RWD Issue 144: February 2014 - Trapstar

#144

TRAPSTAR

THE SECRET IS OUT FEB 14

JPH

dons behind Trapstar for our cover story. We’ve supported the brand over the years but 2013 saw them elevate to a whole other level, so we had to pay respect to the homegrown fashion hustlers. We also look into upcoming film releases, chatting to new Robocop Joel Kinnaman and getting previous RWD One To Watch and comic obsessive Funny Tummy to ask who reigns supreme out of X-Men vs Guardians of the Galaxy.

Eds Letter It’s February so we’ve definitely all given up on those ridiculous resolutions we made when we got gassed by 2014. I didn’t attempt any, whilst Alya’s juice cleanse lasted SIX hours and guest writer Sian Anderson going vegan, well, you’ll read for yourself what happened there in Speaker’s Corner. But our boy Ben triumphed in his Dry-uary and managed to raise money for charity, so shoutout him.

Besides all that we’ve been way too busy partying up with Idris Elba (by that we mean we were at the same party) hanging out with NBA players (that actually happened) and interviewing the

Moving onto music, we finally get hold of actor turned artist Raleigh Ritchie and unravel why he’s About To Blow, catch up with YouTube upstarts Eton Messy who are literally #ReadyForAnything. Plus the legend that is David Rodigan takes us on his musical journey.

Hoping to follow in the footsteps of our cover stars, streetwear up and comers Supply & Demand continue to support the underground scene as they shoot videos for the likes of Fekky, Brotherhood, Blizzard, Benny Banks and Yungen.

That’s surely enough to keep you entertained!

RWD Team Editor Feature Writer Digital Editor Staff Writer Contributing Editor Contributors

@nardenescott @moorizzla @tegosigel @benrebuck @chantellefiddy Alex Johnson, Carly Wilford, Kieran Yates, Joseph “JP” Patterson, Ellis Earl, Sian Anderson

Creative Director Designer Fashion Editor Stylists

Dacre @PXLpics Sam Hardy Sophie Robinson Janine Jauvel, Violetta Thalia, Neesha Sharma Funny Tummy, Rachel Goslin, Matt Glasby Andres Reynega, Jon Attenborough, JPH, Response London, Adrian Nettleship, Kevin Joseph, Sam Bond, Liam Ricketts

Illustrators Photographers

Video

Greg Bond, Felix Kemp, Darren Rahaman, Andres Albert

Publisher Commercial Dir. Senior Sales Brand Relations Operations Thanks

Nigel Wells Paul LeFevre Matthew Richards Hattie Collins Martin Ferguson Bob Austin

@nardenescott

Contributors

Contact RWD RWD 4th Floor 60-62 Commercial Street Greater London E1 6LT Tel: 020 3176 4299 staff@RWDmag.com @RWDmag

Albert Fairfield

FunnyTummy

Sian Anderson

In a word, I’m... imaginative You’ll normally find me... somewhere between the bar and the dance floor This issue… I joined the sales team I’m all about... socialising and epic meals I’m so over... anything twerk related Get at me... @albertfairfield

In a word, I’m... artistic You’ll normally find me... painting or playing PS4/XBoxOne or both This issue… I went in on comics turned films I’m all about... art, video games, comics and great ideas/concepts I’m so over... scheduled TV. It’s onDemand, Netflix or a download Get at me... @FunnyTummy

In a word, I’m... complicated You’ll normally find me... at Spitalfields Nando’s with a quarter chicken (leg), side salad and chips This issue… I completely rubbish the above and attempt to go vegan I’m all about... work!

I’m so over... people preaching on Twitter Get at me... @siananderson

RWD Magazine is published monthly by Rewind Creative Media Ltd. 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

CONTENTS ISSUE #144 Regulars 10 13 14-17 18-19

#WGAF @RWDmad instagram Check-In Check Out #ReadyForAnything: Eton Messy, ItsNate, Falcons 20-21 About To Blow: Raleigh Ritchie

RWD Football 23 24 25 26-27 28-29 30-31 32-33 34-35 36-37

Let The Games Begin Eds Letter RWD Football In Numbers Next Up: John Stones Meet Michael Keane Two Sides: Rooney Relaint?

Off The Pitch: Jack Rodwell My First: JIIK Adam Lallana

Style 39-49 Cut Above 21-33 Cover Story: Trapstar - The Brand Behind The Masks

Features 54-57 Harder Faster Stronger: Joel Kinnaman 58-61 Set The Scene: Supply & Demand Benny Banks, Fekky, Yungen, Blizzard, Brotherhood

Unwind 63-65 Comic War: X-Men vs Guardians of the Galaxy 66-67 Speaker’s Corner: My Veegan Challenge

#WGAF / 10

#WGAF

Joker In The Deck

There was one huge story that kicked off the year, we were all there retweeting and liking pics left, right and centre, but a couple of other things also happened like Dappy in that nappy!

Dominic Celaire and Laila Habib brought in the new year with a very public display of cunnilingus on a night club staircase. A video of their antics went viral resulting in their lives becoming public property within hours.

The subject of many a meme - our favourite was “I woke up in a new punani!” Even Olivia Pope couldn’t save this mess.

David Moyes If it’s not dead out memes floating around Twitter, it’s some other halfwit making some other recycled joke. We don’t really care about David Moyes and we don’t think you should either. Let the Moe Syzlak look-a-like get on with his day job of slowly destroying Manchester United…

Celebrity Big Brother x Dappy Oh, Dapster.

What were you thinking? At the time of writing, the former N Dubz front man is in the Celebrity Big Brother house with a bunch of models, Lee from Blue and that journalist Rihanna flipped out on. Lucky for the viewers, Dappy’s mouth is a lot bigger than his pint size frame with the former RWD cover-star’s outbursts making for some seriously entertaining TV. American Apparel pubic hair mannequins From naked models in transparent underwear to menstruating hairy vagina t-shirts (yes, really) American Apparel like to shock. And they’ve started the new year with more of the same, with big hairy bushes spilling out of the knickers on shop window mannequins in NYC. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

Tweet To Win Award-winning gaming accessories manufacturer Gioteck has teamed-up with RWD to offer five lucky winners the chance to get their hands on the new EX-06 gaming headset. Compatible with Playstation, Xbox and PC, the EX-06’s full over-ear stereo bins contain 40mm drivers for excellent treble and bass response, offering users superior sound quality for an immersive experience during gameplay. The perfect partner for gamer’s on-themove, the foldable EX-06 headset comes with a durable carry case and removable microphone boom. All you need to do to win is Tweet @RWDmag with the message “I wanna win the #GioteckEX06 comp @RWDmag and @Gioteckarmy”

He maybe unfamiliar to most, but south London magician Troy is set to become a household name. The 24 year-old has been signed for an innovative new style of magic show, launching on Channel 4.

Do you thrive off comparisons to Dynamo?

I don’t tend to get compared to Dynamo that often because I think people can see the difference between us. Of course the foundation of what we do is magic, but magic is all about interpretation and making it your own and that’s exactly what I do. I think the only thing that can be compared is the impact our magic makes on people.

Who did you look up to when getting into magic?

I was inspired by David Blaine.

Growing up there weren’t a lot of magicians out there that interested me, as I didn’t feel a connection. David Blaine pioneered how magic is seen on TV today and made it relevant; I’m carrying that torch to hopefully inspire a new generation.

What can expect from your series?

A LOT of great magic! It has been a turning point in my life to showcase to the world what I can do. What you get is that you see me on a journey trying to understand what magic means to people and myself.

What’s your signature trick?

That’s a really hard question, it changes all time. I will tell you my favourite kind of magic is card magic.

I love the artistry of it and pride myself on spending over a decade perfecting it. Ironically I don’t do that many card tricks in the show.

What’s the most daring thing you’ve attempted?

Well, you are going to have to watch the show to find out…, Troy airs on E4 /Channel 4 in February

@RWDMAG INSTAGRAM / 12

CHECK-IN CHECK OUT / 14

CHECK -IN CHECK OUT Queen Bee UK A Buzz Check in… to Queen B’s second pit stop in the UK in just as many years.

Having pretty much imploded the Internet with the release of her ‘surprise’ studio album Beyonce; which fully displayed her ratchet side, we’re sure there’ll be a few guys out there who wouldn’t mind copping a peak at the new show. Or maybe just a win win Valentine’s Day present?

Tickets available on ticketmaster.co.uk

One Eight Seven

Canvas Dreams

Guess Who’s Back

Major stars line up for new TV crime drama

Our boy Funny Tummy has a package for you

adidas Originals drop a classic on us

Check out… new HBO show True Detective. Forget about those Law & Order re-runs and get involved in the Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey starring tale of a homicide revisited which reveals some pretty dark characters on both sides of the law. It’s not your average cop crap.

Airs on Sky Atlantic this month

Check-in… at funnytummyart. com to buy See It Deh, a collection of the budding artist, illustrator and photographer’s work so far.

Of course there are some never seen before pieces too. Released this month digitally on all devices, expect a hardback version to arrive later in the year.

Keep an eye on @funnytummyart

Check out… the re-launch of the infamous Stan Smith. It’s not all about the crazy coloured, over the top, ridiculously expensive kicks; 2014 is ushering in a new slick and simple look. So obviously Stan is back and ready to take centre stage. Both fans new and old will be copping these.

Grab yours for £67 at adidas.co.uk

RWD Check-Ins

Baby Simplo

Streets Documented

The Simpsons x A Bathing Ape

Recollect the finest of street culture 2013

Check out… Bathing Ape’s most exciting collaboration yet in the form of an ode to the longest running TV cartoon of all time…

The Simpsons! For their Spring 2014 collection, BAPE have united Bart, Homer and the rest of the clan with its Baby Milo cartoon character on apparel and accessories from hoodies, T shirts and caps. We’re involved!

Available at eu.BAPE.com

Check out… All Gone 2013, the 13th release in a line of books documenting style. Just in case you care to remember, guys were wearing dresses and leather jogging bottoms (which Kanye invented). In all seriousness, it’s for the style conscious and up to the times fiends.

Head to allgonebook.com for a slice of street culture

Stan Smith Launch Party

After re-launching the Stan Smith, adidas put on an event come experience to celebrate the iconic trainer. With the likes of Idris Elba, Wretch 32 and JIIK in attendance, the event, matched with old school tunes, truly paid credit to the 70s icon.

Little Simz at LoveDough

Garnering an increasing amount of attention for her hard hitting flows and witty, conscious lyrical content, 19 year-old femcee Little Simz last month graced the LoveDough stage at Proud Camden for a headline slot that saw her cement her role as one to watch.

Lace Up Swap your kicks for something sturdy this season Check out… the Monochrome Collection from Palladium, takes the original Pampa boot - a classic design from 1947 - and adding vibrant, modern athletic colours. The 100% cotton canvas upper is double-dyed for rich colour, and is combined with the classic Palladium rugged rubber outsole in a tonal colour for a monochromatic effect.

Visit palladiumboots.co.uk

Z Uncut New Years Day @ Pacha EZ brought in the New Year in style and as always we can’t quite remember every last detail, but just know that the DJ booth was invaded by the likes of Skepta, Shorty and Jammer alongside Creed, Kie and PSG. Whether you were a house, grime or garage fan, you left impressed.

CHECK-IN CHECK OUT / 16

Go Deep Red Bull Music Academy share their love for the music scene

The Big 3-0 UK style giants set to celebrate all year long Check in… at Scotts where they’re celebrating the 30th year of trading with limited edition product releases from the likes of adidas Originals, Pretty Green, Fred Perry, Paul & Shark, One True Saxon and many more throughout the year. Be sure to follow scottsofficial on Facebook for regular updates.

In the meantime invest in key pieces online at scottsmenswear.com

Check out… what RBMA have delved into over the past few years in their book For The Record. Released late last year to commemorate their 15th Anniversary, the hardback continues to pick at the brains of both established and emerging musical talents through a range of in depth and off the cuff conversations. You’re almost sure to learn something about your favourite artist that you never knew or at the very least learn about artists who have had a huge impact on music you might not have necessarily come across before.

Check rbma15.com for yours

Breaks and Beats

Shoot Em Up

Fly On The Wall

Admittedly there are not a lot of reasons to head to Coventry but we found one, a really good one.

Get those instagram followers up courtesy of Samsung

Channel 4 take a light hearted stab at the police

Check out… the new Samsung Galaxy Camera 2. This smartphone-style camera has all the apps you need to shoot and post instantly, as its smart mode ensures you get your snaps just right each and every time. It’s time to switch up and step up your instagram game folks.

Get over to samsung.com/uk

Check out… what happens when the writers of Fresh Meat team up with Danny Boyle. Babylon sees London’s police force, including Adam Deacon and PhoneShop’s Andrew Brooke followed around

by TV cameraman Daniel Kaluuya [Kick Ass 2]. Basically, it looks jokes.

Babylon airs on C4 this month

Check-in… to Ricoh Arena for Outbreak Festival, 1-2 March.

Focused on all things house from the established to the deep underground expect Hannah Wants, T. Williams, Lance Morgan, Mark Radford and Amine Edge & Dance to keep the crowds moving.

Hit outbreakfestival.co.uk ASAP

Amit & Naroop

Rodigan’s Masterpiece

A true purveyor of reggae music, David Rodigan is a few decades deep in the scene and he’s finally converted his journey into a compilation, aptly titled Masterpiece.

Beaches on Budgets With holiday offers starting at £169, there’s no excuse not to book Check out… what deals Club 18-30 has been cooking up for you revellers this summer. If your pockets are feeling a little light right now, don’t fear as you can still swan off to party resorts across Europe including Ibiza, Magaluf, Zante, Ayia Napa and Malia to name a few for bargain prices.

See club18-30.com for more info.

Greatest Show on Earth

Right on Time

Time for the Bowl

Semtex brings his Arrival event back to XOYO in a big way

Check Out…the biggest day in the American Football calendar.

Super Bowl XLVIII will see Seattle Seahawks take-on Denver Broncos in what looks set to be one of the most watched NFL games of all time. With the sport growing in the UK year-on-year, we’re hoping ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ lives up to its billing.

Watch Sky Sports on 2 February

Check out… LA rapper Nipsey Hussle on 19 February at XOYO courtesy of DJ Semtex. Since his $100 Crenshaw mixtape stirred up the scene in 2013 with Hova purchasing 100 hard copies, this gig marks the start of a series where @semtex showcases the hottest US talent on the rise.

For tickets xoyo.co.uk @semtex

Obviously there have been compilations before but what makes Masterpiece stand out?

It is on my behalf an attempt to go on a journey from my early youth when I was first hearing and buying music and I wanted to reflect that in the compilation; covering the music that had an impact on me. So soul, deep soul, rock steady, ska and also futuristic sounds. I’ve tried to encapsulate that, from The Kinks to Dusty Springfield to Busy Signal and Beres Hammond.

Thinking back to being 13 years old, did you set out to achieve all this?

Not in my wildest dreams. I trained in theatre to be an actor, it was by accident that I got a job on radio; somebody wrote in on my behalf. They played that audition tape to a number of black reggae producers and apparently many said you should use that bloke Rodigan, whoever he is, because no one knew who the hell I was, they had no idea I was white. Then when I began my Saturday night reggae show at Capital FM, the response was phenomenal; club promoters complained because people wouldn’t go into the club until I’d finished. They were like ‘we have to make the show earlier, it mash up my business man!’ So that was a lovely back-handed compliment.

Do you have left to achieve?

I use [Robert DeNiro] as an example because he’s not young but he’s still working. I am 62 and I still love what I do. I still love sharing my music with like-minded souls, I believe I’m very fortunate to have been given the privilege of doing that. We must always remember as DJs that we are the last person in the music food chain. Without the music, the DJ does not exist.

Masterpiece is out now on Ministry of Sound. @DavidRodigan

#READYFORANYTHING / 18

Eton Messy Since the emergence of a YouTube channel aimed at first solely to create their own playlists with their musical finds, Eton Messy quickly realised their tastes were not being adequately shared with the masses and as they posted their discoveries, the team saw the number of subscribers soar. Alya Mooro caught up with the Bristol hailing collective to discover more...

Photography JPH

“I’d find an artist that I’d like [on Soundcloud], then I’d see what they’d been liking,” explains founder Adam on one of the ways in which they’d discover artists to share on their now 250,000 strong YouTube channel.

These days, of course, hundreds of music submissions find their way to the Eton Messy inbox, but their ethos is still the same: “It has to have a certain feel… at the moment there’s quite a lot of people who do the same things, so we try and find artists that kind of have their own little vibe, instead of following the crowd.”

“We just want to give this music that we enjoy as much profile as possible, and see the people whose music we enjoy prosper.”

Launching a record label this spring, the four piece collective have taken on Jack Bandit – the producer behind Black Butter group Clean Bandit – who is set to unveil his first offering in March. Evolving naturally from an online musical hub to a hugely successful club night, creating a record label was, apparently, always part of the plan. “We thought we’d focus on doing events first as we had some experience there, whereas the record label was kind of unchartered territory for us,” explains Charlie. And experience is something they have in abundance! For their first event, the foursome booked Maribou State, Bondax and Apple Bottom. But, considering how many artists have been snapped up by A&Rs solely off the back of being spotted on Eton Messy, it seems starting up their own record label was simply a natural progression.

“We don’t really want to focus the releases around club bangers,” says Adam on the aim behind the label. “We want the tracks to be songs… hopefully we’ll have remixes that cater for that as part of the package,” he continues. “Like an EP with an original song, then the other tracks would be remixes from artists that we support on the channel as well.”

Also being snapped up as DJs spanning Europe, the guys appear to be living a charmed life full of “pinch yourself” moments. But, as they put it, they have no delusions of grandeur: “All we want to do is put out the music that we love through the label and share the music from other labels… we just want to give this music that we enjoy as much profile as possible, and see the people whose music we enjoy prosper.”

Check facebook/com/etonmessy for tour dates. @etonmessy

ItsNate Categorically described as a US/UK hybrid, north London hailing ItsNate attributes his hometown with much of his inspiration: “London inspires me everyday… films [too], I know a film’s good if I can pull something from it.” Growing up on R&B, neosoul, UKG, grime and hip hop, the emcee cites his honesty, as well as his ability to select beats, as assets that separate him from the pack: “I try and always use producers that have something soulful and that have their own vibe, not trying to do the things that might be in for the moment, because to me that’s an L – (a loss).”

So Local is out now. @WhosNate

Falcons

Tweet To Win! Duck And Cover’s directional take on trend-led menswear always keeps us one step ahead.

RWD and Duck And Cover partner up to champion the hottest emerging talent and this month Eton Messy, ItsNate and Falcons are all #ReadyForAnything. We’re here to make sure your style is on point and are offering a pair of jeans tailored to your individual needs. Check out the denim guide on duckandcover.co.uk and get involved in the competition by heading to Twitter using #ReadyForAnything @RWDmag @duckandcover_ stating the style name, wash and size.

Often described as a “melting pot of genres,” Los Angeles hailing producer Falcons categorises his sound as “R&B and rap influenced club music,” placing the onus on people dancing. “I am a dancer in my heart forever, so when I see kids getting loose to my sh*t, I just feel like it all came full circle.” Serious injuries from dancing resulted in his taking to production as an outlet; gaining notoriety by remixing popular tracks like Brandy and Monica’s The Boy Is Mine (“I like to keep the vibe intact, but give it a weird new spin”) as well as his own original productions. Look out for his exclusive mix dropping on the eclectic Diplo and Friends BBC Radio 1 show. @flcns

ABOUT TO BLOW / 20

About To Blow: Raleigh Ritchie Normally when an artist uses a pseudonym, they come off as a bit pretentious but that’s most definitely not the case here. Raleigh Ritchie (long story short, he loves Bill Murray and The Royal Tenenbaums is his favourite film) who you may recognise for his roles in Adulthood and Game of Thrones, is ready to shake up the music scene.

“I think initially it was definitely a thing of protecting and enabling to separate myself a little but then all my songs are insanely personal,” the Bristolian begins filling us in on his stage name.

“I’m just talking about my life and I think once I realised that was one thing I wasn’t going to escape and didn’t want to escape; it kind of doesn’t make a difference to me anymore.” There are a few other people that don’t seem to mind either; all those who witnessed him tear up the stage opening up for Kendrick Lamar on his UK tour last year, the hundreds and thousands of visitors to his soundcloud; not forgetting Sony who signed the artist in late 2012.

“Once I realised that was one thing I wasn’t going to escape and didn’t want to escape; [the name] kind of doesn’t make a difference to me anymore.”

The soul soaked electronica (plus a little spitting, or what he refers to as storytelling) of his debut EP The Middle Child, fused his varied musical influences, which include everything from Kanye to The Smiths and Donny Hathaway. Recently followed up by the highly anticipated Black and Blue, his first EP available via iTunes, “when the pre-order went up, I just jumped around the room because it was truly surreal.”

Ollie Grove

Debut album in the works, the studio partners are impressive to say the least; long time collaborators Sum Punk, Paul Hermin and Chris Loco are joined by TDE main man Sounwave, DJ Dahi [Drake, Kendrick Lamar], Mike Elizondo [Eminem] and Clams Casino [A$AP Rocky, Mac Miller], with The Internet on the wishlist. Having developed his sound for the past few years there’ll be no holding back on the album which speaks on the effect of the 23 year-old’s move from Bristol to London. “I have learnt to just trust my instincts… Stay Inside was a hard song to release, as I wrote it I realised things about myself that were uncomfortable to touch on, and there’s a lot of that on my album.”

If you’re lucky enough to catch the R&B Tigger on stage you’re in for a show, “I bounce around quite a lot and I can’t help it. My limbs are so uncontrollable,” the down to earth lad laughs. Until then grab Black and Blue, download The Middle Child and keep an eye on the visuals.

Black and Blue EP is out now. @RaleighRitchie

@PXLpics | PXLclothing.com

Let The Games Begin As the days grow longer and the domestic season edges toward what’s sure to be a thrilling final act, it’s time to start thinking about this summer’s festival of football and all that World Cup 2014 has to offer.

There are so many things to get excited about in a World Cup year, from the TV schedules jam-packed with live football, to discovering players you’d never heard of from countries you barely knew existed, through to the free World Cup giveaways in cereal boxes and crisp packets alike. There’s very little that will give you the World Cup spirit like one of the legendary tournament adverts though and Pepsi have moved first by unveiling their 2014 ambassadors including Lionel Messi and Jack Wilshere.

Live For Now will culminate in a global TV advertising campaign later this year and it’s giving us a serious World Cup tingle.

Keep up with Pepsi’s Live For Now campaign with the hashtag #FutbolNow

/ 24

editor’s letter

With the return of Champions League football comes a renewed focus on the very top of the world game. January’s agenda often skews toward muddy pitches, Cup shocks and arguments for and against playing in blizzard-like conditions. But the return of the elite club competition serves as a gentle reminder to the average football fan of what’s really important in life.

Starting at the top of the game in the latest issue of RWD Football, we sat down with Cinderella man Adam Lallana to talk about rising from League One obscurity to becoming an England international with a strong chance of making that plane to Brazil.

We also spoke to Crep Protect CEO and Roll Deep don JIIK who gave us a few of his football firsts with the one time hot prospect striker [“I forgot how nang I am”] scanning his memory banks for a few funny anecdotes and more than a few painful recollections – he is a Liverpool fan after all.

Taking Two Sides on one of the debates that will dominate the summer; we considered England’s over-reliance on Wayne Rooney and whether the nation will be placing too much pressure on our talismanic striker ahead of the World Cup. Always keeping one eye on the future, Ben Rebuck sat down with England Under-21 stars John Stones, who is tearing up trees in the Everton defence this winter, and Manchester United starlet Michael Keane who has been making massive strides on loan at Derby County. We also talked Off The Pitch with Manchester City man Jack Rodwell who managed to throw Edin Džeko, James Milner and Mario Balotelli under the bus for their questionable taste in clothes and music respectably.

So moving on from the deepest, darkest winter, it’s time to focus on what’s important and that’s quality; that’s exactly what we’ve done.

IN THIS ISSUE: Lallana On Playing For England

John Stones Is Next Up

JIIK Breaks Down His Firsts

The Ballon d’Or In Numbers A personal feat of excellence, winning the Ballon d’Or is seen as the pinnacle of individual footballing achievement.

Cristiano Ronaldo swept up at this year’s award ceremony, so we’ve broken down the numbers that made up the win

A whopping 63 captains voted for Ronaldo as their number one pick, including England’s Steven Gerrard and Spain’s Iker Casillas Ronaldo also secured the majority vote from coaches with the likes of Phil Scolari, Roy Hodgson and Portugal’s own Jorge Pinto opting for the Madrid man CR7 grabbed 27.99% of the votes, more than Messi’s 24.72% and Franck Ribery’s 23.36% With a total score of 1365 Cristiano Ronaldo beat Messi’s 1205 by a full 160 points Droopy Drawers seems to be Messi’s lucky number with both the amount of captains and coaches opting for the Argentinian in first place Just 39 captains opted to vote for Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery, the lowest of the three contenders. Only 42 coaches preferred him as their number one contender The number of votes by Germany manager Joachim Low who abstained from voting so as not to cause unrest amongst his squad so close to a World Cup

Jack Rodwell Talks Life Off The Pitch

Two Sides Debates About England’s Rooney Reliance

63 55 27.99 160 44 39 0

Michael Keane On Leadership, Brothers and United

/ 26

Next Up:

John Stones After coming through the ranks at hometown club Barnsley, John Stones earned himself a move to Premier League side Everton last January. Dubbed ‘England’s best young defender’ by current manager Roberto Martinez, an honour that Stones says gives him “a real boost”, the Yorkshire-born teenager is forcing his way into the first team. The 19 year-old England Under-21 international has a growing reputation within the game and having impressed on the Toffees’ pre-season tour, Stones is settled, focused and thankful for his chance.

Since signing for Everton, the six foot two right back has had to be patient, but grounded Stones knew it was never going to be that easy, “Playing week in week out [at Barnsley] and to come to a Premiership club, I knew I had to wait for my chance.” The south Yorkshire born David Beckham fan understands that influence from the defenders he has around him will be crucial to his development; “As a young player [to have] that sort of experience around me, training daily with the likes of [Sylvain] Distin, [Phil] Jagielka and [Tony] Hibbert; it just rubs off on me and you pick things up every day,” John continues “You can’t coach that. The endless experience they’ve got I can only benefit from.”

Moving from Barnsley to a big city like Liverpool would prove daunting for anybody, let alone an 18-year old, but people’s person Stones took it in his stride and has had no issue adjusting to life on the Mersey, “I’ve been here a year now, so I feel at home.” Life in the changing room is also enjoyable for deep house fan John who has little complaints about who controls the pre-watch iPod, “I don’t think it’s any of the players, but there are a lot of good beats going on. I think it’s down to the analyst people who’ve got a big mix that plays every week.”

The excitement of playing at a Premier League club is not lost on football obsessive John whose face lights up when telling us about his first time training with Everton; “It was so strange coming from watching the team on Match of the Day and seeing them on Sky Sports to then actually

“It was so strange coming from watching the team on Match of the Day... to then actually kicking the ball about with them on the training pitch; it was a surreal feeling.” kicking the ball about with them on the training pitch; it was a surreal feeling.”

Playing at the top level hasn’t changed Stones. Talking about his life away from Goodison Park, Stones tells us he likes going to the cinema but laughs as he says that above all, you can’t beat putting your feet up; “I just try and relax.” The cheeky northerner also can’t resist throwing one of his former teammates under the bus when it comes to fashion, “Fellaini used to wear some rascal stuff.”

It’s been a steady road for the young Toffee but he knows it’s a marathon and not a sprint. His career is about to take off, thanks in no small part to his viral friendly Paneka penalty in a pre-season clash with Juventus, “I just knew I was going to do it because I had practiced it in training”. Stones will be looking to add more appearances to his growing and impressive CV, with eyes on breaking into the Everton firstteam and further playing time with Gareth Southgate’s Under 21s. For now this fledgling talent is the talk of the town, John Stones is Next Up. John Stones was taking part in the Everton EA SPORTS FIFA 14 Pro Player Tournament on Xbox One. FIFA 14 comes alive on Xbox One and Playstation 4, on sale now at Game.co.uk

/ 28

meet

Michael Keane A ball playing centre-back with two successful loan spells under his belt, young Michael Keane has eyes on making an impact at his boyhood club - Manchester United, but for now the England Under-21 international knows he has work to do. Speaking at the launch of the Nike Tiempo V, the Derby County loanee talked heroes, leadership, rivals and more with RWD Football’s Ben Rebuck.

On being a leader…

I’d say I’m a leader when I have the ball and have the responsibility of bringing it out from the back whilst trying to make things happen; especially if we’re losing.

I’ll be the one to try and make things happen and get the team going. I do [lead] with my friends that I’ve known for ages and when I’m in a small group, but in a large group, like coming to a new team, I’m not one of the loudest ones, I’m just normal. I get on with everyone and I’m easy to chat to and quite chilled really.

On rivalry with twin-brother Will…

It’s friendly. I never really played against him apart from training and seeing as he was coming back from injury, I was taking it easy on him, but then he started to score a few goals so I had to stop that [laughs]. I’m going to have to start training properly against him. We’re always looking out for each other. He’s on loan at Wigan so I always find out how he’s doing. He had a frustrating year through injury but we’re always supporting each other. He’s raring to go so you should look out for him.

On making his United debut…

It was great. It’s your dream from when you’re young, so it was an unbelievable experience. I was told the day before by Sir Alex Ferguson that I was starting with Scott Wootton and Marnick Vermjjl, who are also two young defenders. Obviously I was a bit nervous, but I was excited and couldn’t wait for the game. I was speaking to the reserve coach before the match and he was giving me advice, telling me to play my own game and luckily I played well and we got a win as well.

Playing against Chelsea was a completely different experience. The atmosphere was crazy! I think we had a whole stand at Stamford Bridge, so there were loads of United fans. The Chelsea fans were up for it as well because there was a bit of a feisty game the week before, but I didn’t expect them to put such a strong team out. I welcomed it. I want to play in the Premier League, so I want to play against Premier League players and I think I did well. We played well until we were unlucky in the last minute, and even though we lost, it was one of the highlights of my short career so far.

On playing for the England Under-21s…

It’s an honour [to play for them]. You get a lot of attention representing your country, and loads of coaching staff and scouts watch because it’s a great standard of football. To be getting regular games for England is an honour. Gareth Southgate has done a great job and with a bit of luck we can go a long way.

“Ryan Giggs is an unbelievable professional who’s won so many trophies. His loyalty as well to stay at Manchester United his whole career is unbelievable. I’d spend my whole career here.”

On breaking into the United first team…

I will probably stay on loan in the Championship for the rest of this season, then if I do well I’ll look to get a Premier League loan next season, so that maybe the season after is when I’ll look to make my mark at Manchester United. Obviously there are five centre backs ahead of me, so I’d have to wait for Rio Ferdinand or maybe Nemanja Vidic, or both to retire to see what happens there. The first time I trained with them I think I had just turned 18 and I was training with the reserves. I got called over to the first team pitch where they’d just finished and I joined in with a little game they play at the end. I played next to Nemanja Vidic. I played really well, even if it was just a 15 minute little match.

On his idols…

I look at how Rio Ferdinand passes the ball out; he’s a big talker in the team and he’s always organising the people in front and that’s what I’m looking to improve on at the moment. I do talk quite a lot on the pitch, but I’m looking to do that more and keep other people focused and concentrating on the game. With Nemanja Vidic he’s probably the best defender I’ve ever seen! He wins all his headers, he’s tough to beat one on one, he’s aggressive when he’s playing so I can take things from both of them for sure.

Ryan Giggs is an unbelievable professional who’s won so many trophies. His loyalty to stay at Manchester United his whole career is unbelievable. I’d spend my whole career here. I have to see how it goes and if I’m playing and things are going well for me.

It’s my hometown and my whole family have supported them all their lives, so there’s no other club I’d want to be at really.

On academy progression…

Jonny Evans, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley have all come through the academy and they’ve all been on loan before breaking into the first team. I know Cleverley had two or three loans, as did Evans, and Welbeck was at Sunderland, so that’s what I’m looking to do at the moment.

It shows that if you’re good enough you’ll get your chance at Manchester United, so it’s just up to you to take it.

Michael Keane wears the England home kit.

Available now from jdsports.co.uk

14 FOR 14 / 30

TWO SIDES:

Rooney Reliant?

As the nation begins to turn its attention to the World Cup in Brazil this summer, RWD Football’s Ben Rebuck and Tego Sigel take Two Sides on whether England are over-reliant on Wayne Rooney.

“England needs Wayne Rooney to be at his best, because if he’s not; we’ve got no chance.”

In one word; yes. Over the last decade, England have struggled to produce any kind of attacking threat beyond Wazza and when plan Rooney fails, our distinct lack of plan b invariably leads to defeat.

Since the turn of the millennium, England have relied on nine different centre forwards to head their attack in World Cup tournaments. The likes of Darius Vassell, Teddy Sheringham, Peter Crouch and Emile Heskey hardly proved prolific foils for Michael Owen and later Wayne Rooney.

England’s over-reliance on Rooney began at the 2006 World Cup, when the Manchester United man was placed in an oxygen chamber to accelerate his recovery from a metatarsal injury. Partnering him with Michael Owen was the vision of manager Sven-Goran Eriksson before Owen was injured in

the tournament’s final group game, leaving the fate of the nation at the feet of 20 year-old Wayne, a fate he’s yet to escape.

His red card in the Quarter Finals supposedly cost England their place at the tournament, making him an easy scapegoat for our failings. Fast forward to 2010, and again Rooney is the man to take the nation to glory. No goals in four games and England crashed out to a young Germany side.

They now head into this summer’s tournament with the most pessimistic fandom in years, having been handed an unfavourable ‘group of death’.

Daniel Sturridge is having a respectable season at Liverpool, but Andy Carroll’s return from injury might come too late and Jermain Defoe’s move to Canada should end his international prospects.

Rooney is now expected to carry England the same way Cristiano Ronaldo will be expected to carry Portugal and Lionel Messi is expected to do the same for Argentina.

England needs Wayne Rooney to be at his best, because if he’s not; we’ve got no chance. @benrebuck

Jack Wilshere

Steven Gerrard

Jack Wilshere is a technically gifted playmaker with a fire in his belly, and will prove absolutely crucial to Wayne Rooney should England hope to succeed in Brazil. The Arsenal man is already developing a strong relationship with the talismanic striker.

He’s been Liverpool’s most important player for more than a decade, so Steven Gerrard can relate to the burden placed on Wayne Rooney, and at 33 years-old this is likely to be his last World Cup. As captain, Stevie G will use his experience to lead by example and take the pressure off Wazza.

England have been over reliant on Wayne Rooney in the past and certainly the Manchester United man’s influence during qualification can’t be ignored. But where Fabio Capello failed to bridge the gap between our most influential player and the generation that was to follow, Roy Hodgson appears to be getting that balance right.

England fans won’t need reminding that Wazza’s strike partner at the last World Cup was a 32 year-old Emile Heskey, fresh from a five-goal Premier League season in a frontline that will go down as one of the all-time lopsided international attacks. And while relatively untested Andy Carroll, Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez are unlikely to leave international centre-backs shaking in their boots, the form and confidence of Daniel Sturridge offers Rooney his first strike partner in the 11 years since making his debut with the ability to not only take chances, but also make them for his heavily burdened partner.

Taking some of the creative pressure off of Wazza, Roy Hodgson has placed his faith in playmaking midfielders Jack Wilshere, Ross Barkley and Adam Lallana, and while calls for a Gareth Barry recall have some legitimacy, it’s one that the England

“Fabio Capello failed to bridge the gap between our most influential player and the generation that was to follow” manager has so far resisted; instead preferring the kind of dynamic passing players who have gotten the better of our national side in recent years. These midfielders - Jordan Henderson, Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick included - are players who operate on a similar level to our best player, which should finally allow the mercurial 28 year-old to drive England as a creative force, rather than carry it.

There is no doubting the fact that Wayne Rooney will be England’s most important player in Brazil, but he’s been England’s most important player since he was 18, just as Cristiano Ronaldo has been Portugal’s and Lionel Messi has been Argentina’s. But this team is built in his image, with players capable of playing to his best attributes and matching his vision. Are England over-reliant on Rooney? Not any more. @tegosigel

Daniel Sturridge

Adam Lallana

The striker’s blistering start to the season looked threatened by a nine-game injury lay-off, but the former Chelsea man hasn’t let that slow him down. Strurridge is back amongst the goals for Liverpool and, if fit, is surely the man to partner Rooney up top this summer.

One of the biggest revelations of the season so far, Adam Lallana only made his England debut in November but will surely cap his unbelievable rise from the football league to the very top of the game with a place in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad this summer.

/ 32

Off The Pitch:

Jack Rodwell Football players have likes, loves and lives outside of the game, and in our new feature we set-out to discover exactly what it is that gets Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell’s motor running Off The Pitch. Talking golf, Walter White, gaming and more, the England man gave us an up close look at the life of an international star.

Photography JPH

What are you watching on TV at the moment?

At the moment I’d say Breaking Bad is up there with my favourites. I’m into Dexter as well, so I’m just waiting for the final season of that to come out. It was on TV, but I refused to watch it.

Would you say you’re trying to become a little bit more like Walter White?

I think everybody tries to, don’t they? He’s such a great character. I’ve just finished season five part one and I can’t wait. He’s a role model in some ways [laughs]. I’m watching it on DVD, I can’t watch one a week, I have to watch the next episode.

What would we find on your iPod at the moment?

I’m a mixed bag really, I like a lot, but I’ve just started trying to learn the guitar, so a lot of acoustics. I’m starting to read into that a bit more. I’m not learning from any of them, I’m not at that standard, but I like the likes of Eric Clapton and all of these amazing acoustic players. I’m just trying to drip-feed myself into that kind of music.

Do you think your iPod would be embraced in the Manchester City dressing room?

I don’t think they’d appreciate Nirvana or Eric Clapton or anything like that [laughs], but there are a few music tastes in our dressing room to be honest. The music is standard every week. It’s all the new R&B and hip hop so it’s pretty good. I don’t mind listening to that as well.

If you were forced to swap iPods with somebody in the Manchester

City dressing room, whose would you actively avoid?

Kolorov and Dzeko! They always have this Serbian Opera singer and they always sing it on the back of the bus and god knows what they’re singing. I don’t know if it’s Serbian or Italian, but it’s dreadful anyway.

Are you big into gaming?

I like PlayStation; I’m into the new Tiger Woods. [I play] a game of golf now and again, there’s a few nice courses around my house, so with a few friends or my dad or my brother, we’ll have a knockabout.

How much attention do you pay to your clothes?

I’m not one of them who will buy something because of the brand name, or anything like that but obviously you want to look nice; I don’t really stand in the mirror and try to match everything perfectly. Sometimes I’m so lazy I just throw anything on really. Obviously I like the adidas Originals, it’s good to wear casually and if you go to a meal or something, it’s nice to wear the trainers and stuff like that.

Who do you think wears the worst clothes at Manchester City?

Mario Balotelli’s [style] was awful, but he’s gone now. James Milner usually comes in wearing golf gear everyday, so whether that is his actual dress sense or he just pretends to play golf I don’t know.

Jack Rodwell’s adidas Predator boots are available at jdsports.co.uk. @adidasuk #allin

“James Milner usually comes in in golf gear everyday, so whether that is his actual dress sense or he just pretends to play golf I don’t know.”

/ 34

JIIK “I remember Stan Collymore scoring the winner against Newcastle; he killed them right at the end. Steve McManaman in the League Cup final against Bolton, coming in from out wide and side footing it into the bottom left hand corner won it for us so casually.�

Rapper and entrepreneur JIIK reached number one in the charts with Roll Deep and most recently cemented himself as number one in the hearts of trainer lovers across the country with his patented footwear protection spray Crep Protect. Ben Rebuck caught-up with the Liverpool fan to talk football, winning trophies, dropping out of the game and more...

My First Football Memory… it all started in the playground, picking the teams, that person would normally be me. My first game I think was a West Ham one. Being from London a load of my mates were Hammers fans so I’d just go with them.

I don’t remember who it was against but I just went because I liked football, not because I was supporting any of the teams [laughs].

My First Time Feeling Like a Liverpool Fan… I think the first time I felt like a fan was the reason I am a fan, all because of my uncles supporting Liverpool and mainly because of John Barnes. He made me feel like I was Liverpool because he was one of the first black players at that time.

My First World Cup… that would be USA 94.

I remember that. Ireland were in it. Romania did well, they sprung up them times. A lot of Romanians’ values went up and they came to England after that. They had dangerous players. It was super hot as well, players were struggling out there. Americans jazz-up everything, so it was good to see them have it.

My First Team… that was Juver. We were sick! I was nang! Juver boys, we were good. A local team.

I lost a lot of weight in that team; I was a little fatty but I was good at football so it tuned me up. I went on to play for Leyton Orient, I captained the district; I was always captain. [Juver] were my first team though.

My First Trophy… I think it was at the Tooting and Mitcham youth team. I scored the winner... OMG I forgot how nang I am [laughs]. I scored a header right at the end of a game, I can’t remember who against, but some south London semi-pro team, then I scored the winner.

My First Disappointment… was at Leyton Orient when I broke my collarbone. It was right before signing the papers. I was there for a while, then after breaking my collarbone I didn’t go back. I’ve always felt let down by them because of that; I kind of gave up football afterwards.

My First Memories of Music and Football Colliding… definitely the John Barnes rap. I remember it and didn’t know what was going on with it to be honest.

Three Lions is another one. I’ve seen on YouTube that loads of footballers used to do tracks back in the day, they need to leave that well alone these days [Laughs]. Daniel Sturridge MCs though. I’ve heard about it, but I don’t know what they’re making in the studio. Stick to scoring the goals [laughs].

JIIK’s patent footwear protection spray Crep Protect is available at JD and crepprotect.com

“I scored the winner... oh my god I forgot how nang I am [laughs].

I scored a header right at the end of a game,”

/ 36

Driving Force:

Adam Lallana There’s something about Southampton. It’s undeniable. The Hampshire club’s Academy system is the envy of the world and has produced a slew of genuine world-beaters that have gone on to make their names at the very top of the game.

Joining that elite cast of international stars last year was Adam Lallana, who became the first homegrown player to make his England debut while playing for the club since Matthew Le Tissier way back in 1995. Speaking at the launch of the new PUMA evoSPEED, we talked staying behind, Denzel Washington and taking his chance with England…

“Looking at James Ward-Prowse, Luke Shaw, Calum Chambers. It must be something to do with the infrastructure.”

Did you ever look at Alex OxladeChamberlain, Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott and wonder what it was they were doing that you weren’t or were you inspired by their success?

It was all inspiration! They had the X-Factor at such a young age, you just knew that they had the talent to go and play at a higher level. Whereas for people like me and maybe Morgan [Schneiderlin] it took that little bit longer, and I think we’ve grown with the club and it’s nice to be playing against the Walcotts and the Chamberlains, now that we’ve kind of caught them back-up. It’s something we’re all really proud of.

What is different about Southampton?

How do you keep producing these players?

I don’t know, but they just keep coming.

Looking at James Ward-Prowse, Luke Shaw, Calum Chambers; it must be something to do with the infrastructure [and] recruitment side of it. You get these talented young players, you must be doing something right in terms of coaching and the way we bring our players through.

Southampton products all seem quite humble, but driven too, is that something you’re taught coming through the system?

Yeah, and I think we instill that in ourselves. In the first team at the minute we’ve got such a good group of lads that are level headed like Rickie Lambert, Jay

Rodriguez, Morgan Schneiderlin [and] Jack Cork who are all just good guys that are not so-called ‘big time’. They just want to come into work, work hard, earn their trade and do well. With a manager that demands for us to work hard, I think it’s a good balance that we’ve got and the young lads obviously see us playing like we play, and with the attitude that we play with, and they look up to us.

Being a one-club man, what were the big differences you noticed when you first stepped into the England changing room?

Obviously there are some big, big players and big names and they just have these auras around them that you can be taken aback by. But it’s important that you don’t get star-struck by that because you’re playing in the same team and training alongside them, so I think it’s important to act yourself and the sooner I did that, the more relaxed I felt. Whereas at the club you obviously feel like that every day.

You’re part of that England team now, what was it like winning that cap and what are your ambitions as an England player?

It was a really proud moment for myself and my family and obviously the club with there being three of us in the squad. I just want to keep working hard at my club and keep winning and we’ll see where we are at the end of the season. Obviously there’s a World Cup and I think everybody wants to do their best and try to get into the squad.

Adam Lallana wears the ultra-light PUMA evoSPEED 1.2 football boot, available now from PUMA.com. Head to PUMAFootballClub.com to conquer unique challenges and get closer than ever to PUMA players.

STYLE

Photography Jon Attenborough Photography Assistant Tom North Stylist Sophie Robinson Grooming Shreya Patel Models George @models1 Chuck @premiermodels

CUT ABOVE

George wears Creative Recreation hoodie scottsmenswear.com Duck and Cover long sleeve crew neck duckandcover.co.uk Antony Morato silver running shorts morato.ie Nike Air Max 90s jdsports.co.uk

Opposite: George wears Duck and Cover Parka duckandcover.co.uk EA7 T shirt & track suit scottsmenswear.com K-Swiss Classic II kswiss.co.uk

Above: Chuck wears Weekend Offender jacket weekendoffender.co.uk G-Star Raw netted jacket g-star.com Repton Boys Club T shirt repton1884.com Native Youth sports luxe shorts nativeyouth.com Antony Morato trainers morato.ie

Above: Chuck wears Repton Boys Club logo hoodie repton1884.com Native Youth sports luxe vest nativeyouth.com

Above: George wears BBC Black vest bbcicecream.com Luke opportunity jog pants luke1977.com Gourmet 35 Lite LX trainers gourmetfootwear.com Chuck as seen on page 4

Chuck wears PXL 0207 T shirt pxlclothing.com

Opposite: George wears Supply & Demand T shirt and vest jdsports.co.uk Native Youth sports luxe track pants nativeyouth.com adidas Stan Smiths adidas.co.uk

Above: George wears Supply & Demand jersey jdsports.co.uk Luke quilted sweatshirt luke1977.co.uk Creative Recreation track pants scottsmenswear.com Nike Air Max jdsports.co.uk

Above: Chuck wears Alpha Industries MA-1 flight jacket selfridges.com Elvine hoodie elvine.se Champion Trackpants championstore.com Kickers Kick Hi boots kickers.co.uk

Opposite: Chuck wears Samsoe & Samsoe shirt samsoe.com Luke long sleeve top luke1977.com G-Star Raw jeans g-star.com Pointer boots pointerfootwear.com

TRAPSTAR / 50

THE BRAND BEHIND THE MASK From humble (and admittedly selfish) beginnings to a recognisable brand on a global scale, Trapstar has defied the odds and what was once meant to be a secret, is now well and truly out. Initially known for their logo adorned beanies, snapbacks, tees and sweats, Trapstar, co-founded by Mikey, Will and Lee refused to be boxed in and began creating concept pieces for their ever growing client list, alongside pop-up shops or as they called them invasions across the country. Music has played a big part in the presence of the brand too, having showcased everyone from A$AP Rocky to Nipsey Hussle, way ahead of the rest of the game. 2013 saw Trapstar become a mentor for vitaminwater, showcase a capsule collection in Selfridges and let’s not forget the power move of becoming an official partner of Roc Nation. As far as 2014 is concerned, Mikey breaks it down simply as, “there’s gonna be quite a few game changers.”

Words Nardene Scott Photography JPH

“I thought my first collection of tees was the best ever when I was wearing them, but then I look back and think I was slightly gassed,” Mikey begins, trailing back the journey of the brand, which really began as a reaction to the generic streetwear scene. “The vision first started on a selfish aspect of making exclusive clothes for ourselves and our peers, on the basis that we wasn’t really happy with what was out there. So we were forced into starting something for ourselves and not for financial gain.”

Like most upstarts, the name circulated via word of mouth and soon deliveries out the back of the car via bespoke pizza boxes were all over west London and in serious demand. “The monumental stage of the brand is when we got our first queue around the block in 2009 at 1948 London. It was the same time that the Yeezy’s first dropped, so there was a queue for them and then a Trapstar queue; we’re no Yeezy’s, especially at that time, so it was like, whoa people do actually care. It touches you.”

It made sense in 2010, after a string of successful invasions, to take up more permanent holdings in Shepherds Bush Arcade; still a small space in comparison to their fan base, the team have never compromised their premium and limited ethos, constantly reflecting the reason why they started the brand in the first place. “Before then, there was hardly any profit, it was just passion that was driving us; the >

“We didn’t want any celebrities wearing the clothes at a stage because we come from a background where it’s against that.

At that time this new wave of fashion sense was non existent.”

> selfish want of just being fresh… Every year, every little thing was a sign of progress,” Lee explains.

A$AP Rocky donning the concept bullet proof vest, Rita Ora and Cara Delevingne rocking the logo beanies to death, Rihanna styling up pretty much the whole collection and now Jay Z casually spotted in the White Noise Irongate sweater have all done wonders in terms of publicity but don’t start thinking there’s some type of massive marketing machine behind Trapstar. “We never really interacted with people on the co-sign thing,” Mikey starts to break it all down, “we didn’t want any celebrities wearing the clothes at the stage because we come from a background where it’s against that. At that time this new wave of fashion sense was non existent.”

Instead they took it as pure flattery; it seemed like more than UK fashion fiends felt like ‘trapped stars,’ which is where the brand’s name originated.

As the trio will tell you, they were fashion fiends before they were fashion hustlers, always riding a wave that was yet to land anywhere near your aver-

age style obsessives. “We started wearing skinny jeans and Jordans in ‘05 and people were like, ‘What are those space shoes and tight arse jeans?’”

So it’s no surprise they found an affinity with Rihanna, who felt no way about busting a beanie and tee with her Louboutins. “When a celebrity or someone with a bit more influence is on the same wave as you, you warm to them anyway,” Will confirms. It’s hard in this cynical age to think such things can be organic but they swear it’s simply a meeting a minds, “we wouldn’t go for someone with a million Instagram hits, it’s about being part of the same culture. Everyone we mess with has that same non-conforming mentality.”

That has been noticed throughout the fashion scene too, beyond the streetwear enthusiasts and also by the likes of Selfridges who invited Trapstar into the contemporary menswear section to showcase their 18-piece capsule collection in December 2013; just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to spreading the word of Trapstar.

“We want to branch out over the US and get our

“The monumental stage of the brand is when we got our first queue around the block in 2009 at 1948 London. It was the same time that the Yeezy’s first dropped, so there was a queue for them and then a Trapstar queue; we’re no Yeezy’s, especially at that time, so it was like, whoa people do actually care. It touches you.”

names out there properly, they believe in the message of the brand and we’ve got the same aesthetics as they do.” Refusing to provide specifics on their American exploits – “The things we’ve done [in 2013] wouldn’t hit as much if we started bragging about them before they happened” – you’ll just have to consider that with the power of the Roc behind them, there’s no doubt it’s bound to take flight stateside. What they will allow us to take heed of though are their plans for more invasions, hopefully more shops and the big move into womenswear.

Feeling understandably positive about the steps they’re taking in 2014, nothing will faze Trapstar.

“You’re gonna see the brand have a more international presence. We came from not being allowed in any store to taking it to America so we can’t say it’s a challenge; what’s a challenge?

The industry has hardened us so much so it’s a pleasure, not a challenge.”

Make sure you keep an eye on iamtrapstar.com and follow the journey on @trapstarlondon

JOEL KINNAMAN / 54

HARDER FASTER STRONGER Swedish actor Joel Kinnaman made an impact playing detective Stephen Holder in the US version of the The Killing but his upcoming role of Robocop is definitely a leap out of his comfort zone. RWD talks to the humble Hollywood star about catching jokes with Gary Oldman, doing his own stunts, making Michael Keaton jealous and staying off social networks.

How does it feel now the Robocop machine is in full effect?

It’s exciting I’ve never been part of a project that gets this much attention before it’s even out, I’m very proud. I’m excited to get to show it to people.

When it comes to remakes people are always sceptical, how did you find approaching the role?

(Laughs) With some people, I think you’re never gonna win. If it’s not exactly like the original then some people are gonna get pi**ed, if it’s like the original people are gonna get pi**ed. I think you’ve got to look at it like, if you’re gonna do a remake or what we’re doing which is more of a reboot. We sort of take the concept of the story and then build something completely new around it; it’s something that you do in theatre all the time. You have a new

“I think you’re never gonna win. If it’s not exactly like the original then some people are gonna get pi**ed, if it’s like the original people are gonna get pi**ed… In 1987 it was just some kind of science fiction idea, now it’s very close to reality”

idea that fits into that story and then you use that story as a vessel to talk about these new ideas and that’s what we’ve done.

What was it like being on set because this cast list is crazy? Was there more pressure working with the likes of Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton and Samuel L Jackson?

When you work with great actors, it’s so much easier and it’s so much more fun because you don’t have to work through anyone’s bullsh*t. Like working with Gary Oldman every day, every scene, every take he’s gonna be real. When he looks at you you’re gonna feel like it’s not Gary looking at you, it’s Dr Norton.

Out of all of these great actors, Gary was the one that we got to work with the most and he’s a brilliant brilliant actor and he’s a lot of fun, he’s a fun guy.

He’s been around for a while he must have told you some crazy stories?

Yeah, yeah, he definitely got some stories but none that I can talk about here (laughs).

Did Michael Keaton give you any tips having played Batman all those years ago?

He didn’t give me any tips but he was giving me sh*t for complaining. ‘Back in my day they had to glue my sh*t on’ [Keaton]? I had this suit that was so hot and it was also hot outside, so underneath this suit I had a cooling vest, it’s the same thing that race car drivers have and it cools you down.

Michael was really disappointed to see that, he was like, ‘What the f**k is that? That’s some woosie sh*t, we never had that in my day, we just had to ride it out’. >

SPEAKER’S CORNER / 56

“Underneath this suit I had a cooling vest, it’s the same thing that race car drivers have and it cools you down. Michael [Keaton] was really disappointed to see that. He was like, ‘What the f**k is that? That’s some woosie sh*t, we never had that in my day’”

< Would you say that this role has been more of a risk for you compared to your previous roles?

I don’t really see it that way, I guess it’s just some kind of risk to do a big movie but that’s also my goal anyway. I want to have prominent roles in big films. For me, it’s always a combination of the part, the director and the script and here; I found all three.

What’s the deal with social networks? Why did you decide to leave?

I don’t see the reason why I should be on there. I think that the less people know about you, the easier it is to suspend the disbelief when they see you in a movie.

What are your favourite memories from being on the set of Robocop? Or lines from the film, I’m guessing you didn’t have to do a lot of the stunts?

Well, I had to do most of the stunts actually, I mean the stunt guys did a lot of course too because there was always two units working simultaneously. As soon as I was done on main unit, when I thought I was going to get an afternoon off, then they’d ship me off to second unit and I’d do all the stunts that I could do, so it was constant. It was a long shoot, five months long, six days a week, 14 hours a day.

What sort of stunts did you have to do?

Oh, you know it could be anything from riding a bike to fight scenes or running around shooting. I think my favourite moment was a scene where the new Robocop got introduced, they had this massive place called The Hearn. It’s this power plant where everything was ripped out, it’s got concrete and rubble everywhere and all these wires hanging down; it’s three football fields deep and two football fields wide. Just this massive post-apocalyptic place and they had me step out of this military vehicle and I walk up to Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Jennifer Ehle and exchange a few words and then I walk into The Hearn. There are stunts positioned all over this massive place and we have this whole choreography and that was pretty cool man. At that time I was pretty blessed to be a part of this.

Robocop is in cinemas nationwide 7 February.

SUPPLY & DEMAND / 58

SET THE SCENE Since catapulting themselves onto the UK streetwear scene last year, Supply & Demand have been working closely with emerging artists in underground music. Their latest project sees the rising brand team up with grime and rap artists from across the country to create music videos for artists Brotherhood, Yungen, Benny Banks, Blizzard and Fekky for songs as voted for by you. Vote for your favourite tunes via blog.jdsports.co.uk.

The winning tracks will also feature on the forthcoming RWD About To Blow album alongside some of the hottest names in the UK released 31 March through Sony Music.

Photography Jon Attenborough Styling Sophie Robinson Grooming Jodie Hyams

Benny Banks Since breaking his short silence with his Pound Cake Freestyle, it seems as though Benny Banks never left, and with more mature sounds on the way, his first headline show and of course videos; he’s back in a big way.

What have you been cooking up in the studio recently?

Loads of things! I’ve got a tune with Little Nikki... I wouldn’t say it’s a festival vibe but it’s got a little bass in it, still.

It’s a bit more polite than Bada Bing, because Bada Bing was proper gritty.

I’ve grown up [and] with all honesty I’ve had to control my ego, shall I say.

You’ll be wearing Supply & Demand in the music video, what do you think of the new range?

It’s nice! I think it’s like that A$AP Rocky sort of crowd. The Mac Miller, cool kid kind of stuff, very trendy.

What’s the plan for 2014?

I’ve got the gig this month with new music out after Easter. I didn’t think [the fans] were going to be as excited as they are, but tickets are selling and people are travelling from out of London. Being back on stage is nerve wracking and it’s my first headline show.

Vote for Supply & Demand to produce a video for either I Won’t Come Back or See Me Now by @mrbennybanks via blog.jdsports.co.uk.

All artists are wearing Supply & Demand, which is available exclusively at jdsports.co.uk and BANKfashion.co.uk

Fekky Swinging off the back of a great 2013, one that saw Fekky deliver a reload worthy ‘Fire In The Booth’ on Charlie Sloth’s BBC Radio 1Xtra show, as well as support industry heavyweight Wiley on his UK tour (two of the South London rapper’s self professed highlights); his 2014 looks to be just as exciting.

What was your highlight of 2013 and what have you got coming up next?

I think I left 2013 in a good place. Before UK rap there was a lot of grime. Rap was taken a bit too seriously before, so I think that’s why it couldn’t get out to the masses because not everyone’s just angry. My music was a lot more ‘have fun, jump up and down and go crazy.’ I have a track with Dizzee Rascal, that’s going to start off the year with a bang and I’ve got a mixtape, I’m doing as well.

Talk us through exclusive track Presidential which is one of the tracks you have put forward for the Supply & Demand video competition?

Presidential is a song for the ladies. I felt it was a good option because my music, even though the ladies love it, I haven’t really actually dedicated anything to [the ladies] before. I write visually – that’s one thing I do a lot. When I’m writing I can actually see a video or myself on stage or me going up to a girl and singing it to her personally… I want the video to have more of a natural feel to it.

Vote for Supply & Demand to produce a video for Presidential or Winner by @OfficialFekky via blog.jdsports.co.uk.

SUPPLY & DEMAND / 60 Yungen This Play Dirty rapper has been teasing the underground for a few years now, and 2013 saw the release of not one but two successful mixtapes and a few notable national radio spins, culminating in a support slot on the Naughty Boy tour. It’s safe to say Yungen is stepping things up in 2014.

How important are videos to an underground artist?

I really like videos that paint the picture of the track.

I think videos that have a strong story line behind them are amazing. I think in this generation of underground artists, videos are the most important thing. YouTube is so powerful; anyone can make a track, shoot a video and put it up. Back in the day, it was hard because you only would really see videos on TV. Vote for Supply & Demand to produce a video for either I’ll Be Back or Do You Like That by @YungenPlayDirty via blog.jdsports.co.uk.

VOTE NOW! Brotherhood, Benny Banks, Blizzard, Fekky and Yungen have put two songs each up for public vote, with you guys deciding which track will have a video produced by Supply & Demand.

Stay tuned to the social media channels of each artist as they call on your help with @BrotherhoodUK offering Yano and Younger for the vote, @YungenPlayDirty asking you to decide between I’ll Be Back and Do You Like That, @iamblizzard wanting votes for Rebel or When You See Me, @mrbennybanks getting a visual for I Won’t Come Back or See Me Now and @OfficialFekky offering up Presidential and Winner. You can cast your vote at blog.jdsports.co.uk.

Blizzard

Brotherhood

Fresh from battling on Lord Of The Mics V and bagging co-signs from Skream to Example, the multi talented Blizzard is busy making trips down to the Big Smoke from his native Manchester, prepping new music and setting-up for what’s undoubtedly going to be a big year for the overly energetic one.

Brotherhood aka Menace and Blaze hail from Ipswich, but that doesn’t mean they’re not plugged into the underground scene.

Touring with Wiley and working closely with Maxsta and Dot Rotten, the real-life brothers have been embraced by grime and rap fans and are intent on not being boxed into any genre, so don’t expect their sound to stay underground.

It’s been a busy few weeks for you especially with your LOTM battle being released.

Yeah it’s actually mental. It’s hard to put into perspective because three years ago I was watching it with my friends and the were like, ‘You’ll get on there one day’ and I was like, ‘Ha ha ha in my dreams baby.’ It was tough. I think it went well for both of us, I think we both did ourselves proud. As long as people want to watch it again and show their friends, that’s something we’ve done right.

Vote for Supply & Demand to produce a video for either Rebel or When You See Me by @iamblizzard via blog.jdsports.co.uk.

What has 2014 got in store for Brotherhood?

I always say anything can happen tomorrow; even the call for this project just came out of nowhere, so anything is around the corner. It’s not even like we’re looking to get signed, we just want to build the fan base. At the minute we do everything ourselves.

Vote for Supply & Demand to produce a video for either Yano or Younger by @BrotherhoodUK via blog.jdsports.co.uk. Plus look out for single Bloopers released 1 March.

UNWIND

COMIC WAR

X-MEN VS GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY / 64

X-MEN VS GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

BY FUNNY TUMMY Being the comic book fan I am, 2014 is set to be a great year as it will see the release of two team based Marvel movies in the form of X-Men: Days of Futures Past and Guardians of the Galaxy both based on comics of the same name. But which franchise is better? Who has the better leader, Cyclops of the mutant band X-Men, or Star-Lord of the cosmic based Guardians? Which team is more powerful? I’ll be pitching X-Men, (a franchise that spans seven movies and decades of comics) against the lesser known Guardians of the Galaxy (with one movie and less than half the amount of comics of X-Men) to try and find out.

Words/ illustrations Funny Tummy

Wolverine / Cyclops Scott Summers aka Cyclops adopts leadership of the X-Men, which was appointed by Professor X. But he is constantly contested by Wolverine, as Cyclops, who is also famous for his Optic-Blast, is known for his erratic behavior including radical ideologies, and disloyalty. His most offensive acts include the murder of father-figure Professor X.

Vs Winner : Star-Lord

“An entire childhood of being ostracised later became the catalyst for Thanos’ attraction to the physical embodiment of death”

Star-Lord Peter Quill aka Star-Lord leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy, is the polaropposite of Cyclops. NASA astronaut Peter Quill found himself in outer space, positioned locally to the alien race responsible for murdering his mother. With revenge as his motive, he enlisted telepath Mantis to help form his team. Star-Lord is skilled, tactical and liked by his peers.

X-Men The X-Men roster has Wolverine as the near indestructible, arrogant, selfhealing lone wolf. Telepathic founder Professor X, one of the most powerful mutants in The Marvel Universe.

There’s Cyclops, who we’ve already covered. There’s the mutant many consider second in command, African master of weather Storm and lastly there’s gymnast come boffin Beast.

Magneto Magneto has been apart of the X-Men Universe from day dot. With his ability to control all things metal, giving him the potential to kill all foes with any number of large metal objects (cars, buses, the complete O2 arena).

Long story short if you have metal around you, or on you, or even in you, Magneto has the advantage.

Vs Winner : X-Men

Vs Winner : Thanos

Guardians of the Galaxy Guardians of the Galaxy boast Drax the Destroyer who was transferred into an alien body post death and makes use of his green hands to emit blasts into cosmic enemies. Deadliest woman in the universe Gamora with her increased strength, agility and healing factor. Living tree Groot who can increase or decrease in size and witty gun specialist Rocket Racoon.

Thanos Thanos was born on Saturn’s moon, child to Sui-San and Eternals Mentor.

Sporting the appearance of a blue monster (due to a gene defect) Thanos was outcast. An entire childhood of being ostracised later became the catalyst for Thanos’ attraction to the physical embodiment of death, even going all out and murdering his own family to gain death’s affection.

SPEAKER’S CORNER / 66

SIAN VS FOOD Founder of PR, Consultancy and Project Management company SighTracked, Marketing Manager at Atlantic Records and currently holding down the weekend shift at BBC Radio 1Xtra, Sian Anderson somehow found time this month to join the celebs in going vegan - or at least attempting to as she considered that maybe; just maybe, ‘Anything Bey can do I can do better’.

I’ve never been the type of person whose aspirations in life were to be Beyoncé and/or Jay Z. In fact, I pride myself dearly on not having so much money I don’t know what to do with, a constant spotlight shone on my life, a baby and the ability to have a super buff body again literally seconds after having a baby.

You know what they say, mo’ money mo’ problems, yet two months after turning 23 my financial situation was cool, there was no blinding spotlight clouding my view during my daily route to work, I was very un-pregnant and thanks to the result of a soup diet during an eight day stint of the good old flu; my tummy wasn’t looking too bad either. Things were great and yet somehow, SOMEHOW I was caught in the Bey-hive, trapped by her Bey-haviour when I stumbled upon a picture on Instagram of Beyoncé’s 22-day Vegan challenge.

At first I thought nothing of it, I have vegan friends and I don’t understand fully how they can function without steak… and chicken… and silk. Two weeks later I started having really weird allergies. I’m already allergic to dairy so I took wheat out of my diet too as part of my doctor’s orders. It was a real struggle and being unable to eat what I liked was making me unhappy, this – coupled with Beyoncé’s

daily Instagram updates and daily dinners with my vegan friend were planting the vegan-seed in my mind and before you knew it, Beyoncé and Jay Z had finished their vegan challenge and posted pictures of them online looking fabulous next to all of the food they’d eaten. They looked stunning, the food looked stunning and I crumbled. I wanted to be Beyoncé and Jay Z. And so it began, one Sunday morning the decision was made, ‘Anything Bey can do I can do better’. Why not turn this inability to eat what I like, into a task, a challenge?

And honestly, day one was fine. I had a wheat free houmous, avocado and cucumber sandwich for breakfast and used the remaining avocado and cucumber to have a lunch coupled with baked potato and sweetcorn. Dinner was tomato and lentil soup and all I had to drink was water, all was well in the world but I had to buy all of the ingredients separately which was a bit of a pain.

Day two wasn’t as great. I was late for work, there was no time in the morning to buy any breakfast ingredients, so by about 1pm I was starving and my brain wasn’t functioning well enough for me to want

to think this hard about what to eat. I’d committed to this challenge and was going to do it but I admit I took the easy route here and went to a restaurant for lunch where I was served a very vegan meal of courgettes with cashew nuts and rice. It was delicious and I really felt pumped up about this challenge again. That night I went home for dinner, my mum had cooked a roast dinner with all of the trimmings and the freezer was full of fish fingers and burgers. I had to settle with red peppers, carrots and sweetcorn salad, those three things don’t even match for a salad in my opinion, it was a disaster. I went to bed miserable, hungry and unfulfilled.

Day three pretty much followed suit with a chickpea and falafel wrap that tasted awful and by day four I was in complete despair. I sat down with my vegan pal to discuss and her reaction was numbingly obvious. I should never have gone through with this without careful planning. ‘You can’t just be a vegan’ she said, ‘you have to really structure it and pre-plan your eating habits; it’s not as simple as just quitting meat’. This conversation happened at Nando’s, whilst I was tucking into a quarter chicken medium with ratatouille and a side salad – I’d failed my challenge on day four!

“That night my mum had cooked a roast dinner with all of the trimmings and the freezer was full of fish fingers and burgers, I had to settle with red peppers, carrots and sweetcorn salad. I went to bed miserable, hungry and unfulfilled.”

All is not lost in the world though; I’ll be taking another pop at it after preparing myself (properly) for the task at hand. I (obviously) have a newfound respect for vegans – it’s hard out here.

Catch @siananderson on air on BBC Radio 1 on 8 March 9-11pm or on BBC Radio 1Xtra 15-16 March at 1-4pm. Check sightracked.co.uk to find out how Sian got on.