issue with some incredible talent, including football star Jack Wilshere, sort of newcomer Yungen and writer Irvine Welsh (the man behind the legendary Trainspotting). You might not have heard of Wondagurl yet, but you’re about to. This 16 year-old got herself a beat on Jay Z’s MGHC album and is in-demand. As a young man, I have a very passing, fleeting, slight interest in porn (ha!) You know RWD always keeps it real, so you need to read the piece on the Online Porn Debate. We also take an exclusive look at FIFA 14.
Editor’s Letter Hey RWD, What’s up! It’s your boy Tinie. First off all, I want to thank you lot for all the love and support. Regardless of when you joined the ride, I’m just happy to have you with me. Without you lot, I wouldn’t be where I am. Thanks also to RWD for all the love over the years. It’s this magazine where I had my very first feature, six years ago, and then my first cover. We’ve been on a long and sometimes bumpy journey together, but we’re both still standing strong. Ha!
Alright, I’ve got to go RWD fam. As we go to print, I’m about to fly to LA to film the video for my new single, Children Of The Sun. I hope you lot like it – I think you will! See you lot soon and I hope you enjoy this issue with me as Guest Editor. The mag returns to normal next issue when Nardene takes up the reigns as Editor – I know she’ll kill it!
I’m honoured to share this
Contributors
RWD Team Editor-in-Chief Guest Editor Contributing Editor Digital Editor Contributors
@nardenescott @tinietempah @chantellefiddy @tegosigel Alex Johnson, Jerry Gadiano, Andres Albert, Ben Rebuck, Kieran Yates, Twin B, Jamie Howard 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
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
Basil Burley
Damian Collins
Tego Sigel
In a word, I’m... everything You’ll normally find me... Arrogant in a hole-in-the-wall London streetwear store... This issue… I took a trip to Paris with Nike I’m all about... Launching my agency Beni Huwa I’m so over... Chicks with kicks Get at me... @BasilBurley
In a word, I’m... busy You’ll normally find me... in my studio This issue… I styled the crazy Tinie Tempah cover shoot I’m all about... Bringing people together I’m so over... Competition Get at me... silverspoonattire.com
In a word, I’m... vegetarian You’ll normally find me... drinking manly cocktails This issue… I spoke to Jack Wilshere and played FIFA 14. Jealous? I’m all about... Uncle Murda mixtapes I’m so over... Wale haters Stalk me via... @tegosigel
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 24-25 42-47 48-49 50-51 52-53 54
Upfront With: Jack Wilshere Cover Story: Tinie Tempah WondaGurl Irvine Welsh Monki Macca
Regulars 6 8-9 10-19 20-21
#WGAF @RWDmag Instagram Check-In Check Out #Readyforanything: Yungen, Stwo, Jerome D. Hurd 22-23 About To Blow: Reuben Dangoor 66-67 Speaker’s Corner
Style Guide 27-37 Double Take 40-41 Street Cast
Unwind 57 58-59 60-61 62 64
Breaking Bad FIFA 14 Supply & Demand The Big Review B-Boy Chamipnships
#WGAF / 6
#WGAF As always we round up all the crap that you’ve had shoved down your throats this month whether you liked it or not - some of you definitely liked it though. Catch up on what’s been going down courtesy of Tego Sigel and Ralph Hardy Kendrick Lamar came through with a genuine verse of the year contender on Big Sean’s Control. Calling out names left and right and while the hip hop world nodded at K Dot’s own assertion that his name should be mentioned alongside the greats, for some reason Joell Ortiz, Ransom and Cassidy thought they should be in the conversation. Wait, who? Exactly. Papoose though, he kinda went in. The Transfer Window always promises so much. Manchester City with their billions want to get back on top. Chelsea on a similar budget have got their Messiah back, Manchester United have to make a statement post Sir Alex and Arsenal have finally got cash to splash. Yet this transfer window is so dead, that at time of press, Arsenal and Manchester United had spent a combined £0. DJ Khaled used to scream ‘we the best’ from his kebab infested gob, and while we could never work out who “we” were and what they were the “best at,” we never thought he could make as big a fool of himself as he did this summer. Publicity stunt or not, proposing to Nicki Minaj was a fail, it was an embarrassment to him and all 93 members of the Young Money clique. Drake, have a word. Dispatches called out celebrities and brands for faking the funk through their social media channels, and apart from the massive urge to slap our foreheads, cross our eyes and cry “Duurgghh!” The program did reassert our faith in cynicism; believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see. Unless you’re on those internets, in which case, trust nothing!
#MakeRWDLaugh This month we’ve got a sick pair of Phillips M1 Fidelio noise isolating headphones that could be yours if you Tweet @RWDmag a joke, that genuinely makes us laugh. Awkward laughter, shameful laughter and that little snigger that sneaks out when somebody forces you to watch The Big Bang Theory all count. Make sure to tag #MakeRWDLaugh to enjoy high definition sounds all day, every day.
Would Wretch 32 ever “Pull a Khaled”?
“Do the ladies love me…*rolls dice* it said doubtful and forget it…” So DJ Khaled’s love life is out there for the world to laugh at, but how close will Renowned MC Wretch 32 come to revealing details about his love life on his new album? We brought your magic dice to Wireless to find out. How close to you come to “Pulling a Khaled” on your new album? There’s a record called Rock Bottom, it’s a story about a young lady who is very insecure, it’s one of my favourite tracks to date! Will she know who she is? Yeah she will. Will she be offended? Nah, she won’t be. It’s one of those things where you meet someone in life where you have no relation with, you just met one time and have pure conversation; but I took so much from that conversation and I turned it into a record. What do you want to ask the dice? Do the ladies love me…*rolls dice* it said doubtful and forget it… If you could send a thank you car to anybody, who would it be? One of my teachers. He actually taught me so much and was trying to bring out the best in me, but at the time I didn’t see it. Mr.Cameron. Not David though. VERDICT: Wretch knows how far is too far. Ever the strategist, women can feel safe with Mr 32. Wretch 32’s Jacob Banks featuing single Doing Ok is available on iTunes now.
@RWDMAG INSTAGRAM / 8
CHECK-IN CHECK OUT / 10
CHECK -IN CHECK OUT Adam Gemili X Beats by Dre Run Club This sprint legend in the making drops his running recommendations Check out… these track tips from Gemili. “I listen to everything from Guns N’ Roses to indie but in terms of how you run, I focus on what I have to do and get there as quickly as possible.” And in regards to this month’s switch to the 200m for the World Championships, “It’s all about training hard and making sure I can run flat out until the end.” For more follow @Adam_Gemili and @beatsbydreUK
Pack It In
Perfect 10
On The Piste
Time to put your back into it
BlackBerry are back with a bang
What if Ibiza swapped the beaches for mountains?
Check out… New Balance making moves into accessories with their new backpacks. The casual green and navy bags feature brown leather detailing with the New Balance stamp of approval of course. Check them out for yourself on the new and improved Scottsmenswear.com
Check out… the latest offering from BlackBerry, the Q10. Refusing to be left out in the cold BlackBerry have updated the business phone of choice with BBM Video, BlackBerry Balance separating work and personal life; as well as a larger touch screen to join the existing keypad and a hefty battery life. For more see uk.blackberry.com
Check In… to Ibiza Rocks Snow this winter to tide you over until the summer comes back around. With Balearic pool parties, terrace sessions complete with BBQ and hot tub, you’ll feel as though you’re back in beefa. Instead you’ll be in the heart of The Alps, Méribel to be precise. Check Ibizarocksthesnow.com
RWD Check-Ins
Wake and Shake
Just For Kicks
There’s a new dog in town...
Let HUF handle your swag from head to toe
Check-in… to Shake Shack in Covent Garden, London to feast on NYC inspired delights. From its beginnings in 2001 as a hot dog cart, the company has taken off. Now its concretes (frozen custard ice creams) are renowned. Add to that the flat-top dogs, classic burgers and root beer floats and it’s clear it’s about to be your new favourite place. Head to shakeshack.com
Check Out… HUF’s continued foray into footwear as the new HR-1 drops this winter. Taking heed from its tech background plus other running styles on the market and your beloved hi tops, the HR-1 is a ticks all boxes silhouette that will see you through the unstable British winter. Get yourselves to hufworldwide. com and drop £110
Urban Classic Prom
We’re not exactly the types to roll down to Royal Albert Hall on a weekend but when Wretch 32, Maverick Sabre and Fazer’s crew 7 Chapters the last one is a joke obvs - are on the bill we make an effort. That wheel that Leshurr commanded was a lot.
No Lights x PXL
Maybe it was something to do with the countless pre-event 2-4-1 cocktails we consumed or the busy Jägermeister tap back at RWD HQ or just the fact we like to party but the new event based down at The Shoreditch Butchery delivered enough vibes for multiple hangovers the following day. Round 2 on 29 Aug.
Back To The Project Once again Madchester proves exactly how it got its name Check-in… to the mecca of Manchester, Warehouse Project for another season of what can only be described as epic musical concoctions. Kicking off 27 September all the way through to New Years Day, WHP invites everyone from Rudimental and Disclosure to Annie Mac and Julio Bashmore to curate their own one-off events. Hunt down tickets via thewarehouseproject.com
Red Stripe Boiler Room Make Session 009
Boiler Room don’t play when it comes to exclusive events. But when Red Stripe get involved it goes up a level. Bagging DJ Drama, Mark Ronson and our own Giggs for one night of teeth chattering bass that even attracted the likes of Waka Flocka Flame and your general hipsters, of course.
CHECK-IN CHECK OUT / 12
Go Dutch Sometimes a weekend trip to Holland is just necessary.
Fresh To Death Give your wardrobe a new lease of life Check out… the newest street stars on the scene, Supply & Demand. Paying homage to NYC streetwear, the UK based brand features throwbacks, tie-dye and bandana print tees plus a pretty slick varsity. Available at JD and selected BANK stores. See the full collection at jdsports.co.uk/supply-and-demand
Check out… what those Urban Nerds have planned out in Amsterdam on 17-20 October. Timed nicely to coincide with ADE (Europe’s largest music conference) for three days Urban Nerds promise that “The Amsterdam Trip” will deliver everything and more for underground music enthusiasts. Not only do you get discounted food and drink, bar and graffiti tours thrown into your travel and accommodation package; they’ve gone and created a bespoke Urban Nerds survival kit to ensure you stay in one piece. Grab tickets for this hazy trip for £169.99 on urban-nerds.com
Box Fresh
Dirty Fingers
Jack Em
Keep those crep’s in check
Chicken or burger? What other choice do you need?
Edwin Jeans provide the perfect cover up
Check-in… to either of these Highgate spots, Chicken Shop and Dirty Burger for a decent bite to eat. No bookings, so don’t worry about being organised, and the menu isn’t deep either you get chicken (quarter, half or whole) or a dirty cheese burger, job done. Go for both since both joints are based at 79 Highgate Road
Check out… the overdye jacket from Edwin Jeans. A solution to this sometimish weather and still keeping you on track in the style department, this piece will see you through September nicely. £250 over on edwin-europe.com
Check-in.. to JD and BANK stores to pick up a can of Crep Protect. We’ve all been there, just put on your brand spanking new creps and some fool steps on them straight away. If you can’t make it into JD or BANK then head over to crepprotect.com
Being Charlie Sloth
Our boy Sloth goes in on Control, hails up Giggs and Ghetts and gets emotional about his new role… So it’s been another crazy month in the world of Charlie Sloth and I’ve got to start by talking about Giggs’ (Is It Gangsta?) Yes Yes Yes. What an absolute banger! I can’t tell you how happy I am to see Giggs back. Now Ghetts is also back, which is another reason why I’ve been smiling all month. I got to listen to a lot of tracks from his new album and I’m telling you Ghetts is back with an absolute bang.
Sneaker Freak Step your trainer game up in luxury fashion Check out… these luxury handmade kicks from Italian designers, Pantofola d’Oro. Seen here in a black suede finish, and also avaiable in bright orange, the basketball inspired Nero trainer is a sure fire way to step away from your typical hi-top. Head to pyrmd.com and grab the Nero sneaks for £175
It’s All White
Ready For War
One for the Swaghili speakers...
This military inspired collab can literally withstand it all
Check out… London up and coming label Underated’s snapbacks range. This independent brand - inspired by high fashion as oppose to screen printing obsessives out there - has already managed to sell out their coveted snapback once and due to popular demand have restocked the fresh cap. £35 via underatedco.com
Check out… G-Shock’s latest collaboration with streetwear legends Undefeated. Don’t let the cloth strap fool you either, as always the G-Shock casing ensures the watch will last the test of time and the contrasting strap sets it apart from the rest of your collection. £100 on casioonline.co.uk
Now lets talk about that verse, yes, that verse from Kendrick Lamar. Wow it’s had the internet talking, talking, talking! I spoke to Big Sean yesterday, he let me down a bit, I can’t lie, he was like, ‘Nah it’s all love, I’m not gonna go at him.’ But then I spoke to Joe Budden and a smile came to my face because Joe promised me he’s not gonna let the hip hop fans down. He’s not gonna let another rapper lift up every other rapper’s skirt, I can’t wait to hear that. I don’t wanna hear rappers apologise. Apologise, really?! I don’t wanna hear another rapper talk about everybody like they’re nobodies and everyone be like, ‘He’s cool’ or ‘We’re friends.’ Shut up man! You’re meant to be a rapper you’re meant to be the best, prove it. And of course this month was all about the BBC Urban Prom at the Royal Albert Hall. I can’t lie, a little tear rolled down my cheek watching all of those guys perform with the 80-piece BBC Symphony Orchestra. Lastly it was announced that I shall be replacing Tim Westwood on Saturday nights on BBC Radio 1 which for me, I can’t even put it into words what an amazing job I’ve been given. They’re big shoes to fill but mans got fat feet and obviously Westwood is a legend but I can’t wait to get my hands dirty. Anyway that’s enough from me for now, I’ve got to go round to your mum’s house, she’s waiting for me. Catch @CharlieSloth on BBC Radio 1Xtra (Mon-Fri 4-7pm) and BBC Radio 1 (Mon 2-4am & Sat 9-11pm)
CHECK-IN CHECK OUT / 14
Pro wears White Honey Badger Tee jdsports.co.uk
TEST TO IMPRESS: DJ CHARLESY AND TINIE TEMPAH
After staying true to the namesake of Disturbing London and disturbing the neighbours of Disturbing London’s HQ with some pretty powerful speakers we decided to let DJ Charlesy and Tinie Tempah plug in the headphones and tell us what damage they can really do. Photography Sam Bond
Keep an eye on the talented @DJCharlesy tearing up decks and speakers across the globe on a regular basis by checking disturbinglondon.com
Blow Up When you’re Tinie’s DJ we assume you’ve blown a speaker or two...
Marshall - Major
Pioneer - SDJ05s
Let’s not beat around the bush here (pause), Marshall are legends in the music game and their Major headphones in particular have been made to reflect that.
Designed with dance music in mind, these cans are perfect for the shufflers and hip hop fiends out there who are after a real bass injection when it comes to sound.
Tinie “I could see why people would carry them around they look good and the leather is super-soft.” Charlesy “They’re not something that I’d use personally for deejaying I think they’re more everyday headphones.” £100, marshallheadphones.com
DJ Charlesy “When I play, I use Pioneer for everything, so these are definitely the best ones so far and something that I’d probably use, maybe at the gym or something like that.” £79, pioneer.eu
Pioneer - XDJ-AERO “Sorry, I’m just having fun, this is really cool, it feels like my normal set up so I’m at home with this”. £809, pioneer.eu
Adam Audio - F Series
Urbanears - Zinken
Philips - Fidelio M1
These on-ear models are designed to thrive in the DJ world with their noise isolating abilities and dual-duty turn cable, you’re free to share your tunes amongst your homie (as you can see).
The racing inspired headphones are actually an update on the 2012 version which were headphones of the year, we’ll have you know. Why not treat your ears to some lambs skin leather and acoustically selected memory foam...
Charlesy “These would be good to listen to on an iPod, and these come in a lot of colours…” Tinie “The design is good because it looks like it just goes with an iPod, they’re stylish” £89.90, urbanears.com
Tinie “I don’t know what these are made of but they’re definitely comfortable, very comfortable, they too distort a little when you turn them up really loud” £65, philips.co.uk
Pioneer - S-DJ 50X
Photography Ravi Sidhu
“They look nice, I’d have them in my house and give them a go but I don’t know about using them to DJ with” £165, adam-audio.com
“I can’t remember what my studio speakers are, but I’d maybe replace them with these, I probably would… £129, pioneer.eu
CHECK-IN CHECK OUT / 16
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Back To Uni Comp It’s okay, we understand it’s hard getting back into the swing of things when it comes to waking up before anything-pm and actually using your laptop for more than… well you know what you’ve been doing. So, we’ve gone ahead and got a load of goodies to ease you into the term. Photography James Pearson-Howes Check out… our bumper Back To Uni comp. From the Creative Airwave speaker which pairs seamlessly to up to two bluetooth devices simultaneously, to the PlayStation Vita Mega Pack including 10 free games and the Napoleon Dynamite Endurance drinks (for obvious reasons). To the hard labour masking scent of The Game by Davidoff and of course the Converse cap to stay low key during those dry lectures, plus the backpack to house it all in. Not forgetting the six-month unlimited streaming Netflix card. To enter the comp, Tweet @RWDmag with your best tips for surviving Uni using #BackToUniComp 1. Creative Airwave Speaker, uk.creative.com 2. Converse Backpack, surfdome.com 3. The Game by Davidoff Available nationwide 4. Napoleon Dynamite Endurance and candies, cybercandy.co.uk 5. PlayStation Vita, uk.playstation.com 6. Netflix Membership Cards, Netflix.com 7. Converse Cap, surfdome.com
CHECK-IN CHECK OUT / 18 Tech Time Our resident streetwear blogger Basil Burley jumped on the Eurostar to catch a sneak peek of what Nike have up their sleeves; the answer is a revolution. Check out‌ an exclusive look at NIKE’s FAHO13 collection and the introduction of their new Tech Fleece; an innovative take on their sportswear line headed by NIKE designer Lee Holden. NIKE have reinvigorated classic styles with a revolutionary reinvention of the choice fabric of sport, fleece. They have raised the bar for the next generation of sports apparel, balancing style and functionality with the goal of solving everyday practicalities. The new ultra lightweight Tech Fleece fabric provides you with the performance features to stay active by fusing two fabrics together. Creating a natural insulator for those adrenalin junkies that refuse to let rain, sleet or snow put them off their daily workout. The style aesthetic has been stripped back too, there is no stitching used throughout the collection in order to give the pieces a very simple modern look. Innovation has to work hand in hand with style and NIKE seems to have a serious grasp of that niche sector. Take a look at the new NSW FAHO13 collection at nike.com
#READYFORANYTHING / 20
Yungen Brixton bred Yungen blew up online a couple of years ago, now the Play Dirty artist regularly receives six digit viewing figures for freestyles. Having already shared his take on instagram and ratchet chicks in our RWD Round Up, Nardene Scott decided to go in on the music this time. “It was crazy; I thought it would do alright but then I got 50,000 views in two days, it felt like when I first started,” the south Londoner recalls the reaction to his Drake Versace freestyle (currently sitting at 121K views). The confident rapper’s breakout moment being his SB.TV Warm Up Session - despite begging Jamal for an F64 - “there are things that they’re still not getting now and it’s been almost two years”.
“I want to make music people can relate to... I want to make music that there is always someone that can say ‘I went through that’. I’m not rushing it because your fire can just burn out.” It’s not all about freestyles though; those that recently downloaded the Topic Of Discussion mixtape will see the Lil Wayne and Jay Z appreciator is seasoned in the art of songmaking as well as spitting a hot freestyle. “I’m always going to try and make it into a concept, a proper song. I can rap on a cover for bars but I don’t think you should do that all the time because people want to hear songs.” Money, raving and girls are all covered on the first half of bangers from the mixtape but it’s the deeper insights into the determined MC’s life, on tracks like Samantha, Off The Record and Insomnia that showcase what the metaphor maestro is about. Now with Money, Doe Paper doing the rounds, are the charts in sight? Especially considering his Play Dirty affiliate Sneakbo’s ‘unexpected’ charting. “I know a lot of people put out singles and try and chart but if it doesn’t chart, I won’t be disappointed. I’m doing it to step up and show the progression,” the chilled out artist honestly states. Features keep rolling out too, expect to hear Yungen keeping things in the family on Krept & Konan’s new mixtape, “that’s probably the best song we’ve ever done” whilst continuing to wave the flag for UK rap. “People are getting played on radio, that didn’t happen before. I think we’re in a very very good place and a lot of unsigned artists are getting a lot of exposure. So it must be through the talent then and not the label.” As for his own future, “I want to make music people can relate to… I want to make music that there is always someone that can say ‘I went through that’.” There’s a certain goal in sight for the young star, “I’m coming for you Jigga. That’s the sick thing with new people coming through, you can see other peoples’ mistakes; I’m trying to be that icon. I’m not trying to rush it because your fire can just burn out.” Support @YungenPlayDirty when Money, Doe, Paper drops 9 September
Words Nardene Scott Photography James Pearson-Howes
Stwo “Music is omnipresent in my life. All my family are musicians, from pianists and guitarists to singers,” the Parisian perfectionist begins to breakdown his entry into music production at only six years-old. Stwo (pronounced ‘stew’) quickly started playing bass and guitar with his dad, so no surprise his roots range from funk and jazz to dubstep and D&B, which he experimented with until 2013 when his sexed-up, R&B sound emerged via his Beyond EP. Picked up by alt-electronic LA label Soulection the cat loving insomniac has been blogged about like crazy and has top secret official remixes in the pipeline. Add to that upcoming collabs and it’s obvious Stwo’s on the rise. Look out for @stwobeats EP Amuse-Bouche
Jerome D. Hurd
Tweet To Win! Duck And Cover’s directional take on trend-led menswear always keeps us one step ahead. RWD and Duck And Cover partner up to champion the hottest emerging talent and this month we’ve met Yungen, Stwo and Jerome D. Hurd who are all #ReadyForAnything. We’re here to make sure your style is on point and this Duck and Cover no-nonsense knit is an instant classic. See duckandcover.co.uk Tweet @RWDmag @duckandcover_ #ReadyForAnything to win!!!
Southern Californian video director Jerome D. Hurd is still independent despite hooking up some pretty tight videos. “I started out doing underground videos... I tell people all the time, in my position you’re like 25% A&R, you’ve got to look for the talent” the calm and collected creative tells us. “My partner was like, ‘lets wait until they get money’ but I listened to the Kendrick Lamar EP and was like this kid got it,” the bubbly character laughs having directed pretty much every TDE video amongst visuals for Casey Veggies and even Crooks & Castles. As his brand ethos states, @JDDCdotTV is all about, ‘focusing on which needs to be seen’ so expect the deep and meaningful amongst the cray cray. Head to JDDC.tv
ABOUT TO BLOW / 22
About To Blow: Reuben Dangoor Get ready to trip out at the sight of Reuben Dangoor’s illustrations, music videos and artwork. Nardene Scott discovers how the comic obsessed creative came to directing videos for Diplo and ads for o2 whilst indulging in a good rib-eye, keeping that hunger and witnessing random pub brawls. This Chelsea College Of Art graduate may be at the beginning of his career - lets not mention that stint he did at the garden centre selling christmas trees - but after his viral video, Being A Dickhead Is Cool piqued advertisers’ interests, it all kicked off pretty quickly. “The first real commission I had was a small viral spot for o2 and I bought a crazy good ribeye steak from Black & Blue in Borough Market,” the frantic worker tells us about his rapid rise into the scene. Reuben is clear that there’s more groundwork to be done despite impressing us with his illustrations of Breaking Bad, The Big Lebowski and The Sopranos characters. “One of the hardest things is keeping focused on doing good work and having a bit of faith in what you do. It’s easy to get caught up” the bagel obsessive - Carmellis in Golders Green is his spot begins. “That in itself can take you away from thinking about great things to make and actually just going out and doing them.”
“I was so ill on the shoot of Diplo’s vid. I was literally lying on the floor feeling like I was going to die, then trying to act like I knew what I was doing” Just happening to be friends with Odd Child signed producer Raf Riley allowed Dangoor to explore music in Being… and also opened the doors to creating artwork for the beatsmith alongside Etta Bond as well as the label head Labrinth. At that point, which is literally a matter of months ago, it seemed the twelve year-old boy shooting zombie slash samurai films on his camcorder had created a career out of something he genuinely loved. Bypass a brief stint as an editor at a fashion film company and cue the trippy booty clapping, bruk out, take it down low kaleidoscope themed video for the Mad Decent founders’ Butter’s Theme. “I was so ill on the shoot of Diplo’s vid. I was literally lying on the floor in between takes and feeling like I was going to die, then trying to act like I knew what I was doing.” Besides keeping an enthusiastic thirst for his work, by having faith in what he does, the Geof Darrow fan (he’s a comic book artist) does have the occasional day away from his sketch pad. “I was in a bar on Denmark Street the other day, where I watched two massive heavy metal dudes get into a fight over a pool game, while Cindy Lauper’s Time after Time was playing… surreal.” Good thing the future for the Louis CK appreciator (“he’s my moral compass”) is all about expanding the team then to free up time for all this, so hit up @reubendangerman with your CV. Check out the goodness over on reubendangoor.com
UPFRONT WITH / 24
UPFRONT WITH
JACK WILSHERE Prodigal midfield star Jack Wilshere’s rapid ascent to the top of the international game saw show-stealing performances for Arsenal and England make him one of football’s hottest properties before the age of 19. A badly timed injury in the summer of 2011 saw him snatched from the game for the whole of the 2011/12 campaign and had proved a consistent concern for the diminutive playmaker. Putting his injury problems behind him this summer, Jack is enjoying his first full pre-season in three years, working his way back to full fitness and getting to know the new look Arsenal squad as he prepares for what many are calling the club’s most important season since The Invincibles ruled exactly 10 years ago. Speaking at the launch of Arsenal’s new away kit at The Emirates Stadium, the fit-again star talks Becks, Cesc, Arséne and more with RWD.
There was a lot of expectation surrounding you at a very young age; do you think it’s getting harder to progress as a player with that kind of attention? Yeah, I think it is, but it wasn’t just me. I was lucky at Arsenal that we had the likes of Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas who had been in the same position; I mean Cesc was 16 and was playing every week, so he was great to have around. When I finally broke into the team he was captain, so he was good to talk to.
“It seems everyone’s retiring, all the legends I watched growing up, like Paul Scholes, Beckham and even Sir Alex Ferguson, and it’s going to be strange without them in the game.”
When Sir Alex Ferguson retired, did you think how weird it would be for the United players and what life will be like after Arsène Wenger? Yeah, I do all the time, it’s going to be strange, he’s been there 16 years and I’m 21, so ever since I can remember, especially when I broke into the team at 16 he was great to me and our relationship has really grown over the years. To imagine Arsenal without him is weird, but it is going to happen. We’ll enjoy it whilst it lasts…
Words Tego Sigel Photography gettyimages
This generation of young British players at Arsenal seem like a tight-knit group, how close are you? Yeah, we are close, we just got back from holiday together so it shows you what good friends we are, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well and I think that’s important. We sit together, go out for dinner, and go out together and on the pitch that can only help us. How did you feel when David Beckham retired? It was sad. It seems everyone’s retiring, all the legends I watched growing up, like Paul Scholes, Beckham and even Sir Alex Ferguson, and it’s going to be strange without them in the game. Growing up Beckham was my idol, he was England captain, and I wanted to be like him. It’s strange not having him in the game but I’m sure he’ll stay involved in some sort of way
One of your best games in an England shirt came against Brazil, what do you remember of it? It was a great game, [it was] my first start for England in two years. It was nice to get on the pitch and Ronaldinho was playing, so it was great to play against him. It turned out well and everyone played well that night. Jack Wilshere wears the new Nike Arsenal Away Kit. Fusing traditional club colours with contemporary style, the yellow shirt is synonymous with some of the club’s greatest triumphs. The kit is available now from nike.com
STYLE DOUBLE TAKE Jack wears ADYN leather-panelled joggers adyn.co.uk ADYN oversized black vest adyn.co.uk Puma x Honey Badger vest jdsports.co.uk Crooks & Castles snapback threadsaddiction.com
Photography Jon Attenborough Photography Assistant Tom North Stylist Sophie Robinson x Naaman Brown Stylist Asst. Chris McGovern Grooming Charlotte Gaskell Model Jack Manhood @ Next Models
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Above: Jack wears Nadia Chin x Phidel leather jersey phidel.co.uk The Ragged Priest jumper theraggedpriest.com Cahartt bandana Stylist’s own Samsoe & Samsoe trousers samsoe.com K-Swiss the classic kswiss.co.uk
Opposite: Jack wears Silent Damir Doma hoodie damirdoma.com Black Scale jumper threadsaddiction.com Worn By tracksuit trousers wornby.co.uk
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Above: Daines & Hathaway satchel pittardsleather.co.uk Daines & Hathaway organiser pittardsleather.co.uk Schott leather parka schott.eu Uniform for the Dedicated Blazer liberty.co.uk
Opposite: Jack wears Brookhaven hoodie jdsports.co.uk Other UK leather T-shirt otheruk.com Afends black jeans afends.com G-Star Raw trent brogues g-star.com Cazell glasses cazell-eyewear.com New Era black felt trilby neweracap.co.uk
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Opposite: Jack wears ADYN grey T-shirt adyn.co.uk Uniform for the Dedicated blazer/ trousers liberty.co.uk Monokel sunglasses monokel-eyewear.com Nike Flyknit One+ jdsports.co.uk Daines & Hathaway satchel pittardsleather.co.uk Icon black knit beanie surfdome.com
Above: Jack wears Replay denim skinny jeans replay.it Billionaire Boys Club t-shirt bbcicecream.com ADYN oversized hoodie adyn.co.uk Duck and Cover owen jacket duckandcover.co.uk Nike Air Force 1 Low jdsports.co.uk
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Above: Jack wears PXL Corrupt snapback pxlclothing.com Puma x Honey Badger vest jdsports.co.uk Crooks & Castles snapback threadsaddiction.com
Opposite: Jack wears Urbanears white headphones urbanears.com Sandro white sweatshirt selfridges.com K-Way windbreaker jacket (under sweatshirt) k-way.co.uk Nadia Chin x Phidel leather shorts phidel.co.uk Thomas Sabo wristbands thomassabo.com
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Opposite: Jack wears Sandro leather-panelled varsity selfridges.com Luke jeans Luke1977.com Anthony Morato hi top Morato.it
Above: Jack wears Crooks & Castles coach jacket threadsaddiction.com American Apparel netted T-shirt Americanapparel.co.uk Nike USATF Bold T-shirt nike.com adidas Originals track bottoms Adidas.co.uk PXL Corrupt snapback pxlclothing.com
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Above: Nike Flyknit One+ jdsports.co.uk Palladium Blanc Hi boots palladiumboots.co.uk
Opposite: Jack wears Schott leather parka schott.eu A Bathing Ape T-shirt bape.com Nike sweatless woven jacket nike.com Nike sweatless woven trousers nike.com Palladium Blanc Hi boots palladiumboots.co.uk Icon grey knit beanie surfdome.com
STREET CAST / 40
Photography Ravi Sidhu
TINIE TEMPAH 42
EXHIBIT
Having first featured in this magazine in 2007, this is now Tinie Tempah’s third RWD cover. One of the UK’s biggest, bestest, brightest MC’s, he’s far exceeded every expectations anybody had - except perhaps his own. We all know about the records sold, the plaques earned and the awards won, so, this time, we wanted to know a bit more about what makes Patrick Okogwu tick. Hattie Collins talks to T about threesomes, Wiley, Chris Martin and having a good cry… Concept Dacre Bracey Photography Andres Reynaga Photography Asst. Krzysztof Grychnik Styling Damian Collins Grooming Lucy Wearing Manicurist Zarra Celik
TINIE TEMPAH / 44
“[On Wiley’s jibes] I’m a workaholic, and I’m just trying to make something really happen. I don’t really have time and that’s not really my interest. What we are trying to do is so much bigger than all of that… And if you stick around listening to things that are not really going to benefit you, then what is the point.” The second album is on its way; who can we expect to hear on there? We have Labrinth, Zane Lowe, Diplo, Tom Rowlands from the Chemical Brothers, Naughty Boy, iSHi, Rick Rock, Crada [who made Drake’s Fireworks], Pharrell has got something on there… Then collaboration wise we have Paloma Faith, Emile Sandé, Laura Mvula, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Dizzee Rascal... I think that’s it. Does it make a difference in the studio with Pharrell and 2 Chainz, where it’s presumably more of a financial transaction, as opposed to Naughty Boy and Emile, who you are friends with? People don’t realise that you get to a certain level in music where everything is a financial transaction. Whether it’s the publishing splits, or for everyone’s time and effort and contribution to your music, there has to be a benefit. That’s the thing that makes me laugh because people say ‘You’re working with big time people now you’re making money’. People have to get paid. When I do features, I get paid. Maybe more so before but now there is a different level of understanding that, whether I’m with Naughty Boy, Emile Sandé or Pharrell, the most important thing is that we have to make something great, as opposed to, ‘Ooh, I’m not comfortable because you’ve done 10 sessions and you’re getting paid for all of them’. That’s just common knowledge because that’s just how it is with everything. What was your reaction to Wiley’s tweets [Wiley dissed Trampoline saying it sounded like Big Sean’s Dance (A$$)]? I’m a workaholic, and I’m just trying to make something really happen. I don’t really have time and that’s not really my interest. What we are trying to do is so much bigger than all of that. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, no matter what it is. And if you stick around listening to things that are not really going to benefit you, then what is the point.
Is there anybody that you wanted to get on Demonstration but couldn’t? Yeah. I wanted Chris Martin on it from the start. He is somebody who I really respect, obviously, and I’ve been fortunate enough to develop a relationship with him where I can talk to him about music and what not. I knew it was a long shot but it was worth trying (laughs). Then Adele as well, I got to a position where me and Adele, for a little while, were really, really good friends. How come those collabs didn’t work out? If I’m being honest, and objective, as well, we were all at different stages of our career and I think maybe for Chris Martin more so, he was just happy for what was happening for me, as me. I just don’t think I was there yet. He works with people like Jay Z. I hope I’m not shooting myself in the foot and he was getting ready to do something (laughs). Then Adele, as you can imagine, being around her while the whole 21 campaign was unraveling itself, it was almost like she didn’t even know what was happening. It was crazy. I don’t think she really worked with anyone. You talk about various women on the album. What’s the craziest thing a woman has asked you to do? (Smiles) I don’t want to be distasteful. Nothing really surprises me anymore, to be honest. Threesomes, but I don’t really think that’s weird anymore. Wow, you’re so used to it it’s normal? (Laughs) That’s not exactly what I meant. Do you see a difference in women’s behaviour towards you now? It all depends on the context of where you meet them. This is what we talk about as lads all the time. And we’re not tacky lads, a lot of the time we talk about the fact that it all depends on where you meet the individual. If you get people hanging around after your show, chances are they’re going to be a certain way. So you stay away from those girls? The more my profile is increasing, I try to. I don’t want to be outed for anything silly. I think that now there’s this big obsession with reality TV - these stars and silly shows are quite naff. There are a lot of people that are trying to get famous and we’ve worked too hard for that sh*t. But honestly being a single man, if you want to sell a story about me having sex with you, who cares? I try my best to mix around a certain class and type of woman. Does it have to be a famous or successful woman? No, not necessarily. I have sisters who are not successful - or not successful yet - and they’re amazing women. You can tell when
TINIE TEMPAH / 46
“I’m not on that whole boujis, big, extravagant studio. When we did the Ibiza thing, I was out there with iSHi and Lab and all of those tracks are now on the album, but I had to finish them in Greenwich... That was really frustrating. But yeah, I’ve got so much more knowledge, and I’ve implemented all that.” you meet someone with good morals. All those girls running around on holiday islands, pissing in the street, I’m not having sex with them (laughs). I don’t do that. I have a lot of pride and respect for myself. Have you dated any famous chicks? There were a lot of Jessie J rumours? (Laughs) Yes, there were those rumours. Look, I love famous chicks. It’s nice to be around girls who understand your situation and sometimes are in your situation. I’ve definitely messed around with a few famous girls but I wouldn’t want to name names. I’m not with anyone now. I don’t know what I’m searching for. With every experience I have with a woman, I learn something different. It’s not easy, it’s complex. I don’t want to get to 30 and be desperate, and end up with the wrong woman. Has success changed you? Absolutely. It’s matured me. One because of the sorts of business meetings I have to do, I’ve been in every type of scenario, with every type of person in society; from Royalty to business people to Sirs, Phillip Green, Paul Smith, members of Parliament… I’ve just been with them on my own and I’ve survived. Even when I went for dinner with Chris Martin, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz, I didn’t feel out of place. It was weird, like, yeah, I was the small black guy with all of these Hollywood stars but I didn’t feel out of place. It’s funny, it’s the people I used to hang out with that it can be harder with. I haven’t changed in the sense that I’m successful, I’ve changed because I’m more mature. One thing I’ve learnt is how to simplify my life. If you can simplify your life, you cut out all the bullshit. My friends are my friends, my special people are my special people. I work hard, I have a nice house, a nice car, nice friends, nice family, life’s good. And that’s all that’s important. Tell us more about the Cameron Diaz dinner!? It was here at a restaurant, the Petite Maison, by Claridges. I got there so early (laughs). Believe. I was the first one there, all eager. It was amazing. When you hear pearls of wisdom from people who are successful, older than you, married, you listen. I’ve been lucky enough to talk to the best; I’ve listened to the good points, the bad points and made my own mind up. I’m a young black kid from Peckham, so I’m streetwise too. It all goes in there and it adds to me as a person, it’s all layers.
When was the last time you cried? I was watching a documentary online and they had done a chronological order of everything I have done in my career so far. So when I was watching it back, it had certain grime people on there talking about [how] they didn’t really rate me before, but now I’ve done so well… I was just sitting there and started crying, that was the first time in years it all came out and I felt so much better. I felt like I had been holding that in for like two years. We don’t really make a big deal out of it. I remember when we were in Paris, Dumi got a phone call to say I‘d gone platinum and that was it, on to the next meeting or interview or show. I think sometimes when you can see how other people celebrate your success, then I’m proud. So overall, the album is almost done now, so are there any things you regret that were part of the process? The recording of the album was a very frustrating process because I just wanted everything to be better. We tried to do a week in Ibiza recording, a week in the English countryside recording and none of it worked. I just don’t think I’m that kind of person. I’m not on that whole boujis, big, extravagant studio. When we did the Ibiza thing, I was out there with iSHi and Lab and all of those tracks are now on the album, but I had to finish them in Greenwich. I just remembered at the time thinking ‘Wow, I’ve got to such an incredible position where I can fly everyone out and it’s almost like it’s not working’. That was really frustrating. But yeah, I’ve got so much more knowledge, and I’ve implemented all that. The album is about everything I’ve leant and the people I’ve been around. I’m much more confident, I know what I’m doing. Whatever happens, this is an album that I believe in, represents who I am. I just can’t wait for people to hear it. Trampoline Ft. 2 Chainz is out now and make sure you watch @tinietempah breakdown the making of Demonstration on RWDmag.com
WONDAGURL / 48
ONE FOR THE BOOKS
Yes she’s 16, yes she’s a she, and more importantly Canada’s Ebony Oshunrinde aka WondaGurl is a damn good producer. You’ve all heard Crown so it’s obvious she knows how to craft a beat but how the hell do you go from walking the halls of high school to chilling in the studio with Hit-Boy and Drake and having the world’s press Skyping you every two minutes. Words Nardene Scott
“When I heard the song for the first time, I was in the studio with Drake actually, and I kind of almost cried… then my manager took me out for steak,” Ebony tells us about coming to terms with Crown being vocalled by Jay no hyphen Z. For a young girl that at the age of 9 scoured YouTube looking for videos of Timbaland and Jay Z in the studio, the collaboration literally is a dream come true, “it doesn’t really feel real right now”. It is real though, it’s really real, WondaGurl made it onto an album with the greatest producers out there from Pharell and Timbo to Mike Will Made It, Swizz Beats and Travis $cott. The latter being the reason why Crown came to fruition. Originally a track for Scott and Pusha T, following previous collab, the trap heavy Uptown; Scott passed on the beat to Bey’s other half secretly sending a simple text back to the shy producer stating, ‘I’m about to change your life’. Inspired by the
Virginia native’s Wrath Of Caine cut Blocka, the root beer drinking producer stepped out of her zone for the track and went for a big sample. “I did use a big sample [Sizzla - Solid As A Rock], I usually don’t do that. I actually used to watch [Bollywood] movies and then go home and sample them. I first got the idea of using them from Timbaland.” Oshunrinde of Nigerian heritage was always determined to make it in music rather than through the regular channels of education - she hates school but is finishing for the sake of her family and fear of having her computer confiscated. Since questioning why Battle of the Beatmakers (Canada’s renowned producer competition) didn’t accept younger producers in 2010, 2011 saw her reach the quarter finals along with being mentored by Boi1Da. The following year winning the comp ending up at Hit-Boy’s house, “When I walked in, I was so
inspired, everyone in his house is a musician so I loved it, I didn’t want to leave.” Rumours of signing to Roc Nation (which are untrue) and according to the Bollywood fan not in her sights right now can be put to one side because this girl is all about beats, beats and more beats, “I wake up in the morning it could be 8am, it could be 12pm, I brush my teeth and then I make beats and that’s it.” The sour patch kids fanatic may be laid back and uninterested in heading into the 12th Grade (“No one really likes me there. So I don’t see the point of talking to anyone.”) Don’t worry, we agree they’re haters but that lack of confidence is long gone and she’s not afraid to big herself up, “Most of my sample beats are the best” she giggles on her favourite beat whilst pondering what she’d ask Timbaland on meeting him, “I would ask him to listen to my beats first”. Everyone might be hollering but the teen is all about work-
“I did use a big sample [Sizzla’s Solid As A Rock], I usually don’t do that. I actually used to watch [Bollywood] movies and then go home and sample them.” ing with artists - preferably not in the studio as she doesn’t like to be rushed - who offer something different, so her small list consists of the likes of Pusha T and Kanye West. Not to be underestimated, Ebony “Wondagurl” Oshunrinde has silently crept into the game but things are about to get a lot louder because she isn’t planning on leaving anytime soon. Keep an eye on @WondaGurlBeats timeline for more revelations and her untilted EP coming soon.
IRVINE WELSH / 50
DIRTY WORK We caught up with the infamous Scottish novelist Irvine Welsh to talk about getting James McAvoy to go dark, darker than you’ve ever seen him before. And of course an insight into the upcoming Trainspotting sequel Porno directed by Danny ‘The Olympic Don’ Boyle. Words Nardene Scott
Did you have a say in casting James McAvoy in the lead role of Filth because it’s a seriously dark character? It was all down to the casting, it probably wouldn’t have worked without James. You need someone who can take that character and give him a bit of empathy and make people feel that underneath it all is a likeable quality to him. He’s fallen on bad times but he’s maybe not that bad of a guy; he may be a bit of a bastard and a selfish individual but he has human qualities as well. James is able to bring all these out and he kind of inspired the other actors around him. How do you come up with the characters for your books because they’re pretty random? It’s different all the time; I think they’re all internal to you as a writer, they come from parts of yourself that are repressed. You’ve got a character like Bruce who’s racist and misogynistic, you don’t want to be that character, you don’t want to think that part of you is like this. But whenever you’ve felt frustrated and undervalued, the issues that go along with it, they give rise to all the racism and sexism; people can identify with that. Being the oringinal writer what are the most funny/crude/crazy moments in Filth? The second half is really kind of mental. It’s a bit like Trainspotting, a massive assault on the senses and you come out the cinema going, ‘F**king hell, I want to go see that again, that was crazy!’ There are some great lines out of the book. James gets a DNA sample of sperm from a guy in a brothel and is given them by the Madame, and he says ‘I never thought I’d go out a brothel with more spunk then when I went in’.
“[James McAvoy’s] performance for me is better than [Robert] De Niro in Taxi Driver, it’s got more heart...it’s kind of Shakespearian in a Greek tragedy.” James McAvoy has started to play more troubled characters recently though? Yeah nothing like this though. Even Trance and Welcome To The Punch, it was nothing as deep. Character wise, this is a different level. This performance for me is better than [Robert] De Niro in Taxi Driver, it’s got more heart and it could have easily been a more cartoon like thing for lesser actors, but it’s kind of Shakespearian in a Greek tragedy… You could hear the angels singing. We heard that Danny Boyle has taken on Porno (the sequel to Trainspotting), has that process already begun? Everybody is on the same page and wants to do it. The big challenge has always been to get a really strong screenplay, rather than get a big budget and saturate it with advertising. That would be a nightmare as far as I’m concerned. I’d like to do something that’s really deep and interesting and vibrant, which just shows the characters have still got legs and issues. When I wrote Porno Internet porn was like a whole new world, but now it’s totally passé. Story wise it would have to be about the commercialisation of sex as a theme; it would have to be a stronger darker element to Internet porn. Filth is released 4 October. Follow @WelshIrvine and look out for Porno hitting our screens in 2016
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
MONKI Charlie Sloth meets fellow Radio 1 DJ/Presenter Monki to track her steady rise through the ranks of radio, covering all corners of club music. The People’s Prince talks to the bass music fiend about her experience of playing in the Hollywood Hills alongside her mates Doorly and Rusko and her successful EP, Monki & Friends. Image Sam Bond
“We went to a Rusko gig [in Orange County] and it was mental, there were girls on podiums dancing around him, canons going off, it was mad and everyone had glow sticks.”
So you’ve been out in LA recently deejaying? Did you notice a difference between the crowds there compared to the UK? It was definitely different because I think they’re still on the whole dubstep and trap thing whereas the UK has moved more towards house. But I could play what I wanted and people still kind of got it. I basically went over and played at my mates’ parties. We stayed with a mate called Doorly who’s from the UK but lives in Silver Lake now. We went to a Rusko gig [in Orange County] and it was mental, there were girls on podiums dancing around him, canons going off, it was mad and everyone had glow sticks. It was like the UK in the 90s but it was cool to go and see. Where did you get to play out there? We played in Hollywood, that was cool, in a small bar it wasn’t official, just mates throwing parties. But we went to this one gig in California, it was like an hour away from LA, in like an Italian restaurant. When you saw the outside it just looked like a restaurant and then you walked inside and they’d completely cleared all the tables and there was just a little stage and it was just really good house music. It was such a weird venue, it was in an outlet complex like where you get Currys and Toys R Us, it was really strange but cool. Tell us about the recent EP you curated Monki & Friends? How did you get all of the producers to work together? A lot of them I knew already, everyone that was involved, I’m a fan of so it was just an excuse to get everyone together. No one on the EP actually knew each other, apart from the guys on my label [ZOO Music] and we only had two days each, so I was a bit worried because we needed to get a vibe. We actually ended up finishing the Salva track (Hollywood Noir) in LA at his house and met all his dogs. There was a huge reaction to the EP, did you expect that when you started the project? All of the artists are signed so it was always going to be a free thing but we didn’t expect it to get as much attention as it did. When Friend Within uploaded his Karma Kid and Yasmin track, it got like 45k listens in the first couple of weeks. I’m not producing on there, I did it because I don’t produce. I wanted to get in the studio but I didn’t want to do it it off my own back because I’m concentrating more on broadcasting and starting my own nights. What have been your favourite radio shows to date, considering your move from Rinse FM to Radio 1? At Rinse it was more music orientated so you’d literally go in with CDs and just mix for two hours and you wouldn’t really say much. So when I went over to Radio 1, I had to up my game because people tune in for the presenter as much as for the music. But it’s a change that I wanted to make because I’ve always really been into radio. So I felt like not that I couldn’t do it at Rinse but it just wasn’t Rinse. Nothing’s changed when it comes to the music, the music I play on Radio 1 is still chosen by me. Follow the #CaliforniaLove series with Charlie Sloth on facebook.com/kswiss.uk, K-Swiss.co.uk or @KSwiss_UK. Listen to @Monki Mondays 2-4am on Radio 1 and 1Xtra.
A.M. MACCA SNIPER / 54
What inspired you to get involved with Punch’s We Live The Dream Tour? To be involved in this tour is a honour for me. It’s something different and something creative being able to spread some knowledge and history is an opportunity I couldn’t pass by and to be able to do that all through what I love doing, I couldn’t say no. Do you remember the first time you came across Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream Speech? The first time I came across the Martin Luther King speech was in my own house, on a Sunday morning. My mum actually has the speech downloaded on her iPod, so every Sunday morning for a good six months she would play Martin’s speech or Malcom’s speech. From there, I just started asking my own questions then started to research for more and more. Do you believe there is still a fight to be had for equal rights in British society? Things have drastically changed since those days; we’re more equal than we’ve ever been thanks to Martin, Malcom, etc.
“I recommend everyone listens to [Kendrick Lamar Sing About Me]... such creativity and inspirational quotes in one song gives me the hope that meaningful lyrics still have a place within the music industry.”
THE MESSAGE Music and arts development agency Punch Records head out on tour with a host of the UK’s hottest underground artists to celebrate Martin Luther King’s iconic I Have A Dream speech. We catch up with StayFresh MC Macca to see what he’s got in store for the six-date shindig.
Which artists would you say carry Martin Luther King Jr’s message in music? Any artist that inspires change! Musically, whom do you consider the most inspirational artist in the world? The most inspirational artist in my eyes is Michael Jackson… R.I.P! Is there anybody in the music business that you’re taking advice from and looking to for leadership? At this current moment I get great advice from my manager, family and the people close to me. Who else do I really need? What was the last song you heard that made you stop in your tracks, rewind and listen again and what was it that affected you? Kendrick Lamar’s Sing About Me. He really touches some positive and negative things in a 12-minute song which I recommend everyone listens to. Such creativity and inspirational quotes in one song gives me the hope that meaningful lyrics still have a place within the music industry What’s next for Macca? New music. New videos. A new me. Be ready! Buy tickets to the We Live The Dream tour passing through Leicester, Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, London and Manchester at punch-records.com
UNWIND
BROKEN BAD
“Chemistry: it is the study of change. Well that’s… that’s all of life… right? I mean, it’s just the constant, it’s the cycle. It is growth, then decay, then transformation.” – Walter White (Breaking Bad, Episode 1, Season 1) Illustration Sam Ailey
The most relevant TV character of our generation, Walter White will be discussed for generations. Was Heisenberg born the day Walt was diagnosed with cancer? Or was he lurking beneath the surface of a frustrated chemist, working two jobs to numb the pain of a life wasted? Can a man become a cold-hearted killer and a sociopathic drug peddler in the two years that mark Breaking Bad’s first episode and the first episode of its final season? Or was Heisenberg born the day Walter White sold his share in Gray Matter Technology for just $5000, which went on to be worth billions? Over the course of the show, Walter transformed, but the question is; was Heisenberg the decay or the growth? When Walt became the smartest, most ruthless, most feared and most cunning person around, that became a power he never knew he needed.
FIFA 14 / 58
THE NEW RULES OF
FIFA 14
There was a time when the latest FIFA release meant slicker graphics, more world leagues and a little added zip. In 2013 a new FIFA means so much more. Last year’s first touch mechanic was as intricate a development as football gaming has ever known while the overhaul of defending in FIFA 12 represented an entirely new way of playing the game; one that shook loyal gamers to their core. More than any other annual title, the pressure is on FIFA 14 to continue pushing boundaries by bringing the football gaming experience closer to reality. Fresh from an extensive hands-on session at the EA Sports HQ, Tego Sigel has the new rules you’ll need to get acquainted with if you want to stay ahead of your mates when FIFA 14 is released this month.
Don’t Just Shoot Do you ever find yourself in real match situations, dribbling the ball between superstar defenders, switching feet, maybe dropping a few step-overs, seeing a sight of goal and pulling the trigger without thinking? It always goes in, right? Yeah, that’s what we thought. FIFA 14 knows there are but two players in the world with that kind of talent, so you’d better make sure the ball is on the right foot, with your weight balanced, your striking foot bang in stride and with enough space to line it up, because if you think it’s a case of hit and hope, your shot’s going out for a throw-in. Hit it right and you will be rewarded. FIFA will make you earn your goals in 2014.
Cut out the cut-backs When you’re playing with your mates you should have a no cut-backs rule as standard. Just about every team has a winger with decent enough control and pace who can bomb down the flank untroubled before dinking a sweet, perfectly weighted cut-back across the box for a striker to sweep past a stranded keeper. But did you ever wonder why your back five could never work out how to stop it from happening? Well, repetition is the mother of learning and they’ve finally worked it out. New intelligence means players make smarter decisions, recognising opportunities to provide support and win back possession. With a much better understanding of space, defenders are far less likely to let you shift the ball into danger zones as they watch in earnest, meaning those sweaty goals are a lot harder to come by.
Fight for everything
“It always goes in, right? Yeah, that’s what we thought. FIFA 14 knows there are but two players in the world with that kind of talent... FIFA will make you earn your goals in 2014.”
When the ball’s in play, you will be under pressure. Teammate intelligence and new ball protection mean that every tackle is earned, every pass is applauded and every header is a cause for celebration. The new second chance tackle function offers defenders the opportunity to quickly recover from missed tackles, so even when you beat your man, you’ll find yourself competing all over again. Standing off your man in the midfield could be costly with quality players likely to make the most of any space afforded by shifting the ball onto their better foot opening yourself up to sweetly struck shots from distance. If you switch off, you will be punished.
Build from the midfield Charging through a stationary defence with your sweaty index finger crushing the life out of the LT button is no longer an option. Making use of your fastest players with quick, explosive cuts to beat defenders one-on-one will give you the best hope of being affective in the final third. Utilising your player’s momentum and balance will be crucial, with players’ pivot, cut, acceleration and deceleration taking the individual attributes of every player to a whole new dimension. Advances in control mean your chances of a perfect first touch are slim. Build from the midfield because you’re going to have to earn that space. FIFA 14 drops on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 24 September released on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 later this year.
#SUPPLYANDDEMAND 60
ACCESS ALL AREAS As you know we introduced the emerging streetwear brand Supply & Demand in our last issue alongside underground tastemakers and artists. Ambassador Logan Sama came out on top as voters led grime MC Koder to the win. RWD headed to LoveDough at Proud in Camden to witness the champ take to the stage. Photography Beth @ Daddys Got Sweets
Live music and club night LoveDough is known for curating one off events with epic line ups. Everyone from A$AP Rocky and Jazzy Jeff to Wiley and Tinie Tempah having graced their stage, so it was the perfect opportunity to unleash a Supply & Demand clad Koder on the public. “I feel like I’m just living my dreams,” the Brockley MC tells us, still buzzing off his explosive performance. “I’m really grateful to win the competition and I want to shout out everyone that voted, I couldn’t do it without them.” On pipping fellow London rappers Magic and Cashtastic to the post, the chirpy spitter told RWD, “I feel like people just want to hear that grime sound again, they want to hear it back in the clubs, they want to see it performed live so everyone that supports grime that’s in your face and energetic and that you can party to.” Amidst the jugs of day-glo cocktails and the headline act Charli XCX, the crazy crowd definitely showed
their appreciation for the Supply & Demand winner throughout his energetic performance. The livest moment had to be when Koder thanked fans by launching a selection of Supply & Demand Hustle tees into the club crowd. “I was in your face, every time I saw even the slightest of dips I made my voice louder, my tone more aggressive and just grabbed their attention”. With the 22 year-old already proving his worth down at LoveDough, it’s over to the Manchester leg of the Supply & Demand launch where hometown artists RIO, Blizzard and T-Man battle it out. Make sure you check out the full collection exclusively on jdsports. co.uk/supply-and-demand and VIA bankfashion.co.uk. To see for yourselves exactly how Supply & Demand and Koder killed it down @LoveDoughLondon head over to YouTube.com/JDsportsOfficial for the official round up video.
Demand The Best Get voting for the Manchester S&D winner to perform at Bass Face 9 0ctober
RIO 27 year-old rapper RIO is all about giving back to his community, so if you vote for him then expect a few of his fellow artists to join him on stage.
BLIZZARD A producer, multi-instrumentalist and a well versed rapper and singer; Blizzard will undoubtedly provide an eclectic set down at Sound Control.
T-MAN
Photography Ravi Sidhu
“I feel like I’m just living my dreams… people just want to hear that grime sound again, they want to hear it back in the clubs, they want to see it performed live so they voted for me”
Performing everywhere from festivals to live jazz events, expect everything and anything from the diverse artist. Vote for your favourite artist above via jdsports.co.uk/supply-and-demand
THE BIG REVIEW / 62
29
The degrees Lovebox kicked off the weekend with, we obviously had to have a few ice cold Jäegermeister’s to adjust our body temperature.
17
Where Jack the undisputed tune of the summer reached in the charts. We’ve got serious Mojito induced memories of Breach sending his tent crazy down at Viccy Park
THE BIG REVIEW: LOVEBOX RWD headed to London’s long running eclectic festival Lovebox to drink and dance the weekend away. As media partners we did the whole thing VIP stylee but don’t worry, we wondered into the masses too, so it’s only right we filled in those that missed it or want to reminisce what went down. Photography Paul Taylor
50
The weight in stones of Kenny Dope. That’s wrong, isn’t it? We’re only joking peeps Kenny is dope as was his set from reggae to hip hop and house!
400
The amount of pennies we shelled out on that crazy - throw you in the air and spin you around and make you sick - ride. It was well worth it but walking afterwards was a myth to say the least
1M
Approximately the amount of pointless online beefs Friday’s headliner Azealia Banks has had this year… so far, there’s still time for more
20/6/13 The date Annie Mac and Toddla T made their very special delivery of a baby boy. Mac also killed her stage lining up everyone from Wiley and Breach to Redlight and Disclosure. When she dropped Infinity ooof… if you was there, you know!
1969
The year Big Bird first appeared on Sesame Street. It’s a wild guess but we’re pretty sure that was the inspiration behind Kelis’ outfit when she performed on Sunday evening. There’s literally no other explanation.
62
The age of Davin Rodigan MBE and he’s still tearing down Red Bull Music Academy stages like no ones business, the jungle tracks went in!
10 26,565
Years So Solid Crew have been together shame we couldn’t help them celebrate on the main stage but hey the indigo2 show is coming up.
When Mark Ronson isn’t representing behind the decks (like at Lovebox) he’s busy producing bangers for Giggs; like the view yielding track Is It Gangsta? Yes Yes Yes
Jamie Jones livened up the crowd in his Hot Creations tent and for a mere amount of Euros you can enjoy it all again over at the Paradise residency at DC-10 in Ibiza. With Art Department, Eats Everything, Heidi and more lining up behind the decks until the closing event on 26 September, there’s still time to book your last minute easyJet flight.
23
Date this month the new member of Black Butter Records Scrufizzer, who blessed the mic on the opening day, releases his Zed Bias produced single Kick It. There’s only so long until the west Londoner’s #FizzyFlow erupts into the charts.
Last Japan
Joel Compass
“Glitchy” Darsk Space + Time Records Sometimes you need a big hit of wobbly beats and Last Japan delivers the gritty and grimy to the spaced out and clubby side of things on Darsk. No wonder he’s crossing those boundaries like no ones business. Track To Check: Paid In Full Ft. Merky Ace
“Real” Astronaut Black Butter How can one boy have all this talent; producer and singer-songwriter Joel has delivered on his first EP and for anyone that’s managed to catch him live so far you already know there’s a lot more in the tank from one of the UK’s most promising artists. Track To Check: Astronaut
T. Williams
Etta Bond & Raf Riley
“Non-stop” Feelings Within EP PMR Records You have to respect T’s work rate, he just keeps on delivering these club bangers like it’s a joke. Not forgetting full on songs that work in more than the rave. We’re hoping 2014 is an even bigger year for this vet. Track To Check: On My Own Ft. TALA
“Original” MEDS Free Download When these two hook up you’re guaranteed to get something no one else can give you. Pulling from every vibe and vibes you didn’t even know about, Etta and Raf refuse to get sucked into any trends and keep it one hunnid on MEDS, now get ready to overdose. Track To Check: Loophole
B-BOY CHAMPIONSHIPS / 64
LEGENDARY STATUS The B-Boy Championships have been a solid event in calendars across the globe for nearly two decades. So we caught up with its founder Hooch to relay some of the greatest moments ahead of 2013’s offering at its new Birmingham home. Photography Krzysztoff Grychnik
The B-Boy Championship Launch
Stars Of The Show
As soon as we announced the event, we got calls from all sorts of media…The event drew over 1500 people and left 100s unable to get in. The Prodigy were in attendance and took some of the B-Boys on tour with them. They also used a photo from the Champs as the cover artwork for their single, Smack My B*tch Up.
Hong 10 from Korea re-defined B-Boying, he even has his own signature move, The Hong 10 Freeze! Lilou from France has an irrepressible character, unique style and an engaging stage presence. He perfectly combines the new style of “flexible moves” with classic footwork and power moves.
The Underdog In 1998, the line-up became fully international. The USA crew, ‘Style Elements’ were the world’s top crew at the time and faced Japan’s ‘Spartanic Rockers’ in the final. On paper it was a formality for ‘Style Elements’ to take the win but buoyed up by the crowd, ‘Spartanic Rockers’ launched a series of great attack routines. It was one I’ll never forget because the noise of the crowd and individual moves pushed the boundaries of what the human body could do!
B-Boy On The Map Worldwide, we have achieved a lot of firsts; first B-Boy event to have a major sponsor and even a website because there was no internet when we started. Add to that the first event DVD produced, first TV series - we had our own six-part TV series on Channel 4 - and the first video game with Playstation which featured real life B-Boys as the characters! Head to o2 Academy Birmingham for the Sony Experia B-Boy World Finals on 21-22 September. For tickets check bboychampionships.com
SPEAKER’S CORNER / 66
PLEASE SIR, MAY I HAVE SOME PORN? In a world where nudity and sex have basically been de-sensitised, David Cameron has moved to ban online porn, lest you opt in. The move is undoubtedly one that will polarise opinions, but Alya Mooro asks shouldn’t we maybe, at least be a little grateful that someone, anyone, is attempting to halt the hurtling train that has become this generation’s sense of morality?
‘Twerk Miley, Miley twerk’ is the catchy hook from Jay Z’s latest album Magna Carta Holy Grail. He is of course referring to Disney tween turned princess of ratchet; Miley Cyrus, who uploaded a video of herself doing dance-du-jour; the twerk, to a horde of thirsty male admirers. Is twerking pornography? Well… no. But you can’t argue that it’s ridiculously suggestive – 33 teens in the US were recently suspended for doing the dance and a father brutally whipped his teenage daughter for doing the same. Would these girls have considered it acceptable to partake in such activities if porn weren’t so easily accessible? Well… no. David Cameron recently announced plans to block access to porn sites in UK households. A bold move, considering the UK alone is home to over half a million porn sites. Half a milli?! That number might be acceptable if you had to go out of your way to find them, but said pages have an awkward habbit of popping up on your screen without notice. A practice especially awkward when your other half is looking over your shoulder. Fake chat boxes starring spread eagled girls with parted lips teasingly enquiring, “are you looking for some fun?” I hardly notice them anymore but then again I’m a 24-year-old female who is well taken care of in that
regard, thank you very much. But what of the dirty old men who start off browsing the Internet for content that will satisfy their compulsions, before those compulsions eventually lead them to take their desires into the real world? #Yewtree Lads mags ‘Zoo’ and ‘Nuts’ are also part of the crackdown on suggestive or immoral material, aka the random smut they tend to fill their mags with - as newsagents are asked to shield their covers. Don’t be mislead, I’m not one of those frigid folk who think there’s a clear link between porn and sexual crime. We’re all partial to a heart racing pic or two and who doesn’t occasionally find themselves exploring the odd suggestive key word (Do not google Dirty Twix). But what if we’ve taken it a little too far? In truth, the closer things get to your life, the further they get from your heart. In conservative countries, the flash of an ankle or even a wrist is enough to generate curiosity. Today, in the Western world, a female can all but gyrate on top of you, butt naked, and you’ll find yourself peering between her thighs to catch a glimpse of the TV, trying not to miss Tuesday’s Eastenders. We have become so de-sensitised to naked bodies, to sex, to anything, really, so much so that it ends up meaning absolutely nothing.
“A female can all but gyrate on top of you, butt naked, and you’ll find yourself peering between her thights at the TV, trying not to miss Eastenders. We have become so de-sensitised to naked bodies, to sex, to anything, really”
to. What it will do, however, is at least try to halt the hurtling train carrying our generation further into the land of the blasé, where we are de-sensitised to everything, and absolutely nothing is considered shocking. And that’s just talking about the ‘normal’ sex. The imagery and visuals that depict the vile underworld you may not want to think about but most certainly exists doesn’t bare thinking about. What happened to freedom of speech and freedom of expression, I hear you cry. It’s not really a free world, is it? But you already knew that. So why isn’t Cameron banning the infamous Page Three at the same time? Then there are the other things you can learn about or see on the Internet, how to make a bomb, for example. But, if we can’t regulate or help ourselves, maybe somebody else should, or at least try. Some may feel the banning of pornography is the final step, a move too far, but adults can opt in and isn’t that worth it in order to help protect those that are vulnerable? All the ban really means, is we make it a little less accessible, a little less acceptable, just a little less okay. A little reign on what’s could already be a hopeless case. @AlyaMooro