Addict Volume I by Addict Clothing

pages 1 to 11 Index. Logos Galore. Addict Twelve Step Programme. Gallery.

pages 12 to 47 Addict Mens Autumn Winter 2003/04 Product. G-Shock History.

pages 48 to 49 Spray Stencil on Sympatex® camo. Cut and Paste Screen.

pages 50 to 72 The Addict Beats Collective. Rodney P. Soopa Jay. Mr.Thing. Skitz. Scratch. First Rate. The Nextmen. Wrec. Taskforce. Hospital Records.

pages 73 to 95 Addict Womens Autumn Winter 2003/04 Product.

pages 96 to 97 El Vitton textile print. Sponsored Artist packaging design.

pages 98 to 121 Sponsored Artists. Scrawl Collective. Mr.Jago. Will Barras. Steff. Mitch. Ben Swift.

pages 122 to 127 Addict screen print graphics. The Graffik Assault Squad.

pages 128 to 132 Fuct and Erik Brunetti. The Five-O Store. Addict Beats Collective 1/6 scale action figures.

pages 133 to 139 Limited Edition Addict Vans. ‘My Gang’ editorial by Andy Humphries. Flynn Trotmann and the Addict Skate Team.

pages 140 to 151 Toys in the Addict HQ. Factor Of Three. Unorthodox Styles. Amos. One True Saxon. In-Action Man.

pages 152 to 156 Addict Press. Thanks and Credits. Contact details.

Soopa Jay ‘Lampost’ photo: Josh Cole

THE TWELVE STEP PROGRAMME

ONE TO MAKE A GOOD T-SHIRT WEAR A GOOD T-SHIRT

C: We first met in in 1994. I got talking to David because he was wearing a battered old original Stussy t-shirt and so was I. It was on this simple common ground that the friendship developed. D: I remember looking at an early copy of Loaded and it had an article on Stussy. C: The piece was on how Shawn Stussy had started street wear and they’d also interviewed Fresh Jive, X-Large and Fuct and how they’d all been influenced by Stussy. You could see how Stussy had laid the path for other brands. D: And we knew we wanted to be doing something like that. C: The year before I’d been doing t-shirts and I made the first Addict logo on my computer. I cut out the word ‘Addict’‚ printed it on a t-shirt, but didn’t push it at that time. So a year down the line I was doing work for a record label, doing their covers and a guy from there happened to see the logo and said, “That label’s really good, Addict, you should use that, pursue it.” So we did, we got 70 t-shirts printed. We started with £600! It wasn’t a big intellectual decision, it just happened. And with a name like that, what we didn’t do – right from the start – was anything with any drug connotations, writing, logos, imagery or anything. D: There were a lot of quite weak brands with drug connotations to their name around at the time that were doing that. C: I think that was why we were able to get into the industry with a fairly unorthodox name. D: Plus, with me being a skateboarder as well, it managed to open other doors, it took us away from the more obvious drug angle – knowing a lot of the old skaters from back in the 70’s and 80’s who had become shop owners and other people in the industry. C: But it was always a dream to become a fully fledged brand that could sit alongside the predominantly American brands at that time. There wasn’t anyone in the UK that I can remember from that era that was competing on those levels in that market. Shops were dominated by American brands, it was all Stussy, Fuct, X-large, Haze, Freshjive as well as the big surf brands. D: Although Bench were British and they were starting up around then too with a BMX background. TWO IT AIN’T WHERE YOU’RE FROM (OR WHAT YOU’RE CALLED), IT’S WHERE YOUR AT. . .

C: My background’s technical. I was always sketching, doing technical drawing, architecture, I did do fashion for a year but I left 'cos it was too practical, so I did graphics but I dropped out of that too. But even at school I was artistic. My dad’s a designer,

and my mum trained to be an art teacher so it’s definitely in the blood. But everything that I know now is self–taught, luckily it just turned out that I had a flair for that kind of thing. D: My working background’s sales and networking. I sold photocopiers for four years, then I moved to the Cayman Islands for a few years to work in the dive industry. C: Yeah – ’cos you’d stitched lots of people up with long photocopier contracts! Laughs. D: Yeah, seven year tie-ins. Then I came back and met Chris. C: It all started through t-shirts but we always had aspirations to be able to make a full product line. D: Also, because of the name it had to be high quality because potentially the associations were cheap or negative so it had to surprise people. The product had to stand up on its own. C: More often than not people say the name’s good rather than bad. You can argue that anyone with a real passion for anything has some form of addiction. THREE YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT (UNLESS YOU EXPLAIN IT VERY CLEARLY)

C: What we were doing back then was buying white tees and dyeing them, you could only ever buy standard colours, we didn’t know where to buy what we wanted so we’d just dye them olive or whatever. When we first got stuff made we started out using people local to us in the UK, expecting high quality results and more often than not there'd be errors or things would fall well short of our expectations. One thing you learn very quickly is that you’ve gotta give people every single bit of information, tenfold even, it has be idiot proof. It really all changed for the better ’round about 1997 when we started using the factory we still use today in Scotland. D: They were making for people like Northface, Berghaus, and Karrimor. Everything they did had to work, it was tested and all the rest of it. So we benefited from their quality. The price was fairly high and it was made up in Scotland at the time but it did enable us to make superior jackets. FOUR YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT’S IN THE BOXES

D: In the early days we didn’t even know where to get labels made so we got those that you sew into school uniforms, had Addict printed on them, eight quid for 400 labels or something like that. We sewed them ourselves, we didn’t have a clue! C: We had independent skate stores interested but one of the first major ones to back us are still one of our best customers, without them we couldn’t have really done it, Cult Clothing. Jules liked what we were doing, thought there was potential in the

name even though it was a baby brand. And they put in what for us was a big order, about £5,000 or whatever, which at the time was huge. So we had all the stuff produced and when it came out a lot of the printing had come off in the dyeing process but, probably feeling sorry for us, they took it and they paid us. They’ve always given us pointers and valuable bits of advice along the way. D: Some people in the industry have definitely been a great help. There’s a lot of good people in the industry. A lot of the accounts we had in the early days we’re still dealing with now. C: We had to learn quickly that we had to find people who could make stuff for us properly. For a few years our main strength was jackets, we’d do other stuff, try jeans and sweats etc, we had good designs but limited success with production and delivery. We were never satisfied with the results. D: Remember that one disaster we had first time we did those hoodies? We got them delivered and they were all shrunk and stretched. We’d borrowed money from a friend of ours and the factory fucked it up, they hadn’t even used our patterns! We opened the boxes up and we were nearly crying. FIVE THE REFEREE’S A BANKER

C: Probably a year after that we got a family friend of ours to lend us some money and that’s when we did our first trade show. We did thirtyfive grand, went to the bank and they didn’t wanna know. But really that’s not enough to sustain a company of three people for six months, that’s what they understood and we didn’t. We had the misconception that having a company bank account gives you some status with the bank and it just doesn’t. We’ve always had a struggle with banks, always. Although we’ve got a good relationship with our current bank manager at the moment – he even wears Addict – but it’s taken half a dozen moves to find them. SIX AIM FOR QUALITY

C: Like I said, the turning point was in about 1997. I met the guy from Polartec, Liam Gallagher, and it was him who put us in touch with the manufacturer we still use today. D: I went up there, he’d never heard of us but he liked what we were doing. C: A good thing to point out is that because we are using a factory that is doing work for these particular top companies, it sources from equivalent setups in China. The one that makes our down jackets is the most hi-tech set up you could imagine, it’s the complete opposite to a sweat shop. We don’t get our stuff made for next to nothing, it’s still fairly expensive to produce. D: Because we’re looking for quality all the time.

THE TWELVE STEP PROGRAMME

SEVEN YOU ARE WHAT YOU SAY YOU ARE

D: What we do is streetwear. We don’t want to be pigeon-holed as a skate brand or as a music brand. It’s a streetwear brand, anybody can wear it, from 14 to 40 onwards. In the last four seasons it’s definitely become more visible, you could say to a lot of people “Do you know Addict?” and now they’d say “Yeah”. C: We do sell out of product faster these days and we get a lot of enquiries, especially for the limited edition stuff we do. And that’s not ‘cos we’re trying to limit our output or be deliberately exclusive. That’s all we sell, so that’s all we make! EIGHT LET IT GROW

C: Things have developed way beyond our initial schemes. It’s better by far. The women’s range over the last few seasons is wicked. Though it ties in with the men’s it’s almost like a separate range in it’s own right and it sits quite happily next to the men’s line. Ellie, who designs it, has done us proud. Her background’s in textile design and she’s using that flair in the line – she’s a very talented lady. D: Yeah, and fit! C: We have always tried to do different things. The G-Shock watch came about the same way as the Vans, Polartec and Symaptex projects. I got in touch with GD at Casio who’s built G-Shock right from the early days. I went to him with all our background, the DJ tours, the sponsorship, the Recordpak and he liked what we were doing, he could see a synergy between the two brands. D: That’s a big compliment. C: I think it shocked people because it was a big company to do a collaboration with. I love crossing over like that. The Recordpak was developed in a similar way with all the details planned out with Matt Smooth and Rob Mac from Scratch – I wanted the bag to work properly for DJ’s and be affordable, so together we came up with the ultimate soft bag. We flowed a lot out to key DJ’s and the feedback was well strong. D: We always try to help people out by flowing product sponsorship in a non–financial way. Giving product to people that were into Addict and visa versa was our form of advertising. To see it worn on the back of people we respect is more satisfying than anything else. NINE LOCAL AIN’T YOKEL

D: Being based in Southampton we’ve never actually done any conscious recruiting either. C: We’ve employed people who we know locally or through friends. We started working with Gaby on a freelance basis years ago and her technical skills

are another major reason why our product always fitted ’cos she’s highly skilled – technically. Her interpretation of my drawings from idea shape and form down to the actual three-dimensional garment is excellent. She’s got some serious talent. But again it’s a meeting of chance, it’s not like we were actually recruiting. At the time we were only making a handful of garments, so her job’s evolved and the relationship’s developed, positively. TEN DREAMS CAN COME TRUE (EVEN IF YOU DREAM OF AMERICAN SHOES)

C: I’m very pleased with what we’ve accomplished so far. We opened the Five O store down here because there weren’t any decent brands available locally. That’s done well for itself, but it’s now a completely separate company, a sererate entity from Addict. In an ideal world, I’d like to see an Addict store designed by us and solely selling our products. But we can’t complain, we’ve just done a design job for Vans and in return they’re doing a limited edition Vans shoe for us. D: That for me is a dream come true, ‘cos I’ve been collecting Vans since I was 11 years old. ELEVEN COLLABORATION THE KEY TO SUCCESS

C: We hooked up with Andy Humphries in 2000, that’s when Moonees Distribution was born. We began to distribute I-Path and Fuct, which was one of the brands that we looked up to years ago, so that was a big thing for us. Freshjive and X-Large are also distributed by Moonees, so you go back to that article in Loaded and eight years on we’re representing the very brands that inspired us.” D: I’m talking to Rik Klotz at Freshjive and Erik Brunetti from Fuct about doing prints for Addict in winter ’04/5. C: We’ve always wanted to collaborate. One of the earliest one’s I remember seeing was X-Fuct, X-Large and Fuct. For me that’s always been a positive thing.. Maharishi and Unorthodox Styles are the kings of collaboration, they’ve got some serious hook ups. I think it's good that likeminded people can create something unique by collaborating. D: What we need to do now is develope globally. At the moment the product is right to expand our distribution base. We’re currently represented in Japan, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Canada with a few stores in the U.S. Australia’s in the pipeline. C: Sort the website out. More collaborations with artists and other brands. Develop new lines within the range. Keep pushing the diversity and quality – I’m not satisfied with everything yet. D: You never are! C: But that’s the point! To keep trying to better it each time.

TWELVE A T-SHIRT IS A T-SHIRT, BUT SOMETIMES IT’S YOUR T-SHIRT TOO

C: The way we make clothing is the way people sample music. You take influences from various sources and put it together and come up with something different but always with an emphasis on detail and high quality. No clothing is totally unique, by any means, in the literal sense of the word. D: In fact I doubt there’s anything in this room that you could say is completely and absolutely unique but it is Addict, and it does have a strong identity and style of it’s own. Interview: Michael Holden

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT SOOPA JAY

PHOTOGRAPHY JOSH COLE WIDEANGLE

CREW WHEELER SOOPA JAY RODNEY P AND WREC

STANCE SOOPA JAY

FREEZE SOOPA JAY

LINES TASKFORCE

CROUCH

PHO WAL

OTOS CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT LL SKITZ

HOOD CHESTER P

FREEZE 2 SOOPA JAY

CAP RONEY P AND SOOPA JAY

WALL RODNEY P AND SKITZ

2 X HEADSPIN SOOPA JAY

GRAFF

LOGOS GRAPHIC ADDICTION

AUTUMN WINTER 03/04

MENS PRODUCT

COVERT JACKET

DOWN BY LAW JACKET

SUB ZERO PARKA

FRONTLINE 2 LAYER TECHNICAL PARKA

LIMITED EDITION VIRTUAL LEATHER DOWN BY LAW JACKET

BOMB THE BASS REVERSIBLE JACKET

VINTAGE CREW SWEAT

MESH TRACK TOP

ADDICTCO TRACK SWEAT

WRAP STAR JACKET

CAMO JEAN AND SIGNATURE JEAN

VINTAGE SK8 JACKET

BACKUP HOODY

SPRAY PAINT ZIP HOODY

A LOGO OVER TEE

SPRAY LOGO OVER TEE

DEXTER STRIPE TOP

PIQUE STRIPE TOP

COMPETITION LONG SLEEVE TEE

RETRO LONG SLEEVE TEE

FRONTLINE PANT

VINTAGE STENCIL HOODY

SPRAY CAN SEAM LONG SLEEVE TEE

MOTO-X LONG SLEEVE TEE

CARGO OVERSHIRT

EMBOSSED STENCIL HOODY

CAPS AND HATS

LAUNCH DATE SEPTEMBER 2003

WWW.ADDICTCLOTHINGCO. COM

1983 marked a turning point in watch history, as this was the year of the G-Shock.The sudden appearance of the toughest watch the world had ever seen, with its unparalleled shock resistance, was nothing short of a revolution for the watch industry as a whole. It was an event so momentous that it completely overturned the conventional wisdom concerning the wristwatch. Subsequent G-Shock models have inherited the spirit of the original and remained true to its innovative product development. They have evolved with the addition of one tough feature after another, consistently maintaining their industry leadership. Today G-Shock continues to introduce new directions with cutting edge technologies, including Tough Solar models, powered by sunlight and Duplex LCD models sporting brightly coloured liquid crystal displays. The cutting edge G-Shock technology to which the world looks for new ideas is the product of an abundant conceptual capability. It enables G-Shock to keep on challenging conventional thinking and to continue offering high appeal, new products with exhilarating surprises and powerful impact.

1995 marked a stepping stone for the G-Brand with the arrival of the smaller, brighter but no less powerful Baby-G. Built to similar exacting standards but offering a more feminine treatment, with fun and fashion appeal being added to the core design characteristcs. Baby-G quickly became an icon amongst its adoring audience, and continues to evolve well into its second decade. 2003 is therefore a year deserving of celebration. The 20th Anniversary of the launch of a true design innovation. 20 years of consistant technical evolution from a unique brand. A year in which G-Shock has introduced yet another innovation, in the form of a brand new treatment of the ever popular combination, LCD/Analogue watch face. G-500 series offers a full face LCD panel which records seconds around the outside edge of the dial, plus the more traditional analogue hands to record hours and minutes. The 20th Anniversary is the perfect opportunity to look back on the history of G-Shock, and to promote and plan future collaborations with like minded brands. Look out for a new Limited Edition â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Snow Camouflage Frogmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Addict G-Shock appearing soonâ&#x20AC;Ś

SPRAY PAINT STENCIL ON CAMOUFLAGE SYMPATEX速 FABRIC 2001

CUT AND PASTE SCREEN PRINT GRAPHIC

THE ADDICT BEATS COLLECTIVE ABC Music and fashion have always walked hand in hand and music has always been particularly important to all of us here at Addict. Many of us in the office are DJ’s, MC’s or compulsive vinyl collectors, so music runs deep in this company’s veins. We started our ABC parties seven years ago in several small London venues across Islington and Soho. Originally, the first parties were set up at the ‘Sun and 13 Cantons’ on the corner of Beak Street and Great Pultney Street, and run by Lee Jawa (who came up with the name Addict Beats Collective) and Nicky from Bond. Rob Mac and Matt Smooth of the now legendary ‘Scratch Night’ were also involved in one of the early nights. Over the years we’ve moved ABC between several different venues in Southampton. We’ve always maintained a quality, friendly atmosphere, a strong music policy and careful attention to every detail of the event – from the design of the flyers to the acts that are invited to come and perform. It’s our little thing, you know – so it’s always been really important to us that the branding and the execution of the nights are right on point, and all concerned have a wicked time. We’ve only ever booked our sponsored artists and friends of the label, like Aim of Grand Central Records, Gripper, Skitz and Rodney P, First Rate, Soopajay, Mr. Thing and our residents Defikew and myself, Wrec. We’ve never been down for splashing loads of cash on big headliners and whacking up the door price to try and make a few more quid – 90% of the events we organise have been free parties. We’d much rather keep ABC for ‘our people’, ‘our friends’, and book artists that have supported us and represent the brand. Cheesy as it sounds, ‘ABC is a family thing’… and that’s just the way we like it. Having seen the success of the ABC events in Southampton both in terms of branding and simply ‘just having a good time!’ we decided to branch out onto the national and international stage. Using our sponsored artists, we’ve toured across the UK’s finest hip hop events from Glasgow to Brighton, promoting the brand and the relevant music artists involved. In 2002, we put together two national hip hop tours, the spring ‘Recordpak tour’ and then ‘The Walkie Talkie tour’ – which ran through the autumn. These tours featured DJ First Rate, Rodney P and myself, Wrec. We have since sponsored the ‘Original Fever’ Australian tour, been involved with the 2003 Miami Winter Music Conference, and sponsor monthly drum and bass events in Tokyo with the ‘Incident Crew’. Other ABC projects have included joint ventures with a variety of promoters including Rukus in Bristol and Afro Dizzy Scratch in Birmingham, London, Leeds and Paris. Words: Jon Wrec

“THIS IS BIG PEOPLE MUSIC – FOR BIG FOLKS”

Rodney P is without doubt the most legendary hip hop artist these windy shores have ever played home to. He’s been involved in the industry before most of you reading this were a twinkle in your mother’s eye, and it’s a true credit to his name that he’s never lost sight of his goals and ambitions. I met Rodney P for the first time in Bournemouth, of all places, on a cold January evening, when he invited me to freestyle with him live on stage. I did… I did rather well and we’ve been friends ever since…simple. Rodney’s a funny guy. He’s a warm, down to earth individual, extremely focused and driven. A London boy through and through, laced with his ‘rude-boy’ twang, charm and mannerisms… oh and he’s always late! With his LP ‘The Future’ receiving much critical acclaim, we felt it was necessary to catch up with the Riddim Killa himself and pick his brains on a few relevant topics. I waited for a while, a while longer and then called him back… “I’m just round the corner bro – two minutes yeh!” he says. As usual, I took it with a pinch of salt and went and had a bacon sandwich. Forty minutes later – Rodders arrived, smiling, with a spliff in hand… some things never change! Let’s get down to business. You’ve been in the game for many years now, so why has it taken so long for you to serve up your solo LP ‘The Future’? “Why has it taken so long?” Rodney ponders… before Braintax (his label manager) butts in, joking “Cos ya can’t get your shit together!” Rodney continues… “Nah really we could have put this album out a while ago, but you know… tings is busy, there’s samples to clear! But we’ve been able to step it up a gear, so it’s coming – ask Joey Brains – he knows!” What feedback have you been getting from the industry and the buying public, and where do you see the album sitting in the market place? Is this project strictly for the heads, or are you after mainstream success? “Listen, my heads are global heads – we represent humanity! It’s a music album, and I’m grown – I’m not competing with these 18-year-olds any more. It’s big people music for big folks, plus the youts, plus the hip hop kids, everybody, cos we work on vibes music. Oh, and the industry are all gutted now cos they want it – but our shit’s built solid and running tight.”

On the album you’ve chosen to avoid working with the likes of Blak Twang, Blade and Roots Manuva (the obvious choices!) and work with slightly lesser known artists instead. Was this a conscious decision? “Yeah, of course! Blak Twang don’t need no sixteen bars on my album, neither does Roots Manuva – them man are doing all right ya know. Besides, we’ve always been able to eat off one another, but I wanted to bring some new cats through on this album.” In your opinion, how strong is the UK hip hop scene right now and how far away are we to the point where our tracks can sit comfortably alongside those of our Yankee cousins? Or, more to the point, is it even important that we are accepted and marketed in the US? “I don’t care about selling records in America! I care about selling to my audience! Get in where you fit in – ya know? But the scene’s stronger but also more fragmented than it’s ever been. You got man like Dizzy Rascal coming out, So Solid doing their version, the underground jiggy fake American shit, and then you got your overly patriotic English hip hop. Thankfully you have a super MC like me who covers all bases and will put the scene back together!” You’ve adopted a ‘DIY’ style approach to the industry in past years, having set up you own label ‘Riddim Killa’ and choosing to manage yourself for a considerable amount of time. What’s the reasoning behind this, as it surely makes for more work? Basically I’m not the trusting type – serious! I don’t trust people too tuff! If I fuck it up then it’s on me. If someone else fucks it up then I wanna hit them with a bat, ya know? Besides, Braintax keeps me in check and I’m on it really…don’t let my drunken, pissy imagery fool you!”

Does the future of British hip hop excite you? “Course it does bruv! I love this hip hop shit! But it’s a young man’s sport and the yout’s are defiantly gwaning with tings. It’s more about the mentality of the scene – the yout –d em need to free up the vibes some more and stop being stuck in their little fucking pockets of what they think hip hop music is. Y’all need to embrace more music.” Finally Rodney, what’s the big picture? What do you want from this music game? “I wanna get money, get money! Buy houses, buy land – I want a Bentley like Puffy’s got! (rolling around in laughter). Nah seriously, like my album says – it’s about building for the future and finding what’s next. We need to keep this moving, cos I’m in it… I’m a fucking fan of this music.” Words and interview: Jon Wrec

RODNEY P

SOOPA JAY SOLDIER OF ORIGINAL PEOPLES ART Soopa Jay has been ripping up circles for time now. I remember first seeing him pre trademark afro throwing down at 'Freshly Breaked' back in days. Many clubs, shows, battles, music videos and tv appearances later I catch up with Jay on a mad hot evening in Fulham Broadway. When did you start breaking and how did you get into it? “When I was about five or six I first saw B-Boying, I used to do it in my mum’s kitchen and at my primary school discos. On Thursdays at break time I used to take my older brother’s records in. I was always into dancing, I didn't see anyone break with my own eyes until the early '90's – Banksy from Swindon. Then I knew that's what I wanted to do.” How did you get the name ‘Soopa Jay’? “In Germany. Soldier Of Original Peoples Art.” What part of the UK are you from? “The west.” What crews do you represent? “Scarecrows, SIN Cru, UK Allstars, Rocksteady and Rolling Like Kingz.” What B-Boy events have you repped at? “None, I just do it in the streets!” Have you danced overseas? “Yes – LA, New York, Paris, Einhoven, Hannover, Prague, Geneva and Negril.” What do you think of the current UK B-Boy scene? “Yeah... It's getting better but the new kids need to keep it real! Practice at home, or in the street or something, NOT in a club, that's when your shit is supposed to be tight! Remember it's an art – a dance, not athletics, bwoy!” Who has inspired you B-Boy wise and who do you rate? “Crazy Leggs, Kuriaki, Ken Swift, Mr Wiggles, Storm, Swift Rock, Speedy, Aktuel Force, Crumbs, Remind, Poe One, Flowmaster, Maurizio, Evo, Tuff Tim Twist, Second 2 None, Step Child, Cybernetic and Banksy are inspirations. I rate Benji, Crumbs, Moy, Lil John, Wicket, Tuf Kid, Reveal, K-Mel and Lil Tim.” Jay, how best do you describe your particular style? “Mash up style! Freestyle/Street style. I just keep it real! I haven't got sets and shit (Choreography), I just have a blank head and bust out spontaneously – off the top of the dome!” What do you do when you're not dancing? “Surviving.” Words: Ben Swift. Photos: Wrec/Josh Cole/Rodda/Doc

PHOTOS BY WREC

1 THEY REMINISCE OVER YOU PETE ROCK & C L SMOOTH ELEKTRA 2 ILLMATIC LP NAS COLUMBIA 3 SUCKER MC’S RUN DMC PROFILE 4 MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS LP A TRIBE CALLED QUEST JIVE 5 EGO TRIPPING ULTRAMAGNETIC MC’S NEXT PLATEAU 6 AIN’T NO HALF STEPPIN’ BIG DADDY KANE COLD CHILLIN’ 7 FOLLOW THE LEADER ERIC B & RAKIM UNI/MCA 8 HARD TO EARN LP GANG STARR EMI 9 A TOUCH OF JAZZ DJ JAZZY JEFF & THE FRESH PRINCE JIVE 10 DJ PREMIER IN DEEP CONCENTRATION GANG STARR WILD PITCH

MR. THING’S FAVOURITE DRUM BREAKS 1 SORCEROR OF ISIS POWER OF ZEUS RARE EARTH 2 QUEEN OF DOWNS GIANT MERCURY 3 SLOW ROCK BALLAD DRUM DROPS MUSIC TREE 4 SESAME STREET BLOWFLY WIERD WORLD

Words: Jon Wrec. Top Ten Listings: Mr Thing

It’s that simple! Mr. Thing was a founder member of the Scratch Perverts, former world team DMC champ, former UK DMC champ and general all round nice guy! Now part of his own crew ‘The Extended Players’ with Harry love and Shortie Blitz, you can catch the compulsive vinyl collector with Recordpak in tow at various gigs around the world. In the meantime check his all time top ten hip hop tunes and for all you nerds out there, his ten greatest breaks... enjoy.

NO ONE ROCKS A PARTY LIKE MR.THING

MR. THING’S HIP HOP TUNES OF ALL TIME

5 BLIND ALLEY THE EMOTIONS VOLT 6 FEELING TENSE FEELINGS CONROY 7 LANDSCAPE THE MOHAWKS PAMA 8 IT’S A NEW DAY SKULL SNAPS GSF 9 GET UP, GET INTO IT, GET INVOLVED JAMES BROWN KING 10 DON’T BE CRUEL BILLY SWAN MONUMENT

Photos Wrec

Daddy Skitz’s Top 10 reggae tunes always near the top of my pile in no particular order. . .

1 DENNIS BROWN

REVOLUTION

6 SUPER BEAGLE

DUST A SOUND BOY

2 MAX ROMEO

MELT AWAY

7 HORACE ANDY

SERIOUS THING

3 TENOR SAW

COME ME JUST A COME

8 KEITH ROWE

GROOVY SITUATION

4 JONNY OBOURNE

LINE UP

9 NITTY GRITTY

BANGARANG

5 TENOR SAW

GOLDEN HEN

10 YAMI BOLO

WHEN A MAN’S IN LOVE

DIGGIN’ IN THE CRATES WITH DADDY SKITZ Skitz or ‘Daddy Skitz’ as he’s known to many and most, is one of the most sort after and prolific DJ and production forces in England’s currently fruitful hip hop heritage. He’s responsible for classic records like ‘Dedication’ and Taskforce’s superb ‘Junkyard’, both of which featured on his acclaimed ‘Countryman’ album,

which went on to become a landmark release in home grown hip hop. Better known for his on-going partnership with ‘Riddim Killa’ Rodney P, Joe Skitz has also worked with artists including Roots Manuva, Skinnyman and Bristol’s award winning ‘Full Cycle’ crew. Now with his own established label ‘Titan Sounds’, a radio show every week on 1xtra, and plenty of releases ready to hit

the street – things are looking rather rosy for the Devon born hip hoppster. We hooked up with him in London town to go ‘diggin’ in the crates’ for the occasional and rare bashment boogie gem… ya heard! Thanks to Skitz for his support and work with Addict over the last two years. Catch his ‘Original Fever’ show with Rodney P every Monday night on Radio 1xtra. Words: Jon Wrec

SCRATCH INFLUENCE AND INSPIRATION Back in the black and white days of spring/ summer '96 there wasn't a whole heap of fun to be had in London if you were into hip hop. The clubs were moody, full of guys with hoods up and with more attitude than Atilla the Hun. Around then two country guys struck up an idea. They'd both recently moved up to London and maybe they saw things differently to them city folk. They set to work to open up a new night where all would be welcome. They made contacts and searched for venues, checked sound systems, spoke to the media, they even had one of their girlfriends, Hils, designing up the flyers and soon they were ready to present London with SCRATCH.

musical credibility with their dexterity and knowledge. The media weren't slow to pick up on this and feature after feature appeared in publications from The Face to The Guardian. Now, the venue that had been chosen – the Cross Bar in Kings Cross – started to feel a bit too small, so when big name stars like Cash Money showed up the 350 capacity venue had almost 600 inside with another 400 outside wanting to come in, they knew they had to move. Luckily, not even 200 yards around the corner, an old venue had just been re– opened. The Scala had a potential capacity of 1300, which was a bit ambitious but experience had taught these two country boys that fortune favours the brave. So they set to work to build on what they had. Now they could put on full live bands and book bigger DJs and show the graff direct onto the walls as it's meant to be. By now they had had many different people designing the flyers, Lyley from the Edinburgh branch, Robbie Bear and Ben Swift from Nonsinthetik who stills designs for them to this day. Scratch had now gained such an international reputation that when an act came into the country they wanted to perform at the night. Welcome uninvited guests included the likes of Eminem, Pharaoh Monche, Macy Gray, The Black

Now, their recipe wasn't any new-fangled tricknology, it was taken from the ways of the forefathers from the Bronx in NYC back in the early 80's. Now, this method required the night to combine all the elements of hip hop under one roof. That's right, graffiti, breaking, djing, emceeing and beatboxing, although there weren't many of those to be found back in those days. But initially the graff helped get things going with cats like Sharp, Kay 1, Kilo, Seize, Dane, Mode 2, Etch, Ged, Fallen Angel, Solo 1, She 1, Shok 1 and Mear – all doing pieces on the canvass (provided by Scratch) that would draw other artists and art enthusiasts to the night.

Eyed Peas and Jeru the Damaja.

Through the contacts of people like Kilo, soon they were in touch with hot new DJs like First Rate and Mr Thing who were more than capable of giving Scratch a

The mic would be thrown open and new emcees like Skinny Man and Mongo would rush the stage along with US players like Mos Def who would jump up and jam.

They'd be live shows with crews like The Arsonist and Anti–Pop Consortium. The breakers had always been a part of things – perhaps a bit more on the sidelines – but as the night got going they started to take centre stage, when crews like 2nd To None, Born 2 Rock, Sinstars, Scarecrows and Twilight East would wow the crowd. Eikon took care of the visual aspect of the night, throwing the club up with super-8 film and projections to devastating effect. There were great deejays like Kool DJ Herc, Maseo (De La Soul), Mix Master Mike, The Scratch Perverts, Babu, Cash Money, Kenny Dope, Peanut Butter Wolf, Dan the Automator. And great live shows from The Jungle Brothers, Ugly Duckling, Mike Ladd, Souls of Mischief, High and Mighty. But after almost 7 years of Scratch the boys decided it was time to move on, like the hobo's they are. The regular first Thursday of the month is gone and so are the big full on productions for now. You can still catch them rocking the Scratch deejay residency every 2nd Friday of the month @ Fabriclive and they have a new venture called Storm @ The Embassy in Islington fortnightly Sats... But we still all eagerly await the first Thursday of the month wondering when will Scratch reopen the doors... So hats off to Matt ‘Luke Duke’ Smooth and Rob ‘Bow Duke’ Mac for starting this adventure. And also a mention for their team, Richy Pitch, DJ Biznizz, DJ Flip, Hils, Lyley, A-cyde, Ty & Ben Swift. Words: Ben Swift

A CUP OF CHA WITH

DJ FIRST RATE First Rate – aka Paul Bruce – is one of the most entertaining, comical and skilled turntablists this country has ever produced. He’s a down to earth, funny and polite personality… a rare quality in today’s ‘yeh I’m a badman‘ hip hop scene. Our first meeting was five years ago in his hometown of Tunbridge Wells, Kent. It’s not your typical B-Boy backdrop, but then this individual’s not your stereotypical ‘all up in ya face’ hip hop star. To be honest, I’ve work with lots of DJ’s in my time, but working with Paul has, and always will be, a total pleasure. His ‘fucked up’ sense of humour, all round persona and obsession with ‘Jazz Mags’ – make those long tours go that little bit quicker, and his passion for what he does night in night out, causes an infectious ripple in all those that surround him. If you don’t already know, Paul was one of the founder members of the original Scratch Perverts. As a Pervert Paul travelled the world, establishing himself as one of the world’s most exciting disc jocks, and when the team won the 99 World Team DMC Championships – it propelled them to another level and sat them alongside some of America’s most influential turntablist. The Perverts spilt in a rather controversial fashion, and Paul went out to make a name ‘on his Jones’. He spent a considerable amount of time over the last four years globe trotting as the Morcheeba DJ, recording his debut album ‘Walkie Talkie’, watching blue movies and eating ‘massive’ baked potatoes. We hooked up with the man himself in his hometown of ‘Royal’ Tunbridge Wells, deep in the garden of England, to sip coffee, talk beats and look at porn. Paul, what’s the dilly at the moment? You’ve got an amazing album that been sitting on the shelf for frankly too long! When’s it gonna see the light of day sir? “It’s been a long time coming but the LP should be dropping early next year on Jazz Fudge, with 12 out before the end of this year. It’s got Skinnyman on there, Phi Life,

you, Kela, and Numskullz – loads of people!” Explain to us why you’ve called your album ‘Walkie Talkie’. “I got the idea because a lot of people turn up at a party looking really cool but don’t know shit! Basically, one side of the album is straight up hip hop, i.e. talk and the other’s more chilled stuff, i.e. walk. So it’s for the people that can walk the walk and talk the walk you know!” It’s well documented that you love to work as much as possible. You seem to constantly be on the road. Tell us about the massive Canadian and US tour you did earlier this year with Russian Percussion. “It was 49 shows in nine weeks! Starting on the east coast in New York then working right the way round the US and across Canada. It was myself, Yarah Bravo and DJ Vadim, very hectic, lots of travelling and lots of DVD watching on the tour bus.” You, Mr Thing, Plus One and most of the original ‘scratch’ DJ’s chose to no longer enter the DMC championships. How come? Do you think it has lost some of its prestige or status? Or is it just a question of time? “I think it’s a question of I entered so many times and couldn’t win it on my own – it got really frustrating. Then, as the Perverts, we won the World DMC champs and I got a World title which is what I’ve always wanted. I don’t think it’s losing its prestige, it’s just a question of time and right now I’m too busy doing shows. However I do think the competition is only as good as the people that enter it.” You’ve chosen to stay put in Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Have you never thought to move to London, or do you just crave the fresh air of the countryside? “I was born here and I love it here. It’s nice, near to London, Brighton and Gatwick. It’s got a good healthy little scene as well, oh and it’s also got lots of nice chicks! That’s really important!” If you were stuck on a desert Island for two weeks and you had to take one or the other, what would make it in to your ‘First Rate survival kit’? You’re Walkman and music or your collection of ‘Jazz Mags?’ (That’s porn to the rest of us!) “It’ll have to be jazz mags dude! And to compensate – I’d sing when I’m reading them!” Nice. Words: Jon Wrec. Photos: Josh Cole and the Dr

PHOTOS THE SPECIALIST

THE NEXTMEN

THE GET OVER IT ALBUM LAUNCH ADDICT BEATS COLLECTIVE PARTY SOUTHAMPTON

12” & 7” SC010 SC013 SC015 SC018 SC019 SC021 SC023 SC025 SCO27 SCO28

The Nextmen The Nextmen The Nextmen The Nextmen The Nextmen The Nextmen The Nextmen The Nextmen The Nextmen The Nextmen

CD's SCCD004 SCCD006

The Nextmen Amongst The Madness (Available) That's What Friends Are For - Mixes by The Nextmen

Slide Up Break The Mould Buck Foolish Turn It Up A Little (Available) Turn It Up A Little Remix (Available) Where You’ll Find Me/ I Insist Next Trend (Available) That's What Friends Are For Silent Weapon (Available May 2003) feat. Dynamite MC - High Score

CD Singles SCCD12001 The Nextmen

Turn It Up A Little (Available)

LP's SCLP004 SCINS004

Amongst The Madness (Available) Amongst The Madness Instrumentals

The Nextmen The Nextmen

THE NEXTMEN BACK CATALOGUE

Dom and Brad, aka The Nextmen, are regarded by many as one of the most creative and consistent production duos in the UK. Signed to Ed Pitt’s Scenario Records in London, the boys have just released their second critically acclaimed LP, titled ‘Get over it’. The set features guests’ spots from Rodney P, Dynamite MC, Ty and the Jamaican legend, Cutty Ranks. The Nextmen are also busy DJing every weekend from their residency at London’s ‘Friends and Family’ events to Bristol, Manchester and across Europe. At the forefront of the currently fruitful domestic hip hop scene, The Nextmen are taking this shit to the next level!

PHO TOS : TE ENA GE D

Jon B lege ailey, a n Bam dary h ka Wrec i b few. aataa, p hop , has w orke a I d al imp His dru ce T an rtists i ress o ma nd b d Rodn ncludin ngside ive, the g A ey P ass 2002 a pe , peo p r r t R Jap f o n frika ofi orm ea p a for le stam ding F ance le is as ame a whe n, Switz ‘futu esti w ped e i q re! T th A e u v re g as a a a h l l l hing rland, reat is nam in fro ndy C y nM F s ar C. s’, s In th e go rance – how e firmly nt of 7 at e fu nna , Sinc casi 0 o 0 w ture 0 get fucking ork ng h n the e , mad e with joining list is d bro! and co which bus veryin th i v A a l ersi l y! broa e m ddict i ists I’m onl aborate rtists w ty den u n y sic o sors ed. ind 2001, h thin that bre interes with? M uld yo H h u g fre t y e prom ip, ma e now ustry h is invo the sh t d origi ed in w list is like to a l r v d s k o e end o th eals orki nali indu etin tion m c hop o e less n t n wha g, ng w e ta sf y an stry sid t wi b t few and dru or a num tour m th artis erably scen do yo on se le. Bein d bring ith arta que m t n b v u fo sp g ag er a stio is p e in the rese eral dif involv somens a nd bass of the ement onro f e f U bou So J ther bably uture? e for t erent l d with t life acts. I K’s top and on, T a h e evel aske c the on a hip s whe ’s still t its str he scen e UK Add an you d n h o d of n e at a lo ip h – nge ict f tell u keti f the Jon a a wh it com t s a n es t t of pro t point he mom op ile b mic the g and p mily? B s about o in te . to d efor ent blem maj R a y r a e pred ecordp romotin sically our rol as w ms of e we can or labe s and te, but e I g a o ls. I x p e s p o use minate k. Obv the A deal w within i c o l t t i an b sure cien ’s g tics alon d it i l o t u g prom these c y in th ously m dict bra h marthen and ha ild a s and sal side th nna be e n cen es – e Ya sa w with ote Add hannels music y conta d and e e gon stro n can c i n ng h which but as l ks all bas a whole ict to ou to try ndustry ts are o is real a take a is one eat. Bu rd-core self-s ng big they – pus roster o r target and pu – so I uffiout befo t to artis fan hin sh au fa help o pus g them rtists o dience. and ble, f their b re the m t or gr be hon base – h us oup na a u e I as a a n l s d l Bes j d s t o e , da h al r inve as a t r id st s it little f s and m o blow its clot tists an y-to-da wha es you Wha ome uck y hing d t ed u edia c up t ha p bran in turn r Wel project r busy o o p 2004 ve y per l, d. s dos ‘pop’ b me o ‘The my ma are yo nine to h. prom ? Lots! u got p ubin u cu W l a o n e t albu Pickpoc focus rren five sc i n 'v o finis e r mo t h k hed n and s e got ‘T d for th it’s n an ets’ LP ight now ly work edule, how whic he P sup is ye s . s is fin ing on p that oundin d off fo We’ve mad h was a orting to com ickpock ar and ? ish b g r I m e I e C b a a u E and ’m wor really, about een ma ing off z n sy a ing! ling d we ts’ LP, T on k k a b s A a Skit ass bit ing in t really p year n ing the I’m a nd gig well, an ddict’s his UK ’ve just he s z. I’m s an h o at. A wa s tu d als with tou tary lso in th comin d I’ve g gonna k tour – o do dio on part fr nd o g e hitti the gro ring ag som om ing in t with Do proces up all t lots o eep me a ng t u s e i h f g dr he U p and n, as w ome ti just e studi Day P s of ma over th travelngs um on m K of ell d king ew o w rodu l w o cou o ith diffe ike to k a c t d i rse, y own, ing sho ith o ocu rld. se e n r men a as w w bee ent pie ep my d veral s s and ell a nd will s n in w s i u r , o p t y r y er s Ch ki b year a li ina, e ’s al this ga know. ttle fing b artist ng time me l ab s. I ers To b o f i and to mak ut takin or nine e hon n a few est, e pr mak g y i e t op ars to e my I’v Mum er dosh the nex , so th e ,g tl is prou d! W et big evel. It’ s exp ords o : Hu s go M ure eta4

TASKFORCE Brothers Chester P and Farma G, aka Taskforce, have been smashing it for a minute! With numerous releases on Braintax’s label ‘Lowlife Records’ and on their own imprint ‘Music from the Corner’, the duo have been a dominant force within the homegrown scene. Residents at London’s premier hip hop basement ‘Kung Fu’, they’ve also released in conjunction with DJ Louis Slipperz a series of mix tapes featuring some of UK rap’s top dogs. Having performed on Radio 1, 1xtra and tours throughout the UK and Europe, the group became one of the first British acts to tour Australia. Known for their aggressive but humorous lyrics and social commentary, the brothers touch upon street life, industry struggles and everyday experiences. Check their track ‘Rockstars’ featuring Braintax on the Addict mix CD Volume One. Words: Wrec. Photo: Josh Cole

TASKFORCE

LONDON ELEKTRICITY Tony Colmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, aka Mr. London Elektricty, first collaboration came at the age of eight when he nicked his mum's reel-to-reel tape machine and recorded his farting dog, Max. It may have been a rather inauspicious start to his music career, but from that moment on, Tony was fascinated with the process of recording sounds. Studying Performing Arts at Middlesex Polytechnic, a course Tony embarked on under slightly false pretences as the college had a fully equipped music studio and, influenced by the likes of Kraftwerk and avant-garde composer Steve Reich, he made the studio his own and began to experiment with electronic music for the first time. Live music had always been of interest, ever since he heard the opening bars to Chic's 'Le Freak' when he was a kid, and at the age of 25, Tony formed the live jazzfunk band Izit. Success soon followed. They secured a number 39 hit in 1988 with the rare groove anthem 'Stories' and produced the benchmark acid jazz LP 'The Whole Affair'. Offered a record deal, he temporarily shelved his electronic ambitions and recorded, toured and DJ'd with Izit for several years. But throughout this period of live performance, dance music still fascinated him. Sporadically settling in various spots throughout North London, he was exposed to the massive hardcore and jungle scene that was rumbling out of the capital. Shortly after, thanks to a holiday in Thailand with only a copy of Goldie's classic LP 'Timeless' for company, Tony knew his future was in drum 'n' bass. In the spring of 1996, with the help of Chris Goss, who had been managing Tony's Tongue and Groove label, Hospital Records was created. A string of tracks were released on Hospital and a number of other imprints. Often working under a number of different monikers, it was their tune 'Song in the Key of Knife' which had widespread recognition. The LP 'Pull The Plug' that followed in 1999 is still widely renowned as a landmark d&b album. Since then, London Elektricity's funk philosophy has been peddled throughout the world, with Tony DJ'ing at every major d&b club in the UK and beyond. In 2002, Tony took on the London Elektricity mantle personally, as Chris concentrated on running the everexpanding Hospital Records. His first solo cut, 'Cum Dancing' was another massive hit and whet drum 'n' bass heads' appetite for the long awaited follow up to 'Pull The Plug'. With the help of his old friend Robert Owens, and a bunch of other well-known heads, 'Billion Dollar Gravy' was released in May and features more of the uplifting funk and deep vibes the Hospital reputation has been built on. Fast soul music, as they like to call it. Tony and his new band are taking 'Billion Dollar Gravy' to the stage, and with his knowledge of live performance, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taking drum 'n' bass to another level entirely. Words: courtesy of London Elektricity. Photo: Jon Wrec

THIS PAGE LEFT TO RIGHT TOP SOOPA JAY VICE MAGAZINE 2003 MIKE KEANE SKATE TEAM DOCUMENT MAGAZINE 2003 FLYNN TROTMANN SKATE TEAM DOCUMENT MAGAZINE 2002 LEFT TO RIGHT MIDDLE DADDY SKITZ VICE MAGAZINE 2003 ADDICT BOOK VOLUME ONE VICE MAGAZINE 2003 FLYNN TROTMANN AUSTRALIA DOCUMENT MAGAZINE 2003 LEFT TO RIGHT BOTTOM AIM LODOWN MAGAZINE 1999 RODNEY P POINT OF SALE 2002 JAY AND CREW SIDEWALK SURFER MAGAZINE 2002

THIS PAGE LEFT TO RIGHT TOP WOMENS RANGE POINT OF SALE 2002 ADDICT G-SHOCK DOCUMENT MAGAZINE 2002 DJ FIRST RATE POINT OF SALE 2002 LEFT TO RIGHT MIDDLE GRAPHIC MONTAGE DOCUMENT MAGAZINE 2003 SOOPA JAY DRAGON LODOWN MAGAZINE 2000 RODNEY P, SOOPA JAY, WREC, WHEELER VICE MAGAZINE 2003 LEFT TO RIGHT BOTTOM PAUL CARTER DOCUMENT MAGAZINE 2002 ALL ADVERTS DESIGNED IN HOUSE BY ADDICT FRONTLINE COPYRIGHT © ADDICT LTD

ADVERTISING AND POINT OFSALE

SNAP SHOT

AUTUMN WINTER 03/04

WOMENS PRODUCT

DOWN BY LAW JACKET

DOWN BY LAW VEST (RIGHT)

SUB ZERO PARKA

RIB BLOUSON JACKET

BASIC MULTI LEAF LINE TEE

BASIC TYE DYE TEE

BASIC SPRAY LOGO TEE

ZIP UP CREW SWEAT

SPRAY LINES CREW SWEAT

COVERT PANT

FLIGHT PANT

ADDICTCO OVER TEE

SLASH NECK CAMO TEE

SLASH NECK MULTI LEAF TEE

MESH TRAK TOP

TYE DYE ZIP HOODY

FRONT PANEL HOODY

SPRAY LINE TYE BACK TOP

STRIPED RAGLAN TEE

SHOULDERLESS CREW SWEAT

MULTI LEAF TEXTILE PRINT SS04

MULTI LEAF/LINE TEXTILE PRINT SS04

TYE DYE TEXTILE PRINT SS04

SPILL TEXTILE PRINT SS04

EL VITTON PRINT

PACKAGING DESIGN SPONSORED ARTIST TEE BOX

LIMITED EDITION BOXED CUSTOM MADE ADDICT TEE

STEFF MR.JAGO WILL BARRAS COLLABORATION TEE AVAILABLE SUMMER 04

INFLUENCE AND INSPIRATION Scrawl Collective was set up in â&#x20AC;&#x2122;99 after the success of the book Scrawl (dirty graphics and strange characters). Initially a loose organisation of artists from the book, doing odd events, supporting each other etc, it soon grew into the loose collaboration of Scrawl, the highly acclaimed scrawl2 book and beyond. Now we are an agency supplying high quality original artwork to anyone who digs it. We take on all kinds of work from the commercial to live painting events and exhibitions around the world. Contact Rick at Scrawl for further info. www.scrawlcollective.co.uk. Feed your head..............

MR.JAGO

Mr. Jago comes from the bad streets of Suffolk, an area second only to LIMITED EDITION BOXED TEE NYC itself when it comes to hip hop authenticity. Despite this Mr. Jago insisted on running away to Bristol, where he began his journey to Artdom. He, with partner in crime Will Barras, cut his marker pen tipped teeth, (the colours graded with darker shades at the back molars through to the lighter hues at the front incisors) at a call centre where he could indulge his remote control robot fantasies in his sketch book while still being able to tell members of the public how sorry he was about cutting them off again.

TOP > RIGHT TEE STYLE BASE MOUNTAIN

Having come through this ordeal with only a few halfhearted suicide attempts to his name, he has gone from strength to strength doing many varied commissions, from rock/soul band LSK to Nike and Levis and collaborating on animated ad's for Canal Sattelite TV, in France. He does tee designs for Osaka based company Satan Arbeit and in Dec 2000 went out to Japan to take part in a live show along with an international cast of street artists, doodlers and other ne'er do wells. In his own words, this first trip to the land of the rising sun "changed my brain" and now he thinks he's called Susan. He also had a major exhibition at Houston Gallery in Seattle in May and returned to Japan in August for more painting robot style antics and to get his evil tattoo removed before more poor innocents suffer. Mr. Jagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Addict tees will be available in stores Feb 2004.

BOTTOM > RIGHT TEE STYLE FIRESTARTER

MR. JAGO FREESTYLES

WILL BARRAS

Like his compadre and stablemate Mr. Jago, Will began his glittering career in a call centre, where doodling was one of the more accepted methods of not going insane. Here he developed a fucked up way of holding a pencil and a very distinctive illustrative style. Although he is often associated with all things skate and hip hop, his style owes as much to rhubarb and yellow submarine as it does to street art. Often inspired by whatever is around at any given time, he sucks up the world through a straw and reconstitutes it on paper, sort of like the artistic equivalent of a bluebottle. He has recently done board designs for Burton snowboards and continues to produce clothing designs for GSSA, Osaka. Willâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s limited edition Addict tees will be available from Feb 2004. LIMITED EDITION BOXED TEE

TOP LEFT HAND TEE SHIRT STYLE 37.5% ADDICT T IN WHITE AND NAVY. BOTTOM LEFT HAND TEE SHIRT STYLE SAMURAIC T IN ORANGE AND SAGE

FORMATIONS WILL BARRAS

RIGHT > TEE STYLE EXPEDITION T

STEFF PLAETZ Born in a town called Oldenburg, growing up in Birmingham but with some formative years also spent in Bristol, Steff grew up with a love for skateboarding and fine artwork. Steff produces his own personal stuff for exhibitions as well as facing the challenges of commercial work. In recent months he's produced a large number of canvases (see Steff at bob nyc examples)

and also completed can designs for a drinks company in the USA, that, get this, makes fizzy flavoured milk! He continues to produce designs for numerous clothing labels, is working on some record sleeves, and still has the day job at mi6. Combining these obsessions has proven to be a rich vein of inspiration for him - "part of the reason I create DYNAMIC FIGURES is because I have absorbed a lot of imagery from skate magazines and videos.” Steff’s limited edition Addict ‘Expedition’ T is available in select stores from Feb ’04 – reserve yours!

STEFF DYNAMICS

t tha t ork , no w d n of titio nee .” e ty ali omp ays Tron s u q c alw ’re age d y an an e’ll you Im iger kill s of s w ess tyle – by T cus of basi an unl y S hed d do 02. e 0 n M s um – gre the s h cts Bite publi ed a nd 2 tees de ms A odu ok ‘ h’ duc 7 a m 4. r . o c r 9 t o o t o a 00 i f p i r 9 s r/ ed ible his b y M lly p en 1 t cu eb 2 he s m p b c t i F g e u ifu gra eriou t tan ek o apes eaut betw Add from n po Ty e s lle Se d Sh t’s b ork dition res er/ som exce ago I w t e n n s a le. his ed m e ig in es has r the an’ n th t Sty nts limit ble /D ist itch fo e M k i fon me tch’s vaila art er M ork ‘Ap wor for his w d s t t Mi be a ia th l ed Pain ign r’ an hi alen wi oth wil ltim tor/ des ase and is t aries be b the u h a r M str His Ch ifty s d n’t e o n b Illu les! t No Sw show bou “I ca ead’ uld o sty raigh with try hing tyle. is d It sh s s ‘St ines indu pu hic s rint hat. d p c ‘ p z n ’ a ld a sic tal n a gr mu atio typo he o digi cre ique ith t rsus un d w ue ve ere alog ‘an

CH T MI

LEFT > TEE STYLE ROBOTRON T

RIGHT > TEE STYLE PIPELINE T

MITCH SERIOUS STYLES

Ben Swift is an illustrator/designer/photographer b-boy/dj based in London, England. Original hip hop kid, Sin Cru member and the face behind Nonsinthetik. A soldier armed with a Pilot Hi-Tecpoint V5 pen, taking part in the 21st century style wars! Fresh out the gate again... Ben Swift has been producing “super duty tough work” for a hot minute now. Graduating from Camberwell College of Art in ‘97, Ben’s first illustration work was for pioneering style magazine Trace. Since then he has gone on to produce material for a number of publications including Time Out, The Guardian Guide, The Financial Times, Smash Hits, Knowledge, Hip Hop Connection and Spin Magazine in the States. Ben’s famed for his stand out flyers for London’s better late–night hip hop happenings: Scratch and Dekefex. His distinctive, off–key cartoon characters and ‘ill’ illustrations turn throwaway flyers into collectors’ items, as a result he's gone on to work for a number of clothing companies and record labels. Some of those original flyers have been documented in a new Italian design book ‘Proud to be a Flyer’ which also features the work of fellow flyer creators Mode2, Mitch and Swifty (no relation!) amongst others. Ben was also the only UK artist to contribute to Nike's recent stateside sticker book campaign which featured dope self adhesive designs from the likes of US artists Jest, Graphic Havoc, David Flores, Espo, and Cody Hudson. Ben's fresh illustrations can also be found in your local music store, he's done the artwork for all of Richy Pitch's releases on '7 Heads' in New York City, as well as an exclusive Japan only remix. His latest work has been for UK hip hop classics compilation 'Bangers & Mash', and the cover is indeed... banging! Ben is also a key member of ever-expanding UK hip hop collective SIN Cru. Not only on the design front, creating promo material for their various jams, productions and performances, but on the dance side as well. When he’s not in the studio, Ben represents for b-boy crew Style First and Sinstars and sees a connection between the two forms of expression – dancing and designing: “They're both about skills, style and who's the best.” He’s just made the jump from print to video by making his directorial debut for ‘Mr Reds vs DJ Skribble – Everybody come on’ (London Records). It features b-boy footage of Sinstars and Jnr Sinstars ripping it up in the dark circles and on the dancefloor, combined with a touch of animated graf. Future projects include more full motion screen work, bringing his trademark bugged out b-boy characters to life being next on the agenda. Keep you eyes peeled for further Nonsinthetik niceness as the take over continues! All city... mmm?... all world! Check Ben’s limited edition Addict tees over on the next page, carrying his trademark b-boy characters in ‘wrap around’ large format screen print style!! Available in select stores from Feb 2004.

BEN SWIFT SPONSORED ARTIST

> >

TOP STRICTLY B-BOY TEE

ABOVE FOR THE HEADS TEE

< LEFT GRID CAMO STENCIL TEE OLIVE CHARCOAL STONE

> RIGHT ABSAIL GRAPHIC TEE SPONSORED ARTIST THE SPECIALIST

GRAFFIK ASSAULT SQUAD™

< LEFT ADDICT TOY CO TEE SPONSORED ARTIST THE SPECIALIST

> RIGHT D.I.Y. SUBWAY CAR TEE AVAILABLE IN SELECT COLOURS

ERIK BRUNETTI One thing’s for sure, French Connection can FCUK off! A lot of people might be mistaken, thinking that this marketing ploy is of French Connection’s making, and I hope they had to pay a shit load of dough to some smug ad agency for the pleasure. The reality is a lot different to this pissy watered down midlle England crap. What we are talking about is FUCT! FUCT was the brainchild of the one and partisan, Erik Brunetti. Erik’s roots are in Philladelphia, where as Den One he was a pioneer artist in the grafitti scene of the eighties, before up-rooting and heading to California to create FUCT. From day one FUCT was always going to rub people up the wrong way, but that was the whole point. The graphics speak for themselves. The label was a huge success and pretty much re-invented the way that the masses thought about getting a message across on a humble t-shirt. You either got FUCT or it got you, but as they say, there is no such thing as bad publicity. At the height of its popularity, one of Erik’s creations, the immortal Fuct ‘Car Company logo’ was bootlegged and sold on every street corner on the planet. The design was immediately dropped, even with the prospect of huge sales. For this image to represent FUCT was not the point of the ethos, but even still, the design continues to be bootlegged today. Well, enough chat, take a look at the visuals and make your own mind up. Erik won’t give a shit either way, but that’s why it works. He has got a new project underway, titled ‘Sonic Fever’, so look out for it. Given the impact that FUCT has created, I’m sure it won’t be long before it’s looking out for you ! WORDS: ANDY HUMPHRIES. IMAGES: FUCT/MOONEES DIST

PROJECTS FIVE -O STORE

The Five-O Store story began in November 2000 when a small boutique store was opened in Southampton with a concept stemming from the early exhibition stand design Chris Carden-Jones had done for Addict. Starting stock came from home stable brand Addict, US brands Fuct, Ipath and Haze, blended with One True Saxon and the late 6876. The brand list soon began to grow and by June the following year, the store had outgrown its location and uprooted to its current home in late August 2001. The concept behind Five-O was to represent and provide a platform for mixing high-end street wear with contemporary designer labels and providing exposure for smaller boutique brands. Part of the Five-O Store’s unique appeal stems from its interior as well as its brand list. The minimal layout is complimented by exclusive limited edition wall prints by Erik Brunetti from Fuct, who’s Planet of the Apes inspired paintings have received countless bids for purchase since they were first put up in store. Off cuts of Sympatex® camouflage fabric from the original Addict parkas were used for upholstery and changing room curtains and a three dimensional Five-O branded wall art installation provides a backdrop to the counter. Finally, the Five-O Store prides itself, more than anything else, on representing the local and the independent. It’s involved with local club events, DJ’s, artists of all kinds and exhibitions. Looking to the future, Five-O will try to uphold this ethos and continue to serve an alternative to the corporate, identikit institutions that control our high streets today – by catering for the punter who wants something different and to stand out from the rest, by not following the crowd... “It is very easy in the world to live by the opinion of the world. It is very easy in solitude to be self-centered. But the finished man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.” Ralph Wald Emerson (1803-1882). Words: Ross Defikew Photos: Chris Jones shop@five-ostore.com

ADDICT VANS LIMITED EDITION SHOE Paul Van Doren learned how to make sneakers in a factory on the East Coast. In 1966 he began selling Vans out of a corner shop in Anaheim, California. The store offered 3 canvas styles of Vulcanised rubber soled shoes that soon became popular with the locals, especially surfers in Southern California. As more Californians began to skateboard the grippy Vans waffle sole soon became their favourite footwear choice. The skateboarding scene exploded in the mid seventies and the legendary Dogtown skaters began to dominate skateboarding. Many of the original Dogtown boys wore Vans including Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta and in 1976 they helped design the Era (red/blue) that is still available today. These skaters became recognised internationally and the demand for Vans expanded worldwide as skateboarding evolved. In 1978 even skaterboarders in England could purchase their Vans from the USA and were able to customise their order of Eras with combinations of red, yellow, blue etc. Vans later offered each style also in 12 widths! This was a real revolution in sports footwear, especially at that time when there were very few branded sports shoes to choose from. Once skateboarders wore a pair of Vans it was very difficult to skate in any other shoes because the grip and board ‘feel’ of Vans was far superior. As the Vans brand grew, different styles were added to the range. In 1979 the slip-on was launched in a multitude of colours. In the 80s, after Sean Penn’s iconic depiction of Jeff Spicoli in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ the demand for Vans became more widespread and soon became a craze in California. Vans later became the first skateshoe company to offer a professional rider’s signature model and versions of Steve Caballero’s original signature ‘Cab’ shoe have been in the range ever since. During the 90s skateboarding and extreme sports grew in popularity and it was a natural progression that Vans began to make snowboard boots. As street skateboarding developed, skaters began to push the limits of technical tricks. This new generation of street skaters were demanding increasingly more sophisticated skate shoes. Consequently Vans began to introduce new technology and design innovation to remain the brand leader in the fast growing skate shoe market. However, the original waffle sole ‘old schools’ continued to remain the choice for many. Vans have continued to sponsor extreme ‘athletes’. Professional skateboarders such as Geoff Rowley have worked very closely with the Vans designers to create functional, yet fashionable shoes. From one of the largest ranges of skate shoes available, Geoff has contributed to four of the most successful styles sold in skateboard shops. Classic styles continue to be made with constant additions of colours and prints. In 2003 Vans launched the Vault collection that riffs on the firm’s original styles but with some new colours and alternative material uppers. Womens’ and mens’ styles are being carried in some of the best retailers around the world. More recently Vans have produced limited edition collaborations with Luella Bartley, Under Cover, Rebecca Taylor, Paul Frank, Silas and Extra Large. Currently designers are working on projects with Futura and Addict. The limited edition Addict/Vans will be available in stores March 2004

WORDS ANDY HUMPHRIES PHOTOS RICHIE HOPSON

Back in the Village all my mates had come up with and created a gang, all except me. This worried me, I was nine years old and could feel the mid-life crisis of the big ‘One O’ creeping up on me. Don’t get me wrong, I was party to many a gang, but I wanted one I could call my own. 1) I had been in the Chopper Gang. This meant customising the immortal Chopper bike with any old crap, lots of renegade screaming, gear changing, and at end the day, trying to look cool with your feet up, stand down outside the chipshop. My bike was the shit, but even still Paul Grail ruled the roost, helped with the support of his quiet but sinister henchman Paul Evans. Like most biker gangleaders, Paul Grial was ugly but still got the chicks. 2) Shortly after this I was in an unarmed (for security reasons), but active SAS styled gang. This basically entailed trying to cram as much homemade ‘survivalist’ equipment into an old tabacco tin (polythene sheet, waxed matches, elastic bands, penknife, mints and mirrors, all the shit needed to make it out of the coming holocaust), then getting into combats/wellies, blacking-up with gravy browning and trying to stay out all night in the woods. We would dig hidden mantraps, with spikes in the pit, on the footpaths down in Brockhollands. There we waited with baited breath for unsuspecting victims to fall into our trap. Nobody came. Even our attempts to snare rabbits, catch squirrels and worry sheep never really accounted for much. Playing war was much better. 3) The smallest gang I was In was just me and Paul Cassidy, but it was one of the best because it involved guns. Our gang was called simply ‘Starsky and Hutch’. The gang should have been three,

on account of our friend Martin Deeters who wanted to be Huggy Bear. But did you ever see Huggy packing heat? Exactly. To emulate our heroes we needed the right kit. Luckily, in the militaria section of my Stepdad’s Exchange and Mart, there was an ad for replica guns, and even though we were eight and both had air rifles, we needed the kudos and power to get the desired effect. We wanted to take it to the streets. After the initial arguments as to who was gonna be who, we agreed for me getting the 9mm Browning and Paul plumping for the Magnum. In my best handwriting and grown up spiel, I composed a letter, exchanged pocket money for postal orders and stuck the lot in a brown envelope and sent it off. For what seemed like an eternity, we waited in silence for the postman’s knock at the door. The delivery was to Paul’s house and we had to intercept the package before his Dad did. One day the small but perfectly formed arsenal arrived, we snuck down to the shed and opened up the box. It was all there, guns and enough blanks to feed a small group of terrorists. With the guns in our lino-made holsters and a sharp eye for lawbreakers, we proceeded to reek havoc around the quiet village streets of Bream. We mostly hid behind walls, bushes, hid under cars and mainly jumped out on innocent passers-by, any excuse to let off a few rounds. Things started to go sour. Our friends, even though envious of the sheer firepower, were realising that far from keeping the law, we were now the desperados breaking it. The lawlessness and anarchy that ensued all ended with a visit by Dave Bristo, the local area PC. The threat of jail was lifted by our ages. PC Bristo

MY GANG

gave us a good bollocking, followed by a good beating by my Mum and, worst of all, confiscation of our lovely guns. Luckily the winds of change were coming. . . On one of our rare sabbaticles to Coleford Cinema to watch a new Bond film ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ (do you see a theme emerging here?) in 1975, there happened to be a 60’s B-Movie called ‘Skater Dater’ running up the rear. I could not believe my eyes. It was Honey. It was Skateboarding. In that 25 minutes my life changed forever. At that moment I saw my chance. It all made sense. The leader in me emerging through a haze of California dreaming (it was actually Australian, but fuck, it looked sunny and they all had blonde hair). When we got back home, I proposed a new gang, my gang. Everyone was down. We got metal wheeled rollerskates, sawed them in half and literally nailed them to some chipboard which we cut in the shape of a coffin. We then painted them black top and bottom, and as a master stroke cut a stencil in the shape of a cat and sprayed it on the bottom in orange. At that moment I became the leader of the Panthers. I had arrived. The Panthers skated up and down the rough pavement of Pastors Hill for at least a month before the novelty wore off. Gradually my gang dispersed, but I did not care.

My dreams of skateboarding had just began, never to wain. I love skateboarding, its fucking sick. I am so glad that it has seen me through the rest of my life, through so many experiences. But it’s still there for me, even through its many re-incarnations. Kids can’t play in the woods anymore, ’cos everyone is scared of the bogey man, you can’t buy replica guns because everyone is too dark with that stuff. You could not even buy a Chopper ’cos it’s a liability and someone gets sued. At least skateboarding is here to give the kind of freedom that used to exist. The streets and towns are alive with it, even against the legislation that now wants to contain it. My gang now is massive and stretches across the World to where I am now. Shit, it even employs me, and has given me the knowledge to get to a good place. Thanks to all my great friends along the way that have got me here. There are so many people in my crew. Big love to all the lifelong friends that have made it amazing. My Nan and Pamps, The T Boyz, Swood, Magoo, Slam, Russel W, Unacrew, Freshjive, Ipath and of course the Addict crew who are ruling it, thanks Chris and thanks David for letting me go to the next level. Andy

Flynn Trotmann has been a friend of Addict’s for years now and a little while back was made head of our skate team. He is renowned for being a soldier and encouraging everyone around him, especially the younger skaters, to get motivated and is constantly ringing the office and texting me with input and feedback, not to mention the fact that he is one of the best skaters in the country. When I told him we wanted to do a page about him for this book he sent me his life in the post, (Flynn, check out the photo page for the picture of you and your Nan). Alright Flynn, lets get the info out of the way i.e. age, hometown, other sponsors. F: I’m 27, was born in Salisbury and now I live in Bristol. My other sponsors are Crème Skateboards, Globe Shoes, Independent trucks, Fifty Fifty skate shop and RLK. So when did you first get into skating? F: In September 1988, I had watched ‘Back to the Future’, thought it looked cool, all my friends were doing it and it kinda went from there. What model was your first board? F: A Powell Peralta Mike Vallery. Now tell us about your pro board history? F: My first sponsor was Phase Seven Distribution and then they started Blueprint skateboards, then I went onto Reaction and now its Crème Skateboards. How come on one of your Reaction boards you were Spiderman? F: Because their really great graphic designer decided to do a superhero series. Your part in the ‘Jus’ Foolin’ video was so good, did you just concentrate on your own section or

were you pretty much involved in the whole thing? F: Involved in the whole video apart from actually editing it, just getting people motivated. You’re involved in RLK with the infamous Tom Murray, what’s happening with that? F: Just a group of friends just trying to get by, I was on the team whether or not, I have tried to quit three times but Tom aint havin it, he has actually sacked me twice but I still can’t leave. You recently went to Australia, what were the high points of the trip? F: Just skating every day in the nice weather, nice people and nice food – generally not having to work or having any cares at all. You and Carter are good friends, how is he? F: He’s cool, ripping it up in far away lands but instead of being a close friendship we now have text message and email love going on, which is sad, I really w a n n a see him. You just came first in the street comp at Urban Games, what’s your favourite event? F: The best comp weekend I have been to is the Globe World Cup in Melbourne, cause you get to catch up with friends from all around the world, Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world and it is basically a week long, free piss up. Any last words? F: Just that everyone should do what they can to support British skateboarding. Any big ups? F: Fifty Fifty, all the staff at Addict especially Jaff and Chris, Shiners, RLK, Norton Bavant Posse, Eagles, all my family.

INTERVIEW: ZOE DOUBLE D. PHOTOS: MISC/ GOTTS

As far as teams go, Addict’s roster of skaters, snowboarders and BMXers are true believers in the cause. All weathers, day or night, whatever it takes to get it on. To them sponsorship is not the riding factor (no pun intended), as they do it for the love of it anyway. It’s a familiar story down at Addict – like the team, we’re totally committed to what we do. You just have to be. The Addict team have grown up together with us at the

Company and the friendships and loyalties through the years are testimony to the true nature of what we are all about. Now there’s a whole new bunch of riders coming into our ranks and there is no doubt that these partnerships will only serve to further strengthen the cause for years to come. Words: Andy Humphries All Photos: Richie Hopson except Flynn Photo: Andrew Mapstone

TOYS OCCUPYING PRIME SPACE AT THE ADDICT HQ FROM LEFT TO RIGHT 1: Marmit Japanese 12’’ Sandtrooper action figure kit. 2: Marmit Japanese 12’’ Boba Fett action figure kit. 3: Limited edition Freshjive Mike York Seditionary 1/6 scale action figure. 4: Tony Bishop USMC Elite force 1/6 Figure. 5: Marine Force Recon Elite force 1/6 Figure. 6: Tattoo Me Keith Silas figure. 7: NY Fat Gardener London Maharishi Ltd edition Michael Lau. 8: Cinematronics 1983 Dragon’s Lair Arcade machine. 9: IG-88 Assassin Droid Kubrick.

3. 1.

4. 8.

INFLUENCE AND INSPIRATION#2

UNORTHODOX STYLES

PRESS RELEASES

“Thankyou to the Addict staff for all your passion and hard work, we couldn’t do it without you. Our families, loved ones and friends for being so supportive through the years, thanks for putting up with it. To everyone who’s ever supported, backed, believed in, bought, stocked and promoted our brand, thanks! – you know who you are and we love you!” Chris and David

Copyright © Addict Ltd 2003 all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the copyright holder. Designed and produced by Chris Carden-Jones @ Addict Ltd with assisted credits where noted. Printed in the United Kingdom by Butler and Tanner Ltd. Addict Ltd are: Chris Carden-Jones MD and Design Director Menswear/Graphic Design, David Jefferies International Sales Director, Andy Humphries Director, Gaby Hookings Design and Production, Eloise Gatward Womenswear Design and Production, Zoe Biddlecombe Sales and Marketing, Steve Gotts Graphic Design, Jon Bailey Marketing and Promotions, David Anderson Web Design, Matt Carter Warehouse Manager, Simon Stent Accounts. DCJ Technical Efficiency Adviser. The Addict Stencil, Spray Stencil, Drippy Stencil, Stencil Stamp, Addictco and Camo Grid Stencil logos are trademarks of Addict Ltd. www.addictclothingco.com

Addict Ltd HQ Unit 2 Muira Industrial Estate William Street Southampton Hampshire S014 5QH United Kingdom Tel: + 44 (0)23 8033 0344 Fax: + 44 (0)23 8022 6016 e: info@addictclothingco.com w: www.addictclothingco.com ITALY Blue Distribution PORTUGAL M3000 SPAIN Now S.A JAPAN Calquinto CANADA Sophistowear AUSTRALIA Covert Fashions

ADDICT MIX CD VOLUME ONE 74 minutes of the freshest hip hop, funk and drum & bass cuts around. Compiled by Wrec of The Pickpockets. Arranged and mixed by Feature Cast. Mastered by Independent Pressing

01. The Nextmen feat. Cutty Ranks, Rodney P and Dynamite Fire Walking © Scenario Records (B.Ellis / D.Betmead / R.Panton / Cutty Ranks)

02. The Pickpockets In the morning © White label promo (J.Bailey / A.Churton / S.Keith / DJ Session / O.Knight) Exclusive

TRACK LISTINGS This CD is for promotional use only. Unauthorised copying, lending, hiring, public performance, diffusion and broadcasting prohibited. Or we hunt you down

09. Feature Cast My vinyl rhymes like no one

10. DJ Yoda Yoda in Sherwood Forest

03. Skitz and Rodney P Dedicated

11. Bombay Monkeys and DJ First Rate Istanbul

04. Styly Cee feat. C-Mone Joyriders

12. Feature Cast Ask me

A big thank you to all the artists and record labels that gave us such good material for this mix. We’d also like to say thanks to all our sponsored DJ’s, MC’s, producers, record labels, sponsored artists, associated event organisers, skaters, breakers, the graphic assault squad and street teams across the globe. Your support is truly appreciated, much love – all at Addict.

15. London Elektricity The great drum and bass swindle © Hospital Records (T.Colman with additional vocals from L.Carol and MC Darrison)