid cut sneaker, dark denim, simple bright tee with dark bomber jacket. So necessary.

Even more relaxed. If you're still intent on doing bigger jeans that’s fine. Just make it work so you don't look like a bum. Keep your jeans dark, your hoodie bright and the rest simple.

Autonomy Jacket // Autonomy $ Tee // Autonomy Black Jeans // Pointer Debaser

Reigning Champ Zip Hood // UNDFTD Stick Ball Tee // Edwin SEN Selvage Skinny Jeans // Vans Half Cab True Red

ST WAYLE RS

Slightly more dressed up again, this time there's a wash in the denim. We usually discriminate fairly heavily against washed denim here but it is fine, just make sure it’s not overly obvious. This is a slight wash and it works well with the washed out tee and dark jacket. The shoes top it all off perfectly, clean with sneaker comfort but grown up a bit.

Reigning Champ Varsity Jacket // Addict Script Tee // Edwin Win RV Regular Blue Rinse Jeans // Vans Black Sk8 Mid

A skinnier leg for the right time works. This one might not be for all readers but the overall style is a bit cleaner cut than your everyday hoody. The big jacket's there too so you know you’re staying warm.

Addict Swift Camo M65 // Addict Sweet Science Tee // Hakan Jeans Washed // Pointer Tayor

Casual Sundays. Raw denim, clean hoodie, graphic tee and some half cabs. This is pretty much winter day uniform and can do you no wrong.

UNDFTD U-Man Hoodie // Hakan Death Metal Tee // Addict Jeans // Vans Iron Maiden POM Sk8 Hi // Zoo York Ghostface deck

skate

Words by Marc de Carne Photo by Glenn Barry

pascal leniston

it's all about how it feels

Pascal Leniston paints the complete picture of a creative skater. Committed, adaptive and calm, he’s // set to bring his speedy art to a broader audience.

So what kind of skater would you class yourself as Pascal, how would you explain your style?

I enjoy cruising, carving, hill bombs, so I think speedy. I definitely like to be creative with my skating, not run of the mill I guess, a bit quirky. I’m not real anal about how I land my tricks and stuff.

It's all about how it feels.

So what’s in the pipeline, where are you headed in the coming months?

Saving money. Los Angeles. I won a return flight in the Boom Big-Bang competition about a year ago, I’m looking to book flights for June or July. If all goes well I'll meet up with a couple of the U.S Adio guys and skate, shoot photos and film, but make good connections and have a good time… A main focus is to get a good base of footage down.

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You’ve been in Australia for four years, where did you start skating and what brought you to Melbourne?

I pretty much cruised the east coast for a year but started in Sydney for nine days. It was a big mixture of things that brought me here, but to meet up with a beautiful girl is what made me get the money together and fly down. Work opportunities and a faster pace was also a big part. I had only ever heard good things about the skating and people here too. I used to skate a lot in Wellington [NZ], which was pretty rough, and Melbourne is such a smooth city, it’s a never-ending paradise for skaters. I skated heaps when I was younger and gave it up for a while, then started back and chilled on it. I'm glad I came to Melbourne because it got me right back into skating. Melbourne is constructed with the public in mind, so there's a lot of aesthetically pleasing stuff, which is great to skate.

What drew you to skating, and what or who are your primary influences?

The speed, the adrenaline involved and the freedom probably above all else. When you’re riding, any problems go out the door and it helps you to work through them at the same time. I learnt I could achieve a goal if I really wanted it bad enough and not to worry about getting hurt.

So you’re not too shy of getting hurt, what injuries have you had and what is the worst?

I’ve had a couple of fractures to my arm, wrist area, and when I was 13 or 14 rolled my ankle pretty bad. I managed to do it

again a while back which held me up. My right shoulder joint is displaced. Lots of soft tissue stuff, and a few concussions but I’ve been lucky when it comes to it, nothing too major.

“When you’re riding, any problems go out the door and it helps you to work through them at the same time.”

So saving and travel are on the horizon, where do you see yourself in the next few years, what’s planned for Pascal?

Basically, I’ve got the desire to travel with the skating. I see myself ending up in Spain. I’ve been drawn to Spain even before skating. I do love Melbourne. I want to make the most of this trip to LA. I’m going to stick at it, and really keep my enjoyment for skating. I’m in a situation where I’m thinking about my options and path, in the industry here or overseas, and it is great working within it. I've been working with the boys at Bentley Sports for a while now, who have been extremely supportive with everything and I look forward to being there for now. Don’t think I’ll be making a big move just yet. I’d love to be able to skate and travel with it without having to work a lot… I'm going to keep at it, enjoy, and stay positive.

Check Pascal's team at www.boomskateboarding.com

CR E SK ATIV 8E E R

Music

Words by Marc de Carne

The Presets’ Kim Moyes

A pop band with a warped sensibility

The Presets started as an afterthought. Though, these Conservatorium musicians now cause live // hysteria in Australia and abroad. Difficult to classify,

their more recently darker style seems appealing to primal rockers, pretty ravers, and electronic-pop lovers alike.

Is it true that the Presets started as a side project?

Yeah, in a way, not specifically. It was sort of an afterthought.

We were in a band called Prop. Prop were serious, learned, instrumental and heavy. In rehearsals we used to muck around with what we thought was dumb, dumb because of Prop. It sort of spawned out of that.

What other acts have you been amazed by while you are touring?

Most of the bands that are similar to us. Hot Chip, Digitalism, Justice; Cut Copy’s new album is fucking great, I’ve been listening to that a lot. Midnight Juggernauts are amazing. The bands that are like us, essentially pop bands with this weird, warped sensibility.

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It's hard to deny Apocalypso is already a hit, snippets feature on Aussie prime time television and you’ve sold out most of the upcoming Australian gigs. So how’d the album come about with all that touring?

We had to squeeze it into pockets of spare time. Two weeks in February, in between festivals, in Byron Bay. We hadn’t done anything since the last album and we had to do a few festivals …

Most of the work was done from August last year to January this year… We came back and nailed the first two singles straight away … by December we had most of it done and finished it by January.

Can you explain the motivation for the seemingly darker tones in Apocalypso?

I don’t know where the motivation comes from, it’s just us. We have always had that to our sound. It would be a bit self-analytical to talk about it … Me and Julian [Hamilton] are pretty intense people and pretty dark. It is us, we do that darkish shit and that’s where we come from … My People is a hard rock tune with a dance sound. I imagine it as if Metallica was a disco band.

Who did the Album art for Apocalypso?

All the album art is done by Jonathan Zawada. He did our work for the first EP and we stayed with him. The new album cover is amazing. I was looking at it yesterday, it is so creepy and we look like action figures … it is such good art because it is still giving …

You're off to the States in May with a stack of back-to-back shows, then back to Oz before you head to Europe. Is all the travel and touring daunting?

Yeah, it is a little bit. We’ve done so much that the romanticism is gone. We can feel those dates now and know what it means … Jet lag for the first week, flying around and not getting anything good to eat at first … We definitely love it, but sometimes it is like going out for a tour of duty. It has been a struggle to get to where we are, so hopefully this time it will be a little more comfortable.

“Me and Julian are pretty intense people and pretty dark. It is us, we do that darkish shit and that’s where we come from.”

What do you get up to when you are not performing? What’s your alter ego like?

Well I haven’t been that person for a long time. When I get back from tour I unwind. I hang at home with my girlfriend, I read books and go to movies. And after a week or so I get antsy to make more music.

ELEEVIL C PO TRO P

Music

Words By Callum R. Vass

SANTOGOLD

LOWER EAST SIDE ARTISTE When life gives you lemons, paint that shit gold.

When Brooklyn chanteuse Santi White was a downer // her father died and her band broke up, she painted

Santogold. She’s already conquered the world with her live shows, internet presence and some incredible support slots and finally she’s delivering her highly anticipated album which combines hip-hop, pop, and dub amongst many other genres.

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“It’s been the best lead up to my record that I could have ever asked for, so I’m just excited for it to come out so it can deliver on all the hype that’s surrounded the release” Santi says of her debut release. Hype is an understatement, her debut release features production from the who’s who of “it” producers including Diplo, Switch, Freq Nasty as well as the late Disco D, all of whom brought with them different elements to create a unique and organic sound. But by the sounds of it Santi didn’t give them an easy time. “I think we all stepped outside of our comfit zone, because they had never worked with a vocalist like me before who actually writes like pop songs and also with so many live instruments on the CD I’m like “I don’t like samples, let’s not sample anything!”.

Santi grew up in Philadelphia, where she was the only black kid in her school, and in 2003 her father died whilst embroiled in an FBI investigation of municipal corruption in the city. Shortly after that she returned to New York where she formed the reggaeinfluenced punk band Stiffed whilst working as an A&R at Epic records. They disbanded following the release of their debut LP and White soon found herself working with horn obsessed producer Mark Ronson covering The Jams’ Pretty Green on his Version album as well as buddying up with M.I.A., who she is frequently compared to. “I think that people need a point of reference and so because most people haven’t heard my full record and that because I’m working with some of the same producers, we’re friends and because our influences are from a lot of genres, so that’s the main reason for the comparisons, but that’s why I’m excited for my new record to come out so that I can stand on my own two feet”.

On the side she also managed to co-write and produce tracks for Ashlee Simpson and Lily Allen, something that has raised some noses from her more “indie” fans but that doesn’t faze her one bit. “I’m not really looking for people to approve of everything I do in my life, I don’t need anyone to approve of anything I do. I think that for me as a song writer it’s important for me to put myself in situations that are challenging”.

“I’m excited for my new record to come out so that I can stand on my own two feet” Pre official release there has been no shortage of tour opportunities for Santogold including “…a few shows with Björk, a mini tour with Architecture In Helsinki, a little tour with M.I.A. in September, I felt there was a little bit of demand for it”.

All this while recording her album. With rave reviews from the recent Coachella Music Festival, one thing for sure, Santogold will explode this year.

Diversify your mind Santogold penned Ashlee Simpson’s latest hit Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya) which she describes as “If it were up to me , that music wouldn’t even exist, but there is a value in knowing how to write a fucking banger chorus” she’s also sold her songs to Bud Light Lime, VO5 hair products and had a tracks included on the EA games NHL 08 & FIFA 08.

EC

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music

Words by Jerry Jerri

DEL THA FUNKEE HOMOSAPIEN RETRACING HIS STEPS Del Tha Funkee Homosapien was at the top of the pop charts when I was a teenager, propelled to // celebrity status through his unconventional first

single Mrdobalina. He’s continued to pop up on the radar over the years, most recently on the Gorillaz’ hit single Clint Eastwood. Del has just released his first album in nearly 8 years titled Eleventh Hour to mixed reviews. It is the first time since the founding of his independent label Hieroglyphics Imporium that Del has released an album on another label, this time choosing to work with his friend El-P’s Def Jux label.

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The first Del album was initially dismissed by many in the hiphop world due to its experimental P-funk heavy production courtesy of his cousin Ice Cube and raps that were outside of the box for the time. The reaction to I Wish My Brother George Was Here saw Del second guessing himself and dramatically changing his musical direction.

“It wasn’t that I was disappointed with I Wish My Brother George Was Here, it was just that at that time the hip-hop scene kinda hated on the record. I didn’t understand at the time that they just wished they was in my position. It’s not that I didn’t like the record, I just didn’t like the fact that these so-called ‘experts’ were saying that I wasn’t hip-hop, that offended me. So after that I went on this crusade to show people that I really had the hip-hop skills. But that first album though, that’s a classic man!”

There has been some speculation that Del’s extended hiatus was due to his overuse of hallucinogens, a rumour that Del is quick to dismiss. “That’s bullshit. Don’t get me wrong, when I was younger I had no shame and was drinking, doing mushrooms and acid, popped ecstasy when it was still MDMA back then. I don’t do it like that now because I’m older and I got shit to do. My inspiration was never really that and it certainly wasn’t my downfall. My downfall was basically a bitch that I was fucking with for a minute! That was damn near my downfall and it put me out of the game for about five or six years, that was a dangerous, hazardous situation but that didn’t keep me from working on my shit.”

Del Tha Funkee Homosapien has enjoyed a long career that began when he was nineteen years old. Throughout this career he has experienced much critical acclaim for the many and varied projects that he has put his name to, but it’s still his first album that carries the fondest memories for Del.

“I just didn’t like the fact that these socalled ‘experts’ were saying that I wasn’t hip-hop, that offended me.”

“That album came together so tight. Cube was Cube ya know what I’m saying and he was clowning too. The people that was around were straight gangstas some of the time, but it was cool to have that gangsta vibe too… Meeting George Clinton and the Brides of Funkenstein and being able to work with them on my first release, it was so big I didn’t even know how big it was back then, I knew them, I felt them, but not to the degree that I do now. Now that’s my whole basis for me doing shit.”

“That was a big time and another big time for me was when I was doing this album because I got a lot of that good feeling back that I had working on my first abum. So I’ve just taken that feeling and been able to bring it into this era and update it.”

For more of this interview visit www.acclaimmag.com

S FUTILL NK Y

Music

Words by Barry Hartono

UFFIE

Are we ready to Uff?

Debuting the first awards night for urban music; ‘06 and ‘07 were interesting years for Australian Hip// Hop’s progress. 2008 however, will be an interesting time for Hip-Hop’s progression – on a global level. We chat to the girl that’s spearheading the evolution.

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Good innovative music lies within the mind of the beholder.

Some may even argue that capturing your success by breaking the mould is virtually impossible, and is only but a mere matter of luck. As we speak, millions of bedroom producers across the world have locked themselves in their rooms in search for an anomaly in nuance, a skipped snare after quantizing or just simply giving it all they got to the keys for the sound that haunts them during every session. One crew however, have managed to control such experimental methods into a collection of digestible Electro-Funk tracks that have slowly made their way into the club circuit.

It’s not the first time Electro and Hip-Hop have converged but throw in an international brat with fashion sense and you’ve got yourself a cross-promotional amalgamation of epic proportions that only A&R’s dream of. You guys know her as Uffie, or that 19 year-old chick that gets wasted on stage. Gimmick, Fad, Pioneer, Confused, what ever you like to call her, if there’s one thing that Uffie is completely sure of, is the amount of haters she has managed to develop, “In a way it doesn’t affect me that much, if anything I just laugh at it; I think it’s funny. I actually prefer them [punters] to doubt me rather than just say, ‘oh, she makes nice music’. I think it’s a good thing that I can cause that much of a stir and amp people up about my music,” she steadily confessed.

For the few who are scratching their heads, the Uffie brand is a chaotic blend of 80’s synth-heavy production and random bursts of broken lyricism headed by French based collective,

Ed Banger – getting warmer? Well you all remember Justice’s funky turned trashy ‘07 hit, ‘D.A.N.C.E’ right? Well it was DJ Feadz from the crew that convinced the naïve Floridian to rhyme over a track that led to become one of the most unconventional Hip-Hop songs ever made, ‘Pop The Glock’. Soon after, ‘Ready To Uff’, the profanity driven Electro club banger that raised the eyebrows of pill-munching munchkins and cultured urban cats of grime and 2-step flavouring was born – and so were the taunts.

Unlike Uffie’s classmates, Lady Sovereign and M.I.A, who also exercises the use of feline rap and eccentric beats; didn’t have to face criticism for over-doing the vocoder, “Pop the Glock and First Love are the only tracks I’ve made where my voice has been vocoded all the way through,” she hastily replies to an all too familiar production question. Then again, haven’t we all gotten used to T-Pain’s voice?

The real question isn’t whether or not Uffie is entitled to “rap”, but the thought of self proclaimed Hip-Hop enthusiasts who deny all innovation as soon as they hear it. It’s a cold hard fact to digest for a lot of artists, but music has become a money making machine developed over erratic periods of consumerism and capitalism. There are push and pull factors in the music industry that force artists to revaluate the way they express themselves if they wish to have longevity and a healthy income. And in Uffie’s case, it’s all about executing her craft convincingly. Although Uffie admits that her music gravitates towards Electro more than Hip-Hop, there really is no reason to close the urban gates on her; unless you feel threatened?

STEADY MOBBING Uffie recently linked up with streetwear chicks Married To The Mob and can be seen modelling their current Fall range.

She will be touring Singapore andHong Kong late May.

UF F ST N UF F

in Depth

Words by Saeed Saeed

View of an overcrowded hillside, typical of a Rio de Janeiro favela.

Photo by H. John Maier Jr. (Time Life Pictures/Getty Images)

Urban Decay

Brazil’s War on Drugs The orders from upstairs are simple enough: To go in and crush. The authorities come with tanks, // helicopters and 1,350 soldiers. The location is not

Baghdad, but Rio de Janeiro’s urban sprawl of Complexo do Alamao, an unofficial network of 12 favelas that is home to more than 200,000 impoverished Brazilians. The targets are not foreign invaders, but the Red Command criminal syndicate, which has been enforcing its own brand of law and running its multi-million dollar drug trade from within these urban wastelands.

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The poor that reside here are subject to strict rules regulating all aspects of daily life from the rationing of electricity, gas, cable television and the internet. The judges are the young men, normally under 25 years of age, who patrol the streets with AK’s slung on their backs. The punishment for breaking any of the street codes is swift and brutal.

Since the residents of the ‘Alamao’ first heard about the government’s ‘war on drugs’, their expectations have been doused by years of broken promises and corruption. This is merely another cynical exercise for the papers.

The police attack is severe and predictable. At 10am, June 27 2007, Brazilian soldiers, crack police troops and regular police officers storm into the favelas and instigate another of their bloody battles against an enemy created by bad economic policies, corruption and elitism.

The death toll is officially between 19 and 24, residents say it is much higher. Human rights activists condemn the attack,

labelling it heavy handed with many innocent residents killed in the crossfire. Rio’s security secretary, Jose Mariano Beltrame is unapologetic, describing the violence as a ‘bitter pill’ slum dwellers must swallow in order to save their neighbourhoods from drug gangs. As for the killing of innocents, Beltrame becomes philosophical ‘you cannot make cake without breaking eggs’ he tells reporters.

Just a few miles away, hundreds of meters below the favelas’ mountain tops, tourists are sunbaking in the iconic Copacabana Beach, oblivious to the truth of what life in Rio is really like.

An Unwanted History So how did it all get so out of hand? The general consensus amongst Brazilian political leaders and academics is that after nearly a century of economic, political and social neglect the favelas have mushroomed to such an extent that they have become ungovernable. Subsequently, drug dealers and gangs moved into dispense their own brand of ‘public safety’ with residents paying regular ‘street taxes’ and obeying the social code each gang imposes on the neighbourhoods that they rule.

The history of Brazil’s drug war is entwined with the history of its controversial favelas, the Brazilian equivalent of shanty towns.

One in four cariocas (as Rio’s citizens are called) lives in a favela, but they remain unacknowledged by the local government. The general consensus amongst Brazilian authorities is that favelas and their residents do not possess any legal rights due to their unregulated living conditions.

Favelas originated when victorious soldiers of the Canudos War (1895-1896) returned from the war fields of the north-eastern Brazilian state of Bahia to discover inadequate houses provided

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CIA

Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL: Brazilian army soldiers of the Parachute Brigade arrest four suspects of drug dealing at the Providencia shantytown, 10 March 2006, during a military operation searching for weapons stolen from an army barracks Around 10 Kg of cocaine was found in the house of one of the arrested men. Photo by ANTONIO SCORZA (AFP/Getty Images)

for them by the government. Their only option was to settle in unreclaimed public land on a hill in Rio de Janeiro called Morro da Providencia which they renamed ‘Morro da Favela’, after the plant which had been so evident in the land of their victory.

While most official history dates back only to the post Canudos War period, favelas were already operating as renegade provinces for fugitive African slaves. After Brazil abolished slavery in 1888, emancipated slaves started moving into shanty towns in Brazil’s outer suburbs after being pushed away by mainstream Brazilian society. The favelas provided a safe environment where all were accepted and at the same time provided easy access to the main cities where they could obtain menial work.

A century later, Brazil’s unequal economic policies and the growing greed of real estate factions pushed millions of former middle class Brazilians into favelas. In turn these quiet communities exploded into highly dense urban hubs consisting of unlicensed and self made homes constructed from ad-hoc materials ranging from unwanted bricks, mud and garbage.

Electricity was achieved courtesy of the illegal tapping of the public grid and essentials such as an effective sewage system are virtually non existent, thus making the region rife with health problems such as dysentery and most recently, killer outbreaks of Dengue Fever.

Due to their constricted space most favelas are inaccessible by vehicles, but residents are mobile through a vast network of shabbily built stairways, sidewalks and walking tracks that crisscross the district.

This inhospitable, pre-modern terrain and close proximity to urban areas has made favelas havens for criminal gangs, who often adopt different favelas as their headquarters. Brazil’s growing role in the South American cocaine trade as a transit destination has severely impacted its favelas. Drugs have flooded these neighbourhoods and public courtyards are increasingly becoming the bloody stage where the authorities and

rival gangs fight for their own brand of justice and the ultimate prize of controlling the distribution of Brazil’s lucrative drug trade.

The Growth of Rio’s Gangs The growth of Rio’s gangs is inextricably linked to the explosion of Brazil’s drug trade. As more money was being made from transporting and selling illicit drugs, more drug factions were created in order to steal a slice of the business with violent turf wars occurring over disputed territory. Brazil’s downward economic spiral, social inequality, high unemployment and a low minimum wage acted as the key recruitment tools for gangs to lure youngsters from the communities they wish to control. Global intelligence estimates state that there are up to 6,000 armed children in Rio de Janeiro.

Rio’s criminal world is ruled by three main criminal gangs, with the addition of a few splinter factions. The oldest and most powerful is the The Red Command (Comando Vermelho – CV), created in 1979 in the Candido Mendes prison on Ilha Grande, where political and common prisoners frequently mixed. Originally, it appeared under the motto of ‘Peace, Justice and Freedom’, but with the arrival of cocaine in the early eighties, the CV increased its power and arms and have become the most dominant gang in Rio’s prisons.

The CV’s main rivals are the Third Command (Terceiro Comando – TC) and Friends of Friends (Amigos dos Amigos – ADA). Both of these groups were created after a series of bitter (and often fatal) disagreements occurred within the CV. Both the TC and ADA are key drug players in Rio’s favelas.

Inter-gang violence is a mainstay of Rio’s streets with 6,000 deaths reported as homicides in 2006 alone. While most major decisions are made behind Brazilian prison bars, day to day operations in the favelas are run by drug traffickers, many of whom are in their early twenties as they rarely live past 35.

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in Depth

Photos by Anonymous Favelado

Photo supplied by Anonymous Favelado Photo supplied by Anonymous Favelado

‘Choque’ the Trafficante Alexander ‘Choque’ de Jesus Carlos, a Red Command drug lord, was no exception to the rule. He was killed at the age of 32 in the police raid of Complexo do Alamao. Although he shared a similar fate to most of Rio’s traffickers, the fact that his life was documented by some of the Brazilian and international press gives an insight into what life is like for a Rio drug trafficker.

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He was raised in the squalor of Rio’s favelas and was a car mechanic by trade. In order to supplement his meagre income he joined the Red Command and through a combination of brains and raw violence worked his way up the organisation’s hierarchy.

Choque was a notorious cop killer, who unlike other traffickers preferred to battle it out with the cops rather than pay customary bribes. Under his regime, the favelas trembled with fear as Choque not only routinely murdered his own men he suspected of cowardice, it was widely rumoured that he also sent his victims to be dismembered by a local butcher. Like other traffickers, Choque had a taste for gold jewellery and fast motorcycles. When his body was found he was wearing his signature large gold medallion with the engraving “220 Volts’.

The war against Rio’s gangs Since Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrived in 2003, his government has taken a policy of direct confrontation regarding Rio’s criminal gangs. In a statement of intent, Anthony Garotinho, Brazil’s

Public Security Secretary in 2003 said “Our bloco (movement) is on the streets, and if there has to be armed conflict there will be. If someone has to die as a result, let them die. We are going to go in hard” Since 2003, 74 leaders of drug gangs were arrested and stricter regulations have been placed on others already inside the prison system.

Brazil’s gangs responded with large scale attacks in an attempt to create a public backlash that would unhinge the government.

In response to eight of its leaders being transferred to other prisons, the First Capital Command (PPC), a gang originally created in Sao Paulo’s notorious prisons, staged what its members called a ‘mega rebellion’ with coordinated attacks within and outside of Sao Paulo jails that left up to 74 people dead and 40 prisons in a state of complete lockdown.

Other criminal gangs started actively targeting police officers, which was a major change in policy as such clashes were avoided in order to ensure the smooth running of drug sales and transportation. With the police releasing a whole raft of tougher penalties regarding arms possession, gangs have turned to new sources of weapons to protect their interests such as homemade bombs and grenades.

Politicians are claiming their tough stance on criminal gangs is achieving results, however the biggest victim of the drug crackdown are the favelenos who are caught up in the middle of the carnage. In the first half of 2005, 501 civilians were registered dead as a result of police

SO Rio de Janeiro gang members pose with their guns.

Photo by Christopher Pillitz

CIA

operations. But the public outcry arrived when the rates of children killed (in one month up to 19 were shot) in the crossfire began to sky rocket. In response, the government initiated a policy of removing favela children from their homes and housing them in public schools without their parents.

The Future Lies in Education The government’s zero-tolerance policy on criminal gangs may have landed key arrests of leading criminals, but it has not addressed the core problems such as the crippling poverty and rampant drug use within the favelas. Brazilian academics and non governmental organisations are lobbying government to allow key investments to be made into rebuilding the favelas and for educational campaigns to reduce drugs in the city.

But with Brazil’s short election cycles, the current government’s slow response indicates that it has its eye on the next election and deems such long term planning unattractive to prospective voters.

City Residents Favela Residents Monthly Salary $701 $205 Illiteracy 6.1% 15.36% Inadequate Water 3.9% 15.41% Making $240 or less a month 35.5% 72.3% 15 Years of school or less 1.07% 16.7 Source - Iplan-Rio's Information Nucleus and Residential Studies

Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL: Two buses burn after being attacked by drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro, 16 January 2007. Drug gangs clashed with police despite the deployment of 500 members of the special police forces. Photo by JO LAET (AFP/Getty Images)

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“Shake well – Monster Colors are the sh*t! Thick, all terrain, long lasting, covers all paint. 400ml of non-fading funk, enjoy!” – Bore TBK WTCS

Words by Vincent Tang

Lottery Ticket H3 Ghost Of A Dream

Husband and wife Lauren Was and Adam Eckstrom have created a life-sized H3 Hummer from over $35,000 in losing lottery tickets.

Aptly titled “Ghost Of A Dream”, the Hummer was created in six weeks by the New York couple, with the help of 10 assistants.

SHIFT GEAR

Ford Mustang GT500KR Only 1,000 This Year

This year Ford will only produce 1,000 of the Big Poppas of Mustangs, the GT500KR, and a further 700 next year. The GT500KR will will be a standard GT500 with Ford Racing's Power Upgrade Package, which includes an upgraded ECU and a new exhaust, pushing the power output of the "Tang to about 540 horses. Priced at US$79,995, them crazy Americans would be selling their body parts for one.

Speed Racer Video Clip Fucking Cool

I wasn't expecting much from the upcoming Wachowski Brothers' live-action Speed Racer movie, but after watching the video-clip for the theme song "Go Speed Racer Go" by Ali Dee and Deekompressors, I reckon it's going to be one of the greatest movies ever. The clip is fucking insane! Go watch the clip NOW! If you don't have a computer then take a lot of acid, eat some crack rocks and sit in front of your lava lamp and play with your little brother's match box cars while listening to j-pop to try and create the next best thing.

Saleen S5S Raptor Quick And Cheap

Well, not that cheap, but US$185,000 is pretty good value for your very own super-car. 0-100 in 3.2 seconds, 650 horses, oh and bad-ass Imperial Fleet stylings, break out your piggy bank and start stealing from your mum’s purse.

Toyota Shopping Center Automotive Mall

Geely GT Concept Chinese Maybach?

At this year’s Beijing Motor Show, Chinese auto-maker will unveil the GT Concept. True to Chinese automotive tradition, the styles of the car are jacked from a much more expensive ride, this time the Maybach Exceleo. Regardless, the ride is very slick and one to look out for among the other cheap knock-offs coming from China.

Lumina X Maserati Lamp

Fanatec x Porsche Racing Wheel Fanatec have spent seven years to make this Porsche approved set-up for you PS3 lovers, right on cue as we get to the final months for Gran Turismo. With a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-speed shifter and three pedals, all free from wires.

It's also got a sick-ass one gig USB stick shaped as a key to plug in and store settings. With a tag of US$349 it's not cheap, but it damn sure is cheaper than getting your own Carrera!

Auto Websites Worth A Visit www.zenetti.com (one of the best rims companies out there) www.melburgluft.com (Melbourne-based VW air-cooled community) www.autoblog.com (Comprehensive Automotive Blog) www.lukeray.com (Our favourite auto photographer’s online gallery)

SHIFT GEAR

Porsche For Your PS3

Due to the biggest sales slump in 27 years for Toyota in Japan, the car-maker is trying to give more exposure for their cars to the youth of Japan. Not the type of company to half-step, they went to the trouble of opening a huge mall in Yokohama, complete with 220 stores, a foodcourt and even a gym, and Toyota cars displayed throughout the center. I guess when you’re one of the biggest auto-companies in the world you’ve got money to burn.

Auto

Words by Vinny Tang Photos by Luke Ray

sAluting a classic the vw beetle

In its time, the Bug has gone through numerous changes and lifestyles, starting as the chauffer // for the Nazi elite, then moving on to be associated

with the hippie movement in the 60s and even the star in countless movies. A few issues back we had a look at the Beetle’s younger, fatter sister, the Kombi, and it’s time ACCLAIM gave the eldest some spotlight.

Not many cars can say they have been in production for half a decade, but the universally loved Volkswagen Type I, affectionately known as the original Beetle, was produced from 1939 to 2003 with few changes throughout its life-span (we’re not looking at the “New Beetle” which is still in production because let’s face it, them buckets’ for lames).

In the mid-1930s, Ferdinand Porsche and a young Chancellor Adolf Hitler came together to design an economical car to get Germany driving. Hitler enlisted Porsche to design a car that could fit two adults and three children at speeds of up to 60 miles an hour, at a price of 1000 Reichmarks.

68 - 69 Auto

To skip through the less glamorous bits, the “KdF-Wagen” (Strength-Through-Joy Car) was to commence production in 1938-1939, but as we all should know World War II started then, production was halted, Germany lost the war, Allied Forces took over the factory, and by 1946, Volkswagen “Type I” rides were rolling out 1,000 deep a month, and by 1992, over 21 million had been produced.

Fast-forward to present, and the Bug has made its mark on popculture. Everyone knows what a Beetle looks like, no question about it. Throughout her time she’s had some rivalries, but Minis, Gremlins (the one from Wayne’s World) and Corollas ain’t got shit on the German.

Kick-ass movies like Herbie were made, dirty-assed Hippies had compression sessions in them at Vietnam War protests and you copped a whole fucking lot of punches in the arm while passing Beetles by your big brother, the prick [hence the term Punch Buggy]. Your first car was most probably a Beetle, and it most probably broke down every third block. Your grandma

drove a Beetle until she croaked, your uncle has one in the shed and your “free spirit” friend drives one with painted flowers and stickers that say “Free Tibet” and “Love Mother Earth”. Ask around, everyone has a story about the much-loved car.

Also because of the simplicity of the design, the Beetle was easy to fix, maintain and modify, and because of this many car enthusiasts used her as a platform to create some banana-ass machines. Drag-cars, hot-rods, track cars, lowriders, cutesy cars, baja cars and utes, all made from her. There are even kits for her to dress her up to look like a Porsche, Hummer, Ferrari and Jeep!

“Your first car was most probably a Beetle, and it most probably broke down every third block” There’s no doubt that the Beetle would be the most loved car in the world. Coming from an ugly beginning, she went through her rebellious stages during the sixties, becoming the family “type” during the 70s and 80s, and finally passing the torch to the “New Beetle” in the 90s. And after all those years, she stills looks more beautiful than ever.

More Beetle Flicks Luke Ray, the photographer for this article, has put together a beautiful gallery of Beetles for all y’all to squizz at on the website.

Go on, head over to www.acclaimmag.com to get your German fetish on son!

60' s ICO N

auto

Words by Remus Chang Photos by Tom Goh

GTR35

Toshio SUZUKI

Test Driver / Development Driver for Nissan GTR35 In a recent trip to Tokyo, our boys from // zerotohundred.com visited test driver Toshio Suzuki at Adenau Garage for a viewing of the GTR35 test car and an exclusive interview for ACCLAIM Magazine.

Suzuki-san, We all know you as the driver that did 7 minutes 38 seconds 54 milliseconds at Nurbrugring in the masked GTR35.

Please introduced yourself and share with us how you became involved in the development of the GTR35.

I’m from Saitama Prefecture. I have been racing for many years now. I started off with Karting. In 1991, I raced in the 24 Hours of Daytona and finished 1st. In 1993, I participated in the Formula 1 for Team Larrousse. After that I raced in various national championships. I have also participated in 24 Hours of Le Mans.

I have now retired from competition racing. In my career I have raced the GTR32, 33 and the 34. Since I’m very familiar with how the GTR behaves, my expertise is needed in the R&D of the new GTR, for this reason I was chosen to be in the R&D team as their Test Driver for the development of the GTR35.

As a Test Driver for the GTR35, what do you do?

We would test the car in various places with different climate and road conditions. The Skyline 350v was used as the R&D car to collect as much data as possible. We have been testing and developing the ‘GTR35’ as early as 2003. Nurburgring has been our main testing ground. It is 20.8 Km long and has no flat area, we would drive at 200 km/h with ups and downs, jumps and twists, turns and stops to really put extraordinary stress on the car. All the data collected from these drives were then used to develop the GTR35.

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Since you have also tested the Porsche 911. How does the GTR35 fair compared with the Porsche 911 in terms of performance?

The GTR35 is much faster and it tackles corners much quicker, the 911 is slower at taking corners. However the 911 over-steers better. In terms of pricing the 911 retails about 17 million yen but the GTR35 retails at only 8 million yen. There is a big gap in price but a small gap in performance.

What makes the GTR35 so special compared with the previous GTRs? This GTR now uses a 3.8-litre twin turbo VR38 engine with an output of 473 bhp. An extra 1.2-litres on previous GTRs. It has sufficient engine power. This car uses the paddle shifters seen in F1 cars. Gear changes in 0.2 seconds flat - making shifting very instantaneous, therefore allowing you to concentrate fully on controlling the car. Also, the engine is located in the front of the car with transmission in the back for good balance. So, amongst all the cars I’ve driven, this is no doubt the one that allows you to accelerate so smoothly without any effort.

After more than 5 years of R&D and testing the GTR35 is now in the market. Are you satisfied with its overall performance?

We have tested frequently in Autobahn, Germany and this car easily passes the 300 km/h mark. Personally I have never driven a car available on the market that goes this fast. I think the easiest way for you to understand this car is by driving it on the circuit. Even in the city, if you step on the accelerator, you can feel the power this car possesses. By turning a corner, you will see how much grip and how well balanced it is. As I mentioned before, the paddle shift will convince you of how advanced and high performance this car really is.

“this car easily passes the 300 km/h mark.

Personally I have never driven a car available on the market that goes this fast.''

If given a choice now what are the things that you would like improve on the GTR35?

I would want the GTR35 to be a lot faster and with much better handling.

(Laughs) I thought you said the GTR35 is fast?

(Laughts) If I had a choice I would have made it even faster…

For more check www.zerotohundred.com

SP FR EED EA K

all eyes on

Selection by Chris Delaney

Rackgaki

Ryo Sanada/Suridh Hassan Laurence King Publishing Considering the reputation that the Japanese have when it comes to attention to detail, it's not surprising that this book is one of the most comprehensive tellings of a nation’s graffiti history that I've ever read. Until recent years, Japan has been a country seen to be difficult for foreigners. Steeped in tradition and social etiquette, there wasn't a lot of information going in or coming out. Like Australia, the worldwide release of Wild Style created the first spark for graffiti in Japan, but it wasn't until the 90s, with the internet boom, that style and personality really came out to play. Nevertheless, by that point there were already more than a few writers who had the game locked down and they're all featured in this well balanced documentation of not only the individuals, but also the various styles they're known for, the most popular painting spots, their history, how they survived in a world without professional paint and caps and the state of graffiti in the whole Asian region. Highly recommended for those with an interest in the region or those looking to expand their style file.

COLOURS

If you’re under the age of 6 or if you really love to draw, chances are you’re too young to read this, but you probably really love crayons. If you also love people, then you’ll love a product designed by Finnish artist, Heli Hietala. COLOURS are crayons shaped like people, all sorts of people; from man to woman to old man, and even hermaphrodite. Intended to show the results of involvement between characters, the website states “The results of the communication can be softening, stimulating, balancing or dirtying”. Whatever. If you like your crayons highbrow, shop here. If you like a house full of weird conversation starters, you should also shop here. If you’re a control freak with a god complex looking for colourful minions for your make believe world, see a doctor. www.helihietala.com

Reasonable People

This DVD is a couple of years old now, but the damage is still as fresh as wet paint.

Shot over 13 locations, there's plenty of footage of the Aussie assault as some of our finest spread out across the globe to carve a name for themselves in live train history. Top-to-bottoms, wholecars, window downs, full colours and chromies abound as these guys wreck train after train after train in some of the tightest spots in the world. Look out for the Melbourne chapter to witness some serious damage from some infamous dudes that's still being talked about over 2 years later. The DVD runs for 70 minutes and includes 30 minutes of extras including a couple of wholecars in London by some familiar names set to a soulful soundtrack. Definitely worth the 40 bones, not that I paid for it. Shouts to Timmy Dee for the copy.

Takashi Murakami

If you've never heard his name, then you would've at least seen his work.

He's Kanye's current favourite artist and he designed the album artwork for Graduation, amongst other bits and pieces. He specialises in blurring the boundaries between high and low art. This means he takes pop culture icons, such as a certain mouse with big black ears, and turns them into over stylised, almost psychedelic and sometimes scary looking caricatures of themselves, which in turn become giant sculptures and tiny figurines. He created a studio that gave Japanese artists a chance to achieve international recognition and led a movement that taught respect and admiration worldwide for modern Japanese art in general. Now that he's popping up on your radar, I figured you should probably know.

72 - 73 all eyes on

Upcoming

It’s been a big few months in the gallery scene and that looks set to continue, with several high quality hows in the works. Ghostpatrol and Miso have put together a show at Melbourne’s Green-Wood Gallery called The Drawing Machine that kicked off on May 1st. The 17 artists involved have been chosen as a representation of some of the best new talent in the city and the show promises to bring some of them into the spotlight. If you’re looking for a more rough and ready street feel, Benchwarmers has been showing from April 18th at Melbourne’s Per Square Metre gallery, showcasing the work of four well known Melbourne street identities, as well as a show that promises to be a scorcher: Nightbreed at Qubic in Auckland. NZ young guns Peap and 2Tone have been up all night every night, hiding from society and putting together some works that they think you’ll be interested in. The show runs from May 16th to June 21st. Check out the galleries websites for more info on each show. If you have a show coming up that you think our readers would be interested in, send the details to chrisd@acclaimmag.com

Ling - ID 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.

Get involved in the creation of Ironlak’s newest formula and help us shape global paint history.

PROJECT ALCHEMY – TURNING IRON INTO RHODIUM.

(The most valuable and precious metal on earth.)

Pick up our specially marked can and have your say at ironlak.com/projectalchemy

SKILL CHECK

Words by Chris Delaney

Chuck Anderson The Boy Genius Chuck Anderson is something of a legend in the design world. A self created success story. He's // not the first one, sure, but by the age of 19 he was

doing advertising for McDonalds and now, at 22, he has a client list so long and prestigious you'll have a birthday before you finish reading it. The man took some time out of being awesome to impart some sweet wisdom on ACCLAIM readers.

74 - 75 SKILL CHECK

How would you describe yourself and what you do?

I am a freelance artist and designer who enjoys Seinfeld, cereal, Scrabble, hanging out with my friends and my wife Holly, and getting very little sleep. I work independently with all different types of clients like Reebok, Honda, Nylon, Burton, Nike, etc. which you can see at www.nopattern.com. I do a lot of personal work which is sold on www.npandco.com and I also run a site called The Brilliance with two good friends Benjamin Gott and Virgil Abloh www.thebrilliance.com How did you get started in art/design and how much of it was preplanned?

Nothing was really pre-planned at all. I graduated high school in 2003, planned to go to college, decided to wait a year, and in between that time things really just kind of took off as I started promoting my own personal work and website to online design sites, small magazines, and Chicago-based agencies. From there things spread and snowballed and I just kept at it until it was becoming a full-time thing. I don't even know how it all really happened with what I do now to be exact, it's been a really fast blur!

I've been an artist my whole life though, from a very young age I loved to draw and I just carried that love with me over the years.

How would you describe your style?

Fun, energetic, reactionary, childlike. I just like to create things that are positive and make people feel good or gain a sense of wonder/ dreaminess or drawings and illustrations that evoke a refined childlike approach to sketching with your imagination.

What has been your greatest achievement?

Two seven-letter words in one Scrabble game and getting married to someone much smarter than me. But I assume you meant with my work. Probably the speaking engagements I've been invited to over the years - speaking to college and high school students and having a hand in inspiring young and aspirational artists.

“I just like to create things that are positive�

You've done ads, clothing, CD covers, shoes, guitars, purses and even cigarette lighters. What wouldn't you do?

I wouldn't do anything that I would be embarrassed to show to my younger brother, my grandmother, and my father-in-law. I like things to be enjoyed by all. I'm not trying to censor anything, I just choose to work in that kind of way and I'm very blessed to have the privilege of being selective with what work I take on.

Check out Chuck's jacket for Burton in Hot N Fresh

FL A LIGSHIN HT G S

skill check

Words by Chris Delaney

MITCH

IN A GALAXY FAR FAR AWAY

Over the last 10 years, UK based artist Mitchy has worked his ass off making a name for himself. The // hard work is paying off with a reputation as a gifted

artist and recently with a clothing line collaboration with Addict. In a tribute to geeks across the world, Mitch has created a limited edition Star Wars series, featuring 3 of your favourite characters in his distinctive style.

How did you get involved with Addict?

Through mutual appreciation really – we seem to share the same taste and inspirations. We started about 5 or 6 years ago working on ‘artist tee’ series which later evolved into more in depth ‘signature’ collaborations.

76 - 77 skill check

Whose idea was it for a Star Wars tribute line and why?

It’s something we’d always wanted to do. It’s basically ‘fan art’ with a professional edge. Myself & Chris (Addict’s main man) are both huge fans of the original Star Wars films. I guess they kick started our interest in art and design as kids.

Why did you choose Boba Fett, Sandtrooper and Scout Trooper?

Purely a visual decision. They’re our favourite character designs– timeless and charismatic.

When did you make the transition from traditional illustration media to digital illustration?

It’s more a mixture of the two – hand drawn outlines coloured in on the Mac. Pretty much everyone I know works like that when producing something commercial…much easier to make any changes the client may require (imagine re-drawing and painting the same thing over and over!). I think it’s important that my ‘one off’ self motivated work is hand done rather than digital. This is also possible due to the lack of any client direction, I generally get my own stuff right 1st time.

Your style is very distinctive, how do you describe it?

Ham, spam, chicken and lamb. A cup of tea twice – with a nice slice of cake!

Is fashion design/collaboration a priority for you?

Absolutely. I get so much satisfaction from seeing people wear the finished product.

What other projects are you working on at the moment?

There’s some really cool surprises to come from Addict. Also my new signature work for WeSC should be hitting the stores soon, as well as loads of music stuff: Ziggy Marley, Colonel Red, Sunburst Band, Coopr8 etc.

What inspires you on a daily basis?

I’ll often procrastinate until I put my music on. Good music has always been my biggest inspiration.

How hard was it to reach a level where you could make a living as an artist?

I live in the most expensive city in the world so making a living is never easy. Being patient, adaptable and versatile is vital.

What else would you like to achieve in your life?

I’ve always wanted to be a vigilante superhero type character with special powers and a slammin’ costume. I have the ‘inner turmoil’ but sadly no Bat-cave as yet.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

It’s probably unwise for me to offer any sort of advice – ‘always inspire, never dictate’ (Although this phrase itself may be a contradiction in terms!).

HOLLA @ MITCHY Get in touch: myspace.com/mitchybwoy Represented by: factory311.com

U ARK T

skill check

Interview by Mega

EAMO

gum leaves & prawns Coming from an industrial city down south of Oz called Geelong (or ‘Geebanger’ as the locals call it), // Eamo drew his way through school, got out and studied

78 - 79 skill check

design in Melbourne in 2000. He then worked at various fashion houses around Melbourne until leaving the game early on and giving illustration and art a crack.

It has been four years now since Eamo began killing it, developing a personal and shiny style with his je ne sais quoi of Aussie flavour.

What is the philosophy behind your approach to a new project?

Often my first thoughts are “how can I add some Australian flavour into this piece?“ These days I get approached by clients or collectives for the fact that my work has this style to it; clients are really receptive to it, which is a bonus. But it’s purely a coincidence that Aussie stuff is in vogue right now. I’ve always had this weird obsession with it since my childhood. Fingers crossed, when the trend dies I’ll still be able to get away with chucking a gum leaf or a prawn into an artwork. And hopefully my work won’t end up in the same bracket as Yahoo Serious, Koala Blue or Crocodile Dundee, all of which I respect but they where unfortunately casualties of the international ‘Australiana’ fad of the 80s. Good times.

Do you reckon that the recognition overseas of people like Jeremyville or Ben Frost is opening doors for a whole generation of Aussie artists?

No doubt about it. Those two are killing it around the globe; I agree with picking Jeremyville and Ben Frost as examples of Aussies getting recognition overseas – can’t get any better than those blokes. Ben has been a huge supporter of young up and coming Aussie artists, you just have to look at stupidkrap.com – being next to guys like him, Jeremyville, Lister etc. on the site is a huge boost for guys like myself in getting seen by the same international audience as they are.

Tell us a bit more about the art scene in Melbourne… How is it different from other Australian cities?

The Melbourne scene is a tough nut to crack, in the four years I’ve been doing this caper, the last two I’ve managed to notch up six or so shows in Sydney as opposed to one in Melbourne. It’s a classic, when I meet people from Melbourne they always think I’m from Sydney. They look at my art and instantly think “yep, he’s a Bondi bloke“ I’ve been told those exact words. And the Sydney folk thought I was a local up until recently. It stems back to my upbringing, I didn’t grow up in the city, I’m practically from the south coast so my art has a distinct Aussie feel which is stereotypically more Sydney, whereas Melbourne has a very European culture without that tradition of an outdoor lifestyle.

What do you usually do when you’re not working?

Chill at the beach, go to movies, a pub beer and a parma, go for a cruise in the 74 XB Fairmont, barbies.

What are you currently working on?

I just finished three new prints for the SemiPermanent exhibition ‘Kids Today’ and a black and white wall installation at the Annadale Hotel in Sydney. Soon I’ll be starting a custom wallet for a new Poketo Australiana series, painting three decks for the No Comply show later this year and another deck, where the artwork is laser burned into the wood, for a group show at China Heights gallery in Sydney. Hooroo!

L TAOCAL LE NT

TATTOO

Interview by Mega

JOSH FORD

lifetime of sol

Josh used to be a bit of a knuckle head when he was a kid, Never really fit into following rules and // trying his best to piss off anyone that wasn’t like him. he

thought tattooing was for tough guys and rebels, which is what initially drew him in when he was a teenager.

Ironically, getting into tattooing helped him to grow up and become a better person.

Now you’ve been working for a while, what are the new boundaries you want to reach?

I don’t know about being accomplished... I feel like I get better every year, I think that’s really what I strive for. I look at guys like Grime, Horiyoshi III, Filip Leu, Adam Ciferri... more than I could list. I see those guys as accomplished, I see them as major contributors artistically to our art. I’m just constantly trying to get better, cleaner tattooing and furthering my art. I don’t know that I’ll ever feel accomplished, but I’m okay with that. I think it’s just fuel to push ahead. Right now, I’m really focusing a lot on my machine building as well. That has been going well, and I’m extremely grateful for all who have supported me in that endeavor.

80 - 81 skill check

With more and more tattoo artists exhibited in traditional art spaces, do you think that Tattoo tends to become accepted as an entire Art form by the general public?

I definitely think it’s more accepted, that’s for sure. You see it in commercial ads, on sports players, actors. Lots of tattooers are also making successful crossovers into other artistic mediums, I think that’s amazing. It’s nice to not be immediately looked at as a scumbag these days, I can appreciate that.

On another hand what do you think about the very commercial status of tattoo those days?

When I first got into tattooing 12 years ago, I NEVER would have imagined it going to where it is today. It’s unreal how much change has gone on in that time, unreal. I personally am not real hip on the whole commercialization of tattooing.

It has it’s bonuses, like making more people accept it as art and less ridicule. At the same time, it has it’s downside. It’s making the art I love more of a business, that bums me out a little. I guess there always has to be a balance though. I think it’s cool that some tattooers are getting a chance to really make a comfortable living for themselves. I know that when I started tattooing, I didn’t really ever think about providing for a family,

but I do. I’m a little concerned about the future of tattooing.

There’s always the fear of government stepping in too much or oversaturation of tattooers (which is pretty much already the case). Tattooing is on a big climb right now, and it’s scary to know what that might lead to, good or bad.

What do you do when you don’t work on your Art? I’ve got my beautiful wife and two wonderful children, that’s always a good part of my life. Other than that, when not tattooing I’m either teaching and training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or I’m working on my tattoo machine company “Honorable Irons”.

“It’s nice to not be immediately looked at as a scumbag these days, I can appreciate that” Any funny tattoo story to finish?

Funny tattoo stories??? I’ve got a ton of those. Here’s one of my favorites and pretty simple. I was tattooing in Arkansas for a year, and I had a guy come in to get his name tattooed on his arm. He was the stereotypical redneck hillbilly, straight out of the country. So, I get done tattooing him, and about 10 minutes later I get a call from the guy all pissed off. He says “Hey man, you did my tattoo back-ards (that’s hillbilly for backwards)”. So I say, “what do you mean it’s backwards?” He says “I’m looking at it right now and it’s fuckin backwards!” I say “You’re looking at it right now? Are you looking in a mirror?” Then there’s a pause for a few seconds and he quickly says “sorry” and hangs up.

That’s always been a pretty entertaining story.

More to see on www.lifetimeofsol.com

IN IN K C.

film buff

Words by Andrew Montell

dj craze

based DJ and turntablist legend DJ Craze gives ACCLAIM the rundown on his top five movies of all time. //Miami

Matrix

(1999) First one is Matrix. The reason why I like it is because at the time that it came out it was like revolutionary. What they were talking about, being caught in the Matrix and awakening the mind, that just bugged me out and the effects in it were just mind blowing at the time.

Goodfellas

(1990) The cinematography in this film was awesome.

Like the way the director (Scorsese) did the whole thing was sick. I like the way it followed the gangster life. There wasn’t that much craziness going on but it just followed this dude’s life, Ray Liotta’s character Henry Hill. It was a true story too so that made it more interesting. The beatdown scenes in this film are crazy, especially where Pesci beats down that guy in the bar with his gun. I don’t know, it was just crazy how the gangsters were doing it back then, how they had everything under control.

82 - 83 film buff

Superman

(1978) It brings back memories of when I was a kid and how excited I was to watch that movie for the first time. I think it’s every little kid’s dream to be Superman and when I first saw this film I was like “Wow, I wanna fly!” I saw it again, after I watched the new one, just to compare it and it [the new version] didn’t compare, I don’t care how good the effects were, the original was the bomb, for sho!

Magnolia

(1999) Magnolia for the end scene. The whole movie is bugged out, the way they mixed up the different stories but the ending just ‘killed’ it!

Like, wow this is nutty nutty nutty and then at the end when the rain starts falling it just gets twisted, like “What the hell was that all about?” If you haven’t seen it I don’t want to ruin it for you but trust me, this is probably the best movie Tom Cruise has ever been in and it is so well directed. It’s (I think) five different stories, following five different people. It’s kinda like Requiem For A Dream but in more of a twisted way.

Kids

(1995) Yeah Kids was insane, just because the director Larry Clark is insane. He does a lot of movies with kids that feature these weird sex scenes I don’t even know how he manages to pull off but he did. A lot of great actors came from this film like Rosario Dawson and it also featured Harold Hunter who used to skate for Zoo York. The character of Casper is crazy. That scene where all the skaters beat down that one dude with their skate decks coz he thought he was rough, skaters let him know what was up!

The whole story and the way kids are in New York and the way they are all over the world really bugged me out. Now that I have an eight year-old…back then when I watched it I was a kid too so I thought it was cool but now I’m like “whoa, easy!”

CHECK IT Fabric Live 38 is out now- It’s a mix with a lot of dance music on there, not what I’m known for but I think it’s a good mix of party shaking tracks.

Check out the new www.djcraze.com

Games

Words by Alex Weiland Photos by Michael Danischewski

GRAND THEFT AUTO IV X , Hell and Styalz

When it comes to time-suckage, there is no bigger offender than the Xbox, particularly when the // game on offer is Rockstar’s record-breaking and highly

84 - 85 Games

anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV. It is with some reluctance we gave the producer/MC’s X and Hell, along with their co-producer Styalz Fuego the gaming equivalent to meth to review while they under-go recording their new album due out later in 2008 through Solid State Records and Illusive Sound.

We meet X, Hell and Styalz at X’s in-home recording studio, where they have more or less lived the last couple of months. However being a one-player game, GTA IV isn’t exactly the perfect forum for a X VS Hell style battle, like our previous reviews. Luckily for us, true to form Hell passes out asleep within a few minutes of entering the studio, while Styalz works on some studio stuff, leaving X ample time to get in on some game-play.

There’s not too much to say about GTAIV that most people haven’t already heard, but to tell you the truth, the game really does live up to the hype and is something you’ll still be keen on once the hype cools down. As X says, “these games have always had great character design and stories which is where a lot of their clones fall off. I only played through GTA San Andreas on

my old Xbox a couple of months ago for the first time and even though it was a step back graphically, the story was enough to keep me into it years after release.”

Aside from the rad game-play in true GTA tradition, it’s the details that make it. The in-game television shows and commercials are actually awesome viewing. “There’s more worth watching on TV in Liberty City than we have in Australia.”

X states seriously.

Overall, it’s standard GTA fare really (which is never a bad thing). There are a bunch of things they’ve improved but most are subtle and best experienced firsthand. Yet there are some changes X notes, “I’m told there will be no piloting planes in this one in an effort to avoid players recreating the events of 9-11.

Isn’t that letting the terrorists win?“ When we leave X with the game, he’s looking pretty sucked in.

“They really create a universe, so it’s hard to switch off. You pretty much feel like car jacking people anytime you’re outside.”

Hang on. Isn’t this how Colombine started?

X & Hell – New Single “Don’t Stop Movin” produced by Weapon X & Styalz Fuego due out in late-June. Visit Solid-state.com.au for deets.

. . .

Y S A E S I D L OR

THE W

Freecall in OZ: 1800 24 68 69 International: +61 7 3634 9000 Visit: wickedcampers.com

cds Santogold

Santogold

(Downtown Records //Inertia)

NEW WAVE DUB

Big noyd

Illustrious

(Koch Records // Shock Records)

SQUEEN E BRIDG

Noyd’s been round since the early days of Mobb Deep when he first laced it hard on “Stomp em’ Out” on Juvenille Hell. From there he’s gone and dropped 5 solo albums/ mixtapes including the anticipated Illustrious which doesn’t disappoint.

He comes out on this album stepping away from the Mobb Deep family and trying to do the solo thing all out, i.e. having L’il Fame of M.O.P. executive produce the whole thing.

All in all he comes out with a solid album with some sick beats that give the album a slight change up from Noyd’s older material. And for those that know Big Noyd, it’s still got that grimy street feel to it ‘cause as we know M.O.P. definitely keeps it grimy. So for those who love that gritty and grimy Queensbridge sound well I really shouldn't have to say anymore.

MALINS

Does It offend you, Yeah?

You Have No Idea What You Are Getting Yourself Into (Virgin Records // EMI) RO

86 - 87 reviews

ELECT

It’s a shame you have to wait until the very last song to hear what this band can really do with their instruments. You Have No Idea What You’re Getting Yourself Into is sometimes grating and repetitive, bordering dangerously close to generic computer rock. At other times, moments of genius fleck through in a fitting tribute to a band much hyped to be a poor kid’s Klaxons. The farcical desire to name everything in an ironic south

If you haven’t yet been introduced to Santogold, you should make the effort soon as you’ll probably be hearing her name for a long time coming. The Philadelphia raised chanteuse has been treading the boards of the North American ska/punk scene as lead singer of Stiffed for awhile, but breaking out on her own has proved to be her most successful venture yet. This album sees her stretch out of defined genres and wade knee-deep into groundbreaking musical territory. Thanks to a tangled mass of influences, it has something of a cut and paste feel, but the unexpected twists and turns are part of the appeal. From the upbeat, neatly layered and energetic track You’ll find a way to the slow burning I’m a lady, each song switches tack and tries something new, yet the whole thing melts nicely together. Shiny endorsements from the likes of Freq Nasty, Switch, Spank Rock and Diplo pile on the credibility, but the lady has talent – even without these electro stalwarts on board, her debut album can steadily hold its own. It dips in and out of genres such as dub, punk, electro, indie and hip-hop with ease, making it truly indefinable by your average musical conventions. If you find all the tracks sound familiar on the first play, it’s probably something to do with the truckload of remixes the songs on this album have already spawned. Pre-releasing in this way is something of a risky tactic, and if you’re a fan of the harder, faster and more frenetic XXXChange remix of L.E.S. Artistes you might be disappointed, as the parent tune lacks bite and feels raw in comparison. That said, the originals are worth a listen. They’re often cleaner, more relaxed and make full use of the singer’s killer set of lungs. The reggae inspired Shove It deserves a spin on the strength of its remix credits alone, while Unstoppable and Creator score points for their fresh, original sound. New wave, punk guitars and heady deep throat vocals are the common threads neatly tying the whole thing together. It does pretty much everything a debut album should – smash genres, defy survival odds and call upon the dusty old musical past for the odd nostalgic throwback, without ever sounding tired and done. A tricky mix, but it works.

Rhiannon Elston London accent is forgivable, less so the moments of microphone screaming madness and irritating overuse of cowbell effect. In fairness this album feels like a quick record job that required pounding out a few extra tracks to get the deal brokered on time. There are two kinds of tracks on this CD - those that seem to have been cradled for years, bounced off trial audiences in sweaty, unforgiving clubs and pounded into shape with brutal rehearsal, and those that sound like they were squeezed out in late night sessions the night before the recording. Battle Royale, a noted club success, represents one of the former, as does the previously mentioned Epic Last Song. We are Rockstars and Dawn of the Dead however could be improved by another round in the incubator – they just don’t feel like they’re ready yet. The hit and miss nature of this album reflects promise, but the weaker tunes outstrip the stronger ones. Less filler. More killer.

Rhiannon Elston

Duffy

Rockferry

(Polydor // Universal) SOUL POP

On paper, Duffy is something of a publicity dream.

She’s cute, young and was practically raised by sheep in the furthest throws of the rugged Welsh countryside. Unfortunately, we can see none of this when listening to her album and have to rely on the strength of her music alone. This is where the trouble starts to brew. Her songs are boring, the choice of topics banal and the lyrics, at times, are cringe-worthy (“I’m an accessory that suits/Your new suede boots”). She can follow a tune well enough but there is not enough depth or substance here to carry through nearly an hour

of eartime. It’s unsurprising that Duffy’s only cited musical influence was her dad’s ancient VHS of Ready, Steady Go – her songs lack inspiration and fall fully on the hump of woeful adolescent drama.

The grittiest track, Mercy, suggests promise with the slightest hint of dancehall and a rap breakdown reminiscent of Blondie’s epic Rapture, but even this is fleeting, and quickly the album drifts back to sluggish, generic chick-pop. The tail end offers no reprise, rounding off with Distant Dreamer - a particularly sappy ballad that could be snapped straight into the credits at the end of a Reese Witherspoon flick.

Rhiannon Elston

estelle

Shine

(Atlantic Records // Homeschool) R&B P HIP HO

Estelle Swaray attracted plenty of attention way back in '04 with the nostalgic, Mel and Kim-referencing 1980. It was a track that resonated with hip-hop fans due to its grittiness and seemingly heartfelt lyrics, albeit a little commercial.

The song had a hook that was catchy as fuck and this, coupled with Estelle’s come-hither British accent, saw her briefly swim ahead in a sea of US born MCs. With a start like that and a turn of events seeing her signed to John Legend's HomeSchool Records (cutting singles with all the big names like Will.i.am, John Legend, Kanye and Wyclef), one would have thought her new album, Shine, couldn’t miss.

Unfortunately though, even with the best production in the States, miss it does. The rawness of British hiphop that attracted listeners in the first place is gone, replaced with a brash over produced American R&B feel. Wyclef and Mark Ronson,

while geniuses in their own rights should have left this girl well alone.

Standout track: American Boy with Kanye is best of a bad bunch.

Chris Martin

Guilty simpson

Ode To The Ghetto (Stones Throw // Creative Vibes)

IT

DETRO

Having never heard of Guilty Simpson before his guest appearance on Percee P’s Perseverance, I’m glad to say I took it further to find out about one of the D’s finest. And upon looking into Guilty’s past I found he was being put on by the late J. Dilla. Guilty comes through on Ode To The Ghetto with his raw, straight faced, almost spoken word style that makes him stand out amongst today’s everyday MCs. On Ode To The Ghetto he enlists the help of several legendary producers such as Madlib, Oh No, Black Milk and the late Dilla. Now, while the production is up there, Simpson’s monotone style does leave the LP feeling a bit drowned out. That’s not to say those looking for that dirty, dark and eerie street sound shouldn’t pick this up because there are definitely a good couple of tracks that are classics in their own right.

MALINS

Hercules & love affair

Hercules & Love Affair (DFA Records)

K FUNC E DANC DIS O

For some people, doing a ‘music project’ means opening up Albleton and looping a sample from their Gameboy. However, for NYC DJ Andrew Butler, it meant drawing together players like

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17/3/08 3:21:45 PM

cds Sonic Sum Films (Def Jux)

NEW WAVE DUB

Antony of Antony and the Johnsons and a bunch of New York hipsters to realise his vision for shimmery disco funk perfection. Hercules and Love Affair is as romantic and epic as the name suggests, a sensual journey that makes you move without the mindlessness that dance music has lately employed. Beats crisp and bass threading through effortlessly, there is a groove to the record that can’t be denied. The vibrato of Antony Hergaty here has been re-appropriated to turn him from Mr Melancholy to funk maestro.

In fact, the disco funk heart of this album shines bright throughout without ever sounding forced or naff. Instead, particularly in songs like single Blind and You Belong, the throb whips you up into a frenzy before you even knew you’d gotten up from your chair to dance a little harder. Finally, a ‘music project’ that makes you think ‘wow’ instead of ‘wanker’.

Vivian Huynh

pete rock

NY's Finest

(Nature Sounds)

88 - 89 reviews

BOOM P A BAP R

There's no mistaking a Pete Rock production.

Even though he abandoned his signature horns in the '90s, his tracks always have a certain feel and comfortable familiarity to them. In the wake of the under-achieving Soul Survivor 2 project, PR delivers a strong set with vocal assists from a diverse range of forgotten MC's (Lords of the Underground, Chip-Fu), current faves (Papoose, D-Block) and certified vets (Redman, Raekwon).

Declaring himself the fuckin' poster boy for the MPC, Pete also has a little venom for the doubters when he steps into the booth, and addresses his former musical partner with a clever S. Carter quip

While they’ve never been one of my favorite hip-hop groups, I’ve always had a soft spot for Sonic Sum. I remember hearing their debut album The Sanity Annex when I was going though a period of severe writers block, and frontman Rob Sonic’s abstract stream of conscious lyrics set me off on a new direction, that I’m still following to this day. 9 years later Rob Sonic and band mates Eric M.O and Fred One’s have dropped their follow up, Films. Films was originally a Japan only release but Definitive Jux picked it up and decided that it deserved to be heard by the rest of the world. This album is definitely an acquired taste with Robs Sonic’s flow often trailing off beat and many of the lines ending in non rhymes. The Lyrics themselves are dense to the point of often been over-whelming. This coupled with his monotone delivery can make listening to more than a few songs at a time feel like hard work. This said, Rob Sonic has a way with words that makes perseverance worthwhile, and when he does simplify his lines they cut though like moments of clarity on a drunken bender. One line I particularly liked was “Sometimes rolling with the punches hurts like shit” the directness of this line and others like it are intensified by the abstraction of the lyrics surrounding them. The themes of the album never stray too much from the Def Jux standards of alienation, inner city struggle and the corruption within the powers that be. This is the epitome of headphone music; you’re more likely to hear the new Cannibal Corpse album than any tracks off Films in a club. If the new Jim Jones album is the equivalent to watching a B grade action flick, then Films is reading a philosophy text book. Films didn’t grab me straight away but I get the feeling it’s going to be one of those albums that grows on you. There’s nothing catchy about this album, even less so than their debut. But then the world of hip-hop is a very different place now than it was nine years back, and maybe a few albums based on content and skills rather than catchy hooks and annoying beats isn’t the worst thing in the world. You’ll probably already know whether this is you cup of tea or not, but Films is definitely worth a listen.

Tourettes

(Niggas say they made Pete? Go make another one!). Not forgetting the fact that he even manages to make Jim Jones and his cheebastasher Max B sound good on the breezy We Roll - salute! NY's Finest won't change the world, but serves as an enjoyable ride for fans of that traditional New York sound.

Robbie Ettelson

The Winnie Coopers

Worth The Wait

(Illusive // Liberation) N

URBA

I’ve never met The Winnie Coopers, but if their second album is anything to go by, I’d be willing to bet they’re nice guys. They’d be the ones who show up early to your massive, granny scaring, trash the neighbourhood-style party with their own six-pack each and mind your mum’s bed of winter roses on the way out. Worth the Weight is full of the friendly, dorkish, snappy and upbeat style you’d expect from the Gold Coast locals. They quickly dismiss any themes that come too close to serious, focusing instead on the mundane with humour and lightness (over-eating, annoying chicks and music critics all get a verbal slap on the wrist). Standout tracks include Soundcheck, a fiery attack at the music industry’s silent soldiers, while I’m… is a classic tribute to life in Oz. Who We Are sneaks in as a flat, repetitive and annoying filler track, forgivable only because the subsequent Burning Up Hot Fire clearly calls for a swift change of pace. Laptop, a cute, melodic ode to love lost over kleptomania, rounds off things nicely. If easy-going geeks who comment stylistically on life in the heart of lawnmower suburbia are your bag, then you should go out and buy this album immediately.

Consistent quality and nice execution makes it work.

Rhiannon Elston

Show & AG

Live Hard

(DITC // Shogun) X BRON RAP

C o m e b a c k albums are a risky proposition at the best of times. Nine times out of ten, they build your hopes up for a return to that old magic, only to leave you stranded on the jagged rocks of bitter dissapointment. In other words – buyer beware and shit. Considering that Andre The Giant's two solo album's were underwhelming on a number of levels, getting his old partner Show back behind the boards seemed like the perfect remedy. But for one reason or another, this EP doesn't really hit the mark. Apart from the addictive Running Man, the other selections lack that old Soul Clap chemistry.

It's not that the beats or rhymes aren't up to scratch, but something is sorely missing here. If you grewup on D.I.T.C. music then it's still worth checking Live Hard out for yourself, but just don't expect anything too earth-shattering.

Robbie Ettelson

360

What You See Is What You Get (Soulmate // Inertia)

AUSSIEP HIP HO

When I first heard 360 was heading to the studio for his debut solo album I brushed it off as another battle MC thinking that he can make the transition between stage and studio.

Too often in Australian hip-hop the constant reliance on punch line prose turns an album into an hour of shameless monotony. Luckily after copping 360’s album and spending sometime in the heart of his lyrical

biography it becomes clear 360 has pulled off a truly honest album that screams to be free of some of the worst unsaid conventions in Australian hip-hop. Album highlight So Fake slamming an unsaid majority for its influence in silencing the fundamental subjective voice within an artist. This isn’t to say the album itself isn’t without criticisms and at times the connection of beat and MC loses its consistency. 360 needs to also seriously consider outsourcing the vocals on hooks. The void of any singing ability definitely detracts from the overall solid product. For a debut album it’s more than worth the coin however and with some solid production from the likes of M-Phazes and Joelistics it’s an album in 2008 that shouldn’t be missed.

RhymeSchematiks

various artists

You Don't Know (Ninja Tune)

P HIP HORO ELECT

By focusing on the cutting edge Ninja Tune has developed its own arrogant eclectic sound in the sense that they weren’t making music for any other reason than putting out original records, typified by heavy often rolling down-tempo bass accompanied by an assortment of sampled instrumentals, abstract rhythm’s and the occasional MC. With 50 tracks over 3 CDs, Ninja tune addicts will salivate when they catch a glimpse of the extraordinary line up consisting of numerous artists including label heavyweights Coldcut, Cinematic Orchestra, Roots Manuva and Diplo. There is hardly anything resembling a bad song throughout its entirety. Where album differs from past compilations is that it is not only looking to the past but also to the future exemplified by Bug’s powerful dubstep track Poison

Dart, a grimy electro-pop-punk track by up and comers The Death Set, an old-school hip-hop/elctro offering

by DJ Kentaro and the Folk musings of Fink on Pretty Little Thing. These new tracks represent an evolution and further diversification. The Ninja Tune spirit guides this entire album and is a must have for label diehards who are willing to go wherever Ninja Tune takes them.

Graham Macdonald

mike justice

For Love Money & Music (ThreeSixtyMusic)) AUS PE MIXTA

Remember that Gangstarr track Mostly The Voice?

Guru’s sentiment on that song rings true on For Love Money & Music. Mike Justice has one of the most commanding baritone voices in Australian hip-hop which compliments a comfortable flow and allows the listener to overlook the occasional weak verse here and there. Mike J’s penchant for extended freestyle sessions is apparent on this mixtape as many of his rhymes are very stream of consciousness in their delivery. Plenty of conscientious subject matter is embraced on this mixtape over an array of beats taken mostly from the past three years of hip-hop and my favourite offering is the politically charged Rock Heavy Metal. Mike’s flow rarely changes throughout the entire mixtape which would be OK except for the fact that at 23 tracks in length you’ll probably find your attention lapsing and the mixtape starts to sound monotonous. As far as mixtapes go it’s a decent listen but it would have benefited from the culling of around 5 of the weaker tracks to make for a more solid end product.

Jerry Jerri

from Motley’s tribute to his hometown of Manchester and his motivations for moving to Australia through to love gone wrong, his mixed racial heritage, the state of the world and of course having a good time. Most of the beats are fairly nice and suit Motley’s relaxed flow. While Motley is darn good on this EP I do get the feeling that he’s got better to offer which will no doubt surface on an album down the track. Guest vocals are kept to an absolute minimum allowing for a total focus on Motley’s own abilities. Not waited down by the depressing shortcomings of much hip-hop out of the UK of late, this EP is a tidy intro to the world of Mr Motley. Check it out.

Frank Blanck

motley

Hairy Nandies (Hooded Ink) P HIP HO

Like Maestro before him, Motley has found an enthusiasm for his British born lyricism in Australia following several trips out here and numerous collaborations with local artists. While hardly a household name, Motley has enough of an underground buzz to build on and has dropped Hairy Nandies as an EP introduction to his new audience.

With a lighthearted approach to the rap craft, Motley is often comedic in his rhymes but is also capable of touching on more serious subject matter. Themes on this EP range

ON DVD NOW www.shockdvd.com.au

playlists FLAGRANT

Flagrant has established himself as one of the most respected DJs in his field, both as a turntablist and as a club DJ. Now appropriately nicknamed ‘The Business, Man’, Flagrant is a jack of all trades which includes journalism, teaching, management, tour DJ and mixtape hustler. ‘HOMEGROWN’ MIXED' by DJ FLAGRANT is out May 17th

Snoop Dogg - Deez Hollywood Nights Lyrics Born - Hott 2 Def Phrase - Push Up Bliss N Eso - Woodstock Nas - Be A Nigger Too hop hip Pegz - Burn City CL Smooth and M-Phazes - Perfect Timing Spit Syndicate - Fresh Breath Wiley - The Rolex Sweep Estelle featuring Will.I.Am - Wait A Minute With music playing a key role in his life since his early teens, Kawk joined metal / hardcore legends SLIT on guitar in 1997in his homeland of Malta and stayed with the band until 2001. Working from 2001 till 2005 at various metal clubs and live venues in Malta he achieved some of the biggest metal and hardcore nights on the island. Since moving to Sydney in 2005 Kawk has made a name for himself in the local hardcore scene and recently joined the team at CLUB BLINK and the newly formed TRASH SATURDAYS where he works the basement specializing in the heavy side of the alternative scene.

dj kawk

Chimaira – Resurrection Bury Your Dead – Sympathy Orchestra In Flames – The Mirror’s Truth Bullet For My Valentine – Scream Aim Fire Parkway Drive – Boneyards Soilwork – Breeding Thorns metal hardcore Divine Heresy – Failed Creation Devildriver – Clouds Over California Her Nightmare – Class War As I Lay Dying – An Ocean Between Us

dj simon sez

First making a name in the R&B and hip-hop club scene, Simon Sez has played at all of the major spots in Melbourne and toured nationally. He is also one of few DJs to achieve a regular demand in Asia, having toured to both KL Malaysia and Shanghai China regularly over the past year. He’s the official DJ for hip-hop act Justice & Kaos and plays regularly with cohort DJ A-Style as Vinyl Man and Waxboy.

Busta Rhymes - Dont touch me Jay-Z featuring Timbaland - Aint i Dogg Pound featuring Pharrel - Cheat Fat Joe - The Crack House hip hop Ludacris featuring Small World - Pinkie Shinin baltimore Vinyl Man & Waxboy - The Bomb Player *Bmore Mix* breaks Where brooklyn at? - Dave Nada remix Uffie - Hot Chick Diplo Vs Beatles - Shake it up Aaron LaCrate & Debonair Samir featuring Young MC - Know How Theme

jaime doom

The cavalier of club-land Jaime Doom of Sydney party troupe the Bang Gang Deejays sure knows how to bring the party. Doom’s genre skipping, sonic exploration of sound has taken the Modular-signed class-act to every dirty sleaze bar from Tokyo to Berlin. Whether Jaime Doom is spinning Baltimore, techno, house or just noise in general it’s guaranteed this guy will be pushing the boundaries of what is considered a club DJ-set. Get the Jaime Doom experience through Modular Recordings and Ministry Of Sound and prepare to be dazzled and disturbed.

Ssion - Clown Mr Flash - Over The Top Deathset - On The Street (Bumblebeez Remix) ZZZ - DeDeDe up John Starlight - Road Rage mash Lil Bo Tweak - Got Da Bass Metronomy - Heart Rate Rapid Stuffa & Andy Ft Mapei - Pretty Girls (Krazy Fiesta Remix) MGMT - Time To Pretend Golden Bug - Rocket City

sampology

90 - 91 playlists

mash

He may be about the same age as Frankie Muniz but damn can this Brisbane boy spin a record. Since bursting onto the scene late 2003 as a gig hungry barely-legal 17-year-old, Sampology has quickly gained a rep as the go-to party DJ of B-Town. Spinning everything from deep Funk, Disco & Hip Hop to Baltimore, Baile Funk, Breaks, Electro & DNB or cheesy mash up, Sampology has supported artists such as DJ Qbert, Grandmaster Flash, DJ Shadow, Roots Manuva and Blackalicious, Pendulum, Concord Dawn, Mc Supernatural, Deadly Avenger and he has also featured on Triple J’s “The Club” spinning an hour-long feature set. The future looks bright for this boy-wonder.

up Here Comes the Hotstepper - Ini Komoze Ballroom Blitz - The Sweet Something To Dance to – NWA One and One - 2 Live Crew Move (J Dilla Remix) - Oh No Peace & Love (Sampology remix) - Resin Dogs Roady (Nextmen Remix) - Fat Freddy's Drop Brick House - The Commodores Hotter Than Them - South Rakkas Crew The Sun Goes Down - Level 42

On The Office Stereo MGMT - Oracular Spectacular; X and Hell preview tracks; Santagold – Santagold; Dime Piece – The Lipstick Diaries Mix-tape; Bliss and Eso – Flying Colours; Kenna – Make Sure They See My Face; Snoop Dogg – Ego Trippin’; Brian Jonestown Massacre - My Bloody Underground, Lil Mama - VYP: Voice of the Young People, The Presets - Apocalypso, TZU - Computer Love; Lil Wayne – Da Drought is Over 5.

Issue 12 Launch Parties We totally switched up the vibe of our launch parties by coordinating them at some of the freshest boutique stores across Australia. Issue 12 popped off at Heist in Melbourne, Laced in Brisbane and Espionage in Sydney. To say the least, each party was dope! Those of you saying "Where was my invite?"... add us to your myspace, facebook or subscribe to our mailing list, party@acclaimmag.com, to stay posted. SA & WA readers stay tuned, your turn comes soon! Thanks to our drink sponsors Jameson, iDRINX and Gage Roads.

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games Some of you may remember Bully when it was released under the name Canis Canem Edit last year on the PS2. Not too much has changed since we last saw this game. You star as 15 year old Jimmy Hopkins. Jimmy has had it tough. His mum has married a new guy and they’ve dumped him at Bullworth Academy while they take their honeymoon. Bullworth is just like every school out there. As you stroll around the playground you’ll see little kids getting their lunch money taken by bigger kids, girls playing hopscotch and small crowds of XBOX 360 // Wii boys standing in a circle chanting “fight” while two guys go at it. But Bully is not all handball and food fights.

(Rockstar) Eventually you will have to go to class. You’re expected to attend Math, Biology and Music as well as the RE U T N classes from the original game. You won’t need extra tutoring to pass them as they all play out like popular ADVE mini-games. A class like Chemistry has you timing your button presses while English requires you to create words from a jumble of letters. The real fun is in the missions. In between classes you’ll be pulling off a variety of childish pranks in order to raise your social status within the school. Armed with a slingshot and the ability to give wet willies on command, you’ll cross paths with all the stereotypical school cliques like the nerds, jocks and preppies. The best part is there are eight new missions in Scholarship Edition so it doesn’t feel like you’ve seen everything Bully has to offer. We’re guessing not many of you would entertain the idea of going back to school let alone play a game that is set inside one.

But somehow Bully manages to recreate the same awkwardness we all felt growing up and combine it with the same hilarity that Rockstar has been bringing to the GTA games for years.

-Paul Frew

Bully: scholarship edition

Devil may cry 4

Army of two

XBOX 360 // PS3

XBOX 360 // PS3

(Capcom)

N HACK H S A L S

92 - 93 games

If you’re anything like me, that being a massive fan of the Devil May Cry series, you’ll spend most of this game wondering when you get to play as Dante and why is he so old now. To add to that, there’s also a high chance that you’ll probably play this game even if it’s complete rubbish, because Capcom have rarely faulted with this franchise. Well, to answer both those questions, they have changed things a bit by making Nero the main character, and despite DMC4 having little new to offer the players of the previous games, you'll quickly get the hang of Nero and his awesome Devil Arm. There’s something intensely satisfying about seeing a giant "spirit arm" reach out and literally beat the crap out of anything that gets in his way, bosses inclusive.

Super graphics and just the typical badass-ery that you’d expect from the main protagonists make this a superb addition to the series.

-Jon Ferris

god of war -

Chains of olympus

PSP

(EA Games)

N

ACTIO

Ok, so let’s set the scene; two army rangers, rule abiding killer cowboys taking on a barrage of terrorists in foreign battle fields. Pretty much sums up EA’S Army Of Two in a brief yet all too descriptive manner. You play either multiplayer or single player as two U.S. soldiers. Salem, The shaggy-haired, tattooed “kill ‘em all” Wildman who’s biggest love is war (you know the deal) and Rios, the bigger of the two, the more “professional” killer/soldier, the kind of guy who gets the job done in less bullets. Visually the game is stunning; great looking environments with attention to detail right down to bullet shots in every person hit. Multi-player is best served with beers, friends, and spending the night blowing up enemies and getting progressively drunker. But if you’re more of a solo flyer, you may feel a little bit like the day after, where spending your time yelling at the A.I computer partner to at least let you get a shot off on someone is about as fun as a hangover.

-Tate

(Sony)

N

ACTIO

You know, I accidentally flicked onto a low-budget TV show based on video games the other night and coincidentally saw a review of this game. It got 9.5 out of 10 and 10 out of 10. I can't speak for anyone else, but to me – that is a heinous a lie as saying that the holocaust didn't exist, possibly worse. For the most part, this game is okay, but every few minutes when you're fighting a "boss", they chuck in this novelty shit where you have to press a random button without any warning, and if you miss it (which you do every time), you have to start the entire tedious piece of shit battle all over again. What a fantastic fucking blast! I'm not going to pretend I have finished this game – I actually stopped after about half an hour to stop myself from putting the PSP into my sandwich press to help save humanity from this mindfuck piece of junk. I suppose this game is kind of like Prince of Persia, but instead of challenges that are actually enjoyable to complete, these challenges are more like trying to see how quickly you can eat your way out of a pool full of horse semen. 10 out of 10!

- Swish Cheese

Tech REVIEW

HD DVD is dead. PS3’s are now actually worth the price.

After roughly two years of consumers getting the rough end of producers and directors playing early advocators of one medium or another (blockbuster Transformers being the big one), the next generation format war has finally been won. Toshiba announced in February that they have ceased production of their HD DVD players, leading to an expected 666 million dollar loss in profits, and for a rare change, Sony actually raise their glasses to one of their mediums emerging victorious. For those who are unsure of the repercussions, the main thing to know is that if you plan on upgrading your entertainment system, don’t buy a HD DVD player, because by the time this issue is out, there won’t be a factory in the world producing players or HD DVD’s. The good news is that hopefully more hardware developers will be picking up Blu-Ray players and driving the retail price down, as currently, the best value Blu-ray player is the Playstation 3.

-Kyri Papapetrou

ATMOSPHERE

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS

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FLK EFN FE J?F:B www.myspace.com/methodaustralia

www.shock.com.au

dvdS The increasing prevalence of digital technology in our society has had some major changes in the way we live our lives. Aside from knocking the wind out of the music and film industry and making masturbation easier, the proliferation of cheap technology has allowed people to create music, movies and art at home that otherwise would have been resigned to their imaginations.

RED VS BLUE

SEASON 1 & 2

(ROOSTER TEETH PRODUCTIONS)

CO ME

DY

Red VS Blue is a perfect example of this. For those that are unfamiliar with the series, the creators Burnie Burns and Matt Hullum have created a kind of futuristic sitcom using the X Box game Halo. The programs are scripted and then acted out with multiple X Boxes hooked up to each other, with the Halo characters acting as puppets. This might not sound like the most visually stimulating entertainment and in truth it isn’t, but like South Park, it’s the writing that makes the show. As the title suggests there is a red and blue team, who are pitted against each other in a barren canyon. The first series was made around the start of the Gulf War and there is a commentary on military life running throughout both seasons. It’s also continuously insinuated that both armies are fighting for absolutely no reason, again a reference to America’s occupation of Iraq.

The attention to character development is what makes Red VS Blue a lot more than just a game of Halo with amusing commentary. While causing the viewer to laugh out loud at times, as you’d expect from a series that mainly features Halo characters standing around insulting each other, it does tend to drag in places. This is definitely worth checking out for anyone who’s a fan of shows like South Park and The Simpsons, and it’s an interesting example of what can be created at small expense with today’s home technology.

Tourettes

LA INK

MUSE

COLLECTION 1 (MAGNA PACIFIC)

TIY T REAL O DOC

If you’re one of those lucky folks with cable then this show will be old news to you. One of the biggest differences between LA Ink and its predecessor Miami Ink is the girly factor, which is to be expected given that four of the show’s central characters are women. So, in between tattoo jobs the show often follows Kat and her cohorts in their day to day activities that sometimes include clothes shopping and discussions about boob jobs plus the occasional teary moment that you probably wouldn’t have gotten from the boys at Miami Ink. Kat is without a doubt an amazing tattoo artist and the team of other tattooists that she assembles to make up the LA Ink team are all talented and have their own areas of expertise. For me it’s definitely the tattoo work that makes this show great to watch and of course I’m now itching to get some more ink on my body! When compared with Miami Ink though, I do prefer the original in terms of the character dynamics and lack of female angst.

Jerry Jerri

94 - 95 review

BURTON DVD

HAARP (live at Wembley) V

(WARNER)

THANKS IN ADVANCE

MUSI

C

To be totally honest, I was never really sold on the steez of Muse.

I'd heard a few tracks that I thought were pretty fresh (Knights of Cydonia, Time is Running Out and a couple others that were mildly entertaining), but I'd say it was more of the vibe I got off their creepy window licking fans that turned me off. I've been subjected to some heavy Triple J radio play over the past few weeks which has been a mixed bag at best, and couldn't help but notice that the tracks off the live Muse album in rotation were pretty impressive (especially compared the rest of the ironic folk rock molesting my eardrums). So, I hunted this DVD down and began my journey of self-loathing for passing out two hundred metres away from where these guys played at Big Day Out. The band's frontman, Matthew Bellamy, is a walking Swiss Army knife (an incredible guitarist, pianist and singer plus he rocks a swanky red suit to boot). The music flipflops between intense powerchords and subtle piano shit, but it's usually on point. Muse have won themselves a fan. Next step: combing my hair over my face and being a depressing fuckhead.

Brady Armstrong

(BURTON)

sport

It just ain’t fair.

Somewhere, right now, some bastard is riding down acres and acres of pure white pristine marshmallow like powder; thicker than your mum and twice as soft. Yeah…Some kids get all the luck and watching a movie like this really makes you question why you do what you do instead of roaming the world as a snowboarding pro.

The answer is because doing what these guys do takes kahunas the size of small South American nations.

This, the latest global team movie from Burton, Thanks in Advance, features tons of killer mountain footage (along with enough urban rails to make you think twice about fatherhood) collected over the past year from the team’s adventures in the North Cascades, Winter Park, Mt. Baker and many other above average locations you may never see in real life. Keegan Valaika slays Denver’s rails, Nicolas Müller gives the backcountry the hiding it deserves. The video also features impressive footage from the Burton women’s team proving that this is definitely not just a sport for those with balls. Notable appearances from ladies of the moment including Elena Hight, Kelly Clark and Victoria Jealouse. Ouch. Is it feeling colder to you or is it just me? Time to get the board waxed.

Chris Martin

KNOW YOUR CLASSICS SNATCH

Guy Ritchie // 2000 Hands down the best movie ever to come out of the UK in my opinion.

A big call I know, but more than anything else I’ve experienced from the world of British cinema, Snatch passes the replay test time and time again (whether a movie can be watched more than once and still thoroughly enjoyed). I never get sick of this movie. It has all the ingredients of a great flick: amazing plot, awesome director, great cinematography, fantastic cast and onscreen performances, perfect soundtrack and the ultimate balance of comedy and adventure. If you haven’t seen Snatch yet you are a sad individual indeed.

After experiencing Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels I didn’t think Guy Ritchie could top it but he did with Snatch, a film that once again takes the viewer into the London underworld through a storyline that sees multiple characters and sub-plots intertwine at an energetic pace. In fact, the plot is so complex that I’m not going to attempt to break it down in this review but I will highlight the main components: a diamond heist, Russian mobsters, bumbling jewellery dealers, gypsies, bare knuckle boxing, a truly nasty bad guy, lots of hired muscle and a dog. Sound nuts, it kinda is, but in a really good way.

While at first glance, recruiting hollywood heavyweights Brad Pitt and Benicio Del Toro appears like a marketing gimmick, every actor in this film performs to perfection.

Snatch sees Brad Pitt in one of his most entertaining roles as the Pikie (gypsy) bare knuckle boxing champ Micky. Several british actors who appeared in Lock Stock return to work with Guy Ritchie in Snatch, most notably Jason Statham in the lead role as bare knuckle boxing promoter Turkish and the very awesome Vinnie Jones who is perfect as underworld heavy-forhire Bullet Tooth Tony.

It’s definitely worth checking out the bonus material on the DVD for the deleted scenes, some of which should definitely have stayed in the final cut (in my opinion). Don’t sleep.

Andrew MontelL

Pot Culture

Shirley Halperin & Steve Bloom (Thames & Hudson) Roll Up Roll up! Pot Culture is the Bible of pot; 215 pages of the gospel according to Chong. It doesn’t matter if you dabble or dribble, this book has something for the whole gamut of the smoking fraternity.

This is not the regular holy smoke wailing from hippies who bang on about legalising weed. Pot Culture is primarily about exploring all the unusual and cool things associated with marijuana, and to my surprise, I found the concept really, really engaging. This highly informative, lighthearted tome covers everything, and I do mean everything one needs and really shouldn’t know about pot, in a still-accessible-when-your-stoned encyclopaedia format. Observe the growing, rolling, and smoking tips; the unbelievable politics and history surrounding pot; the antics of rebel activists; the best and worst films for and about smoke; a huge assortment of viewing and listening ideas for every kind of stoner; classic and unheard of things to make and do; eminent stoners: anyone for Kerouac? Cue Pink Floyd and the Wizard of Oz for a simultaneous head fuck and then keep reading, there is so much more.

If you want to put some fun back into your sesh hook up. Just don’t let your nearest and dearest read it. They might turn bong head too.

The Greedy Cactus

SYBILLE PROU & KING ADZ

BLEK LE RAT

The Wolf of Wall Street

RON JEREMY - THE HARDEST (WORKING) MAN IN SHOWBIZ

Jordan Belfort

RON JEREMY & ERIC SPITZNAGEL

(Thames & Hudson)

(Hachette Australia)

(Harper Collins)

Before there was Banksy, there was Blek le Rat. Credited by most as the man that created both the stencil movement and the poster movement, this book is a thorough investigation into all the mystique behind the man.

Blek began reclaiming Parisian walls at the beginning of the 1980s, as a revolt against the mindless excess that was consuming that era. Before the appearance of the "New York" style, he was pioneering the use of street art as art and not as a political statement.

When the penalties became too severe, he pioneered the use of posters and stickers as a legitimate art form. The book is written by both his wife and a filmmaker who produced and directed a film about the life of Blek le Rat, so the insights into his life and ideas come directly from either Blek or the people that know him best. If you have an interest in stencils, this is definitely a book for you, but it also stands on it's own as an important chapter in art history that most art buffs would enjoy.

The Wolf Of Wall Street is Jordan Belfort's memoir of a decade of decadence, excess and stockbroking all of which have a surprisingly strong link, apparently. Well if you were a member of Belfort’s firm Stratton Oakmont in the late 80's, that is, which boomed by ripping off thousands of investors while the young Wall Street libertines basked in their own glory. While this autobiography should be an interesting read for someone interested in share trading, the whole subject is by and large overlooked. Instead Belfort concentrates on his ridiculous lifestyle, his devious misadventures which include sinking a 170ft Yacht, spending thousands on Elliot Spitzer style "blue chip" hookers and Scarface quantities of coke, only to end up a federal prisoner. While not the most informing read, it is definitely an easy and entertaining one. Martin Scorsese is currently in the process of turning this New York Times best seller into a movie with Leonardo Di Caprio cast as Belfort.

Callum Vass

You’ve probably heard the name Ron Jeremy, he is after all, the most well known male porn star in the world. Nicknamed ‘The Hedgehog’ Ron Jeremy is a comical figure, possibly more well known for his overweight, hairy physique than he is for his lengthy appendage.

Living up to his on-screen persona, Jeremy is often funny as hell as he takes the reader through his life story explaining how he stumbled into a career in adult films, assuming that it would lead to opportunities in the legitimate film world. Much of the book is dedicated to Ron’s attempts to break into the mainstream film industry and you cant help but feel for the guy when you learn how many of his appearances have been cut out of movies at the final edit stage. Ron Jeremy is full of humorous tales from the porn industry, Ron’s days in the NY Swingers scene and Hollywood party scene plus heaps more. There’s even a very amusing story about his live sex performance at Maxine’s in Melbourne. Overall this book is an amusing read that also gives the reader an insight into man behind the porn persona.

Jerry Jerri

the recipe

Looptroop Rockers Swedish BBQ Buffet

Since their formation in 1992, Looptroop Rockers have been at the forefront of the global hip-hop // movement. Back in the day, when hip-hop was not a global

96 - 97 the recipe

movement and most Swedish groups were just bad mimics of American rappers Looptroop were creating a truly innovative brand of hip-hop that is now enjoyed by heads across the globe. After sixteen years in the game and the recent release of their fourth album Good Things, the boys deserved a chill-out and a Euro-style BBQ cook-up while on tour was a great place to start. Supreme and Promoe take us through the steps.

1 kilo of marinated chicken.

2 kilos of assorted sausages.

1 kilo german potato salad 8 pieces of sweet corn 8 pieces of marinated filét of pork halloumi cheese tofu 3 packs of soy-meat 4 onions 1 bottle of olive oil spinach and ruccola (for the salad)

tomatoes cucumber mayo sour cream sun-dried tomatoes sambal oelek 1 gruyére cheese

Step One: Delegation On a day-off in Solothurn, Switzerland, we need good food!

We asked the locals to bring food and beer and it seemed like everyone brought sausages and a twelve-pack. As always on tour you miss home-cooked food and things like having a BBQ with the family, so we try to hook up that nice vibe whenever we can. It’s important to find a grill-master, who's in charge of the actual grilling. Usually the driver is your best pick, on this tour it's Esko.

Step Two: The Cook Up The trick to a good BBQ is the temperature of the grill. You should turn the meat over twice, not too many times! We rubbed the meat with olive oil and union, and cut up the sausages, so the skin doesn’t break when you heat it up. Also chop up extra onion to grill on the side. A good sauce for the grill is a mix of 2 dl mayo, 2 dl sour cream, cayenne pepper, chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a small spoon of sambal oelek. We had chicken, pork, sweet corn and lots of German sausages. They love wurst around here. And always try the local beer! Esko the driver says you can't even think about a BBQ without beer. I kind of agree.

The vegans and vegetarians had salad and corn with the rest of us and got some halloumi cheese, tofu and soy-meat.

Step Three: Salad and Weird Drinks Mixing spinach and ruccola together makes a nice salad with chopped tomatoes and cucumber. Potato salad is the best side dish, especially in the summer. Gruyére is a Swiss cheese that is my favourite! I just eat it straight. In terms of drinks, other than beer what we drink on tour is ginger, lemon and hot water.

If you want you can put a touch of honey in it as well. Puts hair on your chest!

Step Four: Dinner Entertainment You need music, so invite DJs. Also you always need a disco ball! At least we got hold of one on the night and it spiced up the DJ booth a little. We also managed to hook up the PS3 to a projector, so people could play GTA IV, projected on the tourbus. Anger management is needed if you have a younger crowd invited.

Soundtrack: The soundtrack of the night was Embee and DJ Dainja spinning mellow 80's soul and later on our sound-tech Mixtro Vladi returned to the one's and two's after a ten year hiatus with EPMD's The Headbanger. Good times were had by all!

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Mooks

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Afends

Mossimo

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Another Inch

Robio

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(03) 8415 0727 www.robio.com.au

Carhartt

Rockstar Games

Converse

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Dakine

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Shock

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Shogun Distribution

Future Entertainment

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Illustrated People

Style Wars

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Vans

Levis

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Lee Cooper

enjoying yourself so far? I thought so. Huh? Subscriptions? Oh yeah,of course you can have one…for

Just buy it. its easier than going to the shop. this issue you also get your mitts on one of these rad-ass DVDs. International readers can hit us at

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end stuff CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT Memphis Back on board after an extended hiatus from the ACCLAIM team, Memph lives up to his rep as a Melbourne style king and delivers the goodness for our Style Guide as well as using his retail expertise to our benefit by compiling the Shopping Guide again this issue. With streetwear and fashion in general becoming a more significant feature in ACCLAIM’s evolution, Memph’s imput has been invaluable and much appreciated.

David Able Having taken over the ACCLAIM layout responsibility only 4 issues ago, Dave has adjusted quickly and easily to the madness that is ACCLAIM. We couldn’t be happier with his ability to work to our existing template but also to create new layout concepts and subtly evolve the overall appearance of the magazine for the better. And dude knows how to hustle and gets everything done nice and quick. Bigups Dave.

The Wall

98 - 99 end stuff

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 of ACCLAIM was created with too many late nights to count; one severe throat infection; one threesome (well kinda); one decision to stop drinking or at least cut down; 18 soy chai lattes with honey; a whole box of Sirena tuna in olive oil; 1 lobster lunch from a sugar mamma; 4 industry parties; 2 trips overseas; 1 permanent relocation to Melbourne, 1 re-addiction to cigarettes; 1 ad sales cherry popped; 1 unhealthy infatuation with a married woman and the number 13.

HIP-HOP MUSIC

BY THE HATER I can hardly believe that I’m writing this given that for most of my life I’ve been the biggest hip-hop fan out there. In a way it hurts to cast such hateful words towards a music and lifestyle that I’ve held so close to my heart for so long, but man does hip-hop have it coming! Before I really get into my rant I’d like to say that I’m not one of these old-schoolers who clings to the past and whines like a pussy about the golden era. I did enjoy the nineties hip-hop sound however I’ve enjoyed hip-hop way since then but in recent times things have just started sucking so much that even the decent shit is really mediocre and the mediocre stuff is wack making the bad stuff really fucking terrible. How did it get this way?

Maybe it’s just the ridiculous amount of money to be made from a successful career in hip-hop music so now every former crack dealer with no sense of musicality has figured he can rap and earn more than slanging rocks on the corner. Here’s the formula for making a hit record in today’s hip-pop world: Find a mentally challenged teenager or if you don’t have one of them available a kid in pre-school will suffice. Throw a few words around and wait until the kid starts clapping his hands excitedly and chanting the words in a basic sentence format. Now you’ve got the idiot friendly chorus for your hit single, guaranteed to attract mainstream radio play. Hip-hop has turned into dumb people music point blank. Maybe the inevitable death of CD sales will help to flush out the pollution and strip the music back to something that excites rather than inducing a complete lack of enthusiasm for the entire genre.

Or perhaps it will continue to dumb down to the point where the biggest club hits will be the sound of a lobotomized rapper dribbling into the mic.

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