#147
MAY 14
Pharoah
who has been embraced across the pond for his artwork, while NYC trio Ratking are breaking down musical barriers with their experimental outlook in About To Blow. This being the style issue it was the perfect time to re-introduce our grooming page as Reggie Yates schools us on the importance of a decent barber and looking after yourself, because time waits for no man.
Eds Letter Style. It’s a big part of our lives, whether we care to admit it or not, no one really says when it’s going right but you’re sure to know when its gone hella wrong. Sticking with style and as always supporting the emerging faces in music, we thought we’d delve into the wave of soul infused UK acts all offering up their own individual take on the genre. Jacob Banks, Raleigh Ritchie, Javeon and Joel Compass are the new generation set to usher in an entirely fresh age of the homegrown music scene. We also point out who really is #ReadyForAnything speaking to rising illustrator Will Prince
Our extended style guide gives you the low down on all the trends worth knowing about, from stripes and pastels to patterns as broken down by leaders in the print field HYPE. DOPE talk monochrome, the King of Footwear Ronnie Fieg assesses his latest collab with PUMA, Piff Gang’s Nick Bam shares his love for bucket hats and streetwear guru Greg Weinstein cherry picks the best collaborations you can cop. You’ll also notice we found time to head to the slopes for Snowbombing Festival, hear why A$AP Ferg loves his boxers and allowed contributor Matt Tarr to question whether grime has gone out of style? We say never!
RWD Team Editor Feature Writer Digital Editor Contributing Editor Contributors
@nardenescott @moorizzla @tegosigel @chantellefiddy Alex Johnson, Carly Wilford, Grant Brydon, Joseph “JP” Patterson, Matt Tarr, Neef Ekpoudum
Creative Director Designer Fashion Editor Stylists
Dacre @PXLpics Sam Hardy Kyran Low Sophie Robinson, Violetta Thalia, Neesha Sharma Funny Tummy, Rachel Goslin, Matt Glasby, Sam Taylor Andres Reynega, Jon Attenborough, JPH, Pharaoh, Response London, Adrian Nettleship, Kevin Joseph, Sam Bond, Liam Ricketts, Verena Stefanie Grotto
Illustrators
Photographers
Video
Greg Bond, Felix Kemp, Darren Rahaman, Andres Albert
Publisher Commercial Dir. Account Managers
Nigel Wells Paul LeFevre Vikki Moore Albert Fairfield Hattie Collins Martin Ferguson Bob Austin
Brand Relations Operations Thanks @nardenescott
Contributors
Contact RWD RWD 4th Floor 60-62 Commercial Street Greater London E1 6LT Tel: 020 3176 4299 staff@RWDmag.com @RWDmag
Matt Tarr In a word, I’m... chillaxed You’ll normally find me... plugged into my Beats This issue… I’m discussing the Grime scene I’m all about... the summer (bring on the festivals!) I’m so over... people with serious road rage Get at me... @MattTarrJourno
Verena Stefanie Grotto In a word, I’m... real You’ll normally find me... in a candy store This issue… is magic I’m all about... love and DIY I’m so over... bulls**t and worms Get at me... if you like puppies @VerenaStefanie
Grant Brydon In a word, I’m... motivated You’ll normally find me... waiting for rappers to turn up to interviews This issue… I’m chatting about issues that have surfaced this month I’m all about... collecting CDs and reading books I’m so over... rappers’ lack of punctuality and misused hashtags. Get at me... @GrantBrydon
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 / 10
CONTENTS ISSUE #147 Regulars 10 #WGAF 12-18 Check-In Check Out 20-21 #ReadyForAnything: Will Prince, Elliphant, Raheem Bakaré 22-23 About To Blow: Ratking 82-83 Speaker’s Corner: Has Grime Gone Out Of Style?
RWD Football 25 27 28-29 30-33 34-37 38-39
By George Eds Letter My First: George Groves Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Michael Carrick Two Sides: The Cost Of A Loan
Style 41-49 Leaders Of The New Soul: Joel Compass, Jacob Banks, Raleigh Ritchie, Javeon 50-55 Foot Work 56-57 Link Up: Ronnie Fieg 58-59 Two Tears In A Bucket: Nick Bam 60-61 Flower Power: HYPE. 62-63 Red Rum 64-65 White Stripes 66-67 Power Pastel 68-71 Black Butter: DOPE 72 King Quilt 74 A$AP Ferg
Unwind 77 Godzilla: Think Big 78-79 Supply & Demand: Directors Cut 80-81 Snowbombing Festival
#WGAF / 12
#WGAF
Style-ecta!
We’re not exaggerating here, May seems to be the official comeback month, even Jacko somehow makes an appearance. Oh yes and Puff Daddy is back too but Grant Brydon is not entertained...
Puff Daddy is back Have you ever been shopping all over the place before ending up back in the first shop? Well, that happened to Sean Combs; originally nicknamed Puffy, before becoming Puff Daddy, then P. Diddy, Diddy and Swag (for about a week). He’s gone all retro and now wants to be known as Puff Daddy, and I back this decision! Reptilian illuminati leader, who cares!? Outkast get cut off at Coachella On the Saturday morning of the Outkast reunion, I was excited to be witnessing history from miles away in the comfort of my bed although obviously I wished I was actually there! Despite a few awkward moments, I was quite enjoying the show, but it was cut because they were out of time!!! Who tells Outkast that their time is up?
New MJ? I know this is blasphemous or whatever, but I’m not really a fan of MJ to begin with. Beyond that, I disagree with posthumous albums. The only one I think I’m ok with is Biggie’s Life After Death because it was finished before he passed. Remember when Eminem made that 2Pac album where they used some software to make Pac shout out G-Unit and stuff??? It’s disrespectful. Minaj’s Make-Under I want to be a Nicki Minaj fan. Since she dropped that verse on Monster, I’ve wanted more, but she’s been too busy trying to be some cartoon character - until now. Over the past few months her Instagram has demonstrated a more natural Nicki and it seems to be helping her music after a Young Thug feature and Lookin Ass all without a single EDM producer in sight.
Tweet To Win This month hip hop celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Nas’s Illmatic and we’re giving away copies of the rebooted LP, Illmatic xx complete with remixes of his timeless classics. To win a copy and a limited edition T-shirt tweet “Hey @RWDmag I’m all about celebrating the street poet @Nas hook me up!”
If you don’t know who Miss @AlexisKnox is, you definitely will soon. When the London based celebrity stylist isn’t working with Ciara and Rita Ora, she’s spinning some seriaaas tunes the world over and presenting. Get to know… Firstly, who is Alexis Knox? Alexis Knox is a celebrity fashion stylist, DJ, Presenter and an all round babe ;P How did you get into styling? I believe it was my own unique sense of style that led me into styling. I love meeting new people and communicating, plus I’m super organized – all really important qualities when it comes to styling! It was interning at Notion Magazine which really threw me into it; I stayed on and became the Fashion Director. Any horror story experiences you’ve had styling someone? I’ve been so blessed to be honest, I think experience makes you prepared for the worst, so you can usually see a horror before it even happens! I do believe in communicating with people and never forcing someone to wear something they aren’t confident in… that lack of confidence will make any outfit look bad. Who’s been your favourite person to style and why? I think I’ve been inspired the most by styling MIA and Miley Cyrus as they were both quite similar in the fact that they are actually the bosses; they are the creative forces leading their entire brand. What influences your styling work? Living in Dalston, East London, I get to see a real eclectic mix of people from so many different cultures. I also love Ridley Road market in Dalston, that’s where you can get some real finds! What’s next on the agenda? Lots of majorness as usual so stay tuned to my social networks!
CHECK-IN CHECK OUT / 14
CHECK -IN CHECK OUT A Slice of Nostalgia Don’t pretend you’re not gassed! Check out… the trailer to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (we know you just sang that). Okay, so the official film isn’t released until August but that’s enough time for even more trailers to drop and of course featuring Megan Fox and those masked pizza fiends you’ll want to watch each and every one. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hits cinemas nationwide in August
Bass For Your Buds
Is It True…?
Sol Revealing
Swarovski encrusted in-ear headphones
Yep! Reds Barbecue is the truth!
Campbell drops some real talk
Check out… BassBuds, the luxury in-ears come in pretty much every shade, boast Swarovski elements, great soundsystem and an anti-tangle cable – no more weaving. Ain’t nobody got time for that! Available from bassbuds.co.uk, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols
Check-in… at Reds True Barbecue, the latest Manchester joint to get them queuing up around the block. Serving up every type of rib there is, plus the incredible donut burger and even a suckling pig banquet - there’s every reason to head there. Run quick to truebarbecue.com
Check out... what Sol Campbell has to say about his football career in his biography. Even if you don’t consider yourself a reader, bio’s are the way to go, especially when the former baller talks being labelled a traitor, racist taunting and even more in the authorised tell all. Check amazon.co.uk for yours
RWD Album Reviews
Footie & Food
Up Your Speed
Sound like a decent pairing?
Our peeps Trapstar unleash major visuals
Check out… the brainchild of Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, Café Football. Taking residency in Westfield Stratford City, the restaurant prides itself on homegrown food from burgers, steaks and pies to beans on toast. With Match Tea deals of just £7.95 this might just become your new hangout. Dribbles via cafefootball.com
Check out… the latest look book from our homegrown style dons Trapstar. From bespoke leathers to logo adorned basics in limited numbers of course, the west Londoners continue to stand out in the global streetwear scene. Don’t hang around, head straight to store.iamatrapstar.com
Elijah & Skilliam
“Boom” Fabric 75 Fabric Grime ambassadors Elijah & Skilliam are masters of the dance so when they drop a CD there’s no side stepping. Expect all areas of hype BPMs to sneak in. Salute to Butterz for pushing the music they believe in and not just in the UK, worldwide! Track To Check: JME Integrity
Foxes
“Electropop” Glorious Epic / Sign Of The Times British popstress Foxes serves up a ‘Glorious’ offering, jam packed with hypnotic tracks which hint at disco, electro and pop inflections, all underlined by Foxes’ soaring vocals. A worthy debut if ever there was one. Track To Check: Echo
Little Dragon
“Hypnotic” Nabuma Rubberband Island To say Swedish synthpop quartet Little Dragon have been around and back around the block is an understatement. That experience and wisdom has clearly manifested itself in this latest offering, a hypnotic medley of a magic carpet ride. Track To Check: Let Go
Maya Jane Coles
Your Boy Is Back Q turns up the world Check in… to the Oxymoron that is Schoolboy Q’s world tour. Fresh off the release of his third studio album, the LA rapper set off on a world tour a whole two months ago and he culminates his onstage endeavours with gigs in the UK this month. Saving the best till last! Try your best to buy tickets on ticketmaster.co.uk
“Oi Oi” Fabric 75 Fabric You have to admit she’s a bit of a don when it comes to weaving a couple house tracks together not to mention her skills behind the boards. With a couple of unreleased picks and special edits you’ll get to hear a different side to house. Track To Check: NT89 Garden
CHECK-IN CHECK OUT / 16
Manny’s World
Cold Summer
Street Life
Ice up your wrist this summer
A Bank Holiday well spent…
Check out… the Ice-Forever watch in just about every colour under the rainbow. We’ve seen a fair few days of sunshine so it’s only right Ice-Watch drop some summer friendly shades. Do yourself a favour and drop the drab and dull monochrome by popping one of these around your wrist. Get yours at ice-watch.com
Check out… what Streetfest London has planned in their new location of Forman’s Fish Island on 4 May. RWD will be bringing unsigned talent to the forefront but be sure to not miss headliners Goldie and Ms Dynamite on the adidas stage who always get the crowd hype, plus so much more. See streetfest.net for tickets
I’m Manny Norté from Capital Xtra, the name you can trust! I’m here with my new column to share a few big things from my world! Firstly, let’s talk music. Let me just put it out there, Ghetts is smashing it! The grime MC is showing versatility by branching out, and has put together a strong body of work with his new album Rebel With a Cause (#RWAC). I went to one of his sold out gigs and it was a show and a half! His long time Partner-in-grime Kano, as well as the likes of Giggs, Wretch 32, Griminal and Rapid joined him on stage – which was great to see them all together! I’m also paying a lot of attention to J Cole’s artist Bas. I spoke to Cole a few weeks ago on my Capital Xtra show about him coming back to the UK for Wireless Festival. He also mentioned his new label deal with Interscope Records, and Bas being the first to put out his project. So keep an eye out for him & his new album Last Winter. On the smoother R&B/soul side of things, Jhené Aiko is the one! Anyone who listens to The Norté Show on Capital Xtra knows that My Afternoon Dream and her Sailing Souls EP both get so much love from me. I always get such a chilled out feeling when I hear her music, she’s definitely got a huge future.
BAPE Goes Snoopy Peanuts for style Check out… A Bathing Ape’s latest collaboration with Peanuts. The Peanuts collaboration – which includes a take on Charlie Brown’s iconic yellow and black zigzag shirt, Snoopy featuring tees, polo shirts and jeans – are the latest in a long line of awesomeness from the Pharrell affiliated brand. The collection is available from eu.bape.com now
In the world of style, I’m very much a sneaker fiend. I just can’t help it! If you share the same passion as me, then you need to know Crep Protect is the FUTURE! MC and entrepreneur JIIK is the guy fronting this life-saving spray. It’s the ultimate in keeping your fresh exclusive creps clean. Get it and thank me later! Check me out on Capital Xtra weekdays 9am – midday. Plus everyday at 11am I do #RELOADEDonXTRA, an entire hour of all the biggest old school and urban dance anthems. There’s also The Norté Show Friday night from 11pm. You can follow me @MannyNorte. PEACE!!!
CHECK-IN CHECK OUT / 18
Rock It Out It’s Ibiza time again…
Collegiate Cool Get on the original track Check out… UCLA Clothing. Everywhere we look these days it’s varsity jacket this, tracksuit pant that, so who better to front the trend than the original purveyors and the world’s most famous collegiate sports brand, UCLA, obvs. We’re loving the new collection. Get the look at uclaclothing.com
Check-in… at Ibiza Rocks Hotel from 5 June way up to 19 September for some pretty epic live line-ups courtesy of W.A.R! We Are Rockstars have enlisted Bugged Out and Eton Messy to curate nights as well as confirming everyone from Sasha Keable and Gorgon City to Karma Kid and Friend Within. News just in street poet Nas will also be gracing the white isle so get to booking! Early bird tickets start at £25 on ibizarocks.com/war
Run For The Finish Line
Knees Up
Go Retro
Asics stripes
Overdoing Leg Day is about to come in handy…
Step aside newbies and let the classics in
Check out… Thomas Royall and their swimwear created wholly for the confident ones amongst us. Launched this month, the brand is all about grabbing attention pool-side, there’s no room for chicken legs here. Prices start at £95, follow @ThomasRoyalLDN
Check in… to Scotts stores across the UK as Ellesse is re-launched. The Italian brand arguably has one of the most iconic designs and with retro sportswear on the rise, you’ll want a piece or two. Buy yourself something on scottsmenswear.com
Check out… Asics’ newest addition to the running club clique. The GEL-ZARACA 2 promotes a supportive way of running, with cushioning protecting your foot from impact and its streamlined appearance in a number of colours give it that edge of cool. Get yours at jdsports.co.uk
Photography Verena Stefanie Grotto Styling Kyran Low
CHECK-IN CHECK OUT / 20
FRESH LOOK From radio to TV Reggie Yates most definitely holds his own and has done so for around a decade. Now stepping out making the most of his entrepreneurial spirit, we see how his grooming routine competes with his hectic days... Freederm Daily Complex freederm.co.uk Anthony Sun(Safe) Kit mankind.com Gillette Fusion ProGlife Styler gillette.com Champneys Face Wash boots.com Tigi Bed Head Up Front Gel-Pomade tigihaircare.com
Tigi Bed Head Hard To Get Texturising Paste tigihaircare.com ck one summer boots.com Fish Revitalising Body Wash boots.com Lynx Peace Body Spray lynxpeace.com Erasmic Aloe Vera Shaving Foam erasmic.co.uk
This is gonna sound like a complete lie but so much of what I do now is driven by myself so I’m always working and there is no constant in my diary. I have just finished shooting Who Do You Think You Are for BBC1 in Ghana where they research your family history. In the time that I get off, I like to walk everywhere with my girlfriend because I normally drive. I do run though, I’m a massive Nike Racer fan and I use a Tom Tom watch which tracks your run. Grooming wise, I think anyone that just goes into a barber’s and lets them cut their hair should never be taken seriously. The guy who cuts my hair, Skinny D, was actually introduced to me by Tinie Tempah, so he’s really good and he comes to my house. I’m also trying to get that Pharell face, I want to look the same at 40, so I dry shave with a Philips Philishave razor and I am a big advocate of toning with some Clean & Clear because I used to get bad razor bumps, then I use a Kiehl facial fuel. All it is is the women in my family have amazing skin and I’m just trying to maintain what I was given.
@regyates and officialreggieyates.com
#READYFORANYTHING / 20
#ReadyForAnything Illustrator Will Prince is most definitely #ReadyForAnything. A fan of the creative world period, it’s his inclination to music that’s helped push his name, illustrating artwork and projects for Action Bronson, A$AP Rocky and Chief Keef. Currently living it up in the US, Nardene Scott chats to The Trill Prince about keeping his art accessible, getting messy at SXSW and Juicy J being his spirit animal. Illustrations Will Prince “I just know the basics but being an Adobe amateur is part of the fun,” Will tells us of his illustrator skills. Describing his work as being “expressive, free and fun,” the neo-soul appreciator stays humble when it comes to pricing up the popular portraits and iPhone cases portraying his favourite hip hop artists; which sell for £50 and £20 respectably. “I like that it’s accessible to fans, because if I was a fan, I’d definitely buy a piece. I just think collecting art like this is cool.”
“Being able to vividly remember the moment in which I created that piece means a lot to me. A large portion of my art represents a personal time and a feeling.” A quick glance on his twitter timeline confirms there are quite a few people out there who are feeling the illustrator, including Travis Scott and Kim Kardashian; even Wiz Khalifa who was slipped a personalised iPhone case by Will’s brother. SXSW was also a great showcase for the artist, as well as the messy and equally chaotic nights spent down at The Illmore, the festival displayed the Brit’s work. The creative was also one of the first artists to use music alongside his illustrations, posting videos on YouTube drawing Kanye West and Kid Cudi. “I find my best work is when I’m completely free and can do whatever I want, like when I was a kid drawing,” Billy Pistols, as he’s affectionately known, begins. “The most fun and testing [experience] was probably the Blue Chips 2 cover for Action Bronson. I literally didn’t sleep the whole weekend! Being able to vividly remember the moment in which I created that piece means a lot to me. A large portion of my art represents a personal time and a feeling.” With talent in abundance and freedom to express himself as he wishes, there’s no wonder the hip hop fanatic and artist Phillip Butah [Ed Sheeran, Prince Charles] struck up a friendship almost instantly. “Phil is my Jedi master, the Uncle Phil to my Fresh Prince. He explains my work perfectly and is an amazing artist, which make his words even more special to me.” ‘It’s wacky, serious, charming and funny’ writes Buttah, couldn’t have said it better ourselves and for someone who calls Juicy J their spirit animal and wants to be Jay Z for the day to take advantage of Beyoncé, we definitely get the wacky. Follow the journey @willprinceart and willprinceart.com
Elliphant She may have only just unveiled her debut EP Look Like You Love It but Swedish hailing singer Elliphant has already worked with the likes of Skrillex and Diplo, and gained an abundance of props from fans and peers alike who praise her unique brand of hypnotic, eccentric pop. “I think music has been a weapon for people to be pro-active, to change history and to change their lives,” she says. “During the last decade it feels like music has gotten further away from that… it’s become more softened and commercialised, but that doesn’t mean that people have forgotten about the true meaning in their souls.” Look Like You Love It is out now @elliphantmusic
Raheem Bakaré
Tweet To Win! Duck and Cover’s directional take on trendled menswear always keeps us one step ahead. RWD and Duck And Cover partner up to champion the hottest emerging talent and this month Elliphant and Raheem Bakaré, plus creative Will Prince are all #ReadyForAnything. As always we’re here to make sure your style is on point and this Duck and Cover fresh white T-shirt is the perfect introduction into summer. Get involved in this month’s competition by heading to Twitter using #ReadyForAnything @duckandcover_ @RWDmag duckandcover.co.uk
Having already gained support from G FrSH and Ghetts, Raheem Bakaré is well on his way to becoming a soul superstar. The Londoner has been busy all spring, performing his incredible debut EP AWOL. The lead track Portrait of Love has received love from VIBE and BBC Radio 1Xtra’s #BestOfBritish ‘Record Of The Week’ further defining him as a definite one to watch. Bakaré has developed an exciting fusion after honing his sound listening to Musiq Soulchild and Ryan Leslie: “It stems from R&B and neo-soul, but goes off into influences from electronic music, indie, and even hip-hop through Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreak vibe.” We’ve got our eye on this one. @raheembakare
ABOUT TO BLOW / 24
About To Blow: Ratking If you haven’t heard of Ratking yet, now’s your chance to get acquainted. Carving their own shape into the scene they’re far from predictable as Nardene Scott questions isn’t that what it’s all about? Vibes are vibes, however random. “It’s like a yin and a yang, a rat and a king. It’s our influences too, all of us pulling in different directions.” They answer finally to the obligatory question after ridiculous answers. New Yorkers, Manhattanites to be precise, Hak (brings a lot of what you wouldn’t expect), Wiki (the experimental and “a broke Vinnie Chase”) and Sporting Life (the structure and the blueprint) make up the core of XL signed crew Ratking. We attempt a pre-noon visit to The Diner to chat, only Sporting Life can stomach food after their raucous night in with Archie – that’s King Krule to you.
“With the culture you can’t sulk, you’ve gotta move forward to create the culture, that’s what it’s about in the first place… we all try to go out, play shows and make s**t happen.” Kicking things off with the recently released, So It Goes, “the album is dope… it’s the perfect balance between ambiance and weird experimental church music s**t.” Wiki’s right, even down to the ‘Dipset meets Animal Collective’ statement, if you can’t find a vibe on this album, you’re pretty much soulless. From the reflective King Krule featuring So Sick to the all up in your screw face Canal, the kicks in all the right places Protein, Dipset-esque Remove Ya and aggressively experimental Puerto Rican Judo also starring Wiki’s boo, Wavy Spice, there’s more than enough. Whilst Wiki has been compared to Eminen, Hak to Andre 3000 and as a collective NWA, they’re not too focused on being underground or mainstream or whatever, they just want to progress in their own lane, “[we want] to be able to tour more places and get a bit more money to make more music… With the culture you can’t sulk, you’ve gotta move forward to create the culture, that’s what it’s about,” in-house producer Sporting Life tells us. “We have friends in punk bands, rappers, DJs, we all try to go out, play shows and make s**t happen”. The roads have been busy for them too, touring with Earl Sweatshirt, Denzel Curry, DJ Rashad and Trash Talk, although their creative stays under their own control. “[Our creative crew] have similar ideas as us and want to break new ground... our guy interned for Scorsese he’s dope, no joke!” So It Goes is out now @RatKing
B- y George There’s more to the new England shirt than tabloid headlines and political point scoring as Nike and The FA embrace the spirit of St George through the pinstripes and shimmering shoulders, which are designed to match the armour worn by our patron saint. The simple white shirt, shorts and socks reference England’s 1970 World Cup campaign while the Three Lions have been given a metalic weave for extra glimmer most noticable when the crest hits the light. The new England kits are available now from jdsports.co.uk
editor’s letter
At time of press, we know that Arsenal and Hull City will contest the FA Cup Final, we know that Chelsea, Bayern Munich and the two Madrid sides will fight for a place in the Champions League Final and we know that the Premier League title will be won by one of Liverpool, Manchester City or Chelsea. So, to be clear, we know nothing. Bayern Munich might have walked the Bundesliga, but they fluffed their lines when the prospect of a record breaking undefeated season seemed more inevitable than possibile. Barcelona’s derby-day defeat of Real Madrid might have knocked them out of the title race, but defeats to midling teams have conspired along with Atletico’s rise to take this title race to the wire. At the very top of the game, nothing can be taken for granted, and what you think you know today, will likely change tomorrow. So with that in mind, RWD Football sought to weigh the odds a little more heavily in your favour by tapping Manchester United and England’s Michael Carrick for some advice about striking the ball while getting his thoughts on a few of his legendary teammates. We also grabbed Arsenal starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, almost three years after we first featured the former Southampton man in our #12for12 special, to talk music, nicknames and Gary Neville’s laser pens. Never shying from a healthy debate, Two Sides considers the controversial loan system, which has benefited both Everton and Southampton this season for very different reasons. Plus George Groves talks about his love of Chelsea for My First ahead of his world title clash with bitter foe Carl Froch. Staying ahead of the game isn’t easy, but somebody’s got to keep you guys on top, and with the climax to the season rapidly approaching, that means we’re already thinking World Cup. See you next month, it’s going to be a big one.
IN THIS ISSUE: My First With George Groves
Chambo Talks Gary Neville’s Laser Pens
Michael Carrick Talks Scholes, Becks and Ronaldo
/ 30
George Groves
Duffer of St George Wild Cat crew jdsports.co.uk Duffer of St George Wild Cat shorts jdsports.co.uk Nike Blazer Mid Suede (JD exclusive) jdsports.co.uk
The rise and rise of George Groves culminated in one of the most controversial fights in British boxing history last year when the Hammersmith born 26 year-old found himself on the brink of the world title, only to have an over-zealous referee step-in and put his dream on pause. On 31 May, at Wembley Stadium, Groves intends to un-pause his dream and usher in a new era of boxing by defeating bitter foe Carl Froch - and the smart money is on him doing it. At the launch of his partnership with the aptly named The Duffer of St George, Tego Sigel talked football with the Chelsea obsessed super middleweight. Producer Sophie Robinson Photography Verena Stefanie Grotto Styling Kyran Low Grooming Jodie Hyams using Bumble & Bumble My First Love… is Chelsea. [They have broken my heart] many times. The Champions League final was pretty heartbreaking and Crystal Palace beating Chelsea at the weekend was pretty demoralising. You can get really wrapped up and emotionally involved, but while I’m preparing for a fight I’m pretty emotionless. You have that sort of matter of fact way about you and it upsets your friends and family a little bit because you go into a serial killer mentality where nothing bothers you, and that crosses over into football, so results are mildly frustrating or mildly exciting when really, once I’m out of camp at the end of May, I always just miss the end of the football season, but I’ll be able to tune in and let the passions roll for the internationals. My First Favourite Player… was Gianfranco Zola. But all-time I’d go with Frank Lampard. I was probably too young to appreciate Zola, but I’ve seen Frank play much more and he’s been an amazing player, to score that many goals from midfield, season after season, and he’s still delivering. We still bring him on and he’s still a big game player. I’ve met him a few times and he’s a really nice guy. My First… memory of boxing was when I was seven years old. I remember telling my dad and my dad being really keen on it, he said ‘Yep! Don’t worry we’ll get you down there!’ But I was a little bit too young to start boxing then, so I did a bit of kickboxing and I really enjoyed that, I was really successful. From the age of 10 I started boxing down at my amateur club Dale Youth and never looked back really. I made loads of new friends, had loads of fun adventures, we used to go up and down the country fighting in schoolboy championships and realised early on that this was made for me and I didn’t want to do anything else. My First England Heartbreak… was Euro 96 and I’m still getting over that. I must admit I’m not the biggest of England fans lately. I find that you get really involved and really passionate about it and then something happens. But it’s all good fun when the World Cup and the European Championships come around, like everyone else I’m in full swing and wishing England the very best. The Duffer of St. George is available now from jdsports.co.uk
“Once I’m out of camp at the end of May… I’ll be able to tune in and let the passions roll for the internationals in the summer.”
/ 32
The Ox and The Lion We first interviewed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain before he made his first Premier League start way back in 2011. Highlighting the former Southampton man as one of RWD’s #12for12, it’s safe to say he didn’t disappoint. Chambo, or The Ox as he’s affectionately known to his fans, represents the present and future of the national team. Meeting Tego Sigel at the launch of the new England kit, The Ox talked nicknames, music, being competitive and Gary Neville’s laser-pens.
When you first arrived at Arsenal you were known as ‘Chambo’ but to fans you’re more typically ‘The Ox,’ which name do you prefer and which is the most commonly used at this point? I don’t really mind to be fair. People close to me call me Chambo, but The Ox is becoming more common, it’s caught on with the fans so if that’s what they want to call me, then that’s fine. My mum is over the moon with it because the Oxlade part of my name used to get sidetracked, so she loves The Ox, but I don’t really mind. Even now I saw at The Emirates the team sheet came up on the big screen and it just said ‘Number 15 - The Ox’ and everyone else had their full name, so they’re even using it like that these days. I guess it’s here to stay. It’s almost a bit Brazilian [laughs]. Last time I spoke to you, you told me you were listening to a lot of Drake and Rick Ross. Is that still the case and what else have you added to your musical rotation? I still listen to Drake, I love him, I like The Weeknd, I still love Rick Ross, his new album has just come out which is quite sick. I listen to so much, I love house as well. I don’t mind a few catchy pop songs in the charts, they get me bopping but my main love is still rap and hiphop, I love Meek Mill, French Montana, I’m all over it. I’m getting into afrobeats at the moment, Frimpong is the one that introduced me to that. My roots are in Jamaican music. Me and Raheem [Sterling] were vibing to a lot of Vybz Kartel and Movado when we were last away with England, so I’m an all round man when it comes to music. You’re known as quite a competitive character on the pitch and in training, you’re the guy that has to be fastest in the warm-up jog, is that how you see yourself? [laughs] How do you know that? Who told you that? I don’t think it’s fair for me to say I’m the most competitive in the dressing room, but I am very competitive. A lot of the boys in our dressing room and England’s are very competitive because everyone wants to win, and if you don’t want to win then you shouldn’t be there in the first place. I am very competitive, even outside of football, it doesn’t matter if we’re playing PlayStation or tennis, badminton, table tennis, I want to win and if I
“A lot of the boys in our dressing room and England’s are very competitive because everyone wants to win, and if you don’t want to win then you shouldn’t be there in the first place.”
/ 34 don’t I’m not happy. I think I do take that into my football and in training as well, but everyone is competitive. I think you have to look at all the top players, they are the most competitive and that’s why they are the best, because they want to be the best. The likes of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Jack Wilshere, if they’re losing games or losing in training they’re never happy. I can think of numerous occasions where Wazza has been losing in training and he will do anything to make sure he wins, even if it means getting a bit physical with his teammates [laughs]. That’s what makes him so good, and that’s why he’s scored so many goals over the years and won so many things. It’s the same with Stevie. Those two in the England squad are very competitive, but as I said, everyone has that streak. Football fans across the country are all pretty much unanimous that he’s one of the smartest minds to ever play the game, how insightful is Gary Neville as a coach? Gaz is brilliant to work with; I could easily sit and listen to his commentary all day. It’s so interesting and funny at the same time and he speaks the truth and so much sense. It’s the same when you go away with England. Because I play out wide a lot he helps me and almost gives me an insight into what the fullback wants and doesn’t want and that’s interesting every time I go away. It’s good to know what to be doing to make a fullback uncomfortable. He’s always given great advice to anyone, especially in our analysis meetings. He’s obviously got good on them smart-boards and things, he’s got all the gizmos and gadgets with his laser-pens and he knows exactly what’s going on. It’s definitely helping the England squad because he’s giving us great information when he’s with us. Apart from your dad, who is your all-time favourite England player? [Laughs] that’s hard. I think everyone would say Paul Gascoigne or someone from his era and I’d be inclined to say the
“[Gary Neville has] got all the gizmos and gadgets with his laser-pens and he knows exactly what’s going on.” same, but it would be unfair because I’d almost be going off a lot of what other people have said, because I didn’t grow up watching him. I grew up watching Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, so for me it’s between them two, I can’t pick. What do you think of the new England home shirt? Yeah it’s excellent. It fits really well. It’s a nice material which is breathable and obviously it’s going to be hot in Brazil so it will be a great shirt for us. It’s classic as well and it’s smart at the same time. Can you see yourself scoring goals in it? Is that the ultimate test of a new shirt? I’d like to think so, yeah. That would be one of my targets with England and to play for them for as long as possible. If I do manage to do that my job as an attacking player is to create interesting and exciting moments. I’d love to be able to make history in this shirt, but you can say the same about anyone. When we get together as a squad we speak about making history and that’s the attitude that we all have. A new shirt brings you back to being a little kid, the same way as new boots do. It’s exciting and it shouts a new era. It’s a new squad with a lot of young players – we’re all established with our clubs now and we want to bring the same sense of adventure we play with in the Premier League to this England shirt. We have an opportunity for us to make history and we’re all really motivated to do so. The new England kits that were created with a focus on cultural design details and the best in performance innovation are available now from nike.com.
/ 36
Pass Master: Michael Carrick Receiving a pass from Champions League winner Michael Carrick at Moss Rose stadium might sound like an anecdote from that shoulda been pro posted up in the changing rooms after you and your mates have just smashed his team at 5-a-side, but when PUMA arranged for RWD Football Editor Tego Sigel to take the evoPOWER Challenge and put the power boots to the test he did exactly that, right before grabbing few tips and a couple of stories about some of the England man’s legendary teammates.
“[Cristiano] Ronaldo brought his [free kick] style in and now other people are trying to do it, Gareth Bale’s trying to do it.”
Arriving at Macclesfield Town’s Moss Rose stadium for a quick warm-up with PUMA FC coach Tyson, I was told that the evoPOWER Challenge would consist of five direct free-kicks, a first touch and shot and finally a volley shot. All three coming from just outside the 18 yard-box and at a former professional goalkeeper. A rarity in the modern game, my skills are put to best use at centre-back or centre-forward, making the most of my height, frame and pure footballing intelligence, or to put it simply - I’m good in the air. Never having been one for power in my shot, preferring technique and accuracy, and heading… lots of heading, I got my excuses in early doors and set about testing the evoPOWERs and developing my “Drogba-esque” set-piece skills.
/ 38
Free Kicks Following what I considered a semi-successful warm-up in which my technique was starting to take shape, I was told by PUMA FC coach Tyson that I might consider bending my run to generate more whip. By running straight on and opening my foot I was getting good direction, but by getting around the ball I would generate more power. So when it came time to put that advice into practice I was left frustrated with three botched attempts, but by the fourth strike, it clicked. Speaking after the challenge Michael Carrick explained what he’d learned from watching a few of the free kick gods. How much practice do you think it take to be a great free kick taker? I think you need a general ability to do it, but the boys that specialise in it practice them quite a lot. I’m not one that takes a lot of free kicks in a game but when I played with David Beckham, every day he was practicing free kicks and now Wayne Rooney is practicing free kicks every day. They know that they’re going to get opportunities in the game so they’re practicing them all the time. How important is it to have your own style? Nobody was hitting the ball the way that Cristiano Ronaldo is now! He was the first one really to go straight on and get that dip. Becks was side-footing it and everyone tried to do that. Ronaldo brought his style and now other people are trying to do it, Gareth Bale’s trying to do it. There’s no right or wrong way; just whatever’s right for you.
First Touch Fighting through the nerves associated with receiving a pass from one of the game’s finest distributors, the second drill was all about taking a good first touch, pushing the ball into a striking zone and getting as much power and direction into your strike as possible. Holding my own in terms of accuracy, I unfortunately did not equip myself as well as I’d have liked, but again hit my stride with the fourth and fifth strikes. Chatting to Michael Carrick, we discussed instinct and experience. How much concentration does it take to put all of your training into a match situation? A lot of it’s instinct. You just rely on the fact that you’ve been practicing. In the game you’re not so much thinking about your technique, you might think, ‘I can take a bit off and hit the target’ instead of just going and smashing it. But you’re not thinking about body position or foot position, you’re just thinking about where you’re going to hit it. How do you make players more aware of their instincts in a match? You can help players and tell them to be calm, but until you’re in that situation it’s up to the player to do that and I think it’s about experience. The more you’re in that position, the more you’re in that situation, the more you get used to it.
Volleys Following a few example strikes from Carrick, I was pretty confident that I would impress with my volleying skills. Unfortunately I didn’t count on the service [“You got a few dodgy serves”] hitting the post, wrong footing the keeper with the outside of my right boot and confusing all in attendance with a shin-to-toe roll-off, I didn’t exactly cover myself in glory, but am happy enough with my efforts. Catching up with Michael post drills we talked great players and great volleys. Who’s the best volley-er you’ve ever seen? Scholesy. Some of the volleys he’s scored over the years and not just the ones you see on Match of the Day, but in training, he was just a one-off genius. Michel Carrick wears the PUMA evoPOWER 1 football boots. The PUMA evoPOWER is available now from PUMA.com. #StartBelieving at PUMAFootballClub.com
“Some of the volleys [Paul Scholes] scored over the years and not just the ones you see on Match of the Day, but in training, he was just a one-off - genius”
14 FOR 14 / 40
Two Sides:
the cost of a loan One of the most fervent debates of the 2013/14 campaign, RWD Football’s Tego Sigel and guest writer Neef Ekpoudum take Two Sides on the loan system, which has had such an effect on this most epic of seasons.
“[A loan] can prove the making of young players when it comes time to take that next step” Most people’s England team this summer will feature Joe Hart, Jack Wilshere, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck and Kyle Walker, while some will go further to include Ashley Cole, Tom Cleverley, Steven Caulker and Andros Townsend. All players who ply their trade at the elite level of the English game and all players who have benefited massively from perfectly timed loan spells. When a team competing for the top four places in the Premier League have nearly 36% of their goals provided for them by players from clubs only one and two places above them you have to be concerned. But teams that can’t quite find the space for expensive international talent is less a problem with the loan system and more a problem with the game in general. Chelsea lending a £17 Million striker to a rival club and Manchester City feeling such
indifference towards their £12 Million England midfielder that they would let him turn out for a club in the same division, definitely needs addressing. But what is a Jack Wilshere in 2014 without his loan at Bolton? Does Danny Welbeck slot into the Manchester United team without his season at Sunderland? The best example of the loan system though, is that of Ashley Cole. While Arsenal’s Brazilian international left-back Silvinho was suffering from injuries and alleged passport issues in 2000, a young Cole was lent to then Championship side Crystal Palace, where the aspiring winger found himself winning plaudits for his pace, attacking prowess and above average understanding of the game in his new position of left-back. Returning to North London, Cole was immediately given his chance in the first team and has never looked back. The value of the loan is there for all to see, and while it’s certainly not a catch-all for youth development, it can prove the making of young players when it comes time to take that next step. @TegoSigel
Jack Wilshere
Danny Welbeck
Following a showstealing FA Youth Cup campaign, Jack Wilshere was sent to Bolton in 2010 to help their Premier League survival bid. A few Match of the Day montages later and he was anchoring one Cesc Fabregas in Arsenal’s midfield.
A prodigy in the Manchester United youth ranks, the born red spent the entire 2010/11 season at Sunderland where he proved his versatility across the front while adding the experience he needed to join Sir Alex’s first team, where he’s been ever since.
The 2013/14 season is shaping up to be a memorable one for Everton. Win their remaining games and they’ll compete with Europe’s finest in next year’s Champions League but the Toffees’ quest for European football has been helped no end by loan star Romelu Lukaku, who during his temporary stay on Merseyside has contributed 13 league goals to Roberto Martinez’s cause. With goals notched against Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, the Belgian has played his own role in the title race, but, when Everton faced Chelsea, Lukaku’s parent club, his only involvement was from the stands, handing Mourinho’s men an unjust edge. UEFA realised this flaw long ago; and recently blocked Chelsea’s attempt to prevent their goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois taking the field against them in the upcoming Champions League semi-final. The proposed benefit of the loan system is that players will gain valuable playing experience before returning to their parent clubs; but it rarely works. There are success stories like Jack Wilshere and Joe Hart, but the large majority do not enjoy the same fate. The loan system has allowed clubs to treat young players like cattle, stock piling them
“There are the success stories like Jack Wilshere and Joe Hart, but the large majority do not enjoy the same fate.” with the knowledge that they can be farmed out on loan and then eventually sold for a profit. Brendan Rodgers and Mauricio Pochettino allow young players to train with the first team, slowly acclimatising them to the rigours of the Premier League; eventually breeding top-flight ready stars without having to band them about to clubs who ultimately couldn’t care less about their futures. The likes of Calum Chambers, Luke Shaw and James Ward-Prowse have featured heavily for the Saints this season without the need for a loan. The loan system not only fails an array of young players, but also disrupts the sanctity of competition, handing unfair advantages to parent clubs; meaning that an entirely new system is needed, not just an overhaul. @_Aniefiok_
Kyle Walker
Tom Cleverley
Kyle Walker credits loan spells at Northampton Town, QPR and Aston Villa with his immediate impact in the Tottenham Hotspur first team. Signed from Sheffield United as a youngster, Walker’s experiences throughout the football league have put him in good stead.
Forging a strong connection with fellow loanee Henri Lansbury at Watford in the 2009/10 season. Tom Cleverley then went on to score goals and learn a good brand of football at Wigan Athletic before finding a home in the Manchester United first team.
NEW SOUL / 42
Jacob wears Elvine print denim shirt elvine.se Native Youth T-shirt native-youth.com Base London desert boots baselondon.com Javeon wears Villian quilted jacket villain.uk.com WeSC pattern T-shirt wesc.com Filling Pieces perf. grey trainers gsrnnfillingpieces.com Raleigh wears Luke palm print shirt Luke floral print T-shirt luke1977.com Neuw stonewash jeans neuwdenim.com Converse Chuck Taylor Tie Dye converse.com Joel wears Edwin paisley shorts edwin-europe.com Marshall Artist hoodie marshallartist.co.uk Nike Air Force 1s Lo jdsports.co.uk Jewellery Joel’s own
Every now and then a little wave pops up in the UK music scene and where 2013 saw dance producers rise to the surface, 2014 sees the tables turn as singers and songwriters take back control of the mic. Most noticeable has been a mutated strain of what was once known as Soul/R&B, which has been injected with serious life by the likes of Jacob Banks, Raleigh Ritchie, Joel Compass and Javeon.
LEADERS OF THE NEW
SOUL Words Nardene Scott Photography Pharoah Photography Assistants Orin Norbert, Ann Lai Stylist Sophie Robinson Stylist Asst Kyran Low Grooming Shreya Patel
NEW SOUL / 44
was Pharrell! So obviously, I span around quick and I was like ‘OMG’ (in my head) and he said ‘Hey man, how you doing?’ and then I started copying him. He said ‘I like your work’ and then I said, ‘I like your work’, and he was like, ‘you good?’ and then I said ‘you good?’ I’ve never been star struck in my life up until then. I went to a party and Beyoncé and Jay Z were there and I didn’t get star struck, but someone like Pharrell. Pharrell was my childhood. But that session is still going to happen.
Joel Compass Black Butter fam Joel Compass has slipped into our pages a few times now and his standout falsetto, sideways beats and unique style are the reasons why. Intent on making it to Kanye West heights, he fills us in on Pharell sneaking up on him and moving on from his dark content. It was only a year ago we first spoke and it’s been a crazy time for you since then? It’s been wicked. The single Forgive Me that’s out now is doing well and I got on the C list four weeks early and B list three weeks early. It’s been a good year.
Minimum sweatshirt minimum.dk Samsoe and Samsoe shirt samsoe.com Original Penguin print shirts originalpenguin.co.uk
Before Christmas we spoke about you going to LA to work with Pharrell. Did you manage to get anything done? I worked with a lot of people, Jean-Baptiste [Chris Brown], Harold Lilly [Usher], Tim Alexander, [BANKS]. I didn’t manage to get in with Pharrell in the end but it’s still happening, and I had to cancel on him because I had a gig on the same day! I was pi**ed! I was in the studio working with his artist Maxine Ashley, turned around and saw this guy standing there in this hat. It
What did you create out there? We made twelve tracks in six days, so I didn’t see any of LA. I didn’t see any day, just night. When I got back from LA, I began working in the studio on my own and the stuff seemed to come out better. In America, a lot of it was them playing beats to me like a singer and it’s not really for me. A lot of writers sound exactly the same, like Chris Brown. It’s amazing but, they’re the ones that sing those songs, when I started singing it, it sounded wrong. I make music around my voice because my voice was the first thing I started with. At the moment, I’m starting everything on my own and then maybe if I want someone to take it further, we’ll get someone in. We’ve been working with Star Smith and Ed Thomas. Where do you see yourself fitting into the scene, or not fitting into the scene? I’m not really watching that, or anyone on my level. I feel like if you don’t want to be as big as Kanye, Jay Z, and those currently at the top, there’s no point starting. I’m watching them, trying to make it up there. What are you discussing content wise on the album? People have said already that it’s a bit dark and about bad situations but that’s because I was writing about the past, and it wasn’t so great then. Now, I’ve caught up; there’s not much more I want to say about the past. I want to write about now. Things are going great… there are still situations. For me, there is a time and place for rejoiceful music, but when it’s a moody kind of sound, I can listen to that any time. There’s a lot of depth and I’m a deep person.
Describe your style in three words? Understated, real and unpolished. Describe your music in three words? Experimental, soulful and outspoken. What are your wardrobe essentials? I need my hats, but it has to be my jewellery. I never take it off, it’s the same rings because I haven’t got any more (laughs) and my watch too. What’s your biggest fashion mistake? Skinny jeans! Imagine socks going up your leg... I don’t know what made me do it but when I put them on, it didn’t work. Forgive Me is out now @joelcompass
“I’ve never been star struck in my life up until then. I went to a party and Beyoncé and Jay Z were there and I didn’t get star struck, but someone like Pharrell. Pharrell was my childhood. But that session is still going to happen.”
NEW SOUL / 46
“I feel like the scene is at a point where you have to be good. People are more exposed because now you can literally pick and choose. I love it as long as you don’t get caught up with what other people are doing and still have your own identity.”
Jacob Banks It’s been nearly two years since we tipped the soul soaked Jacob Banks in our annual ones to watch issue. Since then he’s appeared on Jools Holland multiple times, toured with Chase & Status, sold out headline shows, somehow managed to put together an album and look impeccably sharp the entire time. So life has been treating you well, you’ve only just returned from touring with Chase & Status and you’re off to LA tomorrow… Ah you know, we’re just chilling, having fun. I’ve been blessed to be able to do what we do, so I’ve just been having fun doing music. For me [touring with Chase & Status] is always exhilarating; there’s always gonna be a standard entry level which is high and then some are just off their tits. It’s crazy! It must have opened up your fan base too, has that changed the way you’re thinking about your album? Definitely, I had my own show a couple of months ago and some people came just on the back of hearing Alive so it has broadened my horizons a lot. You’re always sceptical about working with different producers but a lot of people have been saying Alive sounds so soulful which is good because you still get to keep an element of yourself. That’s what the cover is based on, just different interpretations of soul music from this generation. I love the scene; I think it’s in a good place. I feel like the scene is at a point where you have to be good. People are more exposed because we’re not in that space like back in the day where it was all pop because you weren’t able to access the real stuff, now you can literally pick and choose. The levels are too hard, like all the guys here today and then there’s MNEK, Sam Smith, Kwabs, Shakka, Ella Eyre, Tanika… I love it as long as you don’t get caught up with what other people are doing and still have your own identity. Elvine linen suit elvine.se Duck and Cover T-shirt duckandcover.co.uk Pointer crago pointerfootwear.com Hat Jacob’s own
How far are you with your album then? I’m finishing it this week but you can never finish an album you just have to hand it in. I’ve recorded so many songs, having to cut them down is hard, because every song is a different part of your soul. To me it’s emotions and memories, so you have to be able to step away.
Describe your style in three words? Neat, subtle and show. There’s only so much I can get away with because I’m tall. Describe your music in three words? Soulful, honest and human. I always want to make sure that I come across as a human being, even down to the things that I wear. I have kids asking where I get my trainers from, I’d feel so bad if I had to tell them, these are Balenciaga. It’s the same with my music, I want you to feel like that could be you. Like writing a song about someone phoning me, it doesn’t have to be the afrocentric feelings of a human being who’s trying to find love, it could just be as simple as, ‘Why don’t you call me?’
What are your wardrobe essentials? I have to have a pair of adidas Nizza black hi tops, blue jeans definitely, a long fitted white T-shirt and a watch. What about your fashion disasters? I used to do what, I call them Nigericans (half Nigerian, half American) do and wear baggy T-shirts, fitted caps with all of the logos, baggy jeans where the back of your jeans are ripped and Air Forces. I went through that phase and nobody told me. I felt at that point, I was the sexiest man on the earth, no one could tell me anything! It’s nuts looking back it was just me, me one in my college that did it. Alive is out now @mrjacobbanks
NEW SOUL / 48
“It’s really therapeutic writing it and then it’s another thing releasing it, then touring it and reliving it and doing videos, but I’m gonna be really happy with the album if I do feel like that about it.”
Not content with killing it on the acting side of things under his real name Jacob Anderson, Raleigh Ritchie has turned his talents to the music game and only a few EPs deep, he’s already paving the way for an equally upward spiralling career.
the reaction, people have been tweeting me like ‘When is it coming out here?’ I thought no one cared (laughs). I was like, ‘Okay, my mum is gonna buy it, it’s a shame you can only buy one on iTunes otherwise I would have bought a load at once’. It’s a really weird thing to imagine that people have parted with their hard earned money. It’s scary, just like the concept of that is something brand new to me.
Last time we spoke you were happy enough to just have something released via iTunes, how do you feel about the positive reactions to Black and Blue? It’s been really good so far, I didn’t expect
Tell us about the new remix EP? I’ve done a project with The Internet where they’ve remixed tracks completely from scratch. I thought it was cool to give them parts, I didn’t even expect anything back
Raleigh Richie
and then two weeks later they’d put a completely different spin on each track. So you’ll be moving onto the album next? Luckily we’re nearly finished now, I want to make sure that I’m really happy and confident with what I’ve got but also scared, like I want to feel like I’ve taken a risk with this album, otherwise there’s no point. [Content wise] I think there’s just a part of my life where I blacked out a bit and just lost a couple of years of my life. I don’t know where they went because of doing stupid things and being a teenager and whatever. So the album, I thought it would really help me and this is really selfish but I thought it would really help me to piece it all back together and try and think like what happened in that transition. What was the hardest thing you had to write? There’s one song in particular that I don’t think I can put on the album because I feel like it’s a little bit too much. It’s something I felt I had to write for my own sanity but I feel like it’s just so personal I’m weigh-
ing up whether I can bring myself to put it on there. I would say the whole album is gonna be quite a difficult thing to put out, there are some uncomfortable truths that have come to light in the process of writing it, but that’s a good thing. It’s really therapeutic writing it and then it’s another thing releasing it and then touring it and reliving it and doing videos, but I’m gonna be really happy with the album if I do feel like that about it. For me, that’s the most positive feeling that I can have about it. Describe your style in three words? I’d say, very, very basic (laughs). No, Just Like Navy. Describe your music in three words? Musically it’s a lot harder, there are elements of lots of different things in my music, so I try not to put it into one neat box because I don’t wanna say I’m one thing and then people expect that because I will go off on a tangent. Expect the unexpected. What are your wardrobe essentials? I’ll always buy a new hat, like a snapback. I’ve never managed to maintain a collection because I just wear them out, so by the time I get a new one, the old one is dead. This is disgusting, but if I’ve been doing shows, my hat will not be in a good way, quite often it either flies off my head or I throw it on the floor. I’m very disrespectful to them but I love them. What about your fashion disasters? I used to have one of those dodgy flappy ear type hats, I got it at an army surplus stall at a festival and it was woolly inside. Like that was not a good look and it had a bit at the front that flipped over. It was terrible. Black and Blue Point Two is out now @raleighritchie
Afends floral shirt afends.com Duck and Cover floral polo duckandcover.co.uk Levi 508’s jeans levi.com Pointer chester pointerfootwear.com
NEW SOUL / 50
Javeon Hailing from the musically rich PMR camp Javeon as well as flexing his writing skills behind the scenes has been busy developing a healthy fan base touring; not to mention visually capturing a new audience with his compelling video series. How was your tour experience with Ella Eyre? She knows how to put on a show! Yeah and her band are really good musicians and just safe people. It’s my first time touring and they were all sold out shows, it was fun. I never thought it would be so tiring but it was a great experience getting in front of different crowds. Because I’m relatively new, I didn’t think that I would have anyone anywhere really, other than London or Bristol maybe, but there were like pockets of people in every crowd that knew the words and it meant so much to me. Brighton, someone actually passed out, I think my bass was too much for them? I had to stop because it was at capacity and the girl was right at the front. She didn’t get up, I had to stop the music and get security to the front. I think everybody liked that I stopped the show. It is a lot better than letting someone die. I don’t need that on my conscience. Then there’s this whole Mercy video series that you’ve been releasing too which has been going down really well! Yeah, before you do something you never know how people are going to take you, they could be like, ‘I saw what you tried to do but you didn’t really make it’. So the videos are growing and growing and I’m getting messages saying ‘you can’t leave me like this!’ I think it’s an interesting way of doing a video, I just don’t believe in doing things the normal way.
Quicksilver pyro bomber jacket quiksilver.co.uk Boxfresh t-shirt boxfresh.com Levi 508’s jeans levi.com adidas ransoms strata black adidas.co.uk
Who else other than the PMR team are you working with on your upcoming album? I’ve worked with Julio Bashmore, MNEK, Tourist and Fraser T Smith, that kind of makes up the album. I get on with them musically as well as personally. That’s the good thing abut PMR, they bring like minded artists in so we can have slightly different music but we actually think about music the same way. Also, when you’re starting out it’s hard to get people on your side and convince them to do a session, but now I’ve got people that want to work with me. We’re just waiting for one song which is being reproduced by Gorgon City and I’ve just done a feature for Clean Bandit. Other than the soul element, what else would you say you add to that? Everything I do is going to be fundamentally R&B and I naturally stick to 90s R&B and then I draw from garage, house, a little bit of pop. When I saw the call sheet [for this shoot] I got
“It’s amazing that all four of us have been brought together doing different things but waving the same flag, not to sound soppy but just feeling like you’re part of something, like a movement and it’s all UK as well.”
excited because it was amazing that all four of us have been brought together doing different things but waving the same flag. Not to sound soppy but just feeling like you’re part of something, like a movement and it’s all UK as well... This is special for me because I know Raleigh from Bristol and we actually used to be in a band together (laughs). We actually put out a tune, I remember I was rapping on it. Describe your style in three words? Plain, simple and basic. I know what I like. Describe your music in three words? Soulful, experimental (but not to the point of breaking down barriers) and emotive.
What are your wardrobe essentials? White trainers definitely, I’ve been wearing a lot of PUMA and Nikes on tour. Also, dark blue jeans and a black varsity style jacket. What about fashion disasters? You’ve already told me about the china bumps… (Laughs) Why did I tell you? I don’t even remember telling you that. Oh Sh*t! When I was in school I had cornrows but I only had the top and the sides were shaved. I’ve got a feeling someone is gonna get me one day. I had fluorescent yellow trainers at one point as well, I thought they were cool but I’m looking at pictures and happy that that’s in the past. Intoxicated is out now @javeon
FOOTWEAR / 52
FOOT WORK Take a look at our guide to summer’s key footwear from staples and obscure classics to attention grabbers put your best foot forward this summer. Photography Vincent Browne Nike Tiempo ’94 Mid nike.com
Asics GT-II onitsukatiger.com
Clae McQueen clae.eu
Luke Jugger luke1977.com
Base London Branch Suede Navy baselondon.com
Filling Pieces trainers oki-ni.com
Palladium Pampa Hi Cuff palladiumboots.co.uk
FOOTWEAR / 54 Saucony Originals Shadow Original saucony.com
PUMA Suede Mid puma.com
adidas originals XZ 750 jdsports.co.uk
Pointer Randall Cloud Print pointerfootwear.com
Base London Cylinder Burnished Brown baselondon.com
Asics GEL-ZARACA 2 jdsports.co.uk
@PXLpics | PXLclothing.com
FOOTWEAR / 56 Gourmet Quadici Lite gourmetfootwear.com
Nike Air Max 1 Comfort 2.0 jdsports.co.uk
Nike Air Max 1 premium jdsports.co.uk
OneTrue Saxon Cassidy scottsmenswear.com
Smiley for Pony hi top smiley.com
adidas Originals ZX 8000 25th Anniversary adidas.co.uk
Radii Phuket Runner radiifootwear.eu
Air Jordan Retro 3 jdsports.co.uk
COLLABORATIONS / 58
LINK UP A permanent fixture within the US music and fashion industry for well over a decade, Greg Weinstein has built up departments in major record labels to culturally significant sites including Culture Shoq, The Crosby Press and SlamXHype - the fountain of fashion knowledge drops his most coveted collaborations. John Elliot x Ronnie Fieg “Coa” Capsule Collection John Elliot x Ronnie Fieg Kith NYC “Coa” capsule collection I love the fact that matching sweatshirts and sweatpants are back in style and being a slim dude, I’ve been waiting for the perfect joggers. Well, for me the cut, quality, comfort and colours of this capsule are perfect.
Fragment Design x Bamford Watch Dept Rolex Daytona As soon as I got put on to Fragment, I fell in love. Their minimalist design approach resonates with my sensibility and lifestyle. I’m the kind of guy who absolutely hates seeing the watch I’m wearing on the arm of anyone else, so I knew this was the fresh piece I needed for spring/summer.
Alexander Wang x Beats By Dre
Buscemi Navy Vignettes for Colette
When the Beats By Dre headphones first dropped, let’s face it: we all needed a pair. Then, with all the crazy colours and tweens wearing them as fashion accessories, it was almost embarrassing to have a pair being 31 years-old. But then, boom! Alexander Wang takes them and strips everything away and makes them classy again. Thanks Alex!
Besides his amazing energy and presence, the thing I love about Buscemi is his style. Everything that he produces, he would wear, which is rare these days since most designers seem to just make things to follow the trend. This shoe is clean, minimal and easy to wear with anything.
Magic Touch
A formidable force within the footwear world, there isn’t a brand that Ronnie Fieg hasn’t gifted with his design talents; from Billionaire Boys Club and Doc Martens to New Balance and most recently PUMA, the man can do no wrong.
Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Lyte V “Cove” Ronnie introduced me to the Gel Lyte V a few years back and it has been one of my favourite sneakers ever since. He always comes correct with two things: quality and comfort and although I may not be much of a “bright colour guy”, there’s just something about that Cove Blue.
You’ve collaborated with so many brands - what is it about PUMA that attracts you to work with them? I think the opportunity with PUMA is greater than many other brands. They have an untapped archive of product that is amazing. Working with their product team has been an amazing experience, they really understand my vision and execute on a very high level. The XT 2 packs see the use of luxury materials - how did the colour combinations and materials come about? The intricate detail of the shoe such as the Italian leather glove upper, pattern changes to remove typical TPU pieces with thick premium leathers, calf skin leather lining with quilted hidden details, calf skin dust, lace bags, and custom packaging makes this one of the most premium trainers of all time. We heard that there are custom boxes which are a nice finishing touch - do you think collaborations need to tell a story to create an impact? I think it’s important to complete the story with custom elements so people can gain an experience from the beginning stages to taking a shoe out of a dust bag.
Black Apple x Knicks Collection
Fragment Design x Nike Blazer Low SP
When Maxwell and Dao first told me about this collection I freaked; I’ve been a diehard Knicks fan since I was 0 years old and a supporter of Black Apple and Public School since day one. This is a massive collection and the Knicks are lucky enough to work with these two.
The Blazer Low is one of my favourite silhouettes and offwhite is one of my favourite colours; then if you add a little of Fragment’s always on-point design element, I’m all in!
How did your respect and relationship with DSM come about? It came about a few years ago when the manager of DSM in London called me for a pair of one of my creations and he’s been a good friend ever since. Talk about the use of the XT 2 model. The XT 2 is a very clean silhouette; especially after re-designing a few elements the shoe became much cleaner. I couldn’t think of a better trainer to execute this look on. Follow the footwear maestro @RonnieFieg
NICKY BAM / 60
TWO TEARS IN A BUCKET When it comes to bucket hats, Nick Bam is constantly repping. Also found tearing up stages alongside his Piff Gang counterparts, Bam has racked up a healthy collection, so we delved into the head top specialist’s wardrobe. Photography Verena Stefanie Grotto Styling Kyran Low
Supreme 9414 bucket supremenewyork.com Crooks & Castles T-shirt threadsaddiction.com Ralph Lauren fleece raplhlauren.co.uk Versace sunglasses uk.versace.com
So when did this fascination with buckets begin? I had bucket hats when I was a kid but my boy Silk dropped me an Arsenal bucket a few years back and I’ve been rocking them ever since. Run DMC, LL Cool J, Cypress Hill and EPMD wore Kangol buckets way back so they’re nothing new. What are your favourites? I’ve probably got about 40-50 bucket hats. My favourite one cost £5 from Cyprus, a camo one. I’ve got some Starter and ‘Lo ones I like too! Music wise you recently dropped a collaboration with S-Type and Jon Phonics, we also noticed a
Starter bucket starter.com Ralph Lauren blue shirt ralphlauren.co.uk
tweet to Footsie, what sounds can we expect to hear over the next few months? We have a lot of great stuff in the pipeline. We’ve been working with some amazing producers and we’ve got some collaborations in the pipeline with some really good US artists. I can’t wait. I’ve been seeing the Piff Gang T-shirts all over Twitter, how important is the merchandise for PG? Image and identity are very important to us as we built the PG brand before we had any music out. I love it when I see someone wearing the PG T-shirt; it’s amazing to think people want to represent us. Keep an eye on @nickbam and @piffganguk
Kop London bucket hat Nick’s own Minati long sleeve T-shirt Minatiyo.tumblr.com
No Stems bucket nostems.com PXL brick phone T-shirt pxlclothing.com
Maharishi bucket maharishistore.com Samsoe and Samsoe blue stripe shirt samsoe.com
Crooks & Castles x Monopoly bucket threadsaddiction.com Levi’s tropical shirt levis.com
PXL fast life bucket pxlclothing.com Piff Gang white T-shirt piffgang.bigcartel.com
Penfield bucket penfield.com Animal shirt animal.co.uk Versace sunglasses uk.versace.com
Mitchell and Ness bucket mitchellandness.com Penfield floral print jacket penfield.com
FLORAL / 62
FLOWER POWER Liam Green of one of the UK’s fastest growing streetwear brands HYPE. exposes exactly why floral prints are the way forward, so take heed people! Photography Verena Stefanie Grotto Styling Kyran Low Grooming Kamila Forini Model Aaron @ Select Model Mgnt Still Life Styling Neesha Sharma Rocawear hoodie rocawear.com Affends T-shirt affends.com New Love Club 5 panel newloveclub.co.uk
What do you think it is about HYPE. that is distinguishing itself from the rest of the brands and growing so rapidly? Initially, I think HYPE.’s liability was drawn through the use of our risky all-over prints and bold colours. Now, I think that HYPE. has developed itself into a truly recognisable brand and is now standing out because of its ability to produce so many different appealing aspects and trends. We like to think “HYPE. is for everyone”. You’re obviously a fan of all-over prints, but what do you think is too much, if there is such a thing? We’ve been doing all-over prints almost since the start, and what I’ve learnt through this is it’s actually so hard to distinguish when print is too much. I think it’s heavily to do with the colour combination. The best way to wear lots of print is to clash it but then again matching prints can work really well, if there is confidence in wearing them. Any tips for how to perfect the all-over print within an outfit? Layering is key when using print. I’d recommend a longer fit plain long sleeved T-shirt, with a regular length floral patterned T-shirt. Black bottoms always work well for a casual look, a black Ma1 bomber or transparent bomber jacket plus a black bucket hat.
How would you clash prints? I really like print clashing in two ways. Firstly, the mix of two florals is always best to be in complimenting colours, one ‘ditsy’ and the other print large. Secondly, I like wild print clash, prints from all sorts of cultures, in different fabrics, weights and colours, it can look really interesting if done correctly - expect a lot of trial and error here. Do you see prints continuing as a trend? As a trend for menswear, I think prints will fall off heavily after the summer period, although it’s such a staple piece in womenswear I think that will continue for a long while. However, I think HYPE. itself will still do really well with prints. I think the next upcoming trend is textures – we are seeing great early reactions from flock, appliques and transferred fabrics. What are your plans moving forward with HYPE.? Moving forward we’re just staying true to the brand and growing organically. We’re planning a big push into the US and Europe and have some pretty interesting collaborations coming up. We’re also looking to develop further product categories, going into denim and outerwear, which should be interesting… See what else HYPE. have in store justhype.co.uk
Jeremy Scott for adidas vest adidas.com Radii The Jack trainer radiifootwear.com
HYPE. runner trainer justhype.co.uk Two Angle floral jeans 2angleclothing.com
Penfield 5 panel and shorts Penfield.com Liberty x New Era snapback neweracap.eu
Eastpak backpack eastpak.com New Love Club T-shirt newloveclub.co.uk
Ben Sherman shirt bensherman.com Scotch & Soda denim shirt scotch-soda.com New Era Oakland As island pack snapback neweracap.eu
Weekend Offender shirt weekendoffender.com Two Angle shorts 2angleclothing.com New Era NY Yankees island pack snapback neweracap.eu
RED / 64
REDRUM With Jordan Infareds and Toros causing queues around the block making a bold statement in bright red gets you to the front of the line... Photography Verena Stefanie Grotto Photography asst Simone Musu Styling Kyran Low Grooming Kamila Forini Model Seb McCluskey @ D1 Still Life Styling Neesha Sharma
Ben Sherman jacket bensherman.com Duck and Cover vest duckandcover.co.uk
adidas Hamburg adidas.com
Billionaire Boys Club sweatshirt bbcicecream.com
New Era leather NY & Russian Coca-Cola snapbacks neweracap.eu
Luke jacket luke1977.com
Fila track top scottsmenswear.com
UCLA basketball vest uclaclothing.com
Trapstar sweatshirt iamatrapstar.com Air Jordan Flight SC-3 jdsports.co.uk
Timberland jacket timberlandonline.co.uk
STRIPES / 66
WHITE STRIPES Whether it be the low key nautical or bold contrasting colour blocks, one of the biggest pattern trends to feature this season is the return of the humble stripe. Photgraphy Verena Stefanie Grotto Photography asst Simone Musu Styling Kyran Low Grooming Kamila Forini Model Aaron @ Select Model Mgnt Still life photography Pharoah
Universal Works T-shirt universalworks.co.uk Levi’s jumper levis.com
Billionaire Boys Club shorts bbcicecream.com
Radii The Jack trainer radiifootwear.com
Villain panel vest villain.uk.com
Duck and Cover crew neck duckandcover.co.uk
Billionaire Boys Club Tshirt bbcicecream.com
Black Scale T-shirt black-scale.com
Duck and Cover polo duckandcover.co.uk
K-Swiss Adcourt LA Cvs Vnz kswiss.co.uk
PASTEL / 68
POWER PASTEL It takes a real man to rock pastel pinks, baby blue and lemon sherbert shades... step up! Photography Verena Stefanie Grotto Photography asst Simone Musu Styling Kyran Low Grooming Kamila Forini Model Aaron @ Select Model Mgnt Still life photography Pharoah
Henri Lloyd button down shirt henrilloyd.co.uk Weekend Offender jacket weekendoffender.com Toy-Watch baby pink watch toy-watch.com
Pretty Green polo scottsmenswear.com
Billionaire Boys Club T-shirt bbcicecream.com
Black Scale x Gourmet 35 gourmetfootwear.com
Villain turquoise vest vilain.uk.com
O’Neil shorts oneil.com
UCLA T-shirt uclaclothing.com
adidas Gazelle scottsmenswear.com
Elvine floral print shirt elvine.se
MONOCHROME / 70
BLACK BUTTER Fully flying the flag for monochrome, Matte Fields founder of upscale LA streetwear label DOPE expresses his love for the colourway and the longevity of just about the only trend you can’t really get wrong. Photo Verena Stefanie Grotto Photography asst Simone Musu Styling Kyran Low Grooming Kamila Forini Model Aaron @ Select Model Mgnt Still life photography Pharoah Supply & Demand bomber jdsports.co.uk Rocawear baseball jersey rocawear.com PXL leather snapback pxlclothing.com DOPE sunglasses dope.com
DOPE has always had a strong monochromatic edge. What is it about black and white that keeps you coming back? Black and white is a great place to start but if you notice the DOPE line offers pieces in color as well. My model as of late has been black, white, grey and one pop colour per delivery. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Inspiration comes from a lot of different sources. For instance, right now I am into auto design and I just designed a piece that is inspired by the lines on the Aventador. Do you see the monochrome and street goth trend continuing indefinitely? Nothing lasts forever. Street goth doesn’t resonate with me or my line, so its longevity and relevance isn’t something I am concerned with. What’s your personal style like? Simple. Jeans and a T-shirt. What are your favourite pieces from the DOPE SS14 collection? The precise snapback, tie dye hoodies, which feature a one colour body and a tie dye hood, our simple yet perfect football tees, the denim baseball
“[My advice for aspiring streetwear brands] Pick a great name then make great clothes” jersey because of the wash and the signature sweats we did which feature artists’ signatures from Basquait to Seurat. What are your future plans for DOPE? There are a lot of plans we have in place but I would hate to eliminate the element of surprise. Our plans are to constantly revise the line each season to bring you the most unique, quality product possible. What was the moment that you realised DOPE was really taking off? I don’t think DOPE has even taken off yet. Any advice for aspiring streetwear brands? Pick a great name then make great clothes. Shop the full collection on dope.com
Supply & Demand kings T-shirt jdsports.co.uk PXL 0207 T-shirt pxlclothing.com Rocawear black jersey rocawear.com UCLA Summit Stadium Jacket uclaclothing.com
Puma Suede Hi puma.com Nike Air Force 1s jdsports.co.uk DL premium denim dl1961.com PXL monogram leather snapback pxlclothing.com
MONOCHROME / 72 adidas mix print shirt adidas.co.uk Starter black sleeve top starter.com Rocawear black jacket rocawear.com Rocawear x Starter 5 panel rocawear.com
Neuw jeans neuwdenim.com Puma Suede classic black puma.com Luke gum sole lace ups luke1977.com Palladium Pampa Oxford grey suede palladiumboots.co.uk
G-Star white jeans gstar.com PXL Brick Phone T-shirt pxlclothing.com Rocawear basketball vest rocawear.com DOPE white hoodie dope.com
Known black long sleeved T-shirt knownworldwide.com Robot Assassin Factory perf. leather snapback Nike Air Max 1 jdsports.co.uk Ranson Strata black suede ransomholdingco.com
QUILTED / 74
KING QUILT From streetwear to high fashion, quilted leather and fabrics add an extra edge to your look Photography Verena Stefanie Grotto Photography asst Simone Musu Styling Neesha Sharma Black Kaviar hoodie black-kaviar.com
Supply & Demand varsity jdsports.co.uk
Underated T-shirt underatedco.com
Supply & Demand tracksuit bottoms jdsports.co.uk
Nike Tiempo ’94 Mid nike.com Black Kaviar sweatpants black-kaviar.com
A$AP FERG / 74
HARLEM HEIGHTS When it comes to delivering that heat on the streets A$AP Ferg is doing just that, Shabba Ranks is still getting pull ups and debut album Trap Lord defined the A$AP Mob affiliate as a star in his own right. Chatting to Nardene Scott before his Converse gig it appears the Uptown rapper also knows more than enough about style, from his priceless grills to his one away Trapstar jacket but he isn’t afraid of a bargain either? Photography Verena Stefanie Grotto
My all time favourite sneakers are… Uptowns because I’m from Uptown - we call Nike Air Force 1s Uptowns and I like them particularly hi. These are white and 3m, so it’s like reflector, I like these ‘cos I got them for $60 when I was in Denver (laughs). If I was in New York, they’d be like $120 so hell yeah I buy bargains, superstars like bargains too! I would sum up my style as… very pop! I like to dress up as a character, some people may say, ‘Oh he’s too loud or he’s too flamboyant’ but as far as fashion, I look up to people like Liberace and Cam’ron when he was wearing pink and I will forever look up to Pharell’s fashion. When it comes to rappers stepping up their style… there are a lot of people. But rapping is not even about fashion, most of the time that’s what makes us individuals. You had like The Furious Five who
used to dress like rock stars and tight leather pants and then you have Wu Tang who did the gritty s**t, so it’s whatever floats your boat. My grill game is crazy… my new grills, I got as pieces so it’s rose, yellow and white gold and white and champagne diamonds and I can break them up into pieces and sections. They were free from my jeweller, actually my first pair was free and I had to pay for these and I’m not telling you how much! The one item I can’t live without are… my boxers. I can’t be free balling, it’s uncomfortable, I’ve never been on stage without wearing boxers, girls they grab my d**k all the time! But who would want to get out of that situation? We’re all over-18 so it’s cool, it’s good, it’s actually comforting, like a massage. Check out the @asapferg app and traplord.com
UNWIND THINK BIG
Despite Roland Emmerich’s best efforts to sink cinema’s definitive monster with his 1998 reboot/travesty, Godzilla has returned once more to wreak globespanning carnage. But can the King of Monsters really crush the doubters underfoot, or trip over the wreckage of its own legacy? Words Julius “Peps” Pepperwood
Godzilla first stomped onto the scene in 1954, a physical realisation of Japan’s post-Hiroshima nuclear fears. The film’s success spawned a slew of follow-ups in Japan, before an ill-fated American reboot in ’98 stopped the great lizard in his tracks. But time cures all, and under the direction of Gareth Edwards –of Monsters fame – and starring the likes of Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston and Kick-Ass’ Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Godzilla has re-emerged. In ingenious fashion, Edwards has retrofitted Godzilla’s legacy in film to be related to a sighting of the eponymous monster during Japan’s nuclear tests in the Pacific. We meddled with nature, and nature has retaliated in kind. In other words; big lizards, big explosions, Bryan Cranston monologues. Count us in. Godzilla is in cinemas nationwide 16 May
DIRECTOR’S CUT / 80
DIRECTOR’S CUT Since streetwear brand Supply & Demand catapulted themselves onto the UK scene they’ve been working closely with both established and emerging artists in underground music. The latest project sees the rising brand team up with UK grime and rap artists to create music videos, so we caught up with the directors who brought the visions of Brotherhood, Blizzard and Benny Banks’ tracks to life. Photography Verena Stefanie-Grotto Stylingy Neesha Sharma All artists are wearing Supply & Demand, which is available exclusively at jdsports.co.uk and BANKfashion.co.uk
“The thought behind the initial treatment is key when trying to create something perfect. Proper planning and a solid team; too many cooks spoil the broth!”
Aaron Smalls Video: Blizzard When You See Me Name: @aaronsmalls Hometown: North London Age: 20 How did you get into video directing? I had a good friend that used to make music in school; I suggested doing a video for YouTube after being inspired by SBTV. We asked to borrow my friend’s dad’s camera, filmed the video, I edited it on Windows Moviemaker and put it on YouTube and it just went from there. What have been your favourite shoots to work on so far? I’ve loved working with everyone because doing this is what I enjoy. USG are nice to work with and funny to be around... Rascals, and Big Narstie have been a laugh too. What do you think it takes to make the perfect video? Good planning, organisation and the right props and budget. What made you want to get involved with the Supply & Demand campaign? It’s a good project for artists to promote themselves further and see how big their fan base is. It’s also a good opportunity to work with new people and better my work.
Rick Frost Video: Brotherhood Younger & Benny Banks See Me Now Name: @Rick_Frost Hometown: South East London Age: 31 How did you get into video directing? I’ve always had a passion to turn my ideas into a reality. What makes the perfect video? The thought behind the initial treatment is key when trying to create something perfect. Proper planning and a solid team that all have specific roles on set and in post production; too many cooks spoil the broth!
Wavey Nate Video: Blizzard When You See Me Name: @WaveyNateID Hometown: North London Age: 21 How did you get into video directing? At college I enjoyed filming stuff and watching the final product once it had been edited; I realised I was very good at it and wanted to take it further so I decided to study [it] at university. What have been your favourite shoots to work on so far? The best project I’ve worked on so far would have to be a video I filmed with Rascals. It was our most professional shoot yet as it was based in a filming studio, and that’s what I really want to do more of. Plus me, Aaron Smalls (my directing partner) and Rascals are all the same age, so we got on well together too. What makes the perfect video? Lighting. You should never push record unless your scene is well lit. What made you want to get involved with the Supply & Demand campaign? I think the Supply & Demand campaign is a very good idea; it benefits all parties that are involved as it gives everyone exposure.
SNOWBOMBING FESTIVAL / 82
SLIPPIN’ ON THE SLOPES RWD are no newcomers to Snowbombing Festival, we’ve been spotted on the slopes with a shot or ten of Jägermeister on many an occasion, so 2014 was no different. Once again the line up ticked all the boxes, the drinks flowed way too freely, the sun came out to play, we eavesdropped on conversations in The Strass gardens and of course we came back injured, damn those red runs!!! Words Nardene Scott
“We were intent on hitting the Digital Soundboy line up and yes, although Shy FX and Jakwob tore it up, we had a pretty traumatic experience warring with our board on the way back. Can we just warn people the difference between a blue and a red run is about three packets of ibuprofen.”
Monday was slightly mythical in that on arriving for our transfer to the one and only town of Mayrhofen, we were too late to head up into the mountains and a little too into the sunny weather to brace the Superdry Arctic Disco, especially after the booze laden coach journey – what coach driver do you know that rolls with a basket of mini Jägermesiter under his seat?! We did find time for a little chill in The Strass which involved maximum banter with Skream and Breach, it probably didn’t help that Breach turned up in full lederhosen; a pretty broken Route 94 being schooled by Skream on his upcoming releases and a super sarcastic Artwork, not loving life at all. Looking ahead to a night of endless vodka, the best thing to do was get our Atkins on via Hans The Butcher. Despite the washout of the annual street party, the fancy dress folk were out in force, aliens, Super Mario Bros. and of course the neon super tight spandex all-in-one crew kept the energy flowing. Black Butter Records’ takeover of the Racket Club was a packed out affair giving Redlight and even the almighty DJ EZ a bit of a task following that up. Musical highlight of the week had to be Tuesday’s
offering, switching from Rodigan and The Heatwave to New York Transit Authority, Hannah Wants and Huxley; it was a night or pure vibes. Don’t just get carried away at the bar though, we urge everyone to pick up your skis and/or snowboard whilst you’re out there, if anything a few drops in the snow is sure to cure your hangover, and with Rompa’s Reggae Shack, there’s a safe haven complete with rum punch not too far away. The main reason to pick up your board though is to make sure you head to the Honda Snow Park, which is only accessible via snow. We were intent on hitting the Digital Soundboy line up and yes although Shy FX and Jakwob tore it up and we caught jokes off everyone versus the one topless dude snowball fight, we had a pretty traumatic experience warring with our board on the way back. Can we just warn people the difference between a blue and a red run is about three packets of ibuprofen, so please don’t think you’re a pro when you’ve been on a board for a day or two, your arse won’t appreciate scarily sliding full pelt down icy slopes into simply fog. Sign up as soon as, for the 2015 experience at snowbombing.com
SPEAKER’S CORNER / 84
HAS GRIME GONE OUT OF STYLE? Starting my teenage years in South East London during the early noughties meant that I was privileged enough to witness the birth of a scene right on my own doorstep. That scene, after much debate, was named grime. With the rise of dance music in the UK charts and with major record labels backing artists from other urban genres, Matt Tarr asks the question ‘Has Grime Gone out of Style?’
I remember back when influential crews controlled pirate radio with Roll Deep, Ruff Sqwad, Meridian and N.A.S.T.Y sets regularly pouring out of my twin-cassette hi-fi, much to the annoyance of my family and neighbours. 2004, in particular, was a breakthrough year for grime, with Wiley releasing Treddin’ On Thin Ice to huge critical acclaim and Lethal Bizzle scoring the highest chart position of a pure grime track to date, when POW (Forward) hit #11. The entire movement was a dynamic and energetic time bomb of hype that felt as though it would blow at any moment. Flash forward 10 years and the whole culture of the scene has changed. Regularly appearing at raves and dropping your latest bars to build a name for yourself is a thing of the past and the lively foundation that the genre was built on has gone through a transition. With record companies and label executives seemingly more keen to force the next big dance producer down our throats and with the rise of social media, YouTube and music streaming services, unsigned artists who don’t have the backing from majors (which includes the
majority of grime artists) are forced to promote their own music and attempt to gain a following by maintaining an all round online presence. The rise of internet based media has allowed people to listen to what they want, when they want and then tell everyone about it in an instant, and artists are having to fight more than ever to have their voices heard. But even artists who have signed a deal and made the move through to the mainstream such as Dizzee, Wretch 32, Devlin and Chip have been forced to water down their Grime sound, under pressure from their labels, as they look to capitalise on the buying power of the spoon fed public. The fans who once championed them are then forced to go back underground in search of their next fix of that gritty, bassy, 140bpm sound. After talking with Ghetts however, following the release of his debut studio album Rebel With A Cause - released on independent label Disrupt, it is clear to see that grime music is very much alive. “If you don’t have your tune on radio 24/7 to brainwash people, the following you gain shows that people really like you, as they’ve had to search
for your music. Before anyone realised they could have success on an independent, Sway did it and inspired people. If we keep breaking boundaries then it can be repeated.” Footsie, of Newham Generals added, “These days massive YouTube hits are as relevant as daytime radio play. There’s a lot of kids with tunes on their iPod, they buy instantly. The iTunes era is really helping grime out.” For me, as a grime fan, I’m sure the success that the thought provoking #RWAC and tracks like Meridian Dan’s infectious German Whip have had will be enough to prove the doubters wrong. Grime was founded on an ignorance that meant regardless of whether it was going to be popular or not and regardless of whether labels cared, people were going to make their music because it represented the lives that they were living. I’m confident that with a little bit of that ignorance now and with everyone working together to push the scene forward, the music that represents some of the most important years of my life will be around for a long time to come! Let me know what you think @MattTarrJourno
“Flash forward 10 years and the whole culture of the scene has changed. Regularly appearing at raves and dropping your latest bars on pirate radio sets to build a name for yourself is a thing of the past and the lively foundation that the genre was built on has gone through a transition.”