PREME Issue 3: Nadeska + Duckwrth + Lauren Sanderson + K Camp

1

PREME.XYZ

2

3

4

5

CONTENTS 6

10. ANDERSON PAAK 16. BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB X PREME MAGAZINE 30. IN THE STUDIO WITH BUDDY 44. TYLAYA WEH 50. CALL IT WHAT YOU WANT 56. K CAMP 72. ON TOUR WITH JADEN SMITH 94. LAUREN SANDERSON 112. DUCKWRTH 126. MAXO KREAM 128. NADESKA 146. #FREE21SAVAGE 154. LEXII ALIJAI ISSUE 3 : NADESKA + K CAMP + DUCKWRTH + LAUREN SANDERSON

“THE LAUNCHING OF PREME MAGAZINE WAS DEVELOPED THROUGH THE REALIZATION THAT MANY CREATIVE INDIVIDUALS LACK THE RECOGNITION THAT THEY DESERVE. PREME MAGAZINE IS CREATED TO GIVE LIGHT TO INDIVIDUALS FROM BEGINNERS TO PROFESSIONALS TO BEHIND-THE-SCENES CREATIVES. THIS INCLUDES PHOTOGRAPHERS, SINGERS, MODELS, STYLISTS, DESIGNERS, SONGWRITERS, RECORD PRODUCERS, MAKE-UP ARTISTS, DIRECTORS, MUSICIANS, AND MORE. OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE A PLATFORM AND OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIVIDUALS TO SHOWCASE THEIR WORK AND TALENT.”

7

8

9

PREME.XYZ

10

ANDERSON .PAAK ANDERSON .PAAK ANDERSON .PAAK ANDERSON .PAAK ANDERSON .PAAK ANDERSON .PAAK ANDERSON .PAAK ANDERSON .PAAK ANDERSON .PAAK ANDERSON .PAAK ANDERSON .PAAK ANDERSON .PAAK

11

12

PHOTOGRAPHER ANTHONY SUPREME

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

MODEL : LUTE PHOTOGRAPHER : ANTHONY SUPREME STYLIST: ANTHONY SUPREME LOCATION: CHARLOTTE, NC

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

IN THE STUDIO WITH BUDDY

31

32

33

BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK

34

BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK

35

BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK

36

BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK

37

38

39

PHOTOGRAPHER ANTHONY SUPREME PHOTOGRAPHER ANTHONY SUPREME PHOTOGRAPHER ANTHONY SUPREME PHOTOGRAPHER ANTHONY SUPREME PHOTOGRAPHER ANTHONY SUPREME

40

BUDDY BUDDY BUDDY BUDDY BUDDY BUDDY BUDDY BUDDY BUDDY

41

42

BUDDY BUDDY BUDDY BUDDY BUDDY BUDDY BUDDY BUDDY BUDDY

43

44

TYLAYA WEH artist to watch

PHOTOGRAPHER ALAN MARQUEZ

45

46

47

48

49

Call It Rap. Cal Call It Wha

By Gregory Gagliardi

Ignoring punk rock’s influence on hip-hop is impossible. With many, new artists citing the likes of Marilyn Manson, GG Allin, Paramore, and Panic at the Disco as their biggest inspirations, hip-hop is nothing more than “emo punk”.

Last year the hip-hop community lost a young talent named Lil Peep. Peep was a leader in fusing emo and hip-hop. His music is depressing, beautiful, and real. He provided comfort to thousands of young people struggling with “fitting in”, identity, and self-love. Described as a new Kurt Cobain, his debut album “Come Over When You're Sober Pt. 1” is a recreation of Nirvana's "In Utero.” The young artist screamed, moaned, and flowed like a soul lost in a sea of drugs and depression. His passing cut a legacy short. His producers, Fish Narc, Smokeasac, and Nedarb, gifted him with rock-inspired production that mirrored his favorite band, "Fall Out Boy." Peep's collective, Goth Boi Clique, even included former punk band guitarist Wicca Phase Springs Eternal. The young artists crafted a new sound, one that sounded less like Jay-Z, and more like Taking Back Sunday.

Accompanying Peep in Goth Boi Clique is a frequent collaborator, Lil Tracy. The 50 two made many hits together, including, "White Wine," "Witchblades," and "Awful Things." The latter peaking at 79 on the Billboard Hot 100. Tracy music is, "combination of comical brags and gut-wrenching lyrics.”

Along with these two, there is Lil Uzi Vert. The rapper who calls Marilyn Manson and Hayley Williams, lead singer of Paramore his greatest inspirations is not shy about his love of punk. His latest album, "Luv Is Rage 2" contains the hit song, "XO TOUR LIF3.” The suicidal breakup song peaked at seven on the Billboard charts. His music incorporates an intense use of hi-hats, synths, and double time flows. He speaks on heartbreak, drugs, and money. Uzi epitomizes the idea that material objects don’t equal happiness.

The popularity of rap and rock would be incomplete without the contribution of South Florida rapper XXXtentacion’s. The young artist was shot to death last year but left behind a significant legacy. X cites "Kurt Cobain," "The Weeknd," "Papa Roach," "Tupac," "Coldplay," and "Three Days Grace" as some of his biggest influences. He combines elements of rap, punk, and metal to create musical masterpieces. His breakout song “Look at Me” is 90% heavy metal 10% rap. When X wasn't making some of the most aggressive music known to man he switched to a more laid-back style. "Sad!" "Changes," and "I Don't Wanna Do This Anymore" are examples of his abrupt stylistic change. When he spoke from the heart about depression, emotional vulnerability, isolation, and anxiety he helped increase mental health attention. X could scream about violence, then silence a room with devasting lyrics about ending his life. Him, much like Peep were not shy about their struggles with mental health.

ll It Rock. at You Want.

51

52

Fellow South Florida rappers Smokepurrp and Lil Pump both of who are influenced by X's distorted production and aggressive wordplay are essential figures within the genre.

Purpp's musical career began behind the scenes as a producer. It was not until his friend Lil Pump convinced him to try rapping, that he started using his polarizing personality and quick rhymes. Purpp's debut album is titled," Deadstar" as a tribute to the late punk rocker, GG Allin. His music is an aggressive mixture of heavy metal and trap. His most popular song, "Audi" unites loud bass with quick rhymes. Like Purpp, Lil Pump uses a similar sound to captivate audiences. His song, "Gucci Gang" went triple platinum and peaked at three on the Billboard Charts.

Another musician pioneering the genre is Trippie Redd, Trippie’s music is wide-ranging. He yells, sings, and raps. His production varies between bombastic and smooth. His breakout song, "Love Scars" is a staple within the emo rap community.

These artists have all helped pioneer an underground movement that has seen mainstream success. Post Malone and Juice Wrld are other artists from this scene that have risen to the top of the Billboard Charts. The artists mentioned 53 above share a similar aesthetic. Face tattoos, colorful hair, and flamboyant clothing are essential. For a genre that was initially dismissed by critics is now taking over the radio and being used by others. Artist like Gunna and Lil Baby borrowed the sound to craft their hit, “Sold Out Dates.” As the movement continues to expand, more and more rappers are becoming comfortable with anti-hypermasculine music. Hip-hop has often rejected the notion that men can’t be vulnerable.

Whether it was Peep coming out as bisexual, or Lil Tracy painting his nails, these artists have pushed boundaries. The key to understanding the fusion of punk and hip-hop is to realize one's true self. The genre is more than just music; it is the idea that regardless of where you are from, your authenticity is valued.

54

55

K Ca 56

TAKEs

aMp

OVER

Photo: Ashton Williams Wardrobe Stylist: Metta Conchetta Wardrobe: Helmut Lang Story by Gregory Gagliardi

57

58

59

my sound is universal.

60

Q+A

I want to start with your upbringing. You were born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but grew up in Atlanta. How old were you when you moved to Atlanta and how was growing up there?

KCAMP: Ma dukes moved out to Atlanta when I was one years old. I use to go back every summer to visit my Dad cuz they split when I was a baby. But grew up on 13th & Capital, 47th & Lloyd and 49th & Chambers. So I’m familiar, but majority of my life I spent in Atlanta.

Atlanta is famous for their music. Your sound is very much Atlanta, who are some artists that influenced you when you first started rapping?

KCAMP: Lemme correct that my sound is not “very much Atlanta”, my sound is universal. I can attack any lane easily. I will never put myself in a box. But I appreciate the compliment.

I understand the song "All Night" led to your mom becoming your manager. Could you tell us about that experience; having your mother manage you and why she ultimately decided to.

KCAMP: It was easy, I had a song that caught national attention and at that time my mom was the only option, so we ran wit it. She had to learn the music business through Google, we both was new to the game. She is still apart of my operation to this day.

Follow up points: start asking about his deal with Interscope. How he got signed, if his mother played a role and what happened with Interscope and his former managers; he mentioned firing them in an interview.

KCAMP: I got signed to Interscope thru Cut Her Off cuz Money Baby was goin so crazy in the streets. Then a bidding war started. My whole life I wanted to be signed to Interscope cuz of Dre and Jimmy Iovine.

They had the biggest artists in the game at that time.

61

KCAMP: I got signed to Interscope thru Cut Her Off cuz Money Baby was goin so crazy in the streets. Then a bidding war started. My whole life I wanted to be signed to Interscope cuz of Dre and Jimmy Iovine. They had the biggest artists in the game at that time.

Last year you released your second studio album, "RARE Sound"...followed by the singles, "His and Hers" and "Switch"...are these songs part of an upcoming project...if yes what could you tell us about the project.

KCAMP: RARE SOUND was an introduction to my RARE SOUND imprint that I started in 2016, added on to my 427 Label that I started around 2007. His and Hers is a leak from Kiss 5, Switch was recorded on Instagram live at 4am one night. The next week I dropped the song and the video, Nobody working as hard as me!

62

63

"Hell yeah I feel unappreciated."

Your sound is very much melodic trap music, which is very popular. Influence: are you given enough credit for your impact on hip-hop or do you feel underappreciated. Your early music set the tone for the current hip-hop sound.

KCAMP: Hell yeah I feel unappreciated. Im one of the ones that started the wave and folks dont give me the credit. I hear my melodies in all these new artists. But as a trendsetter and a wave creator that's what come wit this shit. So they gon have to keep up cuz this shit don’t stop. Ima Underground King!

64

You often speak of the music business. What have you learned about the business side and what advice what you give to a young artist when a Major Label approach?

KCAMP: I went thru hell in this industry as an artist. I wouldn't wish my situation on nobody else cuz if they was in my shoes they would have drowned by now. I turned nothin into somethin and made myself a CEO. Now I own my own label and company wit one of the biggest producers, one of the hottest artist and one of the most influential DJ’s in Atlanta. Including myself, and wit that you got RARE SOUND! Stay tuned 2019 until infinity, We plan on being the BIGGEST!

65

"I went thru hell in thi

66

is industry as an artist."

67

68

At the end of the day he g

Last year you released your second studio album, "RARE Sound"...followed by the singles, "His and Hers" and "Switch"...are these songs part of an upcoming project...if yes what could you tell us about the project.

KCAMP: RARE SOUND was an introduction to my RARE SOUND imprint that I started in 2016, added on to my 427 Label that I started around 2007. His and Hers is a leak from Kiss 5, Switch was recorded on Instagram live at 4am one night. The next week I dropped the song and the video, Nobody working as hard as me!

You were invited to “The Dreamville Project, Revenge of the Dreamers 3"...what could you tell us about your involvement with the project, recording sessions, and relationship with J. Cole.

Potential follow up question: this remix is on I don't know if it's real or a fake mash up. I looked online and found no info.

KCAMP: My boy Ibrahim (Cole Manager) hit me and asked me to come. So I came out for one day cuz the next morning I had a flight to LA. And that's when yall heard the snippet of “Bad Habbits” on IG. I was working on my album. If I don’t make this project, I will be on the next one. Shoutout J Cole for being a real one.

You're scheduled to perform at Jermaine Dupri's concert series during Super Bowl Week in downtown Atlanta...could you tell us about the concert series. Many Atlanta legends are performing.

KCAMP: My boy Holiday reached out to me months ago asking if I was available to do it. I said “hell yeah I’m available”.

Thoughts on the NFL, Colin Kaepernick, and Travis Scott performing. Do you feel a responsibility to be vocal about these issues?

KCAMP: Colin is my dawg, I feel like what he did was credible. He stood for something that most folks would be scared to do. As far as Travis, he’s the biggest in world right now, Get ya money. Can’t fault the man for doin what he love. At the end of the day he gotta family to feed.

gotta family to feed.

69

70

71

72

ON TOUR WITH JADEN SMITH PHOTOGRAPHER ANTHONY SUPREME STORY BY ANTHONY SUPREME EDITED BY GABBY FELIPE

73

74

Jaden Smith is an artist, actor, photographer, plus director I’ve been following for a very long time.

It’s unreal at times that I’ve truly watched this kid grow up every step of the way. So to be with him on tour, I was such a fan of his. I remember the first day of tour in Miami for rehearsals. I saw him walk in the area as I watched from afar high up in the arena seats.

I knew it was him because of the blonde hair and how much energy he has as he walked into the arena.

75

This was rehearsal, so the whole place was empty and they were going over the sets and lighting. Jaden sat down and watched as they did play back of his set from afar, touching up on minor details he had left before going on stage.

76

77

78

I remember meeting him for the first time, I was a bit nervous because I wasn’t sure if he would be a jerk or a cool ass young kid. I walked up to him at first, he didn’t hear me because of the noise in the arena was so loud.

I said his name twice even though I was right beside him on stage. The second time I said “Jaden”, it was like it caught him off guard and I was just eye balling him. But he seemed very cool about it as I introduced myself to him. To me, he just came off as a cool kid that was all about business.

I went on and the tour began. Weeks would pass and I would just always go out and watch Jaden’s set every night, pretending like I didn’t know every word to each song. But his energy was like no other for me. I saw his dad and mom while on tour and they seem like normal black parents, which was weird because everyone was a fan but they seem like they were just parents watching their son be great

79

80

81

82

83

84

85

86

87

88

Jaden always kinda stayed to himself during the start of tour. By the end of the tour we all seem to be one big family. I would find myself at the same time as him, trying my best not to be awkward and weird. But by the end of the tour we were both getting each other like we knew one another for a while.

Then I started to see how he’s just a kid growing up in a world of fam.

With good parents and friends.

Trying to navigate through it all and do his best. I think that’s what I’ve learned from him while on tour with Jaden Smith.

89

90

91

92

93

94

PHOTOGRAPHER LAMONT ROBERSON II STYLIST : MAZ STORY BY GABBY FELIPE

PHOTOGRAPHER LAMONT ROBERSON II STORY BY

95

Lauren Sanders videos, vlogs on Throughout the her music.

Gabby: How di

Lauren: "To be being 100% do I'm focused on

Gabby: Best pl

Lauren: "Every Dallas, Texas o

Gabby: What m 96

Lauren: "What the best examp you to another

Gabby: Who/w

Lauren: "My bi John Mayer, Fr

Gabby: What c

Lauren: "Don't being surround digging deep in Not only career

Gabby: What c

Lauren: "We're equal. Period".

Q+A

son, an American singer/rapper from Indiana, started off her career by posting motivational n everyday life, and music covers on Soundcloud, Twitter and on her Youtube channel. e years, she has gained a number of followers on social media leading her to be well known for

id you get to where you are now?

e honest, the real way I got to where I am now is simply being focused on my own vision and own to do it myself. I've known deep down I would have to build my own path and still to this day, what I want, nobody else".

lace you've performed at and why?

y place is pretty amazing to perform at but I'd say my favorite stop on the last tour was probably or Washington, DC. They both really brought that heat".

makes a great song to you?

makes a song great to me is if it brings you a certain feeling or takes you somewhere. One of ples is John Mayer or Frank Ocean. You can turn either of their music on and it literally takes 97 dimension. That's what I'm trying to do".

what are your inspirations for creating music?

iggest inspirations at the moment are Post Malone, Tyler The Creator and Mac Miller. I also love rank Ocean and Daniel Caesar. Lots of chill dudes making music they love. That's my shit".

can you say about your album "DON'T PANIC!"?

t Panic was a super amazing era of 2018. It completely deďŹ ned moving from the Midwest to LA, ded by the chaos of the music industry, not really having friends or family around, and really nto what I want out of my career. It forced me to be even more independent than I already am. r wise, but mentally and emotionally too".

can you say about the LGBTQI?

e all out here and equal. That's what I believe. No matter who you are or who you love, we're all

Gabby: you talk

Lauren: speakin myself

Gabby: how did

98

Lauren: getting around really p pretty s vision w anyone moved, friends each ot magazi always of the ti interest

Gabby:

Lauren: and jus vision. be like

: Would you consider being on another TED talk? If so, what would k about?

: "I'd love to do another ted talk. In 2018, I slowed down on the ng/motivational stuff to really dive into music but I deďŹ nitely see going back that route either this year or next. Probably next".

: What are some challenges you've faced before and after fame? And d you handle it?

: "I don't really consider myself famous at all yet, but I think I'm there. When I lived in Indiana, a lot of my challenges were based d other people there doubting me or just downplaying the work I was putting into my art. A lot of people from my hometown thought it was stupid that I started making music, but I know it's just because my wasn't really there yet. It was right in my head but it wasn't out for e to see yet. It was all very early if you know what I mean. Since I've , my challenges are more around people who I thought were my 99 either getting distant because they don't feel like we can relate to ther anymore, or people hitting me up just cause you know, ines, articles, followers and shit. Another thing about LA is everyone thinks they know what's best or the right way, when in reality, 99% ime, only the artist really knows what is best for them. It's an ting world to navigate but I think I'm doing pretty well".

: If you could give advice to your younger self, what would you say?

: "I would say, just remember every single feeling of doubt will pass st keep trusting your gut. Don't let anyone steer you away from your If you have a dream, go get that shit. Someday they'll look back and I can't believe she really did that".

100

101

102

103

104

105

106

Gabby: "What are some goals you would like to achieve this year?"

Lauren: "2019 for me is going to be about maxing out my capabilities. I want to create lots and lots of new merch, start a thrift shop, write a book, release new music, go on another tour, maintain my physical and emotional health more than I ever have before, and maintain healthy relationships that will keep me sane. Let's get it".

107

108

109

PREME.XYZ

110

111

112

DUCKWRTH DUCKWRTH

DUCKWRTH DUCKWRTH

113

114

PHOTOGRAPHER LAMONT ROBERSON II STORY BY NIKO LEENO

115

116

117

118

Q+A • Duckwrth is a very unique name. How did you come up with the it and it’s meaning?

It's my mom's maiden name. No meaning, just a family name.

• How do you measure success? In this day and age.

In life, I measure success by "can I feed myself and my family?" or "Do I own property, and can I pass that property down to generations after me?". Also, good health is success.

If I can still jog at 90, I'm lit.

In music, I measure success by "will my music still be relevant in 2068?" or "Can people play my music when their stuck in traffic or showering & getting ready for work?". Or even "Can my music facilitate some casual ass shaking?".

If the answers to these are yes, then that's success.

• Mickey Mouse Sponge Bob Bugs Bunny Bugs Bunny. He was a player, always super smooth with the lady bunnies. And he was smart af because he outwitted all the haters trying to turn him into bunny soup. And he was in Space Jam. No competition there, Bugs Bunny for the lifetime achievement award.

• If you could record a Song with MJ , Prince or Jimmy Hendrix who would it be and why.

Jimi I feel. He was my first love, and we would agree on a lot of topics like the universe and women. And the song would be hella tight 'cause he'd solo for 3 minutes with a long ass fade on it.

119

.• Being able to do so many genres of music , how would you describe your overall style ?

Whatever I feel that day. But mostly Electric Funk Punk.

Music that conveys movement. Something that makes you wanna dance, or jump, or push someone. Right now I'm working on mastering schexy time music :) • What’s Your favorite music Video that you’ve shot over the years Fall Back was the most fun because I got to do my own stunt, which was being ripped through a wall. But my favs are Bernal Heights, Well Spoken and Soprano. Any chance to do a one shot video, I'm all for it.

120

• Your fashion is dope! “Vintage new wave drip “ lol where do you get your sense of fashion from ?

I was raised with nothing but women. They wouldn't ever let me leave the house looking like a "heathen". My mom sewed clothes and my sister watched Sex & the city. It was inevitable.

• Orange, Apple or Grape Juice OJ is a American classic, but if you drink apple juice after a hot meal, that's just pure heaven. So apple juice.

• How many times did you listen to Ludacris “word of mouth” How much sand is at the beach? Many

121

122

123

124

• Your music videos are very cinematic, Have you ever considered acting in movies ??

Very much so. I'm gonna score films first before I start acting though. But then again, who knows how the cards may lay.

• What’s your most memorable moment on the “Falling Man Tour “ Watching a mosh pit erupt in London while performing Fall Back. Or the beauty and decadence of Vienna Austria. Or the crazy love we got from a sold out show in Brooklyn.

Finally, finishing up the American tour and getting a gluten free cake with the tour flyer printed on it. It was edible of course.

125

MAXO

BY ANTHON

126

KREAM

NY SUPREME

127

128

EVERYDAY WITH NADESKA 129

PHOTOGRAPHER : MARIAH WINTER STYLING : RAENA ANAIS HAIR: MALCOLM CUTHBERT MAKEUP: LAKEISHA DALE STORY BY: ANTHONY SUPREME + GREG GAGLIARDI

130

131

Q+A Let’s start with some background. I understand you moved from Grenada to Brooklyn when you were a child.

Could you describe moving from Grenada and Brooklyn?

Mildly traumatic and painfully cold? That’s how 10-year-old ‘Pinky’ would’ve described it I think. It was a pretty abrupt move, so although I’d visited New York previously, I wasn’t prepared to relocate from a tiny Caribbean island to Flatbush, Brooklyn in March. It took me a very long time to really grasp the concept of layering and to not feel like I was suffocating in bubble jackets and hoodies. At that point I was sure turtlenecks were the worse piece of clothing ever invented.

Temperature adjustments aside though, it’s crazy to think how different my life would’ve been if we hadn’t moved—but I can’t go down that rabbit hole. I love Brooklyn, but I do go home to visit every chance I get. I have a huge family that I don’t get to spend nearly enough time with.

132

From my understanding your mother was strict, and you were somewhat shy in high school. Could you explain how growing up her rules affected you and did those rules result in your shy demeanor?

Her rules were very overbearing, so she and I still disagree on if she really needed to be that tough on me growing up. But I’ll say that I get my ambition and drive from her. No one can really get in my way once I’m committed to doing something.

I also get my camera shyness from her. My mom is a pretty outspoken person, but if you pull out a camera to take a photo of video of her, she’s either ducking, covering her face or literally shoving it away. That’s me in a nutshell. When the cameras turn on at work, I’m able to get into a different zone.

But in my personal life, I still hate being photographed and I don’t like hanging out with people who want to document every single moment on Instagram stories or Snapchat. It’d be beneficial to my career to put myself out there more, and I’m trying this year, but I’m more Frank Ocean and J. Cole when it comes to publicity and social media.

What made you interested in hip-hop and music journalism? I understand you attended Binghamton University. Did Binghamton impact you musically?

My mom’s twin is a teacher, who put a big emphasis on reading and writing. She bought me so many books as a kid and I read everything I could. English and Literature classes were always my favorite — and I was the master of overnight essays — so I naturally learned towards journalism. I didn’t particularly enjoy my experience at Binghamton, but I did write for the college paper, intern at the local city newspaper [Press & Sun-Bulletin] and also did magazine internships back in NYC just to get experience and get my start somewhere. I didn’t initially put journalism and hip-hop together, to be honest.

Growing up in Flatbush and Crown Heights in the late 90s/early 2000s you live and breathe hip-hop, but I never imagined it could be a career path. After college, it started to come together when I landed a freelance job blogging for AOL’s TheBoomBox and interned, then worked, for a magazine called BlackBook. I got to interview a lot of my favorite artists early in their careers before all the big albums came, including J. Cole, Kid Cudi, Wale, Big Sean and Frank Ocean. Looking back, on paper, that was the worst time in my career. I was broke and unsure all the long hours were going to take me anywhere — but in retrospect, it was the ‘purest’ time if that makes sense without sounding too corny? I was just genuinely so excited to work with the artists that my friends and I were coming of age with. Getting to pick their brains a little before they became megastars. That time in my career can never be replicated. Things feel very different 10 years in.

How much do you love Dreamville, because we see you wear their hoodie a lot?

If you’re just letting me be Nadeska the fan for a minute — I’m Dreamville ‘till I die. Around the time J. Cole dropped The Warm Up, I decided that he was the one. I committed to riding it out as a fan for the next few decades, wherever that journey took him. Hit all of the Dollar and A Dream shows and all that. The way Jay Z was that person for a lot of people growing up, or Nas or any of the legends —I just felt that musical connection with Cole early on. And because I’m a loyal fan that means I’ll always support his movement. I first interviewed J. Cole during that early period in my career before he dropped The Sideline Story.

133

134

Everyday Struggle is a focal hip-hop news platform. However, the show has not been without changes and controversy. Was there a moment when you debated leaving the show, and if so why?

I’ve debated leaving many times, but those feelings subside eventually. I’m a big believer in not walking away when things get difficult—if you feel like that chapter isn’t complete yet. A lot of the rewards come on the other side of those ultra super lows. My life has been very turbulent and uncomfortable in general, so the ‘controversies’ are whatever to me at this point. It’s the internet backlash that still stuns me sometimes. I’m a pretty chill person, so to have people literally threatening your life and saying disrespectful things about your family just because they disagree with some that happened on the show is wild to me.

Since this show launched, I’ve been called every derogatory name you can possibly imagine on a weekly basis.

Former Everyday Struggle co-host Star made an inappropriate comment about you. You confronted Star about this on the show. Tory Lanez, on his Instagram, said "yo @akadmiks tell shordy in the middle ... one day ima bags that, zeeen." My question is: how do you deal with these types of comments? You already handled the Star situation, but with Tory what goes through your mind reading that?

I try not to internalize things like that too much. The day after Tory posted that he was scheduled to be on Everyday Struggle. He popped into hair and makeup early to chat with me and Akademiks, and said he was just trolling. As soon as the show opened, AK also made sure to say to him that he could be respectful enough to say my name next time. And then we moved on. Stuff like that is gonna happen over and over again, but I know where I’ve been and where I’m going. People can say whatever they want, I’ll still be here working and trying to be better.

How does it feel to have your own Beats 1 radio show? What’s to come on that?

Pretty surreal that it’s happening. When Everyday Struggle launched in 2017, I had already been working full Sundays at Beats 1 covering playlist hours. I’ve never been good at promoting my work — especially when I still feel like I have a lot to learn — so I didn’t broadcast that much. But now it’s morphed into me having my own 2-hour weekly show on Beats 1 every Friday starting midFebruary. I’ll get to do interviews, play new music, do silly fun segments, discuss important social issues — they’re essentially giving me the freedom to create, which is a blessing.

135

136

Let's talk about music. Aside from hip-hop what types of music do you enjoy?

I’m of a child of the TRL era, so I listened to everything growing up. All the boy bands, all the alt rock that was popular at that time, obviously calypso and reggae, and during my high school years my Russian friends at Brooklyn Tech HS even introduced me to house music.

These days I listen to a lot of random things when I’m at home relaxing to clear my mind — classical music, Bossa nova jazz, anything with a vibe. I’ve also been building my record collection over the last year, it’s been heavy on 70s R&B/soul classics.

137

138

139

140

In the life of Nadeska: could you describe a typical working and off day?

Typical working day: Wake up by 5:30am, get dressed and head to Complex for Everyday Struggle. Arrive at the office around 6:30am and give myself about 45 minutes to struggle with hair and makeup while chugging coffee. Before cameras start rolling at 8am, we’ll do a final check for news updates and I’ll run through the show assets with my production team then we’re off. Post show, we spend about 1.5 hours getting the episode YouTube ready and making sure social cuts are good. Pending any other meetings, I’ll head over to Apple Music/Beats 1 around 1pm to either go live on air, do interviews or work with my producers to build out my new weekly show. By 4:30pm my brain starts to melt and I head home to take a short nap if I’m lucky. Or just smoke a joint and relax for a few minutes, then make sure the show rundown for the next day’s episode of Everyday Struggle is finalized before 7:30pm. After that I’ll try to feed myself, watch some TV, do a few sessions on DuoLingo and force myself to bed by 11pm.

Typical day off: Wake up by 6:30am because my body is now stuck on this morning schedule. Enjoy a few hours of peace, reading, smoking or hitting the gym if I can find the motivation before the rest of Brooklyn is up. If I don’t have plans with friends then I usually pick my project for the day. I’ve been slowly renovating my apartment since I bought it, so some days I might be tearing down sheetrock to expose a brick wall or trying to figure out which drill bit is good for cement vs. brick. I also spend an insane amount of time at Home Depot.

Now the typical question. Where do you see yourself in 5-10years ?

Right now I have an idea for a TV show that I’ve been trying to get out of my head and onto paper. I don’t want to work in daily news forever, because it gets more and more difficult to be creative when I’m juggling so many different things everyday. I look forward to a day when I can spend several weeks or months working on one great project, like a TV show that I would be really proud to share with the world. I’d love to get my Shonda Rhimes on at some point. I’m so inspired by her.

141

142

143

144

145

#FREE21SAVAGE #FREE21SAVAGE #FREE21SAVAGE #FREE21SAVAGE #FREE21SAVAGE #FREE21SAVAGE 146

PHTOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY SUPREME STORY BY GREG GAGLIARDI

147

21 21 21 21

148

149

21 21 21 21

PREME.XYZ 150

151

152

153

Lexii Alijai

FROM RECORDING COVERS TO MAKING HER OWN MUSIC 154

Photo: Lamont Roberson II Editing by Anthony Supreme Story by Gregory Gagliardi

Q+A

You're somebody that went from recording covers to making open and honest music. Your album topics include dropping out of high school and maintaining a relationship with your ex-boyfriend's mother. What lead to this stark change? life is what happened... I was 15 when I wrote my first tape, I was in school super focused on music and myself. I never even had a boyfriend or a first kiss before then, then out the fuckin blue someone came into my life when I turned 17 & everything changed... Love is some super strong shit. It changed a lot about me, it was all I was focused on, all I cared about. And with that being all I cared about, that’s all I was able to rap about. I was in a 4 year relationship.. so to transition from never having love from a male, to having it for 4 years consistently? It definitely changed my perspective on things.

You ended 2018 with the song "No Love." What can fans expect from you in 2019? Is an album coming?

I’m dropping my EP very soon! We just working on clearing all these samples.. my fans can expect a sound they never heard from me before, we not rappin bout love no more!

2019 is a new wave for me.

155

156

157

158

You're an independent artist. I was wondering why? Have you been tempted to sign with a major? Moreover, what are the pros and cons of remaining independent?

I’m independent cause I choose to be, ive had offers but never the right ones.. I want to build more leverage before I sign a weak ass deal just because I’m talented. I don’t wanna end up on the shelf. I feel pros of being signed is just having a machine behind u... but with the internet & things young artists got these days, I feel we don’t need a major label anymore... u can literally put 159 yourself on!

Let's discuss Minnesota, which has a rich musical history.

When I hear "musicians from Minnesota," I instantly think of Prince. Has Prince influenced you?

Prince definitely had an influence on me... I don’t know his whole category, but from what I’ve heard definitely helped me as an artist.

160

Are you involved with the local music scene in Minnesota? There are many young artists on the rise including Allan Kingdom, Lux & Longley, Student 1, and Drelli.

Yes, Allan & Drelli are the homies!! I’m not a super social person so I don’t kno everyone on the come up out here... Nimic Revenue is another artist from here I really fuck with!

Let's talk about social media. Social media is very impactful. How has social media impacted you both musically and non-musically?

Social media helped me so much! From me being able to share my new music & my bigger artist friends being able to retweet it & share it for me all helped out, they’ve 161 shared a lot of their fans with me! It’s dope being able to talk directly with my fans, especially them being from different states. There’s fans I’ve never met but the internet keeps us connected to the point we feel we know each other already. Shoutout to social media!

In 10 years where would you like your career to be? ten years from now I’d like to be a household name.. I don’t wanna put a number on how many albums I’d wish to have out by then.... but I just vision myself a successful woman, that’s all I ever wanted in life. I just wanna be great.

162

163

ISSUE 3 - F

164

NADESKA + K CAMP + DUCK

CREATED BY ANTHON

FEB 2019

KWTH + LAUREN SANDERSON

NY "SUPREME" THOMPSON

165

166

PREME.XYZ

167

168