RWD mag Nov 10

Welcome to a brand new issue of your favourite magazine’s favourite magazine!

It’s been a busy month for us, lots of planning, work and arguments over who should and shouldn’t be in the issue. As this is the Essential edition, we wanted to ensure every word and image you look at it is the best it can be. Luckily, we managed to find time to catch up with one of our nearest and dearest friends, Mr. Example, who we have bestowed this month’s Essential cover upon. An old friend of the mag, it’s with great pride we’ve seen him go from strength to strength. Not only one of the UK’s foremost pop stars, Elliot Gleave is an amazing live performer, a funny interview and an all-round top man. He gives us his insight into all things Essential... and un-essential!

He’s not the only one doing well – Roll Deep have had an incredible year too, with two No.1’s, huge sales and coverage on every major TV show, radio station and mainstream magazine. We go waaaaay back with Target, Danny Weed, Scratchy, Manga, J2K, Brazen, Breeze, Flow Dan (and Wiley too of course), so we couldn’t be happier to see how well they’re doing. A genuinely lovely group of boys, no one deserves success more than Roll Deep.

Also in the issue is the one, the only, the inimitable Kanye West who gave us an exclusive and personal playback of his album at a studio in New York. When you get to see one of the greatest there is create a rhyme off the top of their head for a song with Jay-Z right in front of you... well, it doesn’t get much better than that during a day at the office! Other indispensible people in this issue include Alexa Cheung (thanks to Natalie Whorms at MTV UK for hooking that up for us!), newcomers Talay Riley, Alexes Jordan, Bruno Mars and the incredible, awesome, amazing Jessie J. We’ve been banging on about her for over a year now, so here’s hoping she’s about to be a big, huge star very soon. Raj also audioned, X-Factor style for Nicole Sherzinger, Dan chilled with Griminal and Joseph Patterson fills us in on newcomer K Koke.

There’s loads more inside; I’ll shut up now and let you get on with reading. Hope you enjoy!

photography by Kevin Joseph

EDITOR’S LETTER

RwD team Editor Deputy Editor Senior Staff Writer Staff Writers

Hattie Collins Danny Walker Rajveer Kathwadia Jerry Gadiano, Nardene Scott, Emmanuel Ezugwu, Hayley Joyes Contributing Editors Semtex, Chantelle Fiddy Contributors Alex Johnson, Lawrence Gichigi, Flawless, Mistajam, Holly Howe, Liam Tootill, Adele White Art Director Dacre J. Bracey Fashion Editors Nasrin Jean-Baptiste, Denise Brown, Luke Miley Illustrators Art Jaz, Jiro Bevis, Mirza Hasanbegovic Style Pages Editor Irene Asanji Jnr. Designer Chidi Ubani Photographers James Pearson-Howes, Andres Reynega, Kevin Joseph & Jake Green @ Response, Carnegie & Conway, Sara Nouman, Adrian Nettleship, Ekua King, Verena Stefanie Grotto Publisher Sales Manager Snr. Sales Exec Thanks

Nigel Wells Matthew Richards Paul Le Fevre, Bob Austin, Anne, T

RWD HAS MOVED RWD Magazine, G04, Enterprise House 1-2 Hatfields London SE1 9PG Tel: 0203 176 4299 Email: staff@rwdmag.com

RWD Magazine is published monthly All material copyright (c). All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of the publishers.

Contributor of the month: Luke Miley 22 year old Luke was born in east London’s Leyton, but now splits his time between London and New York running his highly successful creative agency LMC Worldwide. The former intern for Kiss and Radio 1 began as a radio plugger, before doing what he does now, which is rebranding companies, supplying music artists with visuals, directing campaigns for designers and supplying editorials and covers for high end fashion magazines. Luke, who cites Zandra Rhodes as one of his favourite people to work with,Lmcworldwide.com and Twitter.com/lmcworldwide 4 / rwdmag.com

RWD Magazine: 25p where sold Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure the information in this magazine is correct, changes can occur which affect the accuracy of copy, for which RWD holds no responsibility. The opinions of the contributors do not necessarily bear a relation to those of RWD Magazine or it’s staff and we disclaims liability for those impressions.

Distributed nationally RWD is a member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations

EDITOR’S LETTER

PLEASE NOTE: RWD HAS MOVED RWD Magazine, G04, Enterprise House 1-2 Hatfields London SE1 9PG Tel: 0203 176 4299 Email: staff@rwdmag.com RWD Magazine is published monthly All material copyright (c). All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of the publishers.

RWD Magazine: 25p where sold Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure the information in this magazine is correct, changes can occur which affect the accuracy of copy, for which RWD holds no responsibility. The opinions of the contributors do not necessarily bear a relation to those of RWD Magazine or it’s staff and we disclaims liability for those impressions.

Distributed nationally RWD is a member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations

RWD TEAM Hattie Collins Danny Walker Rajveer Kathwadia Jerry Gadiano, Nardene Scott, Emmanuel Ezugwu, Hayley Joyes Contributing Editors Semtex, Chantelle Fiddy Contributor Alex Johnson, Lawrence Gichigi, Flawless, Mistajam, Holly Howe, Liam Tootill, Adele White Editor Deputy Editor Senior Staff Writer Staff Writers

Art Director Fashion Editors Illustrators Style Pages Editor Jnr. Designer Photographers

Publisher Sales Manager Snr. Sales Exec Thanks

Dacre J. Bracey Nasrin Jean-Baptiste, Denise Brown, Luke Miley Art Jaz, Jiro Bevis, Mirza Hasanbegovic Irene Asanji Chidi Ubani James Pearson-Howes,Andres Reynega, Kevin Joseph & Jake Green @ Response, Carnegie & Conway, Sara Nouman, Adrian Nettleship, Ekua King, Verena Grotto Nigel Wells Matthew Richards Paul Le Fevre, Bob Austin, Anne, T P.C. Williams was the stylist for the July issue Reset feature

CONTENTS REGULARS 8-10 INBOX 12 NEWS 14 ENOUGH ALREADY: ALEXANDRA BURKE 16-18 ckIN2U PRESENTS ONE TO WATCH: JESSICA LOWNDES, FREDDIE GIBBS, CONNECT 4, K KOKE & ALOE BLACC 20-21 ABOUT TO BLOW: JESSIE J 22-23 GADGET GUIDE: BEDROOM ESSENTIALS 24-27 STYLE GUIDE: BLUE 28-30 STYLE GUIDE: KNITWEAR 32-33 STYLE GUIDE: ADIDAS ORIGINALS’ TRAINING PT 34-43 FASHION: THE FINAL FRONTIER 86 GIG GUIDE: RUSSELL BRAND 88-93 UNWIND: GRIMINAL 94-96 CHARTS & REVIEWS 98 LAST WORD: ROLL DEEP

FEATURES 44-48 EXAMPLE 50-53 MAGNETIC MAN 54-55 NICOLE SCHERZINGER 56-57 BRUNO MARS 58-59 ALEXA CHUNG 60-62 NE-YO 64-66 SHONTELLE 68-69 MIKE POSNER 70-71 JAY SEAN 72 J. COLE 74-75 SIRENS 76 NIGEL SYLVESTER 78 ALEXIS JORDAN 80 REPS 82-83 SONY ERICSSON B-BOY CHAMPIONSHIPS WORLD FINALS WITH ASICS 6 / RWDMAG.COM

INBOX

Feedback from our readers is indispensable so have a look at these essential letters. The best comes from K’nolla who wins herself (and a male friend) army fatigue-inspired Ringspun coats. Ringspun is well known for it’s unique outerwear and this new collection has military roots (Ringspun.co.uk).

months for the site. Stay bookmarked as there will be a few more surprises and exclusives over the year.

Send all your letters to: Attn. Editor, RWD, G04, Enterprise House, 1-2 Hatfields, London SE1 9PG or staff@rwdmag.com

LETTER OF THE MONTH Hey, Haven’t visited RWD mag in yonkers, so don’t know when you had your revamp, but totally love it, well done.

Part of the reason I stopped visiting RWD was because it was too cluttered and all over the place. The first original RWDmag.com, was the best bar none. This one runs in second place.

Loving this, I’m a returning user. Keep it up. x K’nolla Thanks for staying locked to RWDmag.com, we had our revamp in February and it’s been a great seven/eight 8 / RWDMAG.COM

Hello again RWD, It’s your favourite pedantic reader - Fernand, the guy who commented about the design some issues back?

Yo! Question; where can I get back issues from? Is there a charge as well? There shouldn’t be really because it’s a free mag...! But still, keep me posted.

Fernand Hello again Fernand, Of course we remember our most pedantic reader. For recent back issues visit RWDmag.com/mag for all other enquiries email staff@ rwdmag.com and we’ll see what we can do.

New female artists or lack of...Haven’t seen much about up and coming artists recently. You should check this girl out, Ms.Darks... she performed at Glastonbury this year. She is a rapper, singer/ songwriter, engineer and she owns her own independent label... She came down to perform at our charity event at Avalon last week and she amazed us all with her live band, Sheila Thanks for the heads up.

You’re right though, where are the ladies at?

Hey RWD, My name is Zander Gregson and I am a student designer

based in Leeds. For some time now I have been working on a poster to represent the ever expanding UK grime scene and its artists. I believe my work is something new and original. It comes at a time when the scene is smashing through on to the mainstream, maximising its potential. There has been some substantial interest in the poster and I believe with the help of RWD this could be an iconic piece of artwork for the scene. If you would be interested in seeing the poster, let me know.

Thank you Zander Gregson This sounds like something we’d like to view and maybe showcase when it’s completed (obvious it’s needs to be more Picasso than Picrappo). Let us know.

Hi I’m an up and coming MC from Kings Cross on the verge of dropping my promo CD which will be followed by my album. Please have a listen to the song I’ve posted on YouTube. You won’t regret it! [Link removed to avoid a mass revolt]...

Cheers Actalone After listening to the flows and the production levels we think you have a little way to go bro. Thanks for the email though. In unrelated news does anyone know how to increase the size of the Junk folder in Microsoft Outlook 2007?

HAVE YOUR SAY: SEMOTHY JONES He’s just signed a publishing deal,so who better to give you essential advice on making the essential pop tune than Just Be Good To Green super producer Semothy Jones…

“The key to making the perfect track is just having a good idea in your head. If you can imagine a song that hasn’t been made yet, then that is it.

I guess the hardest part is being creative. If you can sit in an office with a label and just beatbox amazing ideas then they’ll stop and pay attention.

The best equipment for a pop track is just… your brain. Macbooks and plugins make things easier but at the end of the day Timbaland made a track just using a paper cup and a pencil before. My ideas come to me when I’m in the kitchen for some random reason!”

Twitter.com/semothyjones

inbox

RWDmag.com/mag Quick Question:

RWDmag.com Users Cast Their Vote

Each month we give you the chance to answer our Quick Question. This month: What’s essential on a night out?

Other, add your own essential 10%

Music, it’s all about the tunes!!! 15%

Drinking, I like a drink, me 30%

Networking, I make sure my face gets out there 15% Jnr2k3 says: “Pulling, drinking, music, my iPhone 4 – so I can store sexy girls numbers, JD & coke, friends and some banging tunes = a big night!”

Nutgrass4 says: “Drinking, I always remember the night before, but sometimes other people remember it better for me.”

Pulling, you know I’ve gotta pull 30%

Getting home in one piece, safety first 0%

top 5’s > NEWS

•FIFA 2011 vs. PES 2011 [E3 IMAGES] •Lil Wayne’s I Am Not A Human Being Album Cover & Tracklist Revealed • Tinchy Stryder - III EP [FREE DOWNLOAD] •Does Chris Brown’s Yeah 3x Rip Off I’m Not Alone By Calvin Harris?

•Online Review: F1 2010Internet

> Audio

•Chase & Status Hypest Hype Ft. Tempa T •Cam’Ron & Jim Jones - Toast Freestyle •Labrinth - Up In Flames Ft. Devlin & Tinchy •Swedish House Mafia x Tinie Tempah Miami 2 Ibiza •Nicki Minaj - Right Through Me

>VIDEO

RWD TV REVIEW:

>FASHION

The Saturdays - Higher: “Everyone knows The Saturdays are buff so thanks for another reason to stare at them in their little dresses and their skimpy skirts (“What are you talking about?

RWD asked me to review it,”) you don’t know how many times I’ve said that to my girl). I think this video is set in New York as it looks like they’re on the set of Friends or Sex and the City and it proves what a sexy bunch of friends these ladies are as they look perfect in any city. So the tune isn’t saying much and neither is their ITV2 series but this is a nicely shot video and does the single justice. Really like it. I just need their phone numbers and then this would be thumbs up all around.”

•Marvell Boys - We Know •Devlin - Runaway Ft. Yasmin •Swedish House Mafia - Miami 2 Ibiza •Big Narstie - Pain •Drake - Light Up (Rikers Island Remix) •adidas x Disney x Toy Story Trainers •Rihanna Making Over Five Fans In Topshop Today •Rev Run’s Fashion Launch @ Aqua Kyoto •Clarks Originals in Music •Crooked Tongues x Reebok BBQ

>Clint Rodden reviews

Online Charts Online Charts TOP TWEETS BY @RWDmag:

1. L(our)AO - @RajKathwadia just said... “The Rhianna album will sound like it’s been filtered through @DavidGuetta’s kidney.”

2. Right now we’re eating Nardene’s granddad’s friend’s Alzheimer crisps... DON’T ASK!!! #truestories 3. If you get offered a free half a bacon sandwich with ketch up - YOU TAKE IT!!!!

10 / rwdmag.com

TOP TWEETS @RWDmag:

1.@supersonicpr It was very, very brave of @RWDmag to audition for Nicole Scherzinger today. Just as well it wasn’t filmed!

2.@example F**k it’s a bit chilly today. I hope @RWDmag have got a cuppa waiting for me...

3.@hollyferguson So basically @RWDmag were amaze at bowling, not quite as amaze as Mixmag but whatevs

INBOX

RWDMAG.COM/MAG QUICK QUESTION: RWDMAG.COM USERS CAST THEIR VOTE Each month we give you the chance to answer our Quick Question. This month: What’s essential on a night out?

Other, add your own essential 10%

Music, it’s all about the tunes!!! 15%

Drinking, I like a drink, me 30%

Networking, I make sure my face gets out there 15% Jnr2k3 says: “Pulling, drinking, music, my iPhone 4 – so I can store sexy girls numbers, JD & coke, friends and some banging tunes = a big night!”

Nutgrass4 says: “Drinking, I always remember the night before, but sometimes other people remember it better for me.”

Pulling, you know I’ve gotta pull 30%

Getting home in one piece, safety first 0%

TOP 5’S > NEWS •FIFA 2011 vs. PES 2011 [E3 IMAGES] •Lil Wayne’s I Am Not A Human Being Album Cover & Tracklist Revealed • Tinchy Stryder - III EP [FREE DOWNLOAD] •Does Chris Brown’s Yeah 3x Rip Off I’m Not Alone By Calvin Harris?

•Online Review: F1 2010Internet

> AUDIO •Chase & Status Hypest Hype Ft. Tempa T •Cam’Ron & Jim Jones - Toast Freestyle •Labrinth - Up In Flames Ft. Devlin & Tinchy •Swedish House Mafia x Tinie Tempah Miami 2 Ibiza •Nicki Minaj - Right Through Me

>VIDEO

RWD TV REVIEW:

•Marvell Boys - We Know •Devlin - Runaway Ft. Yasmin •Swedish House Mafia - Miami 2 Ibiza •Big Narstie - Pain •Drake - Light Up (Rikers Island Remix)

>CLINT RODDEN REVIEWS

>FASHION •adidas x Disney x Toy Story Trainers •Rihanna Making Over Five Fans In Topshop Today •Rev Run’s Fashion Launch @ Aqua Kyoto •Clarks Originals in Music •Crooked Tongues x Reebok BBQ

The Saturdays - Higher: “Everyone knows The Saturdays are buff so thanks for another reason to stare at them in their little dresses and their skimpy skirts (“What are you talking about?

RWD asked me to review it,”) you don’t know how many times I’ve said that to my girl). I think this video is set in New York as it looks like they’re on the set of Friends or Sex and the City and it proves what a sexy bunch of friends these ladies are as they look perfect in any city. So the tune isn’t saying much and neither is their ITV2 series but this is a nicely shot video and does the single justice. Really like it. I just need their phone numbers and then this would be thumbs up all around.”

Online Charts ONLINE CHARTS TOP TWEETS BY @RWDMAG:

TOP TWEETS @RWDMAG:

1. L(our)AO - @RajKathwadia just said... “The Rhianna album will sound like it’s been filtered through @DavidGuetta’s kidney.”

2. Right now we’re eating Nardene’s granddad’s friend’s Alzheimer crisps... DON’T ASK!!! #truestories 3. If you get offered a free half a bacon sandwich with ketch up - YOU TAKE IT!!!!

1.@supersonicpr It was very, very brave of @RWDmag to audition for Nicole Scherzinger today. Just as well it wasn’t filmed!

2.@example F**k it’s a bit chilly today. I hope @RWDmag have got a cuppa waiting for me...

3.@hollyferguson So basically @RWDmag were amaze at bowling, not quite as amaze as Mixmag but whatevs

10 / RWDMAG.COM

ADIDAS

NEWS

FIDDY’S WORLD OF WHATEVER...

Seeking some self-improvement in her life, journo, consultant, blogger and mentor, Chantelle Fiddy (tries to) find a life. This month: Winning with Wiley Five years ago my arms would be punching the air as I screamed “I’m a big man but I’m not 30...” Alas, those days are no more, for now I am in that dark grime cemetery where those post-puberty hang their heads in the knowledge that gun fingers are no longer appropriate.

So here it is: I’m a big woman and I am 30 but as Wiley is older than me, I’m like a younger of sorts. Okay, not really. When Wiley invited me recently to host a grime quiz for him on his UStream channel, some participants raised concern for anyone under 25 who would apparently find questions like ‘Who did Dizzee Rascal clash on Choice FM’ as hard as something out of their nan’s trival pursuit box. Given the prize for winning was a signed N-Dubz CD (signed by Wiley), a pack of three white vests and £150, I can appreciate the concern - not that I changed the questions. I just laughed to myself in the realisation this was another reason I was glad I was 30. I also rang editor Hattie Collins and told her to sign up under a fake name so we could win and go out for dinner...

So, while my vacuum of knowledge, amassed throughout my 20s, may be somewhat useless, I’m safe in the comfort of my memories - plus I’ve learnt a lot of lessons.

So what are the essential ones? While it does depend in part on your goal, I’ve never liked putting things in nets (bun stockings) so I just take each day at a time. Essential rules, that’s more me; deadlines are paramount, sticking to a word count, verifying facts, limiting mistakes and treating writing with the respect it deserves are others.

I think the most essential goal in life is simply to be happy. If that’s the case then this I know - the younger you are the more energy you’ve got, so use it. Get work experience in as many places as possible and see what job you want to turn your hand to. Having a career you enjoy isn’t guaranteed, but you can certainly try.

Back to my respected elder, I mean compadre, Wiley. There’s sense to be found in his university of life mentality too - if you’re fed up of waiting just do it yourself (within reason of course, the last time I tried to cut my hair I ended up looking like Trisha). Not one to procrastinate, since leaking his hard drive online he’s amassed another 60 or so tracks. Having been inspired to start a new project myself, all I’ve been looking for now is the essential ingredient... And I think I might have found it.

Twitter.com/chantellefiddy/ Chantellefiddy.blogspot.com Catch Wiley, at random times, Ustream.tv/channel/wiley-the-elusive-show 12 / RWDMAG.COM

ADIDAS

ENOUGH ALREADY: Alexandra Burke

After recently resorting to retarded nursery rhymes there are a lot of essential questions being asked of Ms Burke’s camp; who is she going to collaborate with next, Humpty Dumpty? HOW is she STILL getting No.1’s?

Without X Factor which McDonald’s would she be working in? Today, Danny Walker asks his own question though; who is buying her records... and why..??? image by Jiro Bevis

A

Firstly, I’d like to thank Alexandra Burke for everything she’s done for people in her condition. My heart just goes out to her knowing that every time she does an interview, every time she steps into the recording booth and every time she gets on stage she’s actually battling a terrible terrible affliction. In fact, I think I’ll send her some flowers* as it must take a lot for her to even get out of bed knowing you’ve recently being diagnosed with Annoyingitis.

I know that sounds inconsiderate but has anyone ever endured a WHOLE AB album... There’s no coherent sound on there. That’s inconsiderate. Her initials might go from A to B but every audio journey I take with Her Royal Hallelujahness results in me wanting to pull over and get hit by an 18 wheeler. In my face. As for the last video, we wouldn’t want to go to that party for 10 minutes, let alone All Night Long.

With basic videos, basic lyrics and basic school choir-like vocals a lot of people say Alexandra Imelda Cecelia Ewan Burke (Source: Wikipedia) is basically a poor man’s Whitney Houston (during the whack years. I said ‘whack’) but we say that’s WAY too harsh. RWD simply think she’s a little out of her depth when linking up with the likes of Flo

14 / RWDMAG.COM

Rida and Pitbull; mainly because they’ve got (slightly more) talent. Ms Burke has got as much X Factor as a bag a dog sh*t on a hot summer’s day. Even when joining forces with no name Buju Banton wannabe Laza Morgan, on the devil’s music Start Without You, she seems out of her comfort zone; It would have been better if the video started without HER. And who is Laza Morgan anyway? Did you call him after Coolio stopped returning your calls? Or was it WAY after 50 Cent lost interest? What was 50 thinking? Maybe he just needed a chick for Pimpin’ Curly.

The latest news from this north London lass suggests she’d ‘love’ to star in a film... is that because the album ideas, the people who will actually feature on the same track as her and the apparent looks are all running out?

Nothing against you Alex, in fact I almost enjoyed watching your rise to ‘fame’ on X Factor, as we watched you somehow triumph over JLS (though who’s laughing now?), but the output just isn’t doing it. We’d love to say you’ve had a positive input on our lives and we’ve watched your every move but the only way you move us is when you appear on our screens and we dive for the remote. We rarely say we’ve had enough of an individual but this chick is definitely a berk!!! *These will obviously be soaked in the urine from a disabled fox.

UNLEASH THE LOWNDES

“They’re still in my house in Vancouver; you WON’T see them on YouTube,” laughs 21 year-old Jessica Lowndes of the music videos she used to make as a child. “I took it really seriously as well, my whole life this has been something I’ve wanted to do.” So it all started with her dancing in her front room to the biggest pop productions from the likes of Destiny’s Child and Britney Spears. RWD have unearthed an essential fact though, they weren’t all so credible were they Jessica? “*NSYNC...” she reveals via a veil of virtuousness. “Oh my goodness, if anyone sees the tapes I used to make with my best friend... they’re so embarrassing!” These songs were just the start and she soon began her route to where she resides now, Los Angeles. “I remember telling my parents that I wanted to move to Hollywood and become an actress and a singer. I never gave up and I think that is the key.”

For the last two years this board game fan’s (“I like Monopoly, Taboo or Pictionary, there are so many,”) onscreen character in 90210, Adrianna Tate-Duncan, has evolved from a guest spot to one of the show’s leading ladies. “I’ve had such a fun time playing her as it’s been so challenging and been completely out of my comfort zone,” the Disneyland enthusiast says of storylines involving more than just kissing behind the bike sheds and chasing boys. “From drug abuse to pregnancy to questioning the sexuality. I feel blessed, it’s really fun as an actress to play her because I feel I’m constantly pushing my boundaries and learning so much about myself. I couldn’t ask for anything more.” Mirroring her own life Jessica’s character loves to sing too. “In season one I was originally hired as the singer of the school musical,” Jessica recalls before explaining how she’s using it to propel her own career. “[Adrianna] got a record deal at the end of season two and the show actually bought two of my songs Stamp of Love and Haven’t Been Drinking so in season three it isn’t just the acting, there is tons of music, so I took advantage.”

Someone who is also looking to take advantage of the sweet vocals at this singer’s disposal is one of RWD’s good friends. “This whole Ironik thing has been amazing,” she beams. “It’s kind of been a dream come true. He asked if I’d be interested and I was like, ‘Sure’. I didn’t really know anything about it and the next thing I know he’s in LA and we’re filming a music video. I still feel like the 13 year-old girl who used to make fake music videos around my house so... it’s just been incredible.” Even though RWD favourite Ny was originally on the song (“Yeah, I think they were just looking for a different kind of fit”) the two make a good pair and we hear there could be more in store. “Me and [Ironik] actually ended up doing a couple of songs together but it felt like this was truly the single.” So with Broadway ambitions, a movie on the way and an album in the works, it looks like we’ll definitely be seeing (and hearing) a lot more of Ms Lowndes.

Ironik’s Falling In Love, Ft. Jessica Lowndes, is out 24 October. Twitter.com/realjlownde

photography by Tao Ruspoli

Meet Jessica Lowndes (pronounced Lounds); not only does this Canadian singer-songwriter look/ sound good in Ironik’s new single Falling in Love, after starring in hit drama 90210 she is now ready to pursue her own heart’s desire, music... words by Danny Walker

photography by Alexander Richter

Freddie Gibbs When you’re compared to the legendary Tupac, you know you better come correct. However newcomer Gibbs isn’t really stressing. “I love it, but I try to be my own artist. I could never do the things he did for rap, so I just make my own path,” says the 28 year-old rapper from Gary, Indiana. It seems that path that he’s carving out for himself is working out well; the legendary Bun B features on his acclaimed Str8 Killa EP, while his forthcoming debut album, Baby-Faced Killa is sure to garner more praise. Despite his so-called “‘90s gangsta rap mentality”, Gibbs is confident that his music can steer young listeners in another direction.

“Hopefully I can scare ‘em away from the streets,” he laughs. “Get ‘em away from the whole negativity out here. My whole message is survival, we’re living in a crazy world right now.” Twitter.com/FreddieGibbs (JG)

Connect 4 This Manchester collective of lyricists – 16 year-old SBD, 18 year-old Slyboi, Wrigz and Liquid, both 24 - are set to burst onto the scene this winter. Despite only forming in January of this year, the four have already achieved success individually on the scene. Wrigz, also a part of Wiley’s A-List, is collaborating with Griminal as well as appearing on BBC2’s No Hats No Trainers and dropping his album Born Leader in 2011. SBD has already worked with Dot Rotten, Liquid is teaming up with Ghetts and both youngers in the team are going to be working with Notts spitter Wariko. Now though, it’s all about them as a crew. “It’s a mix between R&B and hip hop it’s more to listen to rather than rave,” says Liquid, of their free Connect 4 New Era Mixtape, which just dropped. “It’s lyrical and draws on life experiences.” Download the free mixtape at C4ent.co.uk (NS)

K KOKE

photography by Tracer Ital, Nothing But Talent

A loot ooff ouurr faavvoouuri rittee MCCss arree noow w maaiins nsttrrea eam eam ppoop aaccttss, bbuut ut w whhoo’’s ddooiinng it it on tthhe uunnderg derrggro de rouunnd? ?

Jos Jo osseepphh ‘JP JP’ PPaat atttte teerrssoon mee eettss onnee of UK UK rap ap’s p’’ss ggrrim imie iesstt, K Ko Kokkee. e.....

North west London’s K Koke has been the talk of the town for a hot minute now. The UK rapper made himself known to the masses in 2009 when he released his free mixtape, Pure Koke Vol 1, and with thousands of YouTube hits, he has since cemented his place in the underground UK rap scene as an artist to keep an eye and ear drum on. Comparisons have been flying all over the place, with Eminem being the obvious one, but whilst being a major compliment to the Caucasian lyricist, K feels that he’s able to carry his own. “It’s a good look being compared to those type of artists,” he says. “But I look it like this; everyone is different.”

To some, Koke is just another rapper that glamorises drugs and violence. “I’m not glamorising anything, I’m just telling people how it is,” insists the Stonebridge spitter. “I’m not telling anyone to go and pick up a burner, but it is how it is out here, so I tell it how it is.” And indeed he does. It’s not put off the labels, with many a major approaching Koke; however, it seems they’ve all come to the realisation that he isn’t going to stop talking about the roads and the life he lives in return for some soppy/ bubble-gum/Fugative-sounding ‘rap’ deal; it’s just not him. “The labels know what time it is already,” Koke explains. “They don’t want me to change who I am. I’m negotiating at the moment, but that’s something I’m keeping quiet about for a bit,” he laughs.

When K Koke went on Charlie Sloth’s Hip Hop M1X Show earlier this year he certainly went in hard with his freestyle and from that a lot more people are recognising his talent, including Loick Essien who got him on the remix for Love Drunk. So, could K Koke be the next to blow from the underground UK rap scene after Giggs? Only time will tell...

K Koke: Pure Koke Vol 2 - is due for release December 17. Twitter.com/KokeUSG

Aloe Blacc When this former consultant got made redundant from his Ernst & Young gig, he returned to his first love - music. A member of indie rap crew Emanon, the Southern Californian MC is enjoying a bit hit with the drop-dead gorgeous I Need A Dollar, in which he sings about these troubled financial times. Rich in soul and steeped in sharp songwriting, the tune is striking a chord in music fans across the board. “I’m a musician.

I’ve produced music in many genres from country and folk to hip-hop and dancehall,” says the multi-talented Blacc. “Whatever I make depends on what instrument I choose to pick up at the time; the guitar usually brings something alternative out, while the keys direct me to a more soulful composition. Most times I just make some banging hip hop.” Check MySpace. com/aloeblaccmusic (HC)

JESSIE J

We’ve been banging on about this Romford singer and songwriter for over a year now; believe us when we say she’s one of the greatest new British talents to emerge this year. Hattie Collins finally meets Jessie J...

for our American Sat on the wall of an east cousins has B.o.B London estate, Jessie J is on a verse. “But I pragmatic about the longdidn’t really want any arse wait it’s taken for her other features,” she record to finally get a release. adds quickly. “People “Politics. People ask me might see it as an ego thing, but when it’s coming and I just I want people to judge me on me and say ‘Ask the label,’” she shrugs. “I’m not the 16 bar that the platinum rapper’s impatient too; people think I’m here enjoying the sunshine and eating cake, but “I THINK doing. I want to be judged on my talent.”

Although it may have taken a while for no, I’m getting frustrated,” she points out. “On THE her album, Who You Are, to finally be finished, the other hand, I’m glad the buzz hasn’t died DIFFERshe’s hardly been relaxing; Jessie wrote the out. It shows my music can stand the test of time,” she decides of the buzzworthy brilliance ENCE WITH No.1 selling Party In The USA for Miley Cyrus of Big White Room, Who U Are from the Step MY MUSIC as well as tracks for Chris Brown’s Graffiti Up: 3D soundtrack and the Dr. Luke produced COMPARED album. “In the future though, I’m only going to write with someone if we’re in the studio Price Tag. “With me, you’ve seen my struggle. together, so it’s a proper experience,” she I always say I hustle hard, but I hustle quietly. TO OTHER I don’t need to be shoved into every event and PEOPLE IS decides. “With B.o.B., I made sure we did party; I let the music do the talking.”

THAT IT’S it together because I really wanted to be and meet him and make it proper.”

The youngest of three sisters, born to EXPOSING involved a social worker dad and nursery teacher We can’t write a piece about the singer MY FLAWS (who also raps) without pointing out A) her mum, hasn’t had a quiet life in any respect.

AS WELL similarities to Mystic Meg (“Forget B.o.B, I “It wasn’t easy for me at school; I was called ‘alien’ because I had a heart problem so I had should get her to do a 16 on the album”) B) AS MY these beta-blockers that turned my skin a her strong cooking abilities (“I make a mean GOOD light shade of green,” she remembers, adding C) her tendency for OCD (“I’m POINTS... cheesecake”) she also suffered a stroke at 18. “I’ve got this just Miss Organised”) D) her forthcoming TV song on my album called Who’s Laughing Now, I’M NOT show Dare Jessie and E) Her Voice. “I was which is about the people who bullied me who AN EDITED never allowed in the school choir cos my now holla at me on Facebook. Just cos I’ve was so loud,” she laughs. If you haven’t VERSION voice become successful in what I do doesn’t mean it seen her live, go to RWDmag.com or Jessie’s rewrites the future, or the past,” she exclaims. OF YouTube to witness one of the best voices Because of her ongoing heart problems, Jessie MYSELF, this generation has produced. We know we’ve couldn’t rely on artificial stimulants to create an THIS IS bored on about how ace she is, but really, we interesting record. “I can’t intoxicate my writing WHO I AM” haven’t been as excited by a British singer skills with a spliff or alcohol, it’s just what’s in since flippin’ Amy Winehouse released Frank. my brain,” the 22 year-old says. “The difference with my A true original with a drop-dead dramatic vocal, Jessie J music compared to other people is that it’s exposing deserves to be internationally massive. “I’ll take it as it my flaws as well as my good points. I’m not an edited comes,” she says cautiously. “It’s not going to be easy, version of myself, this is who I am; take it or leave it.” but life ain’t easy and if it is easy, it ain’t fun. I want my Launching in both the UK and the US, the first album to be a reflection of my generation.” single this side of the Atlantic, the amazing Do It Like A Dude (which she originally wrote with Rihanna Do It Like A Dude is out in November. in mind) features a Labrinth remix, while Price Tag Twitter.com/jessiejofficial 20 / RWDMAG.COM

21

GADGET GUIDE Bedroom Essentials The bedroom is the last place of sanctuary for men and women (unless you’re living together cos then you kiss that haven goodbye) so RWD have put together a list of essential gadgets to make your special little room a tech paradise... Words by Jerry Gadiano

INADA SOGNO DREAMWAVE MASSAGE CHAIR (Inada.co.uk, £TBC) Yeah we could’ve put a blow up chair in our ideal room but if you want pure relaxation whilst you’re doing nothing in your private abode then the DreamWave Massage Chair is the only way to go. As well as reclining features, the DreamWave has various forms of massaging modes to make your body feel like a billionaire’s.

Buyability: It’s a high price to pay for the ultimate comfort...

Longevity: ...then again it’s totally worth it to feel this good.

They’ll need a forklift to get you out of the DreamWave by the end of the month.

J Factor: We re-dubbed this the ‘Hateraid’ chair, cos if you buy it you’ll have to serve a glass to each of your friends.

SONY VPL-HW20 (Sony.co.uk, £1500) Look, everyone and their Nan have the latest HDTV (I’m sure there’s one in the old folks home where my mum works too), so how about you be a bit different and step your screen game up with Sony’s VPL-HW20 screen projector. Turn your bedroom into a home cinema where you can project your movies and video games in full HD cinema glory. Yeeesss!!!

Buyability: You’ll be spending more than just a pretty penny here, so say ‘sorry’ to your wallet/ bank account/ parents.

Longevity: If you get one of these then it’s au revoir/ auf wiedersehen/ sayonara / hasta la vista, baby to the television.

The J Factor: Your envious mates will be breaking their Plasma TVs in pure frustration (and hate).

22 / RWDMAG.COM

PHILIPS STREAMIUM WIRELESS MICRO HIFI SYSTEM MCI298 (Philips.co.uk, £229.99) Every bedroom needs music to give it that ambient aura, whether you want to mosh out and destroy it like some drunken drugfuelled r(c)ock star or unwind on your bean bag/ lazy chair and chill out like you were in some Parisian jazz cafe. The Philips Streamium range hosts a whole load of products with the MCi298 being one of the best. Equipped with big bass and Internet radio, this is definitely a must have for your bedroom.

Buyability: Wireless is definitely the way to go when it comes to audio output in the home.

Longevity: Music will never die... EVER. J Factor: If you hear people hating, just pump up the volume. Can you hear ‘em now? No. Good!!!

ASTRAL FIGHTER PRO EDITION (GremlinSolutions.co.uk, £1995) Nothing says retro more than owning your own arcade machine. Packed with more than 300 games including Metal Slug, Pac-Man and Street Fighter Alpha III this oversized gaming system will keep even the most distracted of us occupied... for about 15 minutes.

Buyability: On a par with Xbox 360 and PS3, just a little bit (ok, a lot) more expensive. Ever heard of ROMs and Emulators?

Longevity: If the budget doesn’t quite cover a 2k lump of low-res 2D nostalgia you can always use it as a coat stand and go running back to that sweet HD action. Leave your love for 2D back on memory lane and comeback to the future.

J Factor: You’re gonna be playing with yourself ya know... [PAUSE].

BOB AND FLOW – TOUCH SENSITIVE LIGHT PETS (Mathmos.com, £35) Touch sensitive light, pointless – yes. Cute?

That’s for sure. We’re not entirely sure what the point of one these things is, I mean you touch it and it starts winking at you, what’s all that about? It’s more suggestive than a certain person’s wayward cat. But dammit aren’t we a sucker for cute things [pause] to keep your desktop computer/laptop company.

Buyability: It’s cheap, that’s a start...

Longevity: ...then again his thing will last as long as a five year-old’s attention span. i.e. not that long. Buy a real lamp guys.

J Factor: Only chicks will be jealous of this.

THE GOOD, THE SWAG AND THE LOVELY: Complete the perfect room with these (or not)...

GOOD GOOD: JLS Durex Condoms (Your Local Nightclub/ Pharmacy or durex.com, £2.99) “You only get one shot so make it count, you may never get this moment again...”

SWAG: G Mathmos Fireflow (Mathmos.co.uk, £29) Seriously what’s wrong with a real lamp?

ESSENTIAL PHONE OF THE MONTH NOKIA N8 (nokia.co.uk, £429 Sim Free) Symbian fans, the N8 is finally here and the advertising campaign asks ‘What will you do with it?’ The answer to this technically rhetorical question is a simple one; EVERYTHING. With a 12 MP Carl Zeiss optics camera – capable of shooting in 720P HD – 3.5 inch 640x360 AMLED touch screen, 16GB internal memory (upgradable to 32 with a MicroSD), Nokia Maps, full web browsing and Flash Lite 4.0 (beat that iPhone 4) this is easily the best Nokia money can buy. The sleek anodized aluminium casing, available in five colours, encases this stylish smartphone leaving just one more thing ask; when is your upgrade due?

LOVELY: OVELY Slushie Maker (Firebox.com, £59.99) Remember getting one of these after school? Now you don’t even have to leave your bed. Brilliant.

23

IT’S ALL NAVY

SKULL CANDY routeone.co.uk, £44.99

Why choose any other colour, when you can be true blue...

LUKE luke1977.com, £90

CONDEMNED NATION condemnednation.co.uk, £50 ADIDAS bankfashion.co.uk, £49.99 EDWIN Nashville thethreethreads.com, £90

THE DUFFER OF ST. GEORGE Baseball jacket jdsports.co.uk, £44.99

BENCH bench.co.uk, £60

NIKE Aina chukka Woven nikesportswear.com, £70 THE DUFFER OF ST. GEORGE New Standard Hoody jdsports.co.uk, £39.99

FARAH farah.co.uk, £200

PERCIVAL asos.com, £230

PENGUIN originalpenguin.eu, £130

NEW ERA CAP Chambrak Dogear neweracap.co.uk, £30

KING APPAREL king-apparel.com, £55 GOURMET Cinque L crookedtongues.com, £120 LYLE & SCOTT lyleandscott.com, £55

DR. MARTENS store.drmartens.co.uk, £80

PULL-IN pull-in.com, £33 25

NAPAPIRJI Harrods 0202 7730 1234?, £279 TU 0800 636262, £55

O’NIEL oneilleshop.co.uk, £54.99

FLY53 fly53.com, £80

KICKERS kickers.co.uk, £50

GANT gant.co.uk, £149 DANIEL danielfootwear.com, £169.99

26 / RWDMAG.COM

BENCH bench.co.uk, £70

ADIDAS adidas.com/originals, £85 UGLY KIDS CLUB uglykidsclub.com, £25 FAT FACE fatface.com, £40 GEOX geox.com, £95

NIKE blazer High vintage nikesportswear.com, £60

BLUE MY MIND Fight off the winter blues with our pick of this season’s uplifting pieces...

ORLEBARB ROWN orlebarbrown.com, £99

DANIEL danielfootwear.com, £169

27

STYLE GUIDE

KNIT ‘N MIX Keep on trend with this seasons key style. styled by Irene Asanji photography by Kevin Joseph

LEVI’S levi.com, £85

HL JEANS CO. henrilloyd.com/hl-jeans, £90

INSIGHT insight51.com, £115

ROKIT rokit.co.uk, £35

28 / RWDMAG.COM

LACOSTE lacoste.com, £350

GANT gant.co.uk, £115

LRG 020 8993 1010, £90

NICKELSON nickelson.co.uk, £65

29

STYLE GUIDE

LUKE luke1977.com, £80

FLY53 fly53.com, £95

KING APPAREL king-apparel.com, £70

BENCH bench.co.uk, £80

30 / RWDMAG.COM

STYLE GUIDE

Grass

Routes

Available in Black and Deepest Space Grey adidas Originals’ Training PT were originally created way back in 1970 by adidas designer Franz Schacher and these multi-purpose sports shoes fuse more than just style and functionality. When the Training PTs were first conceived 40 years ago they were considered too revolutionary for the masses but now they’re just right for 2010’s forward-thinking footwear lover. Finally unleashed from the adidas super vault in Herzogenaurach, Germany these must-owns are a timeless classic. Take the quickest route to JD because at £55 these exclusives won’t be there for long.

32 / RWDMAG.COM

33

34 / RWDMAG.COM

35

36 / RWDMAG.COM

37

38 / RWDMAG.COM

39

40 / RWDMAG.COM

43

When Mike Skinner’s run-from-a-hut in Chiswick label The Beats went belly-up, many thought that was it for wildhaired rapper Example. But after a dancefloor fuelled pop reinvention, the Fulham native has just had the biggest year of his career. Rajveer Kathwadia speaks to him about his rapid ascent, looking drunk and being in love...

directed by DJB photography by Kevin Joseph styling by Neesha Sharma makeup by Jodie Hyams using Mac filming by Greg Bond

44 / rwdmag.com

Hoody by adidas 3 Stripe Essentials at JD, check shirt by adidas Originals

45

<< It’s a tricky trip across London to Battersea photo-studio, Lemonade Factory, on the morning of the covershoot for this very issue you hold in your dirty little hands. The reason for this is not because I’m late (well I am a little bit), or because TFL is utter poop (though it is), but actually because the Pope’s in town and roughly about 97.4294% of the roads have been closed to accommodate him and his holy entourage. Still, it’s a bit rich of me to complain about my travelling woes when the subject of our shoot is rapper turned pop prince Example, whose transit has been fraught with considerably less trivial dilemmas than my own, thanks to the heart-wrench that is the music industry. Obviously his journey is more of a metaphorical one than mine but you can see what I’m getting at. Hailing from Fulham, West London, Elliot Gleave aka Example (His initials are E and G – see what he did there!) put out his first few tracks off of his own back before being snapped up by The Streets’ Mike Skinner for his fledgling label The Beats in 2005. Not long after releasing his debut album, What We Made, The Beats came to a premature end, leaving the likes of Elliot and Professor Green on the musical streets. Not to be disheartened, Example returned to his independent routes to release and self-fund his next single, and bagged a VMA for ‘Best Low-Budget Video’ in the process. Then the transformation began. Working with the likes of Chase & Status, Calvin Harris and MJ Cole on a new style he dubbed ‘dysfunctional electro-pop’, he caught the eye of Ministry Of Sound who signed him straight up, and four hit singles later - including the top 10 smash Won’t Go Quietly and the top 3 anthem Kickstarts - a top 5 album in Won’t Go Quietly and countless tourdates and festival appearances later, Example has well and truly arrived.

How’s it going mate?

Alright, we’re here for the front cover for RWD, which is my favourite magazine... in that sector!

How was getting kitted out and playing the model?

Yeah, well obviously I’ve got model looks. I’ve got nice eyes apparently. [“Amazing eyes!” Someone from the styling team shouts across the room.]

Thank you make-up lady.

Why are you hiding them behind sunglasses then?

Yeah sorry [Takes off sunglasses].

Wow they’re really beautiful.

Yeah... thanks. Model eyes, but there’s nothing else really model-y about me. I’ve got sort of model hair.

46 / rwdmag.com

I’ve been trying to model my hair on yours.

Yours is sort of like mine after a gig – all messed up and lopsided. But nah I enjoy photoshoots cos it’s easy work innit? The hard work comes in with trying to write the album and touring and thinking of interesting things to say when there’s a camera on you. That’s the hard stuff.

So have you wiped all of the make-up off of your face yet?

Nah I’m going studio now and I don’t know whether to keep it on or not. Some people can’t tell I’ve got make-up on and think that I just naturally look like a porcelain doll.

So you mentioned how easy photoshoots are, and you get given all sorts of nice clobber, don’t you?

They give you some nice clothing. You get to take your clothing away. This Essentials hoody is good for me cos I can rock this on stage, I can wear it down the gym - I go gym a lot, even if you can’t tell - football training...

We know you’re conscious of your style and look cos you blog about it and stuff you like.

If you read my blog you’ll see that I pretty much just write about t-shirts, trainers, cool music videos...

Does someone ‘advise’ you on what to post?

Naaah, my blog’s run by me. Like I physically push the buttons on my laptop to post that blog. I write all the words online. Seriously, how many other people have got time for blogging nowadays? Not even me, I make time. Occasionally a fan will post a video on my Twitter or my Facebook and say ‘Check this out it’s really funny.’ And if it’s really funny I’ll put it on my blog. But it’s mostly just creps of the day.

What are your favourite trainers?

When I’m on stage I’m into high-tops and when I’m just bowling around London on a day off or on a studio day I like loose fitting casual shoes. I’m into the no socks vibe as well.

Yeah, why?

I just don’t like socks.

Watch The Sun Come Up was released exactly a year ago this coming Monday.

Did you work that out?

Yeah.

See, not just a pretty face. >>

Sweatshirt by adidas 3 Stripe Essentials at JD

47

Sweatshirt by adidas 3 Stripe Essentials at JD

<< Not even that. But between then and now your profile has absolutely rocketed. What’s that been like for you?

I don’t know how it happened... actually I do. It’s down to hard work, writing good songs and my wonderful PR lady [Caroline of Purple PR fame] getting my face everywhere. Women’s magazines now put me in the cute male section which is quite weird cos I’m a funny looking fellow you know?

Your look has definitely changed...

Well my hair was a bit longer and a bit more wild. I had a bit more of a beard, I was a bit more like you.

Now I’ve just got a couple of day’s growth. How else has my look changed? Go on explain.

You look a lot sharper, smoother and slicker.

So I used to look like a mess basically yeah?

Before it looked like any t-shirt...

Wow...

Any jeans...

Wow...

But now someone’s put a lot of effort into your look.

Yeah me! But my look suited my first album cos it was about being drunk all the time.

What’s the second album about?

Being in love.

What’s essential for making a big pop album?

The key for me is have the biggest choruses, but only sing about stuff you know - be true to yourself.

48 / rwdmag.com

For me anyway. I mean if you’re Lady Gaga you can just be a lunatic, but she’s mad so that’s fine.

Have you been offered something crazy to wear, like a necklace of pigs heads?

Nah not really. One of my fans wanted to take my fingernails and make some art of it. She Facebook’d and said, ‘If next time you bite your nails off send them to me and I’ll make some art for you.’

That’s weird.

I just pressed ‘Report – Block User.’

What can you foresee for the year to come?

Lots of touring, cos this tour’s sold out and then we go on tour again in Feb. I think we’re going to South Africa, Australia and a few places in Europe and I’ll also have another single out before Christmas; Two Lives and that’ll make it six singles off this album which is quite rare nowadays. We could probably release eight or nine but you’ve gotta let other people have a chance don’t you?

It’s only fair.

And I’m also writing, recording and finishing the next album. We should hopefully have the first single out in April next year.

Two Lives is out 14 Nov. TryThisForExample.com

41

42 / RWDMAG.COM

43

When Mike Skinnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s run-from-a-hut in Chiswick label The Beats went belly-up, many thought that was it for wildhaired rapper Example. But after a dancefloor fuelled pop reinvention, the Fulham native has just had the biggest year of his career. Rajveer Kathwadia speaks to him about his rapid ascent, looking drunk and being in love...

directed by DJB photography by Kevin Joseph styling by Neesha Sharma makeup by Jodie Hyams using Mac filming by Greg Bond

44 / RWDMAG.COM

Hoody by adidas 3 Stripe Essentials at JD, check shirt by adidas Originals

45

<< It’s a tricky trip across London to Battersea photostudio, Lemonade Factory, on the morning of the covershoot for this very issue you hold in your dirty little hands. The reason for this is not because I’m late (well I am a little bit), or because TFL is utter poop (though it is), but actually because the Pope’s in town and roughly about 97.4294% of the roads have been closed to accommodate him and his holy entourage.

Still, it’s a bit rich of me to complain about my travelling woes when the subject of our shoot is rapper turned pop prince Example, whose transit has been fraught with considerably less trivial dilemmas than my own, thanks to the heart-wrench that is the music industry.

Obviously his journey is more of a metaphorical one than mine but you can see what I’m getting at. Hailing from Fulham, West London, Elliot Gleave aka Example (His initials are E and G – see what he did there!) put out his first few tracks off of his own back before being snapped up by The Streets’ Mike Skinner for his fledgling label The Beats in 2005. Not long after releasing his debut album, What We Made, The Beats came to a premature end, leaving the likes of Elliot and Professor Green on the musical streets. Not to be disheartened, Example returned to his independent routes to release and self-fund his next single, and bagged a VMA for ‘Best Low-Budget Video’ in the process. Then the transformation began. Working with the likes of Chase & Status, Calvin Harris and MJ Cole on a new style he dubbed ‘dysfunctional electro-pop’, he caught the eye of Ministry Of Sound who signed him straight up, and four hit singles later - including the top 10 smash Won’t Go Quietly and the top 3 anthem Kickstarts - a top 5 album in Won’t Go Quietly and countless tourdates and festival appearances later, Example has well and truly arrived.

How’s it going mate?

Alright, we’re here for the front cover for RWD, which is my favourite magazine... in that sector!

How was getting kitted out and playing the model?

Yeah, well obviously I’ve got model looks. I’ve got nice eyes apparently. [“Amazing eyes!” Someone from the styling team shouts across the room.]

Thank you make-up lady.

Why are you hiding them behind sunglasses then?

Yeah sorry [Takes off sunglasses].

Wow they’re really beautiful.

Yeah... thanks. Model eyes, but there’s nothing else really model-y about me. I’ve got sort of model hair.

I’ve been trying to model my hair on yours.

46 / RWDMAG.COM

Yours is sort of like mine after a gig – all messed up and lopsided. But nah I enjoy photoshoots cos it’s easy work innit? The hard work comes in with trying to write the album and touring and thinking of interesting things to say when there’s a camera on you. That’s the hard stuff.

So have you wiped all of the make-up off of your face yet?

Nah I’m going studio now and I don’t know whether to keep it on or not. Some people can’t tell I’ve got make-up on and think that I just naturally look like a porcelain doll.

So you mentioned how easy photoshoots are, and you get given all sorts of nice clobber, don’t you?

They give you some nice clothing. You get to take your clothing away. This Essentials hoody is good for me cos I can rock this on stage, I can wear it down the gym - I go gym a lot, even if you can’t tell - football training...

We know you’re conscious of your style and look cos you blog about it and stuff you like.

If you read my blog you’ll see that I pretty much just write about t-shirts, trainers, cool music videos...

Does someone ‘advise’ you on what to post?

Naaah, my blog’s run by me. Like I physically push the buttons on my laptop to post that blog. I write all the words online. Seriously, how many other people have got time for blogging nowadays? Not even me, I make time. Occasionally a fan will post a video on my Twitter or my Facebook and say ‘Check this out it’s really funny.’ And if it’s really funny I’ll put it on my blog. But it’s mostly just creps of the day.

What are your favourite trainers?

When I’m on stage I’m into high-tops and when I’m just bowling around London on a day off or on a studio day I like loose fitting casual shoes. I’m into the no socks vibe as well.

Yeah, why?

I just don’t like socks.

Watch The Sun Come Up was released exactly a year ago this coming Monday.

Did you work that out?

Yeah.

Sweatshirt by adidas 3 Stripe Essentials at JD

47

Sweatshirt by adidas 3 Stripe Essentials at JD

See, not just a pretty face. >> << Not even that. But between then and now your profile has absolutely rocketed. What’s that been like for you?

I don’t know how it happened... actually I do. It’s down to hard work, writing good songs and my wonderful PR lady [Caroline of Purple PR fame] getting my face everywhere. Women’s magazines now put me in the cute male section which is quite weird cos I’m a funny looking fellow you know?

Your look has definitely changed...

Well my hair was a bit longer and a bit more wild. I had a bit more of a beard, I was a bit more like you. Now I’ve just got a couple of day’s growth. How else has my look changed?

Go on explain.

You look a lot sharper, smoother and slicker.

So I used to look like a mess basically yeah?

Before it looked like any t-shirt...

Wow...

Any jeans...

Wow...

But now someone’s put a lot of effort into your look.

Yeah me! But my look suited my first album cos it was about being drunk all the time.

What’s the second album about?

Being in love.

What’s essential for making a big pop album?

The key for me is have the biggest choruses, but only sing about stuff you know - be true to yourself. For me anyway.

48 / RWDMAG.COM

I mean if you’re Lady Gaga you can just be a lunatic, but she’s mad so that’s fine.

Have you been offered something crazy to wear, like a necklace of pigs heads?

Nah not really. One of my fans wanted to take my fingernails and make some art of it. She Facebook’d and said, ‘If next time you bite your nails off send them to me and I’ll make some art for you.’

That’s weird.

I just pressed ‘Report – Block User.’

What can you foresee for the year to come?

Lots of touring, cos this tour’s sold out and then we go on tour again in Feb. I think we’re going to South Africa, Australia and a few places in Europe and I’ll also have another single out before Christmas; Two Lives and that’ll make it six singles off this album which is quite rare nowadays. We could probably release eight or nine but you’ve gotta let other people have a chance don’t you?

It’s only fair.

And I’m also writing, recording and finishing the next album.

We should hopefully have the first single out in April next year.

Two Lives is out 14 Nov. TryThisForExample.com

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

50 / RWDMAG.COM

“I THINK NEXT YEAR ALL THE GENRES ARE JUST GONNA MELT – IT’S JUST GONNA BE GOOD MUSIC...”

The success of Magnetic Man this year has been in-keeping with the general renaissance of UK underground music. The accomplished and highly creative dubstep producers that are Benga, Artwork and Skream, who in their own right are pioneers of the genre, have brought their collective talents together and raised the profile of dubstep into the consciousness of a mainstream audience. Liam Tootill recently caught up with the trio in Kensington to talk success and plans for the future. >>

51

52 / RWDMAG.COM

<< How did Magnetic Man as a dubstep collective come to be?

[Benga and Skream both point in the direction of Artwork] Artwork: Magnetic Man was what was needed for it to become a live project so that it could be run off three computers, rather than just making tracks that you can play out. With Magnetic Man it was always concerned with being a thing that the three of us could play live.

How has it been for you all since you got involved with Magnetic Man? Skream: It’s been great. We sorta knew it was gonna go alright but I don’t think we knew it’d be to this scale, like having Top 10 singles and sold out tents at festivals like Reading and Leeds – stuff like that’s really mad. When you go to festivals like that, that aren’t really electronic music festivals – so yeah, it’s going amazing.

How was it working with Katy B on your latest single, Perfect Stranger?

Benga: Great, I tell you what, she is the - I don’t even know what to say, what shall we call her?

Skream: She’s a star.

Benga: Yeah, she’s a star, but she’s the most chilled star.

Skream: But she’s got this hunger and she wants to work.

Artwork: And she’s got the talent to back it up as well. Like, you see her yesterday, we did some live thing at Maida Vale, and she turned up and just smashed it, completely smashed it.

Skream: Still rocking about in a Rinse t-shirt.

How long was the process of writing your selftitled, debut album?

Skream: How long did the album take? Like six months?

Artwork: Maybe a bit more, six or eight months, something like that.

How many more singles are you thinking of releasing from the album?

Skream: There is another single planned, I don’t know if we can tell you about that. After that we’re gonna tour the album. We only look at the next step ahead, we never have this big plan. So really, at the moment we just know we’ve gotta put the tour together and make that good.

Talking about the tour, you’re doing some shows later this month and in November, and then you’re supporting Deadmau5 on a few dates in December. How do you find gigging with each other and the hectic schedules, the parties and

“The whole history of all this is kinda irrelevant where we are now to a lot of the kids who’ve only been listening to it for, say, a year. It’s literally about what you’re doing right now; you’ve just gotta keep on top of it all really.”

everything else?

Skream: We’ve known each other for like 10 years anyway and so yeah, it’s alright. Sometimes you need your own bit of space but you just gotta sleep on it, that’s all.

Benga: I think the same. I just think it’s a madness. We’re always partying and getting up to stuff and we’ve always got stories to talk about.

Our lives are like that film The Hangover!. The amount of times that kinda what happened thing has happened to us. [laughs] You guys are responsible for raising the profile of dubstep to the mainstream, as the pioneers of this sound, how does that feel?

Skream: The whole history of all this is kinda irrelevant where we are now to a lot of the kids who’ve only been listening to it for say a year. So it’s literally about what you’re doing right now, because there’s so much good music and so many good producers; you just gotta keep on top of it all really.

Do you even call it dubstep these days? People aren’t necessarily branding it dubstep anymore, more electro pop...

Skream: I’d call it UK bass music. Everyone’s lending sounds off each other, genre-wise, not actual physical sounds.

So it doesn’t even really matter that it’s not called dubstep?

Artwork: I think next year all the genres are just gonna melt - it’s just gonna be good music. I don’t know why people have to keep saying, ‘Oh well that is this, and this is that’ because it doesn’t matter anymore. All musics are being played at all club nights, you know, there’s everything.

Have you got any plans to collaborate with any other hot UK acts over the coming months?

Skream: We never plan too far ahead. Something could happen tomorrow that we just don’t know about yet, so there’s always chance.

The album Magnetic Man is out now.

Twitter.com/ i_skream, Twitter.com/iambenga Twitter.com/artworkmagnetic

53

54 / RWDMAG.COM

54

bigpicturesphoto.com

The X Factor Auditions with

Nicole Scherzinger When we had a chat with Pussycat Doll, Nicole Scherzinger about her new solo album produced by RedOne, Rajveer Kathwadia couldn’t let the opportunity to audition for a real life X Factor judge pass him by...

You came into X Factor when it was missing Danni and Cheryl.

Did that add any extra pressure?

Well I guess that’s the good part of being part of a girl group.

Sometimes you’ve just gotta be there for the team and I was really disappointed cos it was my understanding that Danni was on leave but Cheryl was gonna be there, but she fell sick.

So I was like ’You know what, I’m just going to have to show up and I’m going to have to represent for the girls.’

Your positive views contrasted with the other two...

[Laughs] I think Simon and Louis’ jaws dropped sometimes cos they were like ‘What language are you speaking right now?’ I had this one comment that I say on the show and the boys just make me fun of me till this day.

What’s that?

Cos I don’t know how to say ‘No’ so I said ‘This isn’t a no, it’s just a not now.’ So Louis and Simon looked at each other and said ‘So basically you’re saying ‘It’s a no’, and I’m like ‘Yeah, but a not now no.’

So if I was to sing, right now, I wouldn’t get a ‘no’, no matter what I sang, or how bad it was?

Sometimes I have to say no. Sometimes that’s only gonna help the person in the long run.

Can I audition now for you before I leave? I don’t think I’ll get a ‘no’.

You sure can.

Ok cool I’m going to hold you to that. You’ve done a whole album with RedOne. How was that?

I think for any artist or musician doing an album, it’s about where you are in your life when you’re making it. At that time, RedOne and I had met during the remaking of We Are The World for Haiti and we just clicked when we were talking music and the music that we wanted to create. We had the same image and the same vision and I just needed a producer to help make that live in 3D, HD, full colour. I’ve had a great time working on an album with him. I’m so proud of this music, I feel like it just really represents me where I’m at right now and it’s just fun [gets animated] it’s fun and it’s live and it’s dangerous!

You performed on Broadway recently with Rent; what was the whole experience of doing a musical on stage like for you?

To be honest with you, it was just going back to my roots for me. A lot of people didn’t know that I came from the stage and came from a musical background, a theatrical background and so it was just the perfect opportunity to play this really fun eccentric role of this lesbian performance artist activist. A role

that people wouldn’t have tagged me to play before and for me it really reignited my confidence again in the theatre world and the art world and just performance again. I had a blast.

Do you wanna do more acting?

Yup, I actually got cast in my first movie. I don’t know if I’m allowed to say but you’ll know soon. It’s a bit-role but I’m just thrilled to do it. It’s a really bad ass role.

What’s up with the Pussycat Dolls?

Well right now I’m still part of the group. A few of the girls have left the group so in the future we might look at having a different line-up. I wouldn’t be here at this stage of pursuing a solo album if it hadn’t been for the Dolls.

So there’s an element of PCD in your solo work?

I think there always is because the Pussycat Dolls music was always a big part of who I am. I think this is like Pussycat Dolls... Do you guys have Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

Yeah we love them!

Cool, so you know that green ooze that kind of makes them what they are? I feel like my music is like the Pussycat Dolls but on green ooze! Whatever that means?!?

Which of the turtles did you wanna be?

Whichever one said ‘cowabunga dude’.

Yeah that would be Michelangelo... So that audition...

I wish there was a camera. [Sings. Very badly and out of tune] ‘Don’t you wish your girlfriend was hot like me?...’

“I ACTUALLY WENT TO SCHOOL JUST FOR THEATRE IN COLLEGE AND SO IT WAS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY THIS REALLY FUN, ECCENTRIC ROLE OF THIS LESBIAN PERFORMANCE ARTIST ACTIVIST...”

Mmm-hmm [said in the style of Southern wash-lady] [Continued singing]... Don’t you wish your girlfriend was great in bed like me [The PR puts his fingers in his ears...]

Right [Looks confused].

That’s my own little take on Don’t Cha by the Pussycat Dolls.

Well you had a really good pitch. And I liked that you made the song your own and you brought your own lyrics into it.

Definitely.

And you’ve very courageous to sing that song in front of me.

Thank you.

So I’d give you a ‘yes’.

Ahh brilliant.

However you might have wanted to say ‘Don’t you wish your boyfriend was hot like me?’ rather than ‘girlfriend’?

Yeah I could have, but I wanted to stay slightly true to the song, as well as bring my own flavour to it.

I understand that – the best of both worlds.

Exactly. Thanks!

The single Poison on 28 November. Twitter.com/nicolescherzy 55

The Hawaiian born, LA residing producer/songwriter/singerr Bruno Mars is on the tip of everyone’s tongue this year - and no it’s not because he was caught slipping out in Vegas! Involved in some way, shape or form with some of 2010’s most memorable hits, Nardene Scott gives the 24 year-old a call to find out how everything has been fitting perfectly into place.

B.O.B, Travie McCoy, Cee Lo, K’naan and Flo’Rida, are just a few of the artists that have been sprinkled with some of Bruno Mars’s platinum disc dust alongside the help of his production team, The Smeezingtons. Since moving to LA from Honolulu in his teens, the multi instrumentalist, (he plays the guitar and piano to perfection) honed his production skills alongside Phillip Lawrence and Ari Levine writing songs and producing for other artists. Back before all that though, Bruno Mars - real name, Peter Gene Hernandez (he got the nickname from his resemblance as a chubby child to a Mexican wrestler) - was always destined for a career in music; his father is a Latin percussionist, his mother a talented vocalist, as are his siblings, whilst his uncles are all guitar players.

56 / RWDMAG.COM

From B.o.B’s Nothin’ On You to his own Just The Way You Are, it’s clear this guy can’t half write a love song. Whether they’re based on real life however, he dismisses amicably, accusing RWD of “Trying to dig up dirt”. Who, us?! What he is open about though is his love for music, following his recent performance at west London’s yOyO it turns out he’s got a lot of love for the UK. “Oh man, London is the best, you guys rock man!” he says, adding also loves our artists. “I heard Bonkers and man... is that not like one of the greatest songs ever? I love that, I’d like to work with Dizzee.”

The recent performance alongside collaborator B.o.B at this year’s MTV VMA’s was just another step further into stardom; Bruno played piano and sang his contagious chorus as Bobby Ray spat his bars. “I just remember

forgetting I was playing piano which could have been really, really awful,” he remembers of the experience. “It could have been really, really bad. I was singing Nothin’ On You and I don’t know what happened, I think I blanked out and was like ‘Oh, I got to go to the next chord’… luckily I hit it on time.” Of course the awards show is prime time for artists to hook up and get their collab game on and Bruno was in demand: “I ran into Kanye, I met Kid CuDi, who else? Oh, Drake, I met Drake for the first time. Justin Bieber asked when are we working together and I told Drake ‘You just let me know when you’re ready’”.

Drake might have to wait a minute though - Mr. Mars is busy getting ready to promote his debut album, Doo-Wops and Hooligans. “The album tracks, they’re all so different, it’s like

“I HEARD BONKERS AND IS THAT NOT ONE OF THE GREATEST SONGS EVER? I LOVE THAT, DIZZEE IS ANOTHER CAT THAT I’D LIKE TO GET IN WITH...” a journey,” he explains. “I hope that people understand that I’m a songwriter and I’m a producer and I’m a fan of music. Every type of music that I listen to is incorporated in this album; I have a reggae track with Damian Marley on there, then songs like Just The Way You Are... everything is really eclectic and different.” He loves the album so much, he can’t quite make up his mind about which track means the most. “My favourite song changes everyday, it just depends on what mood I’m in. I think it’s a good album to have when you’re in any kind of mood, there’s something there for you.” He is looking forward to us all hearing the second single, Grenade, as it exposes a different side we’re yet to see from the soulful vocalist. “I’m really excited about that song because no one has heard me sing

ESSENTIAL ESSENTIALS What’s essential on a first date?

I would say go somewhere where you can talk, somewhere that’s not trying too hard, you can always do dinner and a movie but something special.

If there were three essential CD’s in your whole record collection that you couldn’t let go off what would it be?

Wow...erm... I like the Beach Boys Pet Sounds, Prince, Purple Rain and then The Beatles The White Album.

If you were stranded on some desert island somewhere what would be your three essential items you would have to have with you?

I would have a genie or a magic lamp; I’d have a radio and a beautiful lady.

that style of song and it’s a little darker,” he decides. “Obviously you’ve heard Nothin On You and Just the Way You Are, but there’s another side to love, which is heartbreak and that’s what this song is; me telling that side of the story. When you’re in love with a woman. But you know she doesn’t love you the same.”

Despite the past few days press over his arrest after being caught in possession of “narcotics” in Las Vegas, Mars leaves the phonecall on a calm and content note. “I’m excited to come back to the UK and play these new songs; this has been the goal in creating the record, to really bring the tracks to life onstage because that’s when we have the most fun.”

Doo-Wops and Hooligans is out now.

Twitter.com/BrunoMars 57

CHUNG

TING

In a studio somewhere in deepest, darkest west London, we find fashion’s golden girl, Alexa Chung. Friendly, funny and, yes slim but certainly not overly skinny, we sat down with the new host of Gonzo to discover what’s essential to her when it comes to fashion, friends and music...

F

irstly, we’re looking forward to seeing you present Gonzo for MTV Rocks. How do you feel about filling Zane Lowe’s rather large shoes?

Yes, that’s some massive stinky shoes I’ve got to try on [laughs]. I was a massive fan of the show so it is quite intimidating, but I’m comforted by the fact that I bumped into him at Reading Festival and he was really nice. He was really happy that I was doing it, so it’s good that I’ve had his seal of approval.

Who are you looking forward to interviewing?

I’m up for getting artists I find really funny on, so bands like We Are Scientists. The lead singer, Keith, is my friend in New York. So established bands but maybe really new bands like Tame Impala. Because Gonzo’s got so much heritage, it’s usually a relaxed atmosphere so bands enjoy coming on it.

Who have you found the most challenging star to interview?

I interviewed Lady Gaga in New York, it was fine but she just wouldn’t look at me in the eye [laughs]. I guess it’s just cause she’s so famous, so it’s just a bit surreal interviewing her, it’s like an out of body experience. But she was perfectly pleasant.

You’re a lady considered to be rather fashionable. Do you feel pressure to always look incredible?

It’s really nice I like it, but it sometimes make you think you can dress better than you can and then you’ll look back at a picture of yourself and be like, ‘No that was disgusting’. Other than that, it’s really nice.

Lets talk through some Alexa Chung wardrobe disasters...

Oh yes that happens every day. I’m dressed like Charlie Chaplin today [points to Phillip Lim dungarees and vintage t-shit].

It’s hard to get out of that 6th Form mindset of ‘Oh, what the f**k are you wearing’. You need to get out of that small town mentality though because sometimes I can put on an outfit and be like ‘Oh God, if I wore this when I was growing up...’ (Laughs).

Give us some wardrobe essentials.

Oh yes; denim hotpants, a navy blue jumper of some variety - I don’t why but it goes with everything and I’m always cold - and maybe a Barbour jacket. But then I also feel like there aren’t any rules and you should do what you like.

“I INTERVIEWED LADY GAGA IN NEW YORK, IT WAS FINE BUT SHE JUST WOULDN’T LOOK AT ME IN THE EYE.... I GUESS IT’S JUST CAUSE SHE’S SO FAMOUS,” Who do you consider to be style icons?

I like Keith Richards [wrinkly Rolling Stones hell raiser] and Graham Coxon from Blur, he always looks great. I like Diane Kruger and Michelle Williams, who was married to Heath Ledger, she always looks nice. Kids often wear really nice outfits, by accident. Like leopard print tights and then a weird denim skirt. Children are stylish [laughs].

Having lived in New York and London, who’s most stylish?

Well it’s not a competition, but if it was... [laughs]. I guess it’s just different. In London, given the weather, people have to be more creative with what they wear, whereas in New York it’s more polished, classic and all about the statement bag. Plus here you’re more likely to get a bargain and people aren’t so obsessed about the cost of things. Well, not since the ‘90s.

What three records are in your ‘essential’ collection?

Tame Impala who are Australian. It’s a kind of psyche vibe, all their videos look a bit like MGMT, but it’s really good. I like Roky Erikson, he’s an old American singer who went to a mental hospital for a bit and then came out and wrote a song about it.

Then I guess Phil Spector, because if you’ve got his Greatest Hits, then you’ve got every hit song.

What’s essential for you in a friend?

Loyalty. And availability to go to the pub when I want them to.

Oh, and good at secret keeping. I like it when people can keep it under their hats.

How about make-up – what are essential items for everyday?

Paw-paw cream, which is Australian and amazing for lips.

Black eyeliner from wherever, Mac, Bobby Brown, Rimmel... anywhere really.

Tell us one essential piece of information about Alexa Chung?

I’m fair to middling at tap dancing. Well, no, I’m a bit s**t at it [laughs]. I can do a dance, I’ve got a routine. Just about.

Catch Alexa presenting Gonzo on MTV Rocks every Friday at 7pm. Twitter.com/alexa_chung

58 / RWDMAG.COM

59

60 / RWDMAG.COM

After ruling the roost in the R&B scene for the past few years, it’s no surprise tha that the likes of Beyoncé, Rihanna hanna and JJustin Bieber are looking too Ne-Yoo for their next big single. sin Rajveer atches up with the hit-maker to find about his new concept album, some words Kathwadiaa catches of advice ice from Jay-Z’s wifey and why the rest of the scene is copying his style...

You’re no stranger to the UK. No I am not, This is my 22nd time here.

Wow. Before we get started, congratulations, we hear you’re soon to be a father for the first time.

Thanks, I’ve got a daughter on the way and I’m very excited about the journey of parenthood and the ups and downs and twists and turns that come with.

And you’ve got a new album on the way.

The album is out in November and it’s called Libra Scale. I’m getting ready to go on the promo tour relatively soon. It’s a concept album based around a short story that I wrote of the same name.

Are you prepared to balance family life and your career?

It’s something I’m expecting to be rather difficult; I have responsibilities and obligations on both sides of that gate.

It’s either figure out how to balance it or catastrophic disaster [laughs]. I refuse to be that fly-by-night dad. Can’t do that. On the other side of the same card, I can’t just completely turn my back on the people that have held me up for the last six years. I’m a Libra and our whole motive is balance so I’ll be alright.

So you’re a Libra and the album/story/ film is called Libra Scale. I sort of see

“I FEEL LIKE SUCCESS IS ABOUT TAKING CHANCES. SOMETIME YOU WIN, SOMETIMES YOU LOSE, BUT IF YOU DO NOT JUMP OFF THAT CLIFF, YOU HAVE NO IDEA IF YOU CAN FLY OR NOT.” what you did there.

[Laughs] Good, but it’s mainly called that because of the underlying question that runs through this whole concept.

Which is...?

If weighed out on your own personal Libra scale, and you had to choose between love and money, power and fame – which one would be the heavier in your life. What I did to get this story across is I kind of played on my love of sci-fi films and comic books. The story follows three main characters... [NeYo then spends the next few minutes explaining and setting up the story for us. In detail. Intense detail. Detail which is far too tedious for me to transcribe here – so why don’t you just go watch it for yourselves on RWD TV right now].

Since Closer there’s been a few R&B artists releasing house singles such as Usher and Chris Brown....

Eeeeeyyyyyaaaaahhhh... It is what it is. The game has been the game

forever. Since before me, since before everybody else. What happens is; here’s the pack and one person will try something a little different and if he wins then someone will follow him and so on. I can’t get upset at the fact that people are doing what they’ve been doing since the beginning of the music industry. It’s a compliment if anything.

You’re a prolific song writer, who are you writing for at the moment?

I recently went in the studio for Justin Bieber which was kind of cool. The songs I wrote for him are a little bit more mature than the songs you regularly hear from him. I also went in recently with Beyoncé, but I can’t speak as much on her because she’s sworn me to secrecy. But I will say this; she is trying some new things and there’s some stuff that I heard that’s traditional Beyoncé - the greatness that is Beyoncé - and then there’s some other stuff that’s like ‘Ok I didn’t know you could go there.’ I >> 61

“WHA “WHAT HAPPENS IS; HERE’S THE PACK AND ONE PERS PERSON WILL TRY SOMETHING A LITTLE IFFERENT AAND IF HE DIFFERENT NS THEN SO WINS SOMEONE WILL LLOW HIM AAND SO ON.” FOLLOW

<< love working with herr cos she’s one of the few people that’ss not afraid to fa fall, she’s not afraid to fail, afraid il, she’s not afra to mess up. Also I just ust went in with Rihanna recently for forthcoming or her forthcom album. I did a lot of cool stuff with her.

We’ve heard rumours Gaga. urs about Lady G I spoke to Lady Gaga aga about doing some stuff potentially for my album, bu but I had to go ahead and close the album out.

Getting a hold of her is a very diffi difficult thing nowadays ass you can proba probably assume. But yeah I spoke to her ab about doing some stuff.

You tweeted recently that Beyoncé ga gave you some advice. Care to share?

That particular night I wass kind of in a place where I’ve been gonee for about two years, so I’m kind of fighting ing my way back up. Now with this concept ept that I’m doing - it’s working better in some places than some other places.

Though Beautiful Monster was No.1 62 / RWDMAG.COM

“IF YOU HEAR A LITTLE BIT OF MICHAEL JACKSON IN CHAMPAGNE LIFE, IF YOU SEE A LITTLE BIT OF HIM IN THE VIDEO FOR ONE IN A MILLION, IT IS ABSOLUTELY PURPOSELY DONE.” here, it didn’t do as well in the States.

And I understand why, but at that time I was really wondering, ‘With me being gone, and Usher’s back and Trey’s doing really, where do I fit in?’ And she said to me, ‘Just do what you do. You know what your place is and who you are in this game and what you can do. Just do that.’ And it’s not anything that I didn’t know per se, but I just needed to hear it and she was there to do that for me.

You’re also working with Rihanna...?

Rihanna na is unfortunately another

person who has sworn me to secrecy, but I will say that it’s a bit more light hearted than her last album. albu Everybody the knows what was going on around a – she time of the release of that album a was going through something somethi very, very tragic and the album kind of spoke to that. She was wa in a very emotional place, but ut she’s happy happ now and that is the past wanna live in that st and she doesn’t do anymore, more, which is why there was such a speedy eedy turnaround turnaroun on her coming out with another album. Just to really let the past st be the past and a move on. It’s good music at the end of the day and that’s all that’s really important. im Champagne agne Life has got g undertones of an old skool Michael Ja Jackson...

If you hear a little bit oof Mike in Champagne pagne Life, if you see a little bit of Mike inn the video for O One In A Million, it is absolutely purposely done. Michael solutely purpose Jackson body of work was a kson and his bod veryy strong influen influence on me, even to take ke this chance aand put out a concept forever influenced by Mike. album. I’m forev exclusive content from this To see excl interview and to listen to his latest intervie single One in a Million go to Orange. sing co.uk/monkey. Libra Scale is out 1 Nov. CompoundENT.com/TV

IS NOTHING

Shon Sh Shon o te tell ellle LLaayn yne, e, sim mpl ply kn k own to to you and me as Sh Shontelllle,, is i liivingg pr p ooof th that at Barb Ba rbaaddos os is de defiini nite tely te ly bigg eno n ug ugh gh to house se mor oree thhan one meg egagaa-su supe su uppe pers rssta tar - just In case ca see yoouu didn’ n’t ’t kn know ow it’’s aalllso so hom omee to som omeoone n cal alle led Ri Rihann hann n a. The he beaaut utif ifful u sin inggeer and so an s ng ngwr gwr w itter er sppookee to R RW WD’ D s Je Jerry Jerr rrry Ga Gadi d an a o abbou o t her her up he upco upco c mi ming min ng allbbum u No No Graavi vity tyy, her laate he tesstt sin ingl gle Impo Imppoooss Im ssib ss sibblee andd heerr neeeed for foor hand hand ha nd sannit itis iisser erss an a d cchheew winng gum. gum. gu m

64 / RWDMAG.COM

65

H

ey, how are you doing?

It’s been crazy ‘cause my promo schedule is pretty ridiculous and I just don’t sleep. But it’s very exciting because the single I’m about to release here in the UK, Impossible, has done really well in the US. It’s gone platinum and it’s still in the Top 10, so it feels good; we feel like we’ve set the album off with a bang.

Where did the idea for Impossible come from?

I didn’t write Impossible but I remember the day they sent me the demo and I just knew that it had the potential to be a huge hit. Just the production itself feels and sounds big. Also with theme of the song - I just knew that a lot of people would relate to it.

Obviously you and Rihanna grew up together in Barbados. Are you still friends and are there any plans to work together?

Well we were both in cadets together and now we both share the same production company. We’re still friends of course and I finally got to catch one of her tour dates, in Long Island. We’ve actually been in the studio together and we’ve collaborated for her next album, Loud.

What is the new album going to be about and how’s it doing to be different from Shontelligence?

I always tell everyone ‘Don’t worry, you won’t be disappointed I didn’t totally flip on you!’ You’re still gonna get Shontelle but there’s definitely more of an edge and I just wanted to have an album that was more radio and club friendly. There’s a lot more up-tempo stuff on this album and it’s kinda cool.

I’ve got Bruno Mars, Asher Roth, Pitbull, Rodney Jerkins, Tony Kanal from No Doubt, Sean Garrett...

I’m probably leaving people out but there’s so many awesome, producers, songwriters and artists that I got to collaborate with on No Gravity, I think you’re really gonna like it.

How come you and Akon didn’t hook up again for this new album?

Unfortunately his schedule is so insane. We’re really gonna try and pull something off, maybe, for his next album or my next album.

Are you familiar with any UK artists over here? If so who are you feeling at the moment?

I’m familiar with plenty of UK artists and I’m good friends with many of them as well. I’m good buddies with Taio Cruz, Tinchy Stryder, Chipmunk, Alexandra Burke, and I finally got to meet Tinie Tempah recently - Estelle is one of my good buddies too. She lives in New York now so we see each other a lot, I actually saw her at an event in NY just the other day. I’m a big Dizzee Rascal fan... I mean the UK is really supportive so I definitely pay close attention to your music scene.

What is the most essential item in your wardrobe?

There is a pair of Alexander McQueen leggings that I performed in when I went on Beyoncé’s tour.

I’ve also got a favourite bag; it’s a Louis Vuitton x Steven Strauss. It’s bright neon orange with graffiti all over it and I can’t go anywhere without it.

What’s the most essential thing in your handbag?

66 / RWDMAG.COM

In my handbag I have to have lip gloss, sunglasses, my iPod, hand sanitiser and Stride Gum – specifically the spearmint flavour.

What essential tunes should be on people’s iPod? Everything Shontelle should be in your iPod first of all, then you need to have Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys and some old skool stuff like Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, some old skool Mariah Carey.

ESSENTIAL ESSENTIALS What about essentials in a man? What do you look for in a guy?

Well first of all, guys I’m single and ready to mingle (laughs)! I usually like really tall guys because if I’m in heels it’s really weird when they’re short. I like fit guys, not bulky like a ‘riod boy - that scares me - but someone that looks like they care of themselves, like Trey Songz, he’s really nice. They have to be funny and have a real good sense of humour cause I’m a bit of a clown.

[Note I fitted all those qualities expect the first one – I’m only 5’ 5 dammit] Anything else essential we should know?

No Gravity drops 22 November, and I got my second single, Perfect Nightmare, out soon too!

Twitter.com/shontelle_layne

31 MINUTES TO TAKEOVER

Despite a serious bout of man-flu, Rajveer Kathwadia hooks up with promising new R&B artist Mike Posner to find out what all of the fuss over him is about...

“I’M JUST A FACILITATOR FOR PEOPLE TO HAVE FUN...

I DIDN’T REALLY GET TO PARTY AT SCHOOL LIKE THE OTHER KIDS COS OF MY MUSIC”

68 / RWDMAG.COM

“I

cannot get ill,” 22 year-old Mike Posner grins from the other side of a table. Upon hearing that RWD is suffering from the devil’s lurgy, our conversation went from arms length to the breadth of a very wide table that the R&B-pop artist had just scooted behind to avoid the cooties I was emitting into the atmosphere. “I try not to get sick ever so I have hand sanitizer out there that I use all the f**king time, and I try not to put my hands in my mouth, eyes, ears or nose.”

Extreme measures these are, but not for someone who prides themselves on their live performance.

The fan of Deadmau5 and Rusko (“He’s a buddy of mine.”) announced himself to the world via his mixtape A Matter Of Time in early 2009 and was soon snapped up by J Records - all whilst still in his junior year at Duke University. Harnessing that college party-lifestyle the Sociology and Marketing Management degree graduate packaged it into his stageshow. “I’m just a facilitator for people to have fun,” Posner says of his performances. “I didn’t really get to party at school like the other kids cos of my music, so I made my shows as much like parties as I can.”

A second mixtape, One Foot Out The Door came later last year, with both tapes featuring guest spots from G.O.O.D. music signee Big Sean, Bun B and Saigon, alongside samples from the likes of The xx (“I never knew they were gonna be so big!”), The Fray and John Mayer - an eclectic mix that Mike tries to fuse together on his official debut disc 31 Minutes To Takeoff. “I do think that my music’s a melting pot of a bunch of different things and that helps me to stand out,” the Connect 4 addict explains when we wonder what differentiates him from your standard R&B-pop fodder. “I think lyrically I just try to sing with an

honesty that you only really find in hip hop music,” he says of the harsh hip hopesque lyrics and delivery of album tracks Gone In September and Cheat. “What’s most important for a rapper is their ethos. When a rapper says something on a song, you have to believe what they’re saying otherwise they have nothing. Everything I say on a song is real and has happened to me and I’ve felt it.”

Elsewhere on the disc, the dance synths of lead single Cooler Than Me highlights Posner’s fondness for what’s going on over here and he’s already been in the studio to link up with the UK’s finest beatsmiths Labrinth and Fraser T. Smith. “We did a song for my record, but we never finished it, so it’ll probably be on my next one,” the Detroit native enlightens us to his sessions with Lab. “My A&R played me some of his stuff and I loved it. I love Pass Out so I‘d love to work with Tinie Tempah as well.”

Whilst 31 Minutes... is light on guest appearances Posner, who has had meetings with Jay-Z, does have the world’s most famous drummer Travis Barker laying down some percussion as well as some barbershop crooning from some absolute legends. “Boyz II Men somehow knew who I was and were fans of my stuff,” Mike looks awe-struck and proud at the same time. “I co-wrote it with Teddy Riley on the piano and it was pretty much finished, but I wanted a barber-shop quartet feel to it -so why not the best?”

Despite working with some of the music biz’s finest, the singer, who has already begun work on his follow-up LP and a more hip hop orientated mixtape, concedes he still has a long way to go.

“I’ve only had one hit song so until I prove to people that I’m gonna be around for a while, a one-hit-wonder is all I am to some people,” he realistically assess of his position in the scene.

“But I know I’ve got more hits coming. They just don’t know yet.” The sky’s the limit...

The single Cooler Than Me is out 8 November and the album 31 Minutes To Takeoff is out early 2011.

MikePosner.com

69

MR FREEZE

After signing to Lil Wayne’s Cash Money records in 2008 and landing a US No.1 with his first single on the label last year, no wonder Jay Sean wants to ‘freeze time’ with his new LP. Rajveer Kathwadia gives him a transatlantic call to find out all about it...

70 70//RWDMAG.COM RWDMAG.COM

S

o where are you right now?

In New York and I just landed from the Philippines - I had a concert out there and it was a mission getting back - it took 30 hours!

If you’re spending so much time in the air, where do you charge your iPad?!?

[Laughs] Well the good thing is they’ve got power outlets in business class so you’re alright.

Riiiight, we’ve never been in business class, but it’s nice to see that Cash Money are looking after you.

I can’t complain. It takes the edge off, you know.

And you’re back with a new single.

Yup the song’s 2012 (It Ain’t The End) with Nicki Minaj. I saw the film 2012 and then I heard the conspiracy theory about the world ending and I was like ‘Ok, great, here we go again...” so I’ve just written a song which is a middle finger to those conspiracy theorists. Like ‘If that’s how you’re gonna go on then we’re gonna throw the biggest party and go out with a bang!’

If you were to organise an end of the world party, how would it go down?

I’d definitely get Birdman to organise it. That guy’s ridiculous. He’s just absurd when spending money, but amazing and seriously generous. He is the complete and utter definition of a baller.

We all joke about trying to be ballers and players, but he walks on money! I don’t know if people know this, but in his house after the maid cleans up, her job is to just throw money all over the floor so that he can walk on it when he walks in.

That’s how outrageous he is. He’s wicked man.

He’s a proper joker.

Has he branded you with the Cash Money tattoo?

I haven’t been stamped! It’s not like a cow that’s been branded with a hot iron! [Laughs] But he did give me a Cash Money chain which was nice.

We like that you’re very British and reserved about it and tuck it under your t-shirt.

[Laughs] You have to be yourself. I wear it in my videos but obviously between them and myself, you couldn’t get any further apart in terms of image. I think that the one thing that they love is that I keep it me and kept it British about the way I do things. I think the last thing on earth we all wanna see is me trying to fit in by getting my face tattooed and bling everywhere – that’s not me.

Was it a natural thing to get Nicki Minaj on a track seeing as you’re both signed to the same label?

No not at all actually. It’s really difficult to get Nicki on a track, in fact it’s damn near impossible cos she’s very high in demand. Even Drake was super excited to have Nicki on his album. She understands her position and that she’s super hot right now and really the only female MC in the world doing anything huge like she is. So it wasn’t a case of ‘Hey Nicki, can you just jump on this track?’ cos I think if she didn’t like it, she wouldn’t do it. She heard a couple of my songs before, she liked my album and she’s like ‘Jay I love this song, but when we get the right one we’re all gonna know.’ And I didn’t even send her this, she was just in the studio and heard

it and she called me up straight away and she was like, ‘Yo I don’t know if you know, but I’m about to go in on this track right now.’ It was sick.

And you returned the favour by remixing her track Your Love.

The good thing about being on this label is that you get to hear everything before anybody else, like her stuff, Drake’s stuff and I’ve heard Wayne’s new album already. So I was listening to that for a while and then Slim, Baby and I were talking about it and they were like ‘You should just do your thing on Your Love and see how it goes.’ So I did and Nicki loved it and the next thing you know is that it’s gonna be out for official release now.

What’s it been like working with Wayne MIA, if you will?

Wayne’s core to everything so it was difficult for everybody cos of course they miss him. But also I think everybody’s got to concentrate on what they needed to do. Drake really got a chance to get in and do his thing and so did Nicki and with myself as well, it allowed me to really understand how busy Cash Money are on the whole. It will get mad again when Wayne gets out cos it’s gonna be ‘Wayne’s World’ as we call it. He’s gonna run it so hard when he comes out. So it was difficult, but we also understood how important it was to get on with it.

Anyone who’s seen the video will see that you’ve got a certain Spice Girl in there. How did that come about?

Well Mel B’s a very good friend of mine. She lives in America now as well and I think you stick together as Brits cos it’s difficult for us – you miss a lot of things from England and when you’re a long way from home it’s nice to have someone to talk about things like that with.

Ahh so do you get together every week in some British themed pub to watch a download of Eastenders or something?

Yeah and we drink Tetley’s, eat Twiglets and watch the football [laughs].

So Mel B is Scary Spice, what prefix would you put before the word ‘spice’ to describe yourself?

It would obviously be Curry Spice wouldn’t it?

[Laughs]. Masala Spice is what I’d be.

Are there any plans to work with the grime scene again this time around?

Yeah definitely. I just hit Skepta up the other day and it was really nice for me to see how far everyone has come since then. Tinie Tempah and the rest of them – I worked with them long before they blew up. We all came from that scene together, we all grew up on the Channel U thing together and I think it was certainly nice for me that maybe 12 years ago when I used to hang around with Ras Kwame and he had a shop in Hounslow. We used to talk about whether one day UK hip hop would ever take off and now when I see what’s happened, it just makes me so happy to see that every odd was against it and now everyone from that scene is seeing that success.

The album Freeze Time is out 1 November.

JaySean.com 71

g n i t o Shor Sta

Signalling a return to that classic hip hop sound of the ‘90s, J. Cole reveals to Rajveer Kathwadia why he was the first rapper to be signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label... (Ps, this feature has been dropped for six months in a row now... deep!)

“T

his Joe Cole guy is taking all of my Google hits,” laments Jermaine Cole aka North Carolina rapper J. Cole. “He’s definitely getting so much more love than me.” But considering J. Cole is the first recruit to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label, his search engine stakes are finally catching up with the Liverpool and England midfielder in the coming year or so.

Spitting from the age of 13, Cole soon acknowledged that the primitive hip hop scene in his hometown of Fayetville (“a small city which has a mix between regular everyday people and military folk.”) was not gonna help him achieve his rapping ambitions. So when it came to picking colleges, Jay-Dot made sure that all of his potential halls of learning were to be found in New York City - the home of hip hop. Once settled in NY, Cole began to focus on his music, releasing the highly rated mixtape The Come Up in 2007. Shunning the trends of ringtone rap, J. Cole’s sound harked back to an era when the east coast ran the scene. “My favourite albums and rappers are from the ‘90s,” Jay insists before citing a lyric from his mixtape track Dollar And A Dream II to prove his point. “I got a line which goes ‘They say I’m the future, but yet I’m giving n**** flashbacks.’ That’s how I feel cos my whole style is based on those guys that I love like that early Nas, Pac, Jay, etc. I have so much respect for that era.”

At the head of that wave was a certain Shawn Carter who managed to hear J. Cole’s music and instantly wanted to sign him up. “I went to the Notorious premiere and somebody told me that 72 / RWDMAG.COM

they were sitting next to Jay-Z and he was telling them ‘Yo I’m about to sign this kid. He’s got this song Lights Please. He’s dope, he’s ill.’ And he was rapping the words to my song. When I heard that I was like ‘What the f**k!?’ I couldn’t even imagine that. ‘Jay-Z has fallen in love with my song and is singing it to people?’”

True to his word Jigga snapped up the rapper who also produces for the newly formed Roc Nation, where he joins Rita Ora and The Ting Tings. Next up is his album (said to feature The Big Homey); if it’s anything like Cole’s last mixtape offering The Warm Up which features the aforementioned Lights Please and Grown Simba, then you can be sure to expect a piping hot disc of classic hip hop, an assumption shared by the man himself. “My pressure on myself is that I’ve gotta make a classic,” he casually states of his not so modest target. “I’ve gotta have a classic to earn that foundation.”

With his debut album, Cole World, not expected to drop until later this year, in the meantime you’ll have to make do with recent ‘net smash Villematic, guest-spots with Talib Kweli, Mos Def and Jay Electronica and obviously his stand-out verse on Star Is Born from Jay-Z’s The Blueprint 3. “It was one of the highlights of my life,” Cole excitedly reveals about getting in the studio with Hova. So what are his hopes for 2011? A number one album maybe? A platinum disc? Sell out tour? “Nah I just wanna I want to overtake Joe Cole’s Google hits, that’s my goal,” he laughs. We’re sure that shouldn’t be too much of a problem. jcolemusic.com

THREE’S A CHARM

In the words of Aaliyah, if at first you don’t succeed, pick yourself up and try again.

Newcastle girl band Sirens tell Hattie Collins why they’re hoping the third time’s a charm...

“I

just feel like we have got some substance... we’ve served our time,” decides Kat Monaco, before her best friend and bandmate Karina Chambers chips in: “We’re like the Madonna of girl-bands,” the tatted-up blond says, bursting into laughter. “We’d like some commercial success in the UK before collecting our pension!”

Spending time with Kat, Karina and Lea Reynolds who makes up the final third of Sirens, one thing is abundantly clear; their closeness has clearly come from years of friendship. First getting together over 10 years ago, the Geordie trio have seen a lot of up’s and down’s. From line-up changes (Liberty X’s Michelle Heaton was a member for a minute), to literally sleeping in cars while handing out their demo in London, the band is yet to hit the big-time.

Now on their third album, isn’t it time to give up,

74 / RWDMAG.COM

go and do something else? “I think it’s been tough seeing so many acts come, have a full career, and then go before we’ve had any mainstream success,” Karina begins. “It can be frustrating that we’ve had success everywhere else except home.

That said, whatever happens we’ll always be doing this, regardless, as long as we can manage to make half a living out of it. We’ll keep going, keep on doing it.”

Their last single, Club La La hit the Billboard Dance chart’s Top 20, while the girls are also ‘very big in Japan’, to coin a showbiz cliché. They’re hopeful then that their brand new single, Stiletto, produced by DeeKay, will finally see some UK love.

“It’s getting added on loads of US radio, so I just hope the UK will support us,” says Kat, who has her foot in a huge cast after falling over in the street (“how embarrassing, I might pretend it was rockclimbing or skiing instead!”). “It’s a girl’s track about having a good time, getting dressed, feeling great

and having a great night out.”

Unusually for the girls who write all of their own material, their new album, 3 sees them take a different tack. Rather than pen their own, they’re showcasing some up-andcoming writers. “We’ve worked in the past with people like Ryan Tedder, who was totally unknown then and couldn’t get a break,” says Lea of the Leona Lewis and Beyoncé hit-writer.

“So we decided the next album should be a showcase for unknown, new songwriters,” continues Karina. “I found it refreshing,” admits Kat of handing the lyrical reigns over to someone else.

“The pressure is still on because they’re as precious about their songs as we would be about ours and you want to do it justice.”

“IT’S AMAZING TO BE COMPARED TO GAGA BUT WE’VE BEEN AROUND FOR 10 YEARS. MIND YOU, IF SOMEONE COMPARED US TO THE SATURDAYS, I’D PROBABLY BURST INTO TEARS.”

Delivering an electro-pop vibe, comparisons to other acts aren’t necessarily fair. “It’s amazing to be compared to Gaga but we’ve been around for 10 years,” says Karina of those saying their ‘look’ is the same. “Mind you, if someone compared us to The Saturdays, I’d probably burst into tears.

But if you listen to our old stuff, it was very similar to what Gaga is doing but then. We’ve always had that progressive pop sound.”

The three are certainly incomparable; they still live in Newcastle, continue to write songs for both themselves and other artists and remain best buddies through good times and bad. “I feel like we’re the only mature girl-band around; a real band who we’ve been together for over ten years now,” decides Kat. “And yes, there is lots of competition, but you just have to stick to what you are doing and be confident about it. And we’ve never felt more confident.”

Stiletto is out now. 3 will be out early 2011.

Twitter.com/officialsirens

75

Think of the New York City borough of Queens and the first image that springs to mind is probably that of Nasir ‘Nas’ Jones, the area’s most famous musical export. What you’re almost certainly not thinking of, however, is action sports. Set to change all that is Nigel Sylvester, a Queens native, and Nike-sponsored BMX rider who wants to put his borough on the map in an entirely different way. Phoebe Lovatt sat down with him at the Nike 6.0 HQ in California...

Y

ou hail from Queens, NYC. Doesn’t seem like an obvious hometown for a world class BMX rider...or did we get that wrong?

There’s a BMX culture there now, but growing up for me there really wasn’t. It wasn’t cool to ride bikes. I was really like the outcast. And now the tables have turned.

So how did you get into it?

I was always experimental as a kid, I always wanted to try different things. I was very open and I’m glad I was, because that’s why I’m here now. I got my first BMX for my 12th birthday. I just got on it and fell in love with it.

What influences your style?

I live in New York City, which is probably one of the most stylish places in the world. I have so many influences from music, to art, to BMX. I just combine them all and whatever I feel comfortable in, I rock. Sometimes I feel like wearing a white tee, sometimes I feel like being dapper and dressing up all the way. It’s however I feel in the morning. But it’s always very important for me present myself well.

Are you a sneakerhead?

Oh, I love sneakers. I love sneakers. I have a crazy closet and I’m sponsored by Nike so my sneaker game is at an all-time

high right now!

How many pairs have you accumulated?

Wow, um...So many that my closet can’t fit any more.

What’s your favourite shoe of all time?

Jordan One, without a doubt. I could wear it to go out, I can wear it to ride, wear it to chill.

Where’s your favourite place to ride?

Besides New York City, Barcelona is a Mecca for BMX riders. The architecture out there for street riding is just crazy.

The dude [architect] Gaudi did an amazing job when he was creating different spots of the city - although I’m sure he didn’t know at the time! The curves he used, the way he put it together, even the materials - that perfect marble that we use for big runs. It’s all perfect.

What are you listening to at the moment?

Mostly hip hop, with a little bit of rock here and there, and some alternative stuff. My all time favourite is Jay-Z but I’m always trying to find new music to vibe to. I listen to music all the time when I ride.

It must be pretty epic riding through New York with a hip hop soundtrack in your ears?

Oh you don’t understand! I’m in my own world. There’s nothing besides my music and carving a path.

Nigel Sylvester’s Essential BMX Playlist: Jay-Z - Can I Live? (Rocafella) Drake - Uptown (Cash Money) Lil Wayne - We Steady Mobbin’ (Cash Money) Linkin Park - Faint (Universal) Young Jeezy - You Don’t Know? (Def Jam) 76 / RWDMAG.COM

UNITED NATION

Roc Nation’s newest recruit is the excitable R&B starlet Alexis Jordan. This 18 year-old singer, born in Columbia, South Carolina, is about to launch her solo career in the UK, so Liam Tootill caught up with her to talk Hov, clothes and music...

“I

feel-good music.” That said, Alexis also promises diversity too and insists the record won’t be repetitive or boring.

“Every song on the album is different. That’s why I love it.”

This being our ‘essential’ issue, we had to quiz the rising princess of pop, who likes to wear sparkly bracelets and her cross necklace, a few fashion based questions. “I like to be original and to create my own style, but if I had to pick someone it would be Jennifer Love Hewitt,” she says of her fashion icons. “I also love Rihanna’s unique style.” And if you’ve been wearing ‘overalls’ this summer, then get them off right away. Alexis points out they’re her biggest fashion disaster, she laughs. “They are a real no, no.” As for Jordan’s most expensive piece of clothing, “A light blue, custom-made dress”, she reluctantly told us admitting that the shoes that accompany “GETTING SIGNED BY JAY-Z AND STARGATE AT SUCH A the dress were $1200 and that the dress YOUNG AGE IS SO EXCITING; I CAN’T WAIT TO GET OUT was significantly more...!

With Jay-Z on her side, and Beyoncé THERE AND TOUR AND HAVE PEOPLE HEAR MY MUSIC, offering her advice (“She told me to stay NOT JUST IN AMERICA, BUT AROUND THE WORLD.” focused”), we think this girl is about to go nationwide... and beyond. “Getting signed by Jay-Z and “I want my music to be relatable for many people Stargate at such a young age is so exciting; I can’t wait to get across many age groups” the singer explains. Alexis writes out there and tour and have people hear my music, not just in her own lyrics and told RWD she writes about everyday America, but around the world.” subjects to help her fans connect with her. “Happiness is a dreamy, uplifting, pop tune,” she points out of the Stargate Happiness is out 1 November. Alexisjordanofficial.com and produced track, yet it’s “Just a taste of what the album’s Twitter.com/alexisjordan going to be. I wanted a feel-good sound, I wanna make t’s such an honour to be a Roc Girl.

Everything’s really good. It’s nice to be a part of the Roc family because we all stick together and work really hard to bring new music to the world,” says the bubbly persona of Star Roc/Roc Nation’s latest addition, who will soon be releasing her debut single Happiness in Britain. The American of Puerto Rican, Native American, African American and European descent also has a super-powerful voice too. Describing her sound as R&B, with a soulful edge, she also points out that many more musical flavours play a part on her new album. Discovered on YouTube by super-producers Stargate who bought her to meet Jay-Z, even hints that we may hear her rap like her label boss Jigga on the forthcoming record.

78 / RWDMAG.COM

After dropping his debut LP, The Saga Of A Peaceful Man, a lot of eyes have been on Flash Fry Records artist Reps. RWD take a closer look at the follow up single, Like 2 Party and find out how the second LP is coming along...

F

or those that are new to Reps, tell us a bit about yourself and your debut The Saga Of A Peaceful Man...

I’ve been involved in putting records out since 2001; I’m a retired professional bookbinder and full time music maker. My debut album allowed me to put everything in one package and release it to the public.

How have you established such a big following in Poland?

I’ve worked with Polish Platinum selling producer/ rapper OSTR since 2004 so basically through him and playing shows over there. The group we formed together, Skill Mega, put our debut album out in Poland in 2007 and we are about to release the follow up this winter.

Have you been and if so how did you find it? Did you eat any beetroot and egg soup?!

Yeah we went there for a tour in 2004 and I have returned maybe 30 times since then. I moved there for eight months in 2009 to promote the record. Sorry no egg and beetroot soup. Sounds good though!

You played at various festivals this summer – which one was the highlight? Glastonbury? Supporting Wu-Tang?

I have to say for the whole experience it has to be Glastonbury.

Where else can you spend a crazy week in a giant field with your mates (and thousands of crazies) and get paid for it!

How’s the second album shaping up? What can we expect from it? Who will be producing/ collabing on there?

It’s sounding strong right now. I’ve got some of the same producers and also some new people. Expect a couple of big guest MCs and

80 / RWDMAG.COM

“I THINK MODERATION IS THE KEY TO ENJOYING A PARTY... REMEMBER IF YOU’RE PASSED OUT BY 11 THEN THAT’S NOT A GOOD PARTY” producers though. I’m pretty selective as to who I collaborate with as I try to work with people whose work I admire. For me it’s quite personal. I can tell you it’s gonna be a head banger!

Your new single is called Like 2 Party, how hard do you party?

I think moderation is the key to enjoying a party. Remember you’ve got all night and if you’re passed out by 11 then that’s not a good party. However if you’re sober at six in the morning then that’s also not a good party. I try to keep myself just the right side of operational throughout the night.

There’s a lot of MC’s, what makes Big Reps stand out?

My music talks to you in your language. What language is that you ask? Human language, body language and the language of love.

What else can we expect from you in future?

I want to build on what I have right now. More shows and promotion. Also the label is going strong right now (Flash Fry Records) and that’s our support system so where it goes, we go and vice versa. Like 2 Party drops 15 November on digital download and 12” vinyl (check the new video on YouTube) and the album will follow early 2011. My group Skill Mega will drop their second full length album before Christmas too - stocking filler!

For more info check flashfry.co.uk, Twitter.com/repstherapper or MySpace.com/bigreps

photography by Matt Benson

REPPIN’

HAPPY FIFTEENTH

For 15 years the Sony Ericsson B-Boy Championship World Finals have brought b-boying to the main stage. With it being their special anniversary RWD made sure we were on hand to join in on the sick celebrations...words by Danny Walker images by Hampartsoumian

A

s the b-boy-loving mass converged on O2 Academy Brixton for their annual fix of popping, locking and insane crew battles, it was obvious a great couple of days were ahead. Not just because it was the 15th anniversary and therefore we all knew Hooch and the organisers were going to put on a great show, but because every year the crowds and the entertainment levels get bigger and better. 2010 was no exception and with RWD as the print media partner, the whole office were in attendance.

Saturday was the perfect prelude to the main events that prevailed on Sunday and the multitude of showcases, heats and battles were a great start to proceedings. “Yesterday was good,” last month’s cover star (“I had so many Facebook messages about that”), B-Boy Spin, tells RWD moments from the same stage where he lost in a closely fought battle just 24 hours prior. “Straight away I was drawn against one of the heavy hitters but I think I did alright. It just puts things into perspective for next year. ” The ‘heavy hitter’ he’s referring to was ‘Flying

82 / RWDMAG.COM

Buddah’ from Russia’s Top 9 who went on to win the World Solo B-Boy title.

Hosted by the ever-entertaining Crazy Legs and Afrika Islam, Sunday was a smile-inducing magical mixed bag of moves, music and mayhem. The latter being Brazilian B-Boy Kekeu jumping off a crew member and attempting to land a somersault with his face, literally bringing a new definition to the word ‘breakin’, with Crazy Legs adding “life ain’t no episode of Beat Street!!!” After Kekeu was helped to his feet the battle commenced with France’s fresh crew Vagabonds being victorious. At this point we spoke to former World Popping Champion Selah who also had nothing but caution for his fellow B-Boy. “Today has been an amazing day,” he says moments after we drag him out of a ferocious popping session backstage. “Today is the celebration of 15 years, as soon as I entered I started practicing because the new generation look amazing, they’re so talented.”

In the meantime on stage the UK’s very own Soul Mavericks were victorious against the Mighty Zulu Kings and went through to the semis in style; with Roxy doing a head spin from hell and B-Boy

Sunni doing a sick move which basically consisted of a Matrix-like gyration off of Reklesslee’s back. “We definitely proved ourselves this year,” sweats Mid-Air after they lost to Vagabongs. “I’m glad that every year we’re stepping up a level.” Reklesslee agrees; “We represented the UK really well.

I feel every year every crew gets better.

Imagine if Korea was here, that would be scary. It was just good to represent.” 45 minutes later and the infamous Vagabonds were crowned champions in the crew battles defeating Russia’s Top 9 in the final and taking the prestigious World’s Best Crew title and their limited edition ASICS back to France. Congrats.

Our last duty of the day was to speak to comical Flockey & Rae from Germany, who were crowned 2010’s World Locking Champions. “We enjoyed today’s event,” smiles Rae whilst shadowed by Flockeys massive red hat. “We were very happy with our performance and we’ll definitely see you next year!!!” Likewise.

For more check bboychampionships. com and asics.co.uk/sportstyle. Visit RWDmag.com for the video footage

83

LISTINGS

GIG GUIDE RUSSELL BRAND & JONATHAN ROSS HACKNEY EMPIRE, LONDON, 31 SEPTEMBER 2010 Pretty much exactly two years ago, an ill-advised series of dodgy answer-phone messages ‘nearly destroyed the BBC,’ Russell Brand exaggerates about his and Jonathan Ross’ voicemail blitz on Andrew Sachs aka Manuel from Fawlty Towers. So it was with a perverse anticipation that we prepared for the prospect of the terrible twosome reuniting on stage to promote Brand’s second autobiography Booky Wook 2. Russy read from the book with additional commentary, covering topics such as Sachsgate, a time-line of his ever-growing hair and his fondness for drinking breast-milk (we’re assuming it’s not for the nutritional value), before Wossy joined him for a Friday Nightesque Q&A. And even though it were a right larf, the pair – emotionally castrated by the furore of their last public performance strayed far from anything controversial... or maybe Brand’s wife-to-be Katy Perry told him to behave himself... we highly doubt it though! (RK)

NOVEMBER

2 Wiley @ KOKO, London

4 Egyptian Hip Hop @ XOYO, London 5 Mary J. Blige @ MEN Arena, Manchester 6 Magnetic Man & Katy B @ HMV Institute, B’ham Chiddy Bang @ Kings College, London

9 Linkin Park @ LG Arena, Birmingham Mystery Jets @ Anson, Bristol 10 M.I.A. @ O2 Academy, Brixton Fenech Soler @ Heaven, London 11 Chase & Status @ Cardiff University Students Union

The Black Keys @ O2 Academy, Liverpool

Annie Mac presents...

Starsmith @ Digital, Brigton

7 Devlin @ Forum, Hatfield

12 Chromeo @ Roundhouse, London

84 / RWDMAG.COM

16 Ellie Goulding @ Southampton Guildhall

25 Pixie Lott @ Preston Guild Hall

Annie Mac presents Rusko @ Motion Skate Park, Bristol

18 Gorillaz @ The Brighton Centre

Starsmith @ Thekla, Bristol

Joker @ Audio, Brighton

Kele @ Ritz, Manchester

14 Emeli Sande @ Electric Circus, Edinburgh

Count & Sinden @ York Fibbers

Klaxons @ Norwich UEA

Public Enemey @ indigO2, London 15 Marina & the Diamonds @ Brighton Corn Exchange We Are Scientists @ Portsmouth Pavillions

19 Roll Deep @ Hull University 21 Sleigh Bells @ XOYO, London 22 Laura Marling @ Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth

Benga @ Tokyo, Huddersfield 26 The Drums @ Anson Rooms, Bristol 29 Vampire Weekend @ O2 Academy, Sheffield 30 JLS @ Braehead Arena, Glasgow

Competition Time These essential comps will have you dripping in freeness if your look comes in...

PUMA AFTER HOURS If you hadn’t noticed (firstly, where have you been?) PUMA are putting the joy back into sport and have created a special kind of athlete; The After Hours Athlete. The kind of person who is the champion of late night games such as Ping Pong, Foosball, Darts, Bowling, Pool and other such games that you can play with a pint in your hand. So instead of sweating up the place, relax. Instead of going for a 5am run... take the 5am cab home. To celebrate this more fun, night time approach to sport we’re giving away an After Hours survival pack which consists of a PUMA bag, boxer shorts/ pants, late night kit, trainers, t-shirt, belt, hat, After Hours sports equipment and stickers. All you have to do is drop an email (subject: PUMA After Hours) to iwannawin@gmail.com and the perfect PUMA pack could be yours.

ENSLAVED: ODYSSEY TO THE WEST Set 150 years from now, in a post-apocalyptic future America, players take on the role of Monkey, who has been captured by a slave ship, which harvests the remaining population after a major war. After linking up with Trip, a young woman who has also been imprisoned they manage to escape and land in New York. Soon she realises that Monkey is her only hope to survive the journey home. To celebrate the release we have an A1 framed art print signed by Andy Serkis, Tameem Antoniades and Nitin Sawnhey; an Enslaved mini-comic from Marvel, exclusive artbook and soundtrack; and three Blu-rays from co-writer Alex Garland (28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later and Sunshine) to give away. Drop us an email (subject: Enslaved), and cross your fingers. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is available to buy now on PS3 and Xbox 360 at a RRP of £49.99.

THE BIG REUNION FESTIVAL RWD have linked up with The Big Reunion, to join them in their 10th birthday celebration. With the likes of Tinie, Tinchy, Chipmunk, Pendulum, Chase & Status and Example all playing, it could be the best year yet. We’re giving away tickets AND a chalet for SIX to one lucky reader for BOTH weekends. If you fancy a tremendous trip to Butlins in Skegness over 19-21 and 26-28 November, all you have to do is email (subject: The Big Reunion) your details to iwannawin@rwdmag.com. If you don’t win go to thebigreunion.com; tickets cost £159 per person for 2 nights on a room only basis including entry to all the arenas; ticket hotline 0844 871 6633. This comp closes 12 November.

Send all emails to iwannawin@rwdmag.com. Please leave the given subject title and your full contact details before 26 November 2010 (unless stated otherwise).

86 / RWDMAG.COM

UNWIND

Griminal

When you’re Supa Dupa, there’s only ONE way you can relax and recharge your batteries... watch horror films and play Call of Duty... Danny Walker UnWinds with recent All Around The World signee Griminal... images by Verena Stefanie Grotto

W

e haven’t seen you in for a while, where do we start!

How do you feel in the position that

you’re in?

I feel really comfortable, still. I think I’ve developed quite well as an artist and as an MC. I’m just happy where I am at this point in my career. I can look forward to the future.

And you’ve just been signed, which is live.

How did you find out?

There were talks floating about for a little while and there was some interest going on. I’d say it went on for about six months. Then we dropped the Supa Dupa video and that was it. That is when the label came in.

Before we get into Supa Dupa, let’s get into Invincible a lot of ladies are watching you from that...

Yeah, Invincible for me, that was the first time I even ever tried to record a track like that. I stepped out of the comfort zone and the tunes people are used to hearing from me [Laughs].

Yeah, the female attention is good. But as long as they listen to my music that is good as well [laughs].

Supa Dupa dropped last week and it has a crazy amount of views...

Yeah, it has done alright.

Over 100,000 is just alright?

It’s alright. Could be a bit better but we’re getting there.

We know your brother Marcus (Nasty) is a bit of a joker, what did he say to you when you got signed?

[Marcus] phoned me and he was really happy for me, still. It hasn’t happened in my family before this... so for something like that to finally happen, it was good.

From the very beginning Marcus gave me the confidence to give it my all. I’ve

88 / RWDMAG.COM

picked up that attitude from him. Little Nasty, [DJ] Mac 10 have been very supportive over the years. They tell me...

‘Go get it Grim!!!’

Do you know what All Around The World/ Universal are expecting of you?

They’re expecting me to sell some records!!! [Laughs]. And I’m gonna try my

are less avenues for MCs to go down and get their music premiered and heard. But there are new MCs coming up. I’m still doing grime and there are still other big artists in our scene that have crossed over into the mainstream, who do grime; Tinchy Stryder dropped a grime mixtape the other day, I’m dropping Grimson II [out now], that has got loads of grime on it, there are certain MCs who are keeping it alive but I’ve definitely seen a change.

When you’re not MCing or on Twitter, what do you do?

[Laughs] Chill. Smoke; cigarettes and stuff. Watch movies, horror films. There is one called The Killer Inside Me. If you get a chance to see that, it’s sick.

Is it a cinema or a download thing?

A download thing [laughs]. I didn’t download it, my mate downloaded it [laughs].

What about computer games? FIFA or Pro? Well, I’ve got a PS3, I don’t play football games though [slight pause]... I’ve got a lot of shooting games. Don’t judge me

“LET’S BE REAL. THERE ARE NOT AS MANY RAVES LIKE THERE WERE BACK IN THE DAY… IT’S NOT ON THE RADIO AS MUCH AS IT USED TO BE, I’VE DEFINITELY NOTICED A CHANGE IN GRIME.”

hardest to do that. At the same time, I’m gonna try and not come away too far from myself and what I originally do and just try to broaden my appeal to a wider audience.

There is a whole, ‘Is Grime Dead?’ debate... what are your views?

Let’s be real. There are not as many raves like there were back in the day... it’s not on the radio as much as it used to be, I’ve definitely noticed a change in grime. There

[laughs]. I’ve got …Modern Warfare 2, Saint’s Row 2, Grand Theft Auto, all those shooting games.

What is your favourite game of all time?

It would have to be Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto, especially online.

What would be your ultimate day?

The day I sell a million singles!

Twitter.com/griminal

89

UNWIND

FILMS

Thher ere’ e’s nootthhing ng m moore ess ssen sennti tiaall thaan rreellaaxxiin ing ng to a film after a long ong ddaayy......wo on word ordds byy D Daann nny W Waalk lker er

ADVANCED PREVIEW TRON: LEGACY Walt Disney Pictures Cert TBC

A lot of great things happened in 1982; Italy won the World Cup, your favourite writer’s favourite writer was born (ahem) and Walt Disney Pictures went all out when they released sci-fi monster Tron. It really pushed people’s perceptions of computer generated graphics and combined the gaming, computer and art-loving worlds. Jump forward a few years and it’s time to get back on that Light Cycle (imagine getting on one of those to work every day - screw you TFL). The $150 million sequel to the cult classic is once again pushing the graphical boundaries of a generation and with the soundtrack from Daft Punk, December looks like a digital dream for fans of the original film.

BONDED BY BLOOD

THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Revolver Entertainment

Sony Pictures Releasing

Cert 18

Cert 12

Despite this being the 30th film adaptation of Essex’s infamous Range Rover murders, this is an even more ruthless account of the gangsters that ruled ‘90s Essex. The drugs, the violence and the man who told the police everything... Darren Nicholls (played by Adam Deacon). If I hadn’t got the previous incarnation on Blu-ray then this would be the ultimate cinema experience (if you liked watching the ruthless actions that ultimately cost three men their lives).

David Fincher’s film about Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg takes you through the highs and the lows of the site we love/ loath today. It’s not the most action-packed, or even entertaining of films but it gets the grey matter working. If you’re an entrepreneur, a coder or even a blogger, this will inspire you to turn your solo ramblings into something much more. Liking JT’s interpretation of Napster founder Sean Parker and the feeling of ‘I can do that’ when you leave. We can confirm that ‘RWD Mag Likes This’.

90 / RWDMAG.COM

UNWIND

GAMES Games are very essential for putting a smile on ones face...

ADVANCE PREVIEW CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS Activision PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii

The definition of ‘A Black Op’ [according to Wikipedia] is a “covert operation typically involving activities that are highly clandestine and, often, outside of standard military protocol...” The definition of Black Ops [according to RWD] is “a covert operation typically involving activities in your room outside of regular daytime hours, often against your girlfriend’s protocol which leaves bags under your eyes in the morning.” We love this series and the announcement of this instalment puts a smile on our trigger finger. With bags of missions behind enemy lines, multi-player modes and explosive remote controlled devices, we hope this improves on Modern Warfare 2 and more.

PES 2011

MEDAL OF HONOR

Konami

EA

PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, Xbox 360, Wii

PC, PS3, Xbox 360

O Pro, Pro, wherefore art thou Pro?

In a bid to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Call of Duty, EA’s Medal of Honor gets a much needed facelift. During these missions you’re not dropping out of planes or bludgeoning Germans on the beaches of Normandy, you’re in a modern day war-torn Afghanistan and things are soon flying thick and fast at your screen. This FPS offers a lot more for gamers and is brutally authentic in places. We need to analyse multiplayer to see the true depth, but after a couple of plays we can say it’s a decent return for a great series.

92 / RWDMAG.COM

reviews Ruff Diamondz

Various Artists

The Intro of RD

Adventures In Dubstep & Beyond

Mixtape

MARK RONSON & THE BUSINESS INTL Record Collection Columbia

Sick of being referred to as Amy and Lily’s producer and ‘that covers guy’, Ronson has gathered together an army of musically minded goons for his latest long player and there is not a horn to be heard. Instead Samantha’s older bro is dibble-dabbling with synths and organs after his recent work with Duran Duran. Simon Le Bon pops up on a track with Wiley, whilst another bizarre combo sees Ronson reintroduce D’Angelo and Boy George to the world on some pretty amazing tracks. Blonde-quiff-tastic!

Track To Check: Somebody To Love Me (RK)

Available for FREE. We repeat FREE from RWDmag. com or the band’s website/ Twitter/ DrySpace/ YouTube and anywhere you can possibly think of, this is the perfect intro to the trio that go by the name of RD aka Ruff Diamondz aka three ladies from London AKA Chronz, Martika and Troy.

Seriously, they use more AK’s than the Afghan army.

Hip hop and grimy beats are complimented by the odd dancehall flavour while collabs with Mz Bratt, Wretch and Marvell make this is a decent little download. Track to Check: I Know You Want Me Ft. Marvell Boys (DW)

Shontelle

Newham Generals

No Gravity

Bag of Grease EP

Universal

Dirtee Stank

The follow up to Shontelligence, RiRi’s bum chum continues to dazzle listeners with her latest offering. It’s definitely a far cry from the first album, replacing the ballads for more uptempo tracks, and she doesn’t fail when branching out into new realms of sounds. A competent effort with tracks like Impossible and Take Ova Ft. Pitbull worthy of a couple of reloads. Track To Check: Impossible (JG)

Expectations are high when you get hold of anything Generals related and rightly so, Footsie and D Double are grime gurus. With help of those disgustingly filthy bass ridden and wobbly S.K.I.T.Z Beatz productions that slap you around the face and then konk you on the head, all hopes are fulfilled. Both Skepta’s and the late MC Esco’s guest bars only add to the fire from Newham’s finest lyricists. This EP is for those original grime lovers, it’s straight grease out here!

Track To Check – I’m a General Ft. Esco (NS)

94 / rwdmag.com

Ministry of Sound

LIL WAYNE I Am Not A Human Being Cash Money

With his never ending body scribblings, naturally toned throat cancer voice and gremlin like demeanour, it doesn’t take Wayne much to convince us that he is not a human being, and this readers is not a real album. The guitar and scream laced title track is an obvious leftover from the Weezy rock release Rebirth, the posse cuts YM Banger and YM Salute were most likely cut from the Young Money album, and the rest of the joints are rejects from the forthcoming Tha Carter IV. It will keep you going until that drops though.

Free Weezy. Track To Check: Bill Gates (RK)

Like the title suggests, this is more than just a Croydonbased, Rinse FM-bred, generically dark step trek as the Adventures take you way past the chart-friendly dubstep that the masses get to hear. With the likes of Appleblim, Benga and Coki included you know the basics are covered but with inserts from Lewi White (Metal Face), Rude Kid (Electric) and MRK1 (Move Your Soul) the style of sickness really does vary. This won’t appeal to everyone but it gets our vote.

Track to Check: Too many to mention (DW)

Kanye West

Tinchy Stryder

My Beautiful, Dark Twisted Fantasy

Third Strike

G.O.O.D

They say the third album is the trickiest; luckily in Tinchy’s case, album number three completely breaks the myth. There’s nothing tricky going on here as Stryds Takes On The World: “They say learn from your mistakes, but we plan to perfection so we don’t plan to misplace!” While this is no OK Computer, it is a heavily calculated and often catchy LP, which sticks closely to his magical formula. Some of the hooks are a little weak but you find yourself revisiting your favourites.

Tracks to Check: Game Over and Let It Rain (DW)

RWD were given an excluse play in New York last month, and while things may change between then and release, what we heard was some real G.O.O.D music. If 808s was depression in the key of autotune, this album is a witty, upbeat follow-up steeped in ‘70s soundtracks and ‘90s hip hop boombap.

Tunes like Runaway ft.

Pusha T and Gorgeous Ft. CuDi reassert why Kanye is one of the most important musical voices of our generation. Track To Check: Lost In The World Ft. Gil Scott Heron (HC)

Island Records

Lauren Mason Stronger Avalanche

CHIDDY BANG The Preview EMI

Hip hop has always been based on samples and breaks, but Chiddy Bang show you that you DON’T need to dig in the crates too far, and you DON’T have to look for some obscure forgotten soul or jazz song to loop up. Reworking recent hits from the likes of MGMT and Passion Pit, the Pennsylvanian duo’s alternative influences have helped them carve out their own niche and this eight track EP will keep their growing fanbase content until their full length album The Swelly Life drops next year. Track To Check: Here We Go Ft. Q-Tip (RK)

Roll Deep Winner Stays On

After drawing the short straw, twas I who had to review Ms Mason’s follow up to 2008’s Keepin’ It Blonde. Not that everyone didn’t want to, it’s just there wasn’t a mad rush to get the first, second or even third listen in. Positives include Speed Demon Ft. Black The Ripper and Frisco, Sinner Ft. Ghetts, Alive, oh, and the fact she dug up jungle legend Skibidee on Swagga & Soul.

Negatives include everything else. It’s a shame that her voice borders on the whiny and it’s clear that she’s obviously opted for quantity over quality. Track to Check: You Take My Breath (DW)

BRUNO MARS Doo-Wops & Hooligans

Virgin/ Relentless

Atlantic

Having already scored two No.1s with their post-grime, electro-rap formula there’s more of the same to be had on the East London collective’s fourth studio album. Future chart smash What Do They Know sits happily alongside the Scratchy produced grime outing Team and emotional album closer Over The Rainbow. Good effort. Track To Check: Team (CF)

It definitely isn’t his everpresent trilby that sets Bruno Mars apart from his R&B/ pop peers, but the diminutive Hawaiian is a few steps ahead of the game.

He knows a hook does little Bruno and boy can he sing.

No pseudo-house gimmicks here, just proper rhythm and blues. From the gushy Just The Way You Are, to the baby making practice soundtrack of Our First Time to the throwback sing-a-long qualities of Count On Me this is easy listening and, like myself, it’s easy to love.

Track To Check: Here We Go Ft. Q-Tip (RK)

­ALBUM OF THE MONTH

Devlin

Bud, Sweat & Beers Island Universal

We knew it was going to weigh in big but Devlin’s upped the levels higher than Simon Cowell’s waistband. With Lewi White producing many of the albums’ standout moments, including the haunting and complex highlight Our Father, other beatmakers on-board include Naughty Boy and Labrinth. And did anyone even know the boy could sing? A touch of gravelly crooning coupled with some of the finest social commentary and lyrical onslaughts this side of RWD’s forums is a win - check 1989 and Finally Ft. Ghetts and Dog-Z for evidence. Track To Check – Our Father (CF)

­RWD’s REWINDS

Willow Smith Ft. Nicki Minaj Whip My Hair Back (Levels/ MOS) Jessie J Do it Like A Dude (Labrinth remix) Island Child Rebel Soldier Don’t Stop (G.O.O.D) Griminal Grimson II (Free download) Count & Sinden Ft. Bashy Addicted To You (Domino) Bruno Mars Today My Life Begins (Atlantic) Kid CuDi Ft. Kanye West Erase Me (G.O.O.D) N-Dubz Girls (Island) Uffie Difficult (Ed Banger) Tinchy Stryder III EP (free download) Fugative The Departure Mixtape (Free download) Chapel Club All The Eastern Girls (Flux Pavillion remix) (Loog) The Hood Internet How Purple Can You Go: Luda V. Joker & Ginz (white) Rye Rye Ft. MIA Sunshine (NEET) Baby Blue Double Up (White) Is Tropical South Pacific (Kitsune) Clare Maguire Ain’t Nobody (Breakage remix) (Polydor) Rihanna Ft. Drake What’s My Name: Part 2 (Def Jam) Kanye West All The Lights (G.O.O.D) Lupe Fiasco Ft All City Chess Club I’m Beaming (Atlantic) Sway The Delivery: 2 Mixtape (Dcypha) 95

ukg/ grime/ dubstep/ bassline chart by dj chewy 01 Benga Ho/ One & Only (Digital Soundboy Recordings) The reign continues with one third of Magnetic Man’s latest solo projects, signed to Shy FX’s label. Both of these tracks are a true display of unadulterated, undeniable dubstep from one of the scene’s pioneers.

02 Benny Ill Vs. J.King Lithium Soular/ Kosmic 78 (Deep Medi Musik) These producers must have had some crazy out-of-body experiences making these tunes, because both tracks are out of this world. Also watch for the accompanying spooky sci-fi videos by Wicked Wax. 03 Subscape Time To Escape EP (Dub Police) We all know the big players in dubstep, now it’s time to unearth the new names; London’s Subscape is emerging at rapid rates as this four track EP (Mr Kipling, Screw Up , Just Coz and the outstanding highlight All Day) proves.

04 N Type Simples (Biscuit Factory Records) Not the most complex of productions, yet it somehow gets you absolutely gripped. The ‘original dubplate selecta’ delivers again...

05 Tunnidge 7 Breaths/ Fear (Chestplate) You’ll need more than seven deep inhales when this speaker quaking smasher hits the dance. Both tracks bristle with a dark energy, making us think Tunnidge should get into film making - he would be super scary! Another great (relative) newcomer to watch for.

06 Chapel Club Vs. Flux Pavilion All The Eastern Girls (remix) (Polydor) I’m not really a big fan of Chapel Club, but after hearing this killer version by Flux Pavilion, I’m prepared to change my mind. That said, it’s Flux who has absolutely stamped his mark on the original version.

07 The Others Off The Wall/ Vertigo 99 (Dub Police) No introduction required here as D-Code and Dexterous are already a major part of dubstep. Vertigo 909 has an amazing vocal intro that leads you crudely into a set of disgusting bass chords that just keep rolling. Proper nasty.

08 DJ E & Interface/ Joker Remix Brightlights (Clearskyz Recordings) This is so soulful you could be mistaken for thinking it had been produced by Timbaland. This is an awesome tune, but could someone please explain what drugs the video producer was on?!?

09 Phaeleh Afterglow (Afterglow) This is probably the first time I have heard a dubstep tune that I dare to call a ‘chill out’ version. The producers must have been out on a proper bender and required some soothing music rather than the ‘Warp Warp’ we know and love the scene for.

10 Magnetic Man Ft. Katy B Perfect Stranger (Columbia) With the album now in circulation, it’s up to you to choose your favourite tune.

Artwork/ Arthur is, and will keep on, providing the ever-changing garage scene with the most amazing productions, from Gotta Get Thru This to these tracks right here.

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 96 / rwdmag.com

Benga Stop Watchin Me (Digital Soundboy Recordings) Duffstep Know You (Saigon Records) Foreign Beggars Ft. Chasing Shadows Tycoon (Foreign Beggars) Digital Mystikz Return to Space (DMZ) Seven Sinister (Black Box Records) Desto/Tes La Rok Ice Cold/Tricky Ting (Noppa Records) Spherix In A hole (Lowercase Music) FX Project Ft. Mc Lokass (FR) French Chip (Destpub Records) Skream Listening To The Records On My Wall (Tempah) Original Sin Take No More (Playaz)

REVIEWS RUFF DIAMONDZ

VARIOUS ARTISTS

LAUREN MASON

The Intro of RD

Adventures In Dubstep & Beyond

Stronger

Ministry of Sound

After drawing the short straw, twas I who had to review Ms Mason’s follow up to 2008’s Keepin’ It Blonde. Not that everyone didn’t want to, it’s just there wasn’t a mad rush to get the first, second or even third listen in. Positives include Speed Demon Ft. Black The Ripper and Frisco, Sinner Ft. Ghetts, Alive, oh, and the fact she dug up jungle legend Skibidee on Swagga & Soul.

Negatives include everything else. It’s a shame that her voice borders on the whiny and it’s clear that she’s obviously opted for quantity over quality. Track to Check: You Take My Breath (DW)

Mixtape

MARK RONSON & THE BUSINESS INTL Record Collection Columbia

Sick of being referred to as Amy and Lily’s producer and ‘that covers guy’, Ronson has gathered together an army of musically minded goons for his latest long player and there is not a horn to be heard. Instead Samantha’s older bro is dibble-dabbling with synths and organs after his recent work with Duran Duran. Simon Le Bon pops up on a track with Wiley, whilst another bizarre combo sees Ronson reintroduce D’Angelo and Boy George to the world on some pretty amazing tracks. Blonde-quiff-tastic!

Track To Check: Somebody To Love Me (RK)

Available for FREE. We repeat FREE from RWDmag. com or the band’s website/ Twitter/ DrySpace/ YouTube and anywhere you can possibly think of, this is the perfect intro to the trio that go by the name of RD aka Ruff Diamondz aka three ladies from London AKA Chronz, Martika and Troy.

Seriously, they use more AK’s than the Afghan army.

Hip hop and grimy beats are complimented by the odd dancehall flavour while collabs with Mz Bratt, Wretch and Marvell make this is a decent little download. Track to Check: I Know You Want Me Ft. Marvell Boys (DW)

SHONTELLE

NEWHAM GENERALS

No Gravity

Bag of Grease EP

Universal

Dirtee Stank

The follow up to Shontelligence, RiRi’s bum chum continues to dazzle listeners with her latest offering. It’s definitely a far cry from the first album, replacing the ballads for more uptempo tracks, and she doesn’t fail when branching out into new realms of sounds. A competent effort with tracks like Impossible and Take Ova Ft. Pitbull worthy of a couple of reloads. Track To Check: Impossible (JG)

Expectations are high when you get hold of anything Generals related and rightly so, Footsie and D Double are grime gurus. With help of those disgustingly filthy bass ridden and wobbly S.K.I.T.Z Beatz productions that slap you around the face and then konk you on the head, all hopes are fulfilled. Both Skepta’s and the late MC Esco’s guest bars only add to the fire from Newham’s finest lyricists. This EP is for those original grime lovers, it’s straight grease out here!

Track To Check – I’m a General Ft. Esco (NS)

94 / RWDMAG.COM

LIL WAYNE I Am Not A Human Being Cash Money

With his never ending body scribblings, naturally toned throat cancer voice and gremlin like demeanour, it doesn’t take Wayne much to convince us that he is not a human being, and this readers is not a real album. The guitar and scream laced title track is an obvious leftover from the Weezy rock release Rebirth, the posse cuts YM Banger and YM Salute were most likely cut from the Young Money album, and the rest of the joints are rejects from the forthcoming Tha Carter IV. It will keep you going until that drops though.

Free Weezy. Track To Check: Bill Gates (RK)

Like the title suggests, this is more than just a Croydonbased, Rinse FM-bred, generically dark step trek as the Adventures take you way past the chart-friendly dubstep that the masses get to hear. With the likes of Appleblim, Benga and Coki included you know the basics are covered but with inserts from Lewi White (Metal Face), Rude Kid (Electric) and MRK1 (Move Your Soul) the style of sickness really does vary. This won’t appeal to everyone but it gets our vote.

Track to Check: Too many to mention (DW)

Avalanche

CHIDDY BANG The Preview EMI

Hip hop has always been based on samples and breaks, but Chiddy Bang show you that you DON’T need to dig in the crates too far, and you DON’T have to look for some obscure forgotten soul or jazz song to loop up. Reworking recent hits from the likes of MGMT and Passion Pit, the Pennsylvanian duo’s alternative influences have helped them carve out their own niche and this eight track EP will keep their growing fanbase content until their full length album The Swelly Life drops next year. Track To Check: Here We Go Ft. Q-Tip (RK)

ROLL DEEP

KANYE WEST

TINCHY STRYDER

My Beautiful, Dark Twisted Fantasy

Third Strike Island Records

Virgin/ Relentless

Atlantic

G.O.O.D

They say the third album is the trickiest; luckily in Tinchy’s case, album number three completely breaks the myth. There’s nothing tricky going on here as Stryds Takes On The World: “They say learn from your mistakes, but we plan to perfection so we don’t plan to misplace!” While this is no OK Computer, it is a heavily calculated and often catchy LP, which sticks closely to his magical formula. Some of the hooks are a little weak but you find yourself revisiting your favourites.

Tracks to Check: Game Over and Let It Rain (DW)

Having already scored two No.1s with their post-grime, electro-rap formula there’s more of the same to be had on the East London collective’s fourth studio album. Future chart smash What Do They Know sits happily alongside the Scratchy produced grime outing Team and emotional album closer Over The Rainbow. Good effort. Track To Check: Team (CF)

It definitely isn’t his everpresent trilby that sets Bruno Mars apart from his R&B/ pop peers, but the diminutive Hawaiian is a few steps ahead of the game.

He knows a hook does little Bruno and boy can he sing.

No pseudo-house gimmicks here, just proper rhythm and blues. From the gushy Just The Way You Are, to the baby making practice soundtrack of Our First Time to the throwback sing-a-long qualities of Count On Me this is easy listening and, like myself, it’s easy to love.

Track To Check: Here We Go Ft. Q-Tip (RK)

RWD were given an excluse play in New York last month, and while things may change between then and release, what we heard was some real G.O.O.D music. If 808s was depression in the key of autotune, this album is a witty, upbeat follow-up steeped in ‘70s soundtracks and ‘90s hip hop boombap.

Tunes like Runaway ft.

Pusha T and Gorgeous Ft. CuDi reassert why Kanye is one of the most important musical voices of our generation. Track To Check: Lost In The World Ft. Gil Scott Heron (HC)

Winner Stays On

BRUNO MARS Doo-Wops & Hooligans

ALBUM OF THE MONTH

DEVLIN

Bud, Sweat & Beers Island Universal

We knew it was going to weigh in big but Devlin’s upped the levels higher than Simon Cowell’s waistband. With Lewi White producing many of the albums’ standout moments, including the haunting and complex highlight Our Father, other beatmakers on-board include Naughty Boy and Labrinth. And did anyone even know the boy could sing? A touch of gravelly crooning coupled with some of the finest social commentary and lyrical onslaughts this side of RWD’s forums is a win - check 1989 and Finally Ft. Ghetts and Dog-Z for evidence. Track To Check – Our Father (CF)

RWD’S REWINDS

Willow Smith Ft. Nicki Minaj Whip My Hair Back (Levels/ MOS) Jessie J Do it Like A Dude (Labrinth remix) Island Child Rebel Soldier Don’t Stop (G.O.O.D) Griminal Grimson II (Free download) Count & Sinden Ft. Bashy Addicted To You (Domino) Bruno Mars Today My Life Begins (Atlantic) Kid CuDi Ft. Kanye West Erase Me (G.O.O.D) N-Dubz Girls (Island) Uffie Difficult (Ed Banger) Tinchy Stryder III EP (free download) Fugative The Departure Mixtape (Free download) Chapel Club All The Eastern Girls (Flux Pavillion remix) (Loog) The Hood Internet How Purple Can You Go: Luda V. Joker & Ginz (white) Rye Rye Ft. MIA Sunshine (NEET) Baby Blue Double Up (White) Is Tropical South Pacific (Kitsune) Clare Maguire Ain’t Nobody (Breakage remix) (Polydor) Rihanna Ft. Drake What’s My Name: Part 2 (Def Jam) Kanye West All The Lights (G.O.O.D) Lupe Fiasco Ft All City Chess Club I’m Beaming (Atlantic) Sway The Delivery: 2 Mixtape (Dcypha) 95

MONTHLY MUST TRY FALLOUT: NEW VEGAS Bethesda PC, PS3, Xbox 360

A morning out of the office is always great, especially when you get your hands on the follow up to critically (and RWD-acclaimed) Fallout 3. The vast landscape that greets you after you customise your character is only the first improvement. As you navigate New Vegas, you’ll find that the humour, weapon and mini mission levels have been raised. With the Companion Wheel (where you can exchange all sorts with an ally) and added joy of player reputations this will easily see you through until Christmas, even if you’re just in the casino of the Lucky 38 Hotel playing Blackjack. The previous instalment scooped Game of the Year (2008), this version is also surely a contender.

NBA 2K11

WRC FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

2K Sports

Black Bean

PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, Xbox 360

PC, PS3, Xbox 360

As soon as we found out The Michael Jordan Challenge was going to be a heavy part of this year’s game, we took it on ourselves to play this model first. Much like in real life, he’s a legend and on many occasions we had to take it to the rim [pause] all by ourselves. Whether you’re in slamming in Jordan’s Jordans or not, this looks like the real thing; it’s almost as if they’re stolen the atmosphere from a stadium and siphoned it directly into the game. A good game just got better.

Starting off with the positives... this is officially the best FIA WRC game on sale today; it runs over the competition and leaves all other WRC titles on the starting line. The fact that it’s the only rally game at the moment and the only one that’s been released in half a decade says a little something, but we’re not going to talk about that. A decent title with a lot going for it (graphics, career mode, online rankings) but it doesn’t pack enough to keep us coming back.

93

UKG/ GRIME/ DUBSTEP/ BASSLINE CHART BY DJ CHEWY 01 BENGA Ho/ One & Only (Digital Soundboy Recordings) The reign continues with one third of Magnetic Man’s latest solo projects, signed to Shy FX’s label. Both of these tracks are a true display of unadulterated, undeniable dubstep from one of the scene’s pioneers.

02 BENNY ILL VS. J.KING Lithium Soular/ Kosmic 78 (Deep Medi Musik) These producers must have had some crazy out-of-body experiences making these tunes, because both tracks are out of this world. Also watch for the accompanying spooky sci-fi videos by Wicked Wax. 03 SUBSCAPE Time To Escape EP (Dub Police) We all know the big players in dubstep, now it’s time to unearth the new names; London’s Subscape is emerging at rapid rates as this four track EP (Mr Kipling, Screw Up , Just Coz and the outstanding highlight All Day) proves.

04 N TYPE Simples (Biscuit Factory Records) Not the most complex of productions, yet it somehow gets you absolutely gripped. The ‘original dubplate selecta’ delivers again...

05 TUNNIDGE 7 Breaths/ Fear (Chestplate) You’ll need more than seven deep inhales when this speaker quaking smasher hits the dance. Both tracks bristle with a dark energy, making us think Tunnidge should get into film making - he would be super scary! Another great (relative) newcomer to watch for.

06 CHAPEL CLUB VS. FLUX PAVILION All The Eastern Girls (remix) (Polydor) I’m not really a big fan of Chapel Club, but after hearing this killer version by Flux Pavilion, I’m prepared to change my mind. That said, it’s Flux who has absolutely stamped his mark on the original version.

07 THE OTHERS Off The Wall/ Vertigo 99 (Dub Police) No introduction required here as D-Code and Dexterous are already a major part of dubstep. Vertigo 909 has an amazing vocal intro that leads you crudely into a set of disgusting bass chords that just keep rolling. Proper nasty.

08 DJ E & INTERFACE/ JOKER REMIX Brightlights (Clearskyz Recordings) This is so soulful you could be mistaken for thinking it had been produced by Timbaland. This is an awesome tune, but could someone please explain what drugs the video producer was on?!?

09 PHAELEH Afterglow (Afterglow) This is probably the first time I have heard a dubstep tune that I dare to call a ‘chill out’ version. The producers must have been out on a proper bender and required some soothing music rather than the ‘Warp Warp’ we know and love the scene for.

10 MAGNETIC MAN FT. KATY B Perfect Stranger (Columbia) With the album now in circulation, it’s up to you to choose your favourite tune.

Artwork/ Arthur is, and will keep on, providing the ever-changing garage scene with the most amazing productions, from Gotta Get Thru This to these tracks right here.

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 94 / RWDMAG.COM

BENGA Stop Watchin Me (Digital Soundboy Recordings) DUFFSTEP Know You (Saigon Records) FOREIGN BEGGARS FT. CHASING SHADOWS Tycoon (Foreign Beggars) DIGITAL MYSTIKZ Return to Space (DMZ) SEVEN Sinister (Black Box Records) DESTO/TES LA ROK Ice Cold/Tricky Ting (Noppa Records) SPHERIX In A hole (Lowercase Music) FX PROJECT FT. MC LOKASS (FR) French Chip (Destpub Records) SKREAM Listening To The Records On My Wall (Tempah) ORIGINAL SIN Take No More (Playaz)

LAST WORD: Roll Deep

We gave Roll Deep the choice of Nandos and Wagamamas for a lunchtime interview and the No.1 one selling crew opted for the chicken katsu curry over peri peri chicken. Rajveer Kathwadia sits down to eat with Target, Karnage and Brazen... image by Verena Stefanie Grotto Last time you went to Wagamamas and had a chicken katsu curry?

Target: Right now. Does anyone ever get anything else from there?

Brazen: I don’t eat the chicken, so I get the katsu Curry with breaded prawns instead.

Karnage: The noodles are nice, but they’re too thick though. But nah they should rename this place Chickenkatsumamas.

Last time you went for a slap up meal?

T: We had a trip to Nobu on a Hollywood one. We took ourselves and Shola Ama came with us as well. She’s our mate. We wanna go back there actually. The food was nice. Other than it being one of those posh kind of places, it was actually one of the best meals I’ve had I think.

We’ve had a few No. 1’s so it’s alright, but last year we wouldn’t have been in there.

96 / RWDMAG.COM

B: We’d have been in KFC. T: I actually went and had a Fully Loaded meal in KFC last night at 1am so it’s still cool.

Last time you partied with The Saturdays?

B: We went to China Whites recently and The Saturdays asked us to sit at their table and we partied with them for the night. They know how to party as well.

T: We’ve actually worked with them on a song. It didn’t get done in time, but we wanna go back and finish it. We saw them out the other night and they really wanna go back and get it done.

Last time you were banned from having a party?

T: We had a party for Good Times getting to No.1, but we weren’t allowed when Green Light went to No.1. The label banned us cos we hadn’t finished our album yet. We got told off and told to get it done. So we’re gonna have a

party soon.

Last time someone gave you the green light?

B: Saturday night, but I declined it cos I was tired after coming off stage...

K: Last night.

T: Mine was over the phone so I’ll have to catch up with her soon.

Last time you didn’t get the green light?

B: Saturday night!

Last time you found a mouse in your studio?

B: At the moment! We can’t find it. It’s hiding somewhere, but we’re going back in there and finding mouse poo so we’ve set traps up.

K: We’re looking for a new studio at the moment so it’s just about waiting for the right location.

T: Right now we’re still in the hood.

Last time you invented a new word?

K: Wickederistick.

T: That’s the new word.

K: Scratchy would have to write the Roll Deep dictionary.

Last time you saw Wiley?

T: He came to 1xtra Live at the weekend.

B: That’s not even Wiley in the videos. We found a look-alike.

K: His name’s Riley!

T: Nah but seriously, Wiley just prefers to make the music so for the other stuff, sometimes he’s there and sometimes he’s not.

ESSENTIALS: What are the studio essentials?

K: A Blackberry charger, an iPhone charger and a Macbook Pro with an internet dongle.

B: A beat, a mic and some headphones.

Take Control Ft. Alesha Dixon is out 31 October and the album Winner Stays On is out 1 November