DECA: CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF 2001-2011
Kano by Jamie James Medina (2004) Cover image: Wiley by Carnegie & Conway (2008)
WELCOME
“RWD has always been a massive support right from the early days, even when no one else was giving us a look in. I will always respect them for that. When you made it in the magazine, you made it. That’s how important it was to us.” Kano
A decade and 116 issues in, RWD is well and truly in a league of its own when it comes to producing a magazine dedicated to observing the world around it. 10 years of exclusive interviews with groundbreaking artists, (most of them being their first ever), 10 years of cutting edge editorial, documenting 10 years of irreplaceable cultural history. What began in 2001 as a magazine to reflect the vibrancy of music genres the existing media chose to ignore, has ended up solely covering the rise of UK garage, (which we saw grime evolve out of) the growth of dubstep and even pop - being the first to feature the likes of Lady Gaga and Adele - not to mention bringing actors and sports personalities to the forefront and getting the party started on just about every occasion. (FACT: RWD events are always epic!) DECA should serve as a visual link to how RWD has become the phenomena it is today. This meant going through the extensive archives to find legendary and never seen before photo-shoots, getting exclusive running commentary from the artists themselves, plus a tip or five to the future when RWD teamed up with long time supporters adidas in an extra special edition of About To Blow. The relationship between adidas and RWD has flourished over the years organically. As we see it adidas were the first major brand to recognise the importance of the growing underground music scene here in the UK. RWD would like to thank adidas especially for the support they have given the magazine over the years. With that in mind, we thought what better way to celebrate a decade than alongside the sporting giants who, like RWD are all about being relentlessly innovative and always staying a step ahead of their peers. Being a huge fan of RWD since its early days, it’s a privilege to be editing the compendium and if these ten years are anything to go by, then the next ten are set to produce even more unforgettable moments that will go down in cultural history. See you in 2021! Nardene Scott DECA Editor
October 2001 Four friends from South London decide to launch a magazine and with the help of a £5K Princes Trust Loan, 5,000 copies of RWD magazine - produced in just ten days! - Flood the record shops and fashion boutiques of London.
December 2001 Christmas sees RWD celebrate the success of the magazine as Ministry Of Sound is packed to the rafters with artists (Kele Le Roc, The Dreem Teem, Master of Ceremonies, More Fire Crew, Sticky, Masterstepz) and industry alike.
October 2003 RWD founders meet Prince Charles after winning The Prince’s Trust and Royal Bank Of Scotland London Business Of The Year Award (MD Nigel Wells wears a toffee coloured suit to the event, why? We don’t know?)
April 2005 RWD hosts the second stage at The Prince’s Trust Urban Music Festival with everyone from Roll Deep, Aftershock, and Newham Generals to TwiceAsNice DJ’s and Logan Sama playing and performing on the RWD stage. RWD goes against the grain by changing its name to Roll Deep honouring its cover stars.
March 2002 More Fire Crew chart with what is to become one of grime’s most recognisable tracks Oi.
March 2002 The Streets drop Original Pirate Material fusing together the music of the underground.
April 2002 Editor Matt Mason and illustrator Art Jaz unleash cartoon series, The Booo Krooo. A&R’s are given the runaround when an April Fool’s joke goes to plan causing major labels to chase the ficticious stars.
June 2002 Musical Mob release Pulse X that causes ears to prick up to the grass roots of the innovative dubstep sound.
September 2003 RWD legends Booo Krooo make it onto the silver screen with their first TV appearance, as the animated version of the cartoon airs on Channel U (now Channel AKA).
August 2005 Current Deputy Editor, Danny Walker acts as editor and puts together collectable Run The Road 2 issues which are still talked about up until now.
September 2005 Hattie Collins joins RWD as editor ushering the magazine into a new phase widening the realm to include music across a range of genres.
March 2007 We tip the likes of N-Dubz, Skepta and Idris Elba in our About To Blow section once again, staying ahead of the crowd.
October 2008 adidas partners with RWD to launch adiZones through a sell out event headlined by Kano and featuring Tinchy Stryder, Skepta and Ghetto; spreading the word via the slam vans.
March 2009 RWD print first ever UK interview with future pop icon, Lady Gaga.
February 2010 RWD is first in line as Editor Hattie Collins becomes the first journalist to secure an interview with hip hop superstar Nicki Minaj.
September 2010 RWD becomes 100 issues deep celebrating with a party in East London which sees Tinie Tempah headline alongside then unknown support act Ed Sheeran, once again RWD predicting the stars of the future.
RWD TIMELINE February 2003 Wiley’s Eskimo instrumental is released on vinyl after causing major waves on the underground.
March 2003 Booo Krooo on behalf of RWD accept Sidewinder’s People Choice Award for Best Magazine.
June 2003 Dizzee Rascal starts a bidding war eventually releasing banger I Luv U via XL Recordings.
July 2004 MD Nigel Wells is an invited speaker at Gordon Brown’s Enterprise Insight campaign, a government initiative to help young people start up their own businesses.
October 2005 Croydon’s finest Skream drops the track that most will go on to say was the instrumental that put them onto dubstep, Midnight Request Line.
April 2006 Skepta simply duppies the dance with his re-make of the Jameson and Viper garage song Selecta, with Duppy featuring the MC’s of the moment.
November 2007 RWD print first ever interview with the record breaking singer, Adele. Bassline takes over for a moment as T2’s Heartbroken smashes through the airwaves.
May 2009 RWD become the first ‘urban’ company at The Camden Crawl, securing the infamous Jazz Café as the venue for a handpicked line up featuring Newham Generals and Goldielocks.
August 2010 Messi covers RWD reflecting the future of RWD as a more rounded lifestyle title.
July 2006 About To Blow hits TV screens when RWD teams up with MTV Base to showcase the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Mo Farah, Tinie Tempah and the soon to be musical phenomenon of dubstep.
February 2008 Benga & Coki unite to produce club banger Night.
October 2009 RWD now caters towards its more fashion conscious readers attracting JD distribution.
November 2009 adidas build adiZones providing free outdoor sporting facilities to the Olympic boroughs. RWD and adidas pick out About To Blow stars for a 2012 special including the incredible Tinie Tempah and Mo Farah.
May 2011 RWD defies the media industry becoming the only men’s lifestyle title to increase YoY, with a 38.5% rise in market share adding to a monthly circulation of 98,033 copies.
10 YEARS IN PICTURES
Curated by Dacre J. Bracey James Pearson-Howes Simon Wheatley
So Solid Crew by Hainsley Brown (2003)
Kano by Carnegie & Conway (2008)
“I think progression has definitely been good for me. Slow and steady just moving forward as an artist and RWD covering it from the beginning and still covering me now, I highly appreciate. The first time I saw RWD magazine was on a lunch break in Year 8 or 9. I remember I was in this chicken shop in Hornsey and there was an article I was reading in there about Crazy Titch.� Chipmunk
Chipmunk by Carnegie & Conway (2008)
Doctor, Plan B, Nolay and JME by Response London (2005)
Bruza by James Pearson-Howes (2006) Opposite: Loefah and Vinton by Georgina Cook (2009)
N-Dubz by Andres Reynaga (2010)
“The first time I was in RWD, I think Chantelle Fiddy did us as a One To Watch. I read RWD growing up to see what was really good. I saw Skepta in there, JME, Bashy. I’ve always liked Wiley’s front covers...You lot are No.1 in this! RWD has always been there for us...We love RWD, without you, we’d be nothing. RWD is the most exciting magazine in our genre of music – by far! You see the little arrow and then R the W and the D? That makes me excited!” Dappy
Slimzee by Jamie James Medina (2004) Opposite: Wretch 32 by Uzo Oleh (2011)
Mike Skinner and Giggs by James Pearson-Howes (2009) Opposite page: La Roux by James Pearson-Howes (2008)
By Hainsley Brown (2004)
By Hainsley Brown (2004)
Goldielocks by James Pearson-Howes (2007)
MistaJam by Carnegie & Conway (2009)
Kano performs at the adiZones concert by Joanna Woodrow (2008)
Peridot by Joanna Woodrow (2008)
Behind the scenes at the adiZones concert by James Pearson-Howes (2008)
“That is one of my most memorable shows. And you can always judge how significant a gig is by how many of your friends ask to be on the guest list! I had more friends that day than ever before. I think that show raised the bar.� Kano
Kano and Ghetts perform at the adiZones concert by Joanna Woodrow (2008)
Tinchy Stryder (left) Shortee Blitz (right) both performing at the adiZones concert by Joanna Woodrow (2008)
Mz Bratt by Jamie-James Medina (2008)
Jammer by James Pearson-Howes (2003)
“I think the impact of Roll Deep has probably been one of the most influential on the grime scene. At that time it wasn’t garage it was grime, it was Creeper, it was Danny Weed, it was Target, it was Dizzee Rascal, it was Wiley as producers and the music that was coming out, that was the sound.” J2K
“When I was on Deja Vu I saw a RWD with East Connection and that’s the first time I saw someone I knew in there. It was probably the next edition I was in myself. From there I just kept on track basically.” D Double E D Double E by James Pearson-Howes (2011) Opposite: J2K by Kieran Pharaoh (2011)
Larrikin Love and Statik by James Pearson-Howes (2006) Opposite page: Roll Deep by Simon Wheatley (2005)
This page: Roll Deep by Simon Wheatley (2006)
Previous pages: Merky ACE and MIK by Verena Stefanie Grotto (2010) Maxsta by Verena Stefanie Grotto (2010) Opposite page: Vertex by James Peasron-Howes (2008)
Ruff Sqwad by Jamie-James Medina (2005)
Jammer and Neckle Camp by Simon Wheatley (2004)
Devlin and OT Crew by Danny Walker (2008)
JME by James Pearson-Howes (2006)
Tinie Tempah by James Pearson-Howes (2008)
Example by Kevin Joseph (2010)
Dizzee Rascal and Wiley by Stephen Mark (2002)
Mz Bratt by James Pearson-Howes (2008)
ABOUT TO BLOW
The last time RWD and adidas came together in an About To Blow special it was a success to say the least, tipping the likes of now worldwide superstar, Tinie Tempah and the record breaking world champion athlete, Mo Farah. This time continuing to reflect the commitment adidas has towards the upcoming 2012 Olympic games, we pick a variety of homegrown acts that are about to, well, tick, tick, boom! From future producers Lewi White and The Elite, to singer/songwriter Angel, MC RoxXxan and music industry insider Sian Anderson, RWD and adidas have pulled out all the stops to highlight homegrown acts, all can be seen sporting the adidas Originals Team GB range (Available at JD). Whilst we are on the topic we should acknowledge the fact that the very ground that now houses the Olympic stadium was home to pirate radio station, Deja Vu. One of the radio station’s which helped shape the scenes our About To Blow stars have emerged from. Enjoy our sport inspired shoot and get acquainted with our hand picked About to Blow Team GB! Team GB photography Directed: Dacre Bracey Photographer: Eman A Stylist: PC Williams Grooming: Adjhani Barton, Linzi Dower, Nibras Al-Wasih
LEWI WHITE
26, Producer Over the past decade Lewi White has gone from spinning garage and D&B bangers on pirate stations, to being holed up in the infamous basement of a certain Jammer; then setting up his own Beyond Da Booth studios, in which he’s made beats for friends Devlin and Ghetts alongside Rawz Artilla. Now the camera shy Dagenham native is well and truly stepping Beyond Da Booth launching himself as an artist, “It feels kind of surreal to be honest, it’s a big transition, being here is a big step for my career,” the grimey beat provider tells us on the set of our shoot. Despite a gold plaque already hung on the walls of his studio representing the sales of Devlin’s debut album, Bud, Sweat and Beers of which there are four Lewi White productions, including the emotionally engaging, Our Father, this is merely the tip of the iceberg. After our shoot he has a session with Ed Sheeran and has just laid down the foundation for Devlin’s sophomore album. The strictly homegrown music fan covers everything from dubstep to D&B and grime, this unique fusion is showcased on Young Guns featuring Yasmin, Ed Sheeran, Griminal and Devlin. “I’m trying to go cinematic but keep the dubstep base that gritty bassline but take it to a new level, get in real orchestras and do the producer thing properly”. We predict the talented music maker will be making space on the studio walls for another plaque or two soon. @LewiWhite
ROXXXAN
22, MC “I’m basically just trying to go leftfield... a lot of people are doing dubstep or break beat and I’m just trying to stay clear of what the norm is”, the Birmingham born and bred lyricist tells us in between takes on the shoot. Once a sprinter for Birchfield Hariers, it’s pretty appropriate shooting on an athletics track but the hype MC is much more comfortable on stage sans backpack. After all that’s how the triple x spitter made her name, entering open mic contests having moved down to the Big Smoke at 20 to intern at Parlophone Records. Looking towards the future, the now Polydor signed artist gives us her wishlist for her impending debut album, “I would love to have Jessie J or even Adele, obviously you’ve got Tinie Tempah, I’m a big, big fan of Giggs ‘we’ve both got the same tone, so I think we’d make a big tune’. Wiz Khalifa, Yelawolf as well”. Possessing a versatility which allows the huge Kelis and Missy Elliott fan to terrorise any beat, there’s no surprise in the eclectic choice of collaborations. Following buzz single Tear featuring rap newbie Benny Banks and Wretch 32 collaborator L, we’re sure the music currently being cooked up in the studio with the likes of fellow Midlander Jakwob, Ed Sheeran’s producer Jake Gosling, G FrSH’s producer Ty and indie rockers The Thirst, is going to be anything but the norm. @ROTriplex
THE ELITE
23, Dan Dare 20, ZDot, Producers Drake, Trey Songz, Juelz Santana, Wiley, Giggs, Little Boots, N-Dubz, Marina and The Diamonds, just a snapshot of who producers Dan Dare and ZDot have worked with during their musical uniting, just two years ago. “Dan is the biggest producer on the rap scene and Wiley gave me the godfather of grime title, when we come together it’s game over”, explains Z before Dan cheekily chips in, “that’s even what the labels say, we’ve got a raw street sound but it’s commercial, so everyone can relate to it.” In between dropping hints about how much they loved the Team GB gear, The Elite speak about the video they shot yesterday about inspiring youth in aid of Channel 4 programme, Bars For Change. Thought up by political activist, Jody McIntyre, “that’s something we’re both quite passionate about, we know how easy it is to fall into the trap, so we like to push the creative side and turn that into something positive”, the grime composer explains of their involvement. Whilst working on solo productions, Dan has tracks on rapper Fem Fel’s album and Wiley’s Chill Out Zone. ZDot is dropping EP’s left, right and centre, notably A New Light featuring the finest grime talent in the UK, (Kano, Ghetts, Devlin, Scrufizzer, etc.) it seems there’s no stopping the genre defying duo. 1Xtra are currently supporting new track, In The Morning, and it seems our shoot has been a success on many other levels, “We made the link today with Angel as well, so we’re trying to go studio straight after and the same with RoxXxan”, Dan states. We’re more than looking forward to the outcome of those studio sessions. @The Elite_
SIAN ANDERSON
21, PR, DJ, Consultant, Editor “Journalism came first. I was a contributor at LIVE Magazine when I was 15 and I worked my way up to Editor when I was 18”, this is just the beginning of South Londoner Sian’s story since being given a chance by Chantelle Fiddy at LIVE. Her support for now Rinse FM signed artist P Money accidently led her into PR, along the way picking up clients including the uber talented Ed Sheeran whom she guided to mainstream success. Ms Anderson’s natural talent at being able to turn her hand to anything musically inclined saw record labels banging down her door at 19 for consultancy work, as well as the legendary and now legal station Rinse FM offering her, her own show. “I never touched a deck in my life, he (JJ) was like ‘you just press this and press that’ and that was it”, explains the bubbly industry expert of the beginnings of the successful show. The pint-sized PR aficionado admits, “The biggest challenge is being thrown in but that’s what I like, I like being thrown in and seeing if I can make something happen”. It seems continually adding notches to her belt is not a problem, accepting a role as editor of Urban Development’s website earlier this year before moving in-house at Warner Music and to track her success, launched her own company, SighTracked too. “Look out for Stooshe, keep looking out for P Money and Sincere. Listen to my Rinse show and yeah that’s it!” we’re sure the all rounder has even more to come, so keep your eyes peeled for this future legend. @SianAnderson
ANGEL
23, Singer/songwriter A musical future was almost always mapped out for West London’s Sirah Charles aka Angel, his father a reggae keys player, Warner signing him along with his siblings at just 13 and playing the piano from an early age. “I love music, just being a creative artist comes first, I love creating”, the hit penning singer tells us when we try to find out which comes first between being an artist or writing for others, of which he does very well. Homegrown songstress Pixie Lott, US R&B/pop act Jason Derulo and grime’s finest Roll Deep have all been provided with hits courtesy of Angel. “I think I’ve got a good ear when it comes to making great songs, I love it because it’s challenging,” he says of Roll Deep’s number one Greenlight, “that was a bit different because I don’t normally do that and we wrote that in like 45 minutes, so for as long as you wait for your takeaway that’s how long it takes to make a hit.” The recently released EP 7 Minutes Before Time has increased his fanbase ten fold and displayed his ability to rap, write, sing and collaborate with everyone from Wiley to newcomer Sneakbo whilst staying true to his roots (the intro features words from reggae legend Peter Tosh). “More epic, more unlimited, more of what I wanna do because Island have given me more control to be creative”, Mr Charles speaks of the aptly titled forthcoming album, About Time, we can’t wait to see what pop fusions the Island records signee has in store for us. @thisisangel
DAVINCHE
Kieran Pharaoh
“I’ve known RWD magazine from when it was a little bit bigger and I used to go to a record store in Croydon, Big Apple, to go and get it; then me and my friends just used to sit down and read it. It was the magazine to find out what’s really going on because other magazines, they didn’t really care about us or our scene, so RWD was the one.”
“When I first came across RWD magazine, I think it was early secondary school. After school we always used to go Rhythm Division and pick up RWD. It was something that was interesting for us and obviously all our sort of music on the underground scene and so many people were in there.”
Kieran Pharaoh
TINCHY STRYDER
SKITZ BEATS
“I was really excited about being in About To Blow (#Issue 46). When RWD called me I thought someone was messing about with me. I’ll be honest with you, it was the catalyst and I’ve just been able to see things through and just keep going from making underground vinyls to composing film and adverts on television.”
Kieran Pharaoh
FOOTSIE
“RWD’s impact on the scene was important at the time because it was the only magazine covering what we do so it was very important.”
BIRTHDAY MESSAGES SEMTEX
Kieran Pharaoh
Kieran Pharaoh
“I think RWD is like the cornerstone of the grime, the hip hop the urban scene and if you’re not in RWD you’re not really in the scene.”
MS. DYNAMITE
Kieran Pharaoh
“I was very aware of RWD. I feel like we kind of started at a similar time and there weren’t too many avenues or publications that promoted the scene in that way... I remember thinking that RWD was a place that talked about us and the scene and liked the artists within and what we were trying to do, it was cool, it was good.”
BASHY WRETCH 32
“RWD’s been one of my favourite magazines. When I first saw myself on the cover I was just like wow! To just think back to when I first got the call years ago to then seeing the front cover, it was a good feeling for me especially because it’s one of the magazines that I respect the most.”
“This is gonna sound quite nerdy but I collected RWD when I was in my teens. I have the very first issue. Whenever I come across one now, even if it’s not mine I steal it for my collection! My favourite cover back then was Dizzee Rascal, with both his middle fingers in the air, that just seemed like the sickest sh*t ever to me. I think RWD is one of the magazines that will never go away. It’s the epicentre of entertainment and culture from a very real and British perspective. It also is usually the magazine to cover artists first before they get any exposure. In another 10 years we should have a major stronghold on the international music scene, RWD will be there to document it I’m sure.”
ARTWORK
“I think RWD was really important at the start, like the early garage days, no one else was writing about it. It was great because it used to come to our record shop and there would always be something about somebody you knew. In our community it was kind of our little newspaper about what was happening in our scene so it was very important and you always used to see DJ Hatcha in a funny pose.”
DUMI OBUROTA
Kieran Pharaoh
DL RECORDINGS “It has been great reading and working with RWD! Great reads and great promo for the artists I work with. The team at RWD are always willing to support things they believe in. This helps acts and brands break from the underground to the mainstream. Happy anniversary guys! May you be around many more years pioneering and supporting ‘The Arts’.”
HEARTLESS CREW
“When RWD came out it was a real good opportunity for people to get their face seen, to be in RWD in them days was a big deal. Everyone was excited even just to get RWD to read about other people!”
Kieran Pharaoh
MZ BRATT
“When I was allowed to go shopping with my friends, we used to go trainer shops, they’d have RWD in there, so we would always take them because they were free. I do remember the first time I was in RWD as well with Aftershock and that was exciting for me.”
BIRTHDAY MESSAGES DURRTY GOODZ
Kieran Pharaoh
Kieran Pharaoh
“The impact RWD had when it first came out was that it was probably the best place that highlighted what was happening in the streets, in a professional way. Just giving artists coming up from the streets of London credibility and the magazine would get into the hands of labels and then people pick up the magazine and see people like myself.”
MARCUS NASTY
“I used to like the RWD forum because you used to find out what’s going on in different scenes. I never really saw anything else like that, it just connected all the dots for me, you could find out who was doing what in each ends...that’s how I found out about all the Birmingham and Manchester MC’s and different music scenes altogether, it was quite an eye opener.”
Kieran Pharaoh
JACK AND ARCHIE
DONAEO
“All of the artists and producers brought something to the table like RWD, the scene had all aspects of music, that’s what you need. It had like the foundation, it had the underground.”
TAKEOVER ENT. “RWD has always been essential reading for us and we are very proud to have been able to work so closely alongside such a great publication over the years. RWD has been and continues to be essential to breaking artists in the UK, long may it continue to be on top of the game.”
Joanna Woodrow
ROZAN AHMED
NIGEL WELLS
DEPUTY EDITOR (2001 - 2004) “More Fire Crew’s manager (AKA Lethal B + 2) didn’t quite understand why I was certain Oi would become a classic. Amy Winehouse. Cool as hell, ripe ready and ever so polite. RIP. Rozan’s Rant was RWD’s monthly dose of legendary truth. Uncovering the UK’s genuine talent way – way, way – before anybody else did (as well as not giving credit, where credit was never due in the first place). Whilst exclusively covering the UK’s first Urban Music Festival, I introduced a once very shy Dizzee Rascal to Jay Z. Cute moment. And yes, Asher D and Dizzee Rascal’s infamous Choice FM radio clash was started by yours truly in RWD, both gentleman went on to achieve much greatness, you’re welcome!”
MD (FOUNDING PARTNER) “The proudest moment was definitely watching the adiZones Kano concert and the papers quoting it was the best event of its kind! Other than that there has been a lot of madness. Louise Hollingdale’s ridiculous stream of commentary, “I love British grub you can’t beat a good old spagbol!”, Hayley Joyes claiming a club night was going to be so good she was going to have to wear two bras; Chewy’s face when he was on the telephone being accused of making a pass at a gangsters’ missus; Danny’s all in one, red tracksuit at the adiZones event and me going missing for hours at a Ministry of Sound event in Ibiza ending up locking myself in a toilet, with no recollection of how I got there.”
CHIDI UBANI
DESIGNER (2008-PRESENT) “The UK’s BEST YOUTH CULTURE MAGAZINE!!! What more can I say...Kano’s album launch party has to be the most memorable event, everything from the slam vans to the after party. This has to be one of the finest moments in RWD history.”
HAYLEY JOYES
STAFF WRITER (2007 - PRESENT) “Working with RWD was a game changer for me. The team are like family and provide exposure for some of the UK’s best underground talents.”
STYLE PAGES EDITOR (2008 - PRESENT) I have so many memorable moments, but I’d have to say my first day working in the office and my first shoot with Tinchy Stryder are some of my most memorable. I remember reading the mag every month when I was at school, so seeing my name in the mag for the the very first time was unforgettable. I loved every epic moment of the journey, from deadlines to office jokes, not to mention the amazing support from Dacre, Hattie and the rest of the team. I’m looking forward to what else the future holds at RWD!
PAUL LE FEVRE
SALES DIRECTOR (2008-PRESENT) RWD was one of the only magazines in the early 00’s that promoted underground talent and as a bedroom DJ that source of information was invaluable for me in order to impress my adoring fans, (well mates). So naturally, when I got the job you may as well have told me I’d won the lottery. Since then the brand has exceeded my expectations, mainly down to the committed, funny and sometimes f*cking annoying team. Everyone works so hard to ensure the brand is communicated, represented and delivered in the correct way. Thank you to everyone who has been involved with the brand over the years. We are only just scratching the surface! GAME ON!
Adrian Nettleship
IRENE ASANJI
DANNY WALKER
DEPUTY EDITOR (2004 - PRESENT) “I don’t even know where to start when it comes to my favourite moment from my seven years at RWD. Perhaps I should mention my first (and some would say best) feature, ‘The Nod’, or my first day when I was sick in a bin (due to pain killers from a knee injury, not nerves). Or perhaps my first interview, Jon E Cash (over 90 motherf***ing minutes it lasted, back when I didn’t have the experience or the bottle to say shut the f*** up). There have been many many high points, and a few low, but working with the team has been the best. I can honestly say it’s a really fine line between love and hate!”
RAJVEER KATHWADIA
STAFF WRITER (2005 - 2010) “I came to RWD in 2005 for a two-week work placement and ended up staying for five years! In that time I had the pleasure of working with the two finest music journalists in the scene - Hattie Collins and Danny Walker - and countless other talented members of staff. I had the chance to interview the likes of Amy Winehouse and even got shouted at by Usher (makes a change from being shouted at by Dacre), and was able to witness first hand, the rise and rise of the grime scene from its underground roots to its current mainstream success. To me, RWD is the cornerstone of today’s youth culture.”
RWD - THE TEAM MATTHEW RICHARDS
SALES MANAGER (FOUNDING PARTNER) “RWD has been my life for the last 10 years. It has given me a great purpose in life and gifted me with the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing people in the world including Prince Charles, Wyclef, Tom Jones and more importantly the UK music ambassadors which include Dizzee, Wiley, Semtex, Tinie, Tinchy etc. To represent so many amazing people and provide them with a great platform is humbling. Very proud of my team, colleagues and extended family. Oh sh*t I missed the deadline. Lol!”
ART JAZ
ILLUSTRATOR (2001 - PRESENT) “I’ve been working with the ever-evolving RWD team since day one! The office used to be in Crystal Palace, cramped, over-packed and a halfway house on some days. I was so behind with technology I had no email, so I had to bring my artwork in on a CD... dreading the thought of who might try run up in the office and cause havoc that day. I’d be thinking ‘who are these clowns?’... I was there on 9/11; all the shouting and loud garage beats had stopped while everyone stared at the madness on the TV. I also had the task of putting faces to the Booo Krooo, working with the team to help bring it to Channel U still getting props for that now!”
CREATIVE FREELANCER (2002 - PRESENT) “My favourite moments must be realising the Booo Krooo animation was actually funny and getting a TV series commissioned. Then the time we caught the editor on camera talking about his sexual escapades with a Dame Edna look alike and uploaded it to the internet. The time Chewy got food poisoning and then gave the cafe sign some graffiti treatment before getting it shut down by health and safety. Plus posing in a fake photoshoot for an April fools issue for a crew that was ‘big in Japan’ and the A&R’s at big labels actually trying to sign us.”
Adrian Nettleship
ALEX DONNE JOHNSON
CHANTELLE FIDDY
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR (2005 - PRESENT) “When I was thinking about RWD over the last 10 years I kept on thinking about the covers. My fave ever is the Plan B issue – it was edgy and at a time when people didn’t necessarily realise the genius status of the B man. I have the whole series of the Run The Road covers on my office wall, alongside my gold plaques, really sums up a time when the whole urban scene was changing – and for the better. I can’t think of a fave interview/feature, that’s terrible isn’t it? I always get excited when I’m off to do anything with N-Dubz mind, really enjoyed the last interview.”
Joanna Woodrow
HATTIE COLLINS
DACRE J. BRACEY
ART DIRECTOR (FOUNDING PARTNER) “For me there is no single moment that represents the 10 years of RWD. But starting and battling to become the magazine and business I dreamed of, has been he hardest challenge of my life – it’s provided my proudest moments and lowest lows. It has pushed me to become a better, more rounded person but to see the growth of the team is our greatest achievement and I feel like we’re only just starting!”
EDITOR (2005 - PRESENT) “I first joined RWD in 2005 - wow that feels a long time ago now! Matt Mason left to go and live in New York and I was wary of stepping into such big shoes. Back then RWD was known as ‘The Bible’, and woe betide some new chick to come along and mess it up! It was an exciting time though, as we all wanted to reflect the ways in which we listened to music was changing. Over the years, we’ve kept our ear to the underground, supporting the best in grime, rap and dubstep, etc. but with a broadening out into pop music. I’m proud of the way we continue to tweak and develop the brand - from the print mag to the site to RWD live nights. RWD’s ideology is based on being the first to deliver the finest in youth lifestyle and culture, and we’re all committed to keeping up that standard.”