Issue 5 - August 2013

issue 5 - summer issue

The rise of Afrobeats

Weray ent // SKob Dj Special D // Jeff Jones dj p montana // starboy willz Dan bosi page 1 logon to urbanr3volution.com: music // sports // fashion // news

urban revolution

ISSUE 5 Dear Reader, Firstly, I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has checked out the site urbanr3volution.com which went live in conjunction with the last issue and if you haven’t please do. I guaranteed you’ll find something you like to listen to or read about available.

There are a few new changes I need to update you on, as you will have noticed now you have to subscribe to read the mag. We done that so we can see exactly who our readerships are so we can give you more of what you want and cut out the stuff you don’t. If you’re reading this then it means you’ve subscribed so a big thank you!

We are now on the 5th issue of Urban Revolution Mag. We are so happy we’ve managed to come this far and it’s down to you the reader. So for this issue we decided to give you something different, something special. * drumroll * This issue is the an Afrobeat edition. Everyone knows Afrobeat is in the ascendance and is the genre of music for the summer, so we caught up with a few established and up & coming artist in the scene so you know who’s who and who to watch out for.

contents Weray ent top 5 trainers

3-4 4

Check out our Top 5 trainers out... dj special d doccia

5-6 7-8

a right start vibes squad starboy willz skob seyi - revolition eP

9 10-12 13 14-15 16-17

jeff jones sad state of current affairs english football

18-19 20-21

the heir to messi’s throne discussion

22-23 24-25

You already know that we are all about progression so we’ve got a new page for you and that is the discussion page. I won’t give away exactly what its about now so check it out. As always the customary pages are available so enjoy and please don’t hesitate to hit us up with some feedback or contact us if you’d like to write for us.

Yours truly, @mitch_osei

on the front

The rise of Afrobeats

Weray ent // SKob Dj Special D // Jeff Jones dj p montana // starboy willz Dan bosi

logon to urbanr3volution.com: music // sports // fashion // news

Vibe Squad Photography by Design of KA

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Weray ent On one of the groups many hectic summer days we managed to get a interview up with the group during a break between their studio sessions.

We were first joined by Obi & Gogo with AY joining later. We started the conversation talking about what it is each of the member’s thought that they brought to group. Gogo was quick to claim the label as the hype and crazy one within the group, he mentioned that this transferred into his performances and helped to get the crowds lively. Obi, dubbed himself the versatile one as he not only raps but also sings and runs a production company called Snowpix media, who shoot the groups and other artist videos.

The conversation moved on to the group as a collective and their presence with the Afrobeat scene. As one of a few groups within the scene we asked what makes them different.

AY felt that “first of the fact that we are a trio is something that is not very commonly seen in the scene, again the dynamics of the 3 man group” . Also the fact that they have a good balance between reaching the Africans in the western world (Europe) and reaching the Africans in Africa was a major point

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that all the members reiterated. This they stated is done through their ability to blend the UK sound and the African sound well. With Obi saying that “the traditional Nigerian market has a lot of music that is tailored to the African market in Africa and then it kind of filters off over here. I think over here we are trying to pioneer the hybrid sound that can be marketed to the UK and Africa that something we’re doing that not a lot of others are”.

UK Afrobeats Vs African ‘Afrobeats’ With UK Afrobeats being an extension of the movement and sound in Africa it was only right that the topic popped up. Initially Obi put forward his view expressing that he think the two scenes differs a lot because in the UK we try to put everything into one pot, whereas in Ghana & Nigerian its not a genre its just music “you don’t say Naija afrobeats or Ghana afrobeats”. He offered his explained as to why this seems to be the case, putting it down to the fact that “it’s such a new sound I think that we try to put it into a genre when we

shouldn’t”. GoGo added that as a result of this a situation has occurred within the UK Afrobeats scene whereby some artist and DJ’s have isolated the music.

He is quoted stating “In Africa they don’t care what accent or what type of style or tempo the music is, whereas here we are very conscious of those elements”.

The rap scene has seen an increased focused on lyricism with the likes of J. Cole, Wale & Kendrick Lamar being at the forefront of this new change.

That has also filtered across to the UK with the likes of Krept & Konan, GFrsh & S.A.S getting more reception then previously. I was keen to know if this was an element the Afrobeat artists held high in their list of priorities when formulating their music, as some people say afro beats is more about creating a vibe. Therefore, I asked the group do you think lyricism is less important in afrobeats then in rap for example and why?.

Once again Obi spoke up first lol. He declared “Yeah, content wise you can

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get away with saying a lot of things in Afrobeats that you may not in our genres- a bit more. I don’t know how to put it to be honest because I don’t think Afrobeats limits your creative but I feel like in other genres you have to have a separate creative mind to make something that will appeal to that set of fans”. A very controversial thing to say but it seems somewhat true and what he later went on to say shed light on his thinking. Obi explained that in his opinion Africans generally are about dance music. If you look at traditional African music lyrically its minimal, its about the express of culture and dance through music with the addition of music. However, lyrics are important in any genre of music and Ay & GoGo agreed but were sure “content wise you can be a little bit looser within Afrobeats”

#Citysafe school tour The guys had literally just come off the CitySafe school tour and not many up & coming UK artist’s have been on tours of any kind, so we tasked the group what the tour was like and how it different from their normal shows to gain an insight. The unanimous decision amongst them all was that the audience was the main difference. They found that “It was quite different because they’re (a young crowd) more inclined to express what they are feeling as oppose to a mature crowd, a mature crowd are more stiff in a sense that they are quite reserved but the young crowds are more active. AY, personally found the shows exciting, as the response from the kids was surprising and overwhelming.

Above all the group Weray Ent enjoyed themselves as they could see 1st hand the appreciation for their music, it let them know that their music isn’t falling on deaf ears.

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Currently, Weray Ent have a new track that should be out soon. Also they’re working on something that will be coming out at the end of he year, with some international artists

Follow Weray Ent on twitter: @WerayEnt

Adidas Originals Oregon Ultra Tech OG - size? exclusive Price: £85.00 Available at: size.co.uk

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DJ SPecial D “He’s not just a DJ, he’s an all-round entertainer”.

These are the words we’ve heard expressed when describing Special D. He has used his ability to ‘think outside the box’ to entertain an array of crowds using a range of versatile music to become one of the leading upcoming underground DJ’s to grace the UK scene. So we thought it was only right to catch up with the UK Afrobeats DJ.

Humble beginnings Special D’s music journey started from the tender age of 7, where he began playing drums in his church. Over the years Special D progressed to playing other instruments like the piano and bass guitar to better his musical confidence and become a well-known musical talent.

His gravitation towards the decks started when he used to watch his uncle DJ at many churches and private parties. “If I’m already making people, dance and enjoy themselves while playing musical instruments, then DJ’ing urban page 5 revolution

“If I’m already making people dance and enjoy themselves while playing musical instruments, then DJ’ing shouldn’t be a problem...” shouldn’t be a problem”, where the thoughts of the young and enthusiastic DJ.

a range of well known artists like Fuse ODG, Mista Silva, Tribal Man, Wande Coal, Ice Prince, Eldee and many more. From He started to take DJ’ing a bit se- playing at a few events in and rious when he began his studies around UK, he’s now one of the at Hertfordshire University. Men- resident DJ’s at the infamous O2 tored by the legendary DJ Sose, Arena and venues surrounding he was vigorously trained in per- the arena. fecting the ‘art of DJ’ing’. He was inspired and motivated by havMix CD – Akwaaba series ing effective conversations and Special D has created an array of watching the likes of Mr Smooth mix CD’s over the years, but he EMT, DJ Milktray, DJ JamJam, and has kept his traditional yearly mix DJ Frenchkiss and many more.

CD titled Alive from Africa, which It was then, he picked up the by far has been the most talkskills and techniques to perfect ed about and anticipated each his own and become one of the year. More recently he is know leading upcoming underground for his Akwaaba podcast, which DJ’s in the UK Afrobeats scene. can be listened to via https:// Things have grown from strength soundcloud.com/speciald/akwaato strength for Special D. He’s ba-vol-1https://soundcloud.com/ managed to play at major events speciald/akwaaba-vol-2. When in and around UK, plus support asked what where his motives urban revolution

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for starting the series he stated “I am a person who enjoys playing and listening to classics - especially from the Motherland it was only fair to bring back the classics. I started the #AKWAABA series because I wanted to remind the current scene (especially the Ghanaian crowd) of just where Hiplife and Afrobeats originated from”.

Favourites in the UK Afrobeat scene As a DJ, Special D regularly works with a selection of artist ranging from the biggest to the up & coming, we wanted to know who his favourites are. In true politician fashion he states, “there are a lot of UK Afrobeat artists who are working hard and prospering within the UK Afrobeat scene, which is a very good look” Lol. However, he did go on to state some names and his own artist Jeff Jones is the first on his list and it makes perfect sense as he works so closely with him and has such faith in his ability. Next on the list is artist Fuse ODG then Mista Silva for the fact that they both have respectively “vastly improved and prospered within the scene”. If there was an award for Young Player of the Year for the UK Afrobeats scene, Special

D believes it has to be awarded to Moelogo who he feels is one for the future, his reason being “his voice and undying talent will make him a great UK Afrobeat artist”.

been listening to for the past few weeks and I cannot stop playing it, and that track is “Ogede” by Showa & Willz”. He is truly in love with that track and can’t wait to here more them.

Keeping on the topic of favourites, we wanted to know DJ Special D’s favourite track to play or listen to on a personal level. He initially says, “that’s a very hard question” to our delight. However he goes on to say “there are a lot of tracks being released, which are all of the same calibre and it’s hard to pick out the best ones. Some artists are normally just coming up with new songs almost every week so its quite hard. There’s one track I have

Future plans With the UK Afrobeats scene taking off and growing bigger by the months we wanted to know what Special D felt the future held for him and where he would like to be in a few years. DJ Special D told Urban Revolution he hopes to open up a mobile workshop teaching the younger generation how to express themselves through music - whether it be DJ’ing, playing instruments, singing, producing etc. In terms of DJ’ing, he wants to “take DJ’ing to an international level and play at the biggest events globally”

Follow Special D on twitter: @DJSpecialDuk

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Derek – Doccia Apparel I recently met up with one of the co-founders of Doccia Apparel (Pronounced Doh – sha!) over a Turkish lunch to hear about the foundation behind the ever growing clothing brand, its present successes and the brands future direction.

written by @tolulops26 TOLU: What Does Doccia Stand For?

T: Seems like such a small team for such a large brand how do you guys make it work so effectively?

Derek: It stands for ‘Fresh and Clean. It’s basically a clothing brand for the young male and female, essentially a comfortable and casual clothing line. Our aim is to be affordable but on trend.

Derek: To be completely honest, no one really knows

cia and what are their contributions?

this init, l just wanted to make money, I’m more money motivated, but obviously I took it way more seriously after a while. Meks is more business minded, he’s like a business director, he handles the accounts, and obviously he’s Nigerian init so you know how Nigerians hate spending money!

Derek: The team consists of three of us, Jade and Meks

T: (Laughs!) No, we don’t like spending money at all!

T: Who are the other members of team who make up Doc-

including me. I’ve been referred to as CEO on a number of occasions by different people, but I would never take that title! Reason being, everyone that’s included within Doccia have been here from the beginning together. Like everyone always asks me how I met Meks, we went to the same school but we weren’t in the same year, but through twitter I saw how he would always promote things init, one day I hollered at him and it came about he wanted to do his own clothing line, so we clicked together and met up with Jade. So initially we only went to Jade for printing because she has a printing company, but she saw something in us that made her want to be a part of Doccia so we teamed up.

Derek: I feel like the three of us together are kind of like an unstoppable force.

T: It would’ve been nice for the whole team to have been here!! What steps did you literally take to get the first Doccia samples?

Derek: Basically when we first met Jade, we went to her with the idea, we had a few logos and names just on paper and a business plan, but after that we just stalled! Things like University came up... but a few months down the line Jade got into contact with us and sent us a picture of a sample t-shirt with one of our logos and name on it. After that me and Meks had a reality check like yo! We need to take this seriously! We all just started moving mad!

T: What are some of the challenges the Doccia team faced during the process of your start up, as well as any personal challenges you may have faced?

Derek: Some of the challenges, obviously were, number 1, people not knowing nothing about you, like you’ve come out of nowhere you know what I mean, no one really trusts you, especially with the way promotion is nowadays everyone knows what clothes or brands are being worn... say for example high street brands such as Zara, H&M and Topshop.

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T: Gucci, Louis, Ferragamo! derek: (Laughs!)

so obviously it’s like you’ve come out of nowhere and people aren’t going to want to take the risk of wearing your stuff, and also for instance nowadays the trend is like fitted clothes, they trust the brands they usually buy to fit a certain way, for instance if I’m buying an Adidas tracksuit I know how it’s going to fit already, but if someone’s come to buy one of our tracksuits they don’t know how it’s going to fit because currently were limited to just an online shop, it’s like they’re trying their luck.

T:

Ok, so obviously that’s a major challenge that you’re currently facing, how do you feel you can combat that?

Have you got anything in the pipelines about opening up a store or pop up shops where people are able to access your brand?

derek: Obviously yeah (laughs), T: Why are you laughing? derek: Cause I’m talking to you that’s why, but yh urm.

In terms of accessibility to our brands we go to numerous festivals, not too long ago we were active at festival in Brick Lane, Sneakbo came through, tried on a few things, obviously he likes the brand. Mega Man from So Solid also came through just said he likes what we’re doing and that we should keep to it cause it seems like we’re onto a winner. So that was wise words from someone who knows what they’re doing. We would’ve have done a few more festival pop up shops by the time this issue comes out. But a popular one was in Manchester on the 27th July.

T: What event was it? derek:It was called 6 Acre, it’s a sneaker and apparel

derek: The mission statement is already ‘Freedom to be who I am, desire to be what I must’ init. So basically it’s like telling someone that you can be whoever you want to be, like anyone can wear our clothing, it’s not an expensive high end brand it’s for everyone and anyone.

It’s a unisex label.

T: So price wise it’s affordable for anyone but if you had to specify a target market who would it be?

derek: I would say the young male and female. Our company is aimed at... hmm how can I say this without sounding sexist yh... woman are just hard to cater for!

T:

If there was a message you wanted to get across to anyone who wanted to start their own clothing line or any type of start-up idea for that matter, what would it be?

festival put on by Size? So were doing things like that for now, but soon hopefully, we’re looking to open up a store, nothing concrete yet but...

derek: Don’t let anyone hold you back! Just because

T/derek:

T: Thank you Derek, it has been a pleasure!

‘SOON!’

T: How do you pronounce Doccia ? ‘Do – shay’? derek: ‘Doh – sha’.

T: But I call it ‘Dosh – she – ah’

others couldn’t do it, doesn’t mean you can’t do it!

In the words of Derek: Yah Alreeeet... You Know Like That Papa... Doccia’s More Than a Clothing Brand It’s a Lifestyle.

Find doccia on facebook: Doccia Apparel Twitter/ Instagram/Tumblr: DocciaApparel

derek: It’s ‘Doh – sha!’

T: OK OK!! If you had to round up ‘Doh – Sha’ in a sentence or a brief description what would it be?

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hydrate, protect and nourish your skin.

Alongside having a regular and consistent skin care routine there are other things that can help give you clearer looking skin: - Drink plenty of water. Challenge yourself and drink only water for 2 weeks minimum and you will see a difference in your skin.

A Right Start written by @AliceFavour_x Skin care should be a must for everyone whether male or female. Looking after your skin is so necessary and it is important to invest time and a reasonable amount of money into taking care of your skin, the same way you take care of our bodies by eating the right foods and attending the gym.

Having a skin care routine is vital if you really want to improve or maintain the condition of your skin, especially for individuals who wear makeup regularly. Routines can be carried out during the morning or evening or even at both times. Your skin care routine can be daily and also include weekly facial treatments such as exfoliating scrubs and masks.

Here is a basic exemplar routine that is very simple to follow and keep to. You can change the routine around to suit your individual preferences to see what works best for you.

The routine: Depending on the time of day you start off by: urban revolution

- Avoid eating too much fatty foods and food that contain a lot of oil. These types of food make pores more visible and 1. Either using facial wipes to re- cause spots to appear on the move any cosmetic products used face. on the face such as foundation, Here are some of my recommascara, eyeshadow etc. Then proceed by applying a facial wash mended Skin care brands: onto a wet face and massage - Neutrogena into your skin until lather builds - Body shop skin care range up, then rinse with warm water.

- Boots Skin care range Facial wash’s help to remove traces of dirt and excess oils from - Simple - Lush your skin.

- Clinique

2. After washing your face, cleansing your face is next. Most facial cleansers are moisturising to the skin and help to further remove impurities in the skin and traces of makeup that the facial wash did not manage to remove.

“Remember your face is A FAVOURED FACE” For makeup bookings or other makeup/beauty related enquiries email me at

alicefavour@gmail.com.

3. Toning comes after, usually done on a freshly washed face that has been patted dry. Facial toners are designed to soothe the skin and shrink/minimise the appearance of pores.

4. Lastly you want to restore some moisture back into your skin that was lost through washing and cleansing your skin. It is important to moisturise your face daily. Facial moisturisers help to page 9

URBAN REVOLUTION presents

VIbe Squad

DJ PMontana being a close friend of the Chief in Editor Mitch, invited Urban Revolution Mag down to the Vibe Squad recording studio located in Stratford. written by @mitch_osei

Trimming the squad Vibe squad originally came together 3 years ago, after the artists decided that they would be more of a force as a collective as opposed to solo artist. The group initially had other members but now currently consists of Kelvin, Wizzy & DJ PMontana. The guys describe the group as a family that operates as one both on and off the stage, which was beautiful to hear.

“initially the artists within the scene where divided but have now realised the error of their ways and come together to support each other“

time Africa also contributed. We done it well with Afrobeats”. The commercial acceptance of the genre is just an extent of the culture and heritage of Africa being spread across the world just as African people are in modern day society. Kelvin stated something so striking in the interview with Entering the scene the magazine when explaining The group recall having a relathe reason why he believes UK tively smooth journey entering Afrobeats took longer than it the UK Afrobeats scene, however did to explode. He felt it was as with anything there has been because ”initially the artist withsome barricades and struggles. in the scene where divided but Kelvin mentioned that, as with have now realised the error of any industry there are politics, but their ways and come together to Vibe squad where determined support each other”. not to allow them to stop the progress they had made and it’s a The Gift of Music testament to why they are where Our conversation with the guys they are today. then diverted to where Afrobeats Speaking on behalf of the group has taken them as individuals and DJ Pmontana stated that he what it had led them to expebelieves that the reason why the rience. Wizzy mentioned that group are one of the biggest the fans and the support they UK Afrobeats acts is due to the have given Vibe Squad has been fact that they took time cultisomething he never thought he vating a foundation combined would experience, at least not to with the fact that they produce level that they are currently requality music on a consistent basis, something that some artist struggle to do in today’s music industry irrespective of genre.

ceiving. He expresses how it was a blessing as “it’s not given to everyone to go and perform on stage” but that is something that is his reality. DJ PMontana added that being a DJ has allowed him to meet different people from all walks of life.

Come Over Vibe Squad have been working on their new single come over, which is out now and can be viewed via http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=scGpGn0W4w0.

They will also be doing regular shows so follow them on twitter to find out where they will be.

Follow Vibe Squad on Twitter @Vibe_Squad DJ P Montana INTERVIEW Mitch: You recently released Afro Mayhem 2, talk to us about the success of the 1st one and why you decided to bring out a 2nd?

The rise of Afrobeats Afrobeats has rapidly grown in popularity and is now played on national radio stations such as Choice Fm. We asked Vibe Squad why they feel the genre they’re so heavily a part of has been able to cross over. The group feel “It was just time Africa to do something, previously we’ve had other continents and countries represent themselves, it was urban revolution

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Sunday. I’m currently on a college tour with City Safe. For the rest of the year I’m just looking to focus on branding myself and making myself bigger. I don’t want to limit myself and want to get into lots of different avenues.

I don’t just want to be a DJ who DJ’s at normal clubs.

M: So what’s the end aim?

DJPM: Right now obviously I enjoy DJ’ing, my happiness comes from DJ P Montana: The 1st one was DJPM: Yes, I’m going Ibiza on the making sure others enjoy themselves but that isn’t the end goal. the classics and bangers from 28th July 2013 for an event on 2012 all on one CD. I thought 29th called Ibiza loves Afrobeats, I want to get to a platform where I should make a compilation of which I’m booked to pay at. The I can bring in other people and help other people. The end aim tunes for people to listen to and I event is brought to you by B3tisn’t just be a DJ, I want to help made hard copies for people who ta London and Silva PR, biggest others and give opportunities’ to don’t have online or viral access Afrobeat event abroad that’s many. and gave it to them. That was come so far a success everyone liked it and enjoyed. This year I did the same M: Why do think Afrobeats has M: So you mentioned wanting thing, since the time I released spread so far and is now in loca- to help others and give opporno.1 in 2012 to 2013 there’s tunities, so who gave you your tions like Ibiza? been so many new songs, so I opportunity to get into DJ’in? had to limit what and how many DJPM: All it takes is the great songs to put on the CD. No.2 DJPM: I have a cousin who is Big idea of one to spark the brains has been a success, over 600 Funkz, the co-founder of B3tta downloads in less than a month. of many. So the people behind London. He just suggested to me Mitch: What have you been do- Afrobeats loves Ibiza realised a lot one day that I should try DJ’in ing in-between the release of the of people are going abroad and most of the people going abroad and gave me decks and said two mixes? love Afrobeats within the UK, so practice. From there it’s just been shooting up hill.! I’ve only been why not bring something they DJPM: I have been DJ’ing all over love at home to a place outside DJ’in for two years so the first the country. I’ve been to Manthe country where they’re going time I ever touched decks was chester, Stoke, Coventry, Notting- to enjoy. So that’s how the two in 2011. So I’ve done a lot since ham, Northampton, London and came in hand. then Amsterdam. I’ve just been DJ’in ! I haven’t had time to sit down Follow DJ Pmontana on twitter: and think about a mixtape. I did M: What are your plans for the @DJ_PMontana release two mixtapes in January rest of the year and early next but from January to June I’ve just year? been DJ’ing. Obviously I’m a full time University student so I just DJPM: Right now we’re in sumdo the DJ’ing stufff on the side. mer (July) so I’ve got a pool party coming up next month. I’ve got another event at Inc club coming M: You’re also going to Ibiza up at the beginning of August. right?

I’m also playing at Afrobeat page 12

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Starboy willz We meet up with the man himself Starboy Willz aka Mr Ogede in Kings Cross for a quick chat to find out what he’s been up to and how he has climbed to such fame, within the Afrobeat scene, so quickly.

Why Afrobeats?

We asked why out of all the genre’s he found himself dabbling with Afrobeats, Starboy explained that he feels the sound is wavey and it allowed him to express himself in a way that other sounds didn’t. This combined with the fact that he feels comfortable when making Afrobeats makes for a perfect fit.

Starboy Willz initially took an interest in music in Yr 9 but he stated at first “I was just making a few tracks here and there”. It wasn’t until his 1st year of college that he decided to take it more seriously. The origins of his interest stem from his father, who was a DJ. Starboy Willz recalls going along to “African parties and I use to love being around him and playing with the equipment” UK rap was the first point of call in regards to making music for Starboy but he soon realised that he wasn’t bringing anything new to the scene although he wanted to; therefore Afrobeats is where he found his home.

Relationship with Showashins Showa Shins and Starboy Willz are two artist that the scene closely link as they have worked together on numerous occasions, but Willz lets us know that their relationship goes deeper then music and is a friendship that formed as a result of the two attending the same secondary school. Reminiscing Starboy Willz recalls that him and Showa Shins had the exact same interview urban revolution

time when applying for the school, both were accepting and attended, after which they were both placed in the same classes. The boys grew together and became close, discovering they had the same interests, the main one being music.

Maybe it was fate the two would go on to be two of the hottest up & coming artist in the UK Afrobeat scene. The first track they made together was called Fi Mi Le, Starboy Willz suggest that the track was created in their development stage and not of the quality we’ve come accustom to hearing from the two.

Ogede The concept for Ogede came to fruition during one of Willz & Showa Shins regular ‘chilling sessions’, the two friends where just relaxing and conversing when the idea popped up. For those who don’t know, he explains the word Ogede is “a Nigerian word meaning banana”. With no delay the two called up their producer and got the beat for the track before vocalling the track.

Having the track ready quite quickly the two decided to release the audio that caused big ripples within the Afrobeat scene and the clubs. Ogede features Mista Silva and currently has over 25,000 views on Youtube. The video is in the process of being made and Willz told us we can expect its release late this summer

Follow Starboy Willz on twitter : @StarboyWillz page 13

skob On one of the groups many hectic summer days we managed to get a phone interview up with the group during a break between their studio sessions.

shout to Castro, big shout out to M: You work closely with Mista ing afrobeats oppose to the other Praye. That’s out within the next Silva for those that don’t know genres you’ve done such as grime two months and banging out could you explain how that relashows but the album is the main tionship started and what it’s like and funky? one right now. working with him?

Skob: Its just there’s a lot of things I can relate to seeing as M: What can we expect from the S: First of all it started from back, first of all I’m African. You know album is it all afrobeats or can back, way back because me and growing up I’ve been around we expect other elements and Silva been doing music from Afrobeats music, from Hiplife genres? grime days. It’s a thing where we from going to parties to being at heard about each other when it home and my parents banging it.

S: Yeah Yeah definitively it’s a mix came down to funky, when funky It was just the norm. had just kicked off. I was Dj’in of everything. I’m not going to lie I’m going to be real with you and he was this MC. I had heard M: What are you currently work- right, everyone will be surprised about him and he had heard ing on? about me. One day a member of its not what everyone will be his team phone me and was like expecting its not your everyday S: I’m currently working on the ‘come on come on’ Skob. It’s a we should link up were putting album. I’m not even going to lie bit more mellow and soft but it’s this team together and what I’m currently working on a solo a mix of everything not just Afro. not. So we buck up one day and album at the moment. The next “THen we started hitting up the studio, I was track to be released is me and Silva, look out for that it’s called engineering for them lot. Then we dropped couple one ‘1,2,3,4’. I have two collaboratwo track and then one popped off ...“ tions with 2 big Ghanaian artist,

Mitch: What made you stay do-

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started working together from there I started off as his DJ as part of the camp called ‘Doing This Now’. Then we started hitting up the studio, I was engineering for them lot.

Then we dropped couple one two track and then one popped off and then we’ve just been working like. Like we’ve been close friends as well, he’s a cool guy. But that guy he’s’ on his job when he gets in studio he’s just down, Silvas a guy that say boom here’s a beat he’ll never ever say no. His work rate is on point still.

M: Apart from being an artist and

hit the UK charts. If you really check it as well all the other guys from aboard (Nigeria & Ghana) the hustles here, they all come over here, try and pop here, try and hustle here. So really and truly the games growing and I think the UK Afrobeat scene will continue to grow bigger because there’s a lot of eyes on the UK right now.

everything. The whole chemistry of the tune! Bad bad! No.2 will have to be. No.2 will definitely have to be Friday. Big shout out S: Basically first and foremost I to my brother Gizmo. Friday is produce and I engineer as well. such a big tune man. I think right That’s about it. Those are the now that a lot of people haven’t two main things I do. I engineer realised it but Friday is a very big for the likes of Gizmo, Flava & big tune, in terms of instrumenKwamz, most of my tracks that tal, shout out to Dadda Boats you hear are mixed, mastered who produced it. The instrumenand engineered everything by tals something different. It’s Afro me. So yeah that’s about it. but at the same time its new M: What would you say are skool kind of European sound your top 5 Afrobeat songs at M: What would you say to those the moment? You can say UK or and I think that’s the sound the who say that Afrobeats doesn’t whole Afrobeat sound is going to otherwise and you can include have longevity and may end up change into you get me. So no.2 yourself? like Funky and Grime, and why? will have to be Friday by Gizmo featuring Mista Silva and Kwamz.

S: Yeah (laughs) Erm, my top 5 My No.1 tune will also have to S: Errm, (takes in a deep breath starting from No.5. Big shout out be Boom Boom Tah. Big shout to and laughs) I’ve never really to Afro B. he’s got a new tune Mista Silva, Flava & Kwamz that heard anyone say that ...but you ‘Sweet Coco’ featuring Mista can’t really say that because the Silva that tunes a big tune. No.4 tune did crazy stuff to the UK Afrobeat scene. That tune took game has started and is growbig shout out to Starboy Willz! its time when it dropped so yeah ing like there’s evidence. If you You get me Showa Shins ‘Ogede’ check videos if you check peoples that’s a bad tune. No.3 (pauses) tracks, right now Fuse is charting who’s number three, No.3 has Follow Skob on twitter: so that’s just the beginning of to be ‘Ching Chang Wallah’ . Big @Skoboriginal something new to the game. So shouts to Weray Ent. That’s WerI really think the game is going ay `Ent featuring myself, Gizmo, to go far, it’s got a long way to JOAT, Tribal, Vibe Squad. Ching go. Like I said Fuse has charted Chang Wallah is such a bad tune.

Dbanj was the first to chart. You There’s so many different artist get me so I know there’s more on it, the instrumental, the mix, spaces for people to come and DJ’ing what else do you do that others might not know about?

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Seyi From LDN - LA the transatlantic EP

written by @BakitaMasala

Seyi - Resolution ep Available Now at Soundcloud.com/seyimusic Seyiofficial.com

I first became aware of Séyi’s talent when we were both studying at Christ the King Sixth Form College and I’ve made sure that I’ve been able to keep up with his progress, releases and new ventures via trusty social media sites!

Séyi is a 23 year old singer/song writer from South-East London.

Self-described as a pop/R&B artist with a ‘touch of soul’, Séyi has been influenced by Michael Jackson, Jamiroquai, Usher and Dru Hill (in the ‘90s). Performing at school, in his church’s youth choir and grabbing other available opportunities to share his talent, Séyi has made a name himself in the gospel scene and has now spent the last couple of years growing within the mainstream industry.

has incorporated a hint on electro of late (which is particularly apparent in the song Kiss Me) has also revealed the mark of his own great influences. Séyi stated that each song on the EP has a

It’s been fantastic to not only see this UK talent grow, but also collaborate with others, allowing his fan base to discover other artists, including J Warner and Chief Wakil.

@SéyiOfficial bro this ting is real fam can’t stop playing it, vocal arrangement is insane and the riffs in ya adlibs are just a piss take - @fudaguy

I’m sure his fans are celebrating the news that the gifted, sincere and motivated Séyi has ‘made that FIRM DECISION to leave everything else behind and choose music’. Recognition of his talent and passion will continue to grow

Listening to @SéyiOfficial EP #RESOLUTION! sweet music! brilliant work :D - @DebbieAramide

Séyi’s Resolution (produced by SOS Music Group) is available to download on this website.

‘purpose’ and ‘no song is a filler’.

This is evident. It is welcomed Séyi has followed his first mix that each track is a great narratape (Late Arrival), with Resolution. Building on the foundations tive that tells a range of different stories, covering complicated laid by Late Arrival, it has been great to hear Séyi’s development and raw emotions, frustrations and progression with SOS Music and hopes that any listener can identify with.

Group. The EP Resolution was released at the beginning of Resolution came out in the beginJune, this year. On his website, ning of June and has been greetSéyi explains how much care and time was taken to come up ed with a mass of positive and with the perfect name for the EP. celebratory comments: With such dedication, there was Fire Love (Ft. D Thrills) and Dear little chance that the same ener- Love (Ft Lola Godheld) are brilgy wouldn’t be taken with each liant tracks, but my favourite track on the EP. His sound which has to be If I Could (which has been on constant reply since I first downloaded the EP). What is great about this EP is that you’ll find that some of the songs will be an instant personal hit, whilst others may be described more as ‘growers’- therefore there’s little chance of tiring of the music even after playing it on a continuous loop. There honestly hasn’t been a day (since the beginning of June) that I haven’t listened to at least two tracks from Resolution. urban revolution

@SeyiOfficial soundcloud.com/seyimusic Seyiofficial.com Words written by @BakitaMasla

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Jeff jones From Naija to England – Jeff Jones’ story as an artist and his sound

written by @mitch_osei ing when making rap so gravi- didn’t want to just make normal tated towards a form of music Afrobeats style I added other Jeff Jones was born in Nigeria and grew up around ‘old school which was much more closely styles like reggae to the mix to create a new Afrobeat”, as he Afrobeats’, listening to the likes linked with his background sonically.

This sound would be tries to reach his goal of bringing of Fela Kuti. Jones was also the world together through his heavily influence by the church Afrobeats. music. and was a member of the choir.

Spending time in the village ex- Jones vehemently pointed out posed him to another derivative that he wasn’t a bandwagon Issues with cover artist and took to Afrobeat of African music, tribal music.

With Jones first track being a before it became popular music.

Jeff Jones, clearly growing up cover he knows all to well the From the beginning he was a cultured individual arrived in problems that such can bring England and was introduced to adamant that he would make about. “Some people do cover’s a different type of Afrobeats to new genres of music of which for exposure but that’s the probeveryone else. He explained “I lem. An artist has put work and he knew very little of but was keen to explore. He initially took a liking to underground “I didn’t want to just make normal Afrobeats style. rap and garage. He naturally I added other styles like reggae to the mix to took to UK rap and started integrated it into his sound but create a new Afrobeat” he still felt something was miss-

Childhood

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promo into it. Sometimes the original track isn’t that good but that person has put work & money into promoting and making that track and it hurts for someone to come along and do a cover and it shows up next to theirs and people listen to it, when that person didn’t put in any work.”

Jones warned of the possibilities of being sued and why that was the main downside with doing covers. His first track which was a cover of ‘chop my money’ didn’t fall to these perils as it “hadn’t blown and we didn’t get the original song we done our version. The song blew after so when you look at the release date you can see”.

However, he expressed how DJ’s liked the tune but they couldn’t do anything with it because it was PSquare’s song.

He feels doing covers really isn’t the best thing and encourages artist to work on their own original material as a lot of people are imitating the original song when doing covers, which in his words is a “waste of your time”. On the topic of coves he ends by making clear that there’s no money in making covers whereas there is in originals.

With his management fully behind him meetings where set up to discuss the detail’s of the shoot. He recalls using “one of the best locations out there; East end studios and the directors team was from NBT media”.

Once the camera, the venue, lights, props and many other things necessary were paid for the shoot began and the infa-

mous Oti To video was born.

Management

Gabrielle Music manages Jeff Jones; the two became acquainted when Jones was booked for a show she was in charge of.

Gabrielle was getting in contact with all the artist and called up Video budget Jones who when she learned The budget was minimum 4-5 exactly who she was speaking grand. Jones couldn’t recall to was surprised to hear was exactly all the expenses but ex- involved in the music industry, plained that most went to the likewise he that Gabrielle was pay the director “who was my involved in the events industry. boy that I’ve known for a long During this conversation she time. I said, yo I need to do a also mentioned that she manbanging video I need to repaged artist, with Franklynmusic resent UK Afrobeats. I’ve seen her main artist at the time. Jeff the videos that’s out there and Jones felt he needed a manager they’re not bad but we need to too as everything he had done step up”. up until that point was done “on urban revolution

my own and I didn’t really know what I was doing”. He tells us of how initially Gabrielle was reluctant to take on the role, as she didn’t feel she had the knowledge of the Afrobeats scene that was necessary to help Jones propel his career. However, Jones managed to convince her and the two began devising a contact list of who’s who in the industry and how they could be useful. Jones mentioned that initially he wanted ”someone who was organised” and Gabrielle was exactly that. She proved that by getting straight to work and setting up shows, writing Jones press releases and just generally promoting him. He tells us a great piece of information about the nature of his manager and how she has a bank account for her artist and regularly contributes to the fees for their video shoots and studio session bookings. It no surprise then that with such faith and understanding between the two that they have managed to become prominent names within the UK Afrobeat scene.

Future Plans In the future Jones mentioned that he will be working with the infamous P2j who is known for producing the smash hit ‘watch my ting go’ by Lola Rae, something that he is very much looking forward too. He has also worked with Delirious Pro (who made Oti To) and Dolla Billz as well as being in talks with individuals in Nigeria about performing out there

follow jeff jones on twitter: @donjeffjones

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s r i a f f ent a

r r u c f o e t a t s l l sad a b t o o f h s i l eng

Following a summer of abject performances and wonderful failures, debates and theories have been thrown back and forth in regards to the standard of English football. What happened to our talented youngsters? Do we have any? Why can’t they string 10 passes together? I will not start on the senior side as they have shown little sign of replicating the feats Italia 90, Euro 96 or even Germany 2006 (please let’s not bring up 1966). The future is not bright for England but that’s for a number of reasons. It is too simple to blame on one party, each has an equal amount of shame that must be burdened.

Looking at the governing body of “The Best League In The World” the moniker spat at every given opportunity.. A study showed

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that only 35 English players under the age of 21 made an appearance last season, which is the lowest since 2005, and the effects were seen in the underage tournaments this summer.

The Premier League board has put the benefits of the brand ahead of the future of the English game. When the league doesn’t condemn a club for not fielding a single English player in a starting line up, like Arsenal did against Reading in March, and instead, turns a blind eye we get a situation whereby clubs on all rungs of the ladder start adopting this farce. The former FA chairman’s statement that the senior team’s friendly in Brazil is more important than the U-21 European Championships left me and the whole nation gobsmacked. There is nothing better than tournament experience and that showed as there were full

internationals playing at the tournament instead of meaningless friendlies. But no, not England and then we wonder why players struggle to thrive at the big tournaments.

However before we slander the Premier League board let’s look at the clubs themselves. A few facts here: Jordan Henderson (£20m) costs more than Mezut Ozil (£12m). Andy Carroll (£35m) more than Robin Van Persie (£22m). James Milner (£26m) costs more than Shinji Kagawa (£17m). Sunk in yet? The ludicrous price tags placed on English players is so off putting, especially when you factor in skill set, attitude and work ethic amongst other things. It is like going to Tesco and seeing store branded food twice as expensive as McVites or Cadbury products. It doesn’t bode well for the future of the game for clubs to charge over and beyond for their English talent.

Speaking of said talent, the players themselves need to take a share of the blame here. For every Jack Wilshere you have that urban revolution

insanely talented player who really should have broken into the team first. The hard work and dedication that is required to make it in football is not found in enough young players today.. More players need stick their foot in the door then blow it wide once there is an opportunity. Grasp their chance and never look back. Ravel Morrison is one that will hopefully fix up after his talent had him labelled as the best talent since the golden 92 class. But his reported poor attitude seems to have held him back.

Talking of chances, the managers must be criticised for the way

ers from really pushing as they will feel they won’t get a chance regardless. While this is not an excuse it is easy to see why they would feel like there is little chance for progression. A worrying stat reveals only 189 players who could play for England featured in the Premier League this season and only 29 played for the top 4 clubs. A more shocking stat for the Big Four is the fact only 5 homegrown academy graduates were fielded with Manchester City not featuring a single grad.

Appalling in comparison to Spain where the likes of Barcelona, Real Socieadad etc, are producing quality players and feeding the needs of the nation, which has benefitted them in return. Looking at another shocking statisthey insist on seemingly ignoring tic, only 30% of the players last their academies. It is difficult to season were eligible to play for understand how clubs will go England. Nations like Germany through all the effort in filling have 50%. Rather telling! their academies with talent only What is so sad is that football never to give them the chance has become so results orientated, to perform and earn their way. beautiful aspects of the game are How disheartening must it be to being sidelined. The joy of seeing come to training day after day local players coming through the only for the manager to bring in ranks working hard and becoman import who got the chance ing first team players is so rare they can only dream for. This will as clubs want to win and win naturally prevent the youth play- now. I love the Cantonas, Henrys, urban revolution

Zolas, Vidukas that have graced this league. But I also like to see Le Tissers, Beckhams, Gascoignes, Sheringhams, Nevilles also grace the stage. For the sake of England it is a need or else the country will continue to be surpassed and become irrelevant.

There are so many different aspects to consider and so many different viewpoints used to analyse the current situation. We can point the finger and attribute the blame to various different individual within the game but the most important thing we need to recognise is work needs to be done and soon.

english football written by @sugarcraig

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ners

. e n o r i’s Th

The

s s e M o Heir T

We’ve come to that point in time where we can easily say that the best player of our generation is Lionel Messi, despite the greatest attempts of Cristiano Ronaldo to dethrone the Barcelona sensation. The four-time Ballon d’Or Winner has been head and shoulders above everybody else, breaking records left, right and centre, but the question remains who will take over the reigns once and more crucially if the Argentinean starts to stagnate. This has led me to look at the next crop of superstars and pose the question of who will be the heir to Messi’s throne. Bare in mind also that my list self-imposed shortlist consists of players under the age of 23.

Win r O ’ d n llo

l Ba

ia Potent

both Real and Lo Roja.

Thiago Alcantara, the man who literally. Dubbed as the new Pele was making all of the headlines and Brazil’s golden boy, Neymar in the summer as a result of his now at Barcelona has been given protracted transfer to Bayern the platform to exert himself on Europe’s biggest stage, before taking the nation on his back to lead them to World Cup glory next year. His performances at the Confederations Cup was a fragment of what is yet to come and being paired up with the world’s best players Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta will only aid the diminutive Brazilian to the

Munich. I remember seeing a Brazilian looking footballer arrive on the pitch at the Bernebeau in an El Classico game around about the 70th if I’m not mistaken, summit of world football.

Carrying on the theme of recent have a few good touches, looking beyond confident even as he La Liga acquisitions another of the games young pretenders also jogged around the field and then made the move to Real Madrid. provided fans with a spectacle by taking on Marcelo, Xabi Alonso Isco Alarcon, the Golden Boy winner of 2012 had an amazing and Khedira with a drag back skill. From that moment on I was season last term and warranted sold. His performances remained his £30m move to Real Madrid in early July. His first game in the inconsistent for a while as his eagerness to impress too much Champions League sent shivers ended up taming the son of down my spine as he provided spectators with a momentous dis- Brazilian Legend Marzinho. The ability to control a game like Xavi, Who to start off with? None play to introduce himself to the other than Neymar Jr. Since the pinnacle of European Football. He with the flair of Ronaldhino is age of 16 there has been an awe single handily guided Malaga to the best way to describe Thiago and teaming up with his former about Barcelona’s latest signing. the quarter finals in their debut mentor Pep Guardiola will do He may not be the biggest player Champions League outing. Are wonders to help the U21 Chamin terms of physical presence and we looking at a future Ballon may appear to look lightweight d’Or winner? I’m still undecided pionship MVP cement a place on but once the ball is at Neymar’s but if potential is anything to go that Ballon d’Or shortlist one day. feet magic happens. Still only 21, by then we shall see Isco embark From one Pep Guardiola acquiNeymar has the world at his feet on a momentous career with sition to another, Mario Gotze. page 22

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I once heard someone ask if Judas had ever played the game so gracefully?

And the answer was simply no.

Composed, classy, confident and by no means the finished article is Mario Gotze. Write what you want about his infamous move to domestic and bitter rivals Bayern Munich, but you cannot doubt this kid’s potential. Under the tutelage of Pep, Gotze’s game should ascend to the next level and that level is simple to the top of the class. Since his breakthrough season in 2010-2011 Gotze has regularly performed and outshone those technically and tactically despite his tentative age. A rare gem in the game and a player that will continue to develop despite already being a world class asset to football, a

identified as that half Messi/half Ronaldo talent? Well he finally found his way to the eyes of the many spectators who would have followed his career in England.

The Chelsea magician was involved in the greatest of transfer soap operas when he alerted both Manchester clubs of his ambition to play. Hazard has all the attacking qualities to be a future Ballon d’Or, he is incredibly quick, a natural gifted dribbler and despite those fundamental qualities he is a fairly unselfish player. To summarize if Hazard continues to excel under Jose Mourinho then all the pre-teenage hype will definitely amount to Chelsea’s first ever Ballon d’Or winner

written by @ReeceRav

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.

- Aristotle Onassis Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.

- Robert Louis Stevenson Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.

- Buddha I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’

- Muhammad Ali Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.

- Democritus definite contender to claim the Ballon d’Or in the future.

What’s a future Ballon d’Or themed article without listing a Premier League player? Jack Wilshere has been earmarked as the country’s finest young talent and Gareth Bale despite arguably being the most feared footballer outside of La Liga is a mature 24 years of age. That leaves me with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.

Remembering hearing of a young Belgian applying his trade in Lille, urban revolution

Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.

– Napoleon Hill Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.

- John Maxwell

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“Is misogyny in Urban music decreasing or increasing? And why?”

Ella December One of the most popular songs of the year was Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines a song that has been accused of encouraging rape. Maybe on paper by looking at the lyrics the accusations may seem a bit harsh, but coupling lyrics such as “I hate these blurred lines /I know you want it” with a video that features women only dressed in pants while the men are fully clothed makes the allegations seem warranted.

The Media has encouraged the notion that physically stunning I think it’s increased but not women must objectify themselves because the men through advertising, news, Social media and many more forms to in the industry make use of their good fortune. are becoming more misogynistic but because as an era we’re When we watch Urban Music embracing it. There’s been so many times I’ve bent over or sang videos we see the most aesthetic women, most of the time they’re along to misogynistic lyrics and objectifying themselves parading thoroughly enjoyed myself!

As women, we’re willing partic- in their underwear or completely naked.. The Urban Music industry ipants when being objectified. I honestly believe a lot of women thrives through objectification, even changing the female artists in these videos love wearing next to nothing and dancing in a that once were revered as innocent. For example, Rihanna beprovocative way. I’m sure some fore her “Good Girl Turned Bad” of these women enjoy the fact album and Miley Cyrus, once that as a gender, we can now Hannah Montana on a Disney own and parade outer sexuality through media….it’s a turn on..... Show is becoming renowned for plus women are also making the her sexual dancing. The biggest example of objectification for me same type of music.....

I personally don’t feel objectified is Nicki Minaj. Evidently physically altered in order to become more alluring, referring to herself as a Entertainment Blogger “Bitch”, she comes across as a Radio Host secret agent of an organisation @The_ELounge that advocates misogyny...

E-Lounge

Blurred Lines is a catchy song, but with its visuals and lyrics gives a misogynistic message. The hook that states “I know you want it” can be interpreted to mean that when a woman says no, she doesn’t mean no and its just silly females who don’t know any better. It enforces views that women are just sex objects who are made for male pleasure as in the video they are naked and according to Blog: The-ELounge.blogspot.com song they “want it.”

The fact this even consider lyricism not only speaks volumes about the music industry but also our society. Taking all this in to consideration, and the rise of scantily clad women in videos it seems misogyny in music is a mighty as ever. We have chauvinistic choruses we sing along to and sexist songs.

Jude Yawson

Misogyny in Urban Music is definitely increasing; it’s evident within the lyricism and videos of artists who cater to this genre. The objectification of women has been made popular through Media and this has caused a detrimental effect on the views of women Writer & GRM Daily Blogger from both sexes. A nauseating @EllaDecember example of misogynistic lyricism I Books: have come across is one of Robin www.scribd.com/Ella_December Thicke’s latest singles, Blurred Blog: elladecember.wordpress.com Lines. page 24

Blogger @Judiniho Blog: thehouseofhorus.com

urban revolution

U.R mag’s very own Ester put forward her view on the topic.....

Misogyny is definitely increasing in the music industry; this issue is particularly evident in Hip-Hop, Rap and Grime music. The sexual objectification and disparagement of women plays a dominant role in the means of these three genres, through their song lyrics and behaviour towards females in their music videos.

Arguably these genres of music have had a misogynistic attitude for the past couple of decades now and by the looks of it are only worsening and why because we have allowed it. We have let it get to the stage of this act becoming a highly praised norm within the music culture and buying into it. Therefore has proven to be an effective method of gaining more consumers, listeners and fans for the so called musicians.

Researching into the popular and recent song choices of young listeners’ today, I looked into the lyrical content of songs by different artists to get valid examples of misogyny in music.

Here are some of the lyrics of different songs that many may be familiar with: - don’t trust a bitch for nothin she’s easy to get but sneaky sneaky, hoes on my line most of em 9’s, all I want for my birthday is a big booty ho, told that bitch give me head, I rip bra’s then mash up the narni, big ho lap dance, my bitch bad looking like a bag of money, I love bad bitches, bow down bitches, I walk up in this bitch like I own a ho and I’ll take your girlfriend and put that pussy on a pedestal. urban revolution

These song lyrics are from the following listed Hip-Hop, Rap and Grime artists American and British: - Tyga, Poetic Hustlaz, French Montana, Asap Rocky, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Sneakbo, Rick Ross, Rihanna, Beyonce and 2 Chainz.

deed shows that not everyone will ignore or support sexual violence against women even if that means losing out on profiting from well paid rappers.

Although this action was taken the sad thing is it will soon be forgotten and young black people are and will still idolise these What all of these songs have in rappers, singers and other music common is the mentioning of artists by not only purchasing female genitalia and referenctheir music but buying into this ing to women as female dogs.. notion of abusing women verAs a young black woman I am bally and sexually that we hear ashamed that this is what black in the lyrics and objectification men and women are continuous- them in the music videos where ly putting out there as “music.” females are seen as no more Earlier this year Rap artist Rick than sexual accessories. Why Ross was dropped by Reebok misogyny is increasing in music is after his senseless and insensitive because the sexual objectification act of including pro rape lyrics of women is a key selling point in in a song titled ‘You Don’t Even mainstream music whether that is Know It,’ with two other rappers Pop, Hip-Hop, Rap and Grime. named Rocko and Future.

The lyrics are “Put Molly all up in A lot of superficial artists just her champagne, she ain’t even want music that will top the UK know it, I took her home and I Singles Chart or American Billenjoyed that, she ain’t even know board Charts, be played in the it,” meaning he put a date rape liveliest clubs, crave YouTube hits drug in a lady’s drink, took her and to be popular all over social home without her knowledge, media sites. Therefore forget had his way with her and enjoyed about making music that has any doing so. real depth or meaning when the oversexed, lavish and materialistic It is bizarre how a man classified lifestyle is what makes way more as obese was picked to represent money today an international sporting company in the first instance but the Written by Esther Adetula main point is the good that came @EstTops out of this situation which is the action Reebok took in ending their partnership with Rick Ross.

The 37 years old man who without shame, has exposed himself as a potential rapist and is known for his misogynistic and materialistic lyrical content anyway. This page 25

want to advertise your company or mixtape here? contact info@theurbanrevolution.co.uk for info

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