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Contributors

Editor’s Letter

Welcome to our second style issue of the year and also my first official step into the hot seat as editor, after letting Tinie keep hold of the reins last month. I know a thing or two about style as well, despite what the office might say about my gold chain embedded tees or rainbow-coloured outfits, but more importantly the style team are holding you down in this issue and the first thing to take note of is; it’s all about denim! That’s what they tell me anyway, and they seemed to have got the rest of the industry to agree with them, so it must be true.

Our cover stars Chase and Status, as musicians, definitely keep their style fresh, and a decade deep in the scene we had

to pay respect to what they’ve done for UK music. Joining them are talents from the world of sport with Man Utd’s Ashley Young and MotoGP rider Scott Redding, sonic based convo’s with Janelle Monae, Sinead Harnett and #ReadyForAnything star Javeon from the unstoppable PMR Records camp.

Of course our extended style section provides all the info you could possibly need to fill your wardrobe this month, with the best kicks, a selection of the best AW13 ranges out there and even a guide to look after your garments.

Unwind as always is about kicking back and getting jealous about us being able to get our hands on GTA V before you did then rubbing it in a bit more by telling you about what we got up to at Made In America and Outlook Festival. We even found time to speak to one of the biggest prospects in Hollywood right now Chadwick Boseman about playing icon after icon and Rinse FM’s Lily Mercer questions rap’s dwindling hard man image!

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Carly Wilford

In a word, I’m... honestYou’ll normally find me... creating havoc on a dance floorThis issue… rocksI’m all about... living your dream I’m so over... thinking it’s impossibleStalk me via... @CarlyWilford

Lily Mercer

In a word, I’m... lovingYou’ll normally find me... in the cloudsThis issue… I questioned rap’s hardman imageI’m all about... Adventure TimeI’m so over... cruelty to animalsStalk me via... @lilymercer and my Pandora’s box of underground hip hop, lilymercer.co.uk

Joe Waller

In a word, I’m... busy! You’ll normally find me... out drinking somewhereThis issue… I hooked up with OnePiece to help promote their new denim range  I’m all about... supporting good musicI’m so over... this cold weather alreadyStalk me via... @JoeRWD

@nardenescott@moorizzla@tegosigel@chantellefiddyAlex Johnson, Jerry Gadiano, Kieran Yates, Joseph “JP” Patterson,

@PXLpics Sam HardySophie Robinson,Janine Jauvel,Violetta Thalia, Neesha Sharma Art Jaz, Funny Tummy, Jiro Bevis, David Flanagan, Lucas Jubb, Rachel Goslin, Matt GlasbyAndres Reynega, James PH Response London,Adrian Nettleship, Jon Attenborurgh,Ravi Sidhu, Sam Bond, Pharaoh

Greg Bond, Felix Kemp

Nigel Wells Paul LeFevreMatthew RichardsJoe WallerHattie CollinsMartin FergusonBob Austin

RWD4th Floor60-62 Commercial StreetGreater LondonE1 6LTTel: 020 3176 4299staff@RWDmag.com @RWDmag 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.

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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.

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FeaturesUpfront With: Scott ReddingCover Story: Chase and StatusScrufizzerSinead HarnettJanelle MonáeB-Boy ChampionshipsOrchestral Mixtape Project

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#WGAF@RWDmag InstagramCheck-In Check Out#ReadyForAnything: Javeon, DJ S.K.T, The DisciplesAbout To Blow: Drew CoxSpeaker’s Corner

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Style: Denim Special

Unwind

Blue MotionThe Jeanetic CodeStreet CastFootwear Focus: Hand HeldSkate JamBrand Highlight: Supply & DemandBrand InsightPhilips x TDS’s Adam Scotland

Grand Theft Auto VWinter Gaming PreviewAshley YoungChadwick BosemanOutlook FestivalThe Big Review: Made In America

#WGAFWe’ve been eagerly eyeing up the timelines as grime producers battle it out this month, so instead we delved into instagram and the blogs to get involved in the hype probably not worth caring about this month.

Cheryl Cole got THAT monstrosity of a tattoo which took 15 hours according to Chezza’s tattoo artist. Was it worth it? Was it? The former X Factor judge hit back at the criticism, ‘People are entitled to their own opinion. Personally I’ve never really concerned myself with other people’s body parts!’ Well, when a body part as fit for use as that gets completely ruined, it’s everyone’s business.

Girls and Grillz who actually sanctioned this comeback? With Rihanna topping up her instagram addiction, Miley Cyrus using any opportunity to prove she’s ‘hip hop’ and a newly non-elephantitus Kim Kardashian posing on the cover of high fashion magazines in the overly expensive mouthpieces, RWD asks ‘Can we just put a stop to this please?’

iPhone 5s rumours are getting long, just release the damn phone! From the ridiculously huge memory to NFC capabilities and wireless charging to slow motion camera, we’re already over it before it’s even begun. Hurry up and drop the handset before even more.

Eminem is back but not really though, who else was less than impressed with the Beastie Boys throwback single Berzerk? Survival the newest track previewed at Leeds and Reading festival doesn’t do much to hype up the eigth studio release The Marshall Mathers EP Pt. 2 either. You know what Em, we’ll stick to Pt.1 if that’s cool with you.

Calling All Gamers!

As you know RWD are celebrating the launch of NBA 2K14 this month so naturally we’re throwing an exclusive event. To get the chance to witness the likes of Wretch and Roll Deep going up against SBTV and GRM Daily in celebrity basketball play-offs; as well as first play of the game itself and prizes upon prizes, all you have to do is open up twitter and get involved.

To enter simply Tweet #RWDnba2k14 to @RWDmag to be in the runnings of winning a pair of tickets to this one-off celebrity event. Who knows you might even walk away with a console and the game to boot. Good luck!

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Ahead of her intimate Birthday’s gig we caught up with the Virginia native to talk moshpits and getting jacked.

So are we set for some stage-diving?I can’t stage dive. I don’t trust people’s hands man! I would drop someone on purpose. I got trust issues.

But you’re like that chick right now…I don’t really pay attention to all of the accolades. I’m really happy to have received them but I guess the most important thing to me is my fans.

What’s your view on Control?I just think it’s all means of competi-tion, it just put the fire back in hip hop. Now everyone is like “Stop wasting your time rapping about dumb sh*t”, I think [Kendrick Lamar] is the King for doing it regardless of whether he’s right; he’s the only person to do it.

How have you stepped things up live?I don’t have a DJ, ever. I bring the full band, drums, keys, bass, guitar and we f**king smash! It’s crazy, those guys push me over the edge…

Are you not tempted to moshpit?I get really excited because everyone loves a moshpit and then I’m like ‘Oh someone is going to get hurt’. I jumped the barricade at [Leeds Festival] and took the entire crowd out of the tent. We’re all in a circle, and someone steals my hat. There was this kid laughing and I was like, ‘Dude I will f**k you up right here, right now…’ So basically, I lost a hat.@AngelHaze release Echelon (It’s My Way) on 14 October

Angel Haze On Crowd Control

“I can’t stage dive. I don’t trust people! I would drop someone on purpose. I got trust issues.”

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Holy Ish

Jay Z unleashes the holy grail of shows in the UK

Check-in… to London’s o2 Arena for the one and only Jay Z. Fresh from his stint headlining Wireless Festival, Jigga is gallivanting UK arenas in support of his recently released, chart topper Magna Carter Holy Grail. This month sees the CEO kickstart his jaunt in Manchester Arena on October 3, before culminating in London’s O2 Arena on October 13.Tickets from £37.50 see livenation.co.uk

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Shoot Range

Fit-in-your-pocket cameras that pack all the punch of an SLR

Check out… Canon’s latest contribution to the world of the digi-cam. The S120 renders the buzz kill of having to carry around a digital SLR (almost) irrelevant. The pocket-sized moment-capturer boasts Wi-Fi connectivity, a responsive touchscreen LCD screen and a 5x zoom lens. For more see canon.co.uk

Hey Mama

Mexican street food group Wahaca spawns Burrito Mama

Check-in… to the latest Mexican street food delicacy. The aptly named Burrito Mama, a shack-like venue, will have a variety of traditional burritos available to take away. Orders can be made via self-service screens, a mobile app or, the old fashioned way.Burrito Mama opens in London’s One New Change shopping centre 

Change Up

There’s no reason to look broke this month (even if you are)

Check-in… at herschelsupply.com and up your wallet game. Each of the denim, leather and fabric offerings, will ensure those pennies stay right where they need to be… well, until you reach the bar and think about backing a few ice cold Jagermeisters that is! Priced at £40-50 it’s a worthy purchase

Red Bull x Notting Hill CarnivalHow do they keep on doing this? You thought Rodigan was enough, well try Damian Marley and his bros plus the guys that killed 2013, Disclosure and the legends of the game Wookie and Todd Edwards. There were copious amounts of Rum and Red Bull, too.

House Is HouseCarlos Aries knows just how to throw a day party, lining up Cera Alba, Mark Radford, Adam Cotier and, of course, the man himself alongside Ular Grey (Twelve Minds) they delivered. It’s not often we ever feel that fulfilled when our night finishes at midnight.

HomeIt’s like two months in a row RWD have got all cultural. September was a night at The Proms and this month we headed to South Bank to The National Theatre to see Shakka get his acting on in the play Home. It was good stuff, don’t be afraid to curb the cinema every now and again for something live.

RWD Check-Ins

Ready For The Weekend

Looking for a coat is normally long but...

Check-in… at the fresh new site scottsmenswear.com for the ol’ winter faithful hooded wax jacket courtesy of Weekend Offender. The Crew style balances the simple with the stylish and it’ll keep you warm. What else could you ask for?Settle your wardrobe worries now for £139

Basq Clot

Time to get arty with your garms

Check out… international streetwear brand CLOT and their first artist capsule series. The collection, dubbed CLOT Thesis Vol. 1: BASQUIAT Artist Capsule is set to feature select pieces from the deceased artist’s archive on a grouping of tops, as well as a unique rug and set of Be@rbricks (whoever said toys are just for kids is a liar). Keep an eye on clotinc.com for the release

Bay Side

Khaki’s aren’t just for the sun, you know

Check out… what khaki specialists Dockers have got to brighten up the drab weather. Influenced by the waters of their native San Francisco Bay, the pants, available in everything from standard and slim to skinny are up for grabs in almost every colour imaginable. Head to dockers.com for yours

It Will Never Stop

Yes, yes, yes... Giggs marks his return with one-off London show

Check out… the UK’s realest rapper because he’s baack! Following slots at this summer’s Wireless and Reading & Leeds Festivals and much hyped announcements off forthcoming album When Will It Stop, the notorious Giggs is set to take London’s Under The Bridge by storm this month in a one off show. 15 October marks the album launch party for the offering which will without a doubt feature the Mark Ronson assisted (Is It Gangsta?) Yes Yes Yes and bangers from his back catalogue.Tickets are on sale now but not for long so hit up gigsandtours.com

Get Smart

Social Media-ready camera, set, go…

Check out… your brand new addiction, theQ camera. Designed with sharing fully in mind with built-in 3G connectivity and a web-based service that allows users to store, edit and post photos to any of their fave social networks. The unique looking cam also has a built-in diffused LED flash, manual focus wheel and… it’s waterproof and shockproof. Shut up and shoot. Cop it at theqcamera.com

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Bag It Up

Don’t let your back fade into the background

Check out… these crazy backpacks from our Cali cousins Lazy Oaf. From a standard leopard print to a print on print on print to even the sandwich look with their holdall, the whimsical looks will be finding a place on the backs of peeps this winter. Pick one for yourself over on lazyoaf.com from £45

Apple Bites Back

Apple makes a grab for TV

Check out… Apple’s foray into television territory. As if it wasn’t enough to own the world of music, Apple, is making a grab for the TV market. The iTV is reportedly set to feature both Siri and iSight, enabling both voice and face recognition. Oh, and iPhones and iPads may well be able to control it. We wouldn’t expect any less.Rumoured to launch late 2013 

Banging Burger… Honest!

Burger-tastic Honest spreads its steady sweep

Check-in… to the latest burger craze which has put its clutches around our hearts. Honest Burger, already a staple in Brixton, Soho and Camden are opening their doors in Notting Hill’s Portobello. The chain, which prides itself on its great British produce serves up a menu of drool-worthy burgers.Get your dribble on @honestburger

Wheel Up

Head to South Bank for some special sounds

Check-in… to a bespoke pod on the EDF Energy London Eye courtesy of Red Bull as they celebrate the 15th Anniversary of their music academy. In 2011 the brand experimented the multi-gig ride and this year the line up already boasts raving experts YoYo, Motion, Bugged Out and Fabric with more surprises gracing us with their presence on 14 November. Check redbull.com/revolutioninsound for tickets

Go Down South

Southern Food in Manchester

Check-in… to Manchester’s latest grub-house in the form of Southern 11. As the name suggests, the restaurant boasts authentic Southern treats, including pulled pork sandwiches, buttermilk fried chicken and sweetcorn pudding. Oh boy!Head to Southern11.co.uk or 3 Hardman Street, Spinningfields, Manchester

Side Hustle

B-Side keep things clean this season

Check out… how B-Side by Walé have combined sportswear with classic British tailoring this autumn. Wool details are seen alongside leather, mesh and even a spot of neon plastic, in their sweaters, varsities and Parkas. B-sidebywale.com has everything you need and then some

Defected’s Simon Dunmore talks longevity and the future of house with Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson.

“The strength of what we do lies in the talent that we work with,” says Defected’s head honcho. The London-based house and techno label was initially funded by Ministry Of Sound in 1999, however, after two years of working in a different creative mind-space to his backer, Dunmore decided to cut ties and began living out his Defected dream with five freelance staff. Now in their 15th year of busi-ness, boasting a team of twenty-plus full-timers, his vision of unearthing new talent – and putting on memora-ble raving experiences – has exceeded all expectations.

“We constantly monitor the land-scape, both musically and from a business standpoint, and then react quickly upon what lies before us,” explains Dunmore, who’s been work-ing in the dance music industry for almost three decades. “People have tried to downplay the value of music, but it still remains an art and true creatives deserve appreciation. If we promote and fulfill our promises to the artists we work with, we benefit in many ways and, ultimately, it’s all about the talent we associate our-selves with.” Defected’s taken some big knocks over the years but, as they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Simon Dunmore is secure in his empire’s future, and his and his team’s continual aim is to “invest all our energies into our artists, our community, and being creative.”

Happy 15th Birthday, Defected!

“We monitor the landscape, both musically and from a business standpoint, and then react quickly.”

Killer Bees

The dream team is back again

Check out… what else this multi-talented man Pharrell Williams has been up to with his new Billionaire Boys Club collection. Collaborating with Mark McNairy once again, the luxury “Bee Line” eases you into autumn nicely with cashmere and lamb’s wool sweaters alongside Scottish tweed and limited edition footwear. Swarm to bbcicecream.eu

Time Teller

Time for something a little different

Check out… the newest addition to your wall courtesy of NYC’s ClockWork Cros. Hand cut by Crosby in his Lower East Side studio apartment you can choose from music, film and cultural icons to get your time right. From Dre to Denzel and DiCaprio to DeNiro, Crosby has your back.Pick yours on clockworkcros.com

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Peg Leg

Nike are all about reinventing the classics

Check out… the new Nike Air Pegasus 83/30 for just £75. Celebrating 30 years of the classic silhouette, the new release features a hyperfused mesh upper and EVA midsole, so if you did actually want to wear these for running as opposed to purely stunting then you can. Don’t question it just get yourselves to jdsprts.co.uk

Marvel-ous Addiction

Marvel team up with Addict for super-hero inspired attire

Check out… UK streetwear apparel brand Addict as they birth marvel-ous recreations. The collection features real comic book drawings and logo interpretations of characters like Captain America, Spiderman and The Hulk on varsity jackets, sweaters, hoodies and T-shirts. From £25 on addict.co.uk

Get Shirty

Not a patch on the rest

Check out… this Supremebeing straight-cut shirt. With its canvas and brushed twill patchwork style it’s a little step away from your crisp white, but just because it’s cold outside it doesn’t mean your clothing has to follow suit.Go for something different for £70 over on scottsmenswear.com

Sock It To Me

You know your sock game has to be serious

Check out… what the dudes over at Cool Socks Bruh have got in store for your tootsies. The Dri-Fit socks feature the late great Aaliyah and Biggie to erm Cheetos, Bulls ballers and even Birds of Paradise. What else could you possibly want? We urge you to dash away your simple whites and get involved in a pair of these bad boys.Pass by Coolsocksbruh.com and don’t look back

With the elusive producer Friend Within, set to unveil bass heavy single Renegade. Nardene Scott had a chat with the mystery man to find out more about the musc.

Tell us a bit about the upcoming single Renegade. It probably originally surfaced about a year ago. The original track, I think it was the first 12-inch I ever bought in like 1995 and I’ve still got it; it’s probably one of my favourite tracks of all time. I was just looking for something to do a little update of and that was one that just jumped out at me and it’s just kind of gone from there. I’m surprised no one’s really said ‘Oh I can’t believe you’ve done that to a classic.’

You were with Monki in the Red Bull studios a few months ago. Did you expect your collab with Yasmin and Karma Kid Feeling So Special to take off the way that it did?I was really pleased with it when we did it, so I did think that it could be really popular so I wasn’t surprised in that sense, but it’s always great to hear people playing it. I saw a video of Bondax playing it at Reading Festival set and the crowd just went crazy.

What have you got coming up next?I’m trying to work on original stuff, I have been really busy with remixes, I think I did about 14 or something ridiculous in the space of a few months, so really trying to look about for individual things and in between, gigging. I’ve got loads of gigs around the UK and slowly branching out into Europe, so just trying to balance it all. @FriendWithin releases Renegade 13 October through Method Records.

Friendly Fire

“I’m surprised no one’s really said ‘Oh I can’t believe you’ve done that to a classic.’”

Alley-oop

We’re launching one of the biggest games of 2013 with an exclusive event in London.

Check in... at the launch of NBA 2K14. To celebrate we’ve called in Wretch 32’s Renowned Group, Black Butter Records, GRMDaily, Choice FM and Roll Deep for a celebrity basketball playoff plus the chance to win prizes galore.For your free entry invite check out rwdmag.com/nba2k14 now

Wrist Action

It’s not what you think

Check out… what Samsung aka the leaders of the smartphone game have coming up. The smartwatch dubbed The Galaxy Gear of course keeps the time but you can answer calls, take pics, download apps, use as a speaker... although it only pairs to another Samsung device, it is kinda cool.This will set you back £190 but you can switch up the straps so...

All In One

It’s comfy season but who says that can’t mean stylish

Check out… the newest release from OnePiece. This season, according to OnePiece denim, is all about the chill out. They’ve taken the initiative to combine both fashion and freedom with the launch of their new autumn/winter collection which includes these contemporary and more importantly, comfy denim-effect jumpsuits.Check them out at onepiece.com

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So we’re here at Silverstone for the British Moto GP, do you ever get nervous before a big race?No, not really. I probably get less nervous because of the amount of support I get here compared to other races. When you are in Spain and they are throwing some Spanish at you, it’s a bit strange. I think that is one of the things you need to control mentally.

You have said before in interviews that you feel invincible. Do you ever doubt that?Sometimes you have to look at it and think cham-pionship, points, take the risk. There is a lot that you have to balance. Brno and Barcelona, these two tracks I was in it to finish. Other tracks when you have the chance to go for victory, all you are thinking is you can win and you are the strongest.

You started racing when you were young. Do you ever feel like you have missed out on growing up? Yes. I started racing when I was four years old and my first race was when I was six. I already had the fighting spirit at a young age. I’d want to go out to the skate park with my mates and stuff but I would have to do my training and then I could go out. On the other hand, if I didn’t put in the hard work, ‘Would I be here now?’ I thank them for pushing me.

Did you ever rebel?I finished school early. I can’t say I have been off the rails. You want to do it but that doesn’t really excite me. A lot of people when I was growing up started smoking, drinking and I wasn’t even interested in those things. I just wanted to race bikes.

Who in life inspires you?I have to say Mike Tyson. Over the winter I did a lot of research into him and his mentality when he was high level boxing. The way he did it makes me think that when you want it, you are going to get it.

What has been the hardest thing you have had to overcome in your career so far?The hardest thing for me was probably losing my grandparents within a month of each other before I started Moto2 2010. I knew I was on my own. My head was a bit everywhere but I fought through it and stayed strong.

Do you ever think about what you would be if you weren’t doing this?[Laughs] I would probably be a male gigolo or some-thing. I can’t think of anything else if I am going to be honest. Try and keep up with the rider @Reddingpower

“I started racing when I was four years-old. I already had the fighting spirit at a young age. I’d want to go out to the skate park with my mates… On the other hand, if I didn’t put in the hard work I think, ‘Would I be here now?’”

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S C O T T R E D D I N G

Carly Wilford headed down to the infamous Silverstone track to catch up with Alpinestars rider Scott Redding. Fresh off his podium finish at the British Moto GP, we get to know what makes him tick on and off the track, losing out on his childhood and his plan B of becoming a male gigolo. Photography Pharaoh

Javeon

From hosting parties back in Bristol to singing his heart out over Julio Bashmore productions, Javeon has put the groundwork in and is liter-ally #ReadyForAnything. The latest release Lovesong has taken off nicely, so with the album prepped for 2014 we had to catch up with him.Photography PharaohWords Nardene Scott

“I had my first hosting shows for all the sixth form parties at school. You can imagine how gassed I was, a 15 year-old on the mic around all this alcohol, in this club, all the older girls, I thought I was a don.” He believes gassed is the word but for a kid that had been singing since the age of eight, we think it’s more inevitable that the 90s R&B obsessive would be currently signed to one of the hottest labels in the UK, PMR - home to Disclosure, Jessie Ware, Sam Smith, Julio Bashmore and more.

The Bristol born, bred and residing artist worked his way up through the scene alongside the likes of Buggsy and Joker as part of the Bristol equivalent of So Solid Crew, Cold Hearted. Then onto soul future-electronica and dubstep crews until Joker introduced the singer/mic man by chance to L-Vis 1990, whom he ended up releasing with via his Night Slugs imprint. Also, meeting his manager at the time, Ben Parmar, the founder of PMR, and the rest is most definitely still to come.

Having dropped the Two Inch Punch produced Precious last year and on the verge of unleashing the Julio Bashmore creation Lovesong, Javeon’s not willing to be boxed in by the house sound. “I come from doing underground music and I always loved R&B and I just want those two things to transcend through my music,” he begins, telling us about the forthcoming sonics. “I really love R&B and I really appreciate it when someone from the UK does it but I just think that it needs to be interesting, it can’t just be a mimic of the US.”

“We’re all blessed with each other, we’re all friends,” he smiles, pondering his label mates.”Julio Bashmore is a friend of mine and Jessie is cool, Two Inch Punch, that’s my boy right there and I’m also working with MNEK now… there’s only a few people that I get in with and you just click. ”There’s also talk of wanting to get in with Bondax, Kashmir Kid and Ryan Hemsworth plus a further studio session with Fraser T Smith. What’s next? According to the Craig David fanatic - yes he did beg the china bumps and the polaroids are buried deep - it’s all about the live shows, as the seasoned performer heats up crowds for headliners Disclosure over the next couple of weeks.@Javeon Lovesong is released via PMR 14 October

“I had my first hosting shows for all the sixth form parties. You can imagine how gassed I was, a 15 year-old around all this alcohol, in this club, all the older girls, I thought I was a don.”

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Shot at Red Bull Studios, London - a non-commerical space for artists to create without constraint. redbullstudios.com

DJ S.K.T

DJ S.K.T is a London-based DJ and producer, whose deep and soulful house, garage, and experimental bass creations have received spot plays on radio stations such as BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra, Choice FM, and Rinse FM, as well as international recognition from sites like MTV IGGY, Complex.com, and VIBE.com. If you haven’t heard his epic remix of Miguel’s Adorn yet, seri-ously, where have you been? Follow @DJSKT

The Disciples

“Our journey to this point has been a lot of hard work and madness,” laugh the three piece electronic collective. The south London based artists, who have previously worked with Ms Dynamite and Roses Gabor are gar-nering support from industry heavy hitters BBC Radio 1 and with good reason! They’re a triple threat, song-writing, production and singing, all handled in house. Lead singer Duvall is also the “master of arrangement”, while “Gavin Kool’s role is to bring the beats that make your Nan clap her cheeks”. As for Luke Mac? He helps pen the songs, “he’s like a lyric/melody vending machine, just push him and words pop out.” Triple threat indeed. Look out for @DisciplesLDN and their current Remedy EP.

Tweet To Win!

Duck And Cover’s directional take on trend-led menswear always keeps us one step ahead. RWD and Duck And Cover champion the hottest emerging talent and this month, we’ve met Javeon, The Disciples and DJ S.K.T who are all #ReadyForAnything. We’re here to make sure your style is on point and this Duck and Cover zip jersey is a must have Autumn wear. See duckandcover.co.uk. To win Tweet @RWDmag @duckandcover_ #ReadyForAnything

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“Growing up I can’t ever remember touching a camera,” Cox tells us hinting at the reality of his upbringing during the height of Apartheid. “I believe my passion for creativity, image making and story telling came from those years playing basketball in the townships around Pretoria and Johannesburg; immersed in hip-hop culture, where image and story telling is a huge part of the culture.”

When he moved to the UK in 1999, paired with the fact he’d received a Canon 3000N 35mm film SLR for his birthday, he was hooked on creating visuals. Master Shortie’s Dead End being his first official music video, the importance of budget as always was paramount. “Budgets are crazy tight and expectations are through the roof… but on the flip side you get the creative freedom to express your own ideas and experiences” says the defiant one, refusing to sell his soul. “The hardest thing is the talent blood suckers and industry knob heads that you meet along the way.”

Drew’s lean and layered style has led to projects working with Coca Cola, Nike, Oxfam, The Natural History Museum, Levi’s and an upcoming edit of a top secret Kanye West documentary he really can’t talk about. His trip to the UK was just the beginning, having travelled the world for his art form - which he argues is the most underrated art form of all time considering its impact on modern culture. “Naked monkey men coming onto me on set in Lagos, having to swim in a sewerage lake in Missouri, a Lambourghini catching alight on set, my girlfriend fracturing her spine from head-banging in the Noisses video,” recalls the the work obsessed insomniac.

Keen to film a piece based around the ‘76 Soweto Riots, talks with MTA records and music videos out in Tokyo all on the agenda; the work rate is quite obviously no joke. Keep an eye out for more and more boundary pushing and socially conscious visuals from this talent. Learn more on drewcox.co.uk and @drewcox3

“[Whilst travelling I’ve experienced] Naked monkey men coming onto me on set in Lagos, having to swim in a sewerage lake in Missouri, a Lamborghini catching alight...”

About To Blow: Drew Cox

In an industry full of people in it for the wrong rea-sons, it’s becoming rare to meet a passionate creative like filmmaker Drew Cox. Solely focused on bringing the best out of the arts, Nardene Scott delves into the background of the South African.

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STYLEPhotographer James Pearson-Howes

Photography Assistant Andy PStyling Sophie Robinson

Styling Assistant Chris McGovernGrooming Jodie Hyams using Smashbox and Schwarzkopf

Model Joe @supamodeanagment.com

Not a patch on other trends people will attempt to push your way this winter; denim is the only way to go. From the wardrobe staple jeans, to shirts and more, it’s out with last year’s leather and in with classic denim, so pick your wash, get your fit right and mix it up...

Above:Elvine navy rain macelvine.seEdwin wool herringbone waistcoatedwin-europe.comD.I.E stripe t-shirtdenimiseverything.comEdwin dark denim jeansedwin-europe.comLacoste apron front bootslacoste.com

Opposite: ToyWatch woven strap watchtoy-watch.comScotch and Soda wool blazerscotch-soda.comDr.Martens printed shirtdrmartens.co.uk

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Opposite: Icon knit beaniesurfdome.comSupremebeing quilted giletsupremebeing.comDuck and Cover navy knit jumper duckandcover.co.ukMinimum stonewash denim shirtminimum.dkReplay jeansreplay.itPuma Suedesjdsports.co.uk

Above:Duck and Cover cable knit beanieduckandcover.co.ukEdwin denim shirtedwin-europe.comadidas dark denim jeansadidas.comStorm woven leather wristbandsstormwatches.com

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Opposite: Albam cotton mac jacketalbamclothing.comElement denim shirtelementbrand.comG-Star dark denim jeansscottsmenswear.comBeyond Retro pocket squarebeyondretro.com

Above: Edwin denim jacket (over shoulder)edwin-europe.comFarrell blue chino shirtfarrell.comLuke spot shoulder panel shirtluke1977.comQuicksilver camo chinossurfdome.comSupremebeing blue suede bootssupremebeing.com

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Above:Replay denim shirtreplay.itLevi’s dark denim jeanslevi.comElvine jumperelvine.seBeyond Retro bandanabeyondretro.com Fenchurch leather apron front bootsfenchurch.com

Opposite: New Era snap backneweracap.co.ukReligion denim jacketreligionclothing.co.ukSamsoe and Samsoe waxed denim shirtsamsoe.comSonnetti jeans scottsmenswear.comPXL t shirtpxlclothing.comadidas hi topsjdsports.co.uk

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Above: New Era Raiders snap back neweracap.co.ukScotch and Soda jacketscotch-soda.comCalvin Klein jeanscalvinklein.comPenfield stripe T-shirtpenfield.comStorm braceletstormwatches.comShimla woven leather bracelet shimlajewellery.comLacoste leather desert bootslacoste.com

Opposite: Wrangler wool collar denim jacketwrangler.comO’Neill hooded stripe sweateroneill.comOne True Saxon creased denim jeansscottsmenswear.comToy Watch navy woven strap watchToy-watch.com

T H E J E A N E T I C C O D E

A pair of jeans are not just a pair of jeans. There are so many factors that need to be considered when buying the RIGHT denim; however you peasants seem to get it wrong every time. To save you from the shame we have put together a quick and easy guide of all the things you need to know when making those denim purchases. Teach the children and save the nation, armed with this knowledge you should be able to go out there and buy the perfect pair of jeans.Words Basil Burley

Fit-ness First

The fit or style of your new pair of jeans is crucial. The problem with people these days is they choose their fit according to trends without even considering their build. So if you’re a hench rugby player with huge thighs you shouldn’t be buying slim fit or even worse skinny. The point of fit is for the denim to put your build into proportion and FIT you! Also, do not ignore the “Low Rise” and “High Rise” tags. This is the crutch area of the jean, “Low Rise” is for men with strange sexual preferences, in my opinion. Then you have to consider leg cuts, that’s all down to personal taste and styling.

Brands Will Make Her Dance

This part is completely up to you and depends on your taste and of course your budget. There are the usual suspects such as Levi’s, Edwin and Lee who all make great denim. But if you are really about that life, then try and go for a premium denim brand like JAPAN BLUE or Tellason. One of my personal favourites is French brand A.P.C who offer a great service and top notch unwashed denim, a bit pricy but you’ll appreciate their lifespan.

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Helpful Tips

First and foremost, always try your jeans on in store, I know the internet is a great place to shop but you might need to pass when it comes to your perfect pair of jeans and ask questions. Also, stop being stingy, when buying denim, you might have to fork out a bit of cash. If you consider cost per wear, you will be better off. This is when you consider how many wears and washes your jeans will go through before they become un-wearable.

Size Counts

Tape measures come in handy here. Make sure you measure your waist because ain’t nobody got time for strange fitting jeans... the inside of your leg measurement is crucial too so don’t ignore that either. An important tip is to never buy jeans that fit perfectly because after 30-40 wears they will stretch so always size down. PLEASE beware of “vanity sizing”, if you are a 32 waist in one jean this means you are in fact a 34, brands size down to make customers feel better about themselves when trying on jeans. It’s important to note that sizes differ from brand to brand so always try on the jeans before buying.

Ruff, Rugged and RAW!

Unlike your conventional pair of jeans that are pre-washed at the factory, raw denims are not put through the washing process. A dark fabric that is dry to the touch and stiff - necessary pause - on the first few wears. Real denim heads buy raw denim and don’t wash them for six months! This creates a custom pair of jeans that develop a wash that are specific to how you wore them. This process is not for the sissies amongst you because you will be smelling like a cowboy for a while. However, they are a great way to lose your girlfriend without bringing the psycho out of her.

Finish Line

Would you like your jeans baked in the oven? Would you like destroyed denim? The finishes and features of a jean are important and those extra touches can make all the difference. Distressed or Destroyed jeans are for the bum look-a-likes out there who want to buy a brand new pair of ripped and faded denim for that worn on a farm look. Or you may want to go for stretch denim, which sees the denim blended with spandex to give comfort and stretch. Coloured denim is also a popular choice for those who like wearing dyed jeans. The list is endless and each brand has its own special finish to help you stand out.

Allow these industry veterans to guide you through denim...

The Inside Opinion

Name... Terry Bates Occupation... Partner at Denim Is EverythingsomewhereFavourite piece of denim… the Kingston Cone fabric. Cone Denim is a US supplier which has been creating some of the most beautiful denims in the world since 1891 Denim related anecdote… I was told in 1997 that I would never sell jeans outside of London. I went on to launch G-Star in the UK and run the UK operations for denim brands including Pepe Jeans London and ReplayDenim tip… If you need to refresh your jeans, Fabreze them and stick them out on a washing line before you decide to wash them

Name... Paul RamsdaleOccupation... Retail Marketing Co-ordinator at ScottsFavourite piece of denim… I love the neatness of the new One True Saxon denim, a nice slim fit with great minimal branding Denim related anecdote…. whilst at Glastonbury (and shall we say after a fair few alcoholic beverages) I decided I was too hot in jeans and cut them down to shorts. Needless to say once sober it was fairly obvious the legs were in no way level. Denim tip… wash them as little as possible, leave out to air between wears, hand wash inside out with no detergent when you absolutely have to

Name... Matt BlackmoreOccupation... Levi Strauss, Men’s Senior Merchandise Manager Northern Europe Favourite piece of denim… right now it would have to be my limited edition 140th Birthday 501 jeans which I’m still breaking in and just love how the finish is developing. They’re based on a pair in our archives which are actually one of the oldest pairs of jeans in the world from 1890!  Denim related anecdote… my first pair of 501s received on Christmas Day aged eight. It was a good day! Denim tip… Live your jeans - don’t wash them! This will give your new jeans an amazing personal finish

Name... Steven GradyOccupation... Brand Creator and Fashion Buyer at JD Favourite piece of denim… Edwin Ed 55 Relaxed. Because of the tapered carrot fit.Denim tip…. my denim’s get a wash around every six months in a bath of cold water. Soaking denim in sea water is amazing for the wash but dont get the chance that often!

Allow these industry veterans to guide you through denim...

The Inside Opinion

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Photography Jon AttenboroughStyling Sophie RobinsonStyling Asst. Chris McGovernModel/Nail Artist @Nils Nails using Gelish

H A N D H E L D :F O O T W E A R F O C U S

Black

You can’t go wrong with black… guaranteed to see you through whatever the winter has in store

Palladium Pampa Hi Cuffpalladium.co.ukadidas Originals ZX 750jdsports.co.ukClae Starksclae.euNike Flyknit+jdsports.co.uk

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Tech

The tech trend continues even if you’re not willing to pick up the pace in them, they’re still cool to do your runnings in

Nike Roshe Run Sneakerbootnike.comSaucony Grid 9000en.saucony.co.ukNike Air Max 90 Bootnike.comThe Hundreds Hoya Navy thehundreds.com

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Pattern and Print

Keep it clean up top and let your feet do all the talking with abstract prints, fabrics and patterns

Pointer Chester pointerfootwear.comadidas Match Playadidas.co.ukGourmet Quattro Skatechoicestore.co.ukLacoste Hellesdon print lacoste.com

Whiter Than White

Stay a step ahead of the rest of the crowd and get involved with the 2014 trainer trend which is all about ‘Court style’ - that’s tennis related to those un-initiated. Just make sure you’ve got your can of Crep Protect handy first…

K-Swiss Classic kswiss.co.ukReebok Workout Lojdsports.co.ukDiadora Hand Projdsports.co.ukNike Air Force 1 Lojdsports.co.uk

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Sky High

For those that want to be up to speed with all the latest drops, basketball inspired sneakers whether retro or future fasing and still a strong look

adidas Mutomboadidas.co.ukNike Jordan V Retrojdsports.co.ukNike Free Runnike.comNike Air Flight 89jdsports.co.uk

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S K A T EJ A Msk8kings are a collective formed from an group of friends. Founded in 2013, they’re mainly about skating and having fun...This isn’t the first time the sk8kings have been showcased for their skills either, already this year they’ve helped launch HOOD BY AIR (HBA). It won’t be long until their names are out there being thrown around with the best. To follow the journey and get in touch head to @sk8kingsldnPhotography Jon AttenboroughStyling Violetta ThaliaStyling Assistant Chris McGovern

Left: Teriq wears D

irty Laundry sweatshirt, scottsm

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One True Saxon jeans, Scottsm

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| HYPE floral 5-panel hat, hypeclothinguk.bigcartel.com

Right: Teriq w

ears Nike W

indbreaker, nike.com | D

uck and Cover jeans, duckandcover.co.uk

Nushka H

at, stylists own

Left: Isiah wears Ilustrated People T-shirt, illustratedpeople.com

| adidas Originals | trousers, adidas.co.uk

Luke wooly hat, luke1977.com

| Original P

enguin jumper, penguinclothing.com

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ears Illustrated People shirt and trousers, illustratedpeople.com

Shimla leather bracelet, shim

lajewellery.com

Top left: Dillon w

ears adidas Originals tracksuit jacket, adidas.co.uk

Dirty Laundry T-shirt, scottsm

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Top right: Jamari w

ears: Original P

enguin jumper, penguinclothing.com

| Luke Jeans, luke1977.comN

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Milton wears HYPE dip dye socks, hypeclothinguk.bigcartel.comNike jersey shorts, jdsports.co.ukRajheem wearsSupply & Demand track bottoms, Jdsports.co.ukJamari wearsLevi’s 511 Jeans, levis.co.uk Lanre wearsLuke chinos, luke1977.com

Top left: Jamari w

ears PXL snapback, pxlclothing.com

| adidas Originals T-shirt, adidas.co.uk |

Levi’s 511 Jeans, levis.co.uk | adidas hi tops, adidas.co.ukTop right: R

ajheem w

ears Nike varsity jacket, jdsports.co.uk

Supply & D

emand tracksuit, jdsports.co.uk | H

YPE polo, hypeclothinguk.bigcartel.com

Bottom

left: Lanre wears adidas reversible jacket, adidas.co.uk | K

icks Baller basketball vest, inc81.com

Luke jeans | luke1977.com, H

YPE orange sunglasses

Bottom

right: Dylan w

ears Penguin tracksuit, originalpenguin.co.uk | C

onverse Duffle bag, surfdom

e.co.ukD

irty Laundry T-shirt, scottsmensw

ear.com | K

-Swiss Adcourt, ksw

iss.co.uk

Performers include

G Frsh DL Records | J2K Roll Deep

MC Verse | Khalia | Addagio Urban Violinists

Dezy Bongo’sUSO Urban Soul Orchestra

Kings Place | 90 York Way | London N1 9AG | 7pm - 10pm

Orchestral Mix Tape Project

RSVP for tickets: rwdlive@rwdmag.com

freeENTRY

EXCLUSIVE INVITE

Wednesday 2nd October

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D E M A N DDespite launching just this summer, the new streetwear stars on the scene Supply & Demand continue to impress with their NYC influenced wears. Everyone from Dappy to Ashley Walters and even Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey have been supporting the brand; donning the Hustle and SWAG slogan tees alongside the on-trend bandana prints. Not to mention the slick varsity jackets perfect for the bi-polar British weather. There’s literally an item for every occasion, making sure your style is consistently on point.

Supply & Demand is exclusive to JD and BANK so make sure you head to jdsports.co.uk/supply-and-demand and BANKfashion.co.uk to check out the full collection.

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This being our style issue, we thought we’d bring a few emerging and established names to the forefront for a little insight into their brands.Photography Jon AttenboroughStyling Sophie Robinson

B R A N DI N S I G H T

Teds Draws began… because I used to DJ and we used to wear white just to stand out. I wanted a Prince T-shirt, so I drew Prince and wrote ‘Purple Rain’ on it. As soon as I wore it, people that night were like ‘I’ve got to have one, how much?’ And I was just like, ‘What?!’ My friends were saying, ‘You’ve got to sell them, I’ll put some money in.’ So we just decided to do it one day. 2011 was when I printed up the first three designs and I’ve been doing this professionally for two years now.

Over the past few years… the designs have changed, I’m not just picking my favourite icons, it’s got to look right and be bold as a design, not just a drawing. I’ve been collaborating with brands like Le Coq Sportif, Browns were talking about doing a special design... But I still want to do what I’m doing because a black and white T-shirt is never really going to go out of style. [Topshop] actually wanted me in there initially and I thought I don’t want to be in Topshop. I could be in Topshop and then six months down the line I’m dead, they’ll just rinse it. It’s good to keep it limited edition so you don’t see it all the time.

Next up… I’d like to expand. I’ve seen what Kesh is doing and I’ve got friends in Saville Row it would be good to work with. Get your limited edition on tedsdraws.com

Illustrated People began… about 10 years ago, when we were approached by Warren Du Preez & Nick Thornton Jones to work on a Massive Attack project, which turned into a range of T-shirts. We’ve just expanded since then, there’s a bunch of us, we all come from creative back grounds. We believe in originality and freedom of expression and take influence from all art forms, inviting forward creatives of all practices to make interesting collaborations and represent the youth of today.

The AW13 collection… was actually created in two parts. Kelly (Head of print) wanted to create unique textile imagery from abstract shapes and original drawings influenced by African fabrics and various architectural findings. Additionally, she found glass vases and ended up mixing them up into a collage.

The celebrity co-sign is important because… we’ve always been about music and we’re all influenced by music so it was a natural process. Little Simz is our girl and Darq E Freaker and RoxXxan were friends of Violetta and Verena who styled and shot the AW13 campaign.  

Illustrated People’s AW13 tip… you can’t go wrong with a good pair of trainers. illustratedpeople.com

“I could be in Topshop and then six months down the line I’m dead, they’ll just rinse it. It’s good to keep it limited edition so you don’t see it all the time.”

Illustrated People

Free thinking fashion creatives Illustrated People have been busy cooking up stained glass influenced prints in their east London studio, it’s clear you should keep an eye on this cool collective.

Teds Draws

From drawing personal icons on his T-shirt whilst deejaying to turning down Topshop, Teds Draws talks about his reluctant rise in the UK scene.

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Since starting PXL… Streetwear has changed beyond rec-ognition. It’s moved from being mainly hip hop influenced to a much more fashion orientation, which allows for a really diverse scene and culture.

This season… We’ve expanded the range drastically, expanded our network of shops, really upped the quality of the product and focused the direction...

PXL are unique… in that there’s a genuine love of the scene. We’re not just riding a trend/ chasing a buck. We’re in this to add to the culture, to push things forward.

The celebrity co-sign is important because… It validates your brand to a wider audience. We’re very lucky to have friend-ships with a few artists that go deeper than ‘please wear this...’ A massive thanks to Wretch 32, Wiley, Ed Sheeran, Skepta, Devlin, Semtex, DJ Target, Shorty Blitz etc for supporting.

The UK streetwear scene… has grown massively. Ten years ago it was just King and Walé Adeyemi representing the UK - now there’s 100’s. Garage, grime, jungle and dubstep were just pirate radio and club scenes, now they influence global tastes. Let’s see if the UK streetwear scene can do the same!Get involved! pxlclothing.com

“There’s a genuine love of the scene. We’re not just riding a trend/ chasing a buck. We’re in this to add to the culture, to push things forward.”

OnePiece began… in 2007 on a Sunday morning as three Norwegians in their twenties craved the ultimate chill-out wear. They decided to sew together a hooded sweatshirt to a pair of sweatpants – creating the OnePiece as we know it. The three friends dropped everything and invested all their savings to release an idea they believed had great potential. They went on to produce the loose-fitting, all-in-one hooded sweatsuits in soft, thick cotton fleece in a variety of patterns and colours.

The celebrity co-sign is important because… this is our first and most important point of advertisement. Whether it be a new upcoming artist, sports star or individuals with raw talent, the people we select always jump in the original OnePiece.

This season OnePiece… have collated a more diverse range of jumpsuits. Introducing the new styles of ‘heavy knit’ in some of our classic pieces, the faded denim-look jumpsuits as well as the new ‘twisty’ onesies that alternatively zip up from the left to the right ankle - making it easier for the ladies.

OnePiece’s style tip for AW13… Don’t go taking yourself too seriously and be comfortable. Get comfortable with onepiece.co.uk

PXL

Amidst the copycat independent streetwear brands in the UK, PXL has grown over the past few years with the help of its celebrity friends and niche designs they’re riding their own wave.

OnePiece

The temperatures are falling, really fast. So now is the best time to get your OnePiece out and on and get snug.

Denim is the fabric of the season because… it is certainly resurgent, that’s not only because we’re all becoming a little bored of chinos but also because the denim mills and laundries have developed incredible new hand-finished techniques which have raised the game in terms of authentically aged looks for people who don’t want to invest years of wear before they get a beautiful vintage finish.

This season Duck and Cover… is the most ambitious to date. Playing to the brand’s long-standing strengths in outerwear and knits, the texture-rich collection takes its design markers from streetwear, archive military references and hi-tech sportswear to create a bold new design statement.

Our style tip for AW13 is… a big emphasis on detail-rich performance-led jackets with quilted fabrics, mineral shades and tactile new finishes looking really strong. Camouflage prints remain key but look out for new interpretations.Find out more on duckandcover.co.uk

The brand ethos… is really quite simple… American, classic, authentic, San Francisco, khaki. Everything that inspires us, everything we do and everything we design is founded on those principals.

The celebrity co-sign is important because… it can make all the difference to a brand’s profile. Over the years we have worked with a variety of celebrities, though what really pleases

us are those who just wear the product because they like it; from James Franco and Daniel Radcliffe to Wentworth Miller and the ‘Rebel’ Prince Harry.

Dockers style tip for the AW13 is… the Dockers Alpha Collection and the additional two fits, ‘Standard’ and ‘Skinny’ to the additional ‘Slim’ fit worn with a great pair of brogues, cuffed… but not too much. Invest in some good pairs of socks. Guys need to start to pay attention to their look from head to toe; good accessories can turn a look from good to great! Statement scarves (chunky knitwear for the neck)… there’s a start.Keep a look out over on dockers.com

“Invest in some good pairs of socks. Guys need to start to pay attention to their look from head to toe; good accessories can turn a look from good to great!”

Dockers

Born in the mid-1980s Dockers have always designed clothes for those with an on-the-go life-style but what’s next from the authentic American menswear giants...

Duck and Cover

Fashion-forward Duck and Cover have always aimed to be #ReadyForAnything and their AW13 campaign continues in this very vein…

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Benjart is unique… as whilst we are a fully functioning cloth-ing brand, we like to call ourselves headwear specialists. At any one time, we have a full stocked range of anything between 20-30 different headwear pieces available, this avail-ability is what I believe enables us to stand out. The fact that we only distribute through our own outlet [online and via the Benjart Lounge] further enables us to maintain exclusivity and stand out amongst a populated streetwear scene.

The celebrity co-sign is important because… celebs are an important marketing tactic and once adopted correctly can transform a brands awareness and sales overnight. We had a concession at the luxury W London hotel and a celeb I’ve never heard of in my life purchased one of our beanie hats. From there, they wore it on Instagram and received over 300,000 likes. That alone shows you what can happen for brand aware-ness once exposed through a celebrity.

Next up… we have the sequel to our first ever collection, Shattered Dreams 2.0 dropping in November featuring a full cut and sew range of T-shirts, crewnecks and bomber jackets. We will also have a launch night to coincide with the launch of this collection. Get your orders in at benjartclothing.com

“We like to call ourselves headwear specialists. At any one time, we have a full stocked range of anything between 20-30 different headwear pieces available.”

“We are not scared to try something new, sometimes our ideas don’t turn out as planned - that leopard print blazer

- but the ones that do tend to be key pieces!”

HYPE is unique because… we are not conventional streetwear. We go down our own direction and are not influenced by fad trends. Our collections tend to be heavily print influenced, so they always stand out from the crowd of mundane logo T-shirts. Additionally we are not scared to try something new, sometimes our ideas don’t turn out as planned - that leopard print blazer - but the ones that do tend to be key pieces!

The UK streetwear scene… has developed into more of an American look in my personal opinion. This may not be a bad thing but If you’re a UK brand you should be using UK iconog-raphy. Our brand has grown by doing our own thing, we were one of the first brands to go down the sublimation route with crazy print patterns and bold designs; somewhat setting the foundations for up and coming brands to aspire to.

This season HYPE… continue with our all-over bold prints, across sweats, T-shirts, vests, caps and bags and are planning on moving into new product categories such as bombers, trou-sers, shirts and bumbags! We are keeping our pop-up store at BOXPARK Shoreditch for another year due to the success.hypeclothinguk.bigcartel.com is the place to be

Benjart

From its humble £100 beginnings, the Benjart brand has grown steadily over the years, already renown for their logo plated snapbacks, the founder allows insight into what to expect next.

HYPE!

When uni mates Aidy Lennox and Liam Green decided to put their summer holidays to actual use and create streetwear brand HYPE they had no idea what would come of their £200 investment...

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0 What’s your take on the fabric of the season denim and Philips’ foray into the trend?I think user wise the headphones are lightweight, streamlined and quite simple, definitely a fairly effort-less option. For a particularly style focused consum-er, they can get what they need from them, but they also stand up from a technology point of view as well, so you’re not sacrificing one or the other. I definitely see denim getting a little bit more prominence at the moment. Perhaps it’s more of an autumnal trend and when it gets really cold and wet then maybe the denim becomes a mid-layer.

Working across both style and music on The Daily Street, is it fair to say that music influences style?That’s definitely the way [The Daily Street] have always seen it. Music has a huge influence on style. Musical backgrounds of hip hop or punk have shaped styles and so it is a fundamental part of fashion and I think now, one influences the other.

Considering the current Noisey and Philips part-nership, You Need To Hear This, which provides a platform for bringing new music to the masses in a different way, which acts are you tipping for 2013?It’s hard from a music tip not to come out with some-one that isn’t cliche but two artists that I know are being spoken about around the right sort of people would be King Krule and Rejjie Snow. From an outwards perspective, Rejjie Snow definitely comes from more of a streetwear angle and inspiration and is probably influenced by the hip hop artists that he has listened to growing up and still does today. King Krule has more of a unique style and sound. He comes across very effortless like he has just thrown it together but it works. I remember watching a video recently [Octopus] where he had a suit and tie on and it was somewhat bizarre but it really worked. So, he’s probably more original from a style perspective, but both definitely have their own views on style.Hear more from Adam Scotland on thedailystreet.co.uk

“Music has a huge influence on style. Musical backgrounds of hip hop or punk have shaped styles and so it is a fundamental part of fashion...“

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Adam Scotland Editor of the UK’s premier streetwear culture website, The Daily Street, considers the influence of music on style and vice versa by giving us his tips for emerging artists with that unique edge whilst talking us through the NYC inspired Philips Downtown Denim Headphones. Photography Jon AttenboroughStylist Sophie Robinson

On A MissionHearing isn’t hearing unless it’s with Philips CitiScape headphones. Features include crystal clear sound, deep, rich bass, ultra-soft memory foam cushioning that seals out ambi-ent noise and a built in smartphone microphone, all wrapped up in street inspired materials and fabrics. Some call them an Audio-Snob cocktail. We call them an amazing sound experi-ence that you definitely need to hear.Philips Downtown Denim headphones are £60, see philips.co.uk. Available at Amazon, Currys and Argos. Check Youneedtohearthis.com @YNTHT_UK

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This being our style issue and taking from the shoot as well as your music, it’s clear you both have your own individual tastes, especially Saul whose Moschino collection is pretty deep.Saul: I’ve always been into [Moschino] since back in the day when I was wearing it, but when I was younger I probably wasn’t bold enough to wear half the stuff I wear now. Yeah I’ve got a big, big, big, big vintage collection and I’ve got a lot of the new range as well. I have it all tailored and tapered so it fits me because the clothes from the 90s, unfortunately weren’t the greatest of cuts. But I love the whole vibe… rude boy fashion from back then, I loved it and I’m happy and love bringing it back because it’s something I’m really into on a personal level. But also, it was getting back into that mindset and mind frame to get me into the inspiration to mak-ing this record which were the things that got us into not music but making music. You know, it’s the memories when you hear a tune for the first time or being in the queue in your Mosch for One Nation at Bagleys, that kind of stuff. It’s about remember-ing those moments and how you felt and how cool I thought I was for hearing this music and just the scene, like if you’re walking down the street in some Versace or some Mosch you knew they were into jungle, or they were into garage, you knew that, so you’d be like, ‘Yes bruv are you cool?’ It was accept-ed as a proper movement. We’re from there and I’m really proud to be from there and this album as well, it’s great to have some tunes on there like Breathing and Gangsta Boogie to give out to the old jungle boys, all the heads that we come through with who were our inspirations back in the day, it’s nice to pay hom-age to all of that stuff.

Do you think music has lost that whole type of creed culture now?Saul: Yeah, I mean that’s a good thing though when things became too clique like ‘I only like jungle’ that wasn’t the best way to be. It’s all about being into different styles and vibes and that’s what we have always done. As long as the level of quality is high, then I don’t think it’s an issue. You’re never gonna get back the early days of jungle, you’re never gonna get back the early days of garage, they happened, >

“I love the whole [Moschino] vibe… and love bringing it back because it’s something I’m really into. The things that got us into making music… It’s about remembering those moments and how you felt...” Saul

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As Chase and Status celebrate a decade in the scene, there’s no argument that they have been an uncompromising driv-ing force behind changing the landscape of modern music in the UK and beyond. One of the first acts to delve into cross genre collaborations, at the same time championing emerging artists, the musi-cality of Saul Milton (Chase) and Will Kennard (Status) is unparalleled as they consistently push the boundaries. From their D&B beginnings to adding serious edge to a pretty pop Rihanna and getting Snoop to go all grimy over Eastern Jam their internationally renowned sound reflects everything the university drop outs - their music was considered more important - experienced themselves; from the early days of garage and jungle to the raucous D&B basement raves. Brand New Machine, the pair’s third stu-dio album - quality over quantity people - is a true reflection of those early eras and the essence of these underground dance movements pollinating entirely new cultures. With D&B, dancehall, hip hop, rave, house, garage and even rock weaved together to produce their ten year anniversary offering, Nardene Scott stepped into the studio to get an insight into their world, from the relentless touring and groundbreaking label MTA to the music school, shifting cultures and of course the music. Photography Jon Attenborough

< they’ve been and gone… in terms of dubstep you’re never gonna catch that movement again. As long as the quality of music is high and ideas are exciting, it doesn’t matter where you draw your influ-ences from, it’s just got to be good.

So Brand New Machine your third album was all finished just a few days before this cover shoot. What was it holding the album back?Saul: We’ve just been busy man, just been on the road a lot, touring all summer all around the world, all around Europe, America, headlining the Other Stage at Glastonbury, doing Reading and Leeds, Pukklepop, Roskilde. You name it, we’ve been there, week in week out; so strug-

gling with that, owning our own label MTA and finishing off album tracks and trying to be human beings, it’s been a difficult period of time.

Although we imagine the album is all still so fresh to you, which track stands out at the moment?Saul: One track that, I think kicked off the whole album process and was a nice moment was when we were in the studio, me, Will, Rage and Andy, the drummer. We basically wrote the intro track, Gun Metal Grey which is a kind of bluesy, chopped and screwed kind of influenced hip hop god knows what kind of intro for the album and it stuck with us really.

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As always on your albums you highlight up and coming artists like Jacob Banks, Knytro, Elli Ingram but there’s also established acts like Major Lazer and Pusha T amongst leg-ends like Nile Rogers?Saul: I think [Nile Rogers has] been on everyone’s hit list since he started making music. He’s written bigger tunes than anyone, for everyone and it was a real honour to work with him. He approached us, we couldn’t believe it, he’s such a nice guy, down to earth, incredibly upbeat and positive and had more ideas than you could imagine. We’ve got a computer’s worth of stuff from Nile that I’m sure will see the light of day post this album, when we make music again, which will be in two years.

And the epic Pusha T track that we heard early on this summer live at Hideout Festival has finally been unleashed…Saul: We’ve wanted to do something grimy with hip hop artists, so like the last album we did something grimy with Dizzee [Heavy] and with Tinie. So with Push, it was like, right, love Pusha T, love what he did with Clipse back in the day, love what he’s doing now, he’s absolutely killing it, one of my favourite rappers out there. We sent him a different beat which he wrote to, then we deleted that beat and made the Machine Gun thing around it

and as you know again, it’s got loads of 90s sounds, with the hardcore style and leads and then you’ve got the breaks at the end of the fill. It’s supposed to be just a hard, rugged tune for the clubs.

Despite always integrating different genres of music within your own music there always seems to be balance on your albums.Will: We’re happy with the balance, I mean our albums have always had quite a mixture of tempos and influences and genres and we were really lucky, we kind of almost feel like we could try anything. We never sit down and say, ‘We are Chase and Status, this is our sound’ It’s got a musical feel that’s what makes the last one stand the test of time. You know you’re talking about dance music that has musical-ity, there’s soul in there that keeps it going.

Unlike the current climate you’re not afraid to go a few years in between albums either...Saul: Yes, I don’t think we need to release an album every year to stay relevant. It’s just not us and

there’s sonically quite a big difference between the two albums, so that’s quite exciting rather than mashing out much of the same year after year. I like to think high quality and nice amount.

What’s next to come from your label MTA?Will: Knytro mixtape, Project Harpoon is a hip hop mixtape that is unbelievably good and we don’t say that lightly. We’ve just signed Moko, this girl on our single and developing her album. Dream McClean is an act we’ve been working with for a while and is such an incredibly talented young MC as well… Kove is D&B, dubstep, house, he’s just a dance producer like different level! We’re re-releasing Ben Pearce’s record called What I Might Do which was one of the biggest house records last year and it’s looking like it might become a proper big national record now. It’s great to see his career go from something quite underground to a main act now all over the world. Saul: We’ve also just released Elli Ingram’s Sober EP, she’s been nominated for a MOBO best new-comer which obviously she has to win.

“We never sit down and say, ‘We are Chase and Status, this is our sound’… it’s got a musical feel that’s what makes the last one stand the test of time. You know you’re talking about dance music that has musicality, there’s soul in there that keeps it going.” Will

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With the music school as well is that an extension of this support of new artists? Will: Naturally working in the music industry, that’s where the interest comes from in the first place. I guess also having spent ten years trying to make it ourselves, understanding more about how the industry actually works and wanting just to share a bit of that knowledge with people that might not get the chance to really find out that kind of information and have those experiences. It’s the step before the A&R side really, those young people will hopefully develop into talented people, not just artists but working in whatever side of the music industry.

Do you think the recent chart success of D&B-esque tracks has released it to a new audience or watered down the genre itself?Saul: I don’t think its touched the genre in the slight-est. You know the people that are in the clubs play-ing D&B, week in week out know what a D&B tune is and isn’t and you know chat to any of them, they’ll tell you what’s what. So I think the D&B scene is in a strong place, everyone who is making commercial records and soaring to the top of the charts; any of them, be it dubstep or 175bpm or whatever, it’s a fantastic merge of British music moving it forward. Will: When a song gets that big, it’s kind of genre-less. I don’t think of it as a D&B song, I just think of it as a song with certain types of drums. Saul: If Not A Problem went to Number One in the charts then yes, you could say a D&B tune went

Number One - an unadulterated bassline orientated tune, until that day comes, you’ve had a fantastic song at the top of the charts. That’s how I see it.

Keeping an eye on who else is out there, which acts are you tipping at the moment? Will: To be honest, they’re already humongous but I love what Disclosure have done and we were onto them very early and we would have loved to have signed them to MTA. I just really respect how young they are and the level of their production. The knowledge of where and what they’re drawing inspiration from, they’re too young to have lived in those eras... Saul: …but they’ve gone and done the research like, ‘I’m into this house and garage sh*t, let me learn about it!’ Hudson Mohawke what he’s doing as a solo artist, with Lunice as TNGHT, he’s killing it and we’re proud of another British act tear-ing it up over there. Going worldwide you’ve got people like Baauer, he’s a talented producer and he’ll have a wicked album coming out this year, no doubt on LuckyMe. There are loads of exciting people, but our artists shine the greatest for us, that’s why we got them, so everyone check out the MTA website.@chaseandstatus releases Brand New Machine 7 October and their very first UK arena tour kicks off 31 October. Head to chaseandstatus.co.uk for tickets and make sure you check out the new generation too via mtarecords.co.uk

You shot the video for your latest track Kick It in LA, how was that and why LA?I hadn’t been to LA before, so me going there was kind of sick. The people are proper safe and you just get to see a different outlook on life. When people walk in LA, they walk like they’ve got purpose, they walk like they’re serious about life… The director who shot the video is from LA, so we decided it would be best for us to go there to meet him where he knows the city better.

Apart from the obvious - better weather, different scenery - did you notice any differences in how the shoot went down?They’re just more serious. I’m not knocking people in London but they’re just really on it. Also, the dancers from LA, you won’t get the same dancers here. I think for some reason everyone thinks when they go to America, there are much more opportunities, which there is but there also isn’t because there are more people, which means it’s more difficult for you to grasp an opportunity. I think people just know that if you want to be someone you really have to work hard, because it’s real poverty.

Was LA what you thought it would be?Yeah, man! You know what LA’s like? When I first went there, I thought I was playing GTA, the city was just like a game!

How has your sound evolved since you first began making music?When people make the transition from

what they do to another genre, sometimes the transition is so dangerous that they become a totally different person. I think that with mine, I’m still the same person, because if you take the lyrics off the beat and put it on something else, it’s the same and if you use the beat with any other genre it’s still the same. It hasn’t really lost it, its just got more of a wider audience towards it. After a while, with anything, you’ve got to try other avenues in order to build your own empire. There’s only so many times you can do something again and again and again before it becomes a bit boring.

In an interview with The Guardian last year you said, “Most of my musical knowledge is from America. The way they address and approach things, they have so much passion.” Which West Coast artists have influenced you most?West Coast, it’s definitely Eazy-E… but in general I like André 3000, that whole Outkast movement because of the way they carry themselves and the way their music crosses over and they still keep true to themselves. I think there are a lot of rappers that I was really influenced by, that I took a blueprint off and tried to attach it to what I’m doing. The only thing I’ve really borrowed is the way they take their studio ethic seriously. They’re constantly in the studio and they’re constantly on making new things and not just slacking and waiting on the old thing that they did yesterday.

What are your thoughts on being compared to Dizzee Rascal? Is the comparison tiring?[Laughs] I knew this was coming! I’m alright with the comparisons now. I think with anything in life, you’ve got to compare it to something. If you haven’t got a comparison then it’s very, very difficult for people to describe you to someone. Being compared to someone like Dizzee Rascal is good, he’s done successful things, he’s built a name… it can only mean good things for the people that are listening.To find out how else Charlie Sloth has been spreading the #CaliforniaLove check facebook.com/kswiss.uk, K-Swiss.co.uk or follow @KSwiss_UK. @Scrufizzer releases new single Kick It 7 October through Black Butter Records.

“You know what LA’s like? When I first went there I thought I was playing GTA, the city was just like a game!”

Having made his journey to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean for the first time in his life to shoot the accompanying video to break out single Kick It, Scrufizzer and Charlie Sloth chat all things #CaliforniaLove. From hit game GTA to his perception of Americans and those age old Dizzee Rascal comparisons.

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Scrufizzer exclusively wears Classic II

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We first came across Sinead Harnett in 2011 via Wiley and of course when she opened up for Maverick Sabre at the legendary 100 Club. Once we had witnessed that set, we knew that this north London chick was going to be all over our radios pretty much instantly. Having then just finished her acting degree at Bournemouth University gigging was cool for the self-professed nerd but the industry was a whole other story. The buzz ensued and before you knew it Disclosure had cottoned on to the songstress who then collaborated on two tracks for their launchpad EP The Face. Her unique soul infused touches to the Surrey brothers house music led to working with Rudimental and the last eighteen months have been spent touring the globe live with the Hackney lads. But who is the lady behind the features guise? Nardene Scott goes for a stroll with the half Irish, half Thai beauty in London Fields to find out.Photography Sam Bond

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Your show at 100 Club was a while back, that’s when we knew that you were going to blow up and its all been go go go since then?Well back then, I’d literally just graduated and then all of these shows were coming in and I didn’t really understand the industry yet. I didn’t really understand the difference between a publishing or record deal, I just thought ‘Ooh what’s going on’ but yeah I’m gonna sing so I guess the path I just walked depended on where I can do what I love, which is write and sing. So I’m glad about the collaborations and I’m really excited to just do my own thing.

Yes I suppose it’s hard to make that transition once you’ve done features with huge artists like Rudimental and Disclosure?Yeah defo! Well with the Disclosure and Rudimental features, it’s not that far from what I’m doing. It’s not like I’m the polar opposite, so I wouldn’t need to keep features completely separate, it’s not like the difference between dance and classical. I’ve got references of the electronic side of music in my own music and I definitely want to do music that you can move to. So it’s not that far but I do want to try and stick to finding me, so that I’m not just, ‘Oh she just does features only’.

It’s cool that you have those contacts to work on your own material as well...Yeah, because I’m in with Rudimental, I know that we’re trying to do some stuff so it does bode well if you connect with someone then they can be part of your journey as well as you being part of theirs.

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because we’ve interviewed them a few times and they’re pretty crazy once they’ve had a few drinks down them?They are really cool and so talented and so dedicated to working hard, it’s ridiculous how much they do. They definitely party and sharing a tour bus with them, you really see exactly what they get up to and they definitely don’t go to bed early. Like, they will make the party out of wherever we’re playing, which is really fun, but I need sleep because obviously there’s quite a lot of pressure on me and the other singers because we carry it, so I’m a bit of a grandma professional in that sense.

Who’s the craziest one then? I always find it funny because everyone presumes it’s Leon because he’s the MC; so they’re like, of course he’s gonna be the wildest one. But actually the one that cannot just chill is Piers. He is so funny as well, like he is the party animal.

Despite the party antics, the live shows have been incredible, each show seems to step up a gear?That’s so nice, yeah the more that you perform with the same guys, the more the energy just builds and you kind of get a rapport going. It just gets better and better.

So how does it differ between your own live shows?Well, my band are all jokers so I do have a laugh with them. It’s a little bit more pressure on me because Rudi are four guys, so it’s a shared experience, whereas I’ve written or co-written all of this and what are people gonna think but it’s still fun. Obviously I don’t have D&B songs, so I’m not necessarily singing to people that are like going nuts.

So can you tell us a little about the music you’re working on for your future solo releases?I really like electronic music but I love real instrumentation, so I’m in the studio at the moment working on marrying those two together with actual songs. I care a lot about saying what I want to say but also having something that can fit into this world, I never go in intentionally like I want everyone to love it. I just go in and see what comes out. It’s actually therapeutic whereas, okay I have to write an album.

So when can we expect you to start dropping these new tracks?Well, the Got Me track [Produced by Eats Everything and Lukus] was released under Black Butter Records who obviously with Rudimental have been a really big part of helping me build. We’re supposed to do another song with them before I really launch because Got Me is very underground. It wasn’t me trying to make a statement, come on look at me, it was just, this is what I’ve been getting up to on the side. So release wise in terms of an album or an EP I’m thinking next year because I really want to get into the flow of writing again full time. I just want to have a bit of fun with it. I didn’t even know that I could have the possibility to do this as a job, so I feel like I’ve done that and now it’s time to communicate it.Keep an eye on @SineadHarnett

“[Rudimental] definitely party and sharing a tour bus with them, you really see exactly what they get up to and they definitely don’t go to bed early. Like they will make the party out of wherever we’re playing which is really fun but I need sleep...”

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In a world brimming with ‘Maybach Music’, Monáe is all too aware of the importance of her position, “I’ve always felt like artists have the biggest platforms. They can inspire and educate people in ways that politicians and some people just can’t do,” the Atlantic act states. To this respect, the Kansas hailing artist takes her role very seriously, regardless of whether or not her stance leads her to be considered “rebellious”. “I’m not saying I’m this rebel… what I am saying is that I will not allow anyone to oppress us as women. I have to stand up for those who don’t have a voice” the Cover Girl model explains. She continues, evidently frazzled and a bit fed up by people feeding her the rebellious line. “To rebel could also mean to isolate yourself and make yourself look like an outcast. I don’t feel like an outcast. I don’t rebel unless it’s a good cause, I want that to be clear.”

But what could it be that makes bystanders so convinced that Monáe is an insurgent? On the surface, perhaps, her bottomless lyrical content and that monochrome tuxedo, so monolithic in its message and its distance from what, say, every other female in the industry adorns herself in. “Individuality should be promoted, and it’s important for the next generation

to see different options and not feel the pressure of looking like someone else to feel beautiful.”

This acceptance of self is a theme set to be prominent in the forthcoming offering. “Love,” says Monáe, when asked for the word that would best represent the message behind her music. This love of self is something which Janelle grappled with in the making of the offering. “It will show many different sides of who I am.” she says, an aspect that’s new to a fiercely private artist, but something she felt important to explore.

Known for her quirky, vibrant performances, one we were lucky enough to catch at Coachella, Monáe attributes her on-stage prowess to that age old philosophy: practice makes perfect. A glance at her panicking team at the Cali fest when she dived headfirst into a seething crowd and literally swam to the back, before disappearing amongst them, demonstrates just how comfortable the songstress is. “I love raw, unpredictable performances so that’s what I stay true to”.

And what’s The Electric Lady herself most looking forward to people hearing? “I’m just in the present right now,” she says, folding her fingers into each other so as to signal that the conversation has come to a close. “I know that you’re born and then you have to die, you pass on… but what you do in this time is so precious, so stay in the moment.” The Electric Lady is out now @JanelleMonae

Poised and self-assured, perched on an arm chair in London’s Landmark Hotel, Janelle Monáe exudes an air of calm, dignified importance. One that’s worlds away from her on-stage persona. Having astounded every-one, (including Obama) the creator and inhabitant of parallel universe Wondaland, talks to Alya Mooro on the eve of the release of The Electric Lady.

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“I’m not saying I’m this rebel… what I am saying is that I have to stand up for those who don’t have a voice. I don’t rebel unless it’s a good cause, I want that to be clear.”

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“I didn’t really think about the future of B-Boying when I started the Champs,” says Hooch, founder of the 18-year-strong B-Boy Championship - one of the world’s most popular and biggest celebrators of the scene. “I always try to do things that have quality and therefore longevity,” he continues; evident in the prowess of both the championship’s competitors, - the likes of Vagabonds and Jinjo - as well as the fact that the yearly tournament has continued to grow both in size and in strength; most recently teaming up with Birmingham based DanceXchange to further take the competition to new heights.

“We’ve had plenty of offers from companies that I just didn’t think enhanced the credibility of the event, so I turned them down,” Hooch proclaims. But DanceXchange, a funded organisation who set up hip hop dance initiatives in the West Midlands, managed to break through. “They were keen to build on the relationship, and we were changing the backdrop of the Champs to keep things fresh,” explains Hooch. All exisitng sponsors are in support of the big move including the official footwear sponsor, “I think Onitsuka Tiger reinforces the fact that the B-Boy Champs is about incredible performance while

still looking cool and B-Boying as a lifestyle demands the coolest kicks!” The founder affirms of the important partnership.

Continuing to team up with the Japanese trainer giants benefits both the brand and B-Boys mutually, “There was a real connection with urban dancers and Onitsuka Tiger’s performance-enhancing design ethic... As soon as we introduced the sneakers to B-Boy Championships, Onitsuka Tiger became a must have sneaker to B-Boys around the world.”

But what does he think the introduction of the long running wold recognised event in Birmingham will do for the surrounding area? “I hope it will encourage more participation in Breaking, Popping and Hip Hop Freestyle,” adding: “[I hope it will] also show how dance in hip hop is a fundamental part of the culture.” As for jis thoughts on Birmingham’s current B-Boy culture? “Small, but keen,” he states encouragingly, “there’s definitely a strong hip-hop scene.” Something that’s sure to expand in the two year commitment the championships have made to reside in the middle of the UK.

As for his expectations for the event? “Good things,” he says short and to the point. Evidently trusting the instincts that have brought him, and his spawn - the Champs - this far, already.The Sony Xperia B-Boy Championships 2013 are held on Saturday 21/22 September at the o2 Academy Birmingham. Tickets via bboychampionships.com

The world famous B-Boy Championships have just completed their 18th year of b-boy’ing prowess. This time, they’ve made the move away from London treading up the country and landing firmly in Birmingham with their match made in B-Boy heaven footwear partners Onitsuka Tiger. Alya Mooro has a chat with Hooch, the championship’s founder, to find out what, why, when, where and who. Photography James Pearson-Howes

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“I hope it will encourage more Breaking, Popping and Hip Hop freestyle, also show how dance in hip hop is a fundamental part of the culture.”

Hooch holds The Harandia, a silhouette of a classic running shoe fused together with a modern midsole; combining performance with casual lifestyle perfectly. For more check onitsukatiger.com

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M I X & M A T C HGrime. Hip Hop, Funky and Orchestra; certainly not elements you hear put together every day, but all that’s set to change. The Arts Council and RWD have teamed up with a composer/producer and four acts, to merge the genres into a seamless rendition via the Orchestral Mixtape Project. Alya Mooro heads down to the first day of rehearsals to investigate...Photography Adrian Nettleship

“Working with an orchestra I think is every musician’s dream,” said G FrSH, who has joined forces with The Orchestral Mixtape Project. The campaign aims to fuse com-pletely different worlds, culminat-ing in a one-off mixtape. With the the help of a composer/producer, the four elements of an orchestra, will be merged with performances from Disturbing London lyricist G FrSH as well as grime MC JIIK aka J2K, funky house connoisseur Versatile and singer Khalia at Kings Place on 2 October.

For FrSH, it’s the string ele-ments, in particular, which have him excited about the project, “I love strings, I think they evoke emotion… there’s also a cer-tain grandness that you can’t recreate. Going back in history, [orchestras] were probably the first kind of way that music was delivered to the masses,” the Legoman states. “Composers are always held in revere as they’re the ultimate in being able to com-pose a piece of music that takes you on an emotional journey… I

think they probably set the pace for what music is today.”

As to his motivation? “Once you start playing with an orchestra it’s just seen as more serious… People look at hip hop as just cars and big booties, I think just putting it in that setting maybe allows it to be interpreted in a different way,” the rapper says, adding that he’s previously incorporated the dimensions in his work. “I love classical music, I think it gives gravity to what you’re saying.” For Versatile, the reasons are the same, “It’s real music, man,” the funky spitter begins. “When you get a live band involved, the whole dynamic of the music changes,” the Ayia Napa stalwart continues. “In the studio you’re not in the vibe! When a guy is flicking a drum next to you, you feed off the vibe,” he exclaims. To watch The Orchestral Mixtape Project live on October 2, for free, at King’s Place, email rwdlive@rwdmag.com and watch on rwdmag.com/music soon after.

“Once you start playing with an orchestra it’s seen as more serious. People look at hip hop as just cars and big booties, I think just putting it in that setting maybe allows it to be interpreted in a different way.”

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Maybe it’s Grand Theft Auto V’s awesome music choices, or Los Santos’ epic landscapes that make it so inspirational. Or perhaps it’s the brilliant and never laboured dialogue that have helped GTA V become gaming’s biggest critical success story of all time.

The rate of discovery in Grand Theft Auto V makes it the game we keep coming back to. The first time we swam underwater felt like a whole new game for us GTA fan boys, while seeing our character’s clothes dry once we’d hopped out of the lake, was a detail so brilliant as to almost become a point of distraction. The consistently awe-inspiring wildlife managed to turn the world’s most controversial psycho-rampage simulator into a genuine source of awe. Nothing in Los Santos is hidden, Rockstar have opened it all up, from the outdoor theatre to the horse racing track, it’s obvious how much effort went into GTA V and some would argue that its predecessor made that a necessity. But in this world of high expectations, Grand Theft Auto V delivers and totally justifies our impatience.

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NBA 2K14

Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, PCRelease Date: October 4

Following what felt like a genuine breakthrough year in 2012, 2K Sports have tweaked and polished their highly respected NBA engine for the hotly anticipated NBA 2K14. Basketball’s growth in the UK over the last two years has been rapid with the 2K series finding a home alongside FIFA, Call of Duty and Battlefield as one of the key multi-player gaming titles and a great source of banter between you and your mates.

2K Sports are rightly lauded for taking basketball gaming back to basics. Focused on making the first truly great basketball gaming experience, NBA 2K14 promises to further develop the logical and satisfying control system pioneered by the series, allowing for great pick-up-and-play potential for the uninitiated. Commentary takes another leap forward with courtside responses and tactical advice from announcers. There is never a down moment in NBA 2K14, harnessing the natural showmanship of American sports coverage making for a more high-octane and passionate gaming experience. Never a moment of dead air, the sountrack as selected by the game’s best player LeBron James, mean Jay Z, Drake, Jadakiss and Big K.R.I.T will keep you pumped.

There’s more to winter than hot chocolate and Drake songs, there’s also the inevitable hibernation and as much as we’ll miss the summer [what a summer it’s been] it’s time to look forward to the alone time we’ll be spending with our consoles. But what will we be playing? Hopefully our winter Gaming Preview will help clear that up…

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Battlefield 4

Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, PCRelease Date: November 1

It’s been two years since Battlefield 3 shook the first-person shooter genre to its core and while its very obvious and very active nemesis continues to rule the market with an iron fist, EA can point to a 24 month building period which has seen user feedback improve the tactical side of multiplayer gaming. Switching off the power to your rival’s base and totaling buildings to change the entire landscape are just two of the ways that Battlefield 4 intends on winning this war.

WWE 2K14

Platform: Xbox 360, PS3Release Date: October 31

Formerly an absolute must-have in your gaming collection, there is no denying that the WWE series was in need of rejuvenation, and a move over to 2K Sports should see new life breathed into the flagging series. With legends like Stone Cold, Macho Man and Ultimate Warrior available for selection, WWE 2K14 will appeal to new and old fans alike. 2K Sports have got big plans for WWE and 2K14 will be a strong start.

Mario Kart 64

Again, we’d be happy to revisit any Mario Kart, but this particu-lar incarnation won the office straw poll and rightly so.

Imagine a wireless link-up, eight-player Mario Kart 64 tournament on your phone or tablet. Just imagine that for a second. Exactly.

Mario 64

With GTA’s successful transfer, we’re sure Mario’s free-roam-ing 3D title would be perfect on the iPhone.

There’s something to be said for the simplicity of the original side-scrolling Mario games, but Mario 64 holds the best memories for us.

Pokémon

With very little hesitation we’d say a Pokémon app would become the most played game on iOS and Android.

Nintendo could release Pokémon Red and Blue and absolutely shut down the mobile gaming market. True gam-ers start with Charmeleon, obvs.

Since the Wii U is dead, Nintendo can salvage pride bringing classics to your mobile

WII U SALVATION

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How do you think Manchester United creates that winning mentality in players?I think when you join the club you’ve probably got that winning mentality but you get it even more. Whenever a team plays against Manchester United, it’s like a cup final because it’s the biggest team in the world and that’s exactly how I see it. When people come to Old Trafford they want to make a name for themselves. Nobody wants to lose in training, so we carry that winning mentality out onto the pitch.

How much of an influence is Ryan Giggs on the Manchester United dressing room this season?I think any player would love to turn around and say, ‘I’d love to have a career like his,’ you don’t win 13 Premier League titles through nothing; you’ve got to put in hard work and even now, at the age he is, he’s still putting in the hard work, he’s still out there day-to-day, trying to pass on his experience. One thing about Giggs is when he talks to you, you just want to sit there and listen.

Do you think Robin van Persie is getting better?Yeah, I do think he is. I think you look at how well he did last season when he scored so many goals and obviously he was a world class player before he came, but when you train with somebody day-in-day-out, you get to see just how much quality he’s got, how much he brings to the team and I have to say I think he probably is getting better and that’s fantastic for us.

You’ve spent the afternoon with Jack Rodwell, do the tensions of the United Vs City rivalry ever spill over on a day like today?When you come to adidas and you see players who play for your rival club like City there’s obviously banter that goes on, but you don’t really talk too much about club football, you talk about all different things and obviously we see each other for England as well. There are all sorts of different discussions that go on but we don’t talk much about the rivalry between United and City.

Do you carry the game with you whatever you’re doing? Yeah! Of course! Even if things go wrong in training, if I lose a training match I’m not a good person to be around. When you’ve got that winning mentality, whether it’s in the game or whether it’s in training, I hate losing. I feel it when I’m at home too. I’m a sore loser. I don’t like losing.Ashley Young wears the adidas F50 football boots, the lightest boots in football designed for speed, RRP £160. Visit adidas.com or join the conversation @adidasUK

Launching adidas Snapshot, the innovative app that allows fans to calculate the speed, angle and flight of their shots, we sat down with Manchester United and England man Ashley Young, to talk Ryan Giggs, being a sore loser and the simply unstoppable ascent of Robin van Persie.Words Tego Sigel

“Even if things go wrong in training, if I lose a training match I’m not a good person to be around. When you’ve got that winning mentality, whether it’s in the game or whether it’s in training, I hate losing. I’m a sore loser.”

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Obviously taking on a role as huge as Jackie Robinson - who defied adversity and became the first African-American Major League baseball player in 1946 - must have been quite daunting. How did you prepare for the role itself?I was worried about that. I mean the role is obviously not just a regular role, you’re playing someone that a lot of people have a stake in. He was important to a lot of people for different reasons; people from the Civil Rights era, baseball fans… he’s an important figure for people from different walks of life. So at first, I was just happy to have got it and you know once you start hearing what everyone else feels about it you’ve got to block all of that out and figure out who this person is for yourself and what your take on him is. So I had to block all of that out and do it step by step and make it a smaller thing.

Have you yourself ever been faced with racism, and if so, were you able to tap into any personal experiences to aid preparations for the role?Well, in terms of experiencing the racism that he experienced, yes actually, I have had experiences in the States and most times it’s much more subtle now than it is or was at that time. I’m from the south and a lot of my family still live there. There’s like a confederate flag on the state capital, there’s people riding around with confederate flags on their trucks, so I have experienced direct racism in the way where it wasn’t like a completely foreign experience for me. At the same time, you’re on set and you have you know a whole bunch of people around you that are white and don’t have any problem with you and somebody white is going to get you water (laughs); you’re not in that same place, so it definitely took some adjustment.

Chadwick Boseman was all about being behind the scenes when it came to acting before a breakthrough in TV and theatre saw the actor, director and playwright step up to the plate to play baseball legend Jackie Robinson in 42. Nardene Scott spoke to the Howard University and Oxford grad about taking on such an iconic role and the difference between cutting up a rug and getting down like James Brown ahead of his role in Tate Taylor’s biopic, Get On Up.

“I was worried about [playing Jackie Robinson]. I mean the role is obviously not just a regular role, you’re playing someone that a lot of people have a stake in. He was important to a lot of people...”

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historical aspects of the film and the drama needed to keep people interested? I think that is a difficult thing because you don’t want it to feel like you’re cliché and you don’t want to give them a history lesson either, at the time, it was important to Helgeland and it was also important to me. I just wanted to make him a man, he knows it’s a big deal but he doesn’t know that we’ll be doing a film about it years later.

Considering that, what in your eyes was the hardest scene for you to act out?I think the hardest scene to act out would definitely be the scene in the tunnel with Harrison because we had to maintain an intense emotional space and we didn’t shoot that scene directly after everything that happened above ground. I was just as tired doing that as I was doing a baseball scene where I’m trying to steal third. So I went to 3rd, run back to 2nd, run back to 3rd and we did that 50 times!

From one iconic figure to another, it was recently announced that you’d be playing the Godfather of Soul James Brown, how long has that been in the works and have you taken a similar approach to the role as you did for 42?This one was different in terms of how I got the role because we had been talking about it for a while, so it wasn’t a ‘OMG I can’t believe I got it’. It was just like ‘Is this what we should be doing?’ Because he’s much more of a complicated person. You still have to do the research, break it down to each part and make it smaller than it is but in this case there’s a balance between the essence of a person and an imitation of the person. Sometimes when you imitate people you make fun of them and that is a mistake in this case. [James Brown] is a little bit of both because as much as we’ve seen James, I don’t think we know him, and obviously there’s a performance level to it (laughs).

So you’ve already attacked his infamous dancing?I’m literally going to dance rehearsals right now (laughs). It’s fun, it’s fun, it’s gonna be a whole lot of fun. I cut a rug when I go out now but that’s different, that’s different to James Brown!

The rumours are rife so we have to ask you about Avengers 2 and the Black Panther role you’ve allegedly been tasked with?I know nothing about it... (laughs) I know nothing about it. I think the movies are great but I haven’t had any contact for that. It would be sick but there are some other really sick things that I could do, but I don’t know anything about that (laughs). 42 is out across cinemas nationwide

“I’m literally going to dance rehearsals right now, [preparing for the James Brown biopic] is gonna be a whole lot of fun. I cut a rug when I go out now but that’s different, that’s different to James Brown!”

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Whether you’re about your one foot skank, shuffle or just part of the plain old no rhythm at all crew, we urge you to take advantage of the emerging festival spot that is Croatia. Outlook Festival, one of the later parties of the season and easily the biggest has the bass to keep the dub fans fulfilled each year. Now in its seventh year, RWD jumped aboard a flight to the 17th century fort location of Pula to see what’s really going down. Book 2014 via outlookfestival.comWords Nardene Scott

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We got home although we’re not quite sure how, and rested before we arrived at the epic Butterz boat party. “We’re gonna get in so much trouble” Elijah mentioned as the boat loaded way past the official limit until we were literally on a permanent wave.

Just so you know we were working really hard out here, so obviously if we miss anything in this review, it’s because of that - nothing to do with the drink vouchers or the trips up to the Park Plaza to stalk artists slash take advantage of the buffet. Now we’ve got that out of the way, we’ll drop a few highlights.

Our first proper night - we missed our flight, don’t ask - saw the absolute don Capleton prove 40s are the new 20s pulling up himself multiple times. We’re positive his knees definitely connected with his nose, how does he actually manage to jump that high? Anyway shifting cultures - like you do at Outlook - we headed into the clearing for our trap/grime fix via Darq E Freaker and of course Brooklyn boy Joey Bada$$. The crowd was hype, pushing themselves firmly up against the barriers but no way as hype as the My Yout MC and not even an ounce as hype as Jay Electronica who took over the press pit (safe for that Jay). What was he drinking, other than the champagne he was still backing at 7am at his hotel bar. As Rodigan, EZ, B Traits, Chimpo and more continued to shell it down into the early hours we bounced back to the porch of our mobile home - that’s right, we were living redneck stylee, had a stray

cat and everything - to recharge. We were evidently overcharged because recalling Friday is a hazy affair. Other than parents looking on in disgust as we drunkenly stampeded the trampolines at our family resort, backing shots of Croatian vodka, going nuts at Jay Electronica’s performance and then there was complete vibes stage side during Swindle’s set.

We got home although we’re not quite sure how, and rested before we arrived at the epic Butterz boat party. “We’re gonna get in so much trouble” Elijah mentioned as the boat loaded way past the official limit until we were literally on a permanent wave. Highlights have to be Swindle stage diving, plus Elijah going deep into the slow jams as Logan looked on in disbelief. In land things got bashy over in the fort as Heatwave got everyone in the Hot Wuk mood after we went all 90s hip hop with The Pharcyde.

Despite two hours sleep we made it onto the SBTV boat for our dose of grime. Rudekid, Cameo and Logan got in the mix whilst Scrufizzer, Discarda, Chronik, Merky Ace, Big Narstie (his conga line was too much jokes) grabbed the mic. Just the right sort of ending to our first of many trips to Outlook.

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T H E B I G R E V I E W :B U D W E I S E R M A D E I N A M E R I C A F E S T I V A LOur streetwear blogger Basil Burley headed out to Philadelphia for Budweiser Made In America festival curated by the ledge Jay Z. With a ridiculous line up and lager on tap, we let you into what he got up to on his travels. You can find out more about Budweiser’s MADE for Music global platform which features exclusive content and unique access as well as live experiences over on madeinamericafest.com

The degrees BMIA kicked off the weekend with, obviously we had to have a few ice cold Budweisers to keep cool

The number of costume changes Mrs. Carter had during her performance, we appreciated each and every one

The number of minutes A$AP Rocky was late for his set. So naturally he performed just three songs and had to bow out because of time constraints TYT ROCKY!

Our room number at The Ritz where we stayed in luxury for the weekend. Washed up Philadelphia rapper Cassidy once had a song about the way that turned out

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That’s how we like to keep things on exclusive trips like these

The Air Max our correspondent Basil Burley wore during the festival that he completely wrecked

Number of feet we were away from Jay Z when we captured him wiling out to Deadmau5’s set

The price of water during the festival as they handed out free H2O for the sweaty crowds by the Skate Stage, one of the four stages breaking up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway during the holiday

The year Labor Day was born in an attempt to appease the nation’s workers

Krept & Konan

“Real Talk”Young KingzPlay DirtyFrom the turnt up to the deep and personal, K&K pack it all into this already successful mixtape alongside some pretty big features [Giggs, Tinie Tempah, G FrSH]. Hailed up by their peers, new-found fans, main-stream media and faithful followers, it’s another power move from the Play Dirty camp.Track To Check: All Eyes On Me

Knytro

“Calm”Project HarpoonMTA RecordsBrooklynite Knytro (pronounced Nitro) is new to the scene but with Chase & Status nurturing this hip hop art-ist and his clear spitting abilities, he’ll push through soon enough. Who Am I? shows his soulful side whilst Brooklyn displays the funk and Still Standing just gets straight gritty. Track To Check: Who Am I?

2 Chainz

“Bouncy”B.O.A.T.S. II #MeTimeDef JamWhat’s that dance called? The one where you flap your arms like a confused chicken trying to take flight? The one 2 Chainz seems to have pretty much invented? Yeah… plenty more oppor-tunities for a bit of that on B.O.AT.S. II #Metime if that’s your kind of thing.Track To Check: We Own It ft Wiz Khalifa

The Weeknd

“Trippy”Kiss LandUniversalAs has become customary of The Weeknd’s trip inducing offerings, Kiss Land features more goosebump blossoming, tug-ging at heart string vocals and produc-tion. All the prow-ess of his debut offerings, injected with celebrity woes you can feel in your pores.Track To Check: The Town/Adaptation

The number of acts at The Budweiser Made In America festival. Including Beyonce, Public Enemy, ASAP Rocky, Rudimental, Deadmau5, Calvin Harris, Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar, Miguel and many more!

The amount of minutes Flava Flave’s rant went on for as he asked for justice for Trayvon Martin and Michael Jackson during the Public Enemy set

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The total number of festival frenzy Philadelphians who attended BMIA over the weekend

Remember when rap was overtly masculine? In comparison to previous generations, today’s chart topping MCs are more like R&B singers. Drake is the pioneer of this Lenor scented scene but he’s not alone. The rising popularity of rappers like Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper also suggests a less rugged overall sound in the hip hop sphere. Lily Mercer delves deep into the cashmere wrapped rap world to find out just what’s going on.

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Though not necessarily soft, the rappers above represent a change in the days of more aggressive artists like 50 Cent and T.I. While Drake is the most significant, Roc Nation’s J.Cole also flies the cashmere flag. Their song, Can I Hit It In The Morning? is rated 100% mink as far as hip hop songs go. While at a lesser percentage, Kendrick Lamar’s Drake-featured Poetic Justice is also pretty tender. Whether you’d define Drake’s music as soft, it does represent the more desirable side of life; aspirational rap for the masses. His feel-good lyrics promote celebration and progression, and it works! Whatever the song, it’s a hit. From night clubs to strip clubs, his falsetto crooning has seen him rise to the top of the hip hop and R&B charts, consistently, for years. 

His rose-tinted outlook is nothing new; Mary J. Blige embellished many rap songs during the nineties, as did Puff Daddy, who claims he created R&B in its modern form. Ja Rule was also an enforcer when it came to melting hip hop’s cold heart. As he perfected the placement of R&B hooks on rap songs like Put It On Me, he contributed to the influx of love-focused rap songs in the early noughties. Emotional displays were typical of Ja as a rapper, who vented on his debut album, Venni Vetti Vecci.  

DMX & Sticky Fingaz of Onyx are the likely originators of emo-rap as both pioneered the act of near-crying in the booth. DMX explored his tough childhood

through songs like Slippin’, displaying an openness that was unfamiliar in hip hop at the time. Even looking at the back catalogues of one of the greats, Jay Z, there are many songs with an emotional focus, including This Can’t Be Life and Soon You’ll Understand. Eminem took the emotional childhood reflection a step further as he based his career on the breakdown of relationships between him and both his mother and girlfriend. Evidently a fan of Eminem’s early work, Odd Future’ Tyler, the Creator’s albums feature skits in which he reflects on issues related to his father’s absence. 

As it became more common for rappers to explore their emotions, it was a natural step for men to delve into their feelings towards love. Rappers like Drake and J.Cole have made this their forte, as they develop armies of female fans; plus men eager to emulate them. Technically, this is nothing new, as LL Cool J was talking about his need for love back in ‘87, but then again, he was known for his macho personality. Also his romantic side appearing more as a ploy to make him even more attractive rather than an admission of softness. Big Daddy Kane similarly made moves to attract the ladies, as he appeared on the cover of Playgirl with only a box of chocolates to preserve his modesty. 

2Pac was one of the greatest social commentators in rap, with songs like Do For Love and Dear Mama.

“Whether you’d define Drake’s music as soft, it does represent the more desirable side of life. Aspirational rap for the masses, his feel-good lyrics promote celebration and progression. And it works! Whatever the song, it’s a hit. From night clubs to strip clubs...”

Despite, or even because of his role in the era of gangsta rap, he was able to explore themes of love, often featuring an R&B hook. His looks made him a favourite of hip hop’s female fans and David LaChapelle’s portrait in the bath tub added to his cashmere status, but wasn’t enough to counteract the countless photos of him toting a gun/blunt/raised middle finger.

With his ‘10 Softest Rappers in the Game’ countdown, cult blogger, the BigGhostFASE, has taken pride in naming and shaming his most stroke-able MCs. Having nicknamed Drake ‘the kitten whisperer’, his annual list ensures the guilty ones are aware of their crimes against rap. Despite the strength of the softer MCs, there are exceptions in the industry. Chief Keef’s presence is a strong statement against cashmere rap as his lyrics glamorise gun toting and gang violence. Meek Mill’s machine-gun flow also counteracts the smoothness of rap’s care bears as he details the grittier side of life. Even Rick Ross arguably balances the scale with debaucherous tales of drug capitalisation and consumption. 

Though rap has undoubtedly softened thanks to the influx of effeminate rappers, thankfully there are enough thugs to balance the industry. And what’s life without balance?Listen to @LilyMercer Mondays 1-3am on Rinse FM