Xqzt mag dmv edition v1 by crislaldota2

XQZT ek’skwizit,’ekskwizit/ carefully selected : choice pleasing through beauty, fitness, or perfection

one who is overly fastidious in dress or ornament marked by flawless craftsmanship or by beautiful, ingenious, delicate, or elaborate execution

XQZT DMV HIP-HOP

XQZT DMV MODELS

XQZT APPAREL

STYLE CAPSULE - SUMMER SNAPSHOT & FALL MEN’S WEAR

XQZT SNEAKERS

DOPEST SNEAKER PICKS OF THE SUMMER & FALL

CONTRIBUTORS

Contributors EDITOR: @XQZTGENTLEMAN

PHOTOGS: @EYECANDYANTHONY | @VISUALCOCKTAIL |@XQZTGENTLEMAN

MUAS: SHANA JANELLE | CRYSTAL DAVIS | @KEAMAAYOKI

VIDEO ENGINEERS: @OZYMANDAIS | @XQZTGENTLEMAN | @TRIZEE1977

WRITERS: @NEED4LSPEED | STYLE EDITOR: @JAYNEKENNEDI

TWITTER: @theSTADIUMCLUB INSTAGRAM @theSTADIUMCLUB

@XQZT_APPREL

Dawn Perily DMV

MEASUREMENTS: 38C-28-39 TWITTER: @DAWN_PERILY IG: WHOTHEFISDAWNP DIGITAL BONUS A BTS VIDEO

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XQZT MAG INTERVIEWS @LYRICISS What song or event made you want to become a hip-hop artist? It was something that I believe cultivated over time, just hearing hip-hop for years growing up in my house, but the day I decided to start rapping, I was listening to “Money, Power, Respect” by The LOX, Lil’ Kim, & DMX on repeat when I was 9 years old. Later that day, I wrote my first rhyme. Who is your favorite rapper or who did you idolize or aspire to be like in the hip-hop game? I never really idolized any rappers...that’s a really strong word. (laughs) I was a fan of the Roc-A-Fella movement, though. Ruff Ryders and Cash Money, as well. The old Cash Money, though...Hot Boys and Big Tymers era. I liked movements, you know? That was my thing. I liked seeing a crew of rappers making good albums, because it brought versatility and variety to listening to their projects. At the moment, though, my favorite rapper is Kendrick Lamar. How would you describe the hip-hop landscape in the DMV at the moment? In my personal opinion, it’s weird nowadays. It’s not the same way it was 3 or 4 years ago, which in essence, it shouldn’t anyway...time moves on, but it doesn’t feel progressive anymore. The quality music was in the forefront when the DMV movement started, and there was a lot of camaraderie...that’s gone now. You have artists starting to succeed and distancing themselves from what made them win, then you have artists that want love and respect when their work doesn’t entail such. It made the area cold. There’s still a lot of talent here, though, I will say that. What are the pros and cons of the rap game? I mean...it is what you make it. There are no clear pros and cons in this game because everybody’s experience is different. I think the game is fake...some people love the game with all of their hearts, though. I love hip-hop with all of my heart...I don’t love the rap game, though. What do you feel your bring to the game as an emcee? A young man with a clear voice. No matter the subject, I’m well aware of my words, my persona, who I am, what I want to convey...there’s not a lot of that going on. I feel I can also bring versatility to the game as well. The industry is really heavy on boxing artists into categories, and I’m super against that, because we’re all human. I’m not always conscious, I’m not always ignorant, but I’m both at different times, as are all people. I think my name might have me pegged as some backpack guy or whatever, but I’m really just a regular dude with

a lot of life experience. That’s a big reason of why I’m going to change my stage name next year to my actual name. Just keep it moving from there, you know? If I give them me, they can’t box me in. What projects are you currently working on? I just recently completed “The Balance EP: Heart”, the third EP in my series of “The Balance” EPs. That’s going to drop on August 21st. I’m working on the final EP now, “The Balance EP: Power”, before I start rounding everything up for my debut album, “The Balance”, which will drop next year. Who does your production? Too many people to name them all...most recently, I’ve been working with Grussle, J-Scrilla, Soulful!, dCsoulplusmind, Casito del Fresco, Slimkat78, AB The Pro, Kev Brown, and a few others for the new projects. Tell us about your upcoming projects and how people can check out your music. I think I covered everything I want to let be known so far about the upcoming projects a couple questions back, but if you want to catch up on my past projects, be sure to go to my Bandcamp page - http://lyriciss. bandcamp.com Is there any thing that you would like to add or say to the audience? Peace to all my fans and supporters listening and shouting out #HVENTS every chance they get...that’s our thing. Curren$y got the #JETS...Logic got the #RattPack...we are the #HVENTS. Young people loving life and striving to get everything we want and need out of life. Make sure you stay in touch with all of the links below and hit me up...I’m here! Peace & hip-hop. TWITTER: @LYRICISS FACEBOOK: LYRICISS.DMV INSTAGRAM: LYRICISS

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Sweet Baby DMV

MEASUREMENTS: 38C-28-40 TWITTER: @IAMSWEETBABY IG: IAMSWEETBABY DIGITAL BONUS + BTS VIDEO

3 KINGS

filled with betrayal and scorned lover infighting.” Fat Trel’s highly anticipated mixtape “Sex Drugz WRITTEN BY LAUREN SPEED | @NEED4LSPEED It’s no secret, DC is known for GoGo music, but Money Gunz” is slated to release this summer. recently a few artists have created a new wave Alexandria, Virginia native, Black Cobain was the first music artist to sign to The Board Administration in the DMV drawing attention to the previously ignored cultural hub’s hip-hop scene. The three in 09’. Graduate of VSU, member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Co-CEO of Young Millionaires… needfellas causing the stir? None other than Fat less to say, Black Cobain represents a completely Trel, Black Cobain and Wale. These three artdifferent side of the DMV hip-hop spectrum than ist, although very different in style and delivery Fat Trel. His Mname Black Cobain originated from coincidently were all once a part of the same a childhood nickname Black being combined with brand, BOA (The Board Administration; a marketing/management label founded by Roc Na- Cobain in homage to his uncle who introduced him to Rock and Roll and world renowned band tion-Maybach Music Group Artist, DMV’s own, Nirvana and front man Kurt Cobain. His first mixWale and Marketing Exec. Le’Greg O. Harrison.). However, the unison was short lived once tape, “Now or Never” is considered to be one of the nation’s capitol most cherished music projects; Fat Trel left the group due to business matters. featuring solid production from Wale, Young Chris, Recently the artists have made amends and have released a song entitled “MFS”. This move Rick Ross, Kingpen Slim, Phil Ade and Ms.Kim (Rare Essence). Black Cobain’s latest release: Virginia may trigger a new movement in the DMV, Fat Niggaz, has teased the anticipation of his up-andTrel known to be a fire cannon, in your face, coming mixtape Young, Gifted & Black 2.” Lastly, rough and tough type of persona has been but certainly not least, the current poster boy for recently named the number one artist in the DMV area. Although his counterpart Wale may the DMV, Wale. The rapper signed to Interscope in 2009 and put DMV hip-hop on the map with Attenhave a bit more clout on the national radar, tion Deficit complete with a Lady Gaga feature. He FT is undoubtedly the hometown hero. With his followed-up with 2011’s Ambition after joining Rick lude, promiscuous and controversial lyrics Fat Ross’ Maybach Music Group. Wale is coined for Trel definitely has a way with words. His most his poetic approach to his lyrics, usually referring popular song to date a Lex Lugerproduced, to his stanza’d flows that make their way onto the ‘Respect With The Teck’ has gained national artist music pieces. Also known for his very fashion attention and drawn comparisons...calling Trel forward style including his crazy sneaker collecDC’s Beanie Sigel. Fader Magazine states: tion (usually rocking unreleased foot gems). Wale’s “ …Both [Beanie Sigel &FT] are street raised eclectic style lands the attention of your favorite and rebellious goon-types who still possess a penchant for traditional lyricism and emotional blogs (be it good or bad). He’s already stirring up a huge buzz for The Gifted his newest album schedhonesty.” uled to release June 25. Adding to the tease Wale … Even to go as far as comparing Fat Trel’s recently released the Remix to “Bad” featuring evrelationship with Wale similar to that of Jay Z eryone’s favorite th“bad girl” Rihanna. Bad – Wale and Sigel. “If you really twist your reasoning you could extend that analogy to include Trel’s Ft. Rihanna The rapper also released, “Poor Decisions” featuring Lupe sometime mentor Fiasco and Rick Ross. Wale as the Jay-Z to his Beans. Though that’d probably be giving Wale too much credit (No GQ) and would unfairly predict a messy future

Samantha Gold DMV

MEASUREMENTS: 38D-26-41 TWITTER: @SAMANTHAGOLD_ IG: GOLDEN_HIPPY

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GRAYSCALE

@ITSDELAROSA x UPTOWNXO x XQZT MAG [XQZT]: So, who is UptownXo? [UXO]: Xo is a very knowledgeable person, since I got that knowledge; I’m just being responsible with it and sharing the wealth. That’s what I’m about…there’s so many ways to describe me or who I am. I think music is a refection of a person, the rap game is fucked up, because n*ggaz music doesn’t really reflect who they are. My music reflects me; it reflects my city and what we are going through as a people. Everybody wants to make music that’s in another world that doesn’t even exist. The music is always gonna reflect what’s going on. What I’m doing is getting money, but still getting back to the essence of where we come from. [XQZT]: So who’s your favorite rapper? [UXO]: My favorite rapper right now is Nas. The last album he put out was classic. I’m inspired by Biggie, Jay Z…definitely some local people… only the greats… Pac, Big Pun, WuTang… I grew up listening to the hiphop legends… they all inspire us. You gotta be a connoisseur of music, to do this shit. Like music is in a glass… like it’s wine. [XQZT]: What’s next for you and Diamond District? [UXO]: We got March on Washington… Oddisee got his album out…my brother yU got a joint coming out with Slim cat of 78. I got ‘The Color Grey’ then Day Parade…in December. It’s gonna be like an extension of The Color Grey album. It’s gonna be like dat. [XQZT]: So who makes your beats? [UXO]: My brother A.B…. A.B The Pro…straight outta South East [DC]. I’mUptown…he’s Southeast. [XQZT]: So how do you feel about the DMV music scene? [UXO]: The DMV scene is popping, shout out to all the new artists…doing there thing, my brother Fat Trel…everybody, my click Secret Society...my brother AB… we have so much talent right here. But what I want is people to concentrate on raising the quality [of the music]…raising the level of the quality…Once we do that ...we gon make history. I want us to step up the plate… that’s not gonna happen if we don’t work on the quality of what we put out. We all got it… but it’s about what we gonna do with it.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: UPTOWNXO.COM FACEBOOK: XOUPTOWN TWITTER: @UPTOWNXO

ItsDelaRosa DMV

MEASUREMENTS: 38C-28-39 TWITTER: @ITSDELAROSA IG: ITSDELAROSA

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Sneak Heat SUMMER 2013’ #XQZT SNEAKER PICKS

XQZT MAG’s picks for the hottest sneaks to hit the streets in Summer ‘13.

Bodega x New Balance 577 – HYPRCAT

+ Air Jordan 5 “Fire Red” (2013)

Brooklyn Projects x Nike SB Dunk Low “Walk of Fame” +

+ Air Jordan 3 “Fire Red”

Foamposite Pro “Army Camo” +

+ Civilist x Nike SB Dunk High

Nike KD 6 “Seat Pleasant” +

Sweet Suleika DMV

MEASUREMENTS: 38C-28-39 TWITTER: @SWEETSULEIKA IG: SULEIKAAA

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INDIAN SUMMER

SUMMER SNAPSHOT & FALL LOOK

+ ALEXANDER MCQUEEN LEATHER PERFORATED SKULL TANK

CUBAN LINK CHAIN +

+ LRG BLACK CAMO SHORTS

+ OBEY TRIBAL PRINT CAP

MOVADO GOLD DIAMOND BEZEL WATCH +

+ GUCCI CODA NEON PINK

+ MICHAEL KORS KHAKI TWO BUTTON LINEN BLAZER

RALPH LAUREN CLASSIC SOLID OXFORD +

+ MARC JACOBS CASUAL PANT

+ BETTANIN AND VENTORI SENTANIL BELT

VERSACE APOLLO WATCH WITH BI-COLOR BRACELET +

+ GIORGIO ARMANI SUEDE WINGTIP OXFORD

PHIL ADE’ @PhilAde_RF philademusic.com

Born Philip Adetumbi, Phil Adé comes from an interesting mix of wordly culture. His Grenadian mother and Nigerian father made sure to keep him close to his strong family heritage. Before settling in the DC metro area, Phil Adé lived in California, Alabama and Florida while his father took various positions in different cities. These experiences, matched with the cultural influences that his parents made sure to incorporate in his life, gave Phil Adé a valuable and international outlook on the world around him. Always a performer, Phil Adé spent his early years singing in church every weekend. He started rapping during his junior year in high school, and the hobby soon morphed into a bonafied craft. Phil Adé took notice, and like a true artist, started studying the artform, paying close attention to the works of veteran rap legends like The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Nas, Kanye West and Lil’ Wayne. Phil Adé found his own artistic identity and, with the encouragement of close friends, noticed that his newly developed talent could actually be a legitimate career.

ODDISEE

@ODDISEE diamonddistrictdmv.com The son of Sudanese and American parents, Amir Mohamed was born and raised in the United States capital city of Washington DC, spending hot summers in Khartoum learning Arabic and swimming in the Nile. Growing up amidst the sounds of New York hip hop, his father playing Oud, Go-Go, and gospel, Amir took his first steps as an MC producer in the analog basement studio of his legendary neighbor, Garry Shider (Parliament Funkadelic). Convincing his entrepreneurial father that he too had business acumen, Amir laid the check from his first commercial release on the kitchen table before his 21st birthday and never looked back. Though Oddisee has gone on to perform with The Roots, produce for Freeway, Jazzy Jeff, Little Brother, De La Soul & Nikki Jean, and has MC’d on production from Flying Lotus, Hudson Mohawke and Kev Brown, his proudest moment was the birth of his critically acclaimed group The Diamond District with fellow Washingtonians X.O. and yU. Known in the music industry for his independence, Oddisee consistently debunks the scatterbrained artist myth - doing everything from booking international tours to photography to marketing and promoting himself and even other artists. He now works as both artist and consultant with Mello Music Group, one of the foremost emerging independent labels to take advantage of the digital revolution to build a successful business. Oddisee’s debut album “People Hear What They See” is a culmination of the duality of his life experiences, from DC internal politics to third world struggles, the line between love and selfishness, and the personal conflict between self-sabotage and progress, set to a backdrop of intricate drums, lush instrumentation, and soul-stirring harmonies.

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Honey Eyes DMV

MEASUREMENTS: 36-26-41 TWITTER: @HONEYEYES2 IG: HONEYEYES2

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RATHEMC RATHEMC.NET @RATHEMC

B-GIRL

TABI BONNEY TABIBONNEY.TUMBLR.COM @TABIBONNEY

FLY GUY

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Delilah Allure DMV

MEASUREMENTS: 36-26-40 TWITTER: @DELILAHALLURE IG: DELILAHALLURE

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LOGIC

NEXT UP: LOGIC WRITTEN BY: LAUREN SPEED | @NEED4LSPEED In just a few years…Robert Hall II also know as ‘Logic’ has gone from a young raw talent to a legitimate Hip Hop artist creeping his way onto everyone’s register. The young Maryland MC got his first introduction to Hip Hop not too long ago; when he discovered that RZA (of Wu Tang Clan) scored Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill’. At the time, Logic was a high school drop out with two drug abused parents, who would rather watch Anime than a Hip Hop video, however he was so impressed with RZA and his cross-over that he decided to do a little more research. What he found definitely changed his life forever. Deciding to dig a little deeper into who exactly RZA was, he found WuTang…and through that found Nas, Big L, Jay-Z, A Tribe Called Quest, KRS-One, Rakim and many others…he pretty much stumbled upon the real golden era hip-hop. He decided to dive into Hip Hop headfirst and hasn’t looked back since. He’s released multiple mixtapes grabbing the attention of the hip hop community and built a pretty sturdy fan base (largely college kids, which Logic finds ironic considering he never completed HS) including nabbing the XXL Freshman 2013 cover. Last March, Billboard declared Logic as the ‘Next Big Sound’, meaning he was the fastest accelerating artist across the Internet gaining fans. Things definitely continue to move full speed ahead for the lyric laced rapper, earlier this year

Logic released his fourth official mixtape; ‘Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever’, completed his first European tour, announced his second headlining national tour, The Welcome to Forever Tour, in support of his latest mixtape and for the kicker…officially became a Def Jam artist when he penned a contract with the label in April of this year. Definitely looking forward to seeing what Logic evolves into as an artist, he definitely has raw talent and crazy drive, the things that superstars are made of. Check out his Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever mixtape on DatPiff which features guest appearances by Jhene Aiko, Kid Ink and Trinidad James to name a few coupled with production by No I.D., Don Cannon, Key Wane and Logic himself. OFFICIAL WEBSITE: MINDOFLOGIC.COM TWITTER: @LOGIC301 INSTAGRAM: LOGIC301 FACEBOOK: LOGIC301

LoveDesireeMore DMV

MEASUREMENTS: 36-26-40 TWITTER: @LOVEDESIREEMORE IG: LOVEDESIREEMORE

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Black Alley XQZT MAG CHOICE FOR BEST BAND IN THE DMV

ART | GRAFFITI COOL "DISCO" DAN has been spraying his tag since 1984. Part of the Go-Go scene of the 80's in Washington; he managed to avoid being jailed or killed unlike a lot of his contemporaries by devoting himself to graffiti rather than becoming involved with drugs or gangs. The pervasiveness of his mark was reported frequently in the local press. He is featured in the book Free Agents, a history of Washington, DC graffiti, and has a page on "Art Crimes" as a featured artist. As he has been writing his tag for so long his work is now part of the landscape of Washington, as attested by mentions of him in George P. Pelecanos' novel Shame the Devil as a "D.C. legend" and in Dinaw Mengestu's novel The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears and in lyrics by Giant Robot and experimental pop act Golden Birds. Works of his have been acquired and exhibited by the Corcoran Gallery of Art. His tag appears briefly in the 1996 motion picture Mars Attacks. His graffiti can also be seen for a moment in "The Frighteners". Used as part of a "Jeopardy!" style answer - Cool "Disco" Dan and God - by the Washington Post Style Invitational, a weekly contest originally in the Sunday edition but now printed on Saturday, the winning "question" was "What two people's help will Mayor Marion Barry need to clean up Washington, D.C.?" He is the subject of a documentary, The Legend of Cool â&#x20AC;&#x153;Discoâ&#x20AC;? Dan. + Wiki

XQZT™ MAGAZINE • AUGUST - NOVEMBER 2013