FLAVORMAG.DE ISSUE #43 ENGLISH FULL

12 36

62 Interview-, Promotion- und sonstige Anfragen. Info: @flavormag.de Alle Ausgaben finden Sie hier: http://www.flavormag.de/ausgaben Chief Editor/ Co-founder - Ron L. Dir. Content Creation - T Global

42 4

Translation - Andrea L. Artist Relations- Frank Cardona Design / Tech support - Timothy M. Design Support - Harry „Rez“ Resnick Events & Branding - K-Sisé Visuals - Zungy X Crush Editiorials - Andreas Schmidt Content Support - Jordan Leigh

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 1

78

54

15 LIFESTYLE 13- Les Nubians 15- Cricket 42- Serrano Sisters 48- Nolan Lee 62- niceKicks 72- Renots Supply Co. 64- Afro Punk Festival

44 INTERVIEWS 08- Antonique Smith 22- Herb Williams 26- Raz Fresco 32- Dj Spinna 36- R.City 44- David Pastorius 54- Lucid Twins

ENTERTAINMENT 06- Urban Shorts 67- Arrow 75- Tech Gadgets 77- Video Games 81- Movies 83- Sound Check

48

26

8 64 FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 2

URBAN SHORTS

Kendrick Lamar is set To Release a Surprise Album“Untitled Unmastered”

it seems that “ untitled unmastered” might be a bunch of tracks that didn’t make it on his last album, “To Pimp a Butterfly” as well as some of the “Untitled” tracks that latley he has been seen performing on a number of high-profile late-night TV shows. Look out!

Method Man hard to work with?

New Method Man Material is always quite difficult to get at ... but Meth is apparently hard at work After 7 years of silence , he now has not one or two ; but three new projects in his lab . The aptly titled : “ Meth Lab “ , followed by “Blackout 3” and finally “Crystal Meth“ as he had announced in an interview . DAMN METH YOU’RE GOING IN FAM!

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 5

B

usta Rhymes and Leaders of the New School re-unite (Album in the works) There was an epic birthday bash for Busta Rhymes with Mariah Carey , Mary J. Blige , P. Diddy & French Montana among the performers. The absolute highlight was the reunion of Busta , Dinco D and Charlie Brown. They were supported by A Tribe Called Quest and actually performed “Whats the Scenario?“. It was classic!

K

ing James Land a lifetime Nike deal.

Sensational deal for LeBron James : Nike has taken the basketball king for life under contract . As a high school student LeBron had already signed his first advertising contract with the sports equipment manufacturer .. Well once again Congratulations , LeBron !

IT‘S A COOKIE FESTIVAL!!

Empires Winter finale brings everything hoped for the fan : the usual drama , coupled with Soul , music , and bling! Jamal approaches the female sex . Is Hakeem the father or not? Lucious risked and lost everything? A mysterious accident brings mortal danger & Cookie goes back to prison.

How will it go on? We shall see in the Spring.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 6

This current project is a collection of love stories and experiences that you can listen to.

- A. Smith

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 7

Antonique

Smith foto credit: Sony/RCA

Hey Antonique , Whats new ? Tell us whats going with the new single?

I’m excited. It came about because of the work I had been doing with Dr. Dre and him giving me some tracks telling me “ he had something he think I would like” I heard the track and was like hey I love it! So me and manager daryl farmer wrote higher and daryl tweeted it.. He did that with Midi Mafia. The premise is I’ve made some mistakes. You know sometimes when we start out in these relationships we want to know wheres it going .. are we a couple all things running through a girls mind. To guys that may be too much cause y’all will just caught out and run when you feel pressured.

Those are valid questions .. but you may want to hold up on those things , but there is something maybe you can say to a guy that will make him look at you a bit different and and maybe make him want that commitment. Its “higher” the concept behind my single: Here is what you can say: The words are “ Don’t you worry. I’m not trying to change you , I won’t chase you , I’m only trying to elevate you higher of you let your guard down.

This all from personal experience ? Did you build the project off that or did this particular experience fall into a project you already were working on?

We were just creating and making music and generally whenever I’m in the studio I’m writing on current events and topics win my life. This is really a collection of love experiences. The first single was hold up wait a minute which was nominated for a grammy.. thats self love , take your power back type ion thing , and higher is about making a wise decision early in a relationship.. then I have a song called free love which is about going out there and taking a chance to be loved , then I have a song called (Take a chance)and its about no fear. Now we have the new thing written with emily sand and Toby Gad. A lot of times people focus on what they lack in stead of focusing in on right now. All we really have is now. its a great message for a tune. I have a habit of trying to force certain things.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 8

Explain a bit for us the Act on Climate tour and you as activist.. how did that all come something to do?

The news we hear about the polar bears and the climate changing plus the movie “The Day After Tomorrow” and all that ..? its a part of it but, the part that I’m most concerned with are the people dying in the urban cities of America right here in front of us. Especially in black communities there are very powerful companies that are building things next to us that cause people asthma and cancer. Realize 68% of us in our community have these health issues.

What’s so amazing is that people in our community were taught this was hereditary when it’s not. It’s a clear health issue. My sister has special needs and people with disability can’t generally speak for themselves so they need someone as a protector. She’s 21 yrs old now and she’s a sweetheart but she will always be mentally about 6 yrs old. What I really care about is people. What we’ve done is travelled to Atlanta , Ferguson Missouri , Detroit , Baltimore, D.C. , Brooklyn & Birmingham. There are major issues with being killed in the streets unarmed then the other is our environment. The earth has a short window as well because we will not be able to survive the earth.. it will eventually kill us , but right now it’s about the people in the inner cities of America.

That’s what was ironic about Eric Garner was he had asthma as the cops strangled him and he lived in the inner city.

Do you bring your activism into your music?

I don’t really do that as much, but people in general are excited to hear in general what I have to say.

Any dates into the winter?

We are doing some promo at the moment.. I have the IBFF where my movie stock option .. will be on tv 1 on oct 17 with Tasha smith, Amy Josef , Aron Spears.. I keep joking because you’ve seen me in three movies beating people up and shooting a gun.. so this is a bit different. This is more of a romantic comedy for me. Its my forte romantic comedy. My ep will be out in November its called “ Love Is Everything” . I feel if there is more love in the world..I have some more acting projects on the table. I dd something

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 9

with Lorenze Tate that comes out next year.. and then my full album comes out next year , so a lot coming out.

Was it music or acting first?

In My heart the music.. lol yeah. The music. You have to realize Whitney Houston is also from where I grew I grew up in East Orange New Jersey and when I heard voice as a little girl thats who I modeled my singing after. An agent heard me sing and I got my job on 100 center street .. and then rent on broadway and the rest was history. I was always in church plays and stuff too.. Anytime someone had production in church I was in it..

Any last words?

Yes, check out higher on iTunes ..my ep is out nov check out hiphopcaucus.org , cover called home.. Malik Yusef produced it (youtube) . antonique.com .. its really me on my pages hit me up.. jump on the journey with me.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 10

Les Nubians K: Say “Hi” to Germany!

L:es Nubians : Hi Germany!

K: Can you guys give us a quick synopsis of what has happened since “Makeda”?

Helene: Makeda was the Queen of Sheba. Makeda was an amazing black woman who King Solomon, as soon as he saw this woman, he fell down, and was like “I want to possess you”. Makeda was like you can’t possess me, I can eventually do something with you, but you have to be smart. He was super smart, and the way he tricked

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 11

her was by by serving her salted water and salted meals.

He then told her “I see that you are a very independent woman but if you ever need anything from me, even water from my well, I will possess you”. He tricked her, he served her salty and spicy food. In the middle of the night, Makeda is thirsty like you can’t imagine and she sent her servant to get water. She got caught, and from that day on, Solomon was like “You’re my wife”. But Makeda is literally the beginning of the lineage you see in Ethiopia of Menelik and all the other kingdoms that developed after him, all the way to King Selassie I. She is a strong figure for African history.

Helene: We separated from our major record company in 2006. From there we started to work independently.

“Nu Revolution” is really our dear baby. It took us quite a while to put it together, stepping in the indy world was definitely something new, so we had to find the right partners, the right producers and the right way to make it happen. We created our label in America in 2000, because we kind of felt what would be next. It was natural that we would come to the U.S. to release the album, so we moved from France to America to make it happen.

K: What’s the name of the label?

Helene: Nubiatik Publishing because we wanted to release not only music but books. The first release from our independent label is a book-CD of poetry; spoken word, in English and and in French because we want people to feel like they are not disconnected and they can have access to not just the groove and melody [of the poetry], but the meaning, which is very important to us.

[After that], came “Nu Revolution”.

K: Talk to us about the difference between being on a major label and being an independent artist.

Celia: Makeda is our song, which made us travel a lot up to now. We started coming to the U.S. around 1999 intensively…. The song went from college radio to mainstream. So Hip Hop radio was playing it, R&B Radio was playing it, college radio was playing it, and then everybody’s radio was playing it, in French. So that’s how the story started, per se. The song is from our first album called “Princesses Nubiennes” We did a second album called “One Step Forward”, which is an interesting album because we composed it thinking about a sunny side, and a moon side. So for us, there are songs that represent the sun and songs that represent the moon. The moon is family, the moon is spiritual, the moon is intimate. On “One Step Forward” we were nominated for a Grammy for “J’veux De La Musique” on alternative R&B category. [After that] It was Nu Revolution.

K: Was “Nu Revolution” a part of the major label package?

Because you guys were signed to a major record label.

Helene: Well, It’s a lot of work. Suddenly you aren’t babysitted by your record company. But it depends on the artist, and what your focus is. For us, we had a clear vision of what our music should sound like, what we talked about, our [image], the team of artists we wanted to work with for visuals. When you have focused and planned images of what you want to do, I think that you, better than anyone else, can handle it. It was really about getting back our freedom. A major can be a little needy, for greedy reasons. Sometimes, you’re asked to do strange stuff, or features that don’t mean a thing to you but means something for the record company, or presenting your image differently, where you know exactly what you stand for and you don’t just want to be dancing [twerking] on walls and like, wearing swimming suits. So it’s really about the vision, and we defended our vision. At one point, unfortunately, with the record company, the vision and the means to make it were not speaking the same language, and this is where we split. It’s a lot of work for artists to become entrepreneurs, to become literally the C.E.O of their own company. I was lucky enough that I got my degree in law so it was easy for me to jump into the business side of it…. Independent music makes you transform. You need a lot of humilty because the people you meet, you don’t know where you’re going to meet them again, and you will need them in your business.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 12

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// “Revolution” for us is living out our dreams“ -Celia (Les Nubians)

K: Where did Helene and Celia decide that they want to take the Les Nubians brand with this new project?

Celia: One thing that we agreed on was that we wanted it to be a little bit more uptempo, we’re not talking about a “powerhouse” album, but it was a little bit more uptempo because that was the energy we wanted, we needed, and we wanted to share with the people. We needed this uptempo energy to incite us for action, and also [to incite] the people for action. “Reve” means “dream” in french, so it’s the evolution of our dreams. How do you create your dreams? How do you recreate yourself? How do you still keep on being who you are with a new view, in a new time? People often think dreaming is passive, and that’s why we like to put that action (starts moving rhythmically).

Helene: In south American culture, especially for Mexicans, dreams are not insignificant. Reality starts to be created from a dream. Dreams are very powerful in Mexican culture… I truly believe that people’s souls get crushed because we detach from them and one of

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 13

the ways we detach from our souls is not believing in our dreams, which is not believing in ourselves, and our vision of ourselves, our vision of the future, our vision of the present. We need to be very aware of our dreams and cherish them, take care of them like an egg. If Martin Luther King didn’t take care of his dream then nothing would have happened in this country. So let’s continue to dream and let’s make new dreams for a beautiful future all together.

K: You know what that made me think of? Your single “Veuillez Veiller Sur Vos Reves”, can you translate the meaning for us?

Both: It means “Do Not Let Your Dreams Fall Asleep” K: That’s exactly what we’re talking about right now.

Shout out to John Banzai Both: Yes! Hey John, we love you John!

K: What’s next for you guys? Because you never really stopped touring.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Celia: People ask “Where have you been?” We’ve been always working, we’ve been always playing. We are stage artists meaning that we started by performing, our first discipline is performance. So while we were off of the cameras, we were performing all over the world. We were in Indonesia, in Swaziland, you name it, in Brazil, and that’s a big part of our life because when you have a message you want to deliver it in person. You want to serve people.

K: And you guys have been building a really loyal fan base by being all over the world and connecting with all these people which, as independent artists, you have to have.

You don’t have these big marketing budgets. You don’t have the ability to reach every single person with millions of dollars on commercials, so you have to go and touch every single person to make sure those people feel you, cause they’re going to come out of their pocket and say, not that I’m giving you money, but that I’m supporting what you guys do, cause you guys hit something inside of me.

Celia: And it’s not all about making money, but supporting.

K: You guys do. Every time I go to a show, your fans are your family.

Helene: Absolutely. We’re very close, we love them, a lot of them, we saw through time, we saw the babies, we saw them meeting, we saw them getting married.

The babies that were made to Makeda, the babies are growing up and they now come running to us and we’re like “Oh wow, those are Makeda’s babies”. So for next year, we are recording, as we get ready to celebrate our 20th anniversary. So there will be a special release next year and touring. We’ll be in Europe next year so..

K: Deutschland, they’re coming!

Helene: Deutschland, we’ll be back!

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 14

Foto To: Tine Gatchalian

JAMES “CRICKET” COLTER Cricket explains his early beginnings in dance culture: I use to step out at the skating rings in the burbs of new jersey. Then I got the boot from my school Sean from the skating ring. Team clubs were big back then because the discos in Philly back then. This is 1984. I never had a gateway to breaking but I was there at the time. All the kids unblock read comics and did nerdy shit like draw.

But I ran into Sean Green and he started taking me to teen cubs in Philly called electric playground. That was the one I saw Sekou for the first time also. I didn’t know I could really get down until I started going out and getting some response from people , then I was like you this dope ?? And it kind of started from there.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE //16

What was the transition into professional for you?

The south Philly area we had a tv show called dancing on air that turned into “Dance Party USA” , and then Renny harris was the floor manager on the show. Renny had a crew called the scanner crew they were a breaking popping crew. I was at the time dancing for local rappers.. penny was the floor manager he was that dickhead dude he was the floor manager, he was the one that dude was like .” YO he’s the OG !!” I was like nah really , I didn’t know he could dance.

I was also at time running with my dude Clyde and he told me Renny was holding auditions for a new group. I didn’t make the audition though.. lol The thing about it all was that penny hired all the best dancers but they never showed up to rehearsal..lol So there were the dancers penny wanted and the dancers Renny had too take at the time it was US! lol So as the show began to roll and blow up a good friend of mine named “BJ” went to tech school and had met the Step Fenz .. he was familiar with the scene. There was no internet and was traveling to NY going to sound factory bar and told me about so I got on the scene there in NY.

,You’ve been around the world with your dance at this point.. Where are some of the places you have been?

Poland, Finland ,Japan, China, Scotland, Ireland, England, Holland ,too many to name ..lol What does this say for the culture you were raised in? The fact that you are demanded around the world..

Well you have to realize for an african american male at our time the only was to see the world was through the military.. so my dad was hard pressed on me for that, but I was blessed enough to do it another way. For all of these young black inner city males coming up with music on their mind you need to inspire them. Look man , I was able to take my nephew on tour with me and he’s a young dj.. I think its important to show these kids the impact o their culture around the world and use it as gateway to see it all. Its theirs.

You are and always have been somewhat of an illustrator and artist whats up with that?m How do you balance that?

Art is a solitary thing and Im a social dude it Cricket gives us the scene in Philly in the early requires that you stay home and practice my craft.

I like togo out and dance so sometimes their is a 90’s : conflict in that but I always did the art thing. I think now that I’m getting older I see more success for During that time Philly had nothing no real urban illustrators. thing like boondocks and all that crews going down. I would go to Ny to get you know? My main thing is to get this theatre charged. It was like Philly was getting skipped thing going also. I’m really ready to be creative and over . There were crews in NY and D.C. but not not wait for everything to be “perfect” to start this in Philly. You had to be there to really inspire other than the internet then. The beauty of step new phase of my career. I aways said to myself I’m going to wait until a certain moment when I have fens was it was more than breaking you could everything in place but.. its just time to go for it. dance you could freestyle you could do it all. I Then things will come into place. wanted that for Philly. That’s how crazy natives got started and the same for Conneticut with Any Shout outs bro?

“Problemz Krew”. I wanted the same thing for those dudes when we got down. It never seemed I want to give a shout to my greatest inspiration in to take in Philly though . Philly always seemed to be into heavy breaks strictly, so I just let it be. dance “Tony Bonz” man dude is a physical genius “ Brooklyn terry” my tour guide , my brother BJ , I let them do their thing. Then everyone kind of moved on so about 93-94 dancer wise the house Cyclone , Steezo all of the Step Fenz we’re like a scene in Philly faded. I wanted what N.Y. had a bit family.. everyone in breaks crew.. Philly, Hussain, Markus , Adrian, everyone in problems crew , elite more of which was dancing and breaking. force, dance fusion.. and my moms pops sisters , everyone in my family.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 16

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 18

Foto: Belinda Lawley

“For drawing you have to sit at home and practice but I‘m a rather a sociable guy who likes to go out dancing.“ - James “Cricket“ Colter

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 18

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 22

HERB MIDDLETON “MAKING THE UNKNOWN KNOWN” Producer, Musician and Song writer - Herb Middleton Launches HerbMiddletonmusic.com we sat with the veteran music man a got a scope on whats new and what he has been doing away from the scene after his multiplatinum run with artist from Bobby Brown to arguably the greatest of all time in Rap NAS. BigHerbs Bodega is now open and the vibrations are seriously “positive” Where did it begin ?

My mother bought me a Mikey mouse drumb set the but playing bass guitar bought me to recording. I then was playing in a local latin band.. I of course also played in Church. I had played drums, keys and all.. It might have been the 70’s major hip hop on the wholethat was big for me when ps48 would throw parties .. that feeling was incredible . The hip hop culture was a concept I was taken to with BT express and Kool and The Gang , that stuff turned me on.. I found myself later in the mirror with a broom pretending like I was playing Bass like “Kool” from Kool and the Gang. I never attended music academies or anything.. I just kind of picked it up in the church. My brother was a major influence .. he had Barry White records, Kool and the Gang a lot of records like BT express and stuff like that, so While I was getting hip hop in one hear I was also getting the other R&B and soul of that time. As I talk about it today, it seems it fused together into what I today.

I had a boss pad ..I was a mentor Lars Holland he put me on to Bruce Nickels he set me up with equipment he loaned it to me on an Atari 1040 it was a pro24 program and 4 track, I had to bounce it a thousand times and that was the beginning stages. I also had a roland D50 and few sound modules on the side.. I can’t remember the drum machine I had. I was producing but songwriting was was got me.. an inspiration singer by the name of Dotty Jones. I demed the song and got the placement. I was like wow maybe I can rock out.. and do this. I already had the set up musically and I'm the

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 23

Yes I have produced alot , but composimg the lyrics are always very important because they come from my Heart - Herb Middleton first thing that really broke me was co-writitng a song for Bobby Brown called “one more night”.

Teddy Riley got wind of my production and he sent for me to come to V.A. and signed me as a producer but I needed up not signing with him and working on one more night.. it went double platinum. That's the Album Bobby and Whitney made "we got something in common".

I was thinking what you did with Kenny Lattimore..?

I did all this love and forever for Kenny.. some Ballads. I also worked with Nas on the “Streets Disciple “ album and I did the flyest with him and AZ but I didn’t use my name .. I wanted to protect my identity because I was being conscience of what the lyric was like…from the spiritual standpoint .. I try not to mix it. I have convictions as a father and a husband..

Sometime as a producer in HIP HOP you do a track and it turns out with lyrics you might not want to know for producing, so I used a pen name. It feels like music has lost its respect for a lot things in life like women and effecting our younger generation. Music is without language.

The vibrations of it are serious What would you like to do now?

What I’m doing now I’m focusing on exposing my brand to people who love what I do.

Al West , Dave Hall these guys and some peers of mine will be working on Herb Middleton music.. I mean after the Nas project it seemed all sounded the same on the radio and all. Long story short here I am presenting tracks in N.Y. at the labels and they would hear my sound and be like “can you make a track like producer X” ? I think they wanted me to do what was already a sound that was hot on the radio. They didn’t want the sound of music that I was known for making. Thats not who this is? I got frustrated with all.. I did a song called take it off and my wife was like thats your song. I was like wow this straight soft porn. I couldn’t do it anymore .. it was not my style foget the money; it was like ” Yo” what to tell my kids? Is that daddys work?

Nah. The good news was I did have a bunch a records in the vault. I had made a lot of quality records that never came to the light so thats what I’m doing right now. I worked on a Pretty Ricky tune with a joint with Glenn Jones from back in the day; just doing a lot of records and taking control of my destiny so to speak..I want to give a shout out to Germany.. I always get a good vibe from them; shout out to my cousin KD zulu, shout out to (you) everyone thank you and look out for my project with my artist Devine she’s a beast.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 24

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 25

von: Swabie Crocket foto: Mr. Green

RAZ FRESCO Raz Fresco - please introduce yourself briefly

Hey, I‘m Ras Fresco representing my crew Bakers Club and my hometown Toronto. Since July my album Pablo Frescobar is very fresh on the market.

You and music - how did it to you?

Well, for me there was no moment of enlightenment or something, Its Hip Hop which is what I want to do for the rest of my life. However, my earliest childhood memories revolve back to Hip Hop. Since 4 or 5 years old, FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 27

I have been surrounded by hip hop and was influencedby it. My hometown Toronto is a very Caribbean-influenced city; These elements and influences can also be found in my music in my lyrics and of course you can hear it in my sound.

Through my roots are in Toronto, I think I differ from many other musicians.

So you carry the Sound of Toronto in your music?

Definitely. It is important as an artist to be aware, to define yourself but also continuously to develop and grow. It’s always better to integrate different elements in my music. In the

lecture about the Middle Ages. We had to run our own research. I searched on Limewire for a few Rap Instrumentals and I wrote an 8 minute rap about the Middle Ages which I presented to my class. My teacher gave me an A+ for my presentation, and next I was allowed to do it for students in front of the entire school. Dope memories.

Tell us about your new project ... what‘s the vibe and what is the concept behind it?

beginning, I also used the influences of the artist around me but the more I develop innward, the more I‘m going to make myself more unique and personal, for my audience.

When did you start with Hip Hop? Do you remember as Nelly, the beginning of 2000? I was about 5 or 6 years old, spent my summer in Jamaica & Nelly‘s debut album was my soundtrack at the time. I listened to the album non stop from beginning to end, wrote the lyrics to the songs and brought my family on. Those were my humble beginnings. In the 4th grade, we were given the task to give a

My current project “Pablo Frescobar“ was released on July 1, 2015 On the album there are people like Raekwon, Chuck English, Bishop Nehru. With the exception of the intro “Life from Haze”, I produced the entire album itself. It took 3 years, to get this project off the ground; that was quite a long time, but I just wanted it all to be produced at a higher level. I had previously worked the game with mixtapes that I had already published but you have to challenge yourself to evolve too. Me? I feel guilty if I’m not giving all to my fans plus added to that ; I also want to dedicate time to the business, continue to grow, and continuously build on our successes. Team building, for example is one aspect. The production and maintenance of contacts and relationships like Duck Down Records. The current project is a reflection of my development as an artist .“ Pablo Frescobar” is my baby & you want to raise your child properly dress it up & prepare it, before it is presented to the world . All of these steps need their time.

My sound is now elements from the Golden era of hip hop in itself . I give it my own twist .

Overall, the sound is very diverse . Some tracks have a nice bounce with real dope beats . Other tracks have a rather slower pace , such as “For the gods” , then there is also “Another Nigga “ a rather conceptual / thoughtful song . The album is quite diverse , we put a lot into it.

And how did the collaboration with Duck Down Records ?

Between my first solo project and the current project I left everything to go a little slower. I had worked on several collaborations , among others with my homie Chill Will . Last year I published my mixtape “The Screwface Tape” so I FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 28

“ WHO KNOWS WHERE MY JOURNEY LEADS ME “ - RAZ FRESCO came to New York a lot to build relationships period ; so basically running around town I ran into them and things built from there.

And for that alone you traveled to New York ?

Ever since I was 16 years old I came regularly to New York. I have family I can stay with when I come to visit. Last year I put my efforts into finding a good strong business partner. This resulted in good things with Duck Down Records. Many people think that today‘s Hip Hop is a bunch of lost youth but we are representing another generation with a clear structure and a plan. Speaking on our team.

Where does this awareness comes to you ?

I just wanted to know precisely what is the basis of culture, which I represent. So I went to the history of hip hop on the ground. I‘ve always been quite curious, and have eagerly studied the culture but this also includes the history and culture of blacks and their roots in North America in general. You have to be aware of and how they have evolved over time partly go back into history. A look at Just what was going on in NY in the 60’s Malcolm X was here and the 5percent nation. That was just 10 years before the birth of hip-hop. This was the breeding ground for the emergence of the movement. The youth accepts Hip Hop culture, and develops it continuously from the 80’s to the 90’s and as far as the 21th century. Hip Hop is already 30 or 40 years old and has grown over generations, it continues and I am a supporter of this culture. Its beginnings and evolution is what I’m interested in. We want to capture this time period and their movements in my music. The youth movement in hip hop was the inspirational force in the community who wanted to spread knowledge and awareness.

How do you view the state of Rap music now?

There are some people today that stick with the trends of the culture and study this art form.

Therefore, I am very fussy with the different elements, which I will incorporate into my production. Hip Hop is a business also, it‘s all about the Hustle. The artist now hear very differently than I, they have a different mindset. Many see the successful rapper and the money they earn; which FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 29

is clearly their motivation but my motivation is another, and you can clearly hear it in my music.

At the end of the day, whether I‘m the one, or someone else comes along; the music and culture will continue to exist and evolve. I think this happens regardless.Everything moves naturally and constantly forward. 200 years ago there were still slaves in this country. 100 years later, they were free, but segregation still existed; and today, I can go wherever I want to go. I can chill in the library and read whatever I want or I can surf the internet for information. I‘m free to do whatever I want. Who knows what will happen in the next 100 years? I just want to be part of this natural process, and hope that when people look back at me, they see someone who has attempted to advance the culture.

Tell us more about your current project.

On “Pablo Frascobar“ I did a lot of tracks with videos and visuals to push. I want to go on tour with it. I have just did a few appearances on “Joey Badass” tour . I have my show skits down and refined at this point so that I am ready to go on tour and to fill a couple of halls and clubs.

In particular, with the music that I now have in catalog already.

What‘s the first single, we can expect?

The album is already on the market since July 1. And since then I have published 5 singles, 3 of them with accompanying video. I recently released “Up North“. The first single, however, was “Screwface City“, then followed “Cortez Nikes“ with Chuck English. I also have a video for “Euqinox“ with Bishop Nehru outside. For “Warning Shots / Last Murder“ I shot a video in Philadelphia. And “Influenza“ with Raekwon is also available as a single. Next in line is a video for Swerving and Babe. More videos are being planned.

You seem to be pretty busy what up?

As I said, one of my goals is soon to go on tour.

Whether sooner or later who knows where my journey leads me. Tours and more attention for my

foto: Mr. Green

music are clear objectives. So when I am working on my next project, I have built a solid foundation, I can continue to expand and grow from. I‘m building this on my own, the Independent Artist. That is why it is so important that I’m constantly adding new music to bring out staying in the ear of the people. I would like to continue to develop not only as a musician and rapper, but also expand my position as a producer and continue to work with a variety of artists... Of course I also want to expand my Bakers Club brand.

With whom would you like to collaborate, with the you have not already collaborated? Is there to your current project features that you want to highlight?

There are many people with whom I would like to work with, for example, Reggie P. and I also have a collaboration with Bodegabamz the in planning and with some people from A$AP. What is eaxctly is going on with your brand “Baker‘s Club”?

The name comes from my very first mixtape “Welcome to the Baker‘s Club“, which developed into a movement.

My Baker‘s Club Homies Chill Will of Washington, 6Letter and Brisk from Toronto. My Homie Lowthrax from Little Rock, Arkansas, is also just in New York to a video shoot with me. This is the movement that I‘m pushing on. The Lowthrax and I are here together to produce a video that is the type union of diverse people and forces that I have already mentioned. We differ from many of the other clicks , already its known that our members do not all come from the same places. For example, you have the A$AP family in Harlem and ProEra in Brooklyn ; But Baker‘s Club has people in Toronto, in Washington, in Little Rock down south , and in Columbus ohio.

How did you all come together for the club ?

When I started in 2009 with my music, I knew from the start that I had to start my own movement that is greater than myself. One thing that can identify with is the people. I want to interact with the most diverse artists and make dope music. After I brought out the FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 30

“When youre on the scene you to get know everyone and everyone gets to know you“ - - RAZ FRESCO

video for “War Star“, I got a lot of production request. I‘ve always produced all my own stuff.

All beats from my first mixtape came from me and now I have produced for Raekwon, Bishop English and The Kids Pool. I produce much for Will Churchill and Lowthrax and in addition to the work that I am doing for my crew, I have got in some credits for B.O.B. , Wale, Tyga, Big Sean, French Montana and Mac Miller.

Who came up with the idea of “Baker‘s Club“ to start?

“Welcome to the Baker‘s Club“. The name came from a line that I wanted to use for a song back then but not for my mixtape “I‘m all about the dough, “welcome to the Baker‘s Club“ was the hook. I found the pun really dope, and I thought that would be a fitting name for the crew with matching logo.

There is a very strong music scene in Toronto besides Drake but have you ever thought about working with him?

We ran into each other one time at an event in Toronto. Then later his team got in touch with me with a for a production request and I went to work and produced beats for Drake‘s “Nothing was the same” ; But at the end of the collaboration it fell flat; he opted for other beats.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 31

Kardinal Official, a member of the influential but little rap community in Toronto ... is still on the scene ?

Sure, he has influence in Toronto. His style to mix rap with Caribbean sounds ? Was the shit.

The first time I met him was last year at a show.

But he is still the OG. Toronto has a very creative, but small artistic community, a smaller version of New York. The infrastructure is much smaller, also the networking options too. If you on the scene, then you know everyone, and everyone knows you.

When was the point of in your life where you knew music was an occupation for you?

You mean, when I realized that I would earn my living? Since my early youth me with music and I knew that I wanted to make my money. I was always a good student, had good grades and was intellectually sharp . My teacher knew that I had a good head But when people asked me what I would like to be then? A “Rapper“ was always immediately my reply. . When I got into high school, I started music projects to establish myself such as “Welcome to the Baker‘s Club“.

Later I became aware that I had the talent for it, and I knew I just had to work.. just constantly work. the question has never been: Can I?“ But “How can I get that? So basically find out which processes I must take time to reach my goals.

What are your long term career goals ?

I want to be an artist with a catalog of quality music . Music that has a lasting effect on people As humans, we are constantly changing on us and continue to develop . I see where the music is today , and understand whow it evolved. I want to be part of this development . I want to inspire people and knowledge to share with you . If people understand where they and their culture and the music originate , they understand better what now in society is going on. This understanding , I think , can solve many problems . This can be seen even in the most movements from the past . This understanding I want to convey with my music , and so I hope to positively influence people , But I think I am already on this journey , I just need to keep going . Imagine Nas before his generation and the influence he had on the kids who grew up with him or even imagine Rakim. Imagine that the the two of them never came out. Realize that because of Rakim, Nas came out with “ILLmatic “. Rakim knew he was advanced but not knowing what he would leave for others , he simply just did his thing.

For me ? If I just go on as I said before and build up on it and grow; I might make an impression on people and they can be inspired. Part of the Hip Hop culture is understanding the community and developing others & sometimes being the one that passes on something you did to the following generations.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 32

Spinna

DJ

Tto herarerarefunkbreed that gave us remixes from De la soul grooves to this day that gave us the chills

before we loose ourselves on the dance floor. We can thank DJ Spinna for some good times spinning live and good grooves for the soul. If it real, if it has substance , if it is a contender for” classic” Maybe Dj Spinna is the creator of that record. We have many personalities in the DJ world that tend to be much louder than Spinnas humbled persona, however few may ever be able to achieve one quarter of his vast creative highlights in music. We are proud to present "A pit stop in the UK” with Brooklyn Native DJ Spinna.

Spinna - I have a new jig master album coming next year slated for march. Folks wondered what happened to us like we stopped recording. Life happens and we work when we can. It seems the time is right ..because there is so much quality boom bap coming out. These kids that missed the first boom bap era on n their late 20’s. Im just keeping it going. I’m thankful. Thankful of the technology and all..

Flavor: You’ve worked on a lot of machines in your day to program? what did you work on?

Spinna- I didn’t own my own gear until 1994.. I use to work on the Sp1200 and the Akai s950 and before that the first time I had went in the studio... Back then what I used was the “dmx” this is the machine that we heard records like “Sucka Mc’s” from Run Dmc , most of the stuff I think Rick Ruben was doing music on at the time. Then there was the Emax the pre cursor to eps-16 , its prehistoric now.. but Im talking like 87 then

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 33

the sp 1200 and then the Akai. I love the 3000 , and the renaissance but .. I need native instruments..with the Komplete 8..sonic wise its just right. Machine is taking over bro. When you like to make whole songs and color stuff up its the right thing to do it. Its taking over.

Flavor: What types of music really got you going?

Spinna - so basically I’m a disco baby.. its like brooklyn and deco went hand and hand during the time I grew up. I look back and see it was inevitable. I grew up with disco its was natural thing. I started dh’ing at 12-13 yrs old. The records I learned to dj with were disco, R&B and roller-skate records. In N.Y. you had to have everything. Later in the early 90’s things like break for love became apart of the collection. I did go to the Paradise Garage in its final year.. I had older dudes that got me in. Wow man the garage in its last year it changed my life. When that era ended I was a bonified club head. I went to places like the world, “The red zone”, Marz .. then I went to college in 89 and started doing parties there. I think I took a midi course in college because that was new. I learned to do some things in college. I got some stuff from then that could still drop now..lol FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 34

Flavor: That sound is back?

Spinna - the whole sound has reserved again.. yeah. Its like I just came up with whole era of under ground records being made due to the frustration with the record labels and everyone started putting out records independently. I got bored with rap I wanted to try my hand at the other sound. The underground rap scene was flooded. I got down with "Rawkus Records" , then they began to go for radio records and when they disbanded it destroyed a lot. I started just coming out to London here a lot creating and it been a growth process. but.. I did just speak to Timmy Regisford a moment ago, he’s got a new club opening up to continue the "Shelter”. So I basically am a serious shelter head Flavor: What are you up to in UK right now?

Spinna - I had a gig in brixton and gig Saturday when I come home to NY so Ive been here for about ten days on work.

Flavor: Whats you're creates moment in music though you’ve had many?

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 35

“I put in more work on Native Instruments with the “ Komplete 8 “ it’s perfect for me , the sound is just right” - DJ Spinna

Spinna - The whole Stevie Wonder thing was crazy because I started a party with Bobbito humbly and it turning onto me being invited to his home and sitting with him at his home and having dinner and all. Its almost hard for imagined it went down.

Flavor: I know you have to run but anything to look forward to date wise in Germany or the states?

Spinna- Im doing an event next week for J Dillas brother ( ILLA J) he has an album coming. I’m also doing a block party for a resuraunt in Brooklyn called Bed Vyne next week also you should come out to.

Flavor: Yo Thanks ..any shout outs?

Spinna -Yeah shout out to my home town of Brooklyn and everyone around the globe.. look out for Jigmasters.!

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 36

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 37

R. CITY Flavor : Timothy - congratulations on your success so you‘re touring of Germany is see. How did this musical journey actually begin? Originally you come from the Caribbean , strictly speaking the Virgin Islands right?

Timothy: My brother and I are Rock City, shortly R.City. We were born in St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. St. Thomas has a nickname: Rock City. Most think the Caribbean is paradise on earth but my brother and I grew up in the slums. Sure, there are corners in St. Thomas that are like paradise, but that‘s only one side of the city. We come out of the ghetto, and built up literally out of nowhere. If you look at the cover of our new album, you can see my brother and me 3, 4 years old with microphones in their hands to show a symbol of our dream, we have followed that deram since childhood. Many people tend to know each other as a songwriters and think that we are new independent artist but in the Virgin Islands, since our high school days we have been one of the biggest bands out. After high school, we decided to stay in the United States to pull to expand our career there. After a brief, less successful time in Miami, we ended up in Atlanta down where we did our first shows. We understood that as a sign to try it there. In the beginning we did talent shows. First, we were hoping that we would be discovered, on the other hand you could also win money . We won so many of these shows and at one time it was our source of income so we stayed in Atlanta because of

that; then we had no choice but to go back to St. Thomas. We already were seen as stars, but when we arrived back at home we had hard times odd jobs looking to make money. After one year, we moved back to Atlanta , and again we started, but this time we were luckier : through a friend we came in contact with Akon who was at the beginning of his career . He prepared to go on tour and needed a DJ . We introduced him to our friend and former DJ Benny D , with whom we had already worked on the Virgin Islands . Benny D. was Akons tour DJ .

After the tour, then we began to talk about a possible record deal for us on Akon‘s label.

We wrote a few songs for Akon and our track “The Rain“ made it to his album. This brought us a lot of attention and opened us some doors. Suddenly the most the funniest people wanted to get songs written by us but we wanted to establish ourselves as artist ; due to the many requests for our songs. Now we make money with song writing, our “full time“ jobs and focus entirely on the music. You know, our plan was to bring out our own music but back then it did not work with the deal on Akon‘s label ...so we continued to write songs for other artists, while we put our own music career on hold. Honestly it was difficult and the demand for our own music was weak at the time. Apart from our fan base in the Caribbean, no one was cheking for R.City ,so we concentrated all our efforts on writing.

We hoped that if we first established ourselves as songwriters, we could then use this as a vehicle for our own music ; and so it happened finally. Today we travel the world

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 38

“ Today We Travel The World & Live Our Dream“ - R.City and live our dream.

Flavor: Why did the collaboration with Akon not work on his label?

Timothy: I think it was just a matter of timing. We got along really well with Akon, which certainly was not the problem. But Akon‘s success made him at once a very busy man.

He founded and maintained his own plattform while simultaneously mutated into an international superstar , but he took care of everything always. We understood Akon‘s situation. It was just very hard to get his focus for our project while simultaneously managed his label, his career and his tour itself.

Nevertheless, we got a lot of credit for our work.. When we released the track “Losing It“, which was not an immediate success with the radio stations but, there are many people who speak to us today about the song wherever we go. The track has really argues with them. I think at that time but the time was not right for us.

Flavor: To what extent has your Caribbean origins influenced your career? Basically, the Virgin Islands belong to the territory of the United States , have you advantages or disadvantages from that , and how has your move affected your career ultimately?

Timothy : The move was the best decision we could have made for our career . Still, it was not an easy development . For Americans , we are the islanders from the Caribbean and definitely not American. No matter how often we tell them that we come from the US Virgin Islands , we therefore use the same currency and governed by the laws of the United States but to most it makes no difference. We can leave our

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 39

accent behind and rap but we will always be put into the Caribbean artist “box”. It makes no sense to people that we rap and we come from a Caribbean island. It was not easy to gain a foothold in the States.

We left our home in order to reach the land of opportunity. In the Virgin Islands, the possibilities are to develop a better life, rather limited. Strictly speaking, there are two ways: if you are lucky and the right connections, you can get a secure government job but to land a well-paying job with the authorities, you need relationships. You have to know someone who knows someone . Just a good resume and a formal application aint enough over there. Then illegal activities are usually the other option.

My brother and I did'nt have those types of connections, actually my father knew a lot of people in higher positions from his school days but he had chosen the other way. He was hustling the streets, so unfortunaly ended up in prison.

After he had served his sentence, and was back home, he became aware of how much time he had lost with his family, and moments he missed with his children that he would never get back. My father turned around his whole life. He chose “honest“, legal work so he could be there for his family and this path was anything but easy.

My brother and I had the feeling that we would never make it out of the ghetto, when we were in St. Thomas but our father and our people gave us the confidence that we can do it with our music. We decided to leave everything behind and go to America. We did not care about whether the people there we come about our accent, or about the from the Caribbean and rap, laughing. Weknew , we would show it to the world. The Caribbean has

far more islands and cultures than Jamaica. Trinida ,Barbados and the Virgin Islands also has something to contribute.

Flavor: How did the collaboration with Adam Levine on your new single? This is no mean feat: Adam Levine of Maroon Five on your song, the number 1 in the radio stations is already & what does that say about the status of Caribbean music today?

Timothy: Well, for one don't underestimate Caribbean culture, music, and talent. You can go back to Bob Marley who became an icon of pop culture. For us in the Caribbean, he was an important for our culture and music, reggae music period. We did not give him the label “pop“. He was reggae music.

The majority of the population in the Caribbean islands States are black.

Reggae music has been created by and for these people and there this culture is still preserved. In America, however, that is simply thrown into the Pop category. They call my brother and me pop If you listen to our album, it quickly becomes clear that it does not sound like pop. Our song “Like This“ is a track that could have in the Bad Boy era may arise; Biggie could rap on it.

On “Broadway“, we rap really hard , not like gangsta rap but we tell gritty stories from our lives. Some other songs remind folks of Wyclef when he did “911“ the same thing happened to him : suddenly he was a pop star but for us it's not pop.

Wyclef is one of us: this guy from New Jersey with Haitian roots. He is an artist who is influenced by many cultures in his music. standing out is not what we expected so fast though. However, we did not expect that we would be thrown into the Pop genre. I think the people listen to our music with open ears not for

the words and content, but simply because it‘s good reggae music.

Americans love Reggae, no matter how much they try to deny it. Sean Paul was quite large, Shaggy and Shaba Ranks likewise they were all thrown into the pop box.; even Bob Marley. Obviously Reggae has always been included as part of pop music.

Flavor: Maxi Priest also..

Timothy: You‘re right, Maxi Priest is another artist. Americans have taken reggae music and culture has always shown love. In New York, there is a huge Caribbean influence. It’s hard not to run into someone in New York with Carribean Roots.

Flavor: Right, here in New York there is a rich Caribbean culture. Many of the people here are from St. Croix, St. Kitts, Trinidad, Jamaica and Panama.

Kool herc was the islands.

Timothy: Joey Bada$$ , Kanye and Pusha T all mix Caribbean vibes in their production.

Timothy: Rihanna and Nicki Minaj both come from Caribbean islands and are now huge pop stars. Nicki has her roots in Trinidad, and Rihanna is from Barbados and made tracks like “Man Down“ - which we incidentally written.

Flavor: Who takes the lead working during the creation process?

Timothy: There are a variety of scenarios. Sometimes we go together to the studio, at times when it is quiet there so that we can work on our songs undisturbed, without us Sometimes we separate ways. We are brothers, we know each other in and out and inspire each other. However, even when I write alone in the studio on a song, or working with a different

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 40

artist the first person I call when I‘m done with the track is my brother; to see what he thinks of the piece. He tells me exactly what needs improvement. I think that's when we go together to the studio, and give the song its finishing touches.

Flavor: Where would you like to see Rock City next year?

Timothy: Where will we be next year ? wow. In this industry, in which everything can change in an instant you gotta know that within 6 months an artist can be discovered, climb to the highest ranks and later you can disappeared without anybody remembering you.

I know that when I listen to our album: we play music for the people, and I‘m proud of it. Most people in this world get up each morning, and do their best to create for themselves and their families a good or better life for these people, we make our music in order to build and inspire. 2Pac once said in an interview something like “I may not be the person who changed the world, but to me it is enough if I am a man who will change the world by inspiring another man. We want to motivate people and supported to survive their everyday struggles.

If you look at our way with all the obstacles that we had to deal with, look, and now where we ended up: that‘s a dream come true. We feel very, very blessed and that is why we want to share our story with the world. We hope that other people it can draw inspiration and strength and feel good while they manage their everyday lives. In terms of next year, I hope that we will simply stand the test of time and that more and more people know that R.City has developed into a solid brand. We want to go further and to touch the world with our music. In one year I just hope that we are still here for all this.

Flavor: Last words and greetings ?

Timothy: Greetings go to our people in the Virgin Islands where we have gotten incredible support since our earliest beginnings . If it‘s not for our people we would be at home. We got your back. Yes of course, shout out to our parents who have been together more than 38 years with us through thick and thin... shout out to our team , who always keep us on track because in the “Music Biz” you meet a lot of false people. Our team keeps it real we know this and very much appreciate it and greetings to all those who always support us and of course, thanks also to Flavor , for this interview!

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 41

“It makes no sense to people that we rap and we come from a Caribbean island”. - Timothy

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 42

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 43

A CHAT WITH THE

SERRANO SISTERS

B

oxing, one of the oldest types of competitions of humanity. Popular as ever, the sport has long been an entry into the mainstream cultures, such as film and music. With names like Ali, Tyson, Mayweather, even Rocky it seems its a mans world in boxing. One may argue in the meantime the ladies however are on the rise.

Well meet the Serrano sisters living proof of womens presence in a male dominated world of boxing.

Serrano Sisters - how would you describe your Boxing style?

combine that, you have the best of both worlds.

Cindy: My boxing style, now I‘m a smart boxer, I like to keep a few tricks up my sleeve. I dance through the boxing ring, and calculate my punches. Amanda, my sister, has more clout, right hand KO power. My fights , however usually go over the entire distance.

Although we are related, we fight very different from each other. I‘m the sugeron shes is the Ko artist more of a brawler.

What music drives you to really, if your training and boxing?

Amanda: I‘m the total opposite of Cindy. I feel almost offended if my opponent is not ready. I jump into the ring completely pure: I want to feel the blows that come to me. You must be able to plug in, but of course I share very much from. My fights never take particularly long But no matter who see your fight both of us Serrano Sisters, it is always a spectacle, a real, good fight. You get the best of both worlds with us.

Amanda: We are quite hardcore women. We love Rap, Hip Hop and Old School. People like Jay Z and Kanye West. They‘re whom we like to jog to , either some of the best songs, rappers, or even working our way into the ring. House of Pain‘s “Jump Around“ is a classic for us.

In addition, our trainer Jordan Maldonado is also pretty old (laugh), but we pump alot of Old School stuff. LL Cool J‘s “Mama Said Knock You Out“ is another classic - the title says it all. It may be Beyonce‘s “Girls Run the World“ at times b ut definitely Rap is the music that pushes us; Artists such as Jay Z, Kanye, Drake, DMX - all day, all day. This is our soundtrack for our training. We love it all.

Cindy: With me get your finest art and Amanda offers you a fight like Mike Tyson so when you

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 44

DAVID PASTORIUS

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Music has found its way into new realms in these modern times. Hybrid is the word to describe the sound. The boundaries from the “wall” that separated Genre has fallen.

Bass Player David P is a clear example of that. His talented vids of chasing the “cadence” of Rapper Tech Nines music has landed him in the sweetest spot ever..a place in the band.

The beginnings of rock and rap meeting aren’t new however it is evolving .. we speak with David Pastorious about the evolution of hybrid sounds and bands.

On his Uncle Jaco Pastorius: Jaco Pastorious is my uncle.. he literally at first had nothing to be with me that played bass. I knew I had an uncle that played bass.. i didn’t know weather it was 4 strings or whatever..

Hanging out with my buddy in Junior high I went by his house .. he was playing Higher ground from red hot chilly peppers .. I was like yo thats bad ass..

Who influences a genius Bass player ?

My original influences were rock, metal.. i listen to Jazz..

Yeah Flea and Robert Trujillo is my dude suicidal tendencies / Infectious grooves .. he doing a documentary on my uncle coming out very soon. I actually did a tune for it with tech9 I hope it makes the album it looks like i might.. be all good though.

David P. Speaks on his breakthrough moment.

Well it would be when I got the tech9 gig.. back in the hometown I started playing out people noticed I could jam.. I had an idea was to cover a tech9 song . I decided to follow his vocal cadence with the bass and through the grapevine .. next thing I knew I got call that Tech9 shared it. Then I think I did FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 45

another one and shared it and then they asked me to do one and they put it out.. and thats what it was.

David P. On Being a HYBRID Bass Player: personally my parents listened to good stuff..at least in my opinion. Elvis Costello , [police, squeeze, Tom Scott & the LA express. , joe jackson the weather report , I actually love the 90s there was a lot of good stuff to get vibes from. Yeah,. good times. I took a record in to school for “show and tell” It was Tom Scott and the LA express to just give you an idea. ( laughs)

What was the most influential album for you?

Most influential would be .. Mr Bungle is so inspirational with that album from “91” I mean he touched on so much stuff with mixing it all up.. just letting it go no boundaries. A whole lot came from that album..I don’t care what anyone says , that really changed everything..

David speaks On the development of hybrid bands and sounds: The link between hip hop and rock..Ya know it think it was big with Anthrax and bring the noise.. when

judgment night the soundtrack. they had house of pain, boo ya tribe, they did a whole hybrid album.. that inspired a lot of shit.. the movie was judgment night.. it was dope they had pearl jam. Emilio Estavez was it.. that was a moment.

Dudes my age now know about that..for sure.

Whats next in the near future?

I would say, tour with my own music that I write. I love playing with everyone I can.

Any shout outs?

I would like to shout out (local 518 ) I want out them out my band.. its an instrumental band .we do jazz metal , punk, rock .. I would like to give a big shout to studio 101 they have done a lot for me with the Tech N9ne vid and all.. very important to me over there. Shout to Robert Trujillo.. for funding the Jaco Documentary .. The song called shine its a sample from Jacos song “Kure” . Ross Robinson helped make the beat too; def I would love to plug my instagram .. @ davidpastorius don’t feel bad everyone misspells my name I was just looking at FB david pastorious fund.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 46

The Most influential album for me would be .. Mr Bungles ALBUM IN 1991 he was so inspirational with that album - David P.

Foto to: Billboard Magazine

Foto to:Youtube

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 47

FLAVOR MAGAZINE

URBAN MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

www.flavormag.de | www.facebook.com/flavormagazine | www.twitter.com/flavormag

ON THE GRIND WITH

NolanLee

Nolan... who you are and what are you doing?

we also always supported its local Skateshop who sponsor the skaters around the area . These stores often hold competitions My name is Nolan Lee, I‘m a skateboarder. I work hard but where these kids can compete against each other. also , basically enjoy my life.

What was the moment in your life when you thought about skateboarding for the first time?

My cousin was a skateboarder and I really began with the skating when I got to high school. I had changed schools; but thanks to my skills on the skateboard I had made new friends quickly then everything I did just revolved around skating; I was constantly on the board , while many of my friends stopped skating my passion led me ultimately to such an extent that I built a ramp in front of our house where I skated day and night.

What do you love about skateboarding?

For me skateboarding means absolute freedom a board under your feet, the street and you, and hope that you don‘t land on your ass. I like being able to cruise care free through the streets , let your mind run free while really think of anything.

When did you realize that you are really good?

First, I looked into other skaters to see what their skills were. Then I imagined how I could get to this level, and attract sponsors. Skateboard manufacturers or clothing companies basically it didnt matter what sponsors were available as long as they recognize me as an individual and appreciate my skills. My first sponsor was the local skateboard shop, I often visited with my friends. The store gave me spare parts, wheels and magazines available

FLAVOR MAGA ZINE // 49

Where You come from originally, before you moved to New York?

I grew up in Florida. There I was sponsored by my first skateboard shop; who left me a complete basic equipment of different manufacturers. My buddy Billy Rohan, the former professional in our area, was the one who brought me to New York. He offered me money before, to take me first to New York, and once I got there brought me to the local community and the sponsors in contact.

If you ask New York skateboarders after Nolan Lee, you‘re gonna get immediate represents the heart and soul of the NY Skateboard community to hear how he.

How you feel it?

That‘s love! I do not see myself as the true heart of the skateboard scene, but I‘m looking forward to the New York scene and folks in it. Even before I moved to NYC, I found the best skateboarders, and I constantly looked at video footage of the Eastcoast Kids. There were also a few Cali Kids ; but, most were from theEastcoast- “Beast Coast“. I‘ve always loved the New York scene, and I always wanted to be a part of it.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 50

How important is it for you to stay with the younger generations in touch? What motivates you?

Well, I never had siblings, grew up as an only child. I would have liked to have had brothers and sisters. When children came to visit, either cousins or the children of family friends, I‘m always happy taking care of them. When first skateboarding you want skills, tricks and experiences of others. What you what is the learn how to improve your performance. kids then get motivated to want to bring their skating to the next level that‘s great. If you just want to move around with board from A to B, then that‘s cool too.

Some give skaters a bad name.. but what up with that and why?

Well, not necessarily we get bad reps if we want to skate in the downtown city centers and notwithin the skate park,

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 51

then they put up barricades, Since there already have animositie for us. (laughs)

Why is skating practice more than in the skatepark tricks?

In my generation, there were not many skateparks. A few individual spots I occasionally went to at times. especially when there were competitions but now there is always more competitions, and skateboarding is almost part of the mainstream, there are now more skateparks than ever. These parks are made to practice tricks and acrobatics, and not just cruising with your skateboard through the area, but if one happens to prefer simply want to enjoy the freedom of Skateboardes, then you dont have to be bound by the parks. On the streets you can simply pull off, let go and let the landscape sink in.

Some call skateboarding as a sport, while others deny this vehemently and almost offended when equating skating sports. What is your attitude?

When I grew up with the skating, it was easy .. just an expression of an attitude to life: to feel free and to be able to let go. Meanwhile, it has already developed into a “sport“. There is already talk that skateboarding could be an Olympic sport.

Do you think this development is good or bad?

On the one hand I do not think that there is anything bad is associated with skateboarding. But I also think that some things should simply be left alone, and must not be corrupted. For example: A company runs a TV ad on the local skateboard community .. and use some no name skater they could at least use a real skater who knows what he‘s doing. Not just any kid who dont even know where the back and front of the deck is. Let the people who that are really part of the community ge it in. Let the money flow back into the community. Skateboarding brings a lot of money and because of money it is now a sport.

What makes someone in your eyes become a real skateboarder?

A real skateboarders, in my eyes, is someone who really identifies with the culture. Someone who is willing to do anything, and takes into account, sometimes be ready to fight to be chased by the police, to jump over fences. Be ready to have fun; ready for everything life has to offer.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 52

"A Real skateboarder to me is anyone who identifies with the culture” - Nolan Lee

What makes a good skater?

A good skater is versatile, they have control with both feet in a bunch of ways. “Skating Switch“ is an art: instead of with your strongest foot..push with the weak side. So if you can do everything right with a left-hander. A skater who can skate equally with both feet, is already very advanced. This is something special, not everyone can do for real.

What is it about POW !! Skateboards about?

POW!! Skateboards is a company that I founded nearly 5 years ago. Basically, I represented it as a person and POW!! is a word that I have long been using forever.

After I skated manufacturers for so many different skateboards, I thought it is time to start my own company, and thus my life feeling to be able to express my vision better.

At the same time it allows me to travel more, or to promote other skaters who really deserve. I created my own little scene,

FLAVOR MAGA ZINE // 53

And who is part of this scene?

Tom Medisome and some younger skaters who are trying to promote and build. We have a good, solid crew, and we just want to continue to grow steadily.

What advice do you want to give future generations and skaters who are just are at the beginning, and want to bring their skills bring to the next level?

First, not everyone is equal just because they are skating and think that they are good, set up their own company ; Skateboard Companies are not easy to start. You need a solid following, who supports a mufukka unless you already bring a lot of money with you. For those who are just starting, I say: just have fun on the skating, and refine your technique. Learn the Basics. Learn the ethics of skateboarding.

What‘s good skateboarding ethics?

Good Skateboarding ethics, for example, is not to be a show-off. It‘s not always about you as an individual. As a skater you‘re part of a community. It‘s also about your friends, your crew. Have fun while skating. Do not focus too much on sponsors, not focusing on you what tricks you can better than the next skater. Have fun with the tricks that you can do and concentrate on mastering those first.

What do you love most in the heart in terms of skate culture?

Simply to bring the community together. Skateboarding is a great thing, and a variety of skaters know each other. Skateboarding connects. Most of us know each other, greet each other, recognize each other but if you see someone standing with a skateboard in his hand, you know ,we all got the same love. This is love, boarding is the connection thats the common interest.

FLAVOR MAGA ZINE // 54

fotos: Zungy x Crush

LUCID FC

THE FACES BEHIND THE FOOTWEAR & CLOTHING COMPANY FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 55

Flavor : Who is behind Lucid FC? Fill me in.

Chet: We are Chet and Betts DeHart , the Lucid twins 19 years old, originally from Atlanta, Georgia . We stand behind Lucid FC , our Footwear and clothing company , we have established of 2010.

Flavor : What inspired you to go into the fashion industry and to design clothes ?

Chet: From the start we had our own video series

on YouTube & we presented shoes and clothes and rated stuff and gave reviews but we wanted to have our own shoes , like Michael Jordan , but we’re not athletes they usually get these deals offered to them, so we started to developed our own.

Flavor : What‘s up with your logo?

Betts: Our logo embodies the F and C of our brand.

No matter from what angle you the logo considers himself to be seen clearly , the F&C. We design our FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 56

clothes and shoes completely and we conduct our business independently . Chet is the designer of the two of us , and I take over the business aspects of our company . We complement each other perfectly . We are mostly in agreement when it comes to important decisions - in business as in life in general .

It comes in part from our time in Atlanta , where we grew up .We have moved a lot in the hiphop community in Atlanta , we often chilled in studios.

We are mainly connected with theunderground music scene. The urban scene in Atlanta revolves around music , fashion & style all interwoven together

Flavor: What you moved to move to New York ?

Flavor: What are some of your favorite artists ?

Betts: That was a pure business move. New York is one of the fashion capitals of the world . We want to place our products correctly , and make sure that they are produced and high quality . We established ourselves in the Fashion District of New York and feel comfortable there .

Betts: We really listen to anything . If we had a favorite it would be Pharrell Williams a very inspiring and influential artist , also of course with regards to his fashion.

Flavor: How have the shows gone?

Flavor: We see many artists from the Music Biz around you such as Rihanna , Rae Sremmurd and Makonnen ... how come?

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 57

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 58

Chet : Yeah, the fashion week was good for us. We held our own event, and also put out a private video during the Fashion Week. “Materialistic“ can be found on Vimeo and also on our home page.

Flavor: Is your clothing line also available outside the U.S. ?

Betts: Yes, we will do Pop Up Store with “A Number of Names“ in London, in the showroom of the BBC in Europe. We’re excited.

Deck autogrpahed by Tony Hawk #ItsNuthin FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 59

Flavor: What are some of the designers that you like?

Chet : We find a lot of people good, but the one we do not have top designers. Often we like a particular piece of a designer, and then a part of another. That is why we want to design the perfect garments that represent exactly what we like. Our style is a mixture of classic concepts with a hint of Ralph Lauren “for the road” although I have to admit it, Ralph Lauren is already the no.1 in lifestyle apparel.

Vorbereiten der Klamotten

Flavor: Do you see further collaborations you can mention?

Betts : End of the month ? We will do a collabortion project with Dickie‘s. We are always looking for partners to collabo with, and are constantly making new collections and designs; but you never know in advance when and how collections ultimately will publish or whether the plans come to completion that‘s part of the biz. A new collaboration with Dickie‘s is coming look out for it.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 60

Editorial von Andreas Schmidt

American Apparel

Model: Clara CuvĂŠ

& Zara

Zara & American Apparel ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Model: Clara CuvĂŠ

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Model: Davy Jones

Leather jacket-Bershka Sweater-Bershka Hat-Bigalli Jeans-H&M

niceKICKS Drake OVO Air Jordan 10

CHEC K #THE SE # KICKS Alexander McQueen Sneakers

Fenty By Rihanna Puma Creepers

Kanye West Yeezy Boost 350 FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 63

Bottega Veneta Chelsea Boots

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 54

Grace Jones

Lauryn Hill

Afro Punk - Fest Bilder: Ryan Hamilton & Jordan L

Jesse Boykins

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 65

Raury

AB-Soul & SZA

Kelis

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 66

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 67

Jidenna

- LIVE ON STAGE THE CLASSIC MAN TAKES OVER NYC

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 69

ng i g g i d in theh stas

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 70

ng i g g i d in theh stas WEBSTER

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 71

r Flavo e on th T SPO HALL NYC

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 72

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// / SUPPLY CO.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 73

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 64

TECH GADGETS

T

he Ortarky Chair undercurrent !

According to the The Next Web Igor Gitelstain , a graduate of the Shenkar University of Engineering, Design and Art of the prototype of a rocking chair , which has a built in power generator . While rocking in the chair , a magnet and copper construction generates electrical friction , and thus energy . This current flow can then be passed into a battery to store the power , or lkwhere appropriate, charge a cell phone or laptop . Rock on !

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 75

P

owerUp 3.0 Papier Drone The PowerUp 3.0 is a mini motor, which turns the simplest paper airplane in remote controlled drones . Using a smartphone or tablet you can control the aircraft via Bluetooth . Safe flight!

S

tar Wars in your living room !

In time for the theatrical release of the new Star Wars film bring Sphero a sensation on the market the Sphero BB - 8 robots . What the BB - 8 makes it so unique ?

Its sophisticated technology allows him to develop his personality in the game

W

ove Band Smart Watches tried previously to imitate the designs of traditional watches . The manufacturer of Polar Wove band employ a different technology : a mixture of flexible bracelet and display in one - a quasi strapped around the wrist Touch Screen Display . For the “Wove “Android has already developed a very special operating system.

The multi-touch screen allows the user to complex features, including a 9 Axis Sensor which receives all movements.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 76

PLAY

Grand Tourismo Racing fans , you buckle up ! Just presented PlayStation on the Paris Games Week , the latest version of Gran Turismo . GranTurismo Sport is th offical name of the newest edition . This supe worked up version will make its debut for PS4 in 2016 as CEO Jim Ryan and Kaznori Yamauchi announced proudly .

Xenoblade Chronicle X Xenoblade Chronicle X allows players to explore a world full of fantastic graphics figures in stunning HD . The characters increase from level to level in their skills by making new battle - and learn defense techniques . Players have an impressive arsenal of weapons at your disposal , which they themselves can make during the game creatively continue to exist in this fabled world of insects to dinosaurs . Xenoblade Chronicle X is a Must Have !

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 77

flav or Gam

e #Ti pp

G ame of Thrones 3 Become part of the saga in this authentic Game of Thrones Game . In this new episode

of Game George R. Martin‘s stunning world of Game of Thrones , the inclined players can put themselves in the most diverse characters who go on many adventures and keep up with its decisions decisively the future of Westeros in his hands . Unpredictable development and implications of this game make the beloved TV show honor .

M ega Man Legacy Mega Man Legacy Collection celebrates the 8 - part series of Capcom ‚s iconic Blue Bombers . Part of the Legacy Collection are faithful reproductions of the original Mega Man .

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 78

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 81

Movies

T

Sicario

he border between the US and Mexico is dominated by the ongoing drug war for a long time. However, an international task force to curb drug trafficking last. This international task force joins the young FBI agent Kate Macer. Together, they make it their aim to curb the drugs trade in the border area stop. But already their first run in the dangerous border region gets completely out of hand. From the director of PRISONERS comes this taut, critically acclaimed thriller filled with pulse-pounding suspense. After an idealistic FBI agent (Emily Blunt) is recruited by a government task-force official (Josh Brolin) to pursue a drug lord, she begins a perilous mission that forces her to question everything she believes and pits her against a shadowy consultant (Oscar速 winner Benicio Del Toro) with a dangerous agenda.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 81

InTheatres Now

“CREED”

A

“SWEATY BETTY”

- Wr itte n

by J o e Fra nk

Photo by Photo credit: Paramount Pictures - © 2015 PARAMOUNT PICTURES

I

n a c ra m p e d row house on t h e bo rd e r o f W a shington D.C. t wo s to r i e s o f b i gdreams take place. Fl oyd a n d h i s family have raise d a 1 , 0 0 0 p o u n d pig in their back ya rd, a n d a re d eter mined to tur n h e r i nto t h e te am mascot for t h e R ed sk i n s fo o t b al l tea m. Fl o yd p u t s h i s p l a n i nto motion, but the p i g, n a m e d M i s s Char lotte, d raws u nwa nte d at tention. A few bloc k s away, R i co a nd S cooby, t wo teena g e si n g l e f at h ers and best fr ien d s, a re h a n gi n g around the n eig h b o r h o o d. As t hey scheme up a bet te r l i fe fo r t h e mselves and their c h i l d re n , t h e y are presented with a n un ex p e c te d o ppo r tu n i t y.

d o n i s J o h n s o n ( M i c h a e l B. J o rd an) never k n e w h i s f a m o u s f at h e r, b ox i n g champion Ap o l l o Cre e d, w h o d i e d b e fo re Ad o n i s was bor n.

H owe ve r, b ox i n g i s i n h i s b l o o d, s o h e seeks out R o c k y B a l b o a ( Sy l ve s te r St a l l o n e ) a n d asks the re t i re d c h a m p to b e h i s t ra i n e r. R o c k y sees much o f Ap o l l o i n Ad o n i s, a n d a gre e s to m entor him, e ve n a s h e b at t l e s a n o p p o n e nt d e a d l i e r than any in t h e r i n g. Wi t h R o c k y ’s h e l p, Ad o n i s soon gets a t i t l e sh o t, b u t w h e t h e r h e h a s t h e t r u e hear t of a f i g hte r re m ai n s to b e se e n .

Daddy‘s Home

S tep dad, Brad Whitaker, is a radio host trying

to get his stepchildren to love him and call him Dad. But his plans turn upside down when the biological father, Dusty Mayron, returns.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 82

SOUND CHECK BY: TRE UNDA

T

he GAME honors Compton with his latest album, He not only not only leaves a legacy for himself , but also makes the possibility Compton‘s Hip Hop all the glory . On The “Documentary 2 “, his 19 -Track strong artwork itself illustrious rappers like Snoop Dogg , Kendrick Lamar , Dr. Dre , Drake , Diddy , Q-Tip , Kanye .... to name but a few. As usual, the game delivers best quality on this album with particular tracks like “Circles“ , “On Me“ and “Mula “ stand out The Game is back and performs masterfully as the legacy of hip hop in Comptongoes on.

R

ick Ross “Black Dollar” Rick Ross ‚ and his new mixtape “Black Dollar “ is a solid production that keeps his fans afloat until his next album to come out .The project , consisting of 17 tracks featured hits like “ Foreclosure “ and feats with Meek Mill , The Dream , Future , Wale and many more.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 83

S

CARFACE - A Legnend Returns

After seven years of radio silence, Scarface now reports with his 12th studio album, “Deeply Rooted “ back ! Southern Hip Hop veteran who has worked in the biz since 1991 , is supported on his latest album of musical heavyweights such as Nas , John Legend , Cee LO , Rick Ross , Papa Reu , Rush Davis and Zo Ro .The album reminds us again why Scarface already is a legend and solidifies his status as one of your favorite rappers of all time. !

Jadakiss “T5DOA” Album Track wise T5DOA is a true testament of his talent and his solid out , we are used to from him . Also Jadakiss has an impressive list of features on this album , but a collaboration for special attention is with wordsmith NAS. If you prefer to look for a chill Vibe , - Sit back and enjoy the classic feel of the tracks . “ Top 5 “ is in comparison to others ? we would say it has uncompromising quality and therefore an absolute must-have.. #raspy does it again.

FLAVOR MAGAZINE // 84

FLAVOR MAGAZINE

URBAN MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

www.flavormag.de | www.facebook.com/flavormagazine | www.twitter.com/flavormag