Urban Hype Magazine Issue 3 by KINGSMEDIA

WELCOME BACK FOLKS!

FEATURE Chinedu Ike Shanelle Manderson Kingsley Njoku Ifeanyi Onyeagba Tolu Bakre CONTRIBUTORS Worth Of Mouth Immanuella Okunubi Bernice Holmes IMAGE DIRECTION Ifeanyi Onyeagba PHOTO/VIDEO EDITOR Chinedu Ike Ifeanyi Onyeagba FASHION Bernice Holmes ART DIRECTOR / DESIGNER Oladimeji Ipaye A Kingsmedia limited production kingsmediatv@gmail.com social media - @kingsmediatv

As I write this letter I’m listening to J Hus’ single ‘Spirit’, reminiscing over the summer of 2017. It is sadly coming to an end and so too is the festival season. However, it has been an eventful one. From the Merky Festival in Ibiza to Wireless Festival, V Festival, Reading + Leeds Festival, Boy Better Know taking over the 02 Arena and so much more. My favourite moment of it all has to be Lethal Bizzle’s performance at the Reading + Leeds Festival. Dressed as Ryu (a fictional character and the main protagonist of Capcom’s Street Fighter series) the back of his outfit read ‘BLACKIE CHAN’. What came after was without a doubt memorable and shows why he’s stayed relevant for over 10 years. Sometimes, in order to stay relevant, you have conform to the demands of the public and the trend in your scene. So, with Chinedu Ike, Urban Hype’s co-founder and my right wing man, we opted for a non-musical personnel for the latest magazine feature, with the sole purpose of broadening our reach in the Urban Scene. From the rich list of entertainment content producers, we sought out Michael Dapaah, a ‘funny lad with an invisible beard & white teeth,’ comedian, presenter and content producer to reveal his secret to making people laugh. There are also a few new surprises and interesting collaborations in the magazine you’ll love. The team and I are working as hard as we can to complete the last few pages done. It’s been a pleasure working on this issue and I hope you appreciate the work we put in. It has taken longer than we would have liked and we do apologise for the delay, but the quality has improved enormously. We will keep working hard to improve with every new issue we put out. Editor, Kingsley Njoku

Chinedu Ike

Issue 3

Ifeanyi Onyeagba

Shanelle Manderson

Kingsley Njoku

Tolu Bakre

CONTENTS FEATURES

Micheal Daapah

ON THE WAY UP

The new talent from Croydon taking the UK entertainment scene by storm takes to Urban Hype Magazine.

TOPS MAFIOSO

Rising rapper talks music, education and what to expect from him in the future.

FROM SOUTH EAST TO FIRST TEAM 27

The story of Liverpool FC Oviemuno Dominic O. Ejaria.

GRENFELL

READY FOR THE PICKINGS 46 British Singer speaks to UH on her music career, leaving her girl group and why gospel music shaped her music career.

Punished for a crime we didn’t commit. The story fo Grenfell Tower fire and the effect.

THE FASHION UNDERGROUND

Taking you on a journey through the U.K’s hottest urban fashion.

46 PREVIOUS ISSUES Get our previous issues and subscribe to receive it early.

Issue 3 6

MOST POPULAR MOVIES RELEASED IN 2017 32 Must watch movies of the year, and their ratings.

5 CLASSIC GRIME TRACKS 25

5 grime songs that we should never forget.

LOCAL CHAMPION VS INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR 9 Why afrobeat artist are stuck between genres.

THE MISCONCEPTION OF WOMEN 29 The Female View.

ON THE COVER MICHAEL DAPPAH

Issue 3

SKEPTA X NIKE AIR MAX 97 ULTRA “SK” RELEASE DATE:

S E P T E M BE R 2 n d , 2 017

Local Champion

International Superstar

As the vibrant and energetic sounds of the beautiful continent Africa travel through the airwaves, more of us have seen African music gain international recognition especially in recent times. People from different backgrounds and walks of life have fallen in love with the up-tempo modern sound now known as afrobeats deriving from the original “afrobeat” pioneered by the late great Fela Kuti. Any artist’s dream is to have their music cross borders and travel airwaves, as music has a way of bringing people together despite differences. A lot of artists and musicians are met at a place where they are conflicted. Do they stick to the music and sound that garnered their original fan base? Or do they display true artistry and versatility by dabbling into other genres? This has sparked up a discussion I refer to as the “Local champion” vs the “International superstar” debate. A typical example of this is two of Nigerians most popular superstars at

Issue 3

the moment, Wizkid and Davido. Wizkid also known as Ayodeji Balogun was and is a young, talented and fresh-blooded superstar who came from humble beginnings in Lagos state Nigeria. He burst unto the scene with his modern but authentic African sounds. He wooed his fans by performing some songs in his traditional Yoruba dialect and meddling with new school African beats. Nigerians and others fell in love and soon he became known as “Starboy”. But his authenticity, and loyalty to his roots, through his music won many fans over, including myself. Not to mention he was young, fresh and knew how to make a number one hit. His talent could not go unnoticed for too long, and in no time he was attracting attention from American superstars such as Swiss beats and Alicia keys, to name a few. He bagged himself international deals and a space on the billboard top 100 for featuring on Drake’s number one hit ‘One Dance’, the sky has been his limit ever since; however the problem lies with his loyal fans who believe Wizkid has compromised his authentic sound on

AFROBEATS a quest for international fame. Most recently Wizkid has been exploring a lot in the Dancehall genre and some argue that he no longer sounds like the African artist he started off as. Some ask Is it really worth it?

“Good music is always guaranteed to break barriers.”

Similarly, we also have Davido another young and prominent Nigerian star. David Adeleke also known as the OBO translating to son of a rich man in the Yoruba opening up his fanbase to a wider language, has also achieved immense audience and not limiting himself. success at just 24 years of age. His At the same time it is understandfirst ever single was highly criticised able why loyal fans feel disappointed. for promoting that he came from a To them it may feel like once an act life of struggle and poverty when “blows” they forget to stay true to he indeed comes from a home of their original sound and the fanbase wealth and affluence which is quite that fell in love with who they really the contrary. Although Davido’s were. We have seen similar sentibackground may have not been so ments amongst R&B stars such as modest, his hunger for success was Usher and even Chris Brown when also apparent through his music they dabbled into Dance and Techno which consisted of catchy club music. They were criticised for not bangers which never seemed to seize. staying to true their sound. An artist Similarly to Wizkid, Davido was should always be true to them-self unapologetically Nigerian and this but at an artist must also be willing was even more evident in his popular to be versatile and not keep themlove song “Aye” which was accompaselves in a box because this will not nied by a traditionally themed video. leave them room to grow. There Davido released hit after hit and just should be a healthy balance. like Wizkid caught the attention of international stars and labels. So what is more important? He also boasted of international Making sure all your day one fans collaborations but a lot of fans were still rock with you? Or focusing on disappointed and were not able to penetrating a wider audience and connect especially because many of gaining a larger and more versatile fans were won over because of that fanbase, even if it means comprising authentic African sound. After releas- the authenticity of said sounds? I’ll ing a mixtape, dabbling into different leave that for you readers to decide. genres and moving away from the Nonetheless it is a thing of joy typical Afro pop sound, Davido and pride that artists such as Wizkid came back to his African roots with and Davido are waving the flag for arguably the biggest Nigerian song Nigeria, for Africa, representing and of the moment “If”. This sparks up putting our beloved continent on a huge debate about Nigerian and the map. Local champion or interAfrican artists. national superstar there is always room for both to flourish, grow and Every talented musician aims to succeed. Good music is always guarshow versatility somehow and their anteed to break barriers. n talent is even recognised more, when they’re able to move out of their comfort zone musically ,but still Written by - Immanuela Okunubi succeed and grow a wider fan base. Wizkid has truly achieved this by

Issue 3 10

fear of the UNKNOWN

Fear

FEAR

is a concept many of us are afraid to face head on. Most of us are plagued with a fear of the unknown that is aided by our fear of the past, which causes us to then fear the present day and become anxious of our future. Like love, I believe fear cannot be so broadly defined as it is personal to whoever is experiencing it. Therefore, I am writing this article from my own perspective and experience of fear. Therefore, the only thing I ask of you is, like I have asked myself, is to think about what is it in you that you’re scared of? What is it about your past that is holding you back? What is it about your future that is giving you anxiety? And, most importantly, what is it that is having an effect on your present day? I believe in fear of the past: a fear of how we once felt before and how it can either positively shape who we are today, or hinder the progress we should be making. Whether it be the bullies we encountered, the depression that swept over us or the prejudice we once faced, we let that fear resonate within us long after we have experienced the and allow it to filter through to our present day. This also then leads to the fear of not knowing whether or not your past will make you the person you desire to be, or the person you feared you would become. I believe in fear of the future: a fear of not knowing what I will make of myself in life. For instance, we all worry about whether or not we will become as successful as we intend to be, or reach the potential we know we have within us, but yet still let the spirit of fear hold us back. We’re afraid of potentially not making our families proud, not proving the people that ever doubted us wrong, and most importantly, letting ourselves down. We sometimes become so engrossed in the possibilities that

Issue 3

our future holds that we subconsciously let it affect our mindset in the present day. That to me is the biggest crime I think one can make against their mind and cognitive thinking; we are guilty of letting the fear of our future leak into our present day. I believe in fear of the present: a fear of wondering whether or not we are doing enough in our lives now. We see people around us already becoming ‘successful’, and wonder why the same is not happening for us, and clearly we must be doing something wrong – right? This then causes us to wonder if we do have what it takes, if we are indeed capable of fulfilling our desires, to do exactly what we long to do but let our current insecurities hold us back. We let the voices of our fear of the past and the future cause us to become fearful of our current lives and who we are as people; we experience self-doubt because of the fearful voices we amplify in our minds. I believe this feeling of self-doubt and anxiety can be combatted by perspective. The opposite of fear is courage. Find courage in your past, present and future instead of allowing the spirit of fear to take its toll on you. The courage you find in combatting your fears could be the very thing that leads to letting the confidence, determination and faith you have within you flourish. n

Written by - Lara Grace Twitter - laragracex

GRENFELL TOWER

A month and some cold days later, the tragic news of the Grenfell Tower Fire has slowly been swept and buried underneath our carpets and sadly we have grown to forget the tragic event which stole the lives of 80+ residents. As sad as this is, the remaining survivors are nonetheless being treated as though they are also dead or didn’t ever exist. As policies on the outcome continue to change, the fate of the survivors continue to lie in the blooded hands of an indecisive council and government. Firstly, shortly after the event of the fire, Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn was confronted by controversy as he suggested that Kensington Homes that were abandoned should house the survivors. Almost 2,000 houses surrounding Grenfell Tower remain unhoused yet the Government have only agreed to presently provide temporary housing to some of its residents. Shortly after this, Theresa May imposed a promise that those that require support from Grenfell Tower will not be used as an excuse to carry out immigration checks. However, as of recent as usual, the Government has confirmed that those who do come forward and haven’t had that immigration status completed within 12 months could face deportation. Not only is this unlawfully cruel, but the cost of the victim’s human integrity and austerity has completely been stripped of. The Tower was built in 1974 and undergone an £8.6 million refurbishment. The fatal fire incident occurred in the Grenfell Tower on the 14 th June 2017 in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea, home to offshore investors and predominantly wealthier residents. The fire caused at least 80 apparent deaths though the Tower housed up to 600 residents. One would assume that the disclosure of the death toll has been concealed due to the backlash that may be faced from an angry and saddened society. But why exactly are residents being punished for corporate manslaughter and

neglect? The fatality of this incident highlighted how little to no remorse shown from those in authority from the council and the government. Evidence from this alone was shown in the funds provided for survivors which totaled up to £5,500. Taking a look at the Grenfell Tower and its surrounding alone suggests that Grenfell was an eyesore in comparisons to the establishments that surrounded the tower. What infuriates me is how a product that is meant to guard the welfare of many ignited and increased endangerment to those that were meant to feel safe in the comfort of their homes. This is in reference to the cladding. The material that was meant to fulfil an appearance advantage to those that surrounded the building, however, this assisted in spreading flames from floor to floor which ignited the massacre in the tower. Many would argue that this was a murder created by political decision. How is a product even able to be sold without going through necessary tests repeatedly? This was the case for the Grenfell Tower. The cladding went through zero health and safety checks which resulted in the lives lost of an apparent 80 residents. Which claimed the lives of an artist, a still born baby and in another case an entire family. This alone indicates that citizens were unlawfully murdered. So what has happened since the Grenfell Tower? Grenfell Tower has led to an inspection on health and safety of further tower blocks. As many as 75 have also failed fire, health and safety checks however, many have still been declared as safe. Following the fire, many survivors have been given necessities such as toiletries and voluntary assistance from the public. But where does the fate of the working class and economically deprived families lie? Only time will tell. n

Words - Tolu Bakre

GRENFELL:

Punished for a crime we didn’t commit

Issue 3 12

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Music is more

than just a Hobbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

For our latest artist of the issue, we caught up with 23-year-old South London rapper, Adrian Cassell otherwise known as TOPS to talk about spitting bars, his biggest inspirations and being a secret foodie.

Issue 3

TOPS MAFIOSO

should have fresh bars. We’d all be coming up with bars during lessons and getting them ready for the showdown. All that kept me on my toes, as well as writing at home. It was in preparation for what I do today.

I N T E RV I E W Tell us a little bit about your Journey into the music scene. Where did it start? I started making music in it’s simplest form at secondary school - in the playground joking and laughing around with my boys, everyone in a circle hurdled and spraying lyrics. At the time it was mainly grime. It was nothing serious at first, but then it developed. I was the best of the bunch and something told me that maybe my talent was being wasted, that it was more than just a hobby, and that maybe there was something more to it. So I decided to pursue it and take it a bit more seriously. I started practicing more often to perfect my craft and built on my skills.

How did you practice? Everywhere; my room, even in school during lessons. My friends and I used to do these lunch time battles. The way my school worked, we had three periods, lunch, two periods then school was finished. So we would come into school and would decide that by lunch, everyone

When did you start to take it serious?

I would say during my time at university. It kind of hit me and I thought to myself, you’re finishing education and after this, it’s real life. What do you wanna do with yourself? Do you want a 9 to 5? Do you want to be that guy that’s working when you don’t want to or are you going to grow some balls and follow your dreams. So from then I was spurred on to take it seriously. By the time I was done with university I’d already started and I’m continuing down that path.

What did you study at University?

I did Media & Sociology and then went on to do my Masters in Entrepreneurship.

with it. So I don’t really think there’s a clear structure, it’s music and there’s no rules - free spirit, enjoy it.

Where do you draw your inspirations from?

My dad, it was his birthday yesterday - Happy Birthday Kanye West (laughs). He’s my number one and I’ve literally learnt so much from him. From performing on stage to just having creative control of your music; that means your videos. I direct a lot of my videos. I like to have a say during the production process. I don’t want to just sit there and allow the producer do the whole thing. That’s something I’ve learnt from Kanye. I’ve also taken a bit of fashion sense from him. I’m not a carboncopy but the ‘be yourself’ kind of attitude he embodies has been a big personal inspiration. So although I draw a lot influences from different artists, I would say Kanye is the fundamental one. After listening to his albums, he made

What’s your song creation process like?

For me there’s not a definite process. It’s whatever - everything is different. Sometimes I could be sitting down with a producer and we’ll make the beat and go from there. Next time I could just come up with the lyrics and then get the producer to get a beat that matches

Issue 3 14

I feel within that moment and the visuals go deeper into what the lyrics maybe failed to represent. Every song has a different message but in all, I feel like my music just represents everyday people. From the people that do 9 -5 ‘s to the hustlers, my music has something for you.

What would you say that you bring different to the scene compared to other artists?

In terms of the UK, there’s no one really representing the people. I know I sound like Jeremy Corbyn (laughs) but I’m really all about the people. There’s those that represent different types of lifestyle, the flashy ones and trappers but no one really represents people as a whole. I would say my sound is similar to J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar and possibly Big Sean.

me understand and think that this is how music needs be. You have to care about your craft, unlike some artists who do it half-heartedly. He’s shown me that music isn’t just lyrics. Music is the instrumentals, the you look, it’s the image, the branding, the marketing and all the other parts that upcoming artists tend to neglect.

So it’s always been him? Even when you were younger? When I was younger, it used to be 50 Cent. He was just the guy that everyone liked. But before 50, it was Nelly and now Kanye has obviously taken over.

What does your music represent?

When I put a song out, I try to put a message across through the lyrics and the visual representation. The lyrics are an interpretation of how

Issue 3

Do you think there’s enough platforms for upcoming artists in the UK? There’s more platforms being created but it is what you make it. There are people out there willing to work with up and coming artists, it’s just about reaching out and making that connection. So I wouldn’t say we are starving of platforms but artists needs to push more to connect with people in the industry and vise versa.

When you was starting out, how did you get your music out there? As an upcoming artist, it is essential to start at home. If you haven’t got the support of your family, friends and your area then it’s hard to grow. So I just started with pushing out my music and asking the nearest and dearest to me to do the same. From there, you gain a loyal fanbase and just grow really.

Outside music, what are you like? If I’m not in the booth, then I’m probably with the mandem kicking it. I’m someone who likes to experiment and try new things so I eat out a lot. You might see me in a restaurant trying out the wickedest and wildest food. If I’m not out eating, then I’m somewhere doing another activity and basically enjoying life.

Any hobbies other than food? I try to go to the gym. I’m not there yet but hopefully by next summer I will be looking different - chest out, guns out and a bit more bulky.

What’s your future plans music wise? By the time you’ve read this, my ‘Superheroes’ video is probably going to be out. I have more videos coming out, shows and hopefully an EP soon. I’m not putting a name or date on it but there’s a whole lot of materials there waiting to be heard.

Written by - Shanelle Manderson

MICHAEL DAPAAH

“Some people have been riding with me since I had zero followers and for that, I’m grateful”

Words - Shanelle Manderson

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the epitome of the rising social media star: a 24-year-old climbing the comedic ladder one laugh at a time. Urban Hype finds out what makes Michael Dappah the funny guy of the moment.

Issue 3

“I was messing about for years, just trying to find my feet – find myself. I’ve done loads of different things and they were all a part of the journey but I wasn’t really serious,”

“Obviously I’m different now. Man’s polished baby – cream my skin and that – brush my teeth twice, sometimes three,”

Michael Dappah

Four episodes into the release of his Mockumentary ‘Somewhere in London’ aka SWIL, comedian Michael Dappah sits opposite me and dapper he definitely is. We’re catching up in a West London studio to talk about his latest project that has everyone literally laughing out loud.

e’s wearing a grey tracksuit, black socks and leopard-print slides in true roadman style, reminiscent of Shaq, one of the many hilarious fictional characters featured in his skits that have pushed him to the front of everyone’s digital radar. “All I wear is tracksuits” he says laughing, as the team look in dismay at the lack of variety of outfits he’s brought for the photoshoot. That’s the beauty in a lot of the characters Michael brings to life – they embody different parts of his personality and allow him to zone into a different part of his brain creatively. “When I was younger I was a bit of a roadman. I was clever but also rebellious at times, so Shaq allows me to tap into that side of me,” he says. “I will incorporate things from the past but also observe and use what I see nowadays.” “Obviously I’m different now. Man’s polished baby – cream my skin

Issue 3 20

and that – brush my teeth twice, sometimes three,” he jokes in Dappah style. “Man keeps it tidy. I look after myself. Everything’s changed up.” I mentally prepare myself for a good time. There’s no doubt he’s a natural entertainer and that I am in for a memorable conversation.

funny guy for as long as he can remember, the British-born social media personality and presenter first appeared on-screen in 2009 as one of the original cast members of the comedy series ‘Meet the Adebanjo’s’. He then went on to produce his own sketch called ‘I’m So Dapaah’ and has since worked with Eddie Kaddi and Aadidas for The Spirit of London Awards in 2012, Stormzy and platforms Cheeky Sport and MOBO, establishing himself as a much-loved media figure. However, it was only last October he began taking his career seriously. “I was messing about for years, just trying to find my feet – find myself. I have done loads of different things and they were all a part of the journey but I wasn’t really serious,” he says. After becoming wholeheartedly dedicated in 2016, the idea for SWIL was born. What was to follow? Eight months of script-writing and a collaboration with Marv Brown Films to bring the visuals to life that have led to 946,138 YouTube views to-date. It was the pairing of the two that made the production such a success. “It was really just putting creative minds together,” says Michael. “Marv is a comedy-head himself so what I developed to a certain level, he’s added his little sprinkles here and there and we were just able to create this body of work. “He’s a beast behind the cameras as a director, but when it comes to the creative part, acting and performing, that’s my thing. It comes naturally – good for it,” he says, his lips pursed and eyebrows raised simultaneously before bursting out into laughter. Every project comes

Issue 3

with its difficulties and for Michael it was the process of developing the characters. He was trying to come up with everything in one go. From how they were going to sound, to what they were going to wear and how they were going to act. It was when he started to actively take steps to make the script a reality that the characters personalities naturally grew and fell into place. “I never had the vision Patrick would talk like this for example,” he says, imitating the character’s lips. “But I always knew he was going to have a moustache and that he was going to be a different kind of dude. I don’t know why. I’m crazy like that,” he laughs. One thing is for sure. He’s able to draw inspiration from anything and everything. He puts this down to being lucky enough to have experienced many different walks of life and being given opportunities to see different things. Even the journey to

All I wear is tracksuits “”

the studio and events of today are enough for him create a skit he tells me. However, he’s not one to watch everyone else’s game-plan despite having respect for them. “I believe God has given everyone their own creativity and a lot of the time people don’t tap into it because they’re too busy imitating others. It’s not just doing what every Tom, Dick and Harry has done because then what’s different about me? What’s spectacular about what we’re

creating?” he says. He ensures his team have the same mentality. Regardless of all his achievements in his short 24 years, even following the release of SWIL, he has no single standout moment that he’s most proud of. It’s simply the process of seeing an idea come to life that gives him a buzz. “Even when I release a video, it’s a high moment for me,” he says. “It’s like I had this idea, we worked on it developed it, we put it out and it got a great reception. It’s doing what it’s supposed to do. It’s cheering people up. So there’s always high moments.”

ore than anything he’s grateful for all the positive feedback and support from what he calls his real Dappahs and often gives back, recently teaming up with Turtle Bay to do a meet and eat. “Some people have been riding with me since I had zero followers and for that I’m grateful,” he says. “For new people that come on board, they kind of get the gist of who I am very quickly and then they join the little army. I’m just appreciative. It doesn’t just go like that for everyone and I’m just genuine. Everything I do is God-blessed. I’m just thankful.” It is the success of SWIL and how well it’s been received that has finally got his parents to accept the vision. Always supportive but never truly understanding his choice to pursue comedy when Michael is an obviously intelligent man with the potential to be successful in a more stable job role, his mum originally had higher hopes for him. “You know how these black folks are”, says Michael, rolling his eyes. “Go be a doctor, or a lawyer or something. “But my mum is just like any other mum. ‘Michael, I want you to go and get a job.’ She didn’t get it. “Funnily enough, she went to Ghana for a long time and that’s when everything took off. So she has come back and she like ‘oh’. She can’t say

Michael Dappah anything now, it’s too late.” “Now my dad would say he believes – he never believed, he just wanted to see something,” he says laughing. “It’s when he came to the premiere launch of SWIL that he realised this wasn’t a joke.” Eager to find out whether there is a woman behind this successful man, I question if he has a special lady in his corner. He claims he doesn’t hear me clearly, mistaking special girl for special girls. I correct him and he laughs. “Oh what, have I got a girlfriend?” he asks. After a long pause he says “no, just got to focus on the focus, focusly”, with a smile. With no distractions we can expect only great things from Michael. “Yes, more work, more creativity, more collaborations, more of everything,” he says. There’s talks that the character MC Quakes might make a few appearances at some festivals but he’s keen to keep it hush hush. He’s

excited to expand the territory and take things where they haven’t been taken before – do things differently, with God’s guidance of course. I leave him on the tube heading towards Wood Green engrossed in Sarah O’Flaherty’s ‘Simplify Your Life: Tips For Developing A Purpose Driven Life And Unlocking Your Potential’. Then I remember him telling me, “I’m Just a humble guy, with high hopes. Always doing the most.” A n d t h a t ’ s w h y p e o p l e warm to him. n

Issue 3 22

With the summer drawing to a close and Autumn fast approaching, we take a look at the biggest trends for the upcoming season. Words - Bernice Holmes

Dress

MEN’S TOP FIVE 1. The Urban Cowboy – The

number one look for any fashion conscious urban man this Autumn is the Urban Cowboy. This look oozes charm and masculinity, whilst still having a certain level of style, sophistication and elegance. An easy to achieve look, a simple turtle neck topped with a poncho, team that with a pair of fitted jeans and leather Chelsea boots. Finish the entire look off with this season’s biggest male accessory: The Fedora.

2. Accessories - This autumn is

all about bringing accessories for men into the Urban Fashion scene. The Fedora Hat is a huge accessory for men this Autumn. It can be worn in many different ways, with countless outifts, to achieve a wide range of different looks. Braces are going to be big for men this Season, adding a vintage look to any outfit. Also guys, don’t forget to add jewellery when styling your outfits, Hint: big chunky rings are a perfect accessory this Season.

Issue 3

3. Camel Overcoat – Another huge look for men this Autumn is the Camel Overcoat, for a more formal, sophisticated look. The trick with the Camel Overcoat is to keep the look simple, using neutral colours, and minimal accessories. Wear with a simple tee or turtle neck, fitted jeans and plain trainers. If you do accessorise, keep it simple, with a watch or plain coloured scarf. 4. Street Wear – Here are two

perfect examples of stylish, everyday wear for the colder days this Autumn. On the left we have a more urban look. A simple hoodie topped with bomber jacket, ripped jeans & worker boots. On the right, a more stylish, Fashion conscious look, still styled around the worker boots, this time teamed with a casual overcoat, knitted jumper and leather trousers.

5. Double Denim - This Autumn, Double Denim is making a huge comeback. And what better way to bring back a classic than turning it vintage. Get the look this season with a simple denim jacket and fitted jeans combo, with a vintage style flat cap & suede brogue boots.

Seasons

Top five

WOMEN’S TOP FIVE 1. T-Shirt dress – My absolute

favourite look this Autumn is the T-shirt dress. A simple & Sexy look, which can be worn during the day, or styled up for night out with the girls. For a casual daytime look, team your T-shirt dress with a Baggy “Boyfriend Jacket”, knee high boots or gladiator sandals and keep the accessories simple with a plain choker and bracelets. For a look for the nightlife, style with sexy heels, fish nets and sleek leather jacket. And accessorise with bold statement jewellery.

2. Dungaree Dress - This is such

a cute, day-to-day outfit, which can be styled to suit either a warm Autumn afternoon, or a frosty Autumn morning. For the hotter days, team your Dungaree dress with a short sleeved tee or even a long sleeved crop top and your favourite pair of trainers. Or for colder days, style with a turtle neck, knitted tights and your favourite style of boots.

3. Pleated Harems – Choose Pleated Harem pants for a more formal, sophisticated look this Autumn. Wear with a plain, long sleeved tee and matching platformed pumps. Keep accessories simple and to a minimum. Keep warm by layering with a sheep skin coat or camel overcoat.

4. Knitted - Lets keep it cosy

this Autumn ladies. Heavy knitted jumpers are perfect for the colder days this season, not to mention incredibly comfortable. Be sure to layer your knitted’s this season. Choose a waist length knitted, a slightly longer tee, ripped skinny jeans and plain trainers. Accesssorise with a matching scarf, weekend bag and band rings.

5. The Boyfriend Shirt - This Autumn, I am loving the baggy “Boyfriend Shirt”. Tuck your baggy shirt into a pair of skinny jeans & team with a cute pair of kitten heels or stilettos for a smart casual look, perfect for a day time outfit.

5 GRIME

CLASSIC

TRACKS Written by - King MG

Lethal Bizzle - Pow

On the top spot we got lethal bizzles pow also known as forward riddim. This is a hyyyyyyped track, if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been at an event where this has been played nd wheeled multiple times, then youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re missing out. Madness. This features a total of 10 artists; ozzie b and neeko from more fire crew and then hotshot, demon, mc forcer, flowdan, jamakabi, napper, d double e, fumin and of cours elthal bizzle.

Issue 3

MUSIC

Kano - P’s and Q’s P’s and Q’s dropped on the 27th of june 2005, kano was 20 at the time, the track was a single from his album home sweet home which peaked at 36 on the charts. This is kanos debut music video. The title is a play on words, ps and qs is a term meaning mind you manors/behavior or other meaning it has in this track is quite literally to be about yours ps and qs, money and a quarter ounce, 7 grams of drugs. Kano said in 2009 that the second verse of this track is his favouire verse hes done.

Wiley - Wot do you call it

4 More Fire Crew - Oi (prod. Platinum 45) More fire was an east London grime crew from Waltham forest. This was one of the first crews within grime. Featuring in the track and emcees from the group are Lethal Bizzle, Ozzie B and Neeko. Lethal and Ozzie went to the same school and Neeko was from their area. Oi was released in 2002 and was one of the first grime tracks to gain recognition outside of London. Lethal bizzle was 16 while More Fire Crew played this track on top of the pops and when they got signed. Despite their success, the crew were dropped from their label soon after oi was released but the tracks popularity helped Bizzle to launch a solo career for himself.

This list wouldn’t be complete without a track from the godfather of grime. Wot do you call it was wileys debut single and was the first single for his album Treddin’ on Thin Ice which came out on the 5th of april 2004 for digital download and cd. Grime did originate from garage and a lot of garage artists and fans were pissed as these emcees were making a new sound which was inspired from garage music. And heres wiley addressing what he calls it, he don’t care about garage, who told you its garage, this is wileys sound and he don’t care about garage.

Dizzie Rascal - I luv you

This track wasn’t only the lead single for his debut album Boy in Da corner, it was also Dizzees first single. It was officially released in May however there was an unfished version that was leaked in 2002. This track also got Dizzee into the charts for the first time peaking at 29 and spent a total of three weeks within the top 75.

OVIEMUNDO EJARIA

SUCCESS STORY

From SOUTH EAST LONDON to the first team Oviemuno Dominic O. Ejaria , born 18th of November 1997, is quickly becoming a role model for up and coming aspiring footballers. His recent rise to Liverpool’s first team is the talk of South East’s young aspiring athletes, where his abandonment of his social life and childhood in order to pursue his dreams, is an attitude that many of his followers are now beginning to imitate in order to reach success. His childhood friends from South East London stated that ‘He has always been humble, always kept his movements silent. He didn’t even tell us he was playing for Arsenal during secondary school!’ This kind of behaviour, is something that he also brings into the pitch, alongside his amazing technique with the ball, hence this is potentially part of the reason why he was able to rise from U21 to first team at a quick rate. Prior to joining Liverpool F.C., Ovie Ejaria was originally playing for Arsenal Academy until he turned down their scholarship programme in order to join Liverpool, a team he believed that he ‘enjoyed a lot’. Many may have been baffled with his decision perhaps even calling it absurd, but with many seeing the amount of progress he had made in the space of two years,

many can see why he’s special and that his rise to first team is not a mistake. In an interview with his childhood friend, we see how many saw his potential at a very young age; ‘I’m so proud of him. He may not remember me anymore, but I still remember the year 5 vs year 6 matches we had in Primary School. He was something else. The way he dribbled the ball and played us year 5’s around, was something inspiring for me at that time. He was the reason why I trained hard. I wanted to emulate what he was doing. He was the reason why I got trials to prestigious football academies.’ Making his debut in Liverpool’s 6-1 win against Watford and helping the England U20 to World Cup victory, are just some of the accolades he has received in his career, and many of his supporters are expecting more to come with his fruitful career. n

Written by - Piolo Ravina

Issue 3 28

The MISCONCEPTION of Women

Written by - Denzel Eggerue

Why do women wear makeup? Why do some wear short dresses? All these questions. Wellâ&#x20AC;¦.

Issue 3

MOVIES

A woman wears makeup the same reason a man cuts his hair

To look presentable, feel comfortable in their skin and maintain their appearance. As we are in summer, appearance is more paramount than ever. If only that were the case. We’ve all seen the “I’m taking my girl swimming on the first date” posts online. It makes you wonder why the way a woman looks, must always have some form of validation from men. “Well, what were you expecting beneath it all?” Now, to the topic of this article. The misconception of women. The age old discussion. Is a woman not her own person, or is she just another man’s possession? I’d like to think not, but the general opinion of the public says otherwise. Today, women receive twice as much scrutiny over the same things men do. Girl does something sexual, gets labelled. Boy does something sexual, gets respect. (This is the case 9 times out of 10, you can stop saying “not true” now.)

Why Does This Happen?

The way women are perceived today, is majorly on the part of the media we are exposed to. From music videos to films and games, women are portrayed as sexual objects, things to lust for rather than a person. When was the last time you saw a music video with half-naked men? You probably can’t remember, but you can almost definitely name at least two music videos with provocatively dressed women.

Is this entirely wrong?

Explicit Material

As of recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people viewing pornographic material, most of which tend to be boys and men. More shockingly, the viewers are as young as 12 years old. This early exposure to such graphic content has warped the way in which boys and men perceive women. What they see on screen is what they wish to emulate; they begin to see women as sources of sexual pleasure. This goes on to influence their social interaction with females, conversations are held to see her naked rather than to get to know her. Even looking at the featured image of this article, most people would think the image is of a sexual nature. Not at all. It is actually a woman being shot from behind, the image has been cropped so only above her dress can be seen. Women are individuals, contrary to popular belief. They can do the same thing a man does, dress how they want without having to hear “but a man-” their goal isn’t to impress men.

To a degree, both men and women act to appeal to each other. It’s in our nature to attract others, whether we go out of our way to do so, or do it subconsciously. Although women sometimes behave in a way that would garner male attention, it doesn’t mean that’s all they’re after. Sometimes (If you’re a female reading this), all too often men fail to read body language. A ‘No’ gets mistaken for yes. ‘Go away’ becomes ‘chase me’. Sometimes this works for the man in question, but more often than not it becomes a breach of personal space. But do girls subtly enjoy that feeling of being chased, or is it very off-putting and childish? Sexual equality isn’t as far away as we think. Mainstream media has a large part to play, but so do you. The next time you see a girl being ‘baited out’ online just ask yourself “would there be as much commotion if she was a boy?” Women aren’t here for the pleasure of men, nor does their value only extend as far as their likes on Instagram. But Instagram does have the final say these days…

Issue 3 30

Issue 3

MOVIES

Most Popular Movies Relea King Arthur: Legend of the Sword Robbed of his birthright, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy - whether he likes it or not. Director – Guy Ritchie Starring – Charlie Hunnam, Astrid Berges-Frisbey, Jude Law, Djimon Hounsou Rating - 7.2

The Fate of the Furious When a mysterious woman seduces Dom into the world of terrorism and a betrayal of those closest to him, the crew face trails that will test them as never before. Director – F. Gary Gray Starring – Vin Diesel, Jason Satham, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez Rating - 6.9

Issue 3

MOVIES

sed in 2017 All Eyes On Me This movie Tells the true and untold story of prolific rapper, actor, poet and activist Tupac Shakur. Director – Benny Boom Starring – Demetrius Shipp Jr, Danai Gurira, Kat Graham, Annie Ilonzeh Rating - 6.0

Get Out When it is time for a young African American to meet with his white girlfriend’s parents for a weekend in their secluded estate in the woods, but before long, the friendly and polite ambience will give way to a nightmare. Director – Jordan Peele Starring – Daniel Kaluuya, Alison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Catherine Keener Rating - 7.8

2 Issue 3 34

Baby Driver After being pressured into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail. Director – Edgar Wright Starring – Ansel Elgort, Jon Bernthal, Jon Hamm, Eiza Gonzalez Rating - 8.4

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Captain Jack Sparrow searches for the trident of Poseidon while being pursued by an undead sea captain and his crew. Director – Joachim Ronning, Espen Sandberg Starring – Johnny Deep, Geoffrey Rush, Javier Barden, Orlando Bloom Rating - 7.5

Spider Man: Homecoming Peter Parker, with the help of his mentor Tony Stark, tries to balance his life as an ordinary high school student in New York City while fighting crime as his superhero alter ego SpiderMan when a new threat. Director – Jon Watts Starring – Robert Downey Jr, Tom Holland, Micheal Keaton, Marisa Tomei Rating - 8.1

Issue 3

War for the Planet of the Apes After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. Director – Matt Reeves Starring – Andy Serkis, Woody Harreison, Steve Zahn, Karin Konoval Rating - 9.1

Dispicable Me 3 Gru meets his long-lost charming, cheerful, and more successful twin brother Dru who wants to team up with him for one last criminal heist. Director – Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin, Eric Guillon Starring – Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker, Miranda Cosgrove Rating - 6.4

Baywatch Devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon butts heads with a brash new recruit, as they uncover a criminal plot that threatens the future of the bay. Director – Seth Gordon Starring – Dwayne Johnson, Zac Effron, Alexandra Daddario, Priyanka Chopra Rating - 5.8

Issue 3 36

Transformers: The Last Knight Autobots and Decepticons are at war, with humans on the sidelines. Optimus Prime is gone. The key to saving our future lies buried in the secrets of the past, in the hidden history of Transformers on Earth. Director – Micheal Bay Starring – Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Hopkins Rating - 5.3

Wonder Woman Before Diana was Wonder Woman, she was princess of the Amazons, trained warrior. When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war, discovering her full powers and true destiny. Director – Patty Jenkins Starring – Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Lucy Davis Rating - 7.9

The Mummy An ancient princess is awakened from her crypt beneath the desert, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia, and terrors that defy human comprehension. Director – Alex Kurtzman Starring – Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, Annabelle Wallis, Russell Crowe Rating - 5.7

Issue 3

FASHION

Introducing

BE R N IC E HOL M E S

THE FASHION UNDERGROUND

Issue 3

had the pleasure of wearing the tracksuits during my day- to- day life, and honestly, the material is to die for. It is so soft, it feels like every inch of your skin is being brushed with cotton kisses. And although the material is quite thick (designed to keep

Written by - Bernice Holmes

Hey Readers,

Welcome to The Fashion Underground, taking you on a Journey through the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest Urban fashion. A new Fashion Segment, where I will be sharing only the hottest upcoming Fashion brands and interviewing their designers. I am Bernice Holmes, an internationally published Model. I have a Passion for Urban Fashion and an Expert Eye for the next biggest trend. Feel free to check out me and my work on Instagram: @bernice_marie. This Month I have been wearing: Susio Cochino. An upcoming Urban Fashion brand, who specialize in HAND WOVEN, CUSTOMISED TRACKSUITS.

FASHION

you warm in winter), it is so unbelievably breathable, that when I wore them on a hot day, I was kept nice and cool. I mean who wouldn’t love a tracksuit you can rock through all four seasons?

“I think it’s fair to say I have found my perfect tracksuit.” What I love about these tracksuits, are the bottoms are so diverse, that you can literally wear them with anything. As you can see, I chose to team them with a black silk cap, cute bralet, chunky gold chain and watch, and a pair of sexy black heels, for that real Urban Diva look. However, there were many times when I teamed them with a baggy crop and trainers, and other times where I teamed them with a simple vest and sliders. But! What was my ULTIMATE FAVOURITE QUALITY? For me the biggest reason for wearing a tracksuit is simple, comfort. A tracksuit must be comfortable and these, really are the cream of the crop. Even after wearing the tracksuit for a full day of travelling up and down the U.K, participating in various photo and video shoots, these trackies kept my comfort levels right up.

here were so many times when I felt frustrated, irritated and tired, but all I had to do was close my eyes and allow my mind and body to indulge in the soft cotton clothes, and instantly I was mentally transported back to my cosy bed and my mind was eased. I think it’s fair to say I have found my perfect tracksuit. After wearing and reviewing the clothes, I had the pleasure of catching up with the designer to get a deeper insight

into not only the brand, but the designer herself. And here is what she had to say: “When you don’t know where you’re from, your background, family history, it can be very harmful because it doesn’t allow you to know yourself. When you don’t know yourself, you lack self-confidence. Therefore, you’re easily persuaded by others. A person who doesn’t know themselves would be one to always have someone around them, because when being by yourself you have to converse with yourself about the choices your making and how you think your life is really going.” “It’s scary but in uni I was at that stage of being in the dark and still am, but the good dark. I’ll explain: In the dark negatively, simply meaning only paying attention to the bad things and starting to hate the world. As to a being in the dark as a positive thing, like being aware of the negative things but also being able to sit and address issues with yourself and come to understanding that these issues are not things you can control, but it’s totally ok to feel angry about it.” And you know that what it is about being so in the dark in a negative way: you blame yourself. No matter what the issue is, you’re asking others what their opinions are instead of asking yourself: “what would I do.” Then you pick a piece of advice to follow and end up upsetting another person/party and your now upset for disappointing them. When the only person you should listen to is yourself, but anyways the brand is a lot of dark clothing. It’s suppose to build confidence by allowing yourself to be reserved, confident, yet humble. Yes they are track suits but the baggy fitting and perfect tightening in the right areas compliments anyone’s figure. For the ladies it really enhances the booty because it’s quite hard to show off a butt in sweatpants,

but in these you can without even looking like you’re trying. For the guys the tracksuit really compliments your arms and calves muscles, giving you a slimmer waist. Each tracksuit is customized based on the individuals nationality. It’s important for the individual to know where they come from. I believe every nationality has specific morals, and traditions, habits and when understanding your nationality, you can somewhat make sense of why you do the things you do and think the way you think. For example, with myself I’m Haitian. For some reason I love fruit, I love dancing, I’m very hardworking and very hard headed. I don’t take no for an answer and I don’t let anyone control me. I’m also very persuasive but my Haters might see it as manipulative. I’m very content with sharing, I value family and friends and relationship over materialistic things.

vertime with all the trips to Haiti, and meeting lots of Haitians I’ve found that these are all Haitian qualities - laughing out loud. And not to say all Haitians are like this but you see where I’m coming from? Although being Americanized, I’ve found myself

Issue 3 40

2 at times being so overly obsessed with the material things. I’ve found friendships with family and friends not to be as strong as I’ve wanted them to be. When these things happen I find myself so unhappy even though everything in life is going great and money is coming in. Those traits are all part of who I am and when I don’t have them I don’t feel complete. Anyways let me stop drifting off and getting so deep. The point is I want my clothing line to represent who the individual that’s wearing it really is. The track suites include dope hand woven designs based on an individual’s nationality flag(flags.) Wearing where you come from hard on your sleeve but not giving away the deep side of you that should remain private and saved for the more intimate encounters/relationships. Which reminds me, why I chose tracksuits and not lingerie or dress wear. It allows one to not give away much and leaves room for more information to be gathered on that person and lets not forget it leaves room for a lot of imagination. Fashion has definitely changed and outfits are getting more reveling each day, it’s almost like everyone is competing lol. I mean don’t get me wrong, I love a quick number from Pretty Little Thing, Fashion Nova, Play Doughs Closet etc. but it gives off the wrong impression of who I am. And when I put on a skimpy outfit it’s like I have to play this slutty seductive man eating creature that I’m not, but while in Tracksuits, I’m me, dominant, relaxed, steady, and again that word confident. n LAUNCHING NEW YEARS, 2018.

Issue 3

Model: Bernice Holmes MUA: Prestige Pebbz Tracksuit: Susio Cochino

Silk cap: Zaakara Bralet: Korrine Sky Intimates Gold chain: New Look Gold watch: Marc Jacobs Stockings: Bianca Miller Ldn Heels: New Look

Beauty, Perfection, And The Effect Society Has Over Our Judgment

his is a topic which can be fragile to some people. It is quite delicate and holds a lot of controversy. Read this article with an open mind. Use it to help you see a different perceptive. Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at will change (When talking about beauty we will be mainly referring to beauty in people and objects). According to the dictionary, beauty is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a combination of qualities, such as shape, colour, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; As humans, we are only able to see

Issue 3

because light has been reflected and shone into our eyes. Meaning with no light we can not see anything. No light. No sight. So if beauty is a combination of traits that appeal to the visual senses, what happens to the beauty which cannot be seen by the naked eye? The hidden beauty behind everything. The beauty only you can see. The one society is blind to because we are unable to see with our hearts and minds( instead of just our eyes). The beauty everyone calls ugly.

Beauty vs Attraction

From research, scientist have deemed facial symmetry to have an effect on the amount of attraction in

BEAUTY both males and females. Apparently more symmetrical faces are more pleasant to look at, thus making them a more beautiful person. Right? Does this mean, if one has no physical attraction, one has no beauty? Unfortunately, the concept of true beauty is sometimes misinterpreted for the shallow layer of attraction that is described by words such as pretty and handsome. Word such as these mostly used to describe physical attraction. This trait is only one aspect of the whole idea, only one piece of the puzzle, for true beauty has the attributes of an iceberg. Sometimes majority of it is hidden and submerged under deep waters. It requires deep exploration, and the willingness to step out of the norm in order for it’s true form to be discovered. A lot of the time in modern society, we discuss beauty in terms of only aesthetics and by what we see, and how it looks. We only seem to use one sense organ to make our final judgement, meaning when something is deemed as ugly or unattractive, a lot of the time we refer to the physical appearance. We don’t bother to explore the submerged elements which is hidden from our visual senses like and iceberg. And why is that? Maybe we are too scared to enter the deep waters of hidden beauty. Maybe, we don’t want to step out of the societal boundaries restraining us. When something is out of the ordinary or is just too different, our failure to understand causes a withdrawal. We don’t understand it so we don’t like it. Sadly, this causes our vision to be closed and subjective. We are unable to see the beauty that others see in people. We call them blind when really, we are the ones with the blurred visions.

Perfection and Beauty

A lot of the time perfection is linked to beauty. The idea of being flawless is like an overruling end goal causing many young people, to take steps to enhance their physical

attributes, in an attempt to reach that point of impossibility. Perfection is a dead end, it leaves no room for improvement. From the use of make-up, to the application of filters on our Instagram photos. We are increasingly obessed with adding artificial features to our natural state- in order to look “perfect”.

configured images of various celebrities and public figures circulating around us all the time. We admire these people unaware that the attributes we are trying to emulate are not naturally possible. This ‘beauty’ through perfection has been created by a series of 0’s and 1’s, not foundation and concealer. Perfection is a dead end, because it leaves no room for improvement.

The Media and its effect on our mindset

Everything is altered to seem better. How can we truly judge the weight of someone’s beauty when we are surrounded by a superficial filter? Some people even go as far as operations to improve their physical features. We hate flaws and mistakes to the point where we willing switch and swap body parts in order to achieve this false sense of beauty through perfection? Is it truly beauty if you have to alter your natural features? All it is really is deception. We don’t like being deceived yet it is still encouraged through media and society as we even see digitally

Sometimes we need to consider if our idea of beauty originates from our personal experiences, or from the media and society. Because society shapes the way we think, and the way we think shapes society. Unfortunately, there has been numerous times where media and society has shaped our perceptions, causing powerful consequences. A good example was the dilemma between the complexions in the black race. For many years the lighter, more fairer type of black people have been perceived as more beautiful and attractive than the darker more melanin filled. A concept which sprung from the era of slavery: Slave masters would have sexual intercourse with some of the female slave workers, and after giving birth, the children were allowed to work inside the houses of the slave masters rather than on the plantations. This has caused a division between the race- something which is still seen sometimes in this era. The idea of superior beauty in lighter skinned females is exaggerated further through media, leading to

“Sometimes it is that imperfection that brings the beauty.” Issue 3 44

devastating repercussions, as some darker-skinned black individuals still strongly despise their complexion. Some hate it to the point that they utilize external chemicals, to reduce the amount of melanin their skin produces. A process commonly known as “bleaching”.

Food for Thought

As a generation we need to realise beauty has a more deeper meaning than just physical attraction. When something is beautiful, it could be a referral to soulful, emotional, or mental attribute as well. Remember, the majority of an iceberg is below the surface. Hidden. As mentioned before, true beauty can not always be seen with the eyes. Sometimes it is an experience. Sometimes it’s a feeling. In regards to people: it could even be how someone makes you feel that is beautiful, not the person themselves. Whatever the case, don’t let media, society, or other people dictate to you what is beautiful and what isn’t. Don’t let their concepts blind your vision. Beauty is a subjective thing, it isn’t set in stone. Everyone has a personal experience that can allow the beauty to be seen even in the ugliest situations. That’s how people can form strong attachments

with the most extraordinary people and objects. Even when the whole world shouts ‘outcast’. Even when no one wants to associate. Some people still find the hidden beauty, they explore and create that deep connection. Many might not understand. Many might dislike. However, as humans we can not force ourselves to feel exactly how others feel, we can not experience that same exact passion. We can try, but it won’t be perfect. And sometimes it is that imperfection that brings the beauty. n

Written by - Samuel Okusaga

CHERRI VONCELLE

“I’ve done a few EPs over the years and as much as I love them, I do agree that it is time to put out a full body of work.”

Issue 3 46

Ready for the picking If you’re looking for that nostalgia sound, allow us to introduce you to an undeniable powerhouse: smart, bold and completely unfiltered. Her name is Cherri Voncelle

met Cherri V in the lobby of Imagine Reel Studios in North London. It’s that humid but looks-like-it-couldrain-any-minute type of weather, which makes you feel like you’ve got nothing to wear and threatens to puffs up hair, but V looks remarkably unfazed.

Issue 3



Wearing perspex heels, a sky-blue Hype tracksuit and equally fitting blue smokey-eye that I’m sure has been blended by the beauty Gods, she strolls towards me with a smile. She’s followed by two bulky men wheeling suitcases behind her, which I can only imagine are filled with some seriously drool-worthy outfits. The red-headed dame is not hard to spot. Her fiery signature look is in full force – today, in the form of back-length chunky braids. “It started off by being my favourite colour, which is a bit corny, but it’s just stuck with me” she says when we finally sit down to talk. “So if I go out and I’ve got black hair, people look at me like, ‘What are you actually doing? What’s going on? Is everything alright?’ she tells me, laughing.

The accomplished songstress is known for keeping it real, unafraid to discuss the truths of her life and the battles she faces with her straighttalking, relatable lyrics. One of her latest releases ‘Without You’, set to appear on her long awaited debut album ‘Brown Eyed Soul’ follows suit, telling the story of comedic life moments that many face within relationships. But how did she come up with the concept? “The lyrics came naturally. Being a married woman, there’s a lot that

CHERRI VONCELLE I can relate to in terms of habits, household dramas and sometimes feeling like ‘this is so long’. You realise that it’s all trivial and love conquers all though,” she says. In terms of visuals, I wanted it to be like one of those videos I used to watch back in the 90s. I didn’t want it to be a male bashing song like ‘you get on my nerves, get out the house’. I felt adding comedian Don’t Jealous Me to the mix helped to bring that vision to life.” Beginning her journey touring as a backing vocalist to Jessie J, Cherri went on to form a third of a girl’s group Trinity Stone before striking out on her own, boasting a sound that led to her being dubbed as the British female Neyo. Floating between a solo career and being part of the R&B/Pop collective, Dora Martin (along with Jermaine Riley), the singer has since released a number of EP’s, including ‘Athazagoraphobia’ and ‘The RED Hard Drive (Vol. 1)’. More recently she’s featured on Lethal Bizzle’s top 20 hit ‘The Drop’ and joined Teedra Moses on her European Paris date. While her typical day starts at 10am and finishes at 6pm if she’s in the studio, she’ll often spend her evenings at home creating and recording. With most of her focus on the album at the moment, her most personal and autobiographical project to date, she’s often dealing with shoots and promo materials for the upcoming single releases.

and songwriter and touching on issues of colourism, female confidence and empowerment, the artist confesses that the album title has a special meaning for her. “It’s really close to my heart because I feel like it’s something that is overlooked a lot,” she says. R&B music in the UK isn’t always appreciated by people of colour. It’s often better received if you look a certain way, so I felt it was necessary to address that and other important topics.” Enlisting Grammy award-winning UK producer Harmony Samuels, who has worked

owever, the progression from EP to an album was a venture she admits was encouraged by her management team. “I’ve done a few EPs over the years and as much as I love them, I do agree that it is time to put out a full body of work. However, it was a decision that was pushed by my team. The right decision though,” she says. I just feel like there’s a lot that I have to say”. Nodding towards her journey maturing as a woman, singer

with the likes of J-Lo, Ariana Grande, Chris Brown and more, Cherri says the two teaming up was inevitable as much of her growth as an artist was experienced with him at the beginning of her journey. Meeting

years ago when he used to live in the UK, the pair used to work on materials in Tottenham Hale, in the studio and released tracks on My Space. “We also worked together when I was in the girl group,” Cherri says.

hen Harmony heard we disbanded, he reached out to me and said ‘I really felt a vibe with you in terms of musical chemistry - so let’s work on some stuff’. He was definitely paramount at the beginning of my journey as Cherri V, so our comeback together just feels right.” While the singer puts her success down to being persistent, consistent and staying ready, she tells me she’s always had strong musical influences and that her family have always been supportive. With her grandma often encouraging her to sing at church, her aunt being a soul legend Mica Paris and her mum being a gospel vocalist, she often looked up to the three, wondering if she could impress. “I knew I wanted to pursue music from as young as 5,” she says. “I remember writing a letter to my mum saying that I wanted to be a singer like her. I think like most young girls do, I was just trying to follow in her footsteps.” After studying at the Brit School and being introduced to the world of dance, doing her first tour at 16-years-old, just after her GCSEs, it was in her late teens she decided she had to choose one or the other to solely focus on as career path. How did she choose? “I just came to a crossroads. I used to do a lot of professional dancing for companies around the UK but I decided that as much as I loved Issue 3 48

dancing at the time, I didn’t want to be a full-time dancer. Nothing against it, I just thought I’ve done it, it was fun and I wanted to move on.” she says. Looking to provide escapism during a time when London is in despair and being able to inspire the next brown girl after her are two of the many reasons other than her love for the craft that spurs her on to make music. However, as well as using her own experiences as inspiration for her music, Cherri is the first to say she’s that friend that may tell your secrets in a song, without mentioning names of course, which is how her tracks maintain a sense of authenticity. “Some of my friends hate me for this but sometimes when we confide in each other about certain situations and scenarios, it weighs heavy on my heart after the conversation, so I do end up writing about a lot of the

Issue 3

things that we speak about,” she says. When she’s not writing about her own or her friends’ life experiences, you’ll find her in any normal adult’s favourite place to be – her bed – watching what she calls ratchet TV. “Anything from ‘Love and Hip Hop’ to ‘Growing up Hip Hop’, ‘Basketball Wives’ or ‘Daytime Divas’”, she says. “My friends are like ‘really babe’. I’ve just started watching ‘Orange Is the New Black’ two days ago, so that’s going to be my new little vibe.” Although a little late to the OITNB movement, I tell Cherri I forgive her. As the afternoon draws in it’s time for her to go. Her suitcases are being loaded into the car. Before she heads off I ask her what are her plans for further down the line? “I want to be a respected singer/songwriter, although respect is a loose word in the music industry right now. To me that means having more than albums under my

belt and exploring other territories like Europe. Just pushing the limits, you know?” We say our goodbyes and with that, she’s gone. A singer by profession but just a regular woman with an addiction to reality-TV, bright hair and an even brighter future.

Words - Shanelle Manderson

NOT3S SIGNS TO TINIE TEMPAH’S PUBLISHING COMPANY Not3s gets himself a publishing deal ahead of the release of his ‘Take Not3s’ EP. Yes, the rumours of NOT3s joining Tinie Tempah publishing company ‘Imhotep’ are true. The two were pictured at a restaurant together and a video also shows the young East London rapper signing the deal. What does this deal mean for Not3s? This means that Imhotep would ensure that Not3s receives payment when his songs are used commercially. They will help push his music out on media outlets; radio station’s, TV etc. In addition to that, Imhotep will license his songs and help monitor where they are used, & collect royalties. This does not mean that Not3s is a signed artist, he is still independent but working with a company to get his music as far as it can go – just like Stormzy does. This news comes at a very good time for Not3s, as he gears up for the release of his new EP ‘Take Not3s’. A 9 tracked project featuring hit singles, such as his breakthrough single ‘Addison Lee’ and much loved ‘Aladdin’. Featured on the EP are Tinie Tempah, Shakka and Mostack.

Issue 3

URBAN NEWS

Take Not3s EP Track-listing:

1. Intro – I Crank It Up 2. Addison Lee 3. Aladdin 4. Obsessed 5. My Lover 6. No Drama FT. Shakka & Tinie Tempah

ANTHONY JOSHUA WINS GQ SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR Not3s Idris Elba presents Anthony Joshua with the Sportsman of the Year award at the GQ Men of the Year Awards 2017. It has been an incredible year for the unified world heavyweight champion, having held the IBF title since 2016, and the WBA and IBO titles since April 2017, when he defeated Wladimir Klitschko. The Heavy Weight boxer retains the award that he won last year and accepted the award on behalf of ‘equality’. ‘Look we are all just hardworking men and women, trying to provide for our families and leave a legacy.’ ‘Everyone looks beautiful tonight’ ‘We are not different from one another, so i accept this award on behalf on equality and thank you.’

Issue 3 52

STORMZY LABELS THERESA MAY A ‘PAIGON’ DURING HIS GQ AWARD ACCEPTANCE SPEECH Stormzy made his feelings towards Theresa May known as he took a swipe at the current Prime Minister during his GQ Award acceptance speech. The South London Rapper/Grime MC was awarded the Solo Artist of the Year, which was presented to him by Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. During his acceptance speech, Stormzy had this to say – ‘It’s so incredible to be here for everyone. Big up Jeremy Corbyn.’ ‘I do want to use this to say that Theresa May is a ‘paigon’ and you know what we’re doing right now.’ ‘Yeah, trust me. Yeah, it’s awkward when I say that isn’t it, yeah?’ ‘GQ man of the year award, solo artist of the year award. I’m so blessed to be here. I just want to thank God, thank my mum, thank my whole team.’ ‘I can’t even believe it. Your boy is on the cover of GQ, South London boy, this is incredible. Thank you so much, man. Love.’

Issue 3

URBAN NEWS

KANYE WEST & KIM KARDASHIAN EXPECTING THIRD CHILD Not3s Idris The West family is about to get bigger. Kanye West and Kim Kardashian are expecting their third baby to arrive by the end of January, according to TMZ. KimYe reportedly hired a surrogate to carry their third child due to Kardashian’s placenta accreta, a medical condition that would have made it dangerous and possibly life-threatening for the reality television star-turnedmogul to give birth a third time. According to the report, the surrogate was hired for $45,000 and is prohibited from activities that may endanger the baby, including smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, or getting into hot tubs. Dietary restrictions are also in place. Last month, after initial rumors of the surrogate circulated, Kardashian discussed having a third child with The Hollywood Reporter. “I hope so,” she said. “There have been a lot of things said and Kanye and I have not confirmed anything. We’re definitely trying. We are hoping so.” Kim and Kanye have not made a public announcement about the baby’s forthcoming arrival as of yet. The famous power couple — who recently launched a kids’ clothing line — already have a four-year-old daughter, North West, and a one-year-old son, Saint. Congratulations to the West’s!

Issue 3

UPCOMING TOURS