#137
G
Amplify Dot
I
B Traits
Grace Ladoja
Sasha Keable
R
L
Etta Bond
july 13
Editor’s Letter Welcome to the new and improved look, feel and sound RWD. We’re going on 12 years in this bish so it’s about time we had a style overhaul, and with our editor Danny off tying the knot, I decided to try the quickest way to go completely grey (not really I handled it like a G) by hopping one place up the masthead. And that’s right, your eyes didn’t deceive you, there are a load of chicks on the cover; seriously talented chicks might I add. It’s about time the ladies got a little recognition. That’s just the start of the issues we get all up in the business
of; there’s guest reviewer Vujanic breaking down which camera lens to get behind, our digital don Tego revealing the best series to cop for your iPad watching pleasures, plus RWD’s streetwear aficionado Basil Burley starts a debate all of his own, grabbing a couple of streetwear giants to discuss just ‘How Street Is Streetwear?’ Not to mention Semtex dropping his thoughts on Yeezus, Joseph “JP” Patterson telling us to take notice of tech house and we get all exclusive cornering Roc Nation’s J. Cole, as well as tipping Black Butter’s multitalented Joel Compass who heads up our #readyforanything feature and RWD photographer Verena Stefanie-Grotto who is blowing up, don’t you know? We even convinced contributor Alya Mooro to go without social media as she investigates the dangers of the obsessively honest tweeters and porno-grammers.
RWD Team Editor #JustMarried Contributing Editor Digital Editor Contributors
@nardenescott @dannywalker1 @chantellefiddy @tegosigel Alex Johnson, Jerry Gadiano, Andres Albert, Ben Rebuck, Basil Burley, Joseph “JP” Patterson, Alya Mooro, Semtex
Creative Director Designer Fashion Editor Stylists
@PXLpics 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
Make sure you continue the ride over on RWDmag.com for exclusive mixes and video content!!!
Video
Greg Bond, Felix Kemp
P.S. I’m also not on that Drake hype, get at me @nardenescott
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
Contributors
Contact RWD RWD 4th Floor 60-62 Commercial Street Greater London E1 6LT Tel: 020 3176 4299 staff@RWDmag.com @RWDmag
James PearsonHowes In a word, I’m... struggling (at filling this out!) You’ll normally find me... in a dark corner in my studio This issue… I shot J. Cole who had a T-shirt that I really wanted I’m all about... avocados I’m so over... rain and coldness Holler at me... @JPHphotography
Alya Mooro In a word, I’m... Intuitive You’ll normally find me... in front of my computer, at a gig, or most probably eating This issue… I digest The Dangers of Social Media I’m all about... launching my hip hop and R&B club night, The Come Up I’m so over... London’s awful weather Holler at me... @moorizZLA
Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson In a word, I’m... Weird You’ll normally find me... Randomly cutting shapes with myself This issue… I introduce everyone to London’s Kings of Underground House I’m all about... Morley’s BBQ Rib meal deal I’m so over... Nando’s Holler at me... @Jpizzledizzle
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 # 1 3 7 Features 44-50 52-54 56-57 58-60 62-63
Cover Story: #Girlsontop J. Cole Kings Of Underground House The Dangers of Social Media Rwd on Demand
Regulars 8 10 12-19 20 22-23 24-25 64-65 66-67
Inbox @Rwdmag Instagram Check-In Check Out Enough Already: Collaborations by numbers #Readyforanything: Joel Compass, Parachute Youth, Chimpo About To Blow: Verena Stefanie Grotto Reviews Speaker’s Corner
Style Guide 27-39 Street Daze 40-41 Street Cast 42-43 Is Streetwear Street?
INBOX / 8
#WGAF Join us in this brand new feature where we discuss just a small portion of all the most ridiculous sh*t that has happened this month, which to be honest nobody truly cared about. We did though, for all the wrong reasons of course…
RWD Fantasy Premier League Winner
The Voice and Britiains Got Talent ended providing space for equally crap programming (make sure you read Tego’s RWD on Demand guide in Unwind to see what’s actually worth a watch).
Complex listed Nicki Minaj as having THE best verse of the last five years! If that wasn’t enough they then didn’t list Jay-Z, once. Even their favourite cover star in the whole world KiD CuDi didn’t get a look in, we know why. But anyway please join in us in #ComplexAllowYourLists. Ja Rule got out of the penitentiary, not sure if he’ll be able to adjust to the times. Someone tell him to pop a molly before he jumps in the booth, or better still don’t, just be happy you were once someone, before IRS came knocking.
Last but by no means least. Tulisa and Mike GLC. We’ll say it again, Tulisa and Mike GLC. Where do we even start with this one? We are still shaking our heads, our mouths are still gaping holes of disbelief, every single time we watch that video. The comeback is going to be one big long struggle.
Caption Contest Our first ever caption contest heralded some funny and some not-so-funny responses. Winner @m_moreira 88 displayed knowledge, wit and wordplay as he flipped our pic of Mac Miller and a goose in Regents Park, using one of the MC’s own lines. Congratulations Marco, you’ve won VIP tickets to NASS and Boardmasters Festivals.
“You ain’t a rapper, my homies never heard y’all, I just spit a punchline, so now I need a bird call!”
After an intense season Ian Camacho picks up his (nonexistent) trophy and also wins a £150 pair of adidas Nitrocharge boots with matching kit... First, how did you win RWD’s Fantasy League? I guess all those years of playing Fantasy Football finally paid off. I got into it in 2006 and now its second nature. I couldn’t imagine a season without doing it. It was so close at the end... Came down to a mere 39 points in the end... When you’re juggling multiple leagues it gets complicated. Fortunately for me it worked well as I won both leagues. Who was your star player? Robin van Persie, without a shadow of a doubt. Will you be signing up for 2014? [Laughs]... Is Lionel Messi the greatest player ever? I’m already looking forward to defending my title. Can you give us any tips? Yes, first and foremost don’t make any unnecessary transfers. Go with your gut feeling. I actually post tips, so if you want to get a headstart over your rivals, follow @champ_ian Who do you support? I’m a big Arsenal fan and would love to see them end their trophy drought. I’m tipping Manchester City to have a solid season under Pellegrini, however, I have a funny feeling it will be José Mourinho’s Chelsea. Stay locked to RWDmag.com to get involved next season
@rwdmag instagram / 10
Check-in check out / 12
C heck - in check out Set Up Shop Streetwear stops frontin’ this season and opens up shop. Check out… the leap two of the UK’s shining streetwear stars have taken as HYPE opens its doors at Boxpark and Benjart creates a bespoke lounge. Benjart’s appointment-only set-up is kitted out with consoles of their choice, plus something to sip on whilst HYPE’s prime location at Shoreditch shopping haven, Boxpark, comes just a year after launching. Head to @HYPEclothinguk and @BenjartWorld
Meat The Neighbours
Enemy of the Stath
Huf and Puff
Another burger joint comes to town, but this one’s Presidential…
Chameleon Jason Statham turns into ex-Special Forces soldier Joey Jones...
99 Problems but a beach ain’t one…
Check-in… to Covent Garden as US fave Five Guys brings it’s own unique twist to the game. They even claim that it’s Obama’s favourite burger shack and if it’s good enough for Obama well… Fill your presidential void in London’s Covent Garden check fiveguys.co.uk for more
Check out... Lionsgate’s new thriller, the explosive Hummingbird. Jones goes from bum to bonecrushing businessman in a few stages. A slow burner, but well worth the wait once he’s in mob mode adding a big old punch to the Keep Britain Tidy campaign. Out 28 June, cert 15
Check Out… what HUF are up to as they drop their latest Hawaiian Print Volleys, just in time for that one day of summer. Obviously if you’re smart like us you’ve already hooked up a vast array of European festivals to guarantee you those rays. Get yours now at hufworldwide. com for around £20
Where We’ve Been
Shady Business
Sock it to Me
The perfect way to hide those late nights and early mornings.
Don’t ignore your ankles…
We Are FSTVL
Check Out…the end to the barefoot look. In these warmer summer months, the barefoot look is in and socks left tucked away in your drawers. But don’t go for that sockless vibe - grab a pair of 40’s and Shorties. Their designs will give your ankles and thighs the attention they deserve. P.S. Don’t skip leg day at the gym… Sock up via 40sandshorties.com £8 well spent we say!
The line up was big, we can say that but... Where was the hot tub? Where was the 5-star gourmet BBQ? Where was the damn vibe? There were way too many TOWIE types in there for our liking. #ThePatronGotUsThroughIt.
Check out… these new shades brought to you courtesy of The Hundreds. Using their tried and tested Phoenix shape, these bad boys come in your standard all black everything but also camo and tortoise shell colour ways and even a blend of both. Packing a scratch-resistant cast they could even survive the summer. thehundreds.com have got you
Field Day The kind people at Red Bull provided Greg with passes, he remembers nothing and this is his only pic, so it must have been good. The best parts of this festival were the swings, waltzers, Jägermeisters and Disclosure.
Deep Cover It’s festival season and all you’ll need is a new anorak. Check out… Addict’s festival anorak, which is not only stylish but packs a punch in the functionality department. The water-resistant jacket folds away into it’s own bag, making it light and portable, but also a space saver for when you need to pack it away on that one sunny day. Coming in four colours, you’re sure to find one to keep you dry. Pick yours up for £70 at addict.co.uk
Red Bull Music Academy NYC Takeover New York’s Meatpacking District was home to this year’s Red Bull Music Academy. Highlights were Questlove, Roots Of Dubstep in Brooklyn, Drop The Lime and even crazier after-after parties (what happens in NYC...!)
Check-in check out / 14
Lets Push Things FWD Rinse providing that tunnel vision
The Casual Tailor The purveyors of the finest gentlemen’s apparel are back! Check-in… to Scottsmenswear.com for an exclusive airing of the ONETrueSaxon Spring/Summer 13 range which sees all the prime cuts of Saxon with tailoring for the more casual connoisseur and added attention to detail on every garment, no compromises, no half measures. Those chaps at ONETrueSaxon prefer to tread their own path. Keep up to date with everything saxon by following @Onetrueofficial
Check-in… to the new home of the legendary FWD>> nights over at Dalston Superstore’s new underground venue, Dance Tunnel. Following Plastic People closing its doors - whilst we’re on the subject RIP Cable - Skream kicked off the way FWD>> with his birthday shindig in May alongside Hatcha, Boddika, Loefah and Mighty Moe. The new residency means you’re in for a treat on a regular, just look at what Rinse have to offer, it really is a no brainer when it comes to your Thursday evenings. There’s no shame in admitting Ilovefwd.com
Pusha Boat Out
Re-ewind
Crowning Glory
Pusha T is back bishes, so please act like you know…
We’re all over doing it again and again...
Freshen up those dead creps with a sparkling sneaker crown…
Check-in…to XOYO if you know what’s good for your soul on 2 July to catch the Virginia native Pusha T proving what’s really G.O.O.D via the mic. The Wrath of Caine was pretty much crack music for us here at RWD so it’s only right he graces us with his presence to spit that newness. For tickets head to XOYO.co.uk
Check out… the block party to end all block parties when the DoOver squad head back into town. July or even August, who knows. It’s a sell out affair so just be happy we’re giving you the heads up on the Shoreditch based outdoor rave supported by adidas Originals. Bookmark, sh*t do what you have to do to get there thedoover.net
Check out… this big movement making waves overseas in the States. Sneaker Crowns are relatively unheard of in these waters, but they’re big. LA’s Four Two Four drop these crowns in anything from 18k gold to blue sapphire and of course you can cop a Jesus piece. See fourtwofouronfairfax.com
Being Charlie Sloth
[Kanye] has absolutely lost it, he’s a bit cuckoo. Leave it Kanye! Yet another hectic month on Planet Charlie...
Fresh To Death Are you ready for the resurrection of DXPECHEF? Check out… the latest bold move from UK brand DopeChef who ran a count down to apocalypse via a live feed, whereby they literally disintegrated their dead stock only for the brand to be re-birthed as monochrome, gothic attire. Wave goodbye to DOPECHEF and witness the resurrection of #DXPECHEF which will be televised on 30 June via dopechef.tv
Game On
Bombs Away
Time to make it rain.
Turn up as this grenade-style speaker explodes on the scene…
Check out… possibly the biggest hook up since God knows when, as Crooks & Castles and Monopoly join forces. The summer release features a twist on some of the renown stops on the board game; from the ‘Go Getters’ tees and ‘Luxury Tax’ vests to just straight ‘Making It Rain’ apparel. Get taxed for the luxury over at threadsaddiction.com
Check out… Philips’ new portable speaker. This wireless device packs a punch in the hands-free game, as it’s compact and lightweight nature means you can take them everywhere - just watch out for hand luggage at the airport. Small in size yet big in sound. £39.95, to grab yours visit philips. com or Apple stores nationwide
What’s good, it’s your boy Charlie Sloth, ahhh yeah. It’s been another big month in the world of Charlie Sloth. First off, let us talk about new music, Mic Righteous dropped a brand new mixtape, which is absolutely crazy, it’s a free download so go and get that. So has J Spades, who released More Money More Pagans Pt. 2, which I’m telling you is absolute fire, I also caught up with my homeboy J. Cole, who played me some exclusive stuff from his album and wow, it’s definitely not going to disappoint. Fire on the Beach is almost here, 13 July in Ayia Napa, the line-up is crazy, search ‘Fire on the Beach’ online – we’ve got Koke, Giggs, Devlin, we’ve got Dappy, we’ve got Krept and Konan we’ve got English Frank, obviously I’m there, we’ve got Charlie Sloth, your boy Semtex, it’s gonna be big. Nines’ Fire in the Booth has just reached one million views, Nines is an artist straight out of north-west London. It’s the fastest ever growing Fire in the Booth, reaching one million views in just under three months. That is absolutely crazy, cuz. I also caught up with Miguel this month; I got him to talk about that leg drop. You need to see that online. This month RWD are debating a few things; do I think Netflix is better than TV, leeeeeave it cuz. Is Kanye West a genius? Well, it depends on whether you class someone who has lost the post as a genius. That man has absolutely lost it, he’s a bit cuckoo. Leave it Kanye! For more follow @CharlieSloth and catch him on BBC Radio 1Xtra (Mon - Fri 4-7pm) and BBC Radio 1 for the Monday Night Rap Show (2-4am)
Check-in check out / 16 Jump On The Wagon A girl knows how to get street Check out… the model any and everyone wants to don their gear, Chinese/ French-Canadian model, Adrianne Ho. Seen here sporting the Levi’s 501 collection like no other, the 25 yearold Next/Ford signed model has been featured within the pages of Complex, GQ and also worn the sh*t out of Nike, Supreme and Stussy streetwear garments in the past. If you manage to look beyond the sexy @AdrianneHo you’ll find the classic 501 collection worn in her own way which we like and you can find out all about on levi.com
check-in check out / 18
T est to I mpress : C ameras
Everyone has the ability to transform into a YouTube star overnight; you just need a few good ideas and a decent camera. These compact companions all record in full HD, are lightweight enough to carry around all day and have individual attributes that can help you up your video game, you just need to bring the ideas. Having amassed nearly 9M views, serial YouTuber, Vujanic (youtube. com/TheVujanic), is no stranger to the lens. The Copa90 presenter gives us his guide to these pocket-friendly portables‌ Words Danny Walker Editorial Asst. Ben Rebuck Photographer Adrian Nettleship
Go Pro HERO 3
Sony NEX-6
Nikon Coolpix P330
Already a favourite with climbers, bloggers and thrill seekers alike, the latest Go Pro is full to the brim with features (including Wi-Fi...) “This is not your conventional type of camera. But if you’re an adventurous person or someone who is out and about trying to get risky shots robbing a bank, use this. Even for dares, YouTube loves dares, this is perfect. It reminds me of Miley Cyrus, she’s recently gone crazy. She is small, slim, but twerking on stage with Juicy J.” £359.99, gopro.com
A nice 16.1MP lens, USB 2.0 and HDMI, the NEX-6 isn’t as featurepacked as the others but it is an instant classic. “I actually love the style of this, I like that leathery feel too. It’s very east London/80s. I’ve grown up with Sony, I like Sony, I like saying the words ‘Sony’. I don’t care that it doesn’t have Wi-Fi, cos it doesn’t always work – sometimes you have to steal it from your neighbour. I’d compare this camera to Lana Del Rey, she just gets you. She’s in your heart.” £619.00, sony.co.uk
Utilising a relatively small lens the Coolpix also boasts GPS, a 3-inch, 921k-dot LCD screen, and 5x optical zoom. “This camera is flashy, it’s for one of those people who like neon. This would be perfect for RiFF RaFF. This is not for everyone; I can imagine you have to be a male who is willing to paint his toe-nails to enjoy it. It’s one of those ‘We’re going to LEGOLAND, I’ll get the Nikon out.’ I’d compare this to Rihanna as it gets passed around. It’s stylish but it’s a bit too much.” £329.99, nikon.co.uk
Olympus Stylus TG-2
Fujifilm FinePix XP200
Panasonic Lumix TZ40
Great in low light conditions – meaning that late night viral can still be shot – this super-fast, super-tough, cam, will get you through the rough and smooth. “To be honest, this camera is not very pretty, we’re not going to lie, but I’m a careless person. I forget stuff on trains. I drop stuff, I break stuff so this one is perfect. This would be perfect for my character Bricka Bricka, he can get cement on it or whatever. I’d compare this camera to Rihanna too; she has survived a lot and she keeps coming back for more.” £349.99, olympus.co.uk
Another tough device for you to make your YouTube masterpieces with, whether your setting is in a shopping centre, up a mountain, or underwater it can deliver. “I like this tough camera, there’s something about it. You can drop it and it will be OK. It’s 1080P, which is good. They could have called it something else though, like the ‘X-Men’. It doesn’t look that expensive, but I like it. It looks a bit like Ironman too. This would be compared to a tough girl, adventurous girl but one who is quality... [... still thinking].” £229, from fujifilm.eu
With an 18.9MP lens, 20x Optical Zoom, Wi-Fi and NFC (yes, NFC!) The TZ40 is a real contender for your cash. “That is a lot of mega pixels, but it’s not all about size as they say, it’s how you use it, isn’t it? Wi-Fi? That is quite cool, and I like the fact it has NFC – which kinda sounds like a wrestling organisation. I’d compare this camera to Cilla Black, because in her prime Cilla Black was an amazing woman. She’s past her time now but she still holds a certain quality.” £325.99, eu.panasonic.com
Enough Already / 20 Enough Already: Collaborations By Numbers You know how it is by now. Commercial artist hollers at underground artist or US rapper hollers at UK rapper, ‘I beg we borrow each others fans for a hot minute because I’m so insecure about the music I’m trying to make I need to appeal to everyone in the world at the same damn time’. Nardene Scott says dead the bait collaborations by numbers format.
“Nobody is interested in some wack beat made for ten different markets being flown back and forth between artists who have never met being rammed down our throats thank you very much” Firstly I’m not one to breed negativity, I’d rather p*ss myself laughing at the most recent pr*ck to agree to work with that Worzel Gummidge looking prat. But when my inbox and timeline and ears - radio loves a ‘ticks all the boxes’ collab - are full of this generic half-arsed ‘beg we swap fans cuz’ tracks, it’s time to find out at the very least who the hell is buying this toxic sh*t. With that being said some people can do no wrong namely Rudimental, Disclosure, Duke Dumont, Wretch 32, Skepta... this could go on for a while but you know, basically the real music lovers proved that when a collaboration is organic, it works. It was actually 2007 though when I wrote my dissertation which discussed the then emerging trend of cross-genre collaborations so I really didn’t expect, no matter how desperate the music industry got as it battled with being swallowed and regurgitated by the digital world, to still be spinning people with
this bullsh*t in 2013. How is it that Kendrick (my actual pretend husband) needs Emeli Sandé on a rehash of his track. For that matter, why does Emeli Sandé, the queen of 2012 need to be on Kendrick’s? The label might believe it’s a quick US co-sign for her plans over there, we presume that too because guess what, it’s not six years ago, fools. Nobody is interested in some wack beat made for ten different markets being flown back and forth between artists who have never met being rammed down our throats, thank you very much. I could have named the ones that are actually bad instead but what’s the point in giving them any more exposure, they’re already crossing 50 million channels as it is. The major labels aren’t taking note of what the successful indies are doing; putting the music first. Artists are going indie or if they’re on a major they’re arranging their own tours, so what do labels have but those bait singles which then get dashed onto equally awful compilations, nominated for completely made up awards and all in the name of this stupidness that should have never been allowed to go further than the meeting room, let alone studio. The worst one ever is when an artist tries to resuscitate a flopped single months later with a bait collab. I hope each and every last PRS cheque gets lost in the post.
#READYFORANYTHING / 22
Joel Compass 19 year-old producer and singer Joel Compass got picked up by A&R scout Jamila Scott then famed songwriter Amanda Ghost and eventually the label who are really putting the majors to shame right now, Black Butter Records. With an album already waiting in the wings and an EP dropping very, Nardene Scott jumped in early to find out more about the good looking dude with the impressive falsetto creating those deep and dark beats. No, he’s not from Brixton or Bristol for that matter, he’s from Penge, South London, if you don’t know do your research people! By the sounds of it and the fact that the musical all rounder is kinda into science and space and all that stuff, he’d much rather be from Mars anyway; as admits one way tickets to the red planet are tempting. “I was gonna go into medicine because science was my thing, and I was about to go to uni when I took the deal,” Compass smiles before explaining his concerns. “Science, if I put the work in I’d be where I wanna be but music is the career where you can put everything you have into it but you have to take a risk at some point and that was pivotal moment, I just took the risk.”
Yeah, I think she has [heard it] worryingly enough. I got some calls from blocked numbers recently but I ignored those but F**ked Up was just about that and it was a bit F**ked Up! Before boring shifts at Sports Direct and Urban Outfitters and university was even in his sights, from the age of eight, you’d find Young Joel killing the three sounds on his car boot sale bought keyboard to being encircled in the school playground for his beatboxing skills, “Beat boxing gave me a thing to learn how beats work in a way; ‘til today I beat box a track into my phone than make it at a studio!” It wasn’t until people started co-signing the guide vocals he’d put down while looking for that specific voice that the leap to singer/songwriter/producer occurred. Back To Me, the first track to wander onto the internet got noticed not only for its musical beauty but visuals too, it’s already up for four awards, four BIG awards we’re told. Followed up by blatantly honest thoughts of how one feels after a one night stand F**ked Up, especially when you’ve already got a girl. “Yeah, I think she has [heard it] worryingly enough. I got some calls from blocked numbers recently but I ignored those. F**ked Up was just about that and it was a bit F**ked Up!” The Astronaut EP will drop soon but until then you’ll find the space obsessed one and private dancer (his Dad replaced that creative quest with football) live at Wireless Festival alongside his full band and although his own atmospheric sound is set in stone he still hopes to switch to his producer side and work with artists like Chance the Rapper and A$AP Rocky before we’re treated to his debut LP. The Astronaut EP is out soon so keep up with the all-singing, all-dancing, all-beat boxing, all-producing and enforced footballer @JoelCompass
Parachute Youth
Ben Etridge
According to Matt and Johnny of the Ozzie indie-dance duo, they’re basically “gonna stay as long as we can until we’re illegals.” Seriously who would pick the UK over Oz? “It’s about letting go of that safety net, freefalling and seeing what happens,” Johnny states of their strange name. Their summery Can’t Get Better Than This has already surpassed 4.6M YouTube hits and driven stages across Europe crazy supporting Rudimental. “[When we’re on stage] it’s personal, playing songs we love with energy,” Matt explains before talking headline show at KOKO and an upcoming massive remix for The Foals that they’re equally pumped about. @ParachuteYouth’s Can’t Get Better Than This is available now
Tweet to Win! Each month, RWD partner up with Duck and Cover and their directional take on trend-led menswear to champion the hottest emerging talent through the #readyforanything campaign. This month we’ve met aspiring artists Joel Compass, Chimpo and Parachute Youth who are all #readyforanything. As always we’re here to make sure your style is on point this season so giving you the opportunity to win Duck and Cover’s Weber contrast shirt just head to Twitter using @RWDmag #readyforanything @RWDmag @duckandcover_ duckandcover.co.uk
Chimpo We’ve known Chimpo for a while and it’s high time we shared the Mancunian with some of you slow off the mark people. If you missed his grimy dash bashy dash hype Boiler Room set (download that) or even the madness that was Blowfish last year, you’re silly just don’t try and put him in a box. “People are like ‘You’re that dubstep guy,’ I’m like, no I’m not but I don’t like everything, like trance…hang on one second I’ve just remembered I’ve got a pasta bake in the oven!” And with that the Big Narstie-fan was gone but not before persuading us to download the efforts of MC Chunky’s and Problem Child’s project, MCs In The Mix. Look out for The Frontline EP and plenty more from @ChimpoMCR
About To BLOW / 24
About To Blow: Verena Stefanie Grotto There are very few people that can capture a moment as well as photographer and documentary maker Verena Stefanie Grotto. Having recently relocated to NYC, Nardene Scott got in touch to track her journey. Photographer Jessica Lehrman “I have been working hard to get to where I am, so I kind of think I deserve this but at the same time I feel very, very lucky.” That’s an understatement considering it was at just 7 years-old she picked up her first Kodak disposable camera and then at 16 that Verena left her small Italian hometown for the skater scene in Barcelona. She engulfed herself in the street culture and bagged a job with VICE Spain as a fashion stylist before realising picking up the camera was a lot easier than directing others. The hip hop fan’s street style blogs were picked up by international titles but it was soon time to move on to London and discover a whole new scene. “I was fascinated by these kids, their anger, their movements, their lyrics. I wanted to know more and when I saw there were no recent pictures, I decided to grab my camera,” the inquisitive one tells us about jumping feet first into the grime scene.
“If you want to be in this game then grow some balls, don’t give up when they say no, love what you do, be nice to people, don’t let your ego get you and see the bigger picture.” Keeping it moving Vee has been documenting the ‘New New York’ scene, riding around Flatbush in a ‘Dollar Van’ - “if you don’t know what it is, you should listen to more rappers from Brooklyn” with Pro Era’s CJ Fly, shooting Flatbush Zombies for Japanese titles and creating her own weekly VICE column. “I don’t see any artists as heroes but I see them all as human beings who achieved their dreams and that’s why I respect and admire them,” the sunglasses fiend begins to explain what she gets out of it all. “I kind of do it for these people too but also for my parents, they are my first motivation. They believed in me much more than I did.” “If you want to be in this game then grow some balls, don’t give up when they say no, love what you do, be nice to people, don’t let your ego get you and see the bigger picture.” That’s what makes the Gang Starr lover stand out, always prepared to go that that extra mile. The latest included being too focused shooting an unamed artist to notice she was flying low. In the future there’ll be fingers crossed, a permanent New York abode... hopefully a little extra money too. “Sometimes I get jobs that I have to spend more money than what I actually earn. But that happens when you really love something.” Follow @VerenaStefanie and see kog-online.com
STYLE STREET DAZE James wears Duck and Cover polo duckandcover.co.uk Denim Demons shirt denimdemon.se Denim Demons shorts denimdemon.se Nike Air Max 95 EM ‘Sunset Pack’ jdsports.co.uk WeSC cap wesc.com George wears Luke polo luke1977.com Duck and Cover jeans duckandcover.co.uk Aigle boots aigleboots.co.uk
Photography Luke Freeman Styling Violetta Kassapi Stylist Asst. Charlie Lacey-Lennox Grooming Crystabel Riley @ Stella Creative Artists using Benefit Cosmetics, Bumble & Bumble Models George Tarrant @ Nevs Models, James Cox @ M&P Models
28
James wears: Crooks & Castles x Monopoly bucket hat threadsaddiction.com Whyme London T-shirt teamwhyme.co.uk Collective Noun shorts cn-london.com model’s own trainers George wears: Mishka shirt mishkanyc.com Crooks & Castles cap threadsaddiction.com Uniqlo T-shirt uniqlo.com Quicksilver chinos quicksilver.co.uk Nike Roshe trainers jdsports.co.uk On/under bed: Gourmet trainers gourmetfootwear.com Converse bag, red hightops asos.com skate board model’s own
30 George wears Crooks & Castles T-shirt, shorts threadsaddiction.com Nike Roshe trainers jdsports.co.uk
George wears G-Star jacket, T-shirt, shorts g-star.com Nike Air Max 90s jdsports.co.uk
George wears Crooks & Castles varsity threadsaddiction.com Trapstar T-shirt iamatrapstar.com
James wears Duck and Cover shirt duckandcover.co.uk Luke bomber jacket luke1977.com Quicksilver chinos quicksilver.co.uk Whyme London bucket hat teamwhyme.co.uk Nike Roshe trainers jdsports.co.uk
32
Above: adidas hoodie adidas.co.uk Brixton cap brixton.co.uk WeSC T-shirt wesc.com Luke jeans luke1977.com
Opp page: James wears Starter bomber jacket jdsports.co.uk PXL T-shirt pxlclothing.com G-Star shorts g-star.com Nike Air Max 1 trainers Nike.com
34 James wears Starter bomber jacket jdsports.co.uk PXL T-shirt pxlclothing.com G-Star shorts g-star.com Nike Air Max 1 trainers Nike.com George wears Crooks & Castles T-shirt, shorts threadsaddiction.com Nike Roshe trainers jdsports.co.uk
Above: George wears Bape shirt eu.bape.com KG&Co. by Guillermo jewellery fourtwofouronfairfax.com
36
Opp page: James wears Brixton cap and baseball jersey brixton.com Collective Noun coach jacket cn-london.com Trapstar shorts iamatrapstar.com adidas trainers adidas.co.uk Globe skateboard surfdome.com
Above: Starter five panel cap jdsports.co.uk Gourmet trainers gourmetfootwear.com Crooks & Castles varsity jacket threadsaddiction.com Duck and Cover shirt duckandcover.co.uk
38 Above: James wears Denim Demons pattern shirt, shorts denimdemon.se American Apparel socks americanapparel.net WeSC five panel wesc.com Nike Air Max 95 EM ‘Sunset Pack’ jdsports.co.uk
Opp. page: George wears G-Star jacket, T-shirt, shorts g-star.com
STREET CAST / 40
Photography Ravi Sidhu
42
Is Streetwear Really “Street”? There is no precise definition for what “streetwear” actually is. From its grass roots, streetwear has now reached the heights of corporate power and worldwide influence. The streets are where streetwear began, but where has its path to success taken it? Basil Burley got together three of streetwear’s finest to speak on the subject; Jeff Staple the founder of Staple Design and Reed Space, who has undeniably been one of the most progressive individuals in the streetwear movement. Eugene Kan, Managing Editor of HYPEBEAST; the most premier blog and publication that is seen as the source of everything streetwear and Mikey Trapstar, co-founder and creative director of London’s very own rising brand Trapstar.
The same thing that happened to the music industry, has happened to streetwear...The Internet made it an open market and a level playing field for new brands to be seen...[Mikey]
@EugeneKan
@JeffStaple
@MikeyTrapstar
What Makes Streetwear “Street”? Jeff Streetwear doesn’t have to come from “city streets” physically speaking. But the mentality of it has to come from the streets. I am sure there are great streetwear brands that were conceived in suburban towns nowhere near a metropolitan city. The thought process can be the same though. Mikey I can’t comment on the entire state of streetwear as we’re second generation to the fold but I do feel if you are portraying and marketing yourself in the streetwear category, you should have roots in the city or country you’re repping. Whether it’s by supporting your local musicians, artists or even skaters who are part of the wider street culture that brands of today make their money from. Eugene I think that depending on the demographic, the context will inevitably change. Brands never ever perceived to “be” streetwear by one demographic will be by another. I think most will agree that streetwear, in itself is closely associated with youth culture but that can be and is extremely vague. The Internet vs. Streetwear Jeff It has made it much more accessible and easy to enter into. On the other hand, because of the flood of new brands, it has also made it more difficult for new brands to stand out; so it’s a double edged sword. Mikey The same thing that happened to the music industry, has happened to streetwear and the fashion industry as a whole. The Internet made it an open market and a level playing field for new brands to be able to be seen. Before, you needed a store or you had to do what I did which was sell out of the back of your car boot.
Eugene [The Internet] has definitely made [streetwear] more flat. I’ve seen the same examples worn in Tokyo, Canada, USA and Europe. It’s both good and bad. It can build community but also create stagnation to an extent but movements can also be that much more far reaching. What Influences Streetwear? Jeff Independent thinking. Think for yourself. Do for yourself. Never take no for an answer. To me, that’s street culture. Mikey I can’t dictate what a brand should be influenced by, I can only speak for myself. I’m influenced by my childhood peers, my recent travels and surroundings which is mainly street culture. It’s where we were authentically conceived as a brand. Eugene It’s definitely based around youth culture. To me, streetwear and the fashion aspect, isn’t necessarily Supreme, Nike, Vans and graphic T-shirts. In itself, regional differences, regardless of the internet will always exist and with it comes different perspectives on what the definition of streetwear is. What’s Next For The Scene? Jeff I don’t think there’s a problem at all. It’s been a niche thing since streetwear began in the late 80s. But as you can see, the population of people who relate to the street mentality is growing and growing. I don’t think it’s going to stop. This will make the popularity of the business grow exponentially as well. Mikey Times have changed and we are proof of that, although I thank God for Google, I also thank my upbringing and trials and tribulations before I set up a shopping cart. There are no rules in fashion and words shouldn’t put your brand in a classified box. Eugene I don’t believe it’s correct to deny any other culture the ability to engage in so-called streetwear because it’s not the same quintessential form that major markets might understand to be “streetwear.” South Africans, Mongolians and Americans alike can each have their own definition of what it is.
S terot y pical
More often than not it’s a male that gets pushed to the forefront of any scene unless there’s an attractive girl with it all hanging out to be poster girl. But with the strong and unique pool of female creative talent here in the UK, we don’t see why we can’t shout about it. Nardene Scott rounded up a selection of the finest women doing their thing; singer/songwriters Etta Bond and Sasha Keable, rapper Amplify Dot, film maker Grace Ladoja and DJ/producer B.Traits and spoke to them about the barriers they face within the industry, the specific pressures placed on females, standing out from the crowd, being pitched against one another and their thoughts on what the future holds. Make sure you log onto RWDmag.com for our mini documentary #GirlsOnTop discussing women in music, plus you can check out behind the scenes footage of our cover shoot. Photography Jon Attenborough Photographer’s Assistant Tom North Stylist Janine Jauvel Stylist Teaneasha Fuller Hair and Make Up Shreya A, Giada Venturini, Jessie Deol
#GIRLSONTOP 44
N ot Y our
#GIRLSONTOP 46 B.Traits This Digital Sound Lady is no stranger to RWD. The Canadian cutie is the only female to be embraced into the legendary Digital SoundBoy fold and has since taken the clubs by storm whether mixing up all types of underground bass, house and D&B, or slaying radio with her own diverse productions on her BBC Radio 1 show. Female Inspirations... The first female role models that I had in the dance music industry were Kemistry & Storm, they were just the sickest DJ’s. I was buying all of their mixtapes and they were just really positive female role models. They just were themselves, they didn’t dress a certain way or act a certain way, you could just tell they loved their music and that was so inspiring. The Industry vs. The People… I think that first and foremost you need a solid fan base to breakthrough, so the consumer may [be more important], a big label can throw tonnes of money at a project and it will still flop if no one likes it. I put myself in the position of a punter, I think that really flips it because a lot of new artists just want to get number 1’s and that’s all good but the second you start focusing on record sales is when it sort of flops. I mean some people are really good at it but that’s my philosophy... To do what I gotta do to make music that I feel passionate about. @BTraits
“A lot of new artists just want to get number 1’s and that’s all good but the second you start focusing on record sales is when it flops… my philosophy… Do what I gotta do to make music that I feel passionate about.”
Name… Etta Age… 23 Representing... Odd Child Recordings I’m mostly known for… singing If you like… Eggs … then we’ll most likely get along One thing you should know about me is… I’m not the biggest fan of interviews Three things other than music that inspire me are… Life, life and life My most memorable studio session was definitely… hanging about with Lab in the studio when Tinie recorded his verse for Earthquake - that was pretty cool. Adele was there...I even got to sing to her! Casual… The most embarrassing thing to happen to me on stage... don’t jinx me! If I wasn’t doing what I’m doing now I’d probably be… a drug dealer or a Secret Agent My highlight of 2013 so far is… this wondrous interview My plans for the rest of 2013 are… More music, more w**d. @EttaBond
Etta Bond Someone who we’ve been appreciating for a while now at RWD and previously a One To Watch star, Etta Bond has carved a nice little niche for herself in music by, well, being herself. Whether she’s dropping bars (in her own way) over eclectic beats or we’re relating to her hangover hell over her partner in crime Raf Riley’s cinematic bass clapping bangers or even showing her softer side alongside Wretch 32 and Devlin, you instantly know when you hear her voice, that it’s Etta. Focus On Image... It has to do with what sort of person you are. If image is a big thing to you, then make it a big thing for you. I feel like I take pride in how I look and dress but being comfortable is my main thing. A lot of the time I think female artists are expected to go on stage in like a bikini top and booty shorts. It definitely does [affect a woman in this industry] it’s how much you allow it to affect you, you don’t have to look like that because somebody says you have to. I don’t listen to that, I look how I look, and I feel quite happy with dressing how I want to dress. If somebody says I look too casual, I’ll probably want to wear tracksuit bottoms for three months straight. It’s about strength, you’ve got to be strong to not be fussed.
#GIRLSONTOP 48
Name… Ashley … but most people call me… A Dot or Dotty Age… 25 Representing... rebels and rap lovers I’m mostly known for… rhyming words on beats and general awesomeness If you like… breaking rules and pictures of Rihanna… then we’ll most likely get along One thing you should know about me is… I’m trouble Three things other than music that inspire me are… love, family and Buddhism My most memorable studio session was definitely… recording with Gyptian in Jamaica for my debut mixtape, Born Ready The most embarrassing thing to happen to me on stage... I trip over everything, ain’t no thang If I wasn’t doing what I’m doing now I’d probably be… broke My highlight of 2013 so far is… being booked for Glastonbury My plans for the rest of 2013 are… the release of my new single I’m Good featuring Busta Rhymes and world domination. @AmplifyDot
Amplify Dot As soon as this Londoner exposed her ability to annihilate a beat, it’s pretty much been an upward spiral. Successful mixtapes and co-signs from Missy as well as international collaborations already in check, right now, the Virgin signed rapper is about spreading her sound touring and opening up for the likes of Rizzle Kicks and Action Bronson. The Glass Ceiling… I think the theory that being a girl in music makes it harder, is what makes it harder. Whereas I think once you get out of that mindset, it won’t hold you back. I’m just like whatever I’ll just do me and hopefully it catches on. What’s next? There’s definitely room for a number of females to emerge. I think America have kind of got it right in terms of there doesn’t need to just be one person spearheading something, there can be Iggy Azalea, Angel Haze, Azealia Banks... I think in the UK, the mentality is sometimes, ‘Who’s the best and we’ll champion the best one?’ and I think we need to get out of that mindset and realise that people are in different lanes, so as long as people make sure that what they’re doing is unique enough, there’s room for 10 or 20.
Name… Sasha Keable but most people call me… Sash or Smasha Age… 19 Representing… south Ldn I’m mostly known for… my Disclosure song Voices and DJ Zinc’s Only For Tonight If you like… trainers… we’ll probably get along One thing you should know about me is… I’m half Colombian Three things other than music that inspire me…. family, friends and travelling Highlight of 2012 was… working with Dev Hynes in New York Most embarrassing moment was… a coughing fit on stage midway through an emotional song If I wasn’t doing this I’d be… anywhere BUT university Highlight of 2013 is… featuring on the Disclosure album! What’s up next? Releasing my EP in September, playing Wireless and my album @sashakeable
Sasha Keable Fresh to the scene - this was literally Sasha’s first photoshoot - Ms. Keable has the type of voice that sets her apart from the rest of the scene. At the moment where others would shrill the higher the note this lady reaches the sweeter the tone gets. Basically when you’re part of the family that is Disturbing London there’s a reason why you were chosen and you’ll all be able to find out why pretty soon. Focus On Image... There’s definitely a lot of emphasis on image but that’s what the industry comes with, it shouldn’t really but I think it works both ways, with men and with women. I think women are more heavily judged than men that’s a definite and I think women are pretty quick to judge other women as well and I don’t think that helps. It’s about finding a balance, if you’re just going to the studio, I personally don’t see why you’d have to dress up because you’re there to write music and make music. It’s definitely down to where your heads at in terms of your music whether you’re a musician or a product and that’s the difference. Being Unique... God that’s a killer question, I think that I definitely know that I’m more about the music and I think there are a few other women at the moment who are definitely pushing the fact that women can make sick music and that’s what I stand for; the music.
#GIRLSONTOP 50
Name… Grace Ladoja... but most people call me… Amazing Grace Age… mid 20s Representing... east London for work, North London for sleep I’m mostly known for… film stuff If you like… cocktails and dancing... then we’ll most likely get along One thing you should know about me is... I love cooking, flower arranging and all sorts of middle aged activities Three things that inspire me are… travelling, youth culture and art My most memorable project... shooting on a LA Highway with Zebra Katz The most embarrassing thing to happen to me on location… is forgetting where the location was and spending an hour driving around trying to find it If I wasn’t doing what I’m doing now… I’d probably be a chef My highlight of 2013 so far... is getting commissioned to shoot a travel documentary in Egypt, Russia and South America My plans for the rest of 2013 are… to shoot some short films for TV and cinema. @GraceLaDoja
Grace Ladoja Women are making their mark all over the creative industries, eyes shouldn’t just be set firmly in front of the lens because there are plenty of females representing behind the scenes too. Co-founder of her own production company, Ladoja & Sons and busy creating visuals for everyone from Nike and Samsung to Twigs and Channel 4, meet one fine example, Grace Ladoja. Female Inspirations: Growing up I never really looked up to a role model but I was lucky enough to be in a social group of interesting creatives. All of my friends were doing something and they just happened to be women, it was like we encouraged each other to move forward. My best friend is the founder of Wah Nails and then my other best friend is like Cassette Playa who owns a brand so I’ve had the constant push, nurturing and support. What’s next? Women just need to approach it not as victims. Right now if I was a 16 year-old girl, I could do anything I wanted. I don’t have to deal with the same things, the barriers have been broken down, so everyone is on a level playing field, you can do whatever you want.
J. COLE / 52
A D evil and A D ream Fayetteville’s Jermaine Lamarr Cole, or J. Cole as we know him, is one determined character. He’s not your average artist either, so far 2013 has witnessed his motivational speech at Harvard University, confirmation of a joint album with Kendrick Lamar, a more openly serious take to singing, a $1 on the door tour; plus the release of second album Born Sinner which he purposely coincided to rival Kanye West’ Yeezus. North Carolina raised Cole is talented and confident but definitely tormented, he did call his album Born Sinner after all and listening to Ni**az Know and Miss America back to back is a little confusing but he is an actual hip hop artist. There’s no molly in sight, no nonsense monotonous lyrics and some pretty meaningful artwork. Yeah he wears a Jesus Piece but other than his moms and his Dreamville team, it’s pretty much all about the music. The note Jay-Z enclosed in the $2000 bottle of Remy Martin he gave to the 28 yearold rapper last year read, ‘You already won’ despite losing out on a Grammy. Now a year later in London, Cole explains how he’s sure of it. Words Nardene Scott Photographer James Pearson-Howes Photographer Asst. Jamie Phelps
“I remember a few years ago like Kanye or Jay-Z might drop a song, it would just feel so far away. Now it’s still amazing but it’s like I’ve got something too, like I got amazing as well. It just feels like I could play in the same league.”
There’s been a whirlwind around the release of Born Sinner. What did you and Jay-Z think about pushing the album earlier to tie in with the drop of Yeezus? It really wasn’t a thought, (clicks fingers) it was an instinct that told me to do it. It was supposed to happen; on this album a lot of stuff lined up like that, that was one of the last things, it was like a sign. Jay was cool with it, he thought it was a bold move but he said ‘You can’t lose, there’s no losing’. If I don’t sell as much, it’s like OK nobody expected me to but it’s a strong statement either way. Do you think we need that competition in hip hop? Yeah definitely, especially in this particular situation. I’m such a Kanye fan, this is not even somebody who’s like ‘Yo Kanye is wack’. I’m a fan of his like everybody else, I’m probably a bigger fan, I was like a day one fan. For me, it’s cool this kid is at the point where he competes with one of his favourites because I remember a few years ago when Kanye or Jay-Z drop a song, it would just feel so far away. Now it’s still amazing but it’s like I’ve got something too, I got amazing as well. It feels like I could play in the same league. Is that what drives you? Yeah, even if this Kanye thing didn’t exist, I’m still aiming for whoever is at the top. I’m just a competitor by nature so that’s just constantly pushing me, on top of being an artist and liking to write and use it as therapy. The music side of me is there, regardless and this competitive side is the engine that would make me do something like that. Most people are gonna move their date further away from Kanye West, it’s like the obvious thing that you should probably do but I’mma go to see him. Considering your love for the art of storytelling, and Kendrick’s #DeathToMolly end slate on his #BDKMV video, how do you feel about the molly movement? [Sighs] The molly rappers… I don’t know man, it is really happening, so you can’t be too mad at them. The fact that it’s trendy and they’re talking about Molly, that’s the wack part but it should be documented. Right now in the States, I don’t know what it’s like over here, but that’s happening, a lot of girls, a lot of dudes do Molly. So it does represent what’s going on but it’s wack that rappers try to like look cool by talking about Molly. Looking back crack wasn’t always looked at like crack; at one time people were smoking crack and weren’t ashamed of it and then they realised, ‘Yo this is killing you’ it’s suddenly like “Crack is Wack.” So Molly, I feel like it’s going to be the same thing maybe.
J. COLE / 54
On Cole Summer you talk about being ashamed about learning the ins and outs of the game, what’s the dark side? The album is Born Sinners so it talks about, not the dark side necessarily but the temptations - especially as someone like me. I want to remain myself and of course you’re gonna change but you just hope you don’t change for the worst. Whether it be ego or temptation, money and greed, it’s a lot of potential. Just the amount of money you see coming from a place where you never used to see no money; it could change you.
“A lot of girls, a lot of dudes, do Molly so it does represent what’s going on but it’s wack that rappers try to like look cool by talking about Molly.” So considering that, the Truly Yours 2 artwork and your guest verse on Bas’ Lit, is the longevity of fame something which plays on your mind? I mean I’m already in it, so it’s like there’s no turning back at this point. That to me is almost the worst point because you can’t reverse fame but you can lose all the money, fans, respect. That’s the part you don’t think about when you’re a kid, what if you want to stop it like, ‘Yo I want to go back to being normal’.
Filmed at Red Bull Studios, London - a non-commerical space for artists to create without constraint. Follow @RBStudiosLondon and watch our exclusive interview on RWDmag.com Born Sinner is out now, plus see @JColeNC mom Kay Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Miguel and Dreamville members tell their story over on bornsinners.com
On Miss America it’s clear you wanted to use your voice to shift culture, how do you think you’ve done that already? I just think I helped bring back a style of hip hop that’s important, story telling and lyricism. If people remember five years ago hip hop was dead. The only hip hop you were getting were these catchy singles that would sell ringtones, you would get a few great albums if Kanye or Jay-Z decided to drop one, but from the new generation there was nobody. So I just felt I was part of the chain that tried to help that move along. As it stands do you think your music needs your own productions in order to tell your story? I don’t think I need my own production, it’s just what I prefer right now. I get happiness from doing it all on my own. It’s a challenge for me because I’ve got to carry the whole weight, rather than just getting the beat, hearing it, then writing the song, and letting somebody else mix it. I got to find the kick, snare, sample, the loop, put it together. A bigger challenge and a bigger reward so with Born Sinners, I sit back and I’m proud, I remember everything I had to go through to make those beats. Is there one track where you can pick that out for us? Runaway, I was on a sample drought. When I was coming up, I didn’t have no deal, no job, nothing to do but wake up and download mad albums and look for samples all day. With Runaway, I had this ill drum loop and drum pattern and I was looking for a sample so I went to my album, Sideline Story, and nobody’s gonna peep this, that’s actually sampling myself.
#KINGSOFHOUSE / 56
K ings O f DJ Majesty
Adam Cotier
Max Van Morrison
U nderground H ouse ! Remember when it was all about grime, and “let me see ya gun fingers”? Well, for many, those days are distant memories. Nowadays, if you’re not cutting shapes to deep, tech, minimal, and nu-disco house – with a balloon in your gob – then, basically, you’re late. House music has been around for decades but never has it connected with British “urban” youth like it has done in the last couple of years and, although a few noses have been turned up at the shuffling newcomers (R.I.P. the Anti-Foot Shuffling Campaign), the underground house movement has brought a togetherness that hasn’t been seen since the days of, well, forever – and it Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, as the name of a leading club night affirms. At the forefront of London’s underground house scene are seven kings, who lead their kingdoms with the same motto: “House is more than music. It’s a way of life.” Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson catches up with them... Photographer Simon Wheatley
RWDmag.com Head online for exclusive mixes and downloads from London’s Kings of Underground House #KingsOfHouse
Mark Radford Follow: @DJMarkRadford Occupation: DJ/ Producer/ Radio Presenter/ Label owner Resident: AudioRehab “My first experiences of DJing were playing to my parents as a 6 year-old, with an old turntable and a tape-deck. Fast forward 33 years and I’m living proof that hard work gets you to where you want to be. I feel blessed to be in this position: I have a diary full of bookings, a great team with regards to my record label, AudioRehab, and a primetime slot on the world’s most groundbreaking radio station, Rinse FM. Things are going great, and I aim to make them greater. Peace, love, and house beats!”
DJ Majesty
Lee ‘B3’ Edwards
Carlos Aries
Follow: @MajestyDJ Occupation: DJ/Producer/ Promoter Resident: AudioWhore/Siesta
Follow: @Deejayb3 Occupation: DJ/Producer/ Promoter Resident: Energy Sundays!/House Ent
Follow: @Carlosaries Occupation: DJ/Producer/ Promoter Resident: House Is House/ Destination House
“To me, house music is the root of a lot of different types of music. I’ve always been interested in music, dating back to the 80s – my parents played a big part in that – but I found and fell in love with deep tech house in 2005. I studied it for three years, then I made my move, and I haven’t stopped since! I recently signed a single deal with Defected Records, so look out for that.”
“I grew up on reggae, my dad was a sound man, so rhythm and soul was installed in me from early. DJing became a priority in my life, when I first experienced house music in 2005/6. I remember the DJ was playing house, and it just took me to a different place. I fell in love with it right there and then! House music is a mind, body, and soul thing, and it’s a true expression of love and unity.”
Lance Morgan
Adam Cotier
Max Van Morrison
Follow: @LanceMorganDJ Occupation: DJ/Producer/ Promoter Resident: Frequency/UK Zoo Party
Follow: @AdamCotier Occupation: DJ/ Producer/ Promoter Resident: Gilgamesh/M.D.M.A (Mondays Don’t Matter Anyway)
Follow: @vanmorrison Occupation: DJ/Producer/ Promoter Resident: Can’t Stop Won’t Stop/ Dysfunctional/Framework
“After my debut festival appearance at the Secret Garden Party, and Ibiza in 2012, I’ve toured the UK with AudioRehab, spreading the London bass sound. My debut single, My Life, has had airplay and received a lot of interest from major labels. I’m just excited about where everything’s going right now. I’m also continuing to grow my club night, M.D.M.A, just what house is all about, unity.”
“When I was a kid, I loved hip hop and the DMC DJ battles, but I later moved on to jungle, hardcore, and garage. I guess I really caught the house bug in 2004/5, when I was a DJ/promoter at Fabric. That was when I really started living house music! Music has always been a big part of me, and it’s an expression of my soul. I’m currently in the studio working on my first genre-busting album.”
“I’ve always had a strong love for music throughout my youth, but my true passion for house came in 2003 with the release of Shapeshifters’ Lola’s Theme, and Michael Gray - who is also my agency mate - with his Weekend track. Having been a DJ for five years at that point, I decided to try my hand at house music. For me, house music is a way of life. It’s something that I breathe on a daily basis.”
“My main aim this year is to push myself into the production side of the industry. It kick-started with my first release, When The Night Falls, for Storm’s studio album. It’s had a major impact on the underground house scene. I’m currently working on an EP, which should be out this summer, as well as continuing to build UK Zoo Party, which I co-founded and my other club night, Frequency. Catch me in a city near you soon!”
Lee ‘B3’ Edwards
Mark Radford Lance Morgan
Carlos Aries
At the forefront of London’s underground house scene are seven kings, who lead their kingdoms with the same motto: “House is more than music. It’s a way of life.”
THE DANGERS OF SOCIAL MEDIA / 58
THE DANGERS OF SOCIAL MEDIA In a world where it’s just as – if not more - common to meet someone on the Internet as it is to meet them in a bar, club or somewhere you can actually see them in all their 4D glory; we’ve entered a whole new playing field. Alya Mooro explores the ins and outs of new media, from changing definitions of infidelity to the perks and the all-the-way-down-falls of a life lived online.
Love Bytes As if jealous girlfriends and possessive boyfriends didn’t have enough to worry about, the Internet has unleashed a whole new world of potential infidelities. A misplaced (or carefully placed) emoticon, too many can have you tumbling through a whole new messy realm. Almost a third of people in actual real life relationships feel no way about nipping onto the net for a spot of the old cybersex every niow and again. The “love rat” Ashley Cole utilised the Internet to its full extent recently when he flew a chcik he had met on the internet over to be his personal sex toy.
You’re Fired! As if getting your followers up isn’t enough to be worried about, what about when your supposedly loyal followers grass you up to your boss! My social media addiction last year led me to drunk-tweet something offensive, that I didn’t mean and was just totally of the moment. Quickly remembering my Twitter followers consisted of more than just my closest friends who’d know I didn’t mean it, I deleted my tweet within minutes. But that wasn’t enough to prevent the tweet from being screen-shot. I’ve since received threats to my life, work and reputation. Fun times for sure!
Social Network Detox Alya attempts to go offline for 24 hours...
What will I do? This was alarmingly, pathetically and scarily my first thought when asked to stop using social media for 24 hours. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (in that order) is the first thing I check in the morning, like, every hour, on the hour, after and until I go to sleep. Then I wake up and start all over again.
Bog Blogger Don’t pretend like you haven’t tweeted whilst relieving yourself. Even if you don’t care to admit it, you’re still considered an addict if you’re glued to your @’s for at least four hours a day. Let alone the painful wake up call when your phone cracks you in the face as you lie in bed trying to browse through your timeline, we’ve definitely all been there. Are you a social media addict? I certainly am…
Before embarking on 24 hours sans absolutely any social networking I had one final check, and tweeted and updated my Facebook status about my impending absence. An hour later I succumbed to the desire to check both my Facebook and Twitter. After all, I had to see what people had commented on my most recent update, didn’t I? And then the fun really began. Within hours I was messaging people I hadn’t spoken to in days, weeks or months. I felt lonely. Almost instantly, isolated from the world. I’d have a thought and want to share it with someone, or more precisely, my 2,347 followers. But of course I couldn’t. Working from home for the whole day made the feat an even harder one. Without the social networking apps I didn’t know where or what to do with myself in order to sneak a break. The benefit? I got waaay more work done.
Net Doctor
Time For Timelines
Imagine there are actual qualified doctors that deal with this ish?!
Forget losing followers, how about missing a decade!
Social media addiction is recognised as an official condition, so remember that the next time you try and pull a sickie. The Tavistock and Portman Clinic, an NHS mental health hospital deal with actual mental people but having withdrawals from your phone is pretty mental to be fair.
Two of my friends were arrested on terror charges at a US airport after tweeting they were going to “destroy” America on their holiday. Of course they were only going to get wasted but US security didn’t quite get that. Remember the looters during the London riots unthinkably uploading the incriminating photos online.
Without the social networking apps pinging (I had turned off the notifications to limit the temptation) my phone felt useless. In fact, it pretty much was useless – no one really texted or called me. They were probably all tweeting and facebooking me. Yes, it’s a verb. Did I make it through the whole 24 hours? In short, no. 20 hours in I found a picture of the cutest French Bulldog, and just needed to share it with the world. Alya gets in-depth over on moorizzlasays.com about going cold turkey.
THE DANGERS OF SOCIAL MEDIA / 60
Fatal Facebook There are some dark people out there on the web so be aware!
Computer Love Oh how quickly a like can turn into how do you like it? MTV’s Catfish highlights the people who weren’t quite so lucky. Case in point the lesbian who pretended to be a male in order to snag the heart of another chick. Lesson? Don’t fall in love from behind a screen, folks.
Porno-Grammers Instagram is full of ratchet ass bishes but what about when the pic pans out… Leader of the trend, Rihanna, even went so far as to anger her own mother recently with an abundance of suggestive photos of herself, considering she only posts pics of herself we don’t blame her for switching it up a piece. Instaporn is everywhere, anyone and everyone is posting ‘Oops! Didn’t realise my nipples were out’ images, with the standard too many tags hype #instasex #instaboobs #instanips #insta… actually we’ll just stop there.
The consequences of online behaviour most certainly trickle into real life. A British couple recently got divorced after a highly strung wife found the husband having sex with an animated prostitute using online platform Second Life not to mention the man who stabbed his estranged wife to death after she changed her Facebook status to single!
RWD On Demand / 62
RWD On D emand Every time one of the major channels launches a new show, we’re told it’s ‘Essential Viewing’, but this is 2013 and we don’t need to be tricked into basing our schedule around one hour a week, only for the show to turn out to be another Heroes or The Walking Dead. This is the world of On Demand and the best of the best is out there to be watched, when and if we want it. To save you the trouble, we’ve put together RWD On Demand, because the best way to watch TV is on your iPad. Words Tego Sigel
Breaking Bad Season: 1 - 5 Starring: Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul Channel: Netflix When struggling science teacher Walter White is diagnosed with cancer, the realisation that he’ll leave an expecting wife and teenage son with nothing but debt and memories forces him to put his chemist’s brain to use by hooking up with crystal meth impresario Jesse Pinkman to create the ultimate formula for the American Mid-West’s drug of choice. If you’re not on the Breaking Bad hype in 2013, we don’t want to know you.
PhoneShop
Hemlock Grove
Season: 1 - 2 Starring: Javone Prince, Andrew Brooke, Tom Bennett Channel: 4oD
Season: 1 Starring: Famke Jansssen, Landon Liboiron, Penelope Mitchell Channel: Netflix
The Elite Selling Crew of the Sutton PhoneShop Branch, Jerwayne and Ashley help ‘New Man’ Christopher make his mark on the high-street with help from store manager Lance and Pay as you Go specialist Janine in the best British comedy of the last few years. Genius one-liners and hilarious cameos from the likes of Adam Deacon and Kayvan Novak ensure you will be fiending for series three.
Horror movie don Eli Roth [Cabin Fever, Hostel, Inglorious Basterds] hooked-up with Netflix to produce a slightly more hardcore alternative to True Blood. Based around the death of a teenage girl, the whole town of Hemlock Grove is under suspicion, from the newly arrived gypsy family to the wealthy Godfreys, supernatural and traditional horror suspense come together just right for the highly rated series.
SPOILER ALERT What’s next for RWD On Demand’s favourite shows Breaking Bad, Luther, Top Boy, Hemlock Grove and PhoneShop? Breaking Bad’s fifth and final season was split in two, with the second half beginning in the US this August. The strap-line ‘All bad things must come to an end’ promises no Sopranosstyle ambiguity with how things end for Walter White, but unfotunately UK viewers will have to wait a little longer whilst Netflix arranges its launch dates with AMC.
Luther Season: 1 Starring: Idris Elba, Warren Brown, Ruth Wilson Channel: LOVEFiLM DCI John Luther is as troubled as those he hopes to catch, and probably goes about catching them in ways as dubiously moral as the crimes he’s chasing them for. With what help he’ll accept coming in the form of young partner Justin Ripley (Brown), Luther fights the darkness, which hopes to consume him, to create one of the most gripping and powerful dramas of the modern age.
It was long thought that Idris Elba would be taking his iconic Detective to the big screen this year but sticking to the format that made the character so successful, Luther returns to the BBC this month. Expect speculation over Elba becoming the next James Bond to hit fever pitch as the series gathers pace.
The strap-line ‘All bad things must come to an end’ promises no Sopranos-style ambiguity with how things end for Walter White The Sutton branch were expected to return earlier this year, but PhoneShop’s third series is still expected to hit E4 in 2013. We’re hoping for returns from hilarious cameo stars Adam Deacon and Kavyan Novak and maybe even the mythical Little Gary Patel. With an increased budget, Channel 4’s surprise critical smash Top Boy will make a highly anticipated return this autumn having had to shut-down open castings in London, you can expect the show to cut even closer to the bone in series two.
Top Boy Season: 1 Starring: Ashley Walters, Kane Robinson, Scorcher Channel: 4oD Dushane (Walters) and Sully (Robinson) scrape their way up the ladder of the Summerhouse Estate in the first series of Top Boy, making more enemies than friends along the way. The Channel 4 drama represents the strongest depiction of the British inner-city criminal existence that we can remember.
A Netflix original series, Hemlock Grove was based on a novel of the same name, unfortunately that novel doesn’t have and doesn’t look likely to have a sequel. Producers though are working on ideas for the second season, with a summer 2014 release in mind.
The Big Review / 64
23k Twitter followers Naughty Boy has mounted up, he’s on a retweet hype too if you’re into that sort of thing @NaughtyBoyMusic is you.
£8.95
The price of ‘The Beirut’ which is basically a Brazilian quesedilla you can pick up at one of our favourite spots, Cabana.
T he B ig R eview : H otel C abana Sometimes an album needs a little attention, especially when it’s from the producer who has had a hefty hand in elevating all sorts of artists, the main of course being Emeli Sandé. We’re obviously talking about Naughty Boy and his debut release, Hotel Cabana. It’s so deep we decided to breakdown the concept album below…
5
44k
£s Naughty Boy won on Deal Or No Deal which meant he could upgrade from his previous studio - which was necessary - to an elite musical set up in Ealing.
2009 249
The year work on the Watford native’s album Hotel Cabana began, we presume in his then basic shed studio located at the bottom of his parents garden. Number of rooms in Benidorm’s Hotel Cabana, obviously NB’s version is a lot more exclusive.
Artists that feature on the LP who have also graced our cover, Emeli Sande, Tinie Tempah, Professor Green, Wretch 32 and Ed Sheeran.
The film in particular from the Scary Movie franchise that Naughty Boy liked so much he decided to steal the DVD from Woolworths. We’re actually blaming their whole demise and our current lack of Pic’n’Mix fully on him.
11m
2nd
YouTube views of the slightly odd yet intriguing second number one from Hotel Cabana, the Sam Smith featuring La La La.
113K 48 1
First week sales of Emeli Sandé’s Our Version Of Events which had Naughty Boy productions stamped all over it, the two come together this time around for another two radio rotators.
Weeks ago RWD had the chance to get the super exclusive on Hotel Cabana with a private listen down at EMI, trust us when we say this album is packed full of familiar faces. Deep concept in the shape of Hotel Cabana which is a metaphor for a state of mind and we’ll take a strong guess at the music industry; as the press release reads, ‘You can checkin, but you can never check out’.
Size rims that Wiz Khalifa is riding on in his Impala according to his verse on Think About It which also features the stunning vocals of Ella Eyre.
9th
The Heatwave
“Clappy” King Original 2 Braindead Another display of Footsie’s skills behind the boards, grimy, experimental and hype tracks previously found themselves with Maverick Sabre, Tempa T and of course New Gens riding them, now they’re here to enjoy in all of their instrumental glory. Track To Check: A Soldiers’ Death
“AWOH” The Heatwave Presents: Gyal Power TheHeatwave.co.uk Enough of the narni talk, well there’s obviously some of that still in there but the gyal dem show a couple of man how to ride a bashment riddim with ease. You need to host a BBQ just off the back of this release. Salute The Heatwave once again! Track To Check: Just press play
The-Dream
Mac Miller
“F**k” IV Play Def Jam The-Dream’s high-concept R&B couldn’t be more en vogue in this world of Frank Ocean’s, Miguel’s and The Weeknd’s. The natural auteur is backed by a healthy guestlist cue Jay-Z, Bey, Big Sean and 2 Chainz on the soulful, troubled and very focused IV Play. Track To Check: Turnt Ft. Beyonce & 2 Chainz
“Wavey” Watching Movies With The Sound Off Rostrum/ Island Records We’ve got time for Mac (check him out on RWDmag. com) so putting the date drama to one side he’s produced some good music here alongside some talented folk. He even took the time to perform live in London and that’s love. Track To Check: Matches Ft. Ab-Soul
13s
The position of Pluto where Naughty Boy is currently residing according to his twitter account… like we don’t know he’s really in Watford watching Deal Or No Deal.
George The Poet, the eyes and ears of Hotel Cabana in his role of the porter stunned viewers across the globe in this time summing up the F1 season with his casual finesse.
Footsie
4.33
SPEAKER’S CORNER / 66
Is K any e A G e ni u s ? Just two years after causing hysteria with the instant classic Watch The Throne alongside the legendary Jay-Z, Kanye West simultaneously screened single New Slaves on buildings across the globe and then dropped his sixth album on us, entitled Yeezus obviously. We just knew it was finally time to assess whether this Chi-town producer, rapper, all round creative connoisseur and iconic hip hop figure was actually a genius; so of course it was only right for BBC Radio1Xtra’s hip hop arbiter and RWD fam Semtex to talk on the topic. I first heard Kanye’s production on The Dynasty album. It was cool, I didn’t really pay attention to it like I did when he rejuvenated Jay-Z on the Blueprint album. His work on that album moved me. He resurrected Jay-Z’s essence, Jay was born again, sonically baptised. This was the point where Kanye showed signs of being a legendary producer like RZA or Dr. Dre, the great ones that came before him. I heard Bounce on Blueprint 2, Jay had Ye spray a mean 16, he tore it apart! But it was almost criminal how Kanye wasn’t given a credit on the tracklist although it was cool, because in a minute Kanye was about to enter The College Dropout era and officially arrive. I’ve been a fan of Kanye from the beginning, at times I’ve been fortunate to witness his ascension from a front row seat as both a DJ and Exec, from the Blueprint era to the present Yeezus rebirth, there is
no other artist like him. Be it on stage, in the studio, or on your hard drive, Kanye’s attention to detail and his commitment to excellence has been unparalleled. Dr. Dre says, ‘he took his time to perfect the beat’. Kanye perfects the beat, the videos, the stage shows, the artwork, the kicks, the G.O.O.D. fellowship, and six solo albums. Time is not an issue.
Each of his albums have been classics, on the eve of each release the artwork and the concepts are as anticipated as much as the music. He is a creative visionary who fights within himself to provide us with the best experience possible. He doesn’t do this for the money, he was rich a long time ago. He does it for the sake of the music, the fans and the culture. Each album inspires another generation of artists and stans, with each album there is almost a collective sigh of relief that an artist exists who continues to push the art form further and challenges normality. West’ tours are innovative, to the point in which they they raise the standard of what we expect from other artists. The College Dropout tours were straight up hip hop shows and you never knew who was going to join him onstage. He integrated an entire orchestra for the Late Registration live experience, and for the iconic Glow in the Dark tour, it was just Kanye and a
“His ego makes the hip hop tourists uncomfortable. He is loved, hated, loved, hated, then loved again, but it is “Hard to be humble when you stunting on a jumbotron,” and we must ask ourselves, if we are partly to blame for this?” concept on stage. I’m really not sure how ANYONE can top the Watch The Throne tour… aside from Kanye. He is the first to admit he isn’t perfect. He has gained fans through his music, and lost fans through his outbursts. His ego makes the hip hop tourists uncomfortable. He is loved, hated, loved, hated, then loved again, but it is “Hard to be humble when you stunting on a jumbotron,” and we must ask ourselves, if we are partly to blame for this? We applauded him for what he said on the telethon, but ostracised him for other outbursts. There is a very strong thirst from the public to see people act up or speak their mind, it’s why we love reality shows, Twitter and definitely what caused us all to watch the TMZ clip of him walking into that signpost. Kanye’s imperfections and flaws are what make him a thoroughly sincere artist. He keeps it three hunnid, and like he said on Diamonds
From Sierra Leone, “You gotta love it though, somebody still speaks from his soul,” and we do. Name an MC or clique he hasn’t influenced. He has launched careers, re-launched careers, inspired movements. He has revitalised hip hop with every album he has released, he even inspired the current R&B renaissance led by Frank Ocean and The Weeknd thanks to 808s & Heartbreak. The same album inspired Drake to create So Far Gone, who has in turn gone on to influence a new generation of MCs and singers. Within a relatively short career of ten years, he cannot be compared to another rapper or hip hop act, he is bigger than hip hop. His influence on popular culture is undeniable, and he is already one of the greatest artists of our time. If a genius is defined as being ‘an exceptionally intelligent person or one with exceptional skill in a particular area of activity,’ Kanye ticked this box back in 2004 with The College Dropout. He needs a new word to define what he is to music, oh wait, he just created one.Yeezus. Yeezus is out now. Catch @Semtex on air every Friday, 10pm - 2am on BBC Radio 1xtra and also online at DJSemtex.com