ACCLAIM Issue 16

Page 1

KR

KING OF DRIPS

BMX

THE GLOBAL REVIVAL

KID ZOOM

MEET OUR COVER ARTIST

N*E*R*D

EXCLUSIVE AUSTRALIAN INTERVIEW Australia $7.95 GST) ISSUE 16 (INC 2009

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

+ STREETWEAR, TOYS, SNEAKERS, SPORT, FILM, CARS, MUSIC, ART & DESIGN, VIDEO GAMES, TATTOOS AND MUCH MORE


I N T R O D U CT I N G T H E D I XO N A N T W UA N D I XO N S I G N AT U R E M O D E L CHAD MUSKA / ERIK ELLINGTON / JIM GRECO / TERRY KENNEDY / TOM PENNY / ANTWUAN DIXON / FURBY


SU PRAFOOTWEAR.COM



CONTENTS ION FASH

ION FASH

ION FASH

ION FASH

ION FASH

KICKS

KICKS

ION FASH

PING SHOP

PING SHOP

SUB RE CULTU

MUSIC

MUSIC

MUSIC

L SOCIA

AUTO

ART

ART

ART

O TATTO

24 FLY GURL 26 GIRLS ON THE STREET 2 28 ORISUE 30 GRAND SCHEME 32 PARTY’S OVER 40 INDUSTRY PRO 44 CUSTOM ARTIST 50 GLOBAL STYLE GUIDE 52 FLY BUYS 54 FLY BUYS 56 REVIVAL 60 MSTRKRFT 62 NASA 64 N*E*R*D 66 IN DEPTH 72 MOONEYES USA 74 SWIFTY 76 KR 78 KID ZOOM 80 CARL COCKER

.au

com . o i b o r www.

LA’S “LUSCIOUS” LIZ HERNANDEZ

MORE LADIEZ MAKING THEIR MARK

WE CHAT WITH BRAND CO-FOUNDER ALLAN DOEN THE SUNSHINE STATE’S PRIMO STREETWEAR LABEL OUR FASHION SHOOT SHOT IN BALI MR CARTOON

ANDRE TRENIER

STREETWEAR AROUND THE WORLD

Tees Gadgets Vinyl Toys Accessories Kid Robot Tokidoki + More

SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE TEES TO DROP OF LATE HATS, WATCHES, SHADES & ACCESSORIES THE GLOBAL RETURN AND RISE OF BMX THE PARTY STARTERS

73 Gertrude St Fitzroy Vic 3065

STARS ALIGNED

HEAD OF THE CLASS

THE ORIGINS OF SOMALI PIRACY

NEW STORE @ the coop Ground Floor Melbourne Central

KUSTOM KULTURE KINGS

CAMOUFLAGE AND SOUP CANS DRIPS OF DELIBERATION

OUR COLLABORATING COVER ARTIST

REVIVING THE ART OF TONGAN TATATAU

robio.com.au twitter.com/robiostore



EDITOR’S FOREWORD

PERSPECTIVE It seems like out of nowhere the world has dived head first into the shallow end of the economic swimming pool leaving everyone in a state of panic. Like anyone else in business we at ACCLAIM have felt the effect of the economic doom and gloom and it’s easy to find yourself being drawn into the negativity and before you know it you’re pacing the room, sweating about how you’re going to ensure that your business survives the looming crisis. You have conversation after conversation with clients who despite doing good business are panicking in the face of projected recession. Suddenly your whole life is consumed with thoughts of budgets and revised strategies…then something happens to make all the economic woes around you seem as insignificant as a paper-cut.

Bushfires raged through large portions of the state of Victoria recently. My own experience with the fires began with a tearful phone call from my Aunty on the first Saturday that the fires struck to tell me that Mum and Dad were surrounded by fire and unable to escape their home in the Yarra Valley. I was finally able to reach my parents on the phone and they assured me that they were OK but still fighting the fire around them and with fallen power lines blocking the road there was no option for them to flee. Shortly after that phone call the phone lines and power to their home were lost and I spent the next two days stressing out waiting for a phone call as the carnage unfolded on the daily news. My parents were lucky. Despite a giant wall of flame travelling at 80km an hour rushing through their town they escaped with their lives and their house intact. Their house was one of only six surviving buildings in their town. Most of their friends were not so lucky- all of their neighbours’ properties were burnt to the ground and some of their closest friends died in their homes.

After spending a few days at my parents’ house and seeing the destruction all the way up to within a few metres of their front door, made all the stress of a dubious economy float away. After a few days back at the computer screen my thoughts returned to budgets and new strategies for surviving the struggle. Life goes on. But now when I find myself stressing about this or that to do with keeping a business profitable I weight it up against the fact that I came within a few metres of losing my family. I love publishing ACCLAIM Magazine, sometimes I put it before everything else including time with the fam, maybe now I’ll make sure it doesn’t control my life so much. Strive to do what you love in life people, but always weigh it up against those you love. Be wary in these tough times, play it smart to survive the economic crunch but don’t let the international panic distract you from what is really important- keep things in perspective.

Andrew Montell Editor In Chief



THE TEAM

// MELBOURNE OFFICE 9 Dundas Lane Albert Park, VIC 3206 Australia Ph: +61 3 9695 7815 Fax: +61 3 9682 4323 // EDITORIAL SUB EDITOR

ALEXANDRA WEILAND alexandra@acclaimmag.com

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER JEREMY SWANN jeremy@acclaimmag.com

FASHION SHOOT COORDINATOR

REBELDNCE (this issue only)

GLOBAL STYLE GUIDE ANDREW MONTELL

AUTO EDITOR

VINCENT TANG vincent@acclaimmag.com

TOYS EDITOR CALLUM VASS

// PUBLISHER / EDITOR IN CHIEF ANDREW MONTELL andrew@acclaimmag.com

// COMPANY DIRECTORS ANDREW MONTELL MATT GUDINSKI

// ART ORIGINAL DESIGN TEMPLATE

// ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

ART DIRECTOR

SALES ASSISTANT

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

MARKETING & PROMOTIONS

MEGA mega@acclaimmag.com DAVID ABLE dave@acclaimmag.com MICHAEL DANISCHEWSKI

// ONLINE ONLINE EDITOR

ALEXANDRA WEILAND alexandra@acclaimmag.com CALLUM VASS callum@acclaimmag.com

JASON LARKE jason@acclaimmag.com

TOM CONNELLAN tom@acclaimmag.com

ONLINE DESIGN TEMPLATE PJ SMITH

// TEXT

Alex Weiland // Miles McKirdy // Katie Maltby // Andrew Montell // Jerri Jerri // Sarah Jane Owen // Anthony Costa // Ankia // Yvette Shum // Rhiannon Elston // PJ Smith // Vinny Tang // Dominic Wagner // Benjamin Menzies // Alicia Sim // Kayta Hackman // Kyri // Veidt // Jerry Marker // JC // Clifford JD // Community College.

// PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nick Bassett // Michael Danischewski // Project Midas // Dean Moon //Jorge Peniche // RebelDnce // Nicolas Randall // Thom Rigney // Joe Stevens // Kid Zoom

// COVER

Photos by Jorge Peniche // Wardrobe Stylist: AJ (Crooks & Castles) //Makeup by Liz Castellanos // Hair by Asha Williams // Artwork applied to cover by Kid Zoom

// 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.

//WORLD WIDE WEB

Visit us at WWW.ACCLAIMMAG.COM Add us at WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ACCLAIMMAGAZINE Add us on www.facebook.com search for ACCLAIM MAGAZINE

// PRODUCTION

ACCLAIM is printed on Neo Gloss 300GSM and 115GSM paper. We use eco friendly soybased inks because you gotta respect the Earth, nahmean?

//DISTRIBUTION AUS // NZ DISTRIBUTOR // GORDON & GOTCH INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR // PANSING IMM MALAYSIAN DISTRIBUTOR // MPH DISTRIBUTORS SINGAPORE DISTRIBUTOR // MPH DISTRIBUTORS INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR // PANSING IMM DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION //Pressmart.com // ACCLAIM MAGAZINE GOT SOME EXTRA LOVE FROM:

ACCLAIM Magazine is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved in material accepted for publication, unless initially specified otherwise. All letters and other material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly labeled “Not For Publication”. Opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of ACCLAIM Magazine or the publisher. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited material.


FACES

Words by: Andrew Montell

MARLON RAICHEL Surviving The Game

SNEAKERS AND STREETWEAR GO HAND IN HAND IN THE CURRENT AGE OF FASHION AND BROOKLYN BORN LABEL // SNEAKTIP IS THE FUSION OF BOTH WORLDS AND THE CREATION

10 - 10 FACES

OF ONE MARLON RAICHEL.

Marlon has one interesting back-story that begins with being born into the New York Russian mafia, stumbling through a severe addiction to crack cocaine and heroin before bouncing back with his submergence into the streetwear game. Marlon is cagey about his past ties to organised crime but speaks honestly about his battle with addiction. “It’s a lifetime battle and I fight it one day at a time by keeping it real and not choosing to close the door on my past but learn from it. […] and most important I decided that my life was spared when I lost my first cousin, Mike Raichel, to this battle of addiction. The legacy our fathers built is now on my shoulders to live out so I keep that in front of me every step I take in life today.” Marlon’s introduction to the streetwear game came when his cousin Rus aka SSUR introduced him to the owner of a sneaker shop in his hood. “I met him and said I could take this to the next level and he gave me a partnership in the shop. After a year of working there I realised that this sneaker culture was missing a brand that was dedicated to key elements that stemmed from the actual designs in sneakers as well as the lifestyle behind the culture. There is a trade show called Magic that takes place in Vegas twice a year and I approached them to create this exclusive section for streetwear in 2006 and that’s when and where we launched SneakTip.” READ THE FULL LENGTH INTERVIEW WITH MARLON AT WWW.ACCLAIMMAG.COM Or peep a video interview with Marlon at www.karmaloop.com



FACES

Words by Andrew Montell

EUGENE KAN

CONTROLLING THE BEAST

WITH ONLY TWO YEARS AT THE REIGNS OF ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL STREET CULTURE SITES IN THE WORLD, // EUGENE KAN HAS WHAT MANY WOULD DESCRIBE AS A DREAM JOB RUNNING THINGS AT HYPEBEAST.COM

Ask him to describe his position as Managing Editor and Kan explains that “It’s mostly a glorified name for what is essentially a blogger (laughs). I’d like to step away from the mindless writing sometime and work on more comprehensive and meatier things but at the end of the day, Hypebeast does rely on the blog as its bread and butter. But if I really had to go through some of my duties: content creation, organization of content, communication with brands regarding upcoming releases (for content/featuring), preparing features/interviews, making a mess of the office, lacing shoes, the list is pretty endless. I don’t mind putting my hands in a bunch of different things, and since we’re a small team that’s intern-less, there’s often some overlap.”

12 - 12 FACES

Based in Hong Kong, Hypebeast’s biggest audience is in North America, a fact that presents some geographical challenges for the Hypebeast team “you always fear a bit of a disconnect knowing full well we don’t hit up the US as often as we should.” Explains Eugene. For this reason, the choice of Eugene Kan, who grew up in the US as Editor for Hypebeast makes a lot of sense. As he points out “there are still a lot of values and upbringings I hold strong to me that relate back to North America. I’m not exactly embodying much of the traditional Chinese way of thinking that’s for sure.” Keep an eye out for Eugene Kan in the future as he no doubt takes things above and beyond the realm of blog commander in chief. “I definitely want to enter the realm of product creation. Enter a flipside look at things going from somebody who has continually consumed and critqued product to somebody who is on the other end putting together what is hopefully a solid and well-designed product. […]It won’t overtake Hypebeast, but it will surely compliment the current situation.



FACES

Words by Katie Maltby

SIMONE LEGNO OF TOKIDOKI

Kawaii Connoisseur

CHANCES ARE YOU’VE SEEN THE ODD TOKIDOKI TEE OR FIGURINE AROUND, OR AT LEAST A TOKIDOKI X LESPORTSAC // BOOTLEG AT YOUR LOCAL MARKETS. YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED

HOWEVER TO HEAR THAT THIS ÜBER KAWAII BRAND IS ACTUALLY THE BRAINCHILD OF AN ITALIAN ARTIST, SIMONE LEGNO. FOUNDERS OF THE US COMPANY HARD CANDY STUMBLED UPON HIS PERSONAL WEBSITE BACK IN 2004 AND INSTANTLY GOT THE MAN A PLANE TICKET TO LA TO TALK SHOP, AND WITH THAT THE TOKIDOKI EMPIRE WAS BORN.

14 - 14 FACES

“I think the key of tokidoki is the mixture of visual inputs, cultures and perfect blending of opposites living together” explains Simone. “Tokidoki is like my artistic life diary. I grew up in Italy with a classic Italian background, but I was (always) dreaming about Japan since I had a natural love toward this country’s culture. Then moving to LA I got all the typical glamorous, urban streetwear influences from this unique city.” Initially starting with a range of apparel, accessories and vinyl toys, tokidoki has found success with a number of collaborations: a soccer ball with Mikasa sports, sneakers for Onitstuka Tiger, a line of watches, snow gear, skate decks, the hell-cute “bambino” line of babies’ onesies, caps, stationery, mints and the hugely successful line of bags with LeSportsac. With this list of collabs under Simone’s belt, perhaps the proudest partnership has been with iconic brand Sanrio: tokidoki for Hello Kitty. “I can say that the collaboration with Hello Kitty was a huge honour for me! Since I was very young I loved Hello Kitty and never felt embarrassed about liking something so cute and girly.” With that in mind, any plans to relocate to Japan in the future? “Not for now…at the moment I am too busy and need to focus on my little busy and fast-growing company here, so it will have to wait.” Simone launched his second tokidoki capsule store recently in New York City. If you’re ever stateside check it out at 176 Spring St. It’s his only other store after his flagship in Milan. For Australian stockists of all tokidoki products call 1800 444 872


1/2009 6:47:27 PM

DAYONE

DEBUTalbumOUTaPRIl24 Featuring the tracks: ‘heartbreak scorsese’ ‘houston’ ‘chasing ghosts’ ‘there you go again’ www.myspace.com/snobscrilla

For free music, join the Ivy League - www.ivyleague.com.au


HOT & FRESH

Selection by Alex Weiland and Miles McKirdy

BBC – DOLLARS AND DIAMONDS LEATHER RUCKSACK

Nothing says lavish and luxurious more than having a rucksack in metallic gold embossed in “Dollars and Diamonds”. Billionaire Boys Club (BBC) has released this piece of affluence ready for the American Spring season. Made with 100% leather with the BBC signature detailing, the bag features 2 side pockets, a large general storage area and even a tote bag for sneakers (or sacks of dough). Exclusive through BBC chapters worldwide or BBC online store.

ALIFE X G-SHOCK - ALIFE STATE OF MIND DW-5600

These days it appears that every heavy hitting street brand is doing a collaboration with Casio G-Shock. Not one to let their fans down ALIFE has just released their second Casio collaboration with their custom blacked out DW5600 watch. With custom detailing on the face as well as the “ALIFE STATE OF MIND” etched on the wristband, get in quick as the series is limited to only 100 pieces worldwide and available only through ALIFE flagship stores.

FRANK 151

FABULOUS NOBODIES

Proving that there’s still life yet in the flat-brim, Frank is the go-to brand for classic, throwback-inspired headwear. In these lame financial times it’s all about investing in staple items like these that are quality-crafted, stylish yet understated. It’s finally time to pass off those O.T.T 59-50’s from 2007 to the kid bro. Your girlfriend will thank us. Hell, she can even share your new Frank if their lookbook is any indicator. Available in Oz through Triple Beam Distribution.

I know I was harping on about the merits of local online shopping in last issue’s Hot and Fresh but I’m telling you, this shit is gold! New kid on the block FABNOB.com.au recently launched and with it comes a truckload of dope tees once only available with a passport or cash to burn. Click on and you’ll have access to brands like Deter, Free Gums, Free Gold Watch and Dance Party Massacre quicker than you can say, “what economic crisis?”

MARVEL COMICS OBAMA X THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN

16 - 16 HOT & FRESH

GHOSTFACE KILLAH AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Holy shit, you should of heard the raucous (and subsequent tweets of elation) around the office the day we heard that Ghostface AKA Tony Starks, AKA Pretty Toney, AKA Ironman, AKA one of hip-hop’s most legendary MCs was gonna tour down-under for the first time ever this June. In fact, we’re still not over it. Hitting five dates across the country, this truly is a tour not to miss. Tickets available at slingshot.oztix.com.au. ADELAIDE Tuesday 23rd June @ HQ SYDNEY Wednesday 24th June @ THE FORUM MELBOURNE Thursday 25th June @ THE ESPY PERTH Friday 26th June @ METROPOLIS BRISBANE Sunday 28th June @ THE STEP INN

With hype like no other President has ever experienced Marvel Entertainment in celebration has created an issue encompassing President Obama’s success. Issue #583 of The Amazing Spider-Man left hundreds of people queuing for hours just to get one. With all copies selling out immediately, a second release also sold out within minutes. Without revealing the storyline… will Peter Parker aka Spiderman be able to save the day whilst an enemy plots against Mr O’s inauguration? eBay has the answer!

ALL YOU SEE IS…

All You See Is dropped a couple of months ago and is the first Melbourne-produced graffiti magazine in quite some time. Made by graffiti writers, this mag is a no frills collection of straight-up graffiti, almost entirely from the city of Melbourne. All You See Is makes no apologies for its ‘keep it real’ approach to graffiti and is aimed at hardcore graffiti enthusiasts. Comprised mostly of flicks of bombed trains and walls, this mag gives shine to several of the more active new-school Melbourne writers and also features interviews with old-schoolers Spotem and Armed. Pick it up from your local hip-hop shop.

SECRET OF MONKEY ISLAND CHUCKS

So this is on some mega dweeb shit but as an Amiga games system kid of the ‘90s I have to pay kudos to these babies. Nothing tells crew that you’re “the deadliest scallywag that ever swung a sword” (again, sorry) quite like these customised Converse Chucks, inspired by none other than The Secret of Monkey Island. The game I wasted about 18 months of my life on when I was eight. They feature hand-painted scenes (an opening scene and sword fight) by a Spanish fan and I gotta say, the artwork is pretty spot on! I never did finish that game. It was a pirated version. Seriously, it was!


FRESH OUT THE BOX FROM

QUOLOMO X YONE TEES

While these babies sold out in record time, the Quolomo x Yone tees still get an honourable mention for being so dope. To compliment the recent “QUOLOMO YONE” solo exhibition of one of Acclaim’s fave photographers Yasumasa “Yone” Yonehara, Japanese design house QUOLOMO produced a limited edition series of photo tees in collaboration with Yone. The tees were available at the recent exhibition, though you might be able to try your luck on eBay. Regardless, the QUOLOMO site is still def’ worth peeping at www.quolomo.com

CASSIUS

PLAYIN’ THE FIELD

Ever wondered why there’s a streetwear culture associated with skating but not say, football? New label GFUNK&BATZ have. Founded by two football-mad Melbourne boys, the duo saw a hole in the market for those with a passion for the sport but with enough style to know rockin’ a jersey on a night out isn’t the way to rep it. “Just as skating has its own distinct look, we decided to use popular, iconic and obscure football imagery in our own collection” co-founder Steve Batzogiannis explains. The result is a collection of tees inspired by iconic graphics and history from the sport like the Soviet tee. Peep the collection at www.gfunkandbatz.com

adidas Forum Low adidas are ringing in their 60 years of souls and stripes with a year long house party, and you can celebrate your originality at Foot Locker, with this nice little pack of Forum lows. The shoe itself was released over 10 years ago, but it’s still as fresh as ever, with the distinctive strap design and great colourways.

Embodying a sense of nonconformity, and reviving a style and class of eyewear long forgotten by the major fashion houses, NZ eyewear label Cassius makes a unique departure from the proliferation of generic branded eyewear on the market. Creative director Jason Ng takes his cues from the ‘60s and ‘70s, when architecture-inspired eyewear brands like Cazal ruled the fashion landscape. The result is a line of classic pieces with a subtle modern twist like the Pawson model pictured. www.cassiuseyewear.com Nike Womens Air Max 97 The Air Max 97 was originally inspired by the highspeed Japanese Bullet train, and was the first shoe to feature a full length Air Max unit. They can be hard to track down, so don’t miss out on the limited pairs available in this minty-fresh colourway.

U-MOTO? WEMOTO!

German streetwear label Wemoto have a simple approach to their skate inspired designs: “We are not into doing the next Louis Vuitton pattern or sample one more Biggie face on a shirt. We try to make some funny stuff which is still cool and do graphics people can relate to.” The result is a line of clean cuts and deliberate graphics which are a welcome departure from the often over-the-top world of international streetwear. Wemoto is available at ThreadsOrDead.com.au

MARRIED TO THE MOB “SHINY SHIT” FITTED CAPS

Married to the MOB are bringin’ back da glitter with their fitted cap series, “Shiny Shit”. Covered in faux metallic leather with embroidered lips on the left side and signature rear stitching of “Most Official Bitches”. Coming in three colours; pink, gold and blue, these are sure to create some head turning. Available online at the MOB shop for $50US.

Puma First Round Repeat Straight from the Puma Archives, these First Round high-tops combine a classic style with a tonal stamp repeated on the shoe, and a modern twist on the material treatments like patent leather and suede.


HOT & FRESH STUSSY – MULTI TOOL

With the world engrossed in fixed gear riding and BMX, Stussy Japan has conveniently dropped its unique approach to a multi-tool. Featuring a saw, a weatherproof torch, flat head and Phillips screwdrivers and belt clip, obtaining this piece would make MacGyver envious. Tightly fitted into a hard-bodied aluminium case the tool is finished with Stussy graffiti logo over a gunmetal detail. Available zozotown.com

MIKE WAY-FRESHER SUNGLASSES

Mike 23 has hit the heartstrings of every OG sneaker connoisseur with these latest sunglasses. Handcrafted in Japan through the hands of 100 craftsmen over a 40 day period there is no denying the labour of love placed into the creation of these specs. But forget about the scientific breakdown and just allow yourself to be hypnotised by the faultless faux elephant skin engrossing these bad boys. Exclusive to mike23.com for $217 US - check out the site for the low down on the incredible creation process.

FREE SHIT PRODUCT CLASSIC X FILA ‘70S FITNESS MODEL

Fila have stepped up to their former glory days with their latest collaboration with Japanese designers/brand Product Classics. Add on top of this the exclusive signing of rap heavyweight Nas things are looking positive for Fila. The return of Fila’s fitness model from the late ‘70s these kicks are in the stylish colourways of the ever exclusive and lavish brandings of Gucci. With an upper combo of faux crocodile leather, a suede toe box, gold highlights and the infamous Gucci ankle strap these joints are buttery fly. Limited to only 300 pairs worldwide get the further scoop through product-classics.com.

Booty, booty, booty. Yep, we got quite the booty-load of free shit for y’all this issue. Toys, shades, kicks, girl stuff, boy stuff, all kinds of stuff. For all the details on how to win it, head to the spankin’ new www.acclaimmag.com and peep our WIN page. We got heaps of stuff there, stuff not even printed here. Intriguing, no? Office 2008 for Mac Our friends at Microsoft are maccin’ out five lucky winners with Office 2008 for Mac, especially crafted with mediasavvy Mac users in mind. Pimped out with the latest versions of Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Entourage and Microsoft Expression Media as well as Microsoft server support, the pack is the most compatible suite on the market, allowing Mac’s and PC’s to talk to each other with finesse! Ashbury Eye Wear Our boys at Ashbury have got both the guys and girls sorted this issue with a pair of the classic ‘Daytripper’ for the fellas and ‘Rabbit Fighter’ for the girls. Suss the whole new range of shades, goggles, tees and hoodies at www. ashburyeyewear.com.au Creative Recreation Creative Recreation has come to the party with a fresh pair of kicks for both the girls and guys. Their current season features classic designs like the Ponti in Khaki for dudes and for the ladies, the Dicoco in a multi-coloured colourway. All their releases are limited runs, so you can be sure that not every Tom, Dick and Harry will be rockin’ your pair. Winners will be able to choose a pair from the upcoming collection! (Some styles not available).

18 - 18 HOT & FRESH

Citystoppers Online store citystoppers.com are holding it down for the ladies. Up for grabs is an extra spesh pack including a tee by hot NYC streetwear brand Princess of the Posse and a Cash Money necklace. www.citystoppers.com Robio Melbourne vinyl toy store Robio have added to their empire with a new store just opened in Melbourne Central. To celebrate our pals have two of the Capee, 8 inch figurines to win, created by Mad Barbarians. Check out Robio’s amazing range online at www.robio.com.au

OUR COVER UP FOR AUCTION

If you’re as in awe of what Kid Zoom has done with our cover (shot by LA’s Jorge Peniche) as we are, you’ll be happy to hear the original handpainted artwork, signed by the artist is up for auction through art site StupidKrap.com. As much as it pains us to part with it, all funds raised from the sale will go towards a project planned for late 2009-2010 which Kid Zoom has up his sleeve. So support a local artist and get your bid on!

Mambo Remember that classic ripple soled desert boot we were all rocking back in 1991? Well Mambo is bringin’ back the heat with their new release of a throwback classic. The TANAMI, (named after one of the most arid and brutal deserts in the world) features the same Cairo suede leather, jute rubber sole and twin eyelet lace-up system as the original desert boot created in 1950. Available in 3 colourways, we got one pair to giveaway to one of you lucky bastards.



TOYS

Selection by Callum Vass

Da Fighter Secret Edition Designer: Tim Tsui

www.teamzero.com.hk

Luna Una Oy

Designer: Goran Lelas Manufacturer: Strangeco. www.strangeco.com

Chuck

www.gotchucked.com

Koibito

Designer: Yoskay Yamamoto Manufacturer: Munky King www.yoskay.com

Cap’n Rotnclaw Designer: Greg Simkins www.imscared.com

DaDa

Designer: Michael Chuah

www.michaelchuah78.blogspot.com

7-Eleven Be@rbrick Manufacturer: Medicom

Mikazukin

Designer: Itokin Park

The Saddest Devil Designer: Toby Dutkiewicz www.kidrobot.com

www.itokin-park.com

Garden Tribe Squarra Set Designer: Michael Lau www.michaellau-art.com

Lefty Yeah Right Designer: Hi Calorie www.hicalorie.com

Buckeye Rot

Sham: Black & Gold

Designer: Sket-One

Designer: Mad

www.sket-one.com

Adios & Chiao Chiao Plush Designer: Tokidoki Manufacturer: Strangeco www.tokidoki.it

Mythos Buddies Designer: Jon Kovalic

20 - 20 TOYS

www.dorktower.com

Momiji Dolls Kogal & Sakura Designer: Joanna Zhou www.chocolatepixels.com

Ripple Marshmellow Edition Designer: Sket One www.sket-one.com

Ye Olde English Dunny Series Designer: Various Manufacturer: Kidrobot www.kidrobot.com


TOY NEWS

Teriyaki Boyz Snow Dome Manufacturer: A Bathing Ape

Two Faced Hazel

www.bape.com

Designer: Kathie Olivias

Neopolitan Ripples Designer: Sket-One

www.miserychildren.com

www.sket-one.com

ADIDAS TREXIS Following their recent 60th Anniversary celebrations, iconic sporting brand Adidas teamed with toy designers/manufacturers Play Imaginative for the creation of a series of Trexis. There are six colourways in the series with each colour allocated for a different Asian country: Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore. The blue Trexi was produced as an exclusive 10” figure.

Peacemaker 32.9 Monster Burp Designer: Peskimo

Designer: Brandt Peters Manufacturer: MINDstyle www.brandtpeters.com

www.peskimo.com

Bumble & Tweet: Bumble Tree Designer: Julie West www.juliewest.com

Kidrobot x Kronk ‘Tree Huggr’ Dunny There’s always something exciting going on over at the Kidrobot lab and for this latest release they have employed the skills of South African illustrator Kronk who has designed a Dunny titled Tree Huggr standing at 8”. 1000 units will be released of the Tree Huggr with 1 in 12 manufactured as a super-light, ultra rare edition. Dropping April.

Teddy Trooper Dalek Designer: Dalek www.dalekart.com

Clown Cone #2

Babymonk Yoto

Quasimoto

www.garybaseman.com

www.veggiesomething.com

www.stonesthrow.com

Designer: Gary Baseman

Designer: Veggiesomething

Designer: Stones Throw Records

OFFSPRING 13th ANNIVERSARY TOY Sure to be snatched up in a frenzy by UK based sneaker heads is the toy version of UK sneaker shop Offspring’s mascot, released to coincide with their 13th anniversary celebrations. Offspring’s trademark character is released in the store’s signature red hue and will be given away to customers who spend over £50. The release of a black version of the toy is predicted for later this year. www.offspring.co.uk


CASE STUDY

Words by Andrew Montell Photos by Thom Rigney

JO KOY

FOR THE SECOND TIME IN TWELVE MONTHS CALIFORNIAN COMEDIAN JO KOY VISITED AUSTRALIA AND ACCLAIM // JUMPED AT THE CHANCE TO GET A PEEK INSIDE THE FUNNY MAN’S

LUGGAGE. WHILE JO ANNOUNCED THAT HE WAS TRAVELLING LIGHT IN ORDER TO CARRY MORE TOUR MERCHANDISE HE STILL HAD PLENTY OF COOL SHIT FOR US TO CHECK OUT ON THE EVE OF HIS MELBOURNE PERFORMANCE. Jordan 1’s Retro Olympic Edition “I’ve got a Jordan hookup now! I was doing a show with Russell [Peters] in Orange County and I was wearing the old retro Jordan 1’s and the guy hit me up and said ‘Yo man I saw you wearing the 1’s on stage. I do product placement for Jordan and you don’t ever have to pay for Jordans again’. Now all I ever wear is Jordans, the guy hooks me up with every single pair. The Defining Moment packs and everything, it’s just ridiculous!” Prada dress shirt “Of course when I have to dress-up I gotta rock the Prada. It sucks when you get to the level where you can start to afford stuff like this [laughs], like ‘Goddamn it, I’m paying threehundred and sixty dollars for a fucking shirt!’” Official Ana Julaton jacket (brand unknown) “I gotta rep my boys here, they make this jacket for Ana Julaton the Filipino boxer who is on the Manny Pacquiao undercard. She’s known as Ana ‘The Hurricane’ Julaton. She was being interviewed and somebody asked her what she likes to do when she’s not training and she said she liked to watch comedy. They asked who her favourite comedians are and she said ‘Jo Koy’! I couldn’t believe it. Then we hooked up and are actually now good friends.” Tag Heuer watch “Oh the fucking watch baby! Never leave home without the Tag! Last time I was here I closed all of the shows for Russell [Peters] and at the end of the tour this was a bonus from Russell.” Electric Trimmers “These are the most important. I can’t leave home without this, I really can’t. These are actually beard trimmers and the reason I got these is it gets the closest to my head.” Colgate Total Dental Floss “The second most important thing is dental floss. Look at that! You can hold anything up to my teeth and my teeth are whiter than it! The key - Boom! It’s floss!”

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Jo Koy official tour t-shirt “That’s my logo and it’s my son crying. It’s when he found out that I was his father! And all my t-shirts are always on American Apparel. I don’t buy the cheap shit. So when you buy my t-shirt you know you’re getting quality.” Gucci wallet “Gotta have the Gucci, the original print. Isn’t that cheesy? Am I a label whore? Fuck man!” Armani Exchange jacket “This is one of my favourite jackets. It’s my linen Armani Exchange jacket. It just looks real good on, know what I mean? It’s slimming. I bought it from Armani Exchange in the States, when you go in you feel a bit gay but it’s just the music and the environment. Just buy your shit and get out and once you’re outside you’re straight again.” For those of you with cable TV be sure to check out The Jo Koy Show or for more on our favourite comedian visit his official website www.jokoy.com



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FLY GURL

Words by Jerry Jerri Photos by Jorge Peniche Wardrobe Styling by AJ (Crooks & Castles)

Makeup Artistry by Liz Castellanos Hair Styling by Asha Williams


This issue’s cover model and Fly Gurl- Californian radio and television presenter Liz Hernandez aka Luscious Liz is testament to the saying ‘hard work pays off’. Her daily grind has led to an eight year role on the Big Boys Neighborhood morning show on LA’s Power 106 FM and more recently a hosting role on MTV. Liz describes getting her foot through the commercial radio door. “I’d been an intern for a long time and then I went from being an intern to answering the phones, then the news girl got sick so I had the opportunity to fill in and then they were constantly putting me on the air. So when most of my friends were going out to bars and partying in college I was working hard already. I had an opportunity to co-host a morning show up North so I was getting that experience…So out of everyone who tried out [For Big Boys Neighbourhood] I think I was the most prepared.” While Liz has recently dropped a calendar of swimwear shots, she nominated to keep things casual for her shoot with ACCLAIM and in suitable Cali style we decked her out in LA brand Crooks & Castles. When asked to describe her style the Mexican-American beauty answered “Very laid back. As you can see, I’m sneakers and jeans, I don’t ever get dolled up. Of course whenever you see me on a shoot I’m all hair and makeup but if you catch me on a normal day I don’t wear any makeup and my hair is in a ponytail, I’m always in kicks and I don’t wear heels. I like to be comfortable!” “The brands that I rock religiously would be the two G’s- Guess and Gucci. Those are the ones that tend to fit me the best and I like the best. I also like Crooks & Castles for their fly tees and Famous Stars & Straps. I love Nikes!” With a new co-hosting job alongside Mark Wahlberg for the Californian Lottery show ‘Make Me a Millionaire’ you can expect to see a lot more of Luscious Liz Hernandez in the future. Check out the BTS video for the shoot at acclaimmag.com

LIZ HERNANDEZ


STREETWEAR

Words by Sarah Jane Owen

GIRLS ON THE STREET

Women’s Streetwear The New Gen Part 2 IN THE SECOND INSTALLMENT OF GIRLS ON THE STREET YOU’LL FIND THREE MORE WISED UP WOMEN LEADING THE // WAY IN WHAT SEEMS TO BE A PUMPING REVOLUTION OF RAGS.

say what makes MOB stand out from the crowd is that there is actual substance. We live the life we are selling. We aren’t talking shit… I think women’s ‘streetwear’ will take the place of certain genres that are just dead, and become popular all over the globe, not just in major cities where kids know what’s up.

Married to the Mob Leah McSweeney ain’t your average yummy mummy, playing CEO to her baby label, Married To The Mob, between caring for her one and a half year old daughter. ‘Repping NYC always’ MOB began back in ’04 as an initial drop of four tees. Four years on and the brand now boasts collabs with Nike, Reebok and Collette as well as having famous friends in Uffie, Fafi and Kid Sister.

So what’s up with MOB for next season? The line is really growing and evolving… it’s really on some next level shit. We have dresses, skirts, denim and jackets. Pieces that maybe someone wouldn’t expect from MOB, but we interpreted them our way and they are totally MOB.”

MEET MARRIED TO THE MOB, MAMA AND CLAW MONEY.

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So how the hell does a girl’s streetwear brand front up out of nowhere, and then have every mag, blog and urban boutique begging to get hooked up? Well Leah definitely isn’t shy about confessing her reasons for starting up her own label – boredom - and claims that MOB doesn’t in fact stand for Member of Bloods. “Married to the Mob we came up with because at the time I started the company I would joke and say I had the Mob wife lifestyle because I was unemployed and would just chill all day, go to brunch, shop etc. It was also a play on the Retail Mafia. And on top of that MOB stands for Most Official Bitches, which is my crew of dope, amazing bitches that I love. So there are multiple meanings behind the name.” MOB’s design team mantra is to only create threads which ‘we would wear or want in our closet’ and whose signature gig remains in attitude ridden logo tees. Leah gives us the low down on what makes MOB different from the truckload of other ladies labels, and why she thinks her brand will make it to the mainstream department store racks within five years. “I would

Mama Hailing from NYC but now living it large in SF is pint sized Gabriella, former lawyer cum founder and creative director of Mama clothing. After burying her first women’s clothing line, Cybelle back in Y2k, Gabriella took a chance on starting up her own label, which five years on boasts four collections a year and an Adidas kicks collab. “The company was starting in the midst of my other company breaking up, but I was just like ‘I’m doing this, I’m going to some trade shows!’ And I didn’t have any designs and I didn’t have any clothes but I was like, I’m taking out an ad and I’m going to start building up the brand and I got a manicure and a nameplate made and that was the first ad.” So for those not in the know, or not in the States, Mama is a slang term for a young girl. This slides in nicely with Gabriella’s fascination for East LA Chola style ladiez, something she’s revisited in her latest winter collection and which she explains “Has always been an undercurrent in all my collections.” As a former history-major nerd, Mama’s designs also steal a lot of inspiration from vintage costuming, as is obvious in the ‘20s Flapper collection and the French Nautical look book. But don’t be fooled by the fiercely fashionable exterior, because Mama is


MOB

Mama

Claw Money

just a prim little lady at heart. “Our brand philosophy is ‘always a lady’. A lot of the other brands are all tough, and that’s not to say that a Mama girl wouldn’t get in your face if you started her, but we’re not out there starting trouble and it’s about keeping it feminine and respecting people because we do realise that we have a responsibility to a lot of young people. I take that seriously and I want to be a good role model. There’s enough shit out there so let there be something positive for people to look up to and realise that you don’t need to be calling yourself a bitch to be cool. Why would you call yourself that? It’s derogatory and you’re taking on someone’s insult for you. I don’t think that’s empowering.”

“We live the life we are selling. We aren’t talking shit…” What’s even more empowering and inspiring is that if you thought that Gabriella would be busy enough with Mama, then throw in working for Upper Playground by day, as well as running website M.I.S.S which is a joint venture with Liz Baca of The Goods. Standing for ‘Mama’s International Secret Society’ the site initially started as a secret website accessible only by invitation. Now, three years on M.I.S.S is at the forefront of women’s streetwear lifestyle sites online. Claw Money Self professing that you’re still ‘sporty at 40’ and being world renowned as a mad graff artist isn’t something many can claim, except Claw Money. Born and bred in NYC, and having clawed her way from Queens to Uptown, Claw is

a self titled ‘O.G’ and ‘fashion college drop out.’ The infamous madame calls her signature style ‘downtown trying to claw uptown! Ghetto meets couture, dirty vs clean, expensive vs cheap.’ With a design mantra like that, it’s no surprise to hear this ladies piece: “I always knew I would be in this business. I have the nose for clothes! I’ve worked as a designer, stylist, costumer, fashion editor, brand consultant – I did all of this before designing and owning my own label. When you buy Claw Money, you get all this expertise! I am responsible for trends you see just emerging now- that I have been repping for longer than I can remember! I think that finally I just had to sign my products to finally get the credit due. When I started my line there was no one doing anything cool for chicks. Now we are over saturated with female brands catering to the growing, and once non-existing new women’s market.” Ask Claw pretty much anything about the current trend of femme fatale streetwear brands and she’s quick to snap back about where you saw it first and who’ll be standing last. “I was here before it (streetwear) was a trend and will be here when it ends. My brand is not confined to streetwear. I make artist products and that will never change... I consider my life a journey of artistic endeavors and am lucky to have a fan base that wants my products, whatever they might be - so stay tuned!” Armed with that tough titty attitude, Claw is now on the way to her 21st collection, seven years after dropping a Claw logo on a tee at the request of her crew. Inspired by everything from ‘the homeless man wearing a cool, weird hat’ to the ‘little baby wearing a crazy, printed blanket’ upcoming lines promise more Claw in more ‘unexpected applications’ Keeping tight with not only the fashion world but the art world also is no mean feat and Claw admits that sometimes it aint all it’s cracked up to be. “Being an indie brand keeps you broke! Fun but broke… My life is exhausting. I am preparing for a big art show this summer. There are not enough hours in the day for all that I do. I need a clone, and fast!”


STREETWEAR

Words by Anthony Costa

ORISUE

THINK-BIG PHILOSOPHY “YOU’VE GOT TO BE HUNGRY TO ACHIEVE MORE, AND THAT’S WHAT WE’RE TRYING TO SAY AND TELL THE WORLD”, SAYS // ALLAN DOAN, PRESIDENT OF CALIFORNIAN BASED STREETWEAR

JUGGERNAUT ORISUE. HE SHOULD KNOW. AT JUST TWENTY-FOUR HE HEADS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING STREETWEAR BRANDS ON THE BLOCK. WE CAUGHT UP WITH ALLAN TO TALK BUSINESS AND FIND OUT WHAT DRIVES THE ORISUE CREW. It’s been only three years since co-founders Michael Huynh and Allen Doan made the leap of faith and began Orisue. At the time Allen was working for a cosmetics company. Starting Orisue was a way to break free of the stifling nine-to-five corporate grind. “You’re literally walking around in a suit, when you’re at the tradeshows or whatever. You’re not really yourself.”

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Michael, the current Creative Director and himself only twentythree years, used his web design background to come up with Orisue’s first tees. “He made a little small release on the Nike SB site, on the forums and got a lot of buzz about it. At that time it was called ‘Origami Clothing’”. Trademark issues saw the name change to Orisue, the word from which ‘origami’ is derived.

appetite for learning. “I think that’s the problem with a lot of people in streetwear, where everyone’s all about being hard or whatever. It’s not about being hard. It’s about that mentality of asking questions…. They don’t want to ask for directions, but if you don’t ask for directions you continue getting lost and lost”. Orisue’s innovative denim range is proof of the brand’s ability to learn the thorough ins and outs of production from scratch. “Denim is one of the strongest things that we’re known for now. We want to make sure there’s a perfect fit and a cool aesthetic,

“Denim is one of the strongest things that we’re known for now.” and that’s what we did… And as we grow I want to make nice accessories and cool glasses, I want to do a lot of things”.

In recent times the streetwear world has closed in and consolidated in line with a more exclusively high-end sensibility. Today the chances of getting your foot in the industry door from a forum post seem slim, especially in the current financial climate. “I think we had a good strategy when we started, we knew what we wanted to do. At that time there was a big buzz. It was the beginning of the industry. It’s spiked up to where it’s at now. It’s timing. A lot of people say that being lucky and timing are definitely important in any business”.

As for the future it’s all about continued growth. Whilst some might think it overtly corporate for a streetwear brand to have its own mission statement as Orisue do, this business-minded approach is true to Orisue’s think-big philosophy. As Allen sums it up, “Orisue is all about the person that’s trying to get it. That’s in your face. That’s willing to take the extra mile.”

Taking chances is one part of the Orisue story. The company’s dedication to learning the ropes is another. Allan sees a lot of Orisue’s success boiling down to humble curiosity and an

For wholesale enquires or stockist details in Aus please contact Familia Brands on (+617) 54388215 or drew@familiaagency.com For further info on Orisue worldwide check the official website www.orisue.com



STREETWEAR

Words by Katie Maltby

GRAND SCHEME

plotting the master plan MEET BRISBANE’S JIMMY BLIGS, A MAN WITH HIS HAND IN JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING. OBSESSED WITH DRAWING AS // A KID, HE SPENT HIS YOUTH COPYING FAVOURITE SKATE AND

SURF LOGOS BEFORE MOVING ONTO GRAFFITI. THESE DAYS, HE’S A QUALIFIED GRAPHIC DESIGNER THAT RUNS A DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, WHILE WORKING ON PLANS TO SET UP ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S LARGEST ONLINE STREETWEAR STORES. OH YEAH, THIS IS ALL WHILE BEING THE MAIN MAN BEHIND ART-DRIVEN LABEL, GRAND SCHEME.

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“In high school I had no interest in anything except drawing and art so I decided to quit while I was behind to pursue a creative career,” he explains. In reality, this meant getting into a lot of trouble with the law and a full-time obsession with graffiti – “which I still haven’t been able to shake,” he laughs. After spending his late teens in a mate’s parent’s garage with a screen printing carousel, Jimmy realised he needed to establish his ideas on a professional level. Once completing a graphic design course and landing a job with a major fashion label, he found that working for the man just wasn’t for him. “After a series of unfortunate events I decided to get serious about starting a label. You only live once and I decided I would prefer to give it a go and fail than to look back when it was too late and think, what if…” With Grand Scheme having first dropped back in 2006, the graffiti writer turned fashion designer won’t be thinking “what if” any time soon.

Initially starting off with a line of guys and girls tees, Grand Scheme has evolved with its third season by dropping a sophisticated collection of cut and sew pieces. Autumn/Winter 09 brings more of what we’ve come to expect from the label – humorous references to death, greed and politics, and even an appearance by Tony the Frosties tiger. “I think people like it because it’s off-centre and looks fresh.” In a market that’s saturated with dime-a-dozen knock-offs at your local Jay Jays, Jimmy wanted to keep the designs tight, simple and effective. “I named this collection ‘K-I-S-S’ – Keep It Simple Stupid, self explanatory really.” The cut and sew collection features raw selvedge denim, button up shirts, some five-panel hats and a slick handmade, leather bomber jacket. The tees haven’t been forgotten though, and with the launch of Grand Scheme’s artist series the label gets in on the collabo game. First up is local lad Lister taking time out from his downtrodden superheroes and abstract monkey portraits to lend a hand with the limited-edition tees. Apart from world domination, Jimmy’s not able to let on any future plans. “I’m quite happy with where the label is now, but I’d like to keep expanding the collection and pushing boundaries each season. We have some other really exciting collaborations lined up with the artist series…but you’ll have to stay tuned to the blog.”

Peep the blog at grandscheme.com.au











INDUSTRY PRO

Section by Ankia

MISTER CARTOON

GROWING UP IN THE HARBOR AREA AS A TEENAGER I USED TO LOVE JUMPING ON THE BUS AND GOING TO LA, THAT’S WERE I WOULD SEE THE NEWEST GRAFFITI ART, GANGSTER WRITING AND STREET FASHIONS. WEST LOS ANGELES WAS // ALWAYS AHEAD IN STYLE AND WAS ALWAYS MORE FAST PACED THAN THE REST OF LA. BACK IN THOSE DAYS I WAS ROCKING

CLASSIC K SWISS, CLASSIC VANS AND NAVY BLUE AND BLACK CORTEZ’S. IF YOU WOULD OF TOLD ME WHEN I WAS KID THAT I WOULD BE DESIGNING NIKES THAT WOULD BE EXHIBITED AT MILAN FASHION WEEK OR VANS THAT SELL OUT IN MINUTES AFTER THEIR RELEASE I WOULD NEVER OF BELIEVED YOU. -TOON$

CARTOON AZTEC CORTEZ

I grew up in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s wearing the Cortez. The shoe went hand in hand with NWA, low-riders, and white Ts, back in the ‘80s you could get shot just wearing these. I redesigned the shoe with a gum bottom, using the Aztec warrior logo and my car club colors to bring the shoe to a red carpet level! Now you will probably get shot by the paparazzi wearing these joints.

UNDFTD JORDAN

Jordans are the Cadillac of shoes and UNDFTD is the Barneys of street shoe stores on the West Coast the marriage created a beautiful baby suede shoe that sits in an Incase cradle.

CARTOON SPIDER WEB AIR FORCE 1

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The Air Force 1 is the greatest shoe ever designed. For me to use my art work with complete freedom is the ultimate accomplishment for a street artist. The colors I used reflected Southern California’s favorite combination blue and grey, the spider web on the toe represents the web of the streets, the LA logo on the heel of the shoe eventually became Nike’s official logo for Los Angeles.

ESTEVAN ORIOL 1979 ADIDAS UNDFTD

When I think of Adidas I think of hip-hop, and you know the East Coast definitely influenced the West Coast musically. Adidas had an open mind when they collaborated with Estevan and UNDFTD. They let the artists do what they wanted to do, and for this project Estevan shot a beautiful coffee table book to go with it, the book reflected street-ball, hard work and positive energy.

CARTOON SIMPSON VANS

Miracles do happen, being a fan of The Simpsons growing up, the last thing I thought would happen would be me designing a homer the homeboy shoe. I had done other designs for Vans, I wanted this shoe to be a slip on shoe, the side insert material used is actually the insert of a 1963 Impala front seat, the pattern leather on the heel represents a freshly painted car straight out of the paint shop.

CHAZ BOJORQUEZ VANS

I love supporting an icon in the Chicano art world and the shoes came out clean and powerful and Vans have been there in the hood since the beginning. It’s a West coast shoe that was not only worn by surfers and skaters, but gangsters embraced the shoe also. Mister Cartoon’s signature T-shirt line Joker Brand is available now at all dope retailers. mistercartoon.com jokerbrand.com


Come in. Share the love. Visit us in-store or online at www.footlocker.com.au


ACCLAIM PICKS

Selection by Ankia

NIKE TWILIGHT

A new addition to Nike’s 2009 Running Collection is the Nike Twilight. The Nike Twilight is a hybrid of 3 classic Nike sneakers - the Nike Pegasus, Nike Air Triax Structure, and the Nike Air Max Stab. The Twilight features Nike’s celebrated Air Max cushioning and waffle traction.

HOUSE OF PAIN X ADIDAS ORIGINALS CAMPUS 80’S

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Adidas Originals have teamed up with the Irish-American hip-hop group House of Pain to create the limited edition House of Pain x Adidas Originals Campus 80’s. The sneaker features a gold embossed “Fine Malt Lyrics” on the upper and a distinguished House Of Pain x Adidas logo on the tongue. Only 1500 of these sneakers are available.

NIKE TAILWIND ‘92

The return of another classic, the Nike Tailwind is making a comeback in ’09. As part of Nike’s Spring/Summer ’09 collection the Tailwind hit stores in April.

ALIFE SPRING 2009 RELEASES

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Alife does it again with their Spring ‘09 collection. Featured here are new additions to the Everybody, Shell Toe and Court Low lines plus newest design; the Public Outrage.

GREEN LABEL RELAXING X NEW BALANCE CM577

These bad boys are fresh, but you can only get them in Japan. In fact, this particular New Balance CM577 is a special collaboration between Japanese retailer Green Label Relaxing and New Balance. The two have joined forces to create a new look CM577, this design features a clean white leather upper with light and dark grey accents, reflective 3M on the toe box and it’s also got NB’s traditional ENCAP technology

NIKE AIR MAX 95

VANS VAULT CHUKKA MOC

The Vans Vault Chukka Moc is a featured sneaker in Van’s upcoming fall ‘09 collection. The Vault Chukka holds a subtle, classy look that can easily be rocked in the office or on the streets.

This year Nike will be releasing a slew of new colourways in the Air Max 95 range. In addition to the brand new colours, Nike will be reproducing the 95s in the most popular colour-combo ever released – the neon colourway. This colourway is without a doubt the hottest combination Nike have ever produced and it’s coming back in ’09.



SNEAKERS

Words by Ankia

CUSTOM ARTIST

ANDRE TRENIER of TANGIBLE THOUGHTS NYC

ANDRE TRENIER IS ONE OF THE ILLEST CUSTOMISERS AND ILLUSTRATORS ON THE SCENE. HE AND HIS CREW OF PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED ARTISTS, WORKING UNDER THE NAME ‘TANGIBLE THOUGHTS’, ARE NO DOUBT A FORCE TO // BE RECKONED WITH. COMING STRAIGHT OUTTA NEW YORK CITY, TANGIBLE THOUGHTS’ PIECES HAVE APPEARED IN SLAM, SOLE COLLECTOR AND XXL MAGAZINES. THEY’VE WORKED WITH BOBBITIO GARCIA ON THE TV SERIES ‘IT’S THE SHOES’ AND HAVE CREATED WORKS FOR THE LIKES OF WILL SMITH, JADA PINKETT-SMITH, ELTON JOHN, MARK WAHLBERG, TWISTA AMONGST OTHERS. WE CAUGHT UP TANGIBLE THOUGHTS FOUNDER – ANDRE TRENIER. For those who don’t know, tell us about how, when and why you got started. Well I’ve always had a love affair with sneakers, and back in high school my boy Jason and I would paint on our kicks to stand out and get more wears out of a pair that was starting to look beat up. Years later when cats started changing the colors of their AF1s to match jerseys and stuff we decided to take it to the next level. At the time I was out of work and the freelance illustration thing wasn’t paying the bills. This dude, Hugh, that I met in Cali put me on to the leather dyes and my home girl Darla over at Nike was sending me free kicks, so I decided to paint the illest pair of customs I could. I made the pair with the hundred dollar bills on them and people went crazy. How would you describe your designs? Overall, I would just describe our designs as clean. We try to make the shoe look like it came from the factory. What influences your designs? What processes do you go through when painting a sneaker? Our designs are influenced by the world around us, hip-hop culture and pop culture things from our childhood. I think the artwork should always compliment the shoe you’re painting on so I plan out most of my designs in photo-shop so I can see what the finished shoe will look like. Once I’m happy with it I sketch the basic shapes onto the prepared shoe and start painting using my photo-shopped image as reference.

What sets you apart from the pack, your point of difference to other customisers? I think more than anything else, what sets us apart from other customizers is a combination of our skill level (all of us are classically trained painters), our attention to detail and our love of sneakers. What’s your most prized pair of customs? My most prized pair of customs is still the hundred dollar bills because they were the first pair I painted and I’ve worn them so many places; LA, Vegas, Miami, NY, Toronto, Panama… a lot of stories. And finally what are you working on at the moment and what have you got planned? Any exciting news you can leak to our readers? Right now collectively we’re just getting back to painting and enjoying the process again. We have some things in the works but it’s still a little early to talk about. We are putting the finishing touches on the new website (long over due) so everyone will be able to see what we’ve been up too. Personally I’ve been working on a series of paintings on female sneaker collectors and getting myself ready for an event called Art Battles that’s here in NY

Keep an eye on tangiblethoughts.com myspace.com/tangiblethoughtsllc

KNOW YOUR CLASSICS Adidas Ecstasy

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First Released: 1986 // Original Purpose: Basketball // Example Shown: Original Released in 1986 - you could easily mistake these kicks to be the chosen footwear of a backhand slappin’, midnight marauding pimp, rather than a shoe created for the basketball court. Inspired by the golden era of East-Coast rap, phat gold-rope chains and Cazal eyewear, these kicks aesthetically and athletically symbolized everything an aspiring ‘80s baller could ever want. Taking on Nike’s Air Force 1’s popularity which had been rising since it’s ‘82 release, as well the ever supreme ‘85 Air Jordan, Adidas had brought something completely new to the ever changing market. Adidas took a huge gamble creating an ostentatious basketball shoe, enmeshed with branding no other company had ever dared to go near. With bold gold lettering across the rear ankle support, a huge trefoil along the side panel, a perforated trefoil toebox and finally topped off with gold chained laces, this shoe was an instant hit to America’s growing sneaker-culture as well as their wallets. This shoe stepped away from Adidas’ symbolic tre-stripes logo and was priced closely to $100USD which at the time was a true indication of one’s high-rolling status. The shoe was re-released in 2004 and 2008 in a variation of colourways unlike the original, to the dismay of true sneaker enthusiasts who believe most re-releases by any brand are a justifiable bastardisation of the original. No matter the point of view, there is no doubt the Adidas Ecstasy of ‘86 is historically a classic, and if you got em, you got to rock em. -Miles McKirdy


www.The

.com


SHOPPING

Words by Yvette Shum

SHOPPING GUIDE Shanghai

FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS CHINA HAS PUSHED THE PEDAL TO THE METAL IN URBANIZING AND RE-MODELLING ITSELF OUT FROM A STATE OF CONFUSION. IN NO OTHER CITY IS THIS MORE APPARENT THAN SHANGHAI. WHERE THE PAST // HAS TRULY BEEN THROWN INTO THE FUTURE, THIS MASH OF FUTURISTIC SKYSCRAPERS, ART DECO ARCHITECTURE, FOREIGN ENTERPRISES AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE LANE HOUSING IS WHERE 20 MILLION PEOPLE BATTLE TO CARVE A LIFE FROM EVERYDAY. IN CONSEQUENCE SHANGHAI SEEMS JUSTIFIED IN BEING DUBBED AS THE MOST DYNAMIC, CHAOTIC AND EXHILARATING CITY IN THE WORLD TODAY. IF YOU DO STOP BY ONE DAY, HERE ARE 10 OF 85 PLACES I RECOMMEND TO BE CLOTHED, FED AND ENTERTAINED. The Source 58 Xinle Road // www.thesource.cn Located on the renowned boutiqueshopping street, Xinle Road is this massive two storey, multi-brand street lifestyle store complete with 20 metre tall sneaker tower, art gallery and vintage denim-making factory. FLY 1F, 704 Changle Road Being the longest-running skate store in Shanghai, it’s your one stop shop for all things skate. Also while you’re in town you might want to checkout SMP Skate Park, China’s largest skate park – 2100 Songhu Road, just north of the city. ACU Shop No.15, 139 Changle Road ACU is just one of the many projects created by the CLOT crew. This highend sneaker boutique is situated on the famous Changle Road shopping street and exclusively carries limited products from Nike, Adidas, Visvim and various collaborations of their own. On Pedder Shop No. 210, Plaza 66, 1266 Nanjing Xi Road Luxury! If you got the $$$$ ladies then come straight here to lust over all the Marni, Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Chloe and Sergio Rossi that your heart desires. Once you’ve decided what will be your new BFF, fly over to Hong Kong, purchase that puppy, fly back and congratulate yourself on how much you saved (flights included).

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Qipu Road Markets 179 Qipu Road near Fujian Bei Road If you can’t handle rude, pushy crowds, ruthless bargaining and the general raw-guts market life in China, then definitely don’t come here, you’ll die! For those brave or stupid enough to find a bargain, you can pretty much grab every essential apparel item you ever paid too much for in the West at a fraction of the price or a cheap imitation of. Tips: speak Chinese or go with someone that can. Avoid: pick pockets, weekends, holidays, rain and be sure to get out of there by 4:30pm.

Charmant 1414 Huaihai Zhong Road Affordable, tasty Taiwanese-style eating. Go because of the food not the décor. If you’ve been partying till late and want to eat clean-tasting Chinese with an ample dessert menu, I recommend Charmant - it’s open ‘til 4am. Gokohai 1720 Huaihai Road Delicious, clean, fresh D.I.Y Japanese Shabu Shabu Hot Pot. 88RMB for all the simmered meaty veggie goodness you can stuff into your gullet. Call beforehand, it’s always crowded and remember to order lots of sesame sauce - yum. Café 85*c 600 Weihai Road Another super cheap bakery/drinks/ cake shop found on nearly every other street corner Starbucks is not. I recommend the Yakult and Green Tea (hold the ice) for 7RMB. My friend once told me she wished it could be pumping through her forearm on an IV drip – it’s that good! The Shelter 5 Yongfu Lu This converted bomb shelter hosts some of the best international and local DJ acts ever to touch base in China. The Shelter is a weekly menu of all that’s good in funk, hip-hop, DnB, reggae, dancehall and dubstep. In their words they say it best; “If you are looking for 50 Cent, bling bling, R&B anthems, sexy hip-hop and wet t-shirt ass-shaking babe competitions, then please go elsewhere.” Yin and Yang 125 Nanchang Lu Super cosy and pub like, the owner Kenny tells me he hasn’t changed the communist style décor since he opened the bar 20 years ago. Yin and Yang’s is 24hrs so if you want a low-key place to chill, smoke trees and possibly play some Mah Jong downstairs - you should stop by.



SHOPPING

Words by Jerry Jerri Photos by Jorge Peniche

CROOKS & CASTLES FLAGSHIP STORE

FIRST OPENING ITS DOORS IN DECEMBER 2007, THE CROOKS & CASTLES FLAGSHIP STORE IS FOUND ON MELROSE AVENUE // IN WEST HOLLYWOOD, LA, AND IS AN EXAMPLE OF A CLOTHING BRAND MAKING ITS GRAND ENTRANCE INTO THE RETAIL GAME THE RIGHT WAY.

48 - 48 SHOPPING

Described by the Crooks crew as “Modern High End Class”, the Crooks store is designed to appeal to the whole spectrum of their client base- Street, skate, urban, trendy, classy, with an age-range from twelve to thirty-five. And whilst some of their contemporaries in the new-school fashion game have failed to deliver a retail space that accurately compliments the look and feel of their brand, Crooks & Castles have pulled out all the stops to ensure that their flagship store was built in exact accordance with brand founder Denis Calvero’s concept. Stocking all Crooks & Castles products, the Flagship store’s unique offering comes in the form of a collection called ‘8021’- a specialty product that is only available at the Flagship. The 8021 product range includes: men’s, women’s and kid’s apparel; belts; wallets, keychains, hats and limited artwork. When asked what makes the shopping experience at the Crooks store unique, the crew running the show explain that “The people working the store are all a big part of the brand and were with Crooks since day one!” For more on Crooks visit their website www.crooksncastles.com



STREETWEAR

GLOBAL STYLE GUIDE 50 - 50 STREETWEAR

ISSUE WE BRING YOU STYLE SAMPLES FROM AROUND THE WORLD INCLUDING: NEW YORK, ADELAIDE, AUCKLAND, LA AND TWO VERY DIFFERENT OUTFITS FROM TOKYO. //THIS

EDUKATED

THE COOLSTORE

realmadHECTIC

Shop 13 // Regent Arcade Rundle Mall, Adelaide // SA // 5000 // Australia www.edukated.com.au

1 Pompallier Terrace // Ponsonby Auckland // New Zealand Tel: +64-9-3784528

4-26-21 Protect Bldg // B1F Jingumae Shibuya-ku // Tokyo // Japan Tel: (813)3405 6933

Frank 151 “Chop Shop” New Era hat Benny Gold “Gold Label” tee Mishka “Keep Watch” corduroy jacket Crooks & Castles Denim**** jeans Alife “Everbody High” Lumberjacks Hunter Green

Mosley Tribes “Castello” sunglasses in Tortoise shell Artifacts “Who Killed?” tee FiberOps “Red Barracuda” Jacket Twelve Bar “Mayfield” jeans Clae “Romare Lo” shoes

Hectic Plaid 5Panel Cap Hectic “Oxford M-65” jacket Hectic “5Star” crew neck sweat Hectic “Relax” slim denim pants Hectic “Pile” Shoes


WORLD

THE LAST LAUGH

GROPE IN THE DARK

187 Chrystie St // New York NY // 10002 // USA Tel: (212) 677-4296

129 East 6th St. Los Angeles // CA // 90014 // USA Tel: 1 (213) 892-8666 www.thelastlaughla.com

Dai-san Utsunomiya building 4F // 6-19-16 Jingumae-Shibuya-ku // Tokyo // Japan Tel: 03-3797-5238 www.gropeinthedark.com

Game2Games Japanese brand hat WORLD NYC X Game2Games “The World is Yours” Hoody After Base “Mascot Logos” Japanese brand jacket Polo jeans Jordan 1 sneakers

Estevan Oriol New Era hat Estevan Oriol “Collage” hoodie Estevan Oriol x Suru “LA Hands” tee Joker Brand denims Mister Cartoon Vans “Syndicate” shoes

C.R.E.A.M.$ 9oz sweat trackers cap Stillas “Jailbird” chambray s/s shirt Stillas “Night Sign” twil shorts Stillas “Shemag” eye wear Alife shoes


52 - 52 FLY BUYS

FLY BUYS

Temple Effectives and CTRL available at Millingtonst.com.au Freegums available at FABNOB.com.au Tank Theory available at Threadsordead.com.au and Millingtonst.com.au

Photos by Michael Danischewski Heist x MHI available at Heist Rockwell available at Threadsordead.com.au

Freegums

Heist x MHI

Supra

Krew

Francesco Nathan

Rockwell

Tank Theory

temple effectives

Afends

Spader

loved by design

Create Build Destroy


Armourdillo

THE SHOPPER

CTRL

Kenji Shadow Check Shirt $59.95

SILENZ so fresh so clean Readers meet Silenz. TAFE-going, Tim & Eric watcher by day, b-boy of Fresh Sox crew fame by night, and well day also… depending on his timetable, you know how it is. While Silenz generally prefers to do his shopping OS (well la-di-da!) back home our boy looks for “something that suits a character I’d like to be for the day or something that is simply fresh and clean.” Nothing says fresh and clean quite like a classic plaid shirt, and this season you’rein luck as a bunch of labels at the Basement are bringing out their own unique colourways on the staple.

Silenz started dancing back in 2000 with a bunch of friends from highschool and since has been a member of various crews, most recently the Melbourne boys Fresh Sox. With a name like that, how much of an influence does B-Boy culture have on the way Silenz picks his get-up? “The old school B-Boy and hip hop culture has played a big influence on the way I dress. They claimed that they’d always wear nice gear and still get down and not get dirty. I try to follow that ideal.” Vintage inspired jackets like this military number from Bauhaus are the right kinda outerwear to be rockin’ this Winter. Look good while you get dirty. Sounds good to us.

Create Build Destroy

Bauhaus Buck Shirt $69.95 // Bauhaus Talon Tee $39.95 // Kenji Straight Jean $79.95 // Bauhaus Ambrose Combat Jacket $149.95

krew

Not all products available at all stores Basement is a division of Myer. Check out basement.net.au for info.

SILENZ ON FRESH SOX:

“We have members who reside all around the world. We’ve won numerous competitions around Australia and have competed in worldwide b-boy competitions such as Freestyle Session and Circle Kings. We also have a crew mascot who goes by the alias ‘Culps’. Sick dude.”


FLY BUYS

Selection by Miles McKirdy

nari+furi // Pedal Pin

Bunkamura x CA4LA // Klee Caps & Hats

Scottie B Club Mix #172 (Vintage 1992 Bmore Club Mix)

Dita // Grand Reserve Christian Dior 2400a // Vintage

FDL Team Kit // Philly Bellringers Gabriel Urist // The High Heel Necklace

Vintage 1987 Adidas Hat // RUN DMC Series

Stay High Cookies and Cream (Autographed by ‘Stay High 149’ himself) Subcrew x G-Shock // UNITY Watches // Available at subcrewreact.com

Yuen’to // Music Balloon

Cazal 349 // Vintage Adidas // DEADSTOCK Red Stunner Shades

WESC // The Sitar Headphones

fragment design x t19 // Cruiserboard Available at honeyee.com

Garni X Gentei // Deco Skull Ring

54 - 54 FLY BUYS

FDL Team Cap // St Louis Archers

Melody Ehsani // The Mercedes Earrings Available at Karmaloop.com Ruby X ELEY KISHIMOTO // Belverdere helmet Available exclusively to eleykishimoto.com

Head Porter // Croco Collection Mishka // Keeping Watch


Dita // Grandmaster One Gentei Exclusive O’s New Era

SAG // 2009 S+S Spot Messenger Bags Secret Society x New Era // “Trust” 59FIFTY Fitted

Nixon // The SprePendant Watch in Black Available at Nixon.com or karmaloop.com

Gabriel Urist x Phenomenon // B-Boy Pendant

WESC // The Ed Banger Bongo Headphones

ALIFE x New Era // Ball Out 59Fifty Collection

Oakley Frogskin Artist Series // Andrew Petterson

Charles Lutz // Andrew Warhola Skate Deck Available at warholdenied.com

The North Face // Purple Label Waist Packs

Perks + Mini // Fang Necklace Snooze City // The Boombox Pillowcase

Y-3 Adidas // Knit Gloves Available at shopgentei.com

Maiden Noir x Charles Krafft // Tooth Necklace

Comme Des Garcons // Glossy Wallet Collection Available at doverstreetmarket.com

Casio G-Shock x GOODENOUGH // Tokishirazu 7th Anniversary


ON THE STREET

Words by Miles McKirdy Mamas Boys photos by Nick Bassett www.nickbassett.com.au Made In Queens photos by Nicolas Randall and Joe Stevens

The Made in Queens Gang representing BMX for NYC. Be sure to listen out for the posse as they boast the world’s strongest decibel blasting BMX bikes.

REVIVAL

The global return and rise of BMX

THE COOL KIDS ROCK EM, THEY’RE GOING BANANAS FOR THEM IN BROOKLYN AND TOKYO AND FOR 200 BUCKS YOU COULD // HAVE TWO. I’M NOT TALKING ABOUT THE LATEST IN SNEAKERS,

56 - 56 ON THE STREET

VINTAGE STARTER HATS OR OLD SCHOOL CAZALS. THIS LATEST LIFESTYLE TREND IS STEADILY BECOMING THE PINNACLE OF ACCESSORISING, GLOBALLY INFLUENCING A NEW DEFINITION OF COOL. WHAT IS IT? THREE LETTERS, BMX.

Since its creation in 1820 the bicycle has become an integral part of everyday transport for approximately 1 billion people worldwide. Originally designed to get you from point A to B the common bicycle is now being transformed into the ultimate means of expression and style. Hype kids around the world are starting to recognise that sneakers, hoodies and hats aren’t the be all, end all. And with brands such as Nike, adidas, DISNEY, Carhartt and DQM creating their own distinctive lines in riding, the bicycle world is on the verge of becoming the next greatest accessory since New Era started their fitted caps line. But this hasn’t always been the case. BMX, a near forgotten trend. Rolling back to the 80s to where it was once epitomised extreme sport and inherent hardcore lifestyle, the BMX craze although admired, was short lived. This was due to its infamous and still popular successor, skateboarding. It’s estimated that in Northern America in 1992, 1 in 3 males aged 10-18 were skateboarding.

Compare this to BMX where the same male contingent was only 1 in 10 and you get a true indication of how this popularity contest between these two rivals placed BMX dangerously close to being phased out. However, at a remarkable pace BMX is making a fashionable comeback with a vast amount of retro released BMX bikes and their respective gangs gaining street credibility and status from all over the globe. Gone are the days where one would have to decide what is fresher, BMX or Skateboarding? No matter what you choose as along as you rock it with class and individuality it’s going to be dope. The first extreme sport in the Summer Olympics Not solely responsible for the limelight brightly shining on BMX but by no means hindering the resurgence was the recent China Summer Olympics 2008. These games breathed life into this once dying sport igniting its competitive existence to the world’s largest audience. With an estimated 6 billion people watching the games, BMX showcased why it was the forefather of extreme sport. In front of a roaring stadium crowd of 15000 this fast paced, bare knuckle, kamikaze style sport came charging back into the reminiscing hearts of 80’s babies whilst capturing the attention of anyone who has enjoyed the bliss flow of bike riding. But it was not only the actual sport that caught the audience’s eye. Sports giant Nike noticed this opportunity to become involved and influence a current


Bomb Down Broadway. An illegal BMX street race through the streets of NYC recommended not for the faint hearted. What’s the essence of cool? Wearing a child’s stack hat, your dad’s sweatpants and old beat pair of Pony’s at Bomb Down Broadway.

The illustrious Hutch Trickstar at Nike’s launch party celebrating the induction of BMX into the Olympics. And you thought your old gold Casio watch was cool?

trend by wholeheartedly joining BMX in its crusade for former glory. Nike sponsored close to half of the Olympic riders including the entire American and Japanese BMX teams. They also used the Olympics as an experimental laboratory introducing the now legendary shoe the Nike Dunk Gyrizo. Gyrizo by the way in Greek means gears, BMX101 is now compete, class dismissed. These kicks were a first for any BMX competition and introduced an entire new degree of feel and functionality to the sport while truly showing the effort in research and development Nike has and will further invest into BMX. Further strengthening Nike’s BMX aspirations of being both fly on the street and competitive in the track was the collaboration with design and hype connoisseur Michael Lau. Michael, a man renowned for his ingenious and originality, created a limited 600 pairs of Nike Dunk SB lows and Blazers. The shoes were created under the guise of the Trickstar theme in an effort to pay homage to the Hutch Trickstar BMX bike. This BMX which was arguably the most sort after model at the peak of BMX’s popularity in the mid 80’s. Add to this a launch party to celebrate Nike’s involvement in the Olympics held in conjunction with Bike magazine Freestylin’ and you’ve got the market beginnings of an entire BMX resurrection. Brooklyn – you go hard, real hard. The Olympics, although monumental for BMX as a sport and a marketable brand is only the surface of this sport. For a closer look into the depth of BMX you can’t ignore the street fiends of Brooklyn, New York. Brooklyn is undeniably one of the world’s strongest cultural hubs for street lifestyle. Boasting a list of the world’s finest rappers, graffiti writers, designers and straight out sneaker fiends there has always been an undying love for BMX in

Brooklyn. Once considered an underground trend, the BMX movement was not for the faint of heart due to its excessive hardcore lifestyle. However the BMX perspective has taken a trip down memory lane to when BMX was king 20 years ago. Nowadays wherever you look on the streets of Brooklyn and Queens there is an obvious development to the ever increasing amount of oldschool and newschool BMX bikes being paraded. Like their sister bike the Fixed gear (yeah I said it, sister bike) BMX seems to be falling into trend with the likes of Starter hats and Fila sweatsuits where the older equals the more original which in turn is the cooler. And as the fashion and the influence of oldschool 80’s style is currently rejuvenated - so has the popularity of BMX, especially in New York City. This is no more evident than when pioneers of street culture Zoo York in conjunction with Skavenger held for the first time the surreptitious BMX competition “Bomb Down Broadway”. This competition, true to the street scene, was an illegitimate BMX race through the insanely intense traffic city of New York. Starting from Union Square and ending at Edwin De La Rosa’ POST store (in Brooklyn) the game plan had only two rules: 1) 2)

Don’t die Don’t get nabbed by the Fuzz Note: A helmet was recommended.

This illegal street race boasted over 150 riders going head first (this was literal for some unlucky riders) against the NYC traffic flow in a tremendous effort to grab a slice of the $5000USD prize money. This free-for –all claimed many riders sadly falling to the almighty NYC traffic. One particular rider who


ON THE STREET Nike’s shoe created specifically for the 08 China Olympics with this particular model draped in the colours of the almighty USA.

Famed designer/artist Michael Lau was commissioned by Nike to create an SB dunk lo respective of the classic Hutch BMX model, the Trickstar. The boy did well. The Nemesis Project x Disney BLOC 28 24 inch BMX Cruiser is a first of its kind with further expected Disney collaborations to follow suite.

If Mickey were to ever choose a bike he’d most definitely be rolling with this mad steez.

will remain anonymous, liberated the mean streets of NYC by effectively bunny hoping car bonnets to the dismay of one delectable BMW driver. Please note that not one car was reported harmed in any way, this could not be said for the competitors.

58 - 58 ON THE STREET

In the end only an estimated 50 riders conquered the race with a mix of professional and amateur riders taking out the top ten places. There is no denying NYC has always been BMX savvy, however, like the 85 Air Jordan release, ‘Bomb Down Broadway’ was a first of it’s kind and therefore will forever be remembered in the history of street. Pedalmafia – Only the Japanese are cool enough to have such a gang Mixing it up with further international flair with their own unique approach are the Japanese gentlemen, Pedalmafia. This group with a huge cult following in Tokyo, are known for both their fixed gear and BMX members, a mixture that in some cultures would be considered taboo. The only exclusion for Pedalmafia is the fact that you can’t be a Sunday poser - you actually have to been quite handy with handlebars. So, if your tricks aren’t catching the attention of your next door neighbour who bakes you those nice cookies every second Sunday, you’re definitely not going to grab the eye of Pedalmafia. Pedalmafia is an enigma, the gang takes biking very seriously while still being able to appreciate and enjoy the innocence of riding as if they were still on their training wheels. So enthralled with biking and its culture, Pedalmafia have even launched a book entitled Multitude – Under the Cycle Madness. The book looks at the unique bike culture of Japan, where no matter what you ride be it BMX, a mountain bike, fixed gear or road bike, as long as has two wheels, a gear set, handlebars and no motor you’re going to be all good. Hai!

Making Walt Disney proud Matching the innocence and acceptance of the Japanese is the collaboration between BMX authority Nemesis Project and Disney BLOC 28. Even every child’s favourite cartoon personality, Mickey Mouse, has joined the BMX uprising. Nemesis Project has now been creating with Disney for over a year and recently revealed their final work. Draped in the colours of Walt Disney’s first star Mickey, the bike dazzles the eyes with splashes of red, white, black and yellow. The laser –etched pattern of Mickey Mouse gloves on the quilted seat, seat post and chain stay is gorgeous. So if Mickey Mouse even has his own special edition of BMX cruiser, what’s stopping you from the revolution of BMX riding? BMX –my own personal experience Excitement created from researching BMX’s past and its ever popular future made me want to truly find out about the enjoyment of riding a piece of history while at the same time looking incredibly handsome. Considering the later of my two ambitions was near impossible because I am already incredibly handsome, I immediately went searching in effort to create my own self styled BMX. So, if you have a lazy hundred bucks lying around, a little spare time and approximately 2 litres of high quality elbow grease you too can join the BMX revolution. How? eBay, every street fiend’s friend. Note: craigslist is just as good if not better for our stateside readers Within a week of searching I was fortunate to buy not one but two incredibly good-looking BMXs both with the freshest wheels set, the famed skyway tuff 2’s. Each bike was well over 20 years old but with a touch of BMX TLC, half a litre of elbow grease and two runs through the dishwasher for the skyways, I now have two bikes that incur so much neck tweaking a


Two members of Sydney gang ‘The Mama’s Boys”

A ‘Made in Queens’ creation.

chiropractor shadows my every move. But why would I bother stop to bask in this glory all alone? I took the initiative, ventured out and found some like minded pals who after seeing my BMX’s were also down to roll with the revolution. With my posse rolling on 20’s side by side and before Nike could even release another version of the Dunk I found myself officially a member of a BMX gang, a trend rapidly becoming a global phenomenon. Worldwide BMX gangs are evolving with both originality and distinction. Two exceptional examples are ‘Made in Queens’ and ‘The Mama’s Boys’. NYC based gang ‘Made in Queens’ recently received worldwide acclaim due to a film dedicated to their unbelievably creative bikes. The gang, a team of Trinidad teens, have the unique touch of turning old BMX bikes into rolling masses of amps and stereos. With bike names such as “Tinnitus Rex” and “Basszilla” it’s not uncommon to hear the gang well before seeing them. The gang has a simple approach Made in Queens aren’t after neck braking looks rather its eardrum popping bass they wish to create. Either way if you come across the gang you could easily be left lying in a hospital without any physical altercation ever occurring. Arguably the world’s most famous BMX gang , ‘Made in Queens’ stickers are even appearing on the streets of Tokyo, a city known for its ingenious trend and style. But it’s not only the Northern hemisphere where the BMX craze has taken off. I was fortunate to roll with Sydney based gang ‘The Mama’s Boys’, gaining insight into the growing BMX trend. It’s no secret that ‘TMB’ have been parading through Sydney streets with their distinct style. TMB create bikes from mixing old with new, a concept based on the recent sneaker hybrid

On the go

series by Nike. All members boast bikes that are over 25 years old yet styled in a fashion that would make any street cat purr with envy. Such jealousy and envy has even lead to another local bike gang being formed, the North Cronulla 8-Ballers Mountain bike gang. The 8-Ballers have failed to impress with no case of rubber necking to the gang’s name, they’ll most definitely fall to the fly sword of TMB. Like most heavy hitting street gangs, TMB which consists of 8 uni students, has two simple membership rules: 1) 2)

BMX’s must look as if it belonged to Eric. B or Rakim in 1987. Be able to eat a MacDonald’s soft serve cone under 30 seconds and endure the brain freeze without wincing.

So if you’re considering what street lifestyle purchase to make next, forget the new adidas watermelon consortium Forum Mid’s, put that Gabriel Urist pendant on hold and ignore the latest in Frank Distro League Hats. Instead go online, type in “oldschool BMX”, hit search and prepare to be enthused. You’ll discover an environmentally enhancing, physically improving and most importantly an aesthetically pleasing purchase.

Viva la revolution!

UP FOR GRABS!

Throwback fans rejoice as thanks to our homies at Strictly BMX we have a bunch of rad 1980s vintage BMX gear such as handle bar grips, and peddles still in their packages ready to mac out your next set of wheels. Just hit up www.acclaimmag.com and peep our ‘Win’ page and the booty could be yours.


MUSIC

Words by Rhiannon Elston

MSTRKRFT

PARTY STARTERS

IF THE WORDS ‘PARTY MUSIC’ MAKE YOU THINK OF MANUFACTURED POP TARTLETS RIDING THE AUTOTUNE AND // FLASHING THEIR CANS ON SOME CHEESY MUSIC VIDEO, STAND UP

Does it still feel like work when you’re playing killer parties every night? Yes. There are always aspects of it that are work. But some places, when people ask us where the best place to play is, the answer is really the place where you can make it feel the least like work. The more prepared the staff are, the more professional they are, the more fun you can have.

We know you’ve thrown a few wild parties in your time. What’s the secret? For a party to be really good I think it has to be a bit scary. That’s probably the one thing from punk rock that makes it sad it has gone. You had to go and be like, ‘am I gonna be kicked in the head?’ It was good to go and be a little bit terrified.

Where’s your favourite place to play? This club in Lisbon called Lux. It’s basically perfect. It’s got the perfect soundsystem, perfect monitors, amazing lighting and everyone involved is incredible. You play better in those circumstances.

AND GIVE A SMALL CHEER FOR MSTRKRFT. JESSE F. KEELER, ONE HALF OF THE TORONTO-BASED DUO, GIVES US THE LOW-DOWN ON HOW TO REALLY SHAKE OUT THE HOUSE.

60 - 60 MUSIC

How scary does a MSTRKRFT gig get? The last party we just played in Texas there was a full scale riot. There were police out with batons, on horses and stuff. You’ve got 22 gigs in a month on your schedule, how do you survive such intense touring? Well, there’s some downtime in there and I get to see a lot of my friends and spend some time in places I really like. We plan our touring around things like dinner with friends to sort of pretend we’re just traveling and not working. When you do get some downtime where do you head? That depends on where I am, a lot of the time I have downtime not at home. So if I’m in LA I just head out by the pool and do nothing, which is kind of fun. When I’m at home I try to spend as much time with my kid and my family as possible. But you know there’s always work to do.

Your new release Fist of God is hitting shelves all around the world. What can we expect from it? We decided a couple of years ago to make a record that was totally just meant for America. In a way just being a reflection of our most American of influences. Things like R&B and rap and prog rock and all this stuff we were really immersed in over here. You’ve remixed a huge number of artists with a pretty eclectic mix of names. Do the bands approach you or do you get to pick and choose? No, we get to pick and choose and most of the time we say no. But if me or Al see the potential for the song to be made better, we’ll give it a shot. But the vocals have to be good. We really hate bad singing. Bad vocals are like a cancer destroying music. MSTRKRFT only make party music. If you put their whole body of work into iTunes, hit shuffle and press play, things will keep moving late into the night. For more on MSTRKRFT check the extended interview at acclaimmag.com



MUSIC

Words by Pj Smith

N.A.S.A.

Stars Aligned

THE RECENT RELEASE SPIRIT OF APOLLO FROM PRODUCTION DUO SQUEAK E. CLEAN & DJ ZEGON, BETTER KNOWN // COLLECTIVELY AS N.A.S.A (NORTH AMERICA SOUTH AMERICA) IS A TESTAMENT TO THEIR TENACITY, COMMITMENT AND ROLODEX. IT’S AN ALBUM AROUND SIX YEARS IN THE MAKING, IN WHICH TIME THEY COULD OF ACTUALLY JOINED N.A.S.A (THE SPACE ONE) AND FLOWN TO MARS OR SOME SHIT, INSTEAD THEY MADE A RECORD THAT THROWS INDIE LUMINARIES ALONGSIDE HIP-HOP SUPERSTARS AND WE’RE GLAD THEY DID.

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One would think after hearing that Spirit of Apollo has taken around six years to complete and that previous release dates have come and gone, that Squeak E. Clean & Dj Zegon are on some Axel Rose tip and are more concerned with braiding their hair and punching on with Tommy Hilfiger than actually producing music but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Squeak E. Clean elaborates, “it was often not our major priority, like we were working on other projects and like I was producing the Yeah Yeah Yeahs record, Z was djing all over the world and we were doing various projects and it was kind of like a passion project that, you know, we’d make some money to put into it and spend a few months working on it then move away and it also of course had to do with the logistics of wanting to get somebody and sometimes it could take as much as six months to almost a year to actually end up in the studio with them.” When Squeak mentions wanting to ‘get somebody’ he actually means everybody because that’s who they’ve got on this album. From Kanye to Q-Bert, David Byrne to Santogold it’s basically an album filled to the brim with lyrical masters and deft musicians, to the point where one has to wonder if there could have been any difficulty in working with so many artists. “There wasn’t much of an ego clash and I think that’s because of the kind of artists we chose to work with. Because we’re fans of their music and our taste is not really about ego and divas and superstars, they tended to all work really well together. We actually had everyone in the studio together as much as possible.” If you’ve been paying attention you’ve probably already seen the clip to the infectious single Money crafted by Shepard Fairey (of Obey fame), which seemed to drop about the same time everyone’s stocks did, Squeak assures us this was naught but

coincidence “Nah (laughs), we weren’t waiting for economic collapse man, it’s just you know, a song that we made about something we felt strongly about and it just coincided… it also happened to coincide with Shepard’s work so well. He had just done an exhibition called the The Two Sides of Capitalism and the two just fit so well together and then it worked pretty timely coming out right around the economic collapse.”

“first time in a really long time I feel really proud to be an American” Although the first single is a pretty grim summation of our current capitalist system, Squeak himself is actually quite positive about the future, especially now that a certain political leader is now in power. “I certainly feel that in the first time in my life or at least the first time in a really long time I feel really proud to be an American and I feel like the worst of the times have passed and even though we’re in this really terrible depression, I feel hopeful because we have somebody that’s not corrupt in charge of our country and I feel like people have united around this man and there’s definitely a certain air of people feeling hopeful and unified like we made, we made this happen. We made a change happen, so I feel it’s only uphill from here, but of course I’m an eternal optimist.”

SQUEAK E. CLEAN ON HOW OFTEN THEY GET TO ROLL

“I never really skated that much, in fact he (Dj Zegon) was a much better skateboarder than me back in the day, but he doesn’t skate that much, like we’ll probably just push around, around the suburb a little bit you know. He used to live a few blocks from me when he was in LA and so he’d skate down to my place a lot… we wouldn’t like session that much. I would go session occasionally with some friends.”



MUSIC

Words by Vinny Tang

N*E*R*D

Head of the Class

N*E*R*D HAVE BEEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF POP CULTURE FOR MORE THAN A FEW MINUTES NOW. PHARRELL, CHAD AND SHAY // HAVE BEEN SUCH POWERFUL INFLUENCES ON MUSIC AND FASHION

IN THESE EARLY YEARS OF THE 21ST CENTURY THAT ACCLAIM WOULD BE DOING A DISSERVICE TO YOUR BRAIN IF WE DIDN’T DO THIS ARTICLE. PHARRELL AND SHAY (“CHAD’S PROBABLY ON THE PHONE RIGHT NOW LAUGHING AT ALL OF US AND WE WON’T EVEN KNOW” P LAUGHS) TOOK TIME OUT FROM TOURING THE WORLD TO DO THEIR ONLY AUSTRALIAN INTERVIEW FOR YOU LUCKY FUCKERS. And yes normal people, being a member of N*E*R*D isn’t just about putting up with Chandon and Phantoms, the three have been hard at work too, from releasing Seeing Sounds last year to being on the road for the past ten months. “The tour’s been going great man, there’s no complaints” Pharrell explains. “We don’t really have much of a chance to relax, ‘cause we’re always working. I know personally from just producing and being in N*E*R*D and being on the road, there’s not much chance to hang out.”

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Headed by Mr. Skateboard P, the trendsetting-trio have been releasing music under those four little letters since 2001, and along the way made some very powerful friends (Nigo, Madonna and Timbaland, anyone?) Although Chad and P have been the ones that have been in the public eye exchanging pounds and shakes with famous faces, the lesser-known Shay purposely stays out of the glitz and glamour. “I’m a super low-key guy; I’m a family guy you know? That’s why I try my hardest to stay out of the spotlight…I got a few things going on outside of N*E*R*D too, nothing I can talk about yet though,” he quickly adds with a cheeky tone. P. Willy (no we didn’t make that one up) on the other hand, has his every move blogged about and all his projects on the tip of every hipster’s tongue. His collaboration with furniture designer Domeau & Pérès, has been one of the more crazy ventures, with the end result featured in his own exhibition in the Emmanuel Perrotin Galerie, which only ended earlier this year. After we asked him if there was a different creative process with this new medium, he replied quite confidently, “Actually you know they’re not that far apart. They’re kind of the same even. You know it’s like you have an idea that is blueprinted and then

implemented, and then you’re done.” We’re not quite sure if it’s really that easy for the rest of us though, Pharrell. Aside from The Neptunes, N*E*R*D and BBC (Pharrell’s highend streetwear label), crack rap heavyweights The Clipse have been P’s other hugely successful outing. With The Neptunes produced Hell Hath No Fury being on of the best albums list of 2006, fans were disappointed to hear this time around the duo was to let more hands and minds behind the boards. “You know that was their choice, they have their own label now. They’re like doing their own thing, you know? And I’m just there to help out and I’ve watched them grow and they’re really doing it. So for me now in the project it’s like a brother situation, whatever they need me to do, I’ll do it.”

“You know it’s like you have an idea that is blueprinted and then implemented, and then you’re done” By the time you read this the boys would’ve already bitchslapped our big island with their live tour, but don’t worry dudes, they’ll be back for more. “We got mad love for Australia”, Pharrell says, “ we have some crazy fans there and we have to show ‘em love back!” FROM VIRGINIA WITH A N.Y STATE OF MIND Despite having a crazy electronic vibe, the group still has the gritty Nas’ Illmatic rated as one of the most influential albums for their music. “Amazing production. Pete Rock, Preemo, Q-Tip. Nine songs, all classic,” Pharrell says. “Now I would have to agree with that,” Shay adds, “Illmatic is one of my favourites. You know at the time, what he was saying I could completely relate to. Still to this day that album just came from nowhere and changed the whole rap game.”



IN DEPTH

Words by Dominic Wagner

Somali pirate gunmen relax in a Hobyo tea-shop 540kms north east of Mogadishu. Many of the gunmen making up the pirates’ numbers are drawn from local militias. Photo by Badri Media/epa/Corbis

FROM THE POET’S HORN The Origins of Somali Piracy

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AT THIS MOMENT HUNDREDS OF KILOMETERS OFF SOMALIA’S COAST A SPEEDBOAT RESTS IDLE IN THE TIDES // OF THE INDIAN OCEAN. THE SHIP RISES AND FALLS IN SILENCE

AS THE DARK WATERS SWELL BENEATH IT; A MINISCULE SHARD OF FIBERGLASS BURIED IN THE BROAD CHEST OF A SLEEPING GIANT. ONBOARD THE VESSEL A CIGARETTE IS LIT, REMOVING THE VEIL OF NIGHT FROM A PLACID FACE WITH TWO BONE WHITE EYES. THESE EYES STAY FIXED ONTO THE GREEN IRIDESCENT GLOW OF A HIGH PRICED RADAR AS IT COMBS THE SURFACE OF THE SEA FOR POTENTIAL TARGETS; SHIPS WITH HULLS PACKED WITH RUSSIAN ARMS, ARABIAN SUPERTANKERS FILLED TO THE BRIM WITH RICH OIL, ANYTHING BEARING THE MARK OF A WEALTHY ORIGIN. IT IS DAWN, THE TIME WHEN THE SEA IS A STAGE FOR SHADOWS NOT MEN. SLOWLY ONE LONE VISIBLE FIGURE BREAKS INTO SEVERAL DELIBERATE FORMS FLOATING AGAINST THE HORIZON. THEIR SMOOTH LIMBS APPEAR INSEPARABLE FROM THE SHARP ANGLES OF THE MOUNTED RAIL GUNS, GRENADE LAUNCHERS AND AUTOMATIC WEAPONS EXTENDING FROM THEIR WIRE LIKE FRAMES. AS THE LIGHT OF THE SUN GAINS IN STRENGTH MORE EYES BECOME VISIBLE. What portents of men constitute these eyes is uncertain but undoubtedly they are all rooted within the echoes of memory, countless stories that amount to the tragic wisdom of one ultimate truth--why? Is it the promises of millions of dollars in ransom payments that motivate these sons of Somalia to take up arms and over run one of the world’s primary maritime highways? Are their efforts a new addition to the legacy of crime and disorder that have plagued the third world since the inception

of the first? Or do their abductions strike against a brutal cycle of economic entitlement whose fruits have passed over the mouths that are most in need of their sustenance far too often? A great “why”, has risen out of the horn of Africa to baffle the outside world yet again. This great mystery has cursed citizens and their governing bodies with the burden of judgment and the threat of violence. For those Somali’s intimately connected to this capital affair, the answer to the world’s questions and the stone face response to their judgments both reside in Somalia’s history. It is a complex tale of homeland security, alternative economics and the high price of a stolen generation. Perhaps the scene illustrated above is as rooted in fiction as the classical depictions of famous pirates, all eye patches and peg legs. But what makes these modern pirates so intriguing is their anonymity. To dispel the mythological gossip that was churning within my own head I decided to discuss the issue at length with Somali’s whose opinions on this subject have largely been kept outside of the mainstream media outlets coverage. Luckily during a cab ride back home from the airport my driver Khalid, who told me that he immigrated to Australia from Somalia a few years ago, had been keeping abreast of the situation himself. “So what do you think about this whole piracy situation back home?” I ventured. He laughed quietly as he took one hand off the wheel to turn the volume down on the radio. It was tuned to an Arabic language news station. “It’s funny that you ask that question, they were just discussing that very topic. Apparently the Danish Navy have captured two of the pirates and now they don’t know what to do


Somali pirates guard the beach in Hobyo district. Many small boats such as the one depicted are used to launch attacks on foreign boats. Photo by Badri Media/epa/Corbis

with them.” “What do you think they should do?” “Well that depends.” “Depends on what?” “It depends on what type of pirate they are. You see brother, the truth these days is not a simple thing. Me, I know my people but nobody wants real answers. They just want headlines and happy endings. “Do you know how all of this started?” “No not really.” “At one time Somalia’s ocean was the most plentiful in the world. The waters were rich with fish. You could make a decent living if you were a good fisherman. Then one day massive ships came from all over the world to steal Somalia’s seas, rape the waters and rip the fish from our hands. They swept their metal nets across the ocean floor. Now there is no life, nothing left to eat, only the ships and their cargo. So the fisherman had to do something to protect their livelihood. No one would listen to simple fishermen except for the militia. It became a partnership. The fishermen knew the seas and the militias had the weapons to take the waters back. It started out as a way to protect the people and Somalia’s territory but the greedy got involved at some point and took advantage of the situation just to make money. It is getting harder and harder to tell the difference between the heroes and the criminals everyday. What I do know is that the rest of the world created the pirates when they turned their backs on Somalia and started stealing our resources.” As Khalid spoke I noticed that the petrol meter was hovering on empty and had most likely been in a similar state of depletion since I entered his cab. I am not certain whether he noticed the meter’s ominous reading and refused to stop my lesson in order to respond to what appeared to be a lesser necessity or if his great passion had simply overwhelmed his attention to detail all together. But the focus in his eyes created an

understanding between us that was paramount. The image of Khalid willing the cab onward through the dark streets, traversing each ensuing block fueled by words alone became a living portrait of Somalia’s current condition. For Khalid it was clear that all that is left to the disposal of a people who have been pushed to the periphery of modern existence, embroiled in political conflict for over a decade and kept running on the residual fumes of their pillaged resources for generations, are the defining elements of their own humanity: human will, human passion and the human word. Khalid was a single representative of millions of Somalis who were forced to leave their homes and migrate to distant lands in an effort to pursue a life outside of the familiar conflicts of tribal war and failed leadership. Throughout his lesson Khalid asserted the inherent unity of Somalia created the underlying paradox of their civil conflict. “It makes no sense. These are people who look the same, speak the same language, pray to the same God and yet they fight over nothing.” Behind the bullets and hidden beneath the mystery, the pirates are Somalis too, locked in a fight to escape the same situation that brought Khalid to Australia. Yet the same forces that put Khalid behind the wheel of a cab abroad, kept the pirates at home behind the wheel of an armed speedboat. The London based International Maritime Bureau estimated that a total of 293 piratical incidents transpired worldwide in 2008. 111 of these incidents occurred in Somalia’s territorial waters. This area, known internationally as the Gulf of Aden, is particularly important to the shipping industry. 30% of the world’s oil makes it way through these waters. Taking a trade route through the Suez Canal saves the ships from having to take the much longer, more expensive route around the Cape of Good Hope. The increase in piracy has caused a global response of aggressive naval practices aimed at halting the illegal abduction of commercial vessels. Dozens of warships from across the world patrol the area in what foreign affairs scholar Francis Nebitt calls a “dramatic and media-friendly anti piracy


IN DEPTH

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“At one time Somalia’s ocean was the most plentiful in the world[…] You could make a decent living if you were a good fisherman. Then one day massive ships came from all over the world to steal Somalia’s seas, rape the waters and rip the fish from our hands.” Photo by IBRAHIM ELMI/epa/Corbis

campaign.” Many countries were eager to join this crusade and most of them have no economic interests in the region at all. The Danish Navy captured two potential pirates and then decided to drop them off on an isolated beach once they realized no Somali institution was in place to prosecute them. The Indian Navy claimed to have destroyed a pirate mother ship that refused to stop when they issued the order. It was later found to be a Thai fishing boat. It was an old boat, perhaps too slow to escape eradication and too dilapidated to maintain an operational radio. As the game of cat and mouse continues on the high seas critics of the naval coalition advocate for a more direct approach, which would likely involve a military operation that struck at the heart of the major ports being used by the pirates. However this kind of action would require a UN resolution and a declaration of war. Because most of the pirate’s operations are based in the semi autonomous Puntland region of Somalia it is highly unlikely any local governments would contribute the necessary diplomatic effort that is required to pursue any affective land based intervention. And the truth is most probably don’t want to. The international community’s most recent crime fighting effort in Somalia is a continuation of several questionable strategies that have been exercised over the past decade. The course of action taken by the UN

Security Council to stabilize Somalia after the elimination of piracy with resolutions and the presence of a powerful foreign military is a classic scenario of putting the cart before the horse except that in this instance the cart is on fire. The international support of the Ethiopian invasion of Somalia was used as a means to give the UN-based Transitional Federal Government a solid foundation so that it could work against the presence of radical Islamic sects. The presence of a neighboring military force was heralded as a sign of local support. But this was an illusion of a bilateral coalition. The US gave Ethiopia the arms and the incentive to attack but they couldn’t provide them with the will to stay. After one year the Ethiopian forces left and the Islamist militias remain, ready to take power. Things are worse than before in Somalia and the intervention of foreign governments is to blame. According to some sources, regulatory bodies like the UN, the EU and the United States tend to act for first world interests exclusively and completely ignore the real issues that plague the residents of their project nation. The celebrated Somali musician K’naan, known for writing songs that illustrate life in his homeland with crystal clarity, spoke to the independent media outlet HardKnock TV about the


Somali pirates are positioned along the coast in anticipation of possible attacks from foreign military to attempt to free Greek tanker MV Stephanos. Photo by Badri Media/epa/Corbis

international community’s involvement in Somali affairs and the results. “Since the early 90’s when the government of my country collapsed, [private owned disposal] companies have been illegally dumping nuclear toxic waste containers on the shores of Somalia. Nobody was there to protect them. And the fishermen who were there on the costal lines would complain time and again. It got to the United Nations Security Council and was ignored and thrown out. It was months after that when men, who we are now calling pirates, mobilized themselves and got street militias onboard and brought them into the ocean to protect the Somali waters. What they would do initially is whichever ships they thought were suspicious and were crossing illegally into Somali waters they would highjack them and hold them for ransom. Of course later on the greed and lure of money got too much, the men became legitimate pirates. There are so many of them in the ocean that they are unstoppable now. They take every ship from 400 nautical miles…they are gangsters of the ocean. But it all started with the Western companies dumping toxic waste on our shores. If you want the piracy to stop, stop dumping nuclear toxic waste in our country. It is much worse, a much more heinous and sinister crime than piracy could ever be. Piracy is robbery at sea. These men don’t kill their captives they just take money. What you are doing is trying to

destroy a generation.” It is not difficult to see why most Somali’s will not denounce the activity of the pirates outright. What is portrayed as the reckless pursuit of riches in one world is seen as a political act of rebellion and a means of survival in another. Without a strong central government to take direct responsibility for protecting Somalia’s waters, many citizens have turned to the pirates as a symbol of the people’s independence from foreign abuse. Piracy is now one of the leading industries in Somalia, generating more wealth for some of the country’s regions than the weak governments that are in place. By most estimates the pirates have taken in at least 30 million in ransom payments over the past year, however it is possible that the actual figure equates to many times that amount. In Puntland, a coastal region of Somalia, piracy is the mainstay of the local economy. Although it takes a relatively small number of pirates to overrun a targeted ship, it requires several people to take care of the hostages. Once the ransoms have been paid, new wealth circulates through local businesses. The streets are flooded with new clothes, new vehicles and new weapons. The levels of involvement run deep and for many it has simply become a way of life.


SHIFT GEARS

Selection by Vinny Tang

TRAMONTANA R

Around this time of year, small independent automakers from around the world reveal their unique supercars in time for the Geneva Motor Show. Tramontana is definitely one of them, with the unveiling of the Tramontana R, a crazy looking Batmobile-esque wet dream. Powered by a Mercedes 5.5 litre V12, available in either a naturally-aspirated 550hp form or a twin-turbo version with an output of 720 horsepower! They have announced that they will only make 12 cars a year, so even money may might not secure one of these for your garage.

CITROËN-INSPIRED APPAREL

The Citroën DS is one of the most recognizable cars of the 20th century, and on the eve of the French company’s revival of the DS badge, Citroën has released a range of merchandise inspired by the line. Very clean and classy sunglasses and an uber-cool snowboard are among the items available from the range.

CARLSSON X ETIENNE AIGNER

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High-end, custom, luxury car-maker Carlsson has teamed up with leather company Etienne Aigner to create the CK55 RS Rascasse based on the Mercedes GL500. Limited to a run of only 20 cars, the SUV has an integrated fridge, Aigner leather on every interior surface possible and a custom entertainment system that includes two 8-inch screens and surround sound audio.

2009 CORVETTE GT1 CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION

THE BABY ROLLER

Rolls Royce have been teasing the world for a while with talks of an entry-level ‘baby’ Rolls, but now their concept has finally been unleashed onto the world in the form of the 200EX concept. Although it’s a cheapie for the boys at RR, no prices have been announced and we would hazard a guess that this V12-powered Briton would still be demanding Oprah-money.

SCORPION MOTORSPORTS PRODIGY

Now like everything else in this life, cars are made to have fun with, and Scorpion Motorsports’ newest creation, The Prodigy, looks like bucket-fucking-loads of fun. This mini-F1-looking, Hayabusa-powered three-wheeled beast has a price-tag of (only) $US40,000, I can definitely shoot off hundreds of other worse ways you could blow that.


THE NEW ALBUM FEATURING THE SINGLES AND

The stunning new album featuring the single “Shoes” Collaborators include Soulwax, Jesper Dahlback, Gonzales,

Jori Hulkonnen, James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem) and Jake Shears (Scissor Sisters).

Australian exclusive CD featuring the Bang Gang Remix of “Shoes”.

OUT NOW.

www.pias.com.au

OUT NOW www.liberatormusic.com.au


AUTO

Words byVinny Tang Photos by Dean Moon

MOONEYES USA

Kustom Kulture Kings STARTING FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS BEHIND THE FAMILYRUN MOON CAFÉ IN SANTA FE SPRINGS, A YOUNG DEAN MOON // BUILT A COMPANY THAT HAS BECOME SYNONYMOUS WITH HOT

and set a quarter mile record of 12.29 seconds. Dean used the car on several occasions when trying to get into the 200 mile club, one time reaching the 206 mark but the engine blew on the return. But the most famous was the Mooneyes, a Chevy powered dragster that ran 9 second times all the way back in the early 60s (translation: real fucking quick!). It now resides at the Don Garlits Drag Racing Museum, but replicas can still be seen ripping up the strip around the world.

Dean Moon was already a person to hit up back in the 40’s if you wanted to make your car go faster, a decade before the first Moon shop was even opened. In the Hot-Rod hotbed that was California during that post-war period, Dean, then a member of the Hutters Car Club (named after their hangout, the Hula Hut Drive-In), was churning out custom billet fuel blocks and fuel tanks, parts that can still be seen used on hot-rods and drag cars to this day.

“Mooneyes is to Kustom Kulture what Adidas is to hip-hop...if they also invented the 808 and the MPC”

RODDING. WITH RICH HISTORY SPANNING OVER HALF A CENTURY, TO PUT IT INTO PERSPECTIVE MOONEYES IS TO KUSTOM KULTURE WHAT ADIDAS IS TO HIP-HOP...IF THEY ALSO INVENTED THE 808 AND THE MPC.

Even with a lack of tools and space, Dean and brother Buzz were also building record breaking cars from behind their father’s Moon Cafe, in particular a chopped ‘32 Tudor and ‘34 Coupe, and street racing around Cali while smashing speed records on the dry lakes surrounding Santa Fe.

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Dean was drafted during the Korean conflict, but after coming back home he went back to his old job as a tune-up mechanic, also freelancing his photography work and writing services to earn extra money. Soon after he quit and opened up Moon Automotive, just behind the Moon Cafe. It was from there that the Mooneyes movement exploded, firstly with the hugely popular Moon Disc that were being sold 10,000 a month at one stage, a wheel disc that was cheap and were claimed to “produce seven additional miles per hour at speeds in excess of 190mph”. It wasn’t until the 60s when Dean built a bunch of cars that would secure the name Moon into Hot Rod history. The “Moonbeam” (pictured) was featured in numerous magazines

The world of Kustom Kulture would not be what it is today if there was no Dean Moon or Mooneyes. The company and the man were pioneers of the time, and even today Mooneyes are responsible for organising huge Hot-Rod events and are still creating new products to make your old-school steel go that much faster and that much harder.

HISTORY OF THE MOON “EYES”

The whole time the infamous Mooneyes logo was ever evolving, starting its life first on a ‘24 “T” Roadster Dean sponsored. When asked how the Moon “eyes” started, Dean would reply “at college, when I typed my name, I’d hold the carriage off-center and put two periods in the OO’s”. In 1957 Dean had a Disney artist draw them as we see on millions of cars worldwide.



SKILL CHECK

Words by Jerry Jerri Photos courtesy of Projectmidas.com

SWIFTY

CAMOUFLAGE AND SOUP CANS

AS A TEEN, THE YOUTHFUL SWIFTY (THEN MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS IAN SWIFT) DREAMT OF A CAREER AS A MOUNTAINEER. // HIS VOYAGE TOWARDS THE WORLD OF GRAPHIC DESIGN HAPPENED ALMOST BY ACCIDENT WHEN HE HAPHAZARDLY ENROLLED INTO ART AND DESIGN COLLEGE, PROBABLY WITH NO NOTION OF THE LEVEL OF INFLUENCE THAT HIS ARTWORK WOULD HAVE ON THE CONTEMPORARY DESIGN WORLD OVER THE NEXT TWENTYSOMETHING YEARS. ACCLAIM CHATTED WITH SWIFTY AMONGST THE BOLD ARTWORKS OF HIS RECENT MELBOURNE EXHIBITION.

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Has your fascination for the outdoors influenced your use of camouflage in your artwork at all? Quite possibly but my family has a military background and when I soul-searched as to why I like camouflage so much that’s what I came back to. Various things obviously happened along the way, like punk happened- vintage army fatigues; people like Echo & the Bunnymen […] all these little things contribute to my camo obsession, right down to playing with Action Man as a kid. Despite how established you are for your design style, do you find yourself in situations where you’re working to strict design briefs? Occasionally I’ll do some very straight (for want of a better word) work for the BBC for instance. But those people will come to me because I’ll give them straight-but funky. I can give the client exactly what they want but I can make it in my own style. And that’s why people come to me because they know that I’m flexible. With so much iconic British imagery in your artwork is it difficult to translate your work into other parts of the world? Well this is one of the first international shows that I’ve done where we’re trying this out. I didn’t bring a lot of my work that is much more nostalgic and British. I have a show in the UK this May which is very British because in London people will get it but I purposely left a lot of that work at home and that’s why I created the Swifty Vegemite style, because I wanted to touch base with a brand here that everyone knows.

In terms of your work for brands like Addict where the market is predominantly youth, how do you stay relevant to a younger audience with different influences to your own? Well as a commercial artist on the graphics tip you are responsible for your output and it’s your responsibility to depict the current state of play. You have to observe and you have to be aware of culture and trends and style going on around you.

“there are no trends anymore, there are no movements” I’ve been quite fortunate in that I’ve always had my own agenda in a lot of ways. […] I grew up with that [Acid Jazz] scene and started by doing work for people like Giles Peterson. Therefore I am part of that originator thing and then you’re not following trends because you’re making them. Now you have a slightly different situation because there are no trends anymore, there are no movements. I see kids now wondering around in Vans and skinny jeans and grungy t-shirts and scarves or whatever. I can look at them and say that’s a bit of Punk from 1976 and his jeans are kinda circa 1981. […] I’ve got that breadth of knowledge from late sixties/early seventies when I started reaching the age where I could observe stuff. So if someone says to me “I want a skate/ grungy look” I know what they’re talking about.

Check the new acclaimmag.com for the full Swifty interview. Swifty will be exhibiting in Jakarta soon, for updates and more from the world of Swifty visit his site at www.swifty.co.uk



SKILL CHECK

Words by Benjamin Menzies

KR

Drips of Deliberation DRIPS. IN SINGULAR FORM THEY WILL TRAVEL UNNOTICED FROM THEIR POINT OF DEPARTURE TO THE GROUND, STOPPING // ONLY WHEN THEY CAN CRAWL NO FURTHER. A FEW OF THEM ARE CAPABLE OF CREATING ALL KINDS OF HELL FOR AN ARTIST, AND IN ABUNDANCE THEY ARE ONE OF THE MOST EFFICIENT FORMS OF SLEEP PREVENTION KNOWN TO MAN, COMING SECOND ONLY TO CHAINSAWS AND SMALL CHILDREN.

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Fortunately enough for Brooklyn native Craig Costello AKA ‘KR’, he has not only managed to turn the drip into an instantly recognisable signature; but also a worldwide graffiti phenomenon and of course, ‘KRINK’, the go-to ink brand tailored to suit a diverse range of applications. Having roots in Graffiti and drawing inspiration from the diversity of NYC, Craig took what he enjoyed and was able to create something that benefited both himself and the people around him. “Krink was originally made for writing. I had drippy tags and Krink was a big success locally. Over time, I became a bit bored with graffiti. I started to omit my name from the equation. This was a big breakthrough for me, because the work and actions spoke to a more diverse audience and the feedback was incredibly positive.” With Krink, Craig was able to distance himself from society’s misunderstanding of the art and turn it into a successful enterprise while still maintaining close ties with every other aspect of Graffiti. “I enjoy the outlaw aspects of graffiti and although they get watered down sometimes, I think there will always be someone out there who is ‘disturbing the peace’ and going against the grain”. Nowadays, Graffiti has stepped out of the dark as a previously frowned upon criminal activity into the mainstream spotlight as a commercially approved selling point for big companies aiming for a particular audience. Respected names like Cope2,

Haze, Futura and Kaws, have all leant their expertise to billion dollar footwear conglomerates like Nike, Reebok and Adidas in the form of shoe collaborations and the list of previously unknown artists attaching their names to a range of products is growing on a daily basis. But at what point does a high profile writer consider his reputation in the face of the almighty dollar? Having lived on both sides of the equation, KR responds, “As you get older you realize that you must make a living. Selling out is a younger person’s term that doesn’t realise the realities of life. But selling out can also mean playing yourself out. You can’t say yes to everything, you can’t let big companies come in and just piggyback on your ‘street cred’ or fame or whatever. You have to make sure that the fit makes sense, otherwise you may risk playing yourself out. It’s a case by case issue.” Having started ‘Krink’ around his love of Graffiti, Craig is in a prime position where his artistic integrity can’t be questioned and has the freedom to apply his name and unique style to whatever he sees fit. With an already impressive clientele list including Alife, Nike, Pharrell Williams, John Mayer, Complex Magazine and features in more galleries and streetwear/news publications than you can poke a marker at, KR has found his own lane in an industry full of short lived ventures and everchanging trends. What of the future though? “We will continue to pursue new products and colours. I prefer to show and prove than to talk about what’s next. So wait and see because there is a lot more to come.”

RECENT COLLABOS

Krink has recently released some limited edition tee and ink packs with powerbrands Married to the Mob and Alife.



SKILL CHECK

Words by Alicia Sim Photos by Kid Zoom

KID ZOOM

Distorted Dreaming THE ENTRANCE TO KID ZOOM’S STUDIO IS SYMBOLIC OF THE PERSPECTIVE IN WHICH HE WANTS HIS WORK CONSIDERED. // LIKE THE INCONSPICUOUS MUTED GREEN DOOR ON A BUSY CITY

same time you’re living through Playboy and there’s this strange middle ground where there’s this sexuality and this innocence of cartoons.”

Fortunately, when looking at this talented artist’s work, there is much to appreciate on both a visual and visceral level.

In the last 12 months, Kid Zoom has garnered an increasingly high profile, having exhibited at several shows in Melbourne (Another Red Balloon, The Forty Thieves and Villain Custom Toy Show) and Sydney (Sideways, Paste Modernism, Trailblazers). Get ready to see a lot more of this Kid as he has just relocated to the Harbour City for six months. He’s glad for the change in scenery.

STREET, HE TELLS ME THAT HE’D PREFER NOT BE DESCRIBED IN PHYSICAL TERMS, BUT WAS MORE COMFORTABLE WITH “LETTING THE ART SPEAK FOR ITSELF”.

The images also represent a backlash to corporate greed. “In terms of imagery, it definitely comes from my childhood and nostalgia and the way it’s being re-marketed to people,” he says in reference to his fictitious characters.

“I never really did much in school except draw in my science books”

“You can’t buy back your childhood but companies realise they own the copyright to things you had in your childhood, and they’re going to bring it back and milk it. It cheapens everything and it pisses me off. I guess that’s why I wind up painting these nostalgic images, but I like to make them ugly and distort them and sell it back to people in an uglier form.”

“It’s my hometown but it’s very backwards when it comes to approaching this kind of artwork,” Kid Zoom says in regards to Perth. However, he is quick to add that there is still an abundance of talent roaming the streets. “There are heaps of great artists here like Daek, Sleep, Ryan Boserio and ‘The Rad Kids’. It’s only a matter of time before they blow up.”

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Freaky monsters and strange creatures snarling in states of contortion feature heavily in his pieces. I can’t help but ask if this stems from a fascination with drawing as a child. “Well I’ve always been into art and I’ve always been into drawing. I never really did much in school except draw in my science books.” Kid Zoom says. “You could never return them at the end of the year because they were full of sketches and doodles!” he laughs.

Kid Zoom’s latest work sees him deconstructing a series of vintage Playboy covers with his twisted creations wrapped around provocative models. Again, it is informed and influenced from adolescence. “It’s about that age, when you were teen and you’re into boobs and you’ve also got a wall that’s got pictures of cartoon characters like Ninja Turtles. You’re very much still a child but at the

NEW SYDNEY EXHIBITION:

Catch the latest from Kid Zoom at his upcoming Sydney exhibition at Boutwell Draper Gallery, 82-84 George St. Redfern. Opening night is Thursday April 30th and the show will run ‘til the 23rd of May. www.kid-zoom.com



TATTOO

Words by Jerry Jerri Photos courtesy of Kalia Tattoo

CARL COCKER

REVIVING THE ART OF TONGAN TATATAU POLYNESIAN TATTOOS ARE SOME OF THE MORE POPULAR DESIGNS BEING APPLIED TO SKIN THESE DAYS. HOWEVER, // WHILE SAMOAN, HAWAIIAN AND MAORI TRIBAL DESIGNS CAN

BE SEEN ON EVERYONE FROM POLYNESIAN RUGBY PLAYERS THROUGH TO WHITEBOYS TRYING TO HARDEN UP THEIR IMAGE, TONGAN TATTOOS ARE ALMOST NON-EXISTENT IN THE MODERN WORLD. NON-EXISTENT, EXCEPT FOR THE WORK OF ONE CARL COCKER, WHO ALMOST SINGLEHANDEDLY IS REVIVING THE LOST ART OF TONGAN TATATAU.

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Similarly to traditional Samoan tattoos, “The process of tatttooing in ancient Tonga was a long and painful one, particularly considering the amount of heavy black coverage in the tattoo” Carl explains. “It was considered a mark of manhood. Like other Polynesian culture it is unique because of its own individual meaning, it is more than just putting ink on skin.” While tattoo traditions across the Pacific have been largely preserved, documented and have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity amongst the younger generations, in the island nation of Tonga tattoos are still considered taboo by the majority of the population. In a discussion with Carl about the history of Tongan tatatau he tells ACCLAIM that “The tradition of tattooing in Tonga was abandoned soon after European contact and the arrival of missionaries. It was completely erased in Tonga and tattooing was officially outlawed in 1838. Today, few Tongans even realize that their ancestors bore tattoos, not only has the art been lost over the past two centuries, but even the knowledge of it is gone as well. However, in recent years a few Tongan tattoo artists including myself are slowly bringing back our Tongan tatatau.” Carl has developed a very sleek and unique style of tattooing, and while he has researched and taught himself many of

the fundamentals of the traditional Tongan style, his overall technique has been developed through many years spent abroad. “Whilst attending some of my high school years in Fiji I discovered some of the Western art traditions. It wasn’t until I was sent to Malaysia in 2001 that my interest in the practice of tattooing became an important part of my life…” Carl credits his first mentor Spec Ung as the greatest influence on his development as a tattooist. It was Spec who appointed Carl as an apprentice during his time in Malaysia. “His knowledge in sterilization and hygiene were beneficial in my development. He also taught me the foundation of how to be a practitioner and a great tattooist.” Occasionally Carl is asked to tattoo clients with Western or custom designs, however his preference is for Polynesian designs which he considers “the field that enhances my own signature style.” And where not so long ago these designs would have been applied exclusively to Polynesian people, Carl’s client base today is made up of many ethnicities. The word on his ability is now legendary in New Zealand, helped in part by celebrity endorsements from across the music and professional sporting worlds. Carl hopes to soon see more of the Tongan tatatau or tattooing being practiced professionally world wide by Tongan tattoo artists. “In doing this not only are we recognizing the work performed in the past by other Tongan artists but at the same time [we are] paving the way for our future generations.”

KALIA TATTOO

Carl runs Kalia Tattoo with his brother King Afa Cocker. For more examples of their artwork and other details peep their website at www.tongantattoo.com



FILM BUFF

Words by Kayta Hackman

SAM SPARRO

WITH SAM SPARRO’S MIX OF SULTRY, HARMONIC VOCALS AND FUNK LACED ELECTRO BEATS HAS PROVED TO BE HIS RECIPE FOR // SUCCESS. IT’S NO WONDER THIS GRAMMY-NOMINATED SINGER WAS SEEN TEARING IT UP AT THE GOOD VIBRATIONS FESTIVALS EARLIER THIS YEAR. DURING THIS TIME, ACCLAIM WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO CATCH UP WITH HIM TO GET THE WORD ON HIS FIVE FAVOURITE FILMS.

PARIS IS BURNING

“This documentary set around New York City’s late ‘80s ‘Ball Culture’ - the movement from which ‘Vogueing’ originated. It tells the story of a group of struggling inner city gay youths who band together to celebrate themselves and escape there oftentimes tragic lives. This film really moved and inspired me and I recommend it to people all the time.”

WAITING FOR GUFFMAN

“One of the many Christopher Guest films which feature a lot of the same cast members. I find this one particularly hilarious and I’ve seen it so many times that I can recite dialogue from it. I love this style of awkward humour.”

STRICTLY BALLROOM

“I was really young when I first saw this and every time I watch it again I notice even more of it’s subtle brilliance. It’s got a campness about it which reminds me of a John Waters film. Baz Luhrmann is one of our great filmmakers and it’s incredible to see what he’s achieved since this.”

WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

“The one and only original. It’s just so good. It’s so psychedelic and the music is brilliant. Gene Wilder’s performance is absolute genius.”

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DO THE RIGHT THING

“One of Spike Lee’s early works and an amazing snapshot of Brooklyn at the end of the ‘80s. I saw this at the height of my hip-hop obsession and there is some great tunes in this film as well as great performances from Rosie Perez and Samuel L.Jackson.”



PLAYLISTS AGENT 86

CLUB

MIKE RELM

MASH UP

OOH-EE MASH UP

Agent 86 has certainly earned his stripes in the DJ scene. He’s worked all facets of the industry since 1989 and set up some iconic club nights such as Melbourne’s first contemporary, weekly electro/electro-clash club ROXY. Recently named ‘Local DJ of the Year’ by Inpress mag, it seems the Agent’s signature style of expertly blended genre-hopping and scratching will see him a mainstay on the scene for quite some time. Balance Present Electric 04 mixed by Agent 86 is out now through Stomp Crazy P // In & Out Pink Floyd // Another Brick In The Wall (DJ Agent 86 Remix) Drrrtyhaze // Superhigh (Ilya Santana Remix) Casio Social Club // Count Your Lucky Stars DJ Agent 86 // Acid Management Marc Hype & Jim Dunloop // Point Blank (AGFA Remix) Mutant Disco // Jacks Back Rick James // Give It To Me Baby (DJ Agent 86 Remix) Silver City // Pendulo (Pete Herbert Remix) DJ Agent 86 // Ghettoblaster Born and raised in what has become known as the mecca of turntablism, San Francisco, Mike Relm played a critical role in the skratch music movement of the late 90’s producing records and events. With a live show not to be missed, the man transforms every stage into his personal film festival, manipulating music and movies live to awestruck audiences, as anyone who caught him at Good Vibes earlier this year will testify. MGMT // Kids The Killers // Human Mike Relm feat. Del The Funky Homosapien // Everytime John Legend, Andre 3000 // Green Light (MSTRKRFT Remix) Deadmau5 // Ghosts n Stuff Jay-Z // My President (Remix) Tokyo Police Club // Your English Is Good Q-Tip // The Renaissance Common // Universal Mind Control Franz Ferdinand // Ulysses A Melbourne institution, Ooh-Ee is as much at home tearing shit apart at the infamous Baltimore-flavoured club night Favela Rock as he is in the studio crafting internationally hyped remixes to some of the biggest indie and electro acts out. Gracing every festival known to man (including this year’s Good Vibrations festival), as well as gigging continually has not hardened this veteran of the scene who has supported the likes of Kid Cudi, DJ A-Trak and Pase Rock to name just a few. Whether it’s his signiture style of nu-disco or straight-up club bangers, you can trust Ooh-Ee is doing it and doing it well. Grace Jones // Pull Up to the Bumper (Larry Levan remix) Hot Chocolate // Heaven’s in the Back Seat of My Cadillac(The Revenge Mix) The Rapture // No Sex for Ben (Produced by Timbaland) Mr Ozio // Gay Dentist Q-Tip // Manwomanboogie (Ft. Amanda Diva) Inflagranti // Bush My Beat Escort // Starlight Miami Horror // Look to You Tame Impala // Half Glass Full of Wine (Canyons Remix) Fan Death // Veronicas Veil

SHORTEE BLITZ

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TIM DAVISON

HIP HOP

Hailing from the UK Shortee Blitz started off in the early ‘90s playing warehouse parties in South London. Since making the big time, he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in hip hop including Jay-Z, De La Soul, Rock Steady Crew, Cypress Hill, Jeru, Run DMC and Jazzy Jeff. It is his ability to mix something old with something new; underground beats with some R&B that characterize his club and radio sets. Blitz has used the respect and credibility he now commands to tirelessly support the UK urban music scene. www.shorteeblitz.com Kobi Onyame // Who You Know Pyrelli // Hot Heat Saigon ft Kardi & Cham // Chilly boom Black Milk ft Pharoahe Monch, Sean Price & DJ Premier // The Matrix Q-tip ft Amanda Diva // Manwomanboogie Fresh Daily // Bullet tooth tony Kyza // Vibe-rater Nas // SomethingFoul Busta Rhymes // I Got Bass Wretch 32 ft Wizzy Wow // Be Cool

Predicted as one of the next superstar DJs to appear on the house scene, Tim Davison is blowing up clubs around the world with his signature techy, melodic house sound. Just as prolific as a producer / remixer, his credits include a recent remix of Primal Scream’s Come Together, and The Chemical Brother’s classic Hey Boy Hey Girl. Tim will no doubt be playing a set near you some time in the not too distant future, as his hectic DJ schedule sees him crossing E every continent on an extremely regular basis. Lucky bastard. S U O H Mario Più & NDKj // Crow AstroNivo feat. DJ Zombi // Anything You Want (Miki Litvak & Ido Ophir Remix) Elegant Universe // Hypnotized Primal Scream // Come Together (Tim Davison Remix) Joel Mull // Viewpoint 16 Bit Lolitas // Murder Weapon Tim Davison // Bang to Rights Dale Anderson // Whatever Man Murat Uncuoglu // Rusty Elevation // Macho Madness ON THE OFFICE STEREO:

Wiley – See Clear Now // Miami Horror - Bravado EP // Black Milk - Tronic // Colin Munroe - The Unsung Hero // Charles Hamilton - Well Isn’t This Awkward // The Whitest Boy Alive – Dreams // DJ A-Style, X & Hell- Drunk Girls & Disco Fights mixtape // Jackson Jackson- Tools for Survival // Led Zepellin - II // Kid Cudi – A Kid Named Cudi // Chromeo – Fancy Footwork // 14kt - The Golden Hour // Theophilus London - This Charming Mixtape // Sepalot - Red Handed // Spacek - Vintage Hi Tech // Jay-Z – My President is Black Mixtape // Lowrider – Diamond Amongst the Thieves // MC Solaar – Paradisiaque // DJ Benzi - 10 Deep Presents the New Deal mixtape // Notorious motion picture soundtrack // Anna Lunoe – Neverending Summer mixtape // Chad Sexington’s Yacht Rap mix // Jackie Brown motion picture soundtrack // Phrase - Clockwork


PRODUCER PROFILE

ON TOUR

NECRO

BOOZOO BAJOU

EXECUTIVE CLASS Boozoo Bajou are probably the only famous thing to come out of Nuremberg other than a Nazi war criminal trial and quite possibly some special type of sausage. Their music is mainly a fusion of electronica, dub, and other black styles of music. They have collaborated with artists ranging from Common to Motown legend Willie Hutch. ACCLAIM spoke to Florian Seyberth, 50% of the German outfit. What piece of gear (hardware/software) have you used particularly more in the production of the new album that hasn’t been used in your previous work? Well since the last album we haven’t really made any software or hardware updates. The only thing that we bought were a couple of new microphones. I can’t exactly remember what they are called but they are basically a prototype of the microphone used by Frank Sinatra back in the day. Where do you think electronic music is heading in terms of style and trends? Well with this album we really didn’t care about all the trends and stuff like that. We didn’t want to make an Ed Banger style record or anything like that. Right now in Germany the tech-house sound is pretty big. There are so many trends and fashions, it’s really impossible to say or determine what the future is gonna be like. I can say personally what I have really been enjoying over the past few years is the resurgence of the late ‘60s, early ‘70s folky, psychedelic kind of stuff. What areas other than just simply music production do you think you need to excel in to become a successful producer? I think now compared to twenty years ago you should probably study economics. You really have to multitask and be a promoter as well. I find it much harder these days. I’m starting to become an old fart. I used to just be able to concentrate on music and now I have to concentrate on so much shit that has nothing to do with music. There is so much music out there and really so much trash. It’s hard for everyone to sift through and find the good stuff, so as artists we really have to promote our own work a lot so people can find it. Now it’s like you are either up or down. It’s not like 10 years ago when you could sort of be in the middle and still earn a decent living. Boozoo Bajou’s new album Grains, is out now through Inertia.

long live weezy by Robbie Ettelson from unkut.com Long Live Weezy. WTF? Yeah, I said it. You prolly had me pegged as another Lil’ Wayne hater, right? Sure, there are a lot of questionable things he’s done in his career so far – kissing Baby on the mouth, carrying a guitar around without being able to play a note, inspiring Kanye to record an entire album in autotune – but you’ve gotta give it up to anybody who can sell three million CD’s in this day and age while effed-up on cough syrup, trees and pills. But let’s cut to the chase – if some kind of tragedy should occur which snatches Weezy from this planet before his time, then the ridiculous hero worship that saw Tupac elevated to the level of rap’s G.O.A.T. will be chicken-feed compared to the kind of masshysteria which would sweep the world if Wayne croaks. Rappers that die are automatically elevated a few notches above their weight class - Biggie had no chance to fall-off, Big L didn’t get to sell-out, Tupac never had the time to play himself out…you get the picture. Imagine if Ice Cube had choked on his own vomit after a case of St. Ides after ‘Death Certificate’? He’d be in everyone’s ‘Top 5 Dead or Alive’ right now. Same thing with Lil’ Wayne. He went from being the “young ‘un” in the Hot Boys to “most improved” after he dropped The Carter in 2004 to the “Best Rock Star Alive” in 2008, if Blender is to be believed. If he just happens to suffer a Pimp C-style, syrup-related heart attack in the next couple of months, then there’s a good chance that the next five years will see Wayne overrun the globe, declaring him as the “Greatest Of All Time” and releasing 38 volumes of unreleased Weezy bootlegs. If he manages to stay above ground, however, it’s only a matter of time before he alienates his fans by recording fifteen experimental rock albums (the first of which, Rebirth, is due this April), plays himself in high-profile TV interviews (Katie Couric, where ya at?) and abandons music with the exception of performing the title track to the latest family comedy that he’s starring in. Stay healthy, Weezy!

With not long ‘til the Brooklyn Death-Rap icon hits our shores, ACCLAIM takes some time to see just what’s up with the man behind the controversy. In the past you’ve said that you’re not interested in pursuing the film industry over your music although you have more recently been studying acting. What’s the deal? Yeah that is true, I did say I didn’t wanna actually make movies as far as directing them yet, ‘cause it’s so much work but acting is being in the movie itself, and its a whole different beast. When we rap, we are the actor, director and editor, all in one. With movies you really can’t do it all that easy, ‘cause each area is a full-time job I just felt it was now or never (…) so far I enrolled in The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute and completed one semester with the legendary actor/ teacher Paul Calderon so that was cool, he taught me a lot, and that class helped me become very comfortable with any audition now. How would you describe your fan base? Is it mostly hip-hop kids or more of a metal crowd? It’s a mix of open-minded kids that love extreme shit. They migrate to Necro because I give them the musical fix they seek, not what others do. They want more than what the radio has to offer, they don’t want their music censored. Movies aren’t censored, you can have gore flicks with people getting raped and killed and it’s in the mainstream media world. But if you make brutal music it’s shunned, so these kids are smart enough to think for themselves and that means they are intelligent and recognize talent. For the extended interview, hit up www.acclaimmag.com Necro Australian & New Zealand Tour Dates Thursday May 28 Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast Friday May 29 Billboard the Venue, Melbourne Saturday May 30 Manning Bar, Sydney Thursday June 4 Hyde Park, Perth Friday June 5 HQ, Adelaide Saturday June 6 Zen Bar, Auckland

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INDUSTRY INSIDER ALBUM REVIEWS HANDS OVER THE CD-REVIEW REIGNS TO A SLEW OF DIFFERENT ARTISTS, WHO GIVE US THE LOW-DOWN ON WHAT THEY’RE LISTENING TO NOW AND WHAT THEY’LL BE LISTENING TO FOREVER. //ACCLAIM

B-REAL

B-Real is best known for being the lead rapper of Cypress Hill, the group which has sold more than 17 million albums worldwide and collected 15 multi-platinum, platinum and gold certifications in the US. Cyprus have even appeared on The Simpsons. That’s major! You’d think after such achievements you’d be ready to relax but B-Real has recently released his first solo effort Smoke n Mirrors, where he showcases his lyrical talent over beats produced by Alchemist, Scoop Deville, & Sick Jacken as well as producing several tracks himself, proving B-Real is very much a man of many talents. Smoke n Mirrors is available now through Duck Down Records/Shock. Ludacris Theater Of The Mind Australia STAND UP or should I say be seated, turn all cell phones off and enjoy the show. Luda returns with his sixth studio album and attacks verses with more lyrical jabs than a Holyfield/Tyson fight. The only Southern Rapper who isn’t afraid to jump on a DJ Premier produced track, Ludacris showcases his true creativity with tracks like Everybody Hates Chris featuring Chris Rock, where he allows Chris Rock to actually poke fun at his career. Blending his movie lifestyle with pure love for hiphop, Ludacris delivers what will be a memorable LP.

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86 - 86 CD REVIEWS

Dr. Dre The Chronic Now here is an album title I can IC S S CLA M relate to! It’s hard ALBU for me to believe this record was released in 1992, but it seems fitting to discuss Dr. Dre’s legendary career as he’s on the verge of releasing a new studio album Detox. The Chronic will forever be the most wellproduced hip-hop albums of all time. The Chronic was also one of the first times fans were exposed to the greatness of Snoop Dogg, who I was lucky enough to have featured on my upcoming Smoke N Mirrors Album.

BURAKA SOM SISTEMA

Touted as ‘the next step in dance music’s evolution’ Buraka Som Sistema are a Portuguese fourpiece who’ve created the year’s freshest new sound, merging Angolan Kuduro sounds with the roughest globe-scoured ghetto-funk riddims. Consisting of producers Lil’ John, Riot and Conductor, alongside MC Kalaf, Buraka Som Sistema have established themselves as one of the world’s most exciting new acts in a very short period of time and wowed audiences in over thirteen countries with their spectacular, dance-driven stage show, most recently at this year’s St. Jerome’s Laneway Fest. ‘Black Diamond’ is out now through Fabric/Inertia. The Game L.A.X. We’re big Game fans. His first album is amazing and the second one is probably one of the most unexpected comebacks of the last five years. On this new album, we find a guy at the top of his game (ahem), collaborating with Lil Wayne, Nas, Ludacris, Common, Travis Barker and a lot of other big names from the US industry. What surprised us more is the energy and diversity of the whole album - he’s using beats from so many different producers and doing his thing to make them even better. Our top album tracks are My Life (feat. Lil Wayne), Cali Sunshine (feat.
Bilal), Angel (feat. Common) & Dope Boys (feat. Travis Barker)

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Guns N Roses Use Your Illusion This is the most important rock IC album that CLASSM U B AL blared out of our headphones in the really early ‘90s. It screamed pure-madness and most of all pure rock’n’roll. Anyone would know at least three tracks off this album if they heard them. Slash’s guitar solos and Axel Rose’s voice roaring over the tracks make this probably one of the albums we’ve listened to the most. Ever. Our top album tracks are November Rain, Don’t Cry, Live and Let Die.

KILLAQUEENZ

You’ve seen them cook for us (see the ‘Recipe’ in this issue) now find out what gets Kween G and Belizean Bombshell AKA KillaQueenz cookin’ when it comes to tunes. If their taste in music is as good as their taste in cuisine then we’re no doubt in for a treat. KillaQueenz debut album Sistarhood is available now through Grindin’. Black Milk Tronic Detroit has definitely represented as far as keeping hip-hop fresh and this album is so expressive. People say hip-hop is dead but when you got artists like Black Milk it’s impossible. When we heard the Caltroit mixtape with Bishop Lamont we were impatiently waiting for the album Tronic. Compared to his first release this joint is much more musical, especially the way he ends some of the songs and the interludes are beautiful. Besides his good looks, he has good taste in guest appearances such as Pharoah Monch, Sean Price, Royce da 5’9, Fat Ray & so on. All the artists deliver some of their finest work. The track that KQ will bump for life is Losing Out.

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Sticky Fingaz Black Trash: The Autobiography of Kirk Jones IC CLASSM ALBU

When we first heard Onyx, Sticky Fingaz was always a favourite. Some may say that this has not been out long enough to be classified a classic but it is on the KQ shelf of classics. The Autobiography is a serious masterpiece. The concept of Kirk Jones takes you through various stages and clever story telling with tracks like My Dogs Is My Gunz, Baby Brother, State vs Kirk Jones and of course, Victoria Secret. Sticky has the ‘street mentality’ and he brings it out in this album. Incredibly deep from start to finish, you can see how acting and rapping made Sticky Fingaz’ first release a box office smash in the form of an album.

TIKI TAANE

Tiki formerly famed as the captivating front-man of successful band Salmonella Dub embarked on his solo artist career in January 2007. Representing Aotearoa New Zealand, Tiki has long-cemented the following of a diverse crosssection of peoples from all corners of the globe. Doubling as an audio engineer for some of the country’s finest acts, Tiki has a solid reputation for boosting shows, musical works and recordings worldwide. His debut album Past Present Future was released through Shock in November 2007. Most recently Tiki was added to the 2009 Big Day Out bill, playing all dates across Australia and New Zealand and was touted as “one of the most unique and pivotal performers to be included in the line up.” Pacific Heights In A Quiet Storm This has to be my favourite record of 2008/09 without a doubt! Pacific Heights is the solo creation of Devin Abrams, who is also from NZ’s pioneering live drum and bass band Shapeshifter. This is his second full length LP, which musically, steps away from his traditional liquid dnb production of previous releases. In A Quiet Storm shows us Devin’s natural ability to write, produce and collaborate with some of NZ’s most respected vocalists, making this record his most mature, musically satisfying release so far. Stand out tracks for me are Peace which features the silky vocals of Joe Dukie from Fat Freddy’s Drop, also Breathe which features the honey styles of Pdigsss from Shapeshifter. I’m really impressed with newcomers Jdubs and Aeries, who deliver convincing raps in tracks Dreaming and Ain’t Gotta Hold Over Me, while Ladi 6 and Lisa Tomlins show us why they are NZ divas! But my most favourite tracks are TK Funk, Make It Easier and The Show Is Over which feature Mara

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TK, absolutely dripping with soulsex baby! www.pacificheights.co.nz

Lost, out now on Illusive Sounds. Fleet Foxes Fleet Foxes

Burial Untrue I have so many all-time favourite IC albums that it’s CLASSM U B AL actually impossible for me to name just one! Just like my tattoos, which represent a time and place, so do my favourite albums. I can remember the feeling and emotion of each, where I was, and who I was hanging out with at the time. Like the first time I heard Bob Marley’s Catch A Fire or Jimmy Hendrix’ Are You Experienced, each album paints a very vivid image of time and place. And this is why I have taken to the incredible record of Untrue by Burial. This is an amazing work of art, its darkness and emotion stirs my soul with every listen. Burial uses the ‘less is more’ production, building the layers so gently until you’re in a hypnotic state. No one does atmospheric riddums like this guy, and his deep, sinister bass lines which are soaked in a tonne of echo and reverb, haunt your eardrums long after it’s dropped. This record gives me goose bumps. It makes me wanna write music, play music and see music. Thank you Burial for creating Untrue, possibly my most favourite album of all time!

RHYNO

TRUE LIVE

True Live are a truly unique entity. Since their very first performance in 2005, they have defied categorisation and belonged to a genre all of their own (kinda like ACCLAIM really). Formed from a selected group of musicians from Melbourne’s rich improv scene by leader/frontman/producer (and now guest music reviewer) RHyNO, the six-piece very quickly garnered a cult following in Melbourne’s live circuit as word spread of their phenomenal energy on stage. A lyrical mash of hip-hop, jazz and classical music True Live have continued to bring the heat and garner a devoted national following and a sound that’s all their own. Look out for their highly anticipated second album, Found

I love vocal harmonies and folk music, but only when they are done well, and this is done well. Really well. It’s like steak and red wine in a record, all bold richness, forget the potatoes and carrots and eat the beef and have a cigarette. No unnecessary, overproduced crap - well sung, well recorded and well written with 4 part vocal harmony glory, and lyrics that show girls that we have souls and that they are broken, and it’s all their fault. From Seattle, on Sub Pop (that’s Nirvana’s first label for those of you born in the ‘90s), this is an approach to making folk music that acknowledges Syd Barret and Nick Drake while sounding like what Simon and Garfunkle might have done had they not lived through the ‘80s and ‘90s and been tainted by white suits. BUY IT. OUT NOW

Madlib The Beat Conducta: Movie Scenes Volume I and II IC CLASSM ALBU

An instrumental hip-hop record, a smoked-out collage of deep funk, and possibly the greatest collage record since Shadow’s Entroducing. Movie Scenes Volume I and II is one of the finest examples of talent and technique over process. This is the record I show my jazz friends who don’t dig hip-hop, this is the record I show my sound engineer buddies who think that sub should be a background thing. The time on this record is so hip in parts that people often think it is a recorded mistake. I played this to a South American percussionist friend of mine and what he said pretty much summed it up - “it’s like it takes black music, puts it with other black music, and then puts a beat under it and makes it blacker”. I suppose Movie Scenes is to instrumental hip-hop, what Wesley Snipes is to ‘90s Hollywood, the blackest there is.


HOUSE PARTY HEROES

Words by Alex Weiland Photos by Michael Danischewski

THE BAMBOOS GET BAMBOOZED Lanu vs Agwa

WITH A UNIFORM OF ‘60S INSPIRED SUITS THAT WOULD MAKE MR PINK JEALOUS AND A SOUNDTRACK TO MATCH (BURT BACHARACH ANYONE?) YOU’D THINK IT WAS COCKTAIL HOUR EVERY HOUR WITH SOUL-FUNK BAND THE BAMBOOS. ARMED // WITH TWO BOTTLES OF AGWA AND THE THIRST FOR A CHALLENGE, GUITARIST LANCE FERGUSON AKA LANU INVITED ACCLAIM AND THE BAND TO SAMPLE AND JUDGE HIS AGWA INFUSED COCKTAILS, TOGAN STEEL AND THE NAKED PRIESTESS, AS WELL AS AN OFFERING FROM ONE OF OUR READERS. ‘Tightlips’ by Julian Mogridge was the winner from the mixing comp in our last issue. We all pondered that name as Lanu mixed the alcohol-laden concoction, the first of many. As the night progressed the measuring became more generous, more ice was bought and smashed, cigarette breaks became more

WIN AN AGWA PACK

tightlips

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a cocktail connoisseur simply email your recipe suggestion to comp@acclaimmag.com with the subject heading Agwa. All recipes must include Agwa and must be given a name. The winner will receive a pack of 3 bottles of Agwa.

2 x shots of Agwa 1 x shot of Ballentines Whiskey 50 mills of Red Bull 30 mills of pineapple juice 30 mills of crushed ice mixed with mint leaves and tonic water

Entrants must be 18 years and over. Competition winners must show valid ID upon delivery of the prize pack.

Anton: “Don’t know if I’d want two” John: “It’s not terrible” Ross: “I’d drink that”

THE EXPERTS

COMMENTS

plentiful and the mathematics of just how we would fairly determine the winner when Lanu was in fact judging his own drinks was debated, until Ross brought us back to reality, “We’re voting with monkey heads, there are no percentiles!” That in mind, the testing began.

tongan steel naked priestess 1 x shot Agwa 1 x shot Havana Club Pineapple Juice Coconut Cream Crushed Ice

COMMENTS

Lanu: “I don’t care what anyone says, I like it” Anton: “More milk!” Ross: “Too much alcohol”

Naked Priestess 1 x shot Agwa 1 x shot vodka Berry Compote Lemonade Mint

COMMENTS

Anton: “this is good” John: “It should be called Berry Me Naked”

straight up 1 shot of Agwa and a lime slice (eat lime before shot)

COMMENTS

“Pretty full-on on it’s own!”

Lanu

anton

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ross

john

THE VERDICT

Lanu’s mix The Naked Priestess won by a nose, with the Agwa shot straight-up close behind. The irony is we didn’t actually have any berry compote for the winning drink (shh) yet improvised with some Nudie berry and apple juice instead (hence the title). Which goes to show, a bit of creativity is all it takes to make a killer mix. Surprisingly I also woke up without a hangover, I gotta drink top-shelf spirits more often. Thanks for the great night Lanu! The Bamboos latest album Side Stepper is out now.


Words by Andrew Montell Photos by Michael Danischewski

HIGH BALLIN’

Location is Golden Monkey, Melbourne Thanks to Suntory for the supply of most of the alcoholic products

P-MONEY & DAVID DALLAS THE ART OF COCKTAIL MAKING

P-MONEY IS FULL OF SURPRISES, JUST WHEN HIS CONTEMPORARIES ARE BEGINNING TO WRITE HIM OFF, HE REAPPEARS WITH SOMETHING STRAIGHT OUT OF LEFT FIELD, THIS TIME IN THE FORM OF THE SINGLE ANGELS WHICH HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS // EVERYTHING FROM BIG BEAT TO TRANCE. IN A FITTING TRIBUTE TO THE DIVERSITY OF HIS PRODUCTION GAME, WE ENCOURAGED P-MONEY AND HIS COHORT- RAPPER DAVID DALLAS TO TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT FROM THEIR STANDARD BEER ON TAP DRINKING POLICY- WE INTRODUCED THEM TO THE TRUE ART OF COCKTAIL MIXING. With the extremely qualified bar tender Joey taking charge of the cocktail operation, P-Money and David Dallas made themselves comfortable amongst the classic Chinese influenced décor of Golden Monkey and watched as Joey put her twist on the Rob Roy using Glen Fiddich 12 year Malt as the base. The drinks mixed by Joey were a combination of classic cocktails with a modern twist and some inventions unique to Golden Monkey. What started out as an initial plan of trialing two or three cocktails turned into a whole afternoon of black-belt bar-tending flair with Money and Dallas, the very willing guinea pigs. P-Money’s number one pick was the Zentini “by a long shot” while David Dallas rated the Mai Tai as his favourite. Both artists were more than impressed by the grape and regular Mojitos. While not his favourite, the Rob Roy was downed in record time by Dave Dallas with the rapper describing the drink as “hard as nails!” The Rusiter made with tequila and sweet vermouth had more of an acquired taste and was more of a hit with David Dallas than it was with P-Money.

Money, Dallas and one lucky journalist were treated to Rum Sasseras, Gin Fiz, Brambles and several other concoctions including Joey’s own invention- the healthy tasting Bella Margarita. When it came to the point where the Mojitos were presented, P-Money asked in a worried voice “When does this all come to an end?” Answer: when you can’t walk, Money! For a solid drinking session that stretched over four hours, the expertise of a bar tender who can create drinks with no nasty hangover effects the next day was truly appreciated. We were also treated to a platter of truly awesome Chinese snacks midway through the session which probably helped to keep intoxication levels under control. P-Money and David Dallas left the bar with a new found appreciation for the true art of the cocktail and a new drinks-rider to make any tour promoter pull their hair out.

ROB ROY

GRAPE MOHITO

Method: add all ingredients into a mixing glass, stir and strain into a cocktail or Martini glass, garnish with lemon twist and cherry.

Method: Muddle 6 grapes in highball glass with sugar syrup. Bruise mint leaves in highball glass, then add rest of ingredients, stir with crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and 2 grapes.

Glen Fiddich 12 year old single malt whisky 30ml. Centenaire Grand Marnier 30ml. 1 dash Angostura Bitters Punt e Mes 15l. Lillet Rouge 5ml.

“The Glen Fiddich is sweetened with the Grand Marnier, Punt e Mes and Lillet Rouge and balanced with a hint of Angostura and Peach bitters.”

ZENTINI

Glen Fiddich 12 year old single malt whisky 30ml Zen Green Tea liqueur 15ml Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth 15ml Vanilla syrup 10ml. Method: add all ingredients in a mixing glass, stir and strain into a cocktail or Martini glass, garnish with a cherry. “In the Asian culture we mix Scotch and green tea all the time so that’s where we got the inspiration for this one.”

Matusalem Platino Rum 60ml Freshly squeezed lime juice 30ml Sugar Syrup 15ml 6 Green Grapes 6 Mint Leaves

“The Mojito has become one of the most popular cocktails today. We offer our variation of the Mojito with muddled grapes, Matusalem Platino Rum, lime juice and freshly picked mint.”

HORSESHOE BRAMBLE

Herradura Silver Tequila 60ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice 30ml Sugar Syrup 10ml Creme de Cassis.

Method: Add all ingredients into a Boston glass except crème de cassis. Shake and strain over crushed ice into an ocks glass. Top with crème de cassis. “The nutty aromas of the Herradura Silver Tequila are refreshed by the inclusion of freshly squeezed lemon juice and finished with the rich berry flavour from the crème de cassis.”

ROSITA

Gran Centenario Tequila Plata 30ml Carpano Antica Formula 30ml Campari 30ml Method: Add all ingredients into mixing glass, stir and strain into rocks glass, garnish with an orange twist “The herbaceous agave element of the Gran Centenario Plata is served with the bittersweet flavours of Campari and Carpano Antica Formula. This is also a classic Aperitif drink.”

To experience exceptional cocktail creation first-hand, be sure to visit Golden Monkey- Rear, 389 Lonsdale St, Melbourne City (Cnr Hardware Lane). www.goldenmonkey.com.au For more on P-Money and co check out pmoneymusic.blogspot.com To view the video of this issue’s High Ballin’ and further cocktail recipes visit our new website acclaimmag.com


VIDEO GAMES On first impression, most gamers will see LittleBigPlanet as a classic platformer with very good graphics, some overly cutesy gameplay, and some high production. But it’s only after some time playing that you get to experience some incredibly innovative M OR features. Although enjoyable in that respect, PLATF LBP’s big, lavish levels are merely designed just for you to explore and collect different ‘parts’ that you can use in your own creations. In most games user generated content is fairly limited, but in LBP, the options are staggering. There is nothing you can think of that you probably couldn’t make in this game with very little effort. Seeing that the game has been out for a while now, logging onto PlayStation Network immediately shows you thousands of levels and unique games that users from around the world have made, each one completely built within the games’ architecture, only bounded by their choice of how much of their time they choose to invest in their efforts. I’ve seen some people that have made completely functioning calculators. Sounds fairly simplistic, until you realise just how many mechanisms and elaborate contraptions are required to make something that usually runs off of digital algorithms. On the other end of things; if you’re just up for some inane fun, you can just jump into a level which involves strapping yourself to a jet powered car and flying as fast as you can into dark and perilous caves. Sony filter out all the smut, so you won’t be flooded with massive dick themed levels either. Definitely one of the PS3’s must have games so far and a marvellous achievement in player interactivity, LBP is a brilliant salute to the old school platforms we grew up playing, but a benchmark in the industry for innovation and design, even for companies like Nintendo which excel in family oriented games. -K

LITTLE BIG PLANET

PS3

90 - 90 REVIEWS

[Sony]

MEGA MAN 9

DEAD SPACE

SKATE 2

PS3 // XBOX360 // WII

XBOX 360 // PS3

XBOX 360 // PS3

[Online Distibution]

[EA Games]

OLDOL SCHO COOL

Hey old-school elitists and casual gaming haters, here’s your reward for your whining. Mega Man 9 is a brand new game that carries on the legacy of the original 8 bit series, and is distributed through the Wii Shop, Xbox Live and PlayStation Networks, so everyone gets a piece. This game is definitely a lot of fun and one of the more quality purchases you can make via digital transactions, but it is just so fucking hard - just when you think you’ve had enough, it’s going to punch you in the dick and make you scream curses at the screen. Anyone who owned an original Nintendo will blow their load at the attention to detail Capcom have put into making this as genuine as they could, but everyone else will most likely be making shameful glances back at their Guitar Hero controllers, secretly sending out telepathic thank yous to videogame developers who picked up 23 years ago that gamers don’t enjoy losing lives on a shitty jump from one platform to another. -Clifford J-D

TECH REVIEW

[EA Games]

OR HORR

TS SPOR

EA Games have really upped their efforts with making new games instead of sequels. With the money they have backing them, they’ve released Bloom Blox, Mass Effect, Mirrors Edge, and Dead Space; all really great games in each of their respective genres. Dead Space is a pretty standard story, involving a repair crew docking on a space station only to find that the crew of the station have been infected by an alien species, but its production quality is what makes it stand out. The game’s graphics are gorgeous, with a sharp but gritty polarised filter covering most of the lighter areas. The sound is bold, loud, and unsettling in all situations. There is no interface on screen; all details that you need to know are on your on-screen character’s body or weapon. It’s a fairly long game too, but not to the point of boredom. Dead Space brings survival horror into space successfully; just keep the lights on while you play. -Jerry Marker

In some cases, most of the new stuff they’ve tacked onto Skate’s successor kind of pissed me off. You would figure that being able to get off your board would allow for a lot more freedom and control, but the developers decided to make controlling your character like trying to derail a fucking train. You’d think that being able to teleport to any challenge in the city would make things easier as well, but what’s the point of exploring then? Also, fine, I get that people are using HDTV’s now, but I can’t read the fucking missions on the screen on my ghetto 68cm TV because it’s too damn small. Finally, unless you’re ok with being a billboard for some skate brand, or looking like a backpackerkilling lumberjack in a baggy flannel shirt, you have an even more limited variety of options in one of the lamest character creation screens ever. The only saving feature is the city is both gorgeous and bigger, and the new frame rate is lovely too. Check it out; just don’t prep yourself up for a completely new experience. -Veidt

Mad Catz release the Street Fighter IV Tournament Edition FightStick for PS3/Xbox 360. It was only a few years ago when Mad Catz were considered the budget alternative to quality gaming peripherals, but when they scored the licensing for quality third party musical instrument controllers, it really bumped their reputation up. Now, to coincide with the international release of Street Fighter IV on the PS3 and Xbox, and with Capcom keeping their eye on everything, Mad Catz have released what looks to be the best and most accurate arcade fighting stick controller on the market. The FightStick is said to have all genuine arcade box parts, quality circuitry and a port for headphones. Two additional buttons on top of the standard 6 (thrown in most likely just to run flush with the standard next gen controllers buttons), and you’ve got one of the tightest packages around. Only catch: if you want one, you’re gonna have to get your hands on an international distributor – no sign of them coming to our shores yet! -JC


NEW WEBSITE ONLINE

IN THE SPACE OF FIVE MONTHS WE’VE GONE FROM PUTTING UP A SITE (AND REALISING IT WASN’T WHAT WE WANTED) TO PULLING IT DOWN AND GOING BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD. NOW WERE LAUNCHING AGAIN AND WE’RE BACK BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER.

WITH EXCLUSIVE ONLINE CONTENT, ARTICLES FROM OUR ARCHIVES AND A GROWING TEAM OF CONTRIBUTORS COVERING THE MANY FACETS OF STREET CULTURE. ACCLAIM ONLINE IS SET TO CONTINUE TO GROW INTO ONE MEAN BEAST. MAKE IT A PART OF YOUR DAILY ONLINE HABIT AND BOOKMARK IT NOW.

WWW.ACCLAIMMAG.COM


PARTY PICS

Acclaim launch photos by Danny Jung Krink photos by pandapartypics.com

acclaim issue 15 launch party // melbourne

Adidas originals // 60 years of soles and stripes party // sydney

92 - 92

PARTY PICS

KRINK // DONT COME GALLERY // MELBOURNE


IN STORES AND ONLINE 29TH MAY

THE LONG-AWAITED ALBUM FROM THE INNOVATIVE ELECTRO-RAP DUO. FEATURES JUMP THE GUN, SHADES OFF, MY FKN HAT AND DON’T STOP MOVIN, AND GUEST APPEARANCES FROM PARIS WELLS, DIESEL AND SHAZAM. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/XNHELL / WWW.TWITTER.COM/XNHELL / WWW.ILLUSIVE.COM.AU


DVDS THE WACKNESS

Mad Man

Set in New York City during the summer of 1994, The Wackness follows the life of the troubled highschooler Luke Shapiro, basically a stoner nerd with swagger. A casual dealer, Shapiro starts trading weed with a therapist called Dr Squires for time on the couch. The two end up striking up a friendship bound by their joint dissatisfaction with society, the current state of NYC and the love of bud. While I’ve read mixed reviews, ignore the shit ones because this joint was one of the most enjoyable movies I saw in 2008. First thing the mid ‘90s soundtrack is awesome and really frames the era in the film perfectly. It’s not often that hip-hop is utilised in a soundtrack where it’s not there as a gimmick or a token cheesy track, so this was really refreshing. Also the relationship between Dr Squires and Shapiro is really great to watch as they explore the city together in their similarly depressed states with their constantly hilarious chronic-fueled banter. It only had a limited release in the cinemas so if you never got a chance to see it, buy the DVD as you’re gonna love this shit. -Alex Weiland

NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD

94 - 94

REVIEWS

Madman

You’ve probably seen posters around town for the DVD release of Not Quite Hollywood, a documentary that tells the largely unknown tale of Australian cinema or rather Ozploitation cinema of the ‘70s and ‘80s when nudity and sex, horror and extreme violence and ridiculous action sequences ruled the drive-ins and grindhouse cinemas. The story of Ozploitation begins in 1971 with the introduction of the ‘R’ rating to Australian film classification which saw a breakdown of highly conservative restrictions on filmmaking of the day and the doors open to maverick filmmakers whom were more concerned with making cinema exciting than artistic. This era saw Australian genre movies gain popularity in North America and Europe and were early inspiration for the likes of Quentin Tarantino who provides commentary insight into Ozploitation throughout the documentary. Through the film’s highly insightful commentary the viewer is treated to a picture of a crazy, reckless time when car chases were filmed on highways without closing the road to the public or obtaining police permission; there was more tits and ass on the big screen than in the strip clubs; stunts were performed with no real preparation or safety plan; and choreographed fight scenes could spiral out of control into real street-fights involving real bikie gangs. This doco is a great source of trivia as well as a highly entertaining watch. One thing for sure- the Australian film industry today could really benefit from an injection of the rebel energy of the Ozploitation era. -Andrew Montell

IP MAN

Universe

Finally Hong Kong kung fu cinema has made a kickass (pun intended) return to glory with the release of Ip Man (pronounced Yip Man), a cinematic tribute to the real life Chinese hero and grandmaster of the Wing Chun style. Ip Man is the semi-biographical story of Ip’s life prior to and during the Japanese invasion of Canton where Ip was recognized as a hero of the people and later defied the Japanese military leading to the eventual fleeing of his homeland to Hong Kong. Up until now Ip Man was probably best known outside of China as the original teacher of Bruce Lee, however this period of his life is not depicted in the film. While no major departure from classic kung fu cinema, this flick actually has a half decent plot, which is in direct contrast to most martial arts films, but where Ip Man really shines is through the combined efforts of Director Wilson Yip (also responsible for 2005’s awesome SPL), Fight choreographer- the legendary Sammo Hung and Donnie Yen in the lead role. At 44 years of age Donnie Yen is still incredible to watch and was the perfect choice to play the role of Ip Man, aided largely by Hung’s fight choreography which accurately depicts the Wing Chun style that Ip Man was famous for. The highlight of this film for me was watching Ip Man destroy ten Japanese karate opponents simultaneously but there are plenty of other great fight scenes to keep you glued to your TV. Ip Man is the best martial arts flick since Ong Bak so watch it and then go pick a fight. -Andrew Montell

DJ DUSK’S ROOT DOWN SOUND CLASH. Back in 2001, the LA club Root Down hosted its first of a series of battle-offs between high profile hip-hop DJs and artists, which they called ‘Sound Clash’. The event which harked back to the days of the reggae sound system comps, began with Madlib and Cut Chemist, who both dropped their best beats to win over the packed club. The event hosted by DJ Dusk became a bit of a tradition and every couple of years a new round of contenders would battle it out, much to the excitement of the crowd. 2002 saw a pre-sellout Will.I.Am and Thes One go round for round and in ’03 Oh No and Exile threw beat-driven punches. This DVD documents these clashes. No voice-over, no fancy editing (the whole thing kinda looks like a youtube vid, you’ll get used to it) just beat after beat from the best. The three events were all filmed with no intention to ever release them as a DVD, however since DJ Dusk passed away tragically in 2006, the DVD is now an effort to honor Dusk and his legacy to the hip-hop community. This vid sure ain’t Scorsese but heads will no doubt adore seeing some of hip-hop’s best (and Will.I.Am) whip the crowd into a frenzy in this no-bullshit coverage of these historic nights. -Community College

KNOW YOUR CLASSICS UP IN SMOKE Cheech & Chong 1978 With the originators of the Stoner flick finally back together again after more than 25 years and set to tour Australia next month I thought it fitting to pay homage to one of their classic comedies. Cheech and Chong must be two of the originators of the buddy comedy, with the goofy chemistry of Cheech’s East LA Mexican persona and Chong’s permanently dopey Hippy rarely changing more than their character names across each movie they made together. With many of the Cheech and Chong movies considered to be cult classics I went for the film that stands out in my mind the most- Up In Smoke. Comedy in the late seventies and eighties didn’t get much more low-brow than that of Cheech and Chong, the stand-up comedians/ rock musicians made movies for stoners and were probably stoned throughout the script writing process. Indeed, much of the humour is probably better appreciated when high. Case in point: the plot of Up In Smoke involves the accidental deportation to Mexico of Pedro (Cheech Marin) and Anthony (Tommy Chong) who then unwittingly drive a van made entirely from marijuana back over the border into the US where they partake in a series of highly unlikely adventures involving scantily dressed vixens, bumbling police and of course a lot of drug consumption on their way to enter a Battle of the Bands competition where they perform the song Earache my Eye. The majority of the Up In Smoke soundtrack features Cheech and Chong’s original music as well as the classic guitar joint Lost Due to Incompetence by Yesca (a mysterious group rumoured to consist of some top 70s rock musician friends of Cheech and Chong who got together specifically for the Up In Smoke soundtrack). I’ve heard some fans of this flick who are older than me say that it’s a really great slice of the 70s vibe and probably has a whole different appeal to those old bastards, however I was born the year that this was made and experienced it many years after its release on VHS as a teenager. Up In Smoke was to my generation and the generation before it, what Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle is for many a young stoner today. There’s no point trying to get deeply analytical with Up In Smoke, or any Cheech and Chong movie for that matter, the formula for this movie is simple- juvenile guy humour. Best appreciated with a joint and a pizza.

Jerry Jerri


BOOKS Photograph copyright Beth Lesser. Courtesy of Soul Jazz Records Publishing.’

Photograph copyright Beth Lesser. Courtesy of Soul Jazz Records Publishing.’

DANCEHALL: THE RISE OF JAMAICAN DANCEHALL CULTURE

Beth Lesser (Soul Jazz)

Jamaica has always had a music industry way out of proportion with its size and small population. It’s a nation that truly lives and breathes music. Never was this as evident than with the 1980s Jamaican Dancehall scene. In an era where the radio stations rejected anything local in favour of American and European pop, easylistening and country, the man in your neighbourhood with a set of turntables and speakers was king. The only time Jamaicans got to hear the style of music they loved was when they were hanging with those with a record player and Dancehall records. And so began the tradition of Dancehall parties, which were a mainstay of any ghetto of the era. Young, old, male, female, everyone hung out at these backyard parties to drink beer, eat food, smoke bud and listen to the tunes they loved. Beth Lesser’s amazing book documents the Dancehall scene in Jamaica from its humble beginnings as backyard parties, to the country’s booming recording industry. This definitive guide features hundreds of exclusive photographs by Lesser with accompanying interviews and biographies on personalities of the scene. Dancehall started as very much a DIY culture and it’s so cool to see photos of the guys from back in the day, with such hard swaggers that belie their incredibly low-fi surrounds. This book will not only appeal to reggae fans but anybody interested in the music and politics of Jamaica in general. At 218 pages, it’s an incredible documentation of the time and scene. - Alex Weiland Photograph copyright Beth Lesser. Courtesy of Soul Jazz Records Publishing.’

GRAFFITI KINGS: NEW YORK CITY MASS TRANSIT ART OF THE 1970S

Jack Stewart

(Melcher Media/Abrams)

Presenting the formative years of the graffiti movement that would later take writers like Phase 2 from being local heroes in the ‘70s to the worldwide graffiti folklore legends they are today is no mean feat, however it seems author Jack Stewart with his immediate experience within the scene during this time was well prepared for the task. Graffiti Kings is a compendium of sorts, presenting the transitions and evolutions in style and technical ability, whilst also placing the art within the context of a city that for the most part was nothing more than an unwilling participant. The work documented in many cases is quite naïve and by no means world class by today’s standards but hell there are plenty of other books and magazines that already cover the current scene. Rather this is a nostalgic look at the pioneers and their time of reign that in many ways set the rules and stylistic conventions of a culture that is still thriving in both layups and on walls all over the world. -Pj Smith

LED ZEPPELIN WHEN GIANTS WALKED THE EARTH

Mick Wall

Biographers of the rich and famous often rely more on hearsay than any substantial connection to the subject matter. Not so in Mick Wall’s biographical account of Led Zeppelin which draws on the author’s twentyyear relationship with front man Jimmy Page. While Wall is clearly a fan of Zep, his telling of their tale remains objective for the most part, honestly discussing the accusations of plagiarism levelled at the group throughout their career as well as an honest portrayal of the many other scandals associated with the band. In an interesting approach to a biography, Wall departs with the tradition of keeping the account completely non-fictional by inserting fictional first-person flashbacks by the band members throughout the book. At times the author gets a little too in depth with his exploration, such as the large portion of the book dedicated to explaining Jimmy Page’s interest in the occult but this is not a major distraction. Filled with tails of legendary excess and ultimately tragedy this book is one of the more entertaining rock biographies to surface in recent years and will be enjoyed by Zep fanatics and novices alike. -Andrew Montell

NEW SKATEBOARD GRAPHICS

J. Namdev Hardisty/Forward By Michael Leon (Mark Batty Publisher NYC) As the title of the introduction by J. Namdev highlights ‘Another skateboard book’ may not seem like what the publishing world needs but if you ask me if every book published between now and oh lets say 2020 (it’s a nice sounding number) was about skating and the diversity of the sub-cultures that now surround it and was presented with the same breadth and pure visual content of this number then well, I’d be pretty happy. The book presents these sub-cultures, whether it be the indie rock aesthetic of Zero or the pop culture playfulness of PopWar through naught but a catalogue of their board graphics and it works.The book goes to great lengths to be inclusive of large players and underdogs alike all of which have carved out niches for themselves by catering to very specific breeds of skaters. Bringing home the fact that skateboarding in many ways is no longer a culture unto itself but a point of universal expression for many people that come from many different artistic and musical tastes. -PJ Smith


RECIPE

Words by Alex Wweiland Photos by Nick Bassett

KILLAQUEENZ

Coconut Chicken Belizean Style with Chapatis

THE 2000 OLYMPIC GAMES OPENING CEREMONY MAY SEEM LIKE AN UNLIKELY EVENT FROM WHICH A RAP GROUP TO // FORM BUT THEN THERE’S NOTHING PREDICTABLE ABOUT KWEEN G AND BELIZEAN BOMBSHELL AKA KILLAQUEENZ. ORIGINALLY HAILING FROM UGANDA AND BELIZE, THESE SYDNEY LADIEZ FIRST MET BACK IN Y2K WHEN THEY WERE BOTH PERFORMING WITH SEPARATE AFRICAN DANCE TROUPES FOR THE AFRICAN FLOAT IN THE CEREMONY. IN THEIR LONG REHEARSAL BREAKS THEY WOULD HANG OUT AND RAP TO THEIR FAVOURITE SONGS AND ENTERTAIN THE REST OF THE CREW. THROUGH THIS, KILLAQUEENZ WAS BORN.

Nowadays you’ll catch Kween G and BB in one of their highenergy shows that consist of rhyming, beat boxing, dancing and the raw female energy that only KQ can deliver which has seen them support everyone from Public Enemy to Lady Gaga. The girls take some time out from performing to serve up ACCLAIM some flavours from home. We kick back at Kween G’s and salivate in anticipation over coconut chicken - Belizian style with chapatis! Ingredients: Chapatis: 2 cups of plain flour 1 teaspoon of salt Cooking oil Warm water

96 - 96 RECIPE

Coconut Chicken: One whole diced onion 3 diced tomatoes 2 diced boiled potatoes 3 teaspoons of coconut cream 1 can of beans Chicken breast Chicken stock and parsley Step One: Chapatis First cook the chapatis as you can keep them warm while the chicken cooks. Chapatis are a local favourite in Uganda. 1. Mix flour, and salt in a bowl. 2. Slowly, mix in enough water to make a thick dough. 3. Knead dough for a few minutes adding a couple of spoonfuls of dry flour.

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Cover bowl of dough with a clean cloth and let sit for about a half-hour. Pre-heat stove (medium high or high) and lightly grease a fry pan. Divide the dough into small-sized balls. Use a rolling pin, or in our case an empty wine bottle, flatten the balls into circles making sure there is flour on the bench. Lightly flour the chapatis before stacking while rolling additional chapatis. Fry until each side has golden-brown spots, flipping once.

Cover the cooked chapais until served. To keep warm, wrap the stack of finished chipatis in a heavy plastic grocery bag or place in oven on lowest setting. Step two: Coconut Chicken Now that the chapatis are sorted you can get going with the chicken by firstly frying the onions. After this, mix the chicken stock and parsley with a little pinch of salt and add to chicken before putting in the frying pan. Wait for the chicken to be cooked and add the tomatoes and boiled potatoes. Stir this for 2 minutes and then add the beans and coconut cream. You only have to wait around 8 minutes for this to cook and then it’s ready to eat! Step 3: Serving Up Remove the warm chapatis from the oven or plastic bag and slice them into quarters and serve with the coconut chicken. If you don’t eat meat, some kidney beans and greens also go nice with them. Enjoy! KillaQueenz debut album Sistarhood is available now through Grindin’. You can also catch Kween G’s hip-hop show Friday nights on SBS’ Alchemy Radio. SOUNDTRACK

Back It Up by BEENIE MAN - get that Caribbean vibe started // Glorious by SA-RA // The Matrix by BLACK MILK - it feel like you in different world once you taste this food // Pigaro by ASEM // EZ UP by SLUM VILLAGE - crazy females in the kitchen! // We Hear by ILLA JAY


DIRECTORY 3RD CHAPTER www.3rdchapter.com

AGWA

(02) 9699 4855 www.agwa.com.au

ALIFE

(03) 93802011 www.spiredistribution.com

BASEMENT

MILLINGTON ST. www.millingtonst.com.au

ORISUE

www.familiaagency.com

ROBIO

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

SLINGSHOT TOURING & EVENTS

www.basement.net.au

www.myspace.com/TrentSlingshot

BILLBOARD THE VENUE

www.thesneaktip.com

(03) 9639 4000 www.billboardthevenue.com.au

CREATIVE RECREATION

(07) 3807 6166 www.atomicfm.com.au

CROOKS AND CASTLES

www.crooksncastles.com

FOOT LOCKER

www.footlocker.com.au

FABNOB

SNEAKTIP SUPRA

(02) 9907 4054 www.suprafootwear.com

THREADS OR DEAD www.threadsordead.com

TOKIDOKI

1800 444 872 (free call) www.tokidoki.it

ZOO YORK (03) 8525 9999

www.lushproductions.com

FREE DVD WITH EVERY SUBSCRIPTION! SICK OF ASKING THE NEWSAGENT IF THE NEW ACCLAIM IS IN YET? THOUGHT SO. WELL LET US COME TO YOU! SUBSCRIBE AND WE’LL HAVE THE ACCLAIM CHAIN-GANG PACKAGE YOU UP A SPANKING NEW COPY, HOT OFF THE PRESS EACH AND EVERY ISSUE. NO MORE HARASSING THE OLD GUY AT THE CORNER STORE OR THAT LANKY KID WITH THE EMO HAIR AT BORDERS. AND AS A THANK YOU TO YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE MAG, AS ALWAYS WE’LL BE SENDING YOU OUT A DVD OF YOUR CHOOSING. OUR FRIENDS AT MADMAN HAVE GIVEN US ONE OF OUR FAVE COMING OF AGE TALES FROM LAST YEAR ‘THE WACKNESS’, THE AWARD WINNING, FIRST EVER ANIMATED DOCUMENTARY ‘WALTZ WITH BASHIR’, THE NEWEST OFFERING FROM GEORGE A. ROMERO, ‘DIARY OF THE DEAD’, AND EVERY STONER, COLLEGE BOY’S FAVE ‘AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE 4’. INTERNATIONAL READERS CAN HIT US AT INFO@ACCLAIMMAG.COM AND WE’LL CLUE YOU UP ABOUT PRICING.

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GFUNK&BATZ

www.gfunkandbatz.com

GOLD COIN

www.followthecoins.com

AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE 4

WALTZ WITH BASHIR

DIARY OF THE DEAD

THE WACKNESS

GRAND SCHEME

www.grandscheme.com.au

HEIST

www.heiststore.com

INERTIA

(02) 9698 0111 www.inertia-music.com

JOKER BRAND www.jokerbrand.com

LONSDALE

(02) 8666 0900 www.lonsdalelondon.com.au

LUSTY INDUSTRIES (02) 4953 7667 www.lustyindustries.com

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END STUFF CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT PEAP

The half Cambodian half New Zealand-Irish street artist known as Peap has recently joined the ACCLAIM team and in addition to hustling together various NZ content for this issue he has been responsible for establishing a host of new stockists for ACCLAIM across Auckland. The blood of a Cobra mixed with Guinness Stout makes for one deadly genetic combo and has lead to Peap developing a new hybrid form of Cambodian New Zealand graff which is catching international respect in a major way. Recognized for his exclusive use of black ink, acrylics, bombing fluid ink as his main medium on canvas, walls or any surface possible. We will be bringing you a full feature on the work of Peap in the near future but until then check him online. www.sweet-station.com/peap/peaphome.html www.myspace.com/peap_tarr

SPOTLIGHT ON THE NEXT ISSUE

REBELDNCE

REBELDNCE is a pluridisciplinary group operating in fashion, music and photo production. Head designer/ founder MK got on our radar when we were planning the Estevan Oriol shoot in the States last year and sourcing designers. Situated in New York City at the time, but also hailing from France, we were surprised to receive an email from MK from her new home of Indonesia late last year, she really is a woman of the world! REBELDNCE styled and shot our ‘Party’s Over’ fashion shoot this issue which took place amongst the gritty Bali nightlife and featured an covetable mix of high-end streetwear labels like Billionaire Boys Club and her own label REBELDNCE, creating an eclectic vibe for the shoot. For more info on REBELDNCE and MK, peep her blog at rebeldnce.blogspot.com. We expect big things for REBELDNCE, so remember where you saw them first!

CARROT CLOTHING

A kick-ass streetwear brand out of Serbia? Who’d of thunk it? We catch up with the brand founders.

MILES “MAKEPEACE” MCKIRDY

The son of infamous parents Carol ‘Mad Loaf’ McKirdy and Mark ‘gaylove’ McKirdy, Miles has always considered himself one of Peter Pan’s lost boys, you know kinda like MJ…kinda. Never wanting to grow old, Miles began collecting baseball cards and sneakers ensuring he’d be young at heart forever. Whether it’s his kick collection of nearly 100 or his ‘80s Adidas sweatshirt assortment, our Miles will always be reppin’ street culture. Miles approached us late last year through email with a resume and the panoramic picture below (take note wannabe interns!) and the rest is history. In addition to numerous bits and pieces over the past two issues, Miles first major ACCLAIM feature appears in the form of his article on the resurrection of BMX. Miles would like to say “I love you” to his supportive family, gorgeous girlfriend Web (yes, she is very good looking) and eBay for providing him with so many superb sweatshirts.

KORE FLATMO

Kore is the founder of tattoo studio Plurabella located in Cincinnati. Known for his highly detailed, large-scale tattoo pieces we take a look at his portfolio of work.

POINT ‘N’ SHOOT

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END STUFF

In the spirit of progress say goodbye to ‘The Wall’ (I’m sorry but it was beginning to shit us to tears) and hello to ‘Point n Shoot.’ Each issue we will now feature a photo we’ve taken over the last three months. No brief here, it just doesn’t involve a pin-up board. Thank you God. “I took this pic on the way to the Cave Clan awards ceremony in March. Up a drainpipe by a river, lit all the way with candles, which opened up into a massive underground room. Eery and cool as shit. It was kinda like a mix of Ninja Turtles…and Blade. www.caveclan.org Alex, Sub-editor

INGREDIENTS

BISHOP LAMONT

Bishop Lamont is the latest, much-hyped rapper to be forecast for an Aftermath release. Working with the legendary Dr Dre as well as a host of other big names from across the US we catch up for a rundown prior to the debut album that may or may not see the light of day.

2 x V-Day disappointments, 1 x cease and desist letter regarding illegal downloads, 5 x pairs of new kicks, numerous housemate battles for supremacy, 1 x house party, 1 x oversized kiddie pool, 1 x hottest day in history, 1 x bushfire, 40 x packs of cigarettes and 1 x box of matches, 2 new housemates, 2 x stolen ‘pot’ plants, 1 x stabbing witnessed, 1 x crazy Korean tattooist, 1 x truckload of free furniture, 1 x economic meltdown, 1 x bottle of Grey Goose vodka, a whole lot of Agwa, 2 x music festivals, a trillion industry parties, way too much ebay purchasing, 1 x trip back home (I love you Vegas), a new found appreciation for stovetop coffee, too many art openings to mention, 5 x celeb encounters, a new ad girl (welcome Gwenny!), the worst case of alcohol poisoning of my entire life, several haters, a box of air horns, a cave party, 1 x new ad girl having to leave (bye Gwenny!), several mental breakdowns, hissy-fits and domestics, one million convos about the new website and a meal of oysters and red wine for breakfast (bad idea).




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