with the cover star; Professor Green tells us about growing up in the eye of the media, debates his adult status and dissects his impending LP. Meanwhile, Kieran Yates talks #WGAF, Jamie Howard gets to the ‘bottom’ of Twerking, Birmingham based house DJ/producer Hannah Wants fully justifies her new About to Blow title, and the crazy cool creative, who goes by the name Adian Coker, fronts #READYFORANYTHING. Now the sun is finally out we take a look at the latest styles that will keep you looking cool in the heat. Meanwhile, resident Streetwear Blogger, Basil Burley, kicks off a Nike Air Jordan debate.
Editor’s Letter I’m back. Back from planet #JustMarried and… [Nina Simone voice] it feels good. Before I start quoting from Jay and ‘Ye’s New Day, on behalf of the team, thanks for all of your comments, ‘Likes’ and general thumbs up for the new redesign. It gives us great pleasure in the fact that so many of you noticed the switch-up and went out of your way to let us know. Also, a massive well done to Nardene and the team for holding the fort; your diligence has been noted. Continuing where #137 left off, we’ve once again crammed in a whole host of goodness. Starting
With an exclusive from new brand Supply & Demand, who team up with some of the UK’s finest underground talents, to showcase their new styles and an outro from Twin B – who investigates an app-inspired future for music – we have so much on these pages and on RWDmag.com that we’ll soon start sending out invoices.
P.S. – Seriously, what’s your address, that invoice is coming.
Contributors
RWD Team Creative Director Editor Deputy Editor Contributing Editor Digital Editor Contributors
@PXLpics @dannywalker1 @nardenescott @chantellefiddy @tegosigel Alex Johnson, Jerry Gadiano, Andres Albert, Ben Rebuck, Kieran Yates, Twin B, Jamie Howard Basil Burley, Joseph “JP” Patterson, Alya Mooro, Semtex
Designer Fashion Editor Stylists
Sam Hardy Sophie Robinson, Janine Jauvel, Violetta Thalia, Neesha Sharma Art Jaz, Funny Tummy, Jiro Bevis, David Flanagan, Lucas Jubb, Rachel Goslin, Matt Glasby Andres Reynega, James PH Response London, Adrian Nettleship, Jon Attenborurgh, Ravi Sidhu, Sam Bond, Pharaoh
Illustrators
Photographers
Video
Greg Bond, Felix Kemp
Publisher Commercial Dir. Senior Sales Sales Exec. Brand Relations Operations Thanks
Nigel Wells Paul LeFevre Matthew Richards Joe Waller Hattie Collins Martin Ferguson Bob Austin
Contact RWD RWD 4th Floor 60-62 Commercial Street Greater London E1 6LT Tel: 020 3176 4299 staff@RWDmag.com @RWDmag
Jamie Howard
Kieran Yates
Twin B
In a word, I’m... alive You’ll normally find me... at home moaning about things, or on the tube taking pictures of people sleeping This issue… I’m telling you why girls, (and guys), need to stop twerking I’m all about... quoting Jay-Z I’m so over... Instavids Stalk me via... @jamiehowardhaha
In a word, I’m... an eye-roller You’ll normally find me... dancing (when I should be writing) This issue… I looked at the rap world, and prompted you all to say #WGAF I’m all about... actually listening to an album before I tweet about how great it is Stalk me via... @kieran_yates
In a word, I’m... calmish You’ll normally find me... everywhere (I have a Twin so we split life in two) This issue… I’ve worked hard on Speaker’s Corner (see back page) figuring out where we go after Samsung and JayZ’s Magna Carta... deal I’m so over... Twitter (I’m lying) Stalk me via... @TwinB
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 #138 Features 38-43 44-49 50-51 52-53 54-55 58-59 64
Cover Story: Professor Green Supply & Demand Air Jordans Evian Christ Show N Prove Beach Break Live, SW4, Hideout A.M. Sniper
Regulars 6 8-9 10-14 16 18-19
Inbox @RWDmag Instagram Check-In Check Out Enough Already: Twerking #Readyforanything: Adian Coker, Daniel Berton, Chunky 20-21 About To Blow: Hannah Wants 56-57 Reviews 66-67 Speaker’s Corner
Style Guide 23-35 Fair Play 36-37 Street Cast
Roo wears Dope varsity jacket threadsaddiction.com Brookehaven T-shirt jdsports.co.uk Brookehaven Trafalgar short jdsports.co.uk
INBOX / 6
#WGAF In a month when crazy sh*t goes down, which is pretty much every one right now, there is no better place to mull over it than #WGAF. This new section, this month edited by word wizard and co-author of Generation Vexed @Kieran_Yates, sorts the fresh from the not so DJ Fresh…
Meek Mill Inspires Kieran Yates to Investigate Context’s Etiquette Game
Meek Mill has been ordered by a judge to take etiquette lessons, due to his “irresponsible use of social media” Not sure what learning about where and when it’s appropriate to blow your nose will do to rehabilitate him, but I guess that’s why I’m not a judge.
DJ Fresh, such an innovator when it comes to beats, but gets it embarrassingly wrong in the field of fashion. When we saw that studded ‘graffitied’ leather jacket, from the teen girl’s section of Topshop we had to take a minute to shake our heads. Swag that is as fresh as a three day-old cheese sandwich left in your dirty schoolbag.
Flava Flav was a no-show at the Public Enemy performance at Glastonbury. What the eff? No Flav?! What is ‘Fight The Power’ without the addition of the giant-clock-wielding original hip hop eccentric?! Stop doing reality shows/ opening failing chicken restaurants and come back to PE please, Flav.
Britney really has her finger on the pulse, eh? First she made the dubstep scene’s balls shrivel with Hold It Against Me and now she’s asking Miley for lessons on how to Twerk on Twitter. Oh BBZ, just sit down. #RIPTWERKTEAM.
Caption Contest
“I said get tickets for the shirtless festival fool”
In our second ever caption contest, we took one of our best snaps from Wireless Festival and let you decide the narrative. Winner @ runtom1984 went in, and let Big Narstie and Ricky & Melvin know exactly what he thinks about their topless tomfoolery. For his snappy wit, he’s rewarded with this Scuba Multi-dial from Superdry.com (worth £99.99).
So Meek Mill is off to etiquette classes this month, and it got us thinking about how well a UK act would fare? We see if Context is a gentlemen… 1. Do you chew gum? Yeah standard. It’s the busy man’s toothbrush sometimes. Never that mouth open chew though; you look like you have an attitude problem! 2. Do you own a handkerchief? I actually don’t. I remember seeing my Granddad produce one from his sleeve and cake it in snot, and then put it back up his sleeve! A snotty sleeve?! Nah, I’ll use loo roll, thanks. 3. When eating soup how do you use a spoon? a) Stick the spoon in and pull it towards you. b) Forget the spoon - just pick up the bowl and slurp. C) Delicately spoon away from you. I’ve genuinely never eaten soup. Except once when I dipped bread into it. I’m pretty sure it’s c though. 4. Why should you pat your lips with a napkin before drinking a beverage? a) To avoid leaving a spot on the side of the glass. b) So your lips will look plump. c) To prevent crumbs from falling into your beverage. Must be c. 5. True or False - ‘It’s OK to laugh if someone farts, burps or trips’ I’m sure the ‘etiquette teacher’ says false. But I’ll fail if it means I can laugh at a decent fart. Or go ‘WAHAY’ when someone trips! VERDICT: So close, but this gum-chewing fartlaugher is no gentleman. Context’s Small Town Lad Sentiments is available to download now in iTunes, and the official Mike Skinner remix is available on contextmc.co.uk
@RWDMAG INSTAGRAM / 8
CHECK-IN CHECK OUT / 10
CHECK -IN CHECK OUT Shake, Shake, Shake With Diplo-produced Trampoline setting the pace, Tinie’s second LP promises to be ‘big, bold and bouncy...’ Check out... Tinie Tempah jumping on the cover of Trampoline, inspired by The Dark Knight and all things premium, his new direction has got everyone talking. Make sure you stay locked to RWD and RWDmag.com for much more on Demonstration. In the meantime check tinietempah.com
Just Do It
Scottsland
Up to Scale
Witness a Livin’ legend at XOYO.
Jeremy Scott is back for AW13.
Check-in… at XOYO on 24 August as Livin’ Proof grab one of hip hop’s finest, Just Blaze to attack the decks. Blaze known for many a banger [Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, etc.] and recently his decent foray into house and touring with Brooklyn newbie Baauer; he is truly in a class of his own. Tickets start at £12.50, so get to xoyo.co.uk quick
Check out… the latest from the long standing collab between Jeremy Scott and adidas Originals. Now in its 10th year, the partnership always brings a unique perspective on fashion to the table. One of the key items has to be this monochrome sweatshirt, with cube appeal, which sports that iconic adidas trefoil logo. Pick up yours at adidas.co.uk
Your favourite rapper’s favourite streetwear brand, Black Scale, drop some weighty pieces... Check out… the new range from Black Scale. There’s no surprise rappers are rocking this brand, their threads are on-point. In particular the ‘Severus’ Crewneck Sweater, with its black-on-black rose print design, it will help you achieve all black everything. £110, threadsaddiction.com
RWD Check-Ins
Zooma Frame
Ink About It
As you know Samsung have released about 23 versions of the new Galaxy S4, the craziest being the new S4 Zoom.
Keep those tats looking fresh with Forever Ink…
Check out... the latest addition to the S-gang. Although, it looks like they’ve stuck an S4 and a camera together, on closer inspection, Samsung’s nifty craftsmanship meets an impressive 16MP BSI CMOS Sensor (with x10 Optical Zoom) cam. Now that is smart. For yours check samsung.com/uk
Check out… the end of applying nappy rash cream to your new ink. Forever Ink’s new products are targeted at the tattooed among us and aim to heal, then protect that regrettable camel tattoo you just got on your big toe. With a balm for the aftercare and a shield for sun protection, your sleeve will be looking slick for years to come. Check tattooguardian.com
PUMA Honey Badger Launch Damn this Professor Green and his smart idea of serving Tequila based cocktails and vodka ice poles at his clothing launch. Sick tunes, decent weather and full of celebs. It was in east too so obviously our kind of party.
Parklife Weekender It was actually hot in Manchester, like, arms peeling for days after, kinda hot. In short the house tents went all the way off and of course Ram Jam stage was just that, rammed; there was even a bloody water slide. The BEST start to the festival season, if you missed it, you definitely missed out.
Press Mute With its touchscreen and weight of just 40g, the Mutewatch has just made your current timepiece redundant. Check out... this impressive little device from Mutewatch that just landed at the new RWD HQ. As far as digital watches go, it’s up there with the best. A simple flick of your wrist makes the display glow, add to that USB charging, and multiple silent vibrating alarms; the Mutewatch is genius. £199, for more check mutewatch.com
Ushuaïa Tower in Ibiza Honestly it was everything and more you want from an event, treble shot drinks that didn’t bust the bank, the most beautiful crowd imaginable and equally luxurious settings. Probably the plushest of places RWD has even been let in and not kicked out of to date! Easily one of our top ten!
CHECK-IN CHECK OUT / 12
Aaron Young x S2A One video co-sign from Jigga and this collection was gone!
Tourne Up E3 churns out more than grime, you know?
Check out… the latest Aaron Young x Surface to Air collection. Hours after Jay-Z rocked a “Go Home” crewneck sweatshirt, for his series of Inside Magna Carta Holy Grail videos, the whole range had been purchased. Dating back to (artist) Young’s, surfing days, slogans also include “Locals Only,” and “Go Back To The Valley!” We see a theme here, Mr Aaron Young. For more check surfacetoair.com
Check out… the new fashion label putting east London on the map, Tourne De Transmission. Not only do TNT provide edge to the hyped UK style market with their crazy graphic prints and pony hair detailed sneaks, they’ve also been hailed up by the likes of Complex and Hypebeast and worn by everyone from Rita Ora to Hot Natured. Catch the summer sale or fork out via tournedetransmission.com
Track Day
Conversation Starter
If the Truk Fits...
The start of the season is only a few weeks away, so get ready...
Back to business with Converse…
The latest drop of Lil Wayne’s mischievous skate brand, Trukfit, is in!
Check out... the latest Scotts exclusive. Whether you’re part of the ‘terrace’ culture or the ‘I just like to look good’ scene, Scotts and Fila have got your back. 100% cotton, 200% retro, 300% cool. Available in burgundy too. The Fila Matchday Track Top is £55 and exclusive to Scotts scottsmenswear.com
Check out… Converse’s All In Backpack. Arriving in a range of colourways, these are the perfect accessory for everyday apparel. Whether you’re hitting up BBQs, a boring maths class or even pushing weights at the gym, it’s good to go. FYI, it’s complimented by new iPhone/ iPad cases and a selection of caps and beanies. £30, jdsports.co.uk
Check out... their new look. Much like the new emblem on Birdman’s face, you might need to make some room to accommodate. Big bold colours meet check, cool camo and oversize logos on sweats. Stan up with a pair of Weezy’s SUPRA. Check trukfit.com for more
Being Charlie Sloth
“[Tinie’s] Trampoline is incredible. Welcome back!” Charlie gives his views on Magna…, Trampoline and why you shouldn’t eat your burgers by the toilets…
Play Dirty Is your wardrobe ready for another fresh clothing brand? Check out… the latest new brand to exclusively hit the shelves of Scotts. Taking inspiration from all things urban, Dirty Laundry are mixing big, bold visuals, graphic imagery and cosmic prints in a bid to take the High Street by storm. For sweats, tees and vests, look no further. Before it drops exclusively in-store and online make sure you’re following @DirtyLaundryUK and for more check scottsmenswear.com
Tune It Up
Something Pongs
iTunes Festival returns.
Take table tennis with you without the hassle...
Check-in… to the Roundhouse in Camden for more iTunes Festival goodness this September. With the likes of Justin Timberlake, Jessie J and Rizzle Kicks among those taking to the main stage, you’re sure to see someone sick! Don’t worry if you don’t win tickets, it will be streamed live too! See the line-up and win tickets at itunesfestival.com
Check out… the latest in portable ping-pong. Firebox are now stocking this fun Pongo table tennis set, with retractable net and pop out table tennis bats. The whole kit folds up and comes in a drawstring bag so you can take it anywhere; all you need is a table… Visit firebox.com if you want to get your ping-pong on
What’s good, it’s your boy Charlie Sloth, the People’s Prince; the best looking fat guy in the universe, the guy that’s having an affair with your mum. That’s right, I said it. This month has been mind blowing if you’re a fan of hip hop. We’ve had Yeezus, Born Sinner and Magna Carta Holy Grail. I think Yeezus was a good body of work, I think J.Cole’s Born Sinner was like game changing, every single track is a big record, especially Let Nas Down, wow. I can’t lie I nearly cried, and when Nas replied; honestly things happened in my pants that I can’t really talk about. And then to top it off, Jay dropped Magna Carta... Holy Grail; wow, I’ve listened to it in my sleep. Tinie Tempah’s Trampoline Ft. 2 Chainz is absolutely incredible too. I got to play it for the first time in a club last week and the reaction was just off the chain… 2 Chainzzzzz. Well-done Tinie and welcome back! Now of course Glastonbury just passed as well. That was a great experience; I shut it down. But every time I go to Glastonbury, I always question myself when I leave. I see people walking around with sh*t on the back of their trousers. People eating next to the toilets where it stinks! I can’t even walk past them without heaving! Man just standing there like it’s nothing. I’m like leave it cuz! As you read this, I’m getting ready for Fire On The Beach Pt.1. So next time we speak, I’ll be telling you what went down, with all the juicy gossip! For more follow @CharlieSloth and catch him on BBC Radio 1Xtra (MonFri 4-7pm) and BBC Radio 1 for the Monday Night Rap Show (2-4am)
CHECK-IN CHECK OUT / 14 KESH x American Apparel We love it when a former About to Blow lives up to our expectations... Check out... this cool collab. Building on her first solo exhibition, which was held in LA back in November, former RWD contributor KESH continues to set herself from the rest of the pack. Her series of bold self-portraits have now made their way into the doors of American Apparel, with a collaboration that sees tees, vests, caps, shorts and caps unearthed to the public. As worn by the likes of Skepta, Cara Delevingne, Theophilus London, Wiz Khalifa, Jessie J and many many more, this is a great look for the artist’s ever expanding empire. For more check keshcontinues.com and americanapparel.co.uk
ENOUGH ALREADY / 16 Enough Already: Twerking! Twerking! What is it? Why did people do it? Why are people still doing it? Comedian/ actor Jamie Howard asks those all important questions...
“They see I’m still putting work in, cause somewhere in America, Miley Cyrus still twerkin’” – Jay-Z If you don’t know what Twerking is, where have you been? Probably somewhere still doing the Superman… Did you ever get to ‘Superman dat ho’? Probably not. According to Wikipedia, to “twerk” means to “dance in a sexually suggestive fashion by twisting the hips.” Simply put, bending over and shaking that ass! Firstly, if you are going to twerk, please ensure you have an ass to shake. Secondly, and I say this as a friend, don’t! Twerking has been around for a long time; in 1993 DJ Jubilee recorded the dance tune Do The Jubilee All in which he chanted, “Twerk baby, twerk baby, twerk, twerk, twerk.” It seems that people took this advice literally and have been doing it for for 20 years. Many could argue the reason for Twerking’s longevity is because it allows women to be free and to be seen as the sexual goddess’ that they are… wrong! Twerkers aren’t sexual goddesses’, they are drunk girls in clubs, or thirsty girls wanting likes on Instagram, or they are Miley Cyrus!
We live in a culture where Rihanna is God, she shaved her head and then shaved heads were cool. She had red hair and then everyone had red hair, she dated Chris Brown and well, we all know what happened there. We need to start being individuals and not care what these celebrities are doing. This is less condemnation of Twerking but more on modern society. We need role models who will empower the youth, like Michelle Obama, Angela Merkel and Ellie Simmonds. I want to see Instavids of girls talking about their favourite books or telling bad knock knock jokes. Not of what tattoo you’re gonna get across your face cos Rihanna mentioned it in a song (that she didn’t write). Jay-Z puts it beautifully on Magna Carta..., “They see I’m still putting work in, cause somewhere in America, Miley Cyrus still twerkin’” Be known for working hard, not working to get men hard! Twerking won’t make you famous and it won’t teach you how to cook, but it could get you noticed on social networks and if done properly a semi-famous rapper may see! It is up to you, you’re in control of your destiny. Please make the right choice. I’m off to go and search YouTube for the next dance craze involving semi-naked women!
#READYFORANYTHING / 18
Adian Coker Like you’d expect from a musician, Adian Coker is a perfectionist; his beats are as crisp and clear as his bars and don’t think the visuals let the package down either. Although there’s a lot of love from our US hip hop counterparts, this Londoner wants nothing but to blow up in Britain and following previous EPs, Nardene Scott hears how his third, Young World is the launchpad to even greater success. Image James Pearson-Howes “They had some room full of sh***y PC’s, I just went to the room and never left…” the classical guitar player begins to tell RWD about his obsession with music from age eight. “I would go to school in the morning, like 7:30am and leave about 6pm. The last four months of Year 11, I didn’t really do any lessons, just sat on that computer.” As a hip hop fan, there was Jay-Z, Kanye and Nas on the playlist but ask him to recite a line from a Metallica or Red Hot Chilli Peppers track and you’d be pleasantly surprised as the smooth jazz and classical listener is far from afraid of getting stuck in a box.
“I quite like the line ‘Burn the Mona Lisa put my face inside the gallery’ ‘cos it’s a statement. The Mona Lisa is the Mona Lisa, but f**k that sh*t, burn it and stick my face in it!” Coker admits there has been a steady progression since his first EP, “The first CD was like ‘Hi my name is Adian Coker, I can rap, spit 32’s, 64’s, I make hard beats,’ the second CD I got a bit sad and depressed,” the honest lyricist laughs. “There was just anger in my voice. I had my Yeezus moment.” Despite Vibe, XXL, RESPECT and even more support stateside, it’s more Wembley and less Madison Square Gardens that the Arsenal appreciator dreams of performing at. “I wouldn’t be happy if I was massive in the US and had no recognition in the UK, even if I wasn’t better known in the UK, that’s not success to me”. Cream directed by Drew Cox [Kanye West, Coca Cola] has been buzzing across the blogs and the regular 10K runner is ecstatic with the reaction so far, even the predictable feedback, “What did I read yesterday? It’s like illuminati overload? If you have a pyramid and an upside down cross, people will talk about Illuminati. We wanted to make something visually striking, and we did.” The track reveals how the modest artist feels ready to replace iconic figures, “I quite like the line; ‘Burn the Mona Lisa put my face inside the gallery’ ‘cos it’s a statement. The Mona Lisa is the Mona Lisa, but f**k that sh*t, burn it and stick my face in it!” Keep an eye out for the more than likely troublesome follow up to Cream, too “I’m not getting into it. It’s about cheating on your girlfriend. Technically I didn’t cheat on her, technically, and she knows that so let’s not… it’s complicated”. Follow @AdianCoker and Young World is released in September
Daniel Brereton “It’s kind of tricky, you need to earn money so it’s hard to earn a living doing bands you like,” the video director and digital artist breaks down balancing his art and putting food in the fridge. Besides creating musical visuals for bands alongside American Apparel and Kenzo collaborations, the occasional lecturer always pushes the boundaries; adding to his technical abilities, like hand painting onto films or animating. His epic stop frame animations gave a whole new life to Soulwax during their tour and more top secret projects are in the pipeline but he has no intention of going big budget. “It’s more about stories and narrative, I like a human touch, I don’t like glossy and high end things!” Check out danhaspotential.com
Chunky
Tweet to Win! Duck and Cover’s directional take on trend-led menswear always keeps us one step ahead. RWD and Duck and Cover continue to champion the hottest emerging talent and this month we’ve met aspiring unique creatives Adian Coker, Daniel Brereton and Chunky who are all #READYFORANYTHING. We’re here to make sure your style is on point and this Duck and Cover pique polo is a must have. Tweet @RWDmag @duckandcover_ to win! duckandcover.co.uk
This Manchester lad with Zimbabwe roots is currently tearing a new hole into the bass scene. Admittedly some days are spent are spent watching Breaking Bad into the early hours but mostly it’s all about making music. Pushing his current project, MCs In The Mix which has already secured its own boat party at Outlook Festival, it’s hard to believe the 23 year-old has already been in the game for a decade, working the MC circuit hard. This harsh industry has seen the live jazz fan go months without money but the True Tiger and Hit & Run affiliate stays inspired,“Manchester because it’s home, Liverpool and the danger zone because that where it all happens”. Look out for more grooves, DJing and vocals from @mcrchunky.
ABOUT TO BLOW / 20
About To Blow: Hannah Wants It’s been over a decade since DJ and Producer Hannah Wants took to the decks. Now with regular slots on national radio, tour dates from Ibiza to Mozambique and creating some of the biggest bass house hybrids around; it was high time that Nardene Scott got in touch. “I played a 3-hour set on some old skool dual mobile-disco decks with no jog wheels for £40,” Wantsy (as her mates refer to her) tells us of her first paid work. “I probably spent that on Chinese!” Regardless of the minor fee, it appeared the work Hannah put into mixing vinyl on Numark belt drive decks and a mixer she received on her 17th birthday had been put to good use. The list of residencies [KISS, Rinse, BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra] are ever growing for the DJ but it’s equally her producer guise alongside collaborator Chris Lorenzo that has peaked interest from FOOD Music’ head honcho Shadow Child, who released the ‘128bpm big bass stomping kinda riddim’ Dappy earlier this year.
“I started out playing speed garage, UKG and bassline house - my style today still largely represents all of those sounds,” the kicks obsessive admits. Considering the currently thriving UK house music industry, it’s the Hannah Wants’ of the scene that the ravers are feeling. The Birmingham based riddim maker took a chance on her signature deep driving bassline sound in 2010 out in “the beautiful home of house music Ibiza” hustling her way onto Eden, Space and Es Paradis bills. “The higher you climb, the more susceptible you are to negativity and jealousy but you have to learn to just brush it off, especially when most of the things you see, read and hear aren’t even true,” the sleepless producer breaks down the rare pitfalls of the industry. “None of what I’ve learned has changed my work ethic though, only strengthened it. To be honest. I believe you get out what you put in.” And being a female DJ? Well, it doesn’t play on the EZ appreciators’ mind one bit, “at the end of the day, an artist’s career longevity and credibility shouldn’t rest only on their talent.” We hear you there and there’s no doubt that the talented Brummie will be turning up on all sorts of radars this year. “I’m hopefully going to be continuing on this crazy musical path. I want to be the biggest and best I can be, playing the top gigs across the world - Dream and think big right?” Follow @hannah_wants check hannahwants.com also head to RWDmag.com to download an exclusive #RWDmix
STYLE FAIR PLAY Roo wears DOPE varsity jacket threadsaddiction.com Brookehaven paisley print T-shirt red jdsports.co.uk Brookehaven Trafalgar short jdsports.co.uk
Photography Jon Attenborough Photography Assistant Kiran Mane Stylist Sophie Robinson Grooming Jodie Hyams using TIGI Bed head- B for men Model Roo @ FM Models
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Above: Sonetti white bird print shirt jdsports.co.uk Minimum Tasso Pullover minimum.dk Minimum Samden Shorts minimum.dk
Opposite: Scotch & Soda Hawaiian shirt selfridges.com Luke dipdye paisley patch shirt luke1977.com Triwa sunglasess, white ‘Henry’ selfridges.com ToyWatch Monochrome toy-watch.com Penfield Emberton shorts penfieldusa.com Saucony Grid 9000 saucony.co.uk
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Scotch & Soda Hawaiian shirt selfridges.com Triwa ‘Henry’ sunglasess selfridges.com
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Above: Converse Back To It mini surfdome.com Crookes & Castles snap back threadsaddiction.com adidas Gazelle OG adidas.co.uk
Opposite: Starter Black Label Red snapback jdsports.co.uk Crookes & Castles baseball jacket threadsaddiction.com King Apparel Infinity T-shirt king-apparel.com BBC dollar and diamond shorts bbcicecream.eu Puma Suede blue jdsports.co.uk Shimla white beaded wristband shimlajewellery.com
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Opposite: Starter Black Label Star Visor jdsports.co.uk Minimum Valentin Shirt minimum.dk Minimum Tony Shorts minimum.dk Duck and Cover Hawaiian T-shirt duckandcover.co.uk
Above: Rocawear camouflage snapback rocawear-europe.com BBC Long Zip hoody anorak bbcicecream.eu Rocawear bandana print T-shirt rocawear-europe.com ToyWatch Monochrome toy-watch.com Trukfit Neon Orange Shorts jdsports.co.uk Pointers AFD wellgosh.com
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Opposite: Starter Black Label black snapback starterblacklabel.co.uk PXL blue tooth T-shirt pxlclothing.com Boxfresh Dabeet short asos.com Nike Roshe blue jdsports.co.uk Shimla black wristband shimlajewellery.com
Above: DOPE 5-panel threadsaddiction.com Mishka black and white pattern short sleeve shirt mishkanyc.com PUMA Honey Badger PG leopard print black T-shirt jdsports.co.uk Morato check shorts morato.it K-Swiss Adcourt ‘72 Mid kswiss.co.uk
34 Above and opposite: Brookhaven paisley print T-shirt jdsports.co.uk Native Youth stonewash denim shorts asos.com adidas Basket Profi hi tops adidas.co.uk WeSC X RETROSUPERFUTURE sunglasses wesc.com
STREET CAST - LONDON COLLECTIONS - JUNE / 36
Photography Ravi Sidhu
PROFESSOR #GIRLSONTOP GREEN / 38
A LITTLE EXCESSIVE Having been cast into the stratosphere with ear-friendly audio, like Read All About It Ft. Emeli Sandé, there is no denying that Professor Green’s musical harvest has had many a good yield. In fact, there has been a great return in whatever field the avid horticulturist sows his seed. The second drop of his Honey Badger collection, a heavily thought-out collaboration with PUMA, is another example of that. With a high profile wedding (with Made In Chelsea star Camilla “Millie” Mackintosh this summer), damaged ligaments after a recent accident (“I was understandingly unhappy”) and an impending album (Growing Up In Public), we can’t wait to find out what headspace he’s in… Words Danny Walker Concept Dacre Bracey Photography Jon Attenborough Styling Sophie Robinson Food stylist Slyvain Jamois
Pro wears Leopard Print Tee and Black HB Satin Bomber Jacket puma.com
PROFESSOR GREEN / 40
“A lot of people spend time on image and appearance; I’m a bit more relaxed when it comes to that stuff. I’m a musician first and foremost.” [The first of our three meetings is in Pro’s studio. As one of his oldest friends and producer behind a majority of his music, Alex “Cores“ Hayes, updates me on the progress of Growing Up (“it’s nearly done,“ he smiles), a crutch dependent Stephen hobbles through the door]. Firstly, let’s talk about the leg; it looks like it’s pissing you off… Well… [pauses]… It’s an inconvenience. It’s a proper f**king inconvenience. I’ve torn ligaments, they’re a killer. What was your first thought when it happened? F**k! That was pretty much it and when the guy came around he was pretty much in tears, he was a real mess. It’s a long story, as he was actually dropping off the car to me, but as I got angry, the shock disappeared. Then the response unit arrived and it was mad. I’ve never had that gas before. They gave me some and it was all sh*ts and giggles. You must have thought about how it would affect the following months… I’m behind on the album now. It’s not put me in the best headspace. I can’t do all the things that I normally do to relax. I can’t drink, I can’t smoke, I can’t work out. All the things that keep me being me, I can’t do. But you did manage to go out to Cara Delevingne’s party last night, was that against doctor’s orders? Na, not against doctor’s orders. I’ve got to be allowed to have a little bit of fun. Cores was just saying the LP was nearly done. Your manager, Ged, was saying it was done but you’re a perfectionist... Yeah, I always take it to the post, I don’t know why. It’s not done; I’ve got loads to do. I’ve still got stuff to write. I don’t write much away from the studio though, unless... I mean, loads of stuff happens in my bath. Not that much stuff, just lyrics. Otherwise at home, I’ve got so much going on. I’ve got dogs to look after, I’m making dinner. The first single, Are You Getting Enough? with Miles Kane, the riff and the beat really draw you into the lyrics. Were people expecting a mellower vibe? Yeah, and I think that keeps me in control. If I came back with a Read All About It it would have been instantly compared. I don’t want that. That was what it was. If I have another Read All About It, I very much doubt it will
sound like that. It will just connect in the same way. I don’t want to be the guy who has to tick boxes either. I mean, what is exciting about the next Calvin Harris single? He is wicked but it’s the same format, there are so many songs that sound like it, it’s not really pushing any boundaries. It doesn’t feel like it’s pushing anything. I’m Mr Album as well. It’s all peaks and troughs. [On that note we listen to Name In Lights potentially Ft. Rizzle Kicks, I Need Church, Little Secrets, Fast Lane, In The Middle and the latest beat fresh from DJ Khalil. The next day is all about the cover shoot. As I walk onto the set, Stephen is buried in the midst of a Tudor banquet. Lavish, gluttonous and excessive, exactly what we ordered]. Let’s talk about your overall fashion game; we’ve seen you have a couple of looks… Yeah, you’ve got to be able to turn it on. I like wearing a suit but I wouldn’t wear one every day. I just wear what I want; I’m a bit more relaxed when it comes to image. I’m a musician first and foremost. Who has the most clothes, you or Millie? Millie! You sure, what about all of your trainers? Do you know what, I wear one pair of trainers into the ground and then I get another pair. I dunno, I’m just less fussy in my old age. When I never had much it was a lot if someone stepped on my trainers. Now, I walk the dogs. I don’t really give a toss. What do you think the younger Pro would think about the person that is sat in front of us? [Thinks] wow, who knows, f**king hell, everyone always says that they’ll be the same. If you are the same guy then you’re not growing. You’re supposed to grow as a person. A lot of my beliefs and values are still the same. I’m not as ignorant as I once was. I’d think I was cool... calm. Or I’d think I was a d**khead. Tell us about the relationship with PUMA… They’re wicked, we’ve got whatever we’ve got in our contract but on both sides we always go above and beyond. We just have such a good working relationship. I was brand ambassador to begin with; the clothing line was just an idea. So we got together and we thrashed it out. Its been the best brand relationship I’ve had. We’re in our third year now. I’ve gone up from social ambassador to lifestyle ambassador to this… It’s not just me stumbling out of clubs in PUMA’s anymore. So today is all about the drop of the new collection... Yeah. It’s a bigger collection. We kind of worked out what were the good things as
Pro wears Nautical Blue Honey Badger Crew jdsports.co.uk
PROFESSOR GREEN / 42
Pro wears White Honey Badger Tee jdsports.co.uk
we wanted to replace certain things from the first season, as well as other things we sold out of. We took what we learnt, changed up some of the fabrics with the sweats and the tracksuits - it’s a lot lighter for summer – we’ve got shorts and vests as well. My favourite piece is that satin bomber [points and smiles at sick, dark green jacket].
ALBUM NUGGETS
Before it was just T-shirts and tracksuits… Well, we’re still making that now, we’ve still got the tracksuits but we’ve just developed them now. You know, we’ve got a lot of different colourways that we didn’t have last year, bits have evolved. With everything I do, I like to get my hands dirty. Especially if I’m putting my face to something, if that is in someone else’s hands then it’s not representing me. Yeah, cos you can see through that… Everything I do has to be representative of me. I am my own brand. So I have to be careful of what I put my name to, so I’m gonna make sure that sh*t is good. So when I put my name to something it’s a positive. So that when I do that, I’m proud to do that.
“I don’t want to be the guy who has to tick boxes either. I mean, what is exciting about the next Calvin Harris single?” Moments before the Honey Badger launch at Oval Space, which will later go down as another quality night, we sit down and talk about the follow up to 2011’s At Your Inconvenience… How is the leg today, have you been able to get your mind on performing? I’m standing, it’s OK. If I had to do a performance today, I could. I’m trying to compartmentalise. I’m not going to think about the shows too much. The album is sounding quite live; you need big speakers or massive headphones to embrace it. You’ve upped your instrumentation levels, it seems more layered too, and - no disrespect to any of your previous work - there is a lot more structure... ...Yeah, but that comes from touring with a live band from the beginning. Any profit I was making I was using to pay my band to tour with them. So I was always putting back in. Speculate to accumulate, so with this album, we started from the ground up. Your third album Growing Up In Public means that you’ve been put in that limelight, right... Yeah, but I’ve never kept my mouth quiet. I’ve always said what I feel and that has to remain. Not because of me, it’s just that if you’re any different, you’re selling people short. I’ve got where I am by doing that and I don’t think changing that is a good idea. There is just so much bullsh*t, ‘Hi, thank you for coming,’ and all that, yeah I’m grateful for everyone coming but do you want me to say thanks, do my shows and f**k off? There has to be a bit back and forth. A bit of energy. For more about the @ProfessorGreen x PUMA 2013 Summer Collection, check pumahoneybadger.co.uk. Available in jdsports.co.uk and puma.com
Growing Up In Public: The story so far... Name In Lights started as a guitar riff and a chorus that I came up with in the bath and I was frantically trying to put it into my phone with wet hands. The Rizzles are wicked on it. I don’t like saying things in the most obvious way so [the lyrics are] just saying they should never have put my name in lights. Because it’s given me access to all of these terrible things. With [Kid Harpoon produced] Little Secrets you’ve got a super melodic chorus. That just makes it big. I’m singing on that track too, I just go into the studio and do what I want. The wicked thing about doing the album this way is, if I wrote something it was because I could sing it. We just built the songs up in that way. I actually wrote Fast Life just as I was finishing the last album. I didn’t put it on there. Just cos I felt like that was a good starting block for where I wanted to go. I sung the chorus originally, and I may still sing it depending on how things go with release schedules. In The Middle Ft. Emeli Sandé began with [production from] Sunny, who [previously] did Do For You and Forever Falling, we kind of stripped it back and filtered off the drums. That is the song that builds and builds and every time you think it is going to get there, it collapses. But Emeli’s voice!!! That is the first ballad I’ve ever written. [The unfinished track from DJ Khalil] is just relentless energy [a pun, surely?]. I think it starts with: ‘Polishing my shoes, buttoning my shirt/ I don’t know why I’m bothering you can’t polish a turd.’ It’s about this responsibility that has been thrust upon me that I want nothing to do with. Hence the title Growing Up In Public, but actually doing the opposite. I feel like I’m doing all of these adult things; I’m getting married, I’ve got a house, I’ve got a business. But then I don’t feel like an adult.
#SUPPLYANDDEMAND / 44
NEXT GENERATION Introducing the newest fashion diamond in the rough, Supply & Demand. Influenced by New York street style, S&D pulls together edgy designs with quality casuals for the leaders of the nu skool. In order to launch the brand, we’ve teamed up with tastemakers of the UK music scene to present underground artists who will then compete against one another to perform at key club nights in London and Manchester. First up there’s grime’s biggest supporter Logan Sama who introduces Blizzard and Koder, secondly homegrown lover DJ Target represents RIO and Cashtastic, whilst stalwart of the grime and garage scene Lewi White is supporting Magic’s rise to the top. Last but by no means least, DJ Stylus, Manchester’s drive time radio don fills us in on newcomer T-Man. All clothing by Supply & Demand; available at JD via jdsports.co.uk/supply-and-demand and also selected BANK stores via bankfashion.co.uk
Koder Age... 22 Representing... grime My musical style in a word... STEAM You might know me from... Lord of the Mics IV where I battled C-Gritz What makes me different to the competition is… I score when I’m supposed to miss Expect… the unexpected ...from one of my performances People should vote for me because… I’m the type of artist that supplies on demand If there is one of my releases that sums me up as an artist it’s definitely… Avenger have a listen to it and you’ll understand why Coming up next I’ve got… my new mixtape The Calm out 12 August Follow me on... @OfficialKoder
Words Nardene Scott Photography Jon Attenborough Styling Sophie Robinson Stylist Asst. Tom Doran Grooming Giada Venturini
“This new generation of young MC’s have grown up on grime and they are going to revolutionise the sound.” - Logan Sama
“I like to have fun and test the crowd I’m performing to by doing the abstract and different, but it’s all in good spirit” - Blizzard Blizzard (above) Age… 19 Representing… Manchester! My musical style in a word... quirky You might know me from... Big Like EA, or the viral rap battle against poet/teacher Mark Grist What makes me different to the competition is… the fact that I can play many different instruments whilst I rap and sing Expect… me to have fun and test the crowd …from one of my performances People should vote for me because… I’m holding it down for Manchester and the rest of the UK If there is one of my releases that sums me up as an artist it’s definitely… my Testing The Water EP as it represents the experimental side to me Coming up next I’ve got… my seven track EP Testing The Water Follow me on... @iamblizzard
Logan Sama (ambassador) Other than being an ambassador for S&D you can also find me... championing grime music around the world and on your airwaves on KISS every Monday night I’m representing... Blizzard and Koder What I look for in a new artist is... talent firstly, but then the right attitude and work rate is equally as important. I love hearing music that brings something new to the table. Innovators The reason why you should vote for them is... they are both exciting new talents who are going to be huge. This new generation of young MC’s have grown up on grime and they are going to revolutionise the sound Follow me... to clubs when you can. It’s way better than Twitter or Instavideos! @ DJLoganSama on all social media
#SUPPLYANDDEMAND / 46 Lewi White (ambassador) Other than being an ambassador for S&D you can also find me... In my studio cooking up that good stuff! I’m representing... Magic What I look for in a new artist is... new styles, raw emotion plus something new and refreshing to the ear The reason why you should vote for him is... Magic is not the “same old same old” typical rapper, he attacks each track he does with a different angle, switching up his flow and concepts. He’s a very talented MC/rapper with a big big character, very humble and great to work with in the studio Follow me… @LewiWhite on all social networks
Magic Age... 20 Representing... EGA Music Group My musical style in a word... fresh You might know me from... the hip hop collective Code Red What makes me different to the competition is… I entered the music scene as part of a group but now I am a brand new solo act. Everyone else has always been solo, however I have had to learn to adapt Expect… lots of screaming girls …from one of my performances People should vote for me because… you only get one shot, I won’t miss my chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a life time I’m the type of artist that... supplies talent and demands attention Follow me on... @MagicUKRapper on all social networks
DJ Stylus (ambassador) Other than being an ambassador for S&D you can also find me... spinning up and down the UK and across the globe, interviewing artists or broadcasting on the radio; having had stints on Bang 103.6FM, Unity Radio and BBC Radio 1Xtra over the years I’m representing... T-Man What I look for in a new artist is... individuality, creativity, content and image. The music game is harder than ever in 2013 and it takes that little bit of difference to give you the edge. Of course your music needs to be on-point too but you need a full package The reason why you should vote for T-Man is... he’s an original spitter with a tight flow. He’s been working the circuit for a minute now; blessing the mic at legendary spots such as Fabric and Outlook Festival. He has put the work in, he lives and breathes for the music! Follow me… @DJStylus
T-Man (above) Age... 22 Representing... Manchester My musical style in a word... bass You might know me from… Run It Like The President Ft. Dub Phizix and Skeptikal or Bun Ya off DRS’ I Don’t Usually Like MC’s But…. What makes me different to the competition is… I am a diverse vocalist, working in grime, hip hop, house and bass music which isn’t that common Expect… a lot of bass, pace and a party vibe ...from one of my performances… maybe a live band also People should vote for me because… I am bringing different content to the table; and getting out there! I’m the type of artist that... supplies realness and demands a good production Coming up next… there’s Outlook, Dimensions, Croatia Up and Foreign Concept and Thelem tracks Follow me… on Facebook T-Man and @T_Mansays
“[T-Man] is an original spitter with a tight flow. He’s been working the circuit for a minute now; blessing the mic at legendary spots such as Fabric and Outlook. He has put the work in, he lives and breathes for the music!” - DJ Stylus
#SUPPLYANDDEMAND / 48 DJ Target (ambassador) Other than being an ambassador for S&D you can find me… doing more than is physically possible for one human being. I have three shows on BBC Radio 1Xtra (Friday 7-10pm, Saturday and Sunday 4-7pm). I also A&R at Universal Publishing, help run our new label at Sony, DJ around the country and abroad, producing, making documentaries… the list is pretty long! I’m representing… Cashtastic and RIO, who I’ve supported heavily on my radio shows and feel these two MC’s are part of the future of UK music What I look for in a new artist is... originality, confidence, a talent to put good songs together - which isn’t easy - hard work, passion and consistency Vote for Cashtastic because… he’s only 19 years-old and already has a massive fan base, which is well deserved. Cash is one of the hardest working young MC’s in the UK Vote for RIO because… he has made himself into the hottest artist out of Manchester, grinding independently and making major progress Follow me… @DJTarget
Cashtastic Age... 19 Representing... #TeamWinning and London My musical style in a word... versatile You might know me from... Only Human Ft. Wiley What makes me different to the competition is… they’re competing with intentions of trying to win; I’ve already won Expect… lots of energy, crowd interaction and good music ...from one of my performances People should vote for me because… I know that I’ll make the performance one to remember I’m the type of artist that supplies inspiration and demands to be inspired You can expect… a few surprises from my current/ forthcoming release Coming up next I’ve got… a real summer banger Follow me on... Twitter and Facebook @cashtasticmusic and on YouTube Mrtastic100
RIO Age... 27 Representing… Manchester My musical style in a word... creative You might know me from... my singles We Love Grime Pt. 1 and Pt. 2 What makes me different to the competition is… I always give back Expect… energy and crowd involvement …from one of my performances People should vote for me because… I am always re-designing myself, giving back to my community and other local artists representing my city. I feel I’m a real contender, gradually becoming a respected UK artist I’m the type of artist that... supplies quality and demands respect If there is one of my releases that sums me up as an artist it’s definitely… Can’t Stop We You can expect… Concrete Rose EP in September and new single Celebrate Life produced by David Dawood soon Coming up next… I’ve got another Bottom To The Top concert the first one sold out and I added an extra date. Also, I have upcoming shows around the UK and an EP tour with ILUVLIVE in September and October Follow me on... Twitter @RIOMUSIC10 Facebook Rioartist, Soundcloud Riomusic-1, Instragram riogrammy
We supply the talent, you demand your favourites Witness your picks tear up the stage at the best underground events including LoveDough at Proud in London on 9 August and Bass Face at Sound Control in Manchester on 11 October. Watch behind the scenes videos of the Supply & Demand photo shoot, listen to each artists latest tracks and then vote for your favourite artists by downloading the Supply & Demand Facebook app apps.facebook.com/supplyanddemand To get your hands on the Supply & Demand collection visit jdsports.co.uk/supply-and-demand
AIR JORDAN / 50
AIR JORDAN HOW FAR WILL THE LEGACY GO?
The Air Jordan I was released in 1985 and the initial impact was built around the style and performance that Michael Jordan had on the court. Since then they’ve evolved into one of the most iconic shoes. Resident Streetwear Blogger, Basil Burley, speaks to editor and founder of Sneaker Freaker, Simon “Woody” Wood and kicks connoisseur, Magdi Fernandes about first pairs, classics and any fears over a possible decline… What first intrigued you to get into Jordans? What do they mean to you? Woody: I love sneakers. I love Jordans. It’s like saying ‘I love breathing air’. Jordans have been around forever, I don’t really think about life before MJ. Magdi: It was in ‘91 when my brother went to the US for a holiday. I was 10/11 and he was 16/17. He came back with a pair of Infrared 6s on his feet. I used to go in to his room when he went to work and just walk around in them, despite them being big. It was only after a few more years when I was playing basketball for the London Towers youth team and I was finally able to buy my first pair of Jordans… the Air Jordan XI. What does Michael Jordan mean to you? W: I’m old enough to remember Jordan playing ball, so to me, he’s a human being first and a sporting genius second. Michael Jordan could fly through the air and do things on the hardwood
others could only dream of. I often wondered to myself if being so gifted was more of a curse than a blessing. M: MJ is the most significant figure in basketball history! You don’t need to know ANYTHING about basketball… but say the name Michael Jordan and people stand up and pay attention. He is the reason, in my opinion, why sneaker culture exists at the level it is today. Do you remember your first pair? W: Black IIIs for sure... still badass! M: My first pair was in 1989 and it was the white/ black/red IVs. I needed a pair of new shoes and my brother had just got his first pay cheque from being signed to a football team in London and he wanted to treat me to a pair of shoes. What is your favourite all time pair of Nike Air Jordans and why? W: I hate to say it, but I’m a huge fan of the IIs. Admittedly, they are big, chunky and unloved – not to mention devoid of the Swoosh – but I admire their anonymity and their iconoclast position within the Jordan pantheon. M: The Air Jordan XI. Releasing in 96 when I was fully into basketball and was playing for the London Towers and England youth team. They were the most incredible looking shoe that I had ever seen. I mean the patent leather with mesh uppers? That shouldn’t work on ANY SHOE… but it did and it was just beautiful.
How do you feel about the recent popularity in the UK of the Air Jordan? W: It’s great. People all over the world like Jordans. M: What people don’t understand is that the UK is still way behind the US on Jordans. We still have Jordans on shelves weeks after releases. Yes, the popularity in the UK is rising but it’s just because of the hype of seeing rappers talk about them and mention them in their raps. They have jumped on the bandwagon and will most likely fall off it when the next hype is ready to go. I have bought almost all the recent releases of original Jordan colourways, but I refuse to wear them until the streets have died down! [Laughs] I know there are people out there that are thinking the exact same thing! How do you feel about the re-releases of late? Is it taking away from the special status of certain styles and colourways? W: There’s no doubt the brand is killing it. Bang, bang, bang... it’s one monster release after another. It’s a phenom. But I have to say, this idea of ‘special status’ you mention implies that only people of ‘special status’ should be able to access them. Sneakers are meant to be bought and sold and sometimes worn and sometimes left in a closet for a decade. Who cares how many they make? M: There are way too many colours being released of classic Jordans. Rather than bringing out a SMU every month of the year, bring out 3-4 amazing colours and use better materials dammit! This plastic crap is killing me.
“Jordan is the most significant figure in basketball history! Say his name and people pay attention. He is the reason, in my opinion, why sneaker culture exists at the level it is today.”- Magdi Where would you like to see the Jordan brand go? Any setbacks? Any fears of possible decline? W: I’d say they’re doing an awesome job over there. Forget all the so-called ‘informed’ comment. The only thing you can expect of a corporation is to sell as much stuff as possible. It’s what they do. Let’s face it. Jordan has no competition. The ‘people’ made Jordan, and the ‘people’ can take it away. M: I really love the XX8. Surprise! I know everyone has had a bad word to say about them, but the forward thinking of where they have taken the shoe and its technology is immense. I missed out on the black/green pair as they sold out in my size. In terms of what the Jordan brand represents to me, is that it is a piece of art on your feet and will always be at the forefront of technology! If the Jordan brand releases more and more Jordans, I do feel that the love will die down eventually and shoes will end up on the sales racks. I for one welcome the idea as I can buy multiple pairs and put them in storage for a while! For more follow @snkrfrkrmag or @TheMagdi
EVIAN CHRIST / 52
AS
CLEAR
AS
WATER
Sonically Kanye West’s Yeezus is the most rich, experimental and polarizing album yet. Put that down to the 36 year-old pushing the boundaries of hip hop, playing by his own rules (be they in fashion, music or humility at award shows) and working with the right team. 24 year-old Liverpudlian Evian Christ (born Joshua Leary) is the newest member of that strong production panel and the Tranmere Rovers fan tells Danny Walker about flying to Paris to work with ‘Ye, going out to New York (“I’m thinking about moving there early next year,”) and what the future holds for the talented producer..
So what do your friends call you? Josh? Is it Evian? Evian Christ? They call me Josh; Evian’s my producer name…
“Walking up to the door [in Paris] was like, ‘Oh sh*t!’ But everyone was so chilled, it was cool. All Kanye’s engineers were cool, Kanye is really nice he got some food in, ordered room service, it was relaxed.”
There are some big/emerging names on Tri-Angle; Clams Casino, oOoOO, AlunaGeorge are signed to them out in America, I read you didn’t know who many people were when you signed? I wasn’t on top of sh*t with music. A lot of these labels who hit me up I didn’t really know who they were; I know them now. When they hit me up I was like cool, thanks, I’ll check out the music releases. But I made the right decision.
So you haven’t played the ‘what I’ve got a track on Kanye’s album b***h, refer to me as Evian’ card? Nah, it’s kind of weird, a lot of people still don’t know I did that, I keep myself quiet. Basically I was training to be a teacher [whilst making beats and getting signed to Tri-Angle Records], but people just didn’t ask what I was doing. Some of them still think I teach. When did you go from Joshua Leary from Ellesmere Port to Evian Christ who moved out to NYC? I don’t know; it’s weird right... I started off producing in my late teens, I was never really into music big time; I was busy with other sh*t. Then I got into it, got an MPC and stuck at that for about a year, then I was like I dunno if this is for me. I played a lot of online poker at uni [to a point where he was supporting himself] but during my two weeks off at Christmas [2011] I went from Josh to Evian [laughs].
Before we get to I’m In It, tell us about the sick Snapbacks Back, from your debut Kings and Them? It’s funny you should say that because it’s one of my favourites too but I feel like it got overlooked at the time. I think it was the first track which started the album but I thought it might be too experimental. It’s cool you picked up on that track because no one has ever mentioned it to me before! Tell us about the process behind I’m In It, how did that come about? It went on a rollercoaster journey. The original beat I sent to Kanye was just the beat, like you know the bit with [singer/songwriter] Justin Vernon on, that was meant to be the hook but I sent it over saying they could rearrange it but it was all cool. We flew out there to Paris, to produce some more stuff too. Were you nervous on the plane? They hit me up so late, I think I flew out at 8am Friday morning and they hit me up at 3am. I didn’t have time to overthink it; I just jumped on the plane. I should have been more nervous than I was, to get that opportunity was amazing. Walking up to the door was like, ‘Oh sh*t!’ But everyone was so chilled, it was cool. All Kanye’s engineers were cool, Kanye is really nice he got some food in, ordered room service, it was relaxed. What’s next for you? We had some people get in touch, I don t want to drop names but I’ve been happy with the stuff so far. I’m working on stuff on the side; I’m waiting for the spark. Kings and Them is out now. For more check soundcloud.com/evianchrist or follow @evian_christ
SHOW N PROVE / 54
CHARLIE SLOTH MEETS
SHOW N PROVE
When selecting a top producer to make California Love, an anthem to reflect the great things about Cali while keeping a British sensibility, Show N Prove’s name was top of the shortlist. With the likes of Jessie J, Rizzle Kicks and Wretch 32 on the producer’s CV and fans like Zane Lowe and Mistajam, Charlie Sloth talks to the Scottish sound-creator about inspirations, an admiration for the West Coast and linking with director Konstantin Ermakov to create the California Love video… Image Adrian Nettleship
You were part of RWD’s #13for13, but how old were you when you first started getting into music? I first started when I was about 10/11 with my mum’s record collection on her hi-fi. I started DJing when I was about 14. From then I just wanted to get involved more and more in music to see people’s reaction to my own tracks, rather than the ones I was playing.
Konstantin Talks West Side
You did Bada Bing! for Benny Banks, but when did you first start getting real recognition? There was a song I did with Baby Blue called Sometimes. I did that when I was still living in Scotland and travelling back and forth down to London. I moved down to England shortly after. Your latest track, Zimma Frame, is mad catchy. How did it come about? It was just me messing about and making beats like I usually do. I played it to Takura, who features on the track, and he just came up with the whole song in five minutes, and we laid it down in another five. People have just gravitated towards it.
Show N Prove wears K-Swiss Classics
What inspires you? Is it sounds and samples or do you like listening to what other peole are doing? I guess it’s usually just a sound, whether it’s a sample, a loop, a chord, a sound effect. Something will catch my ear and set me off. I’ll think about it in my head then try pull it off! Much like Dr. Dre did, you’re now putting yourself in front of the spotlight. Would you say Show N Prove is becoming a brand? Yeah I’d love to go down that route, I’d like to see myself become a brand in the same kind of way as Dre has done, as much as I produce beats for other people, I’m an artist, DJ and an all round brand of music machine. You’ve worked really hard on the California Love track, it’s sick. When you initially thought about Cali, what sprang to mind? Probably sun, heat and being out on the beach! California is obviously more laid back (like going down to the beach and stuff). It’s a lot different to the rat race and grey weather in London. Very different! And what about musically? How has the West Coast inspired you? I was thinking hard about what ‘California Love’ means to me and straight away I thought about that Dr. Dre, N.W.A kind of sound. I even traced that back to bands like Zapp and [their lead vocalist] Roger Troutman and people like that. They were the people Dre was inspired by, so that’s what came to mind. How do you feel about shooting the California Love video and putting elements of it together with the director Konstantin Ermakov [whose recent credits include Skepta’s Lay Her Down]? The video he’s doing looks sick; I’ve just seen the treatment and how he’s going to make it happen as well as getting the storyline across. It’s really cool and I’m happy to be involved in it! To hear the California Love track or to see the series with Charlie Sloth, including Ep.5 with @SHOWNPROVEuk, check K-Swiss.co.uk, facebook.com/kswiss.uk or follow @KSwiss_UK
“Show N Prove’s production brought me back to the feeling of listening to Dre.” We find out what video director Konstantin Ermakov has up his talented sleeve... How did you get into video directing? I started out editing and then as I had access [to equipment and contacts], I started to do music videos and then it took over. How did the Skepta, Lay Her Down video come about? I started with loads of underground artists and then it grew in scale because you don’t get videos with big artists straight away. What inspired you when you heard Show N Prove’s California Love track? It brought me back to the feeling of listening to Dr Dre’s album, it had some of the riffs of it, and it just sounded very California. That is why I’m going to include lots of different elements like BMXers and girls on rollerskates. In Cali you have the beaches with joggers and friends playing, that is why I want to capture the vibe of young people. It’s really important to me that the visuals compliment the music. @iKonFilms
THE BIG REVIEW / 56
191K
The population of Sutton, where PhoneShop is set. “We’re all pleased to be back there again,” smiles Andrew Brooke. “It was like we never left,” adds Javone.
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The amount of times the characters mention baking, the episode is actually called ‘Baking Bad’ and you can only imagine what they get up to. “Ahhhhhh mannnnn,” exhales Javone. “When you see [this episode], it’s a rap.”
THE BIG REVIEW: PHONESHOP S03E01
With a little help from Andrew Brooke, Javone Prince and Tom Bennett, who respectively play reckless PhoneShop staff Ashley, Jerwayne and Christopher, we drilled down into the first episode of the new series. Whether you’re signed up to a contract or are on Pay As You Go, this promises to be the best series yet…
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The number of items Janine is stockpiling, (10 tins of creamed peaches, fiddler sized pack of snide Haribo, little panic whistle, a cloth “to bite down on”, and a cassette copy of Bridge Over Troubled Water).
13 10
Horticultural references: Including ‘S.O.S’… Stoned on Shop floor.
There were, and we counted, 10 slaps between Jerwayne and Ashley, in the ‘don’t lose it’-type sketch. “If you’re into the show it’s got all the things you like, times 1 million,” states Andrew Brooke of the new series.
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The number of items Newms tries to steal (including 25 display phones and a clock radio). “This episode is one of the best,”reveals Tom Bennett.
The average number of takes it takes to shoot a scene, according to Tom Bennett. “It’s a tricky one. Throughout this series, it’s probably about five/six. Depends if people are laughing though.”
#6
5 or 6
This is the number of Javone and Tom’s favourite episode in series three. It’s called ‘Do The Music’. “I don’t want to give anything away,” says Javone. “I want it to be a surprise but this is real PhoneShop, Phil [Bowker]’s never let us have a certain word but we get that word in about eight times.”
1
The one Daniel Beddingfield Gotta Get Thru This reference is a real classic moment in the episode. “Jerwayne would be in the music business somehow,” if he wasn’t at PhoneShop. “He would try and be a manager but it would go badly. He wants the money, he wants to be like Jay-Z but will never amount to it… Jerwayne-Z…” admits Javone.
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Photos of Little Gary Patel appear on the wall as Employee of the Month. In series one, episode five (‘Salesman of the Month’)… Jerwayne and Ashley come very close to joining him but there’s a last minute call from, a recently incarcerated, LGP, and Lance soon changes his mind.
23.49 2
The total in minutes and seconds of episode one. “It’s a really fun episode,” laughs Andrew.
The amount of arrests. Again, we can’t say too much here. Apart from #jokes. “If Christopher wasn’t at PhoneShop he’d like to be in an administrative role,” Tom says of the character he loves playing. “Maybe managing a small health club. He’d like to be managing it but he’ll have to go in as another Newman, let’s be honest he’ll always be Newman.”
0
The number of customers served. Although they’re on a busy High Street and the pressures from the Croydon branch grow ever stronger, we don’t think anyone gets served in the whole episode. Someone call Razz Prince and the Elite Selling Krew!
The amount of muffins Christopher has. “The less I know about a scene the better,” divulges Tom. “That’s where the fun comes in. If you know what you have to say and have to do it like 27 times, it can lose some of its energy, whereas if you’re not sure what will come out of your mouth, it’s real and natural because it is.”
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2.5
The number of really random family references in the first episode of the new series of PhoneShop: ‘Mum’, ‘your Mum’, ‘Grandma’, ‘Granddad’, ‘cuz’, ‘baby’ and even a mention of ‘wife’. If this sounds like a bit of you and you want to sit down with your fam to watch it, the third series of PhoneShop returns to E4 on 25 July, so make sure you stay locked to e4.com/phoneshop.
Jay-Z
Jammer
“Upsetting” Magna Carta... HG S. Carter Enterprises We like the flurry of hip hop LPs recently but somewhere Kendrick is definitely laughing his lil Compton ass off at these old dudes. First Ye drops tracks of just screaming and sorry but Jay we nearly fell asleep for god’s sake. Drake we’re pinning the summer on you. [NS] Track To Check: F**kwithmeyou...
“Deeeeeeeclined” Living The Dream Jahmek The World Productions Jam has definitely “come a long way since 333,” and the King of SelfPromotion returns with more hype than ever. With midgets in videos, a phrase on every other track and staying true to his grimy roots, this is his best LP offering yet. [DW] Track To Check: Fat Boys
Elli Ingram
Shakka
“Relaxed vibe” Sober EP MTA Records Following on nicely from Poetic Justice, and that stellar performance at Glasto alongside Chase & Status, Elli delivers a sobering tale of lost love, past regret and Fun. Enjoy with a glass or three. [DW] Track To Check: High Love
“Live-o” The Tribe Big Drum Ent. As always from Shakka, this is pure eclecticness. After a big EP party, featuring as our #readyforanything star, we can confirm that the music stands up to the talk. For those that aren’t afraid of something different and into supporting UK artists, this is for you. [NS] Track To Check: Sooner or Later
WE OUTCHEA / 58
WE OUTCHEA The festival season is almost half way through, so you know we had to update you guys on all the drinking, partying, shuffling and blatant freebies we’ve been indulging in over the past month. From Newquay for Beach Break Live to Novalja for Hideout Festival we’ve been going in; capturing epic sets from the likes of Dusky and Baauer to Shadow Child and Rudimental but there’s even more to come as Dismantle tells us in the run up to Clapham Common’s South West Four Festival. Words Nardene Scott Main Image Danny North
“It seems in the UK that it’s very genuine, there’s a bit more substance back that disappeared with digital house and dubstep, it was all a bit empty. People really value the music, people are 110% behind the acts, DJs and music now.”
Life’s A Beach Students love BBL so it made sense that we rolled up to Cornwall in our KSwiss swagged out van to spread a load of sun-soaked #CaliforniaLove. Images Pharaoh
© Beach Break Live
Beats and Breaks OK, OK so there was no sun but there was definitely sand, lots and lots of sand and also rain - that sideways rain you just can’t manage to hide from. Regardless of the dismal weather, there was a decent line up out at Beach Break Live, whether you’re into your dubstep, house, hip hop or random people you’d never even heard of. We caught up with a DJ and producer you really should get to know though, who goes by the name of Shadow Child, to talk BBL, current bangers and that UK sound.
What is your most memorable beach memory? I spent a week in The Hague in a beach club, it was pouring with rain and everyone was inside in a sweaty marquee. I’m not much of a beach person. [Laughs] fair enough! We’ve got to talk about 23, did you expect the track to take off the way it did? No, not really, there was something about it when I did it in the studio, there was an energy about it. It’s actually a really old track I started with someone else and we didn’t finish. So we just stripped it back and went in a new direction with it. It’s pretty amazing the impact its had. It doesn’t sound finished to me but it’s all good. Maybe it wouldn’t have ended up being as effective if I spent too long on it.
What has been the difference in playing live as Shadow Child compared to Dave Spoon? Yeah I find that before it got a bit too much… dubstep was taking off and the crowds were really into that sound rather than what I was doing but the soul had gone out of it. I get the feeling back from the crowd, they’re really excited by [a Shadow Child set] and to see you, rather than to go there just because its cool to be there. It seems in the UK that it’s very genuine, there’s a bit more substance back that disappeared with digital house and dubstep. It was all a bit empty. People really value the music, people are 110% behind the acts, DJs and music now. If you know what’s good for you, make sure you grab the 23 EP and follow @Shadow_Child. Check out footage on beachbreaklive.com
Bearing bespoke K-Swiss goody bags full of ping pong sets, much needed ponchos, and even more freeness, we set upon the revellers. Of course we had the decks blasting the best in trap, house and then some too providing a vibe from much sunnier shores. K-Swiss fans were also offered the chance to win a trip out to Cali themselves, so there was even more reason to come party with us. Keep up with the #CaliforniaLove journey featuring Charlie Sloth on K-Swiss.co.uk, Facebook.com/ kswiss.uk or follow @KSwiss_UK
WE OUTCHEA / 60 Welcome To Craytia Having just experienced Hideout Festival, probably the best offering of electronic music we’ve ever seen, here’s why you should hit up 2014. Images thisispaultaylor.com It’s Cheap! Yes we thought we’d peak your interest straight away, especially if you’re used to spending £50 to club in Ibiza. There’s 8 Kuna in £1, like seriously a litre bottle of vodka sets you back around £8 and food starts at less than a pound. You can ball out with a tenner! Epic Performances OK so you’ve got to be into tech or the soulful side of house to fully enjoy things but there’s enough scope of the genre to keep you busy. We caught up with Dusky whose track Nobody Else was easily the biggest track to go off at the pool parties. There’s a pretty hefty amount of D&B too and DJs who like to switch it up on you like SBTRKT, Joy Orbison, David Rodigan, Bondax, Jackmaster and Mistajam; not forgetting international guests like Baauer. We On A Boat You have to be pretty quick to nab yourself one of these hot property tickets but if you’re lucky enough
to do so, you’ll absolutely love it. We kicked off the festival on the Aus & Simple boat as Will Saul, George FitzGerald and Midland went back to back. But it was the Black Butter boat that provided even more vibes and Rudimental arrived via speedboat!?!?! Don’t Be Late No one likes something once its been rinsed, so we suggest you get in there early. The whole set up is less than a decade old so enjoy the fresh clubs, pool bars, restaurants and new apartments whilst you can. F**k A Map You see how other party islands let you fend for yourself, the smart people of Hideout understand you don’t have time to think about how you’re gonna get down to the beach or harbour. For just £30, you can grab a weekly bus pass with routes for everything. Watch out for the sweaty rammed out ones though. Rejoice in what you missed out on or better still book yourselves in for 2014 on hideoutfestival.com
WE OUTCHEA / 62
“I was playing in a bunker, and there was a hole in the wall that led into a pool, so I went inside it and fell in the pool with my phone, wallet, everything! I ended up going on in trackies with holes in, check YouTube for the videos.”
Bass In The Place Nardene Scott caught up with Brighton boy and Digital Soundboy fam Dismantle to get us hype for SW4 and hear him divulge all of his feestival faux pas. This is the first catch up since you were tipped as One to Watch, how’s it all going? I’m filming for Before Monday Comes, going round the world, exploring nightlife, I’ve done Stockholm and London already, going to Beijing and New York as well. It’s good, not something I’d usually do. Sounds sick! You’re on the bill for SW4 this year too for the first time, how did that come about? Roska has been supporting me, he was one of the first to hit me up. We’ve been meaning to get into the studio but an offer came in for SW4 with him and I thought yeah, sounds great. Never been SW4 as well, so it’ll be wicked. What’s been your most memorable performance? Maybe when I was in Prague… I was playing in a bunker, and there was a hole in the wall that led into a pool, so I went inside it and fell in the pool with my phone, wallet, everything! I ended up going on in trackies with holes in, check YouTube for the videos.
SW4 sent over your rider, and it was literally rum and lager, didn’t you want any food on there? To be fair, I need to update it but as long as there are drinks and I’m looked after, I don’t care really. Other than drinking a lot, what else do you get up to at festivals? Just meet up with people, the festival spirit and drinking. Soaking up what the festival has to offer. I try and stay as long as I can, I’ve been going since I was younger, I always have mates there as well and just set up a tent in their campsite. I just like finding random items, and taking them back home [laughs]. Who else are you looking forward to seeing at SW4? I like watching people who I personally know but whatever comes up, roaming about and jamming all over the place. I like dub reggae at festivals but I normally end up backstage annoying everyone (laughs). Make sure you witness @Dismantle_ggd going B2B with Roska at SW4 festival. Check southwestfour.com
A.M. SNIPER / 64
With everyone hitting up Ayia Napa this summer, we thought we’d go to the party destination’s main man, A.M. Sniper to get the goss. Having just collaborated with Wiley and currently killing the scene with Charlie Sloth, the Cypriotcome-Londoner takes us on a virtual tour of the best clubs, beaches and Twitter beefs… Words Ben Rebuck
On The Napa Scene It’s mad, it starts off with the first arrivals, then we get adapted to the fact it gets hectic; it’s madness. We’ve got #FireOnTheBeach [his night with Charlie] coming up; Twitter is going mental. On The Clubs You have Black and White; we haven’t changed the name or the music policy since ’85. Obviously we refurbished it [laughs]. That club is pure hip hop, R&B, bashment, the urban identity of Napa. It’s like a church in there, everyone goes through it. Then you’ve got Shuffle Club, which is like deep house music and packed every night.
A.M. SNIPER’S GUIDE TO NAPA Images Paul Taylor
On Napa First Timers One thing you have to do in Napa is go to the beach. The amount of people I bump into who can’t swim, there are loads of them, but when you go to the sea you can start in the shallow end and work your way in [laughs]. It’s not just the beach, there’s Europe’s biggest waterpark, go-karting, quad biking, bungee jumping; we have it all!
“One thing you have to do in Napa is go to the beach. The amount of people I bump into who can’t swim…” On The Charlie Sloth/Wiley Twitter Beef You know what it is; I don’t like getting involved in people’s business. I’ve got Charlie on one side who is a great supporter of the UK scene including myself then on the other side I’ve got Wiley who’s featuring on my record. If I think about it, this shouldn’t be recorded as a Twitter beef though, everyone has their own opinions which they share on Twitter, it’s just magnified when you’ve got a big following or you’re a public figure. On Its Big (Kettle On My Wrist) Ah man, I’m mad happy because I’ve done one festival with 2000 people at Candy Beach; that’s like the ultimate outdoor party in Napa. The track has been received great; I’m also performing my new single with Wiley, which is completely shutting down the clubs at the moment. There is so much going on, the album is coming soon too but we’re not going to force it. If you’re out in Napa this season, make sure you follow @snipermusic or check snipermusic.com
SPEAKER’S CORNER / 66
CAN ANYONE DO ‘A J A Y - Z ? ’ With the release of Jay-Z’s Magna Carta... Holy Grail exclusive to Samsung Galaxy owners three days before the rest of the world - even despite the glitches - a quantity of questions have been unearthed. Atlantic Records A&R Director, Levels Entertainment exec and BBC Radio 1Xtra Breakfast Show host, Alec ‘Twin B’ Boateng, answers most of them. The music fan also has a few of his own. Like what does this mean for music? And what does this mean for the UK?
The announcement of the deal between music mogul Jay-Z and South Korean electronics giant Samsung has once again raised the modern day debate about the value of music. But not only that, people are pondering the direction in which the game is heading and the roll that brands will play. Gone are the days of consumers putting their £2 aside for the Monday afternoon journey to Woolworths (RIP) to buy their favourite single – after a six week wait to have it at home or in their portable CD player. It remains that people still want music though and with downloads, streaming and sharing services like Bit Torrent available (FYI: Public Enemy recently released a single via the peer-to-peer platform) it’s easier than EVER to get it. Jay-Z is one of many artists that have not only figured this out, but understood its value in
relation to his brand and power. Samsung have also realised the demand not only exists, but presents them with an opportunity to essentially sell handsets and be relevant in the phone/ music sphere. It’s a BIG deal that a rapper from Brooklyn’s words and beats can help a multi BILLION dollar company sell more product and this exciting, forward thinking innovation opens up endless possibilities and opportunities for relationships to exist between artists, labels and brands. Both parties benefit greatly too; Jay-Z – the businessman – not only gets paid an estimated $20 million (bigger than any advance he has ever had for an album and a much better royalty rate!), continues to be a trailblazer with this still relatively new form of distribution but his brand also gets to tap into a new audience. Samsung on the other hand, become instantly cool and talked about and that $20 mil’ is actually a small chunk of what they spend on marketing each year (estimated at $4bn!!!) To put that in to context for you, global record sales last year generated $16.5bn; so Samsung throwing a quarter of the gross value of the entire record business just at marketing is crazy.
“Not every artist can link with a corporate; Jay-Z’s the most celebrated hip hop artist of his generation, with three years as the CEO of Def Jam and royalties from 11 No.1 albums. He’s earned the right to rewrite the rules, he wrote most of them.” When it comes to the Galaxy inventors, they’re still waaaaaaay behind Apple in terms of the relationship between music and device owners. Having been born in late 2001, Apple’s iPod is 12 years-old and iTunes even older, so it’s obvious that they needed to pull out something big to jump back into the handset of that annoying dude on the bus playing music on their phone… they needed Jay-Z!! In turn, we in the UK need our Jay-Z… and I think we’ll get him sometime soon. The brand-to-artist relationship area in the UK has jumped leaps and bounds in the last few years (Tinie with Nike,
Burberry and Lucozade, Wretch fronting adidas’ Olympic campaign, Pro Green and Relentless Energy, etc) but we’re still yet to meet the day when the big boys get behind the actual delivery of the music, investing that weighty marketing budget into the artistic productivity. A multinational company needs the artist’s creative output as much as they need their face and fanbase. There’s evidence to show that we’re on our way to that and I can’t wait for it to happen. But let’s not sit here and assume every artist can now link with a corporate power and deliver a body of work; Jay-Z’s the most celebrated hip hop artist of his generation, with three years as the CEO of Def Jam and royalties from 11 No.1 albums. He’s earned the right to rewrite the rules, he wrote most of them. Artists, especially those from the UK, shouldn’t be focussing on ‘doing a Jay-Z’; they should be concentrating on building their fanbase, their product and their brand. Because wherever we go from here and whatever becomes the new standard of music delivery, believe me the technology will come and go, and regardless of the way the content is consumed, one key element will always remain, there’ll always be a demand for good music. For more follow @TwinB and listen to BBC Radio 1Xtra weekday mornings from 6-10am