RepDaScene UK: The Scene Magazine

Fashion Feature: DrunknMunky Autumn/Winter 09 Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:21:00 +0000

With the Winter season fast approaching, why not enter the cold snap in Urban style with a brand that has already attracted a cult following in the US with stars such as Jay-Z wearing the label! DrunknMunky have now released their Autumn/Winter 2009/10 range which illustrates how quickly the brand has grown and is set to become on of the favourite brands to be wearing today.

Inspiration for the brand is taken from the founders eastern roots and free spirited Californian lifestyle to create timeless clothing, unique designs and a fresh attitude to fashion. DrunknMunky followers represent these values by wearing the 9 dots logo that can be found on all of their clothing representing the Shaolin monk's discipline of the body and mind to achieve complete self confidence and belief.

Having received 2 t-shirts from the new collection, the range is still standing by their retro and nostalgic look taking inspiration from music and urban culture which also illustrates that the brand still keeping in touch with the younger generation who like to see new pieces of fashion that are always keeping fresh and up to date. Other seasonal collections are named Boho, Homage and Midnighters which take inspiration from the vintage 70's, intricate graphics and catwalk fashion.

The Autumn/Winter season range has a cultivated mix that Drunkn Munky fans will certainly be rushing to stores for. Pieces that I already favour from the collection are their new knitwear hoodies and light weight jackets which feature detailed embroideries of the DrunknMunky logo, coupled with the heavyweight cut and sew t-shirts with full colour chest prints, which definitely represent a benchmark in street wear high fashion. With DrunknMunkys successful collections to date, this new season demonstrates that the brand is fully in tune with what’s happening in the streets and are giving their followers what they want.

DMC World DJ Championships 2009

DrunknMunky continue their long association with music and urban culture by sponsoring the 25th anniversary of renowned DMC World DJ Championships. This is DrunkMunky's second year of partnership with the prestigious DJ awards. Worn by many of the worlds top DJs, DrunknMunky designs appeal and speaks to a generation of strong, self believing individuals who are not afraid to show their style and independance.

The DMC World Final was held in the indigO2 at the O2 area and had the perfect setting and atmosphere for the cult following DMC has acquired. The competition featured a tense battle between eventual winner Switch (UK), scratching his way to victory in the battle for Supremacy title in a pulsating duel with DJ Nelson.

The finals proved to be a hit with an enthusiastic crowd which supported some of the worlds best DJ's. The show featured the most talented, stylish and courageous DJ's on the planet!

The DrunknMunky Autumn/Winter collection definitely has that equipoise of style that everyone looks for in urban fashion, this new collection is something that the youth of today will relish and will make a statement to themselves and others that they know what style is!

Need A few Christmas gift ideas?

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:46:00 +0000

The latest Christmas gift sets from Lynx will be the perfect addition as stocking fillers! The new range offers 12 bespoke solutions that won’t break the bank this Christmas.

Lynx Manwash Set - Scrub away sins this Christmas with the ultimate piece of grooming gadgetry – the Lynx Manwasher – a soft loofah on one side and hard exfoliating pad on the other it’s guaranteed to get guys scrubbed up and ready to bag the ultimate girl. The skin smoothing set also includes Lynx Vice body spray and Lynx Boost shower gel making sure guys are prepared for whatever the party season throws at them. RRP £6.99

Lynx Recover Morning After Set - Party loving guys will love this innovative gift, which includes a colour changing alarm clock. With a series of cheeky one liners from a sexy Lynx Minx it’ll get them out of bed and ready for action. What’s more, Recover shower gel and body spray will revive guys from the night before, ensuring they are set for the day ahead. £11.99

Lynx Mini Traveller - Mini Africa body spray, Instinct anti-perspirant, Instinct shower gel and Fever shower gel in a mini washbag. RRP £5.50.

One To Watch: SlickMouth

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:56:00 +0000

Slickmouth was born in London before moving to Nigeria and then on to Los Angeles where he spent most of his teenage years. He is now living back in London, writing, creating and perfecting his style over the last three years. This is maybe the secret to his music, as it is also well traveled and has that international worldwide appeal.

The Slickmouth sound is something unique, something refreshing and above all it’s entertaining as twists up soulful grooves with poetically soothing lyrics, while always being exciting and forward-thinking in his approach.

1. What’s happening and how are things going?

Wudup Bro!...im chilling as always...just hit pause on the Daniel Merriweather album playing the background...im good g! ha!

2. What was the idea behind your second album release ‘Superstar’, can you give us a little insight on what we will be expecting from it and how different the album will be in comparison to your 2008 release ‘And There She Was’?

The Superstar Album is basically a compilation of my feelings, moods , and everything I am going through as an aspiring ‘SUPERSTAR’ from my moments of doubt to facing and overcoming obstacles, to moments of upliftment and gratification..it’s all reflected through the choice of beats and concepts which define the sound of the Album. This album is very personal as its my most Introspective work to date...it’s got a very modern feel to it..but yet perfectly infusing the Foundation of hip hop music...i.e the soulful cuts....the boom baps and real lyrics etc..

‘And there she was’ on the other hand was my first mixtape, a lot more Raw and less structured ..just a young Naive rapper putting good bars together for a project...while SUPERSTAR is a lot more structured and tells a story from beginning to end.

3. How are you feeling about your latest single ‘I Made It’ and what comments/feedback have you received so far?

The song ‘I made it’ is one of my personal favourites...it’s been getting quite a good reception from specialist DJ’s, promoters , and most importantly the audience...it seems to be the show starter...at the point when I drop this song in a performance the whole crowd’s up on their feet either clapping or bopping..so it’s a very gratifying feeling.
I had a Dj tell me once..’it’s that feel good vibe that the music industry has been lacking for a while’...so good vibes all around.

4. Can you explain why you decided to chose ‘Superstar’ as the title for the new album?

The title perfectly reflected the image and concept I was trying to get across at this stage in my career. I am a nobody and my aim is beyond the sky ..so the title ‘SUPERSTAR’ best depicts my ambition and the album details what I am going through as an artist in order to make it to a viable stage in my career..with tracks like ‘ Bare Your soul’ and ‘Music’ Talking about the Ills of the music industry, and how as a credible artist you find yourself having to make decisions which would either mean you sell out or stay credible.

While tracks like ‘I made it’ and ‘Top Of The World’ depict the optimistic spirit and emotions I am going through, feeling like I am getting respect and love from the fans and people around the world based on my music..which makes me feel on top of the world.

5. Let’s talk about the production, what was your creative control like and what type of sound did you want the album to have?

For this ‘SUPERSTAR’ album..i had total creative control of every process ..from choosing the beats to writing the lyrics and handpicking the few features I have on specific songs.The album has an overall modern synth feel ,quite soulful , very musical and most of all enjoyable...so after the listener has followed my journey throughout the whole album...they are left with a positive vibe...inspiring words and motivation to pursue whatever path in life they may have dreams for.

6. Did the feedback from your recent album give you any extra inspiration on what direction you wanted go with the new album?

As this is my first album...and as they always say, you take your whole life to make your first album...i just wanted to be as real as possible..to be me and let the listeners walk with me for a few months in my life...that was the only direction I had...so I just let the feedback from my first mixtape gear me on to be very focussed and most of all be very strict with my decision making on the album to ensure my aim is to deliver an undoubtably solid body of work.

7. Working with other UK artists such as Dexplicit, A-Tola and Triple Darkness, have these collaborations giving you more insight into the UK Hip Hop scene?

Well...Kinda, but not really cos each of these various artists are very different so it wasn’t a specific UK sound they all had..They were just individual artist..Not defined by Just being UK. Dexplicit has a very dinstinct sound and anywhere you here his drums you would know it was a Dex beat..but it wasn’t just Uk sounding..

8. Your clothing line ‘Universoul Clothing’, how did this idea come about?

The idea of the clothing was based on a song I did for the ‘SUPERSTAR’ album called ‘UNIVERSAL SOUL MUSIC’ which basically talks about the perception that people have about hip hop being mainly catered to those in the streets, or ex cons in the hood etc...and most people feel like they have to conform to such image to be part of the hip hop culture...which shouldn’t be so.

Hence the birth of the idea UNIVERSOUL which represents various characters such as Nerds, Indie Kids, Skateboarders, Soul Sisters, etc all of alternative cultures under one umbrella of Universoul..which signifies unity i.e bringing together people from various walks of life to represent a specific brand.

9. What do you think of the UK music scene and are there any particular artists over here that have caught your attention?

I was Born in London and Have been back here for the past 7 years...i’ve just been away in the states for 9years and also Nigeria for a few years...so I am no novice to the UK scene. I am an Avid follower of Yolanda brown..her talent is very unique and she’s a very humble artist...so hopefully a collaboration in the future..also like a few other singers such as Bluey Robinson..Shean Williams and Cynthia Erivo.

10. Which artist/producer would you say has impressed you this year and whose new album release are you looking forward to?

Definitely was impressed by the Daniel Merryweather Album..absolutely beautiful...Mark Ronson’s productions where near flawless...also the Raekwon’s OB4CL2 was a nice treat...i am heavily anticipating the Lupe Fiasco’s Laser album.

11. Are we going to be expecting any new video releases from you anytime soon?

Yes in a few weeks there would be 1 or 2 video treats floating around the online world and on Tv..so yeas keep your eyes peeled people..

12. What’s the plan for 2009\10, can you give us a low down on what projects you will be working on?

Totol Domination..even this sounds like an understatement..haha! but my plan is to saturate the scene with my music..clothing..features..poetry...Motivational speaking and all I can possibly get involved with...

I have a Mixtape getting release by the end of November titled ‘The Travelling Star’ , the Universoul clothing launch event early next year, the ‘SUPERSTAR’ release early next year and hopefully a poetry book by the Summer of next year....

13. Any shout outs?

First I wanna shout out my Mum...My management....nah im kidding...haha!i’ve always wanted to do that..on a reals...I wanna thank everyone that has been supporting me from the beginning...every one that has taken the time out to tell me how inspiring my music has been to them...to my family...my Girlfirend and my Executive producer...Emman....and you man..Thanks for the love..peace!

www.myspace.com/slickmouth22
www.twitter.com/slickmouth
www.youtube.com/slickmouthsuperstar

Jammer - New Party Animal Video

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:01:00 +0000

At last the Murkle Man returns and he's jumping! Jammer has been a fixture, pioneer and founding father of the Grime scene since its inception. Now signed to Big Dada Recordings, the Leytonstone MC and producer has teamed up with Toddla T and the resulting track is pure energy!!

Filmed by up-and-coming director Jay K over the course of a long day, 'Party Animal' sees Jammer imprisoned in a very large and futuristic block of flats where every door leads into yet another party. Featuring dons of the scene like C-Gritz, Lil D, Blacks and Jammin, plus giant speaker stacks, Jammer looking dapper and various ladies looking lovely, the results are fast, funny and slick!

The Scene Magazine Special Feature: Bulldog

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:08:00 +0000

The Scene Magazine is once again providing you with more fashion/beauty news for those of you who have already started Christmas shopping!

Bulldog, the UK’s first natural skincare brand for men, has launched a new Anti-Ageing Moisturiser at a retail price of £8.99 specifically for male skin. This latest addition to the award winning range is dermatologically tested and has a non-greasy formula designed to target wrinkles and fine lines. It contains natural ingredients including tannic acid from oak apple, botanical silicon from millet seed, vitamin E and a unique blend of five essential oils, which combine to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and deliver younger looking skin in four weeks.

With Christmas right around the corner, this will be a perfect gift for the men of the family who need to update their male grooming kits!

Check out more of the Bulldog range in the magazine links below!:

Review: Bulldog Skincare range

The Scene Magazine Interviews: Mr Midas

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:10:00 +0000

The Scene Mag caught up with Mr Midas on the phone to see what he has been up to since we last spoke to him in 2007. He has just finished his new album 'It only takes one moment' and the single titled 'Midas' feat David B is now out on iTunes with the video now making its rounds on all online media and on music TV stations such as Flava TV, Footlocker TV and Channel aka.

Check out the interview below!

1. Last time we spoke was back in 2007 a good 2 years back so whats been happening and whats new?

"Difficult question, but everything has been happening, Ive been working on this album for the last year and a half. The albums titled 'It only takes one moment'. What the plan was with the album is Ive always wanted to bring out a product that im happy with and expresses Mr Midas 110% and I didnt want it to be a reflection of what a record company wanted it to be or what this person whats it to be. I always said that im going to put the album together myself, im very good at networking and ive got good relationships with other people in the scene. I spoke to different producers via traveling and networking and hoping to finish off the album very soon.

Also, I was the number 1 downloaded artist off the Choice FM website which was crazy! So crazy that when I found out, I thought it was a mistake so I contacted Choice FM to double check that it was that amount. It felt good that 100,000 people wanted to listen to my material, that was huge and incredible. Ive got a few endoresment deals, im now the ambassador for the Literacy Trust ive been up and down the country with them. So mainly just that, plus working on my sound, shows and collaborations really."

2. When is the official release date for the album?

"I wanted to put the album together myself, but I do want to start shopping it around. So I released the first 2 singles independantly. I released 'Wile Out' on promo and iTunes and 'Midas' which is out now which was also released on promo and on iTunes. So im literally just finishing off the album and negotitiating around looking for the best deal."

3. Why has it taken a year and a half to finish off this album, was it you wanting to perfect it or looking at various production techniques?

"I think your first album is a reflection of your whole life. The first album for an artist is the most important. Like if you look at Nas or any other big artist, their first album is like wow, its like you take your whole life to make that first album. If im kinda dictating the whole what Mr Midas is, the sound, the reflection, growth in myself, id rather take some time and make a product which I think is great instead releasing an album which will get people saying "yea its ok' or"its not bad"

Mr Midas on the set filming single 'Midas' with David B

4. What sounds will your album have cause I know you and more or less everyone have been hearing the debatable topic of the grime scene being "dead" and UK Funky is the new genre that is up and coming. Have these changes ammended your sound or has this been an idea for you to go into something new?

"I dont think it has changed my sound because to me the sound of Mr Midas is very important. I think what it has done is it has enabled me to work with lots of different producers who use different kind of sounds so thats kind of changed how all my sounds come together.

For example, I still class myself as a dancehall artist and ive got production from people like Sticky who has worked alongside Ms Dynamite. I worked with Sticky on a dancehall track which has that funky sort of sound, but its still very Mr Midas and it was funny because when I was in the studio with Sticky, me and him were going at it saying 'no its got to go like this' and 'no it has to sound like that' because im very hands on when it comes to what I should sound like.

I dont want people to listening to my album saying "that sound does not suit him", when you listen to every song on my album there may be tracks on there that may be a bit different to what I normally do, but I still want it to sound like me."

5. Your new single 'Midas' what was the idea behind it and are we going to be expecting a video anytime soon?

"The video for the track is out now and its currently being aired on Flava TV, Channel aka and it will be shown on Footlocker TV in a few weeks will also be aired in every Footlocker store up and down the country. Its also being shown on loads of online media. The track was produced by JD aka Dready he has been working with artists such as Busta Rhymes and Estelle.

It was a track to let people know that Midas is still here. I recorded the track not so long ago funnily enough and I really liked it. I had to collect all the data from JD which was a bit of a nightmare cause he is always flying in and out of New York he must be clocking up the biggest airmiles on Virgin! haha.

So I had to work with another sound engineer and re-configure the data and re-vocal plus re-vamp the track. Then I was contacted by label called The Big Band Record Company which is an independant label who have known about me for quite a while and I told them about the project I wanted to do and they paid for the whole video. I also worked with a director called Sheridan Myers he is a really big director. He has done alot of big videos...the main one that comes to mind is Megaman and the Goodfellas video 'Getaway'. So he has that glossy sort of look in his videos that was something I wanted to incorporate in mines."

Mr Midas on the set filming club scene

6. Obviously, Dready..So Solid...What was it like working with him?

"To be honest with you it was crazy, how I first got in contact with Dready was through an artist called Baby Blue. I was doing some work with her, plus her and JD are quite tight. So she said that any artist that Dready wants to work with will have to send over a demo CD. Once I got it sent over, I did not hear anything for a long while so I didnt think anything of it. Then a few months later I got a phone call and picked up and a voice on the phone said it was JD which was a suprise although I did not recognise who it was on the phone straight away which was quite funny!

Ive got so much love for him cause he is one of the first big producers in the game that worked with me and took me to real shoot studios, he wasnt really caring about me not having a name, he was more focused on the talent. It crazy as well because his family is from the same place my family is from in Birmingham and he used to work in a record shop with my uncle and our families all know each other. But I did not want him to work with me on that route, but it was good that we realised that we more or less knOw the same people and mine and his family are connected. I know his mum and everything so it was like working with a family member."

7. The collaborations on your album, can you give us a run down of who will be featuring on your latest release?

"To be honest, it not too much based on the artist. But my album will feature Snakeyman, Blemish Blackstorm and quite a few singers. I worked with a new singer called Heather Jane...she is doing alot in the game. I didnt really want big name artists, although I do have quite a few big producers featuring on the album such as Sticky, JD, Self Talk, Richie Rich, Thomas Delaney who produces Shaun Paul and Ive got producers from Puffys label Bad Boy records. The beats that I have and the producers I hooked up with are crazy. They have all got strong names behind them, but I did not want it to be about the biggest artists you can get on the album. I personally dont think you should didtate your career based on who can make you been seen."

8. Will tonight be the last time your laying a track down in the studio for a while or have you got more hidden tracks to record?!

"It will never be the last day in the studio for now, the last day in the studio will be the day Im not longer on this earth (laughs). Ive got people cussing me saying 'blud, you aint listened to my beat yet!'. Ive got a collaboration that will be happing very soon which im very happy about which will be myself, Baby Blue and Clue from Goodfellas. Ive got songs coming out my ears that ive got to write to. But right now, my main focus is on the album, generating as much promo for the single and distinguishing and getting my fan base strong and allowing people to appreciate what Mr Midas is about."

9. ok cool, what do you think of the direction of dancehall in the UK, I know last year it was pretty big. What do you think about the direction its going in now, do you still think its still fresh?

"I think its weird cause the dancehall scene in the UK has always been a strange thing. I think we have had 2 dancehall scenes in the UK. We have like the main dancehall scene which is sort of underground that is all set via the raving scene and you have another scene which is more UK based on it. Its weird as I have always called myself a dancehall artist and I represent the dancehall music all day.

But i am not in the dancehall scene, Im not in either dancehall scene and I never have been. Ive never been in the underground deep dancehall scene, the biggest artists in that scene will be acts such as Tuggawar or Gappy Ranks. Then you have the commercial dancehall scene where you have acts like Maxwell D and Doctor thats because its more based on the funky sound.

For me it works perfectly, cause thats not my fan base as much as people in that scene appreciate me because technically what you can do is put me up against any MC and we will go bar for bar. No one can take my skill away, I am just as good as any other dancehall artist out there, but thats not where my fan base is because for me its all about songs thats all im interested in and thats why I have worked so hard on my album interested of throwing any song out there."

10. Who would you like to collaborate most within the UK music scene?

"I would like to work with Davinche, we have done a little something together but we havent worked together properly. Id also like to work with Sway, Ive very much about people energy as much as their talent. Ive worked with so much people in the scne. Id like to work with someone different as well, I would like to do a little collaboration with Coldplay and acts like that as I like all this transition music that is currently happening.

The title song of my album 'It only takes one moment' the chorus was done by an artist that was in the Musicool TV show with me called Darren Michelangelo Smith and he is straight indie and the song is amazing and I love that kind of transition music. I think thats what takes people forward."

11. Finally any shout out, is there anyone you would like to thank?

"Yep, everyone who has supported me throughout my career so far. I say so far cause what im doing now is all baby steps. Make sure everyone checks out my blog 'mrmidasonline.blogspot.com', make sure all of you follow me on Twitter which is 'http://twitter.com/mrmidasmusic'.

Big up The Scene Mag who has been supporting me throughout my career. Everyone just get involved and check out all the online medias, request my tracks on Flava TV and just keep showing the love and support! Peace!!"

The Scene Magazine Interviews: Karl Hinds

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 11:02:00 +0000

Karl Hinds reigns from the talents of British Hip Hop and is considered to be one of the most influential entrepreneurs within the UK. Having pursued his musical interest from the tender age of 15, Karl had and still remains with his sights set high and began his venture by setting up his own label, Assassin Records.

His third album, ‘The Need To Be Heard’, set for release later this year will reflect a clearer definition as to why Karl remains a respectable icon within the new generation of UK music.

1. Other than preparing for you new album release, what’s happening and how are things going so far?

Things are really good right now u know, the last few years I’ve had would have buried most artists or so called hustlers but if anything I’ve proved to my doubters that they need to stop it, I’m here and I’ll always make money in this game.

2. Being considered as one of the most influential entrepreneurs within the UK, how does it feel being granted with this form of recognition?

It’s humbling to receive that type of recognition because it shows that the work I put in behind the scenes is being appreciated.

3. Your new album ‘The Need to Be Heard’ is due for release soon, how are you feeling about this latest project and what are we going to expect from the album production wise?

Well all the production is done by me as usual, the difference is that on this album I included some tracks with samples in them. I also feel that my Album may not sound so ahead of its time in terms of beats as the game as a whole has caught up with me now and its not so unusual now to hear original melodies.

4. What kind of topics do you touch on in your new album and how did you come up with new ideas for it?

The new album is about the consequences you face hustling. Most rappers when talking about hustling never talk about losing, and claim constant success. That’s impossible if you really hustle then at some point you must lose, even if you’re a constant winner then its human nature for you to feel invincible, become arrogant, sloppy and lose heavily. The album captures a hustler’s life at that point and talks about the mentality needed to recover, and how that struggle effects your relationships. The idea came from recent struggles of mine.

5. Did the feedback from your recent projects give you any extra inspiration on what direction you wanted go with the new album?

Nah not really, the direction came from my life’s recent journey. I just went through some real sh** that stretched my perception of my self to the limit. I just felt tested on every level, lost a lot of money, had people in my corner trying to sabotage my reputation and career, and the strength it took to come through that inspired this album.

6. Since being on the UK music scene from the age of 15, what do you think about the UK music scene and what do you think about the influx of new acts starting to appear on the scene?

Bruv I don’t have any opinion on sh**, coz once you get into complaining about how things should be you end up in this club of has been’s, turn around and your careers over coz you sat there bitching. The scene is what it is, if you’re a true hustler you should be able to handle competition as nothing stays the same. The new kids seem to only care about the money so their music is super Pop, and that’s cool but when that scene changes their f*****.

7. Did you ever imagine you’d have such a strong influence on the sound of UK Hip Hop?

Every true artist hopes to leave some influence on the game, but what I didn’t know is how changing the game for the new era could create such resistance. I knew that the UK Hip Hop sound was stuck, and if it didn’t get over it’s love affair with that 90’s sound it would die a horrible death. Then Grime came and exposed how out of date UK Hip Hop was, my influence was to define our sound as British underground artists and I also help define UK Hip Hop’s new sound, which pissed off those that didn’t want things to change but I did for Hip Hop in the U.K. to survive.

8. Can you give us a low down on the artists currently signed to your record label ‘Illflava Records’?

Yeah the next to blow is gonna be Jeff3 who features on the first single “Fella” from my new album. This dude is talent personified he also produces and is a superb vocal arranger. We have a producer in the camp called Baby Ray so the beats that are coming out the camp are crazy. We have a couple other acts that are coming but it’s a bit to soon to speak on those projects right now, but the labels in the best position its ever been in, real talk.

9. You have worked with a number of artists in the UK music scene, is there anyone left that you still want to work with?

Yeah there’s loads, I’ve never worked with K-lash-neck-off I think that him and I on a track would be fire. I’m feeling Giggs right now. A couple people have tried to get Wiley and I in the same studio, if that was to happen that would sound big. I just came across a UK singer called Natalie Williams, I had never heard of her until I heard her track on some chicks profile I think her voice is beautiful.

10. What kind of advice would you like to give to other aspiring rappers trying to make it into the hip hop game?

Don’t do it for the money, but if you do, choose something else other than Hip Hop. Make sure your about something so your music has meaning, so people will want to hear your thoughts for longer then two albums. And know the rules of the game

11. What’s the plan for 2009\10, can you give us a low down on what projects you will be working on?

Yeah I’m currently Co-Executive Producing an Album with Knew Rulz, which will be coming out on Ill Flava featuring rappers like, Terminology, Mystro, Joell Ortiz, myself (Karl Hinds) M.C. Theme, General Levy, Lady Shan etc, which will drop after my Album. We’ve just started work on Jeff3’s project and that sound’s incredible and should be dropping in 2010.

12. Any shout outs?

Yeah I must shout out Baby Ray & Digital Dreamspace, Nina Carmela from Rhythmic Visions and Jenny Francis.

The Scene Magazine Interviews: Dap-C

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:14:00 +0000

Following the success of Dap-C's 'Ma Money' single featuring Lil Wayne, 'Smile' is due to be released 20th July 09 and is the first track to be made public from his forthcoming album 'Chasing the High' which features multi platinum selling artists such as Akon, Shola Ama, Wu-Tang Clan, Kool G Rap, Bizarre of D12, and more.

'Smile' released on N.G.U Records and is produced by Dom P and features fellow rising young Geordie vocalist Eliza Lawson.

1. Dap-C, what’s happening and how are things going?

Right now I've just finished my album, I've been working on the album for around five years, so thats a good feeling. I'm just about to start touring with my artist Phil Ashmore. I thought after I finished my album I might take some time out to relax before I start the promo, but Im hungry right now, I cant relax. Im in a good place right now, this record is gonna have a long run, there are so many options for singles its crazy.

2. You have previously worked with Lil Wayne on your previous single titled ‘Ma Money’, what was it like working with Wayne and how did the both of you join forces?

Working with Wayne was definatly the highest point of my career so far, It just started with an e-mail to my boy Dj Vlad saying 'I wanna do a track with Weezy'. I was really 100% serious, cause I thought it would never happen, but it did and the rest is history. Ma Money wasnt just a single, its actually a full EP. The CD/DVD also features Royce Da 5'9, Professor Green, Big Cakes & loads more.

3. You penned your new single ‘smile’ while serving time in Durham prison, What was the idea behind the new single and can you give us a little insight into how you thought of the track?

Smile was written about my girl friend, I remember I was trying to be real smooth in letter to her, haha. I said 'I only smile when I think of you' and I thought that would be a great concept for a song, so that night, which was my first night in prison I wrote the first verse, then half way through my sentence I wrote the second verse, then I penned the third verse on my last night before I was a free man again. The song takes you on a journey of my thoughts step by step through the whole experience of being locked away for a loved one.

4. Your new album ‘Chasing the High’’ is due for release soon, how are you feeling about this latest project and how different will it be from your previous album ‘Street Karma’?

I've been working on this album since I released Character Building in 2003, the tracklist has changed a million times, but Im happy with what I have right now, theres no release date planned yet, so it might change slightly again, cause I might make something nice to add. The Street Karma album wasn't a Dap-C solo album, it was a collabortion album with producer Dirty Sweet, on that project we worked with all the big underground UK heads, like Blak Twang, Skinnyman, Lewis Parker, Fallacy, Stylah, Mr Drastick, and a load more.

Dirty Sweet makes those classic sample based UK hip hop style beats that I dont normally touch, as Im into a more commerical sound, so that whole album was an experiment for me, but Im really happy with the outcome, we recorded every track in a studio in Leicester city centre in 2007 and had a real ball doing it, the album took probably 3 times longer than it should due to a lot of partying. I'm going to do another project with Dirty Sweet, he's moved to Amsterdam now, so as soon as I got time I'll get out there and the mayhem will continue.

5. What kind of topics to you touch on in your new album?

There a song called 'Gone Forever' about my first love, features my artist Phil Ashmore and a full live band. Theres a few other girl tracks on there as well. Theres a few club tracks on the record, giving my own twist on partying, drinking, drugs & girls.

Then theres some street tracks on there, like Road To Riches 2009 featuring Kool G Rap, which I'm very proud of and 'Sneak Around' produced by Baby J which features Cappadonna & Kid Rad, watch out for him. The album closes with a track called 'Here In Heaven' about my mother who passed away from cancer a few years back. Theres a lot of topics touched on the album, some really personal, some not so personal haha.

6. Chasing the High features platinum selling artists such as Akon, Wu Tang Clan and Kool G Rap to name a few. How did it feel to collaborate with artists of this calibre on your new album?

It truly is a dream come true, they have certainly taken my project to the next level.

7. Did the feedback from your recent album give you any extra inspiration on what direction you wanted go with the new album?

No it really didn't, as the recent album was so different to what I was already doing on this album.

8. How do you feel about the UK music scene at the moment are there any particular artists you have your eye on?

Geejay is a 21 year old singer/rapper from Sunderland, I think his new single 'Dance With Me' is hot! Also Kid Rad is a new artist signed to OYM, I was played his album a few days ago and its amazing, hes on Chasing The High as well.

9. What's your approach and mind state when it comes writing new songs for albums or mixtapes?

If its an album track I normally already have a full story I wanna tell, so I get a pen and paper really late at night and get into it. If its a mixtape track I just put the beat on and what ever comes out, comes out. So if you hear me saying some crazy shit on a mixtape its just what popped into my mind at the time.

10. Are we going to be expecting any new video releases from you anytime soon?

Yes, theres gonna be atleast 5 videos for the album. The next video is gonna be 'Gone Forever' featuring Phil Ashmore, we're going out to NYC to shoot the video for that one very soon.

11. What kind of advice would you like to give to other aspiring rappers trying to make it into the hip hop game?

None, no one gave me any.

12. What’s the plan for 2009\10, can you give us a low down on what projects you will be working on?

Expect a lot of Dap-C singles all the way through 2009 & 2010. Chasing The High will come out at some point when I feel the time is right. Expect new albums from all NGU artists, Geejay, Phil Ashmore & Mc Beads. Im also working an a collaboration project with a reading based producer called Stealf, thats an some experimental tip for me, dont wanna tell you too much about that yet, but watch out for it.

13. Any shout outs?

Shout to all of the NGU Family, OYM, Block Exchange, Hip Hop Village and everyone I forgot

The Scene Magazine Interviews: Yoshi

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Trained by his music teacher father and seasoned through years of poetry slams, talent shows, and musical and rap performances, Yoshi found his audience in the Metro Detroit Hip Hop scene while a student at nearby Eastern Michigan University. Always at the grindstone he found success as a rapper and songwriter while earning his degree in Communications.

The Scene Magazine caught up with the Yoshie to see how things are going since releasing his album 'The Talent Show' back in February and to find out whats new on the horizon including prepartions for his video for the new single 'Dance Tonight'.

1. What’s happening Yoshi and how are things going with you?

Hey…everything is awesome…life is Great! I’ve just been working hard at my regular 9-5, as well as working hard on promoting my new album “The Talent Show” and setting up shows…staying busy.

2. How does it feel being compared to artists such as LL Cool J and Common and where do you see yourself positioned in the Hip Hop and poetry?

It feels excellent. Those are very big, legendary names. I feel honored. It is truly a privilege to be compared to such artists who have been in the game for so long. I can definitely tell how one can think that since my style is very soulful, a lot of my songs are catered to the female audience, I’m quite lyrical, and not too bad on the looks!

I see myself making it very far. I have been rapping for about 11-12 years and gained a lot of experience and skill doing so. I hope to tour all over the world in the near future and gain many more fans all over.

3. Being a poet and songwriter do you think these skills have helped you differentiate your music from other established artists?

I definitely do. I started out writing a lot of poetry and hip hop interchangeably. I am more focused on rhyming now and less poetry, although within my rhymes, you will see visuals and hear poetry in the words that I rap. Poetry slams have allowed me to have a different background from most rappers. I know how to control a crowd, how to make people react certain ways, and I can also change up my flow to adapt to the music. I can make a listenable song and still be lyrical which is a craft that takes a lot of time to truly master.

4. Apart from your father training you on the art of poetry, who else inspired you to take Hip Hop more seriously?

My brother Akira has helped shape my flow. He schooled me on a lot of old school rappers as well as on how to make a catchy song. He’s a musician at heart and has always told me to not just rap but to rap and to make your flow stand out on a track. In addition to him, my other brother and close friends have both inspired me and motivated me to take hip hop more seriously. They saw that I had talent at an early age and kept telling me to pursue it.

5. Your latest EP ‘The Talent Show’ dropped back in February 2009, what feedback have you received from this project and has the feedback already given you more ideas for your next album release?

I have received A LOT of positive feedback all over the world. People are loving the skits, how the album flows like an actual talent show, the comedy in the skits, the intricate melodies and beats, and the lyrics and message behind the songs. Yes, the feedback has definitely given me more ideas for my next album release. I want to do something even more creative, different and comical. I always want to push the envelope which is what I’m sure I will do with my next release.

6. Will you be able to give us some insight and your idea behind the single ‘Dance Tonight’ and will you be able to comment on how you came up with your recent album name ‘Talent Show’?

I wanted to make a catchy, fun song that would get people to dance to in the club. It has a very grown and sexy vibe to it….not the typical up tempo top 40 pop song. Myself and my brother Akira Charles both agreed to make a fun uptempo song with a nice house/hip hop groove…something you don’t always here in Detroit. We called up our friend Marvin Hawkins to lay down the hook and it was a great success.

I came up with the title 'The Talent Show' because…Well, throughout my album, you'll really get nothing but pure talent. From the lyrics to the arrangement to the singing to the music and everything in between, you'll get an immense amount of talent. I have some incredibly gifted singers and emcees featured on this album as well as my genius brother who produced almost all of it.

Also, in college, I've always been known as that guy who was always in talent shows so i felt the name The Talent Show would be appropriate. So, I decided to call it just that and include some silly skits between tracks to make the whole album flow like a real talent show.

7. Are we going to be expecting any new music videos to support more forthcoming singles anytime soon?

Yes, we are pushing my single: 'Magnetic' featuring Darien Brockington and Buff1. The new official music video for it will be released next month in early August.

8. You have previously shared the stage with other notable figures in Hip Hop and poetry including ‘Elzhi’of Slum Village, Wu Tangs ‘Killah Priest’, Amanda Diva and Fred Hammond to name a few. How does it feel to have performed with artists of this caliber?

It feels great…I am truly honored. I hope to perform with more acts of this caliber and notoriety.

9. Being a veteran in the business, what advice would you give to those individuals trying to make it into Hip Hop or stand up poetry?

I would say to always stay committed to your dreams/goals and anything that you truly wish to accomplish. Always stay positive and help others because the more you do so, the more you will get help.

10. Any Shout outs?

Special Shout outs to everybody in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Detroit, Michigan, Aktive Audioworks (Akira Charles, Relly Rell, The Dominators, The Doms…), “Loose” crew, Edo, Steve-O, Sab, Winston Brown, RVUP and all the emcees and artists out there.

Rasheeda Shout Out to The Scene Magazine!

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:12:00 +0000

US Queen of Crunk Rasheeda gave The Scene Magazine a quick shout out! Also check out her interview with us in the link just below the video!

Link: The Scene Mag Interviews Rasheeda

New album in stores titled 'Certified Hot Chick' dropping August 18th 2009

Top athletes congratulate Roger Federer on his 15 Grand Slam titles

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:51:00 +0000

Sunday 5th July saw Roger Federer defeat Andy Roddick in the finals of the mens singles that lasted just over 4 hours. Excited crowds saw Federer take home his 15th Grand Slam title beating former Grand Slam record holder Pete Sampras. To celebrate his win, top sports stars including Michael Jordan, Serena Williams and Tiger Woods congratulated him on his major achievement.

We think its safe to say Roger Federer is now the greatest player in Grand Slam history! The video is below!

The Scene Magazine Interviews: Rasheeda

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 19:25:00 +0000

Rasheeda, the famous female MC hailing from Atlanta, Georgia has been cranking out hits since early 2000. As a teenager while her friends were transitioning from Barbie dolls to make-up, Rasheeda was busy writing rhymes and perfecting her craft.

Rasheeda has always ruled as the Queen of Crunk but she has also established herself as one of the sexiest women in hip-hop.

1. What’s happening and how are things going?

Things are going good, working hard, promoting the new album, doing mixtapes and on the road.

2. What was the idea behind your debut video 'Boss Chick’ and can you give us a little insight into how you thought of the track?

The song just came to me I wanted to showcase women in a positive light we are strong business women, independent, trendsetting, successful, confident individuals and I thought people needed to know that so I made a song about it. The idea of the video was to showcase me and Boss Chicks of all aspects nothing too over the top just us typical women out here working hard doing our thing.

3. Your 5th album release ‘Certified Hot Chick’ is due for release this August, how are you feeling about this latest project and what will we expect from this exciting release?

I feel absolutely great about it. The album is what I call hot music with substance. Its diverse, sexy, edgy and is a manual for women & men.

4. What kind of topics to you touch on?

So many, from relationships situations both the good things and the bad, empowering women songs. Songs that express what I’ve been goin thru in my life and in this industry and the list goes on you can hear the titles and pretty much know where I’m going. “Show you to the door”, “Betta off alone”, “Compliment”, “Thang For You”, “Where Ya Been”, “Boss Chick” and etc.

5. What artists and producers have you worked with for your new album and who did you enjoy working with the most?

I enjoyed working with everyone. I have Shawnna, Diamond (formally of CrimeMob), Cherish & Kandi (formally of the group Xscape).

6. Being a former member of the hip hop trio ‘Da Kaperz’, has going solo enabled you to encorporate your own sound in your music?

Of course it has! But I will say even in the group we had flexibility. But as a solo artist I’m blessed I can do me.

7. Hailing from the ATL and having worked with Lil Jon and The Eastside Boys, Pastor Troy, Jazze Pha to name a few. How do you feel the crunk scene is progressing?

Music goes through phases and the title “Crunk Music” has fizzled down just like “Snap music”. But in the south we always made great club bangers and that’s not going anywhere. The quote on quote “crunk music era” will come around again I’m sure.

8. Being that you are a female hip hop artist in quite a strong position in the game, do you feel you are more relatable to other female mc’s?

Im a female entertainer and I think I’m relatable to females period not just in hip- hop but everyday women. I have to be that’s my audience.

9. What kind of advice would you like to give to other aspiring females mc’s trying to make it into the hip hop game?

I would tell her to be a individual, a leader not a follower go hard in this business you have to be taken seriously. There is a lot of rejection & fakeness so you will have to develop a thick skin. Get yourself a good team of people who have your back and most of all do you don’t get boxed in strive to be great at many things.

10. What’s the plan for 2009\10, can you give us a low down on what projects you will be working on?

Of course! My new album “Certified Hot Chick” will be dropping on August 18th 2009, Im workin on a few mixtapes and I will also be dropping a album with Kandi together we have a group called “PeachCandy” the project will be released in the near future. Im also workin on some TV ventures and I’ve been getting several of my songs placed in movies, TV & video games as well so I have lots of things going on.

11. Any shout outs?

Yes, to all my fans I love ya to death….. Hit me on

www.myspace.com/rasheedagapeach
www.blackplanet.com/rasheedagapeach
www.twitter.com/rasheedagapeach
www.youtube.com/dlo117
www.kyte.tv/rasheeda

Check out Rasheedas new video 'Boss Chick below!

Fashion Feature: SubSpecies

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:43:00 +0000

Now what do you get when cross 3 apes who have escaped from a maximum security zoo, forced to work for the big players in fashion, and now dedicated to taking the fashion industry by storm by releasing their own breed of clothing?....You get a new type of fashion and a new movement called 'SubSpecies'.

The Scene Magazine caught up with the creative group to see how things are going and to see how their plans are finally starting to unravell!

1. How did you all come up with the brand name 'Subspecies'?

Due to the varied skills & interests of the design team, we knew that creating a name that would cover all bases of the clothing fraternity was highly important. No matter the cult; extreme sports, B-boy, urban gangsta, anarchist or freak. Well that or maybe it was the 12 Stella's in the local boozer!!

2. After rounding up the troops for universal domination, can you give us a bit of insight into how your plan finally began to unravel to create a new breed of ‘Subspecies’?

It’s still slowly unraveling. Building a brand that isn’t going to sell out is something that needs to be neutered. We are finding word of mouth is an important tool as we have very little budget to place adverts in the media like the big labels can. We are building a BMX and Skate team at the mo and sponsoring some good up and commers in the hiphop scene. Oh and Monsieur Phil Kyle from London ink likes to rep us whenever he can.

3. How would you describe the style you encorporate into your clothing and where do you get your inspiration from?

The designers are all from different backgrounds of life so it’s a sit down around a table, get wasted and argue about what should be done and what shouldn’t. We listen to the people who are gonna buy our stuff, where the demand is and work from there to ensure every species of life is happy. The design team are extremely passionate about what they make and only leaves Sub HQ when everyone is satisfied with the product and they would wear it themselves.

4. Can you tell us a bit about the Series 1 limited edition range?

Series 1 is a collection of 18 limited edition graphic tees. Our Limited edition tees are enzyme washed to give a comfortable feel when new and made of the finest 200gsm Gold cotton available. Colours have been selected in earthy tones that ensure the graphics propel from the base colour of the tees. We worked tirelessly to ensure the fit and feel are of the ultimate...The graphics aren't bad either as we have tried to stay away from the plain old screen print and build the artwork up with flocks, raised embroidery and raised rubber welds.

The garment itself has a subspecies trademark 'T' bar cut & sew panel on the back, the inner yoke is a non feel printed jersey lining with felt flock monkey logo. The back neck tape is herringbone with a velour overlay for maximum comfort. Sizes are available in xs-xxl. This collection is available now. There are only 450 of each style/colour in existence. We will never produce these again, so when they are gone, there gone. So get on to our website and order one now....

5. Classic question here for the troops, what do you think of the fashion scene now and how do you feel about the influx of new up and coming brands now starting to emerge on to the market?

We started due to the lack of brands who really cared about the quality that they were putting out into the market. Everything is mass produced to the droves of sheep that follow a brand, then wonder why five people in the same pub are wearing the same clothes as you?! There are masses of emerging labels coming through, some good, some real bad, but you gotta have a plan, not just oh I’ve got 5 graphics here, lets get Joe bloggs down the road to print them in his garage, sell them, then errr....We try to stay away from trend direction too, that stuffs for the catwalk cats and ladida’s of this world. I mean who makes these trends up? Someone trying to sell you a book for £600 per season, thats who.......

Thats why we made ours limited edition, there are no boudaries your guaranteed to be different, a Subspecies. There are No Gods No Masters!!

6. What type of challenges have all of you faced whilst building the label?

The credit crunch kicked us real hard in the nuts. The depression, the Government, the media all of who scaremongered everyone into thinking the world was going to end.....which made the retailers in the industry panic and hold onto buying into emerging brands.

7. What’s the public reaction been like towards your brand?

We’re growing everyday, we have never received a return (which is real important to us) check out the blog on our site (http://subspeciesgb.com/blog.php?dt=756864) and see what the people who buy/enlist say. It’s not made up, it’s all the feedback been sent to us which helps us on our quest for perfection.

8. Where are you lines currently on sale?

We have our own online store at www.subspecies.co.uk for the tees and www.subspecies.bigcartel.com for the Lidz. We sell to a few stores in the U.K, Germany and Italy, but we are looking for good distributors and independent stockists across the world to help spread the word.

10. Finally, what advice would you give to those people thinking of starting up a new clothing label?

Wait till the economy returns to normal, get yourself some serious cash to market your brand, write down a plan of attack and try stick to it. In fact, just don't bother, buy some subspecies gear and straight rep it to all your mates...haha

Check out Subspecies online store at: http://subspeciesgb.com/

Special Feature: Shifty

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:05:00 +0000

Shifty is a sharply scripted, witty, urban thriller, from writer/director Eran Creevy. Set on the outskirts of London it follows themes of friendship and loyalty over the course of 24 hours in the life of a young drug dealer, the charismatic "Shifty".

Starring

Riz Ahmed (Shifty)

Riz Ahmed is one of the most exciting actors and musicians of his generation. Recently nominated for Best Actor at the 2008 British Independent Film Awards for his lead role in Shifty, Riz will also attend the 2008 Berlin Film festival for the worldwide premiere of his next feature Rage; a Sally Potter film, with Jude Law and Judi Dench scheduled for release in summer 2009.

Daniel Mays (Chris)

RADA graduate Danny Mays has performed five plays at the Royal Court Theatre garnering critical praise for parts written specifically for him including Motortown by Simon Stephens and The Winterling by Jez Butterworth.

He won the Best Actor prize at the Palmare Television Festival in 2003 for his role in the hard hitting improvised BBC drama Rehab. His television credits include series lead Carter Kranz in Funland, Consent, Class of 76, Tipping the Velvet, Top Buzzer, Saddam's Tribe and Half Broken Things.

The Production

Based in part on real events witnessed by writer-director Eran Creevy, who grew up on the outskirts of London, Shifty was filmed entirely on location in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, which doubled for the fictional suburb of Dudlowe where the film is set. A 30-strong production crew shot in 17 locations across 18 days in August 2007. “It was a hugely ambitious undertaking,” says Eran.

Riz Ahmed (right) and Daniel Mays (left)

“We were shooting on average 5 pages a day which meant the pace never let up. Our biggest enemy was the weather – we had rain, sun, wind, sleet, hailstones and back to sun again, all in the same day.”

The toughest challenge for first time feature director Eran was the pressure. Having laboured over the script for more than 3 years, the tight shooting schedule meant being extraordinarily disciplined on set. He explains,

“All the energy, the build up, the crew hire, script development, auditions, casting, preproduction and then it all comes down to 25 minutes to achieve the shot before the light goes or you have 30 people who need to break for lunch. The pressure of that moment is immense and surreal. I just had to make sure I was always in the right head space on set as sometimes compromises have to be made.”

However, whilst the budget for the film was modest by Hollywood standards, the cast and crew were determined there would be no sacrifices on quality. “Everyone brought their A-game to this film and it shows. No one was in it for the money.” says Riz Ahmed.

Director: Erran Creevy

Danny Mays says,

“When I found out the budget was £100K I must admit that at first I thought it’ll be a bit of a kick and a scramble. But I honestly really enjoyed making this film. Everyone was on the same money and we developed this kind of siege mentality. One for all and all for one. It was hectic and time was always tight but as an actor I never felt rushed. I always had room to do what I needed to and that’s testament to the professionalism and talent of the director, producers and crew.”

To help promote the release of Shifty UK artists Sway, Plan B and Riz himself released the track titled 'Shifty' (below)

Release date: 24th April 2009

Special Feature: Rimae Clothing

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:32:00 +0000

With summer just around the corner, the influx of new fashion lines will begin to attract those who always keep an eye out for the latest seasonal trends ready to hit the market.

The Rimae Clothing brand based in Cardiff; are aiming to bring a fresh and contemporary look to those who are eagerly awaiting new styles to hit the scene. With their philosophy being "Imagination and understanding is the start of being free", they feel that understanding leaves you with no limitations and a good imagination will set you free. Their objective is to let people know about the benefits of ethical and organic clothing as they feel it's going to be the future in fashion design. As Nathan Palmer founder of Rimae Clothing says;

“I feel that there is a fashion designer in all of us. It takes time to decide what you wear in the morning or what you would decide to put on, on a date, and that's what fashion designer does but in more in more detail, designing to me is the arrangement of an idea, which has originated from a source in my case paper, to a toile to the finished article in a nutshell".

With new clothing brands constantly emerging onto the fashion scene and with the competition growing, Rimae Clothing aim to introduce their lines outside of Wales. Their lines have already attracted the attention of those in Bath and London. Pieces to look out for will be their new male black cardigans which are available in 2 styles.

These exciting new additions trail along the smart/casual look, with their usual blend of Bamboo and Cashmere making these new pieces unique in their finish. One cardigan is a 6 wooden button cardigan featuring the gold Rimae Clothing coats of arms logo embroidered onto the left hand side of the chest. These 2 pieces adds to the Rimae Clothing luxury collection.

Rimae Clothing continues to make an impression. To add, they have received support from professional sports personalities from the world of athletics and Rugby, such as Jamie Baulch, Nathan Brew, Aled Brew and Nicky Robinson. As stated in a recent interview, Nathans inspiration comes from:

“What is around me, it does not have to be a particular object, setting or colour. A lot of our design's come from moods and feeling that have happened throughout the day. It can be a series of event's even which may have happened in a different period of my life but through my Sub-curious is brought to me through a vision or a dream, I like to give thanks to god mostly as through our hard work and pray we feel that he is always watching over us making sure that things go well.”

Today, Rimae Clothing is known for its knit and woven apparel, such as t-shirts, polo shirts, sweaters and cardigans that all have that vintage feel. Rimae Clothing's commitment to a perfect fit, timeless style, longevity and classic chic flair have solidified Rimae Clothing's brand position as a leader and trend setter in premier smart knitwear and smart casual clothing.

Check out their website at: http://www.rimae.co.uk

The Scene Magazine Interviews: Grhymey

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:18:00 +0000

Grhymey was born and grew up in North West London. The stage name `Grhymey’, was a playful pun on his surname, Grimes. His music though, is anything but grimey. Using his own style of humour with a razor sharp intellect and a lyrical soulfulness, Grhymey’s music is challenging all the traditional perceptions of Hip Hop. His music, like the man himself, is vibrant and catchy. Combining a versatile lyrical style with his own brand of humour, Grhymey is changing the face of Hip Hop as we know it in the UK. His music is positive, not censored and has a wide appeal.

1. What’s happening Grhymey and how are things going?

Not too bad at the moment to be honest. A lot’s happening regarding interviews and performances, a lot more to come and my team and I are looking forward to it all.

2. What was the idea behind your debut video 'who’s that’?

The idea was actually given to us by the Director (Jon Walton). He thought the track was more about my lyrical content and the production of the track. So he thought the Green Screen would be more effective than a story based video. The ideas really based on a new up and coming Hip Hop artist getting in everyones face so they remember me. ‘’Who’s That? Grhymey is here’’

3. Got a classic question for you, what makes your music different from any other UK hip hop artist?

That’s a classic alright............Firstly because I’m capable of playing with words in ways not many can. A lot of people don’t catch on to some of my punch lines for months and sometimes years. I still get people talking about some of my lyrics they only just caught on to from hearing them first in 2006. Secondly, because my story is different to most other artists around as I’m working a 9-5, raising two young sons and trying to pursue a music career, a lot more people can relate to what I stand for and what I’m trying to do. I guess that’s why people of all ages or from many different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities like what I’m doing. I also try to do what others are not doing, without seeming weird or strange.

4. Since you have been on the scene, what kind of feedback have you received regarding your music so far?

So far so good, I honestly couldn’t ask for any more from my fans or people in general. If I’m honest the feedback I’ve been getting is one of the, if not the main, reason why I’m still pursuing my music career. Anybody can be a rapper or entertainer, but few are good enough to actually raise the awareness through their talent, without relying solely on image and marketing.

5. Growing up in North-West London and with music becoming your platform to express your experiences in life, how do you feel about your music reaching out to those dedicated UK Hip Hop fans and what type of message are you trying to put out in your music?

I feel confident in reaching out to all UK Hip Hop fans. From those who prefer the underground to the more commercial fans. My music isn’t for one specific audience and has proven that from the feedback I receive. The message I’m trying to put out to be frank is: Don’t bet against a UK Hip Hop Artist giving the American Hip Hop Artist a good run for their money. If it’s not me to finally break that deadlock, I like to think I would have helped it happen.

6. Are we going to be expecting a mixtape or debut album from you soon and what ideas do you have for it?

You can expect both, but certainly an Album first. I have already done a mixtape (It’s my time now), although it wasn’t well promoted it was well appreciated. Since then I have been working none stop on new material, with various different producers. I now have a good catalogue of tracks for an Album, which is very close to completion. Regarding the ideas, we have all different types of ideas; from concepts and stories, to witty and bragging tracks. There will surely be more than enough for every listener. So watch this space and look out for ‘Call off the search’.

7. When and where was your first live performance and how did the crowd react?

My first performance was when I was in school.................but I won’t include that. So my first real/professional performance as Grhymey was in 2002. It was a community function in one of Brent’s local parks. Not many people were listening while I was on stage. The function was mainly for young children and you know what their attentions spans like..... Those who were listening though did like what I was doing, so it wasn’t all that bad I guess.

8. What’s the plan for 2009, can you give us a low down on what projects you will be working on?

Yep......I’m currently finishing off my Debut Album ‘Call off the search’. We should be releasing three singles from that album and the first one ‘Who’s That?’ can be downloaded for free at www.grhymey.com I should be performing all over the UK and a few places in Europe, so keep visiting the website for the latest news updates. I might release a mixtape later on in the year, but that depends on the success of the Album. So we’ll have to wait and see what happens. I also have a few EPs I’m working on with a few different Producers. It’s work then rest until my times up.

9. Any shout outs?

I’d like to shout out to The Scene Magazine for making this happen and thanks for the support. I’d also like to shout out the whole of the Rhemic Entertainment family, let’s keep putting that hard work in and we’ll be nice in the very near future. Shout out to all the Producers showing me love and throwing hot beats in my direction, left right and centre. Then I always save the best until last, shout out to the fans for keeping me going and believing I can reach my dreams. With your help we can take this UK scene to another level. So let’s make it happen and keep supporting Grhymey. Stay focused!

Rooney, Ferdinand and Cole Show Their Five!

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:59:00 +0000

Ahead of the kick-off of tonights Champions League match between Inter Milan and Manchester United, Nike will debut its latest TV spot showcasing the skills of some of the UK’s best young five a-side talent as they go toe-to-toe with some of the finest footballers in the world. Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole all feature in the spot which encapsulates the way British youths are playing the small-sided game. The pitch is the stage for these youngsters self expression and the challenge is clear – it’s winner stays on.

The ad opens with a shot of a young player making his way to a five a-side game under nightfall, watched at every turn by CCTV. The focus switches to a five a-side cage where the cameras are turned on their heads and pointed towards the pitch. These players clearly want the chance to show their skills off.

Frenetic action cut between various CCTV cameras ensues with Wayne Rooney at the centre of much of the play. The tricks, flicks and flair of the youngsters is watched by Rio Ferdinand who has been lumbered with the job of referee and ends the spot by calling the late-night football favourite “next-goal wins”.

An insider on set said: “The Premier League players involved were seriously impressed by the skills on show from some of the youngsters which led to some great moments on the pitch. The banter between the young lads and the stars was great and it felt as though they were almost on an even footing on the five a-side pitch. Rooney, Ferdinand, and Cole are all used to playing five-a-side in training but I don’t think they had experienced anything quite like this before.”

The advert is part of a new campaign in which Nike is asking all players aged 16-24 to “Show Your Five” in a new nationwide tournament. Deploying a unique ladder system as the tournament format 200 local qualifying heats will take place in venues in and around London, Glasgow, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle during March. Premier League stars will drop in to see the action as each of the winning teams will then claim a place at the city finals with the chance to be crowned their city’s top team. Winners from each city will then go head-to-head at the national final for the title of Nike5 Champions.

To see the ad in full, the clip is below:

A Bulldog Is Not Just For Christmas.....

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:08:00 +0000

To celebrate Christmas this year, Bulldog the UK’s first natural grooming brand for men is launching three new gifts that are sure to be perfect stocking fillers for men everywhere. The new gifts will be available in Debenhams and Sainsbury’s and contain a selection of Bulldog’s award winning natural products.

Since launching last year, Bulldog has continued to lead the way as the pioneer of natural grooming. With a refreshing attitude to the category, the Bulldog product range does not contain any of the controversial man-made chemicals used in other grooming products, including parabens, sodium laureth sulfate, artificial colours and synthetic fragrances.

Instead, each Bulldog product is packed with at least seven essential oils and a host of natural ingredients that offer improved performance in a “body friendly” way.

The new gift sets are:

Bulldog Wash Kit For Men (Sainsbury’s Wash Bag) - RRP: £10 - Products Contained: Bulldog Original Shampoo (200ml), Face Wash (175ml), Shower Gel (200ml)

Bulldog Grooming Kit For Men (Debenhams Wash Bag) - RRP: £12 - Products Contained: Bulldog Original Face Wash (175ml), Shave Gel (175ml) and Moisturiser (100ml)

Bulldog Original Shower Gel and Moisturiser Box Set - (Sainsbury’s and Debenhams). - RRP: £7 - Products Contained: Bulldog Original Shower Gel (200ml) and Moisturiser (100ml)

Review: Lynx Hydrating Shower Range

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:35:00 +0000

The new Lynx hydrating shower range is the latest offering to the world of mens grooming products. Lynx have also launched their new Sharp Focus fragrance which will be a perfect addition to the Lynx shower gel range!

The new range includes:

1. Hydrating Gel – A shower balm that contains the soothing power of aloe vera to form the perfect post beach soother

2. Purifying Gel - A purifying shower tonic that utilises the essence of tea tree to give a deep clean power surge and clearer skin

3. Smoothing Gel – The exfoliating and exotic freshness of cactus milk leaves guys’ skin feeling smooth and energised

The range is perfectly designed to be the perfect shower companion with their tantalizing trio scrub, deep clean or hydrate the skin leaving you feeling and looking smooth and strong.....also leave you smelling good too!! The Smoothing gel has small exfoliating balls which are designed to give you the massaging and all important exfoliating treatment which works well. Also, with the added bonus of the fresh cactus milk men can finally enjoy the benefits of a good skin care kit!

So drive the girls wild with irresistible skin, all thanks to Lynx. The Skin Contact range is available nationwide with an RRP of £2.49 for each product. For more information visit www.lynxeffect.com

Mr Midas launches exclusive T-shirt range for Want Respect? Use a Condom

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:14:00 +0000

Mr Midas, who rose to fame in T4’s popular Sunday morning show Musicool, has collaborated with Want Respect? Use a Condom to personally design 200 limited edition T-shirts to help promote safe sex. This exclusive run, tagged with the Want Respect? logo will be available for a limited time only from www.myspace.com/wantrespect

The Want Respect? Use a Condom T-shirts have been produced to promote self respect, respect in a relationship and encourage young people to practice safe sex by using condoms and protect themselves against STIs and unplanned pregnancies.

Award winning artist, Mr Midas, has designed T-shirts for men and women featuring his trademark ‘MR’ design on the front in red and pink shades, as well as the Want Respect? Use a Condom logo on the sleeve and neck.

He says: “I work alongside Want Respect? Use a Condom to encourage the use of condoms and safe sex. I feel many young people are misinformed about sex and listen to their friends and peers rather than the experts. Image is very important within our society, especially with young people and these T-shirts will be used to make a statement to say ‘I respect myself and practice safe sex’.”

By designing T-shirts for Want Respect? Use a Condom Mr Midas hopes to encourage young people to take control of their sexual health and raise aspirations and empower young people to make positive choices in their lives.

Check out our interview with Mr Midas Here!

The Scene Magazine will be giving a couple of these exclusive t-shirts away in a brand new competition coming up soon, so stay tuned!

Event Review: Nike+ 10k Human Race

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:41:00 +0000

The Scene Magazine touched down in Londons most iconic sporting and entertainment venue, Wembley Stadium for London Nike+ 10k Human Race . For the first time, runners exclusively ran under the stadium, hitting the streets past live bands along the route and finally crossing the finish line upon 'Olympic Way'. The race celebrates the power of sport and music to inspire and connect runners from every corner of the planet.

Moby

In support of the event, an exclusive pre race concert from music acts Pendulum, Moby and DJ Carl Craig was held which successfully managed to elevate the runners and spectators with a choice of up tempo tracks to really get the crowds going and also take their minds off the poor wet weather to which the acts all did a good job of!

Team GB Captain Paula Radcliffe also graced the stage offering her words of encouragement to the Nike+ runners just before all runners got involved in a mass work out session performed by trainer Sonja Moses. The race began at 7pm with each wave heading towards the starting line to begin the daughnting 10k run which got off to a great start with runners warmed up and ready to get going!

Pendulum

Runners across the world were joined by Nike athletes including distance runner Kara Goucher, 7-time Tour De France Champion Lance Armstrong both running in Austin, plus marathoner Paul Tergat in Rome.

Paula Radcliffe finished the Nike+ Human Race in 40 minutes and 52 seconds

The Nike+ Human Race participants support the three official Nike+ Human Race charitable partners: the Lance Armstrong Foundation, WWF and the UN refugee agency's ninemillion.org campaign.

Attendees include:

Paula Radcliffe (marathon world-record holder)
Lord Sebastian Coe (double Olympic Champion and Chairman of the British Olympic Association)
Alex Zane (Television and radio presenter)
Moby (DJ and singer-songwriter)
Pendulum (Drum and Bass group)
Carl Craig (Detroit-born DJ)

The Scene Magazine Interviews: @Luke Miley Creative

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:28:00 +0000

@Luke Miley a fresh, young creative entertainment agency primarily working within Fashion, Music, Photography and P.R. With a vision to take the lead in the world of UK and International entertainment services, the agency continuously strives on success having worked with music artists from Def Jam, Universal, Dipset, Choice FM and BBC 1Xtra to name a few.

@Luke Miley also works with a range of top industry stylists, designers, models, photographers, make-up artists and hair stylists. They are continuing to work with new and existing clients and are also bringing them to the forefront of the entertainment and fashion industry.

1. What’s happening Luke and how is everything going?

Everything is real good right night, just mad busy with a load of different projects going on!

2. When did you first decide to start a career in international PR and tell us a little about your experience and background in PR?

You know what! I never wanted to do this! I wanted to be a pilot! I still want to be one now flying a jumbo jet or something! I started training pretty young (I actually almost crashed a plane by being a fool and trying a nose dive) but I knew I wasn’t going to get the grades in school and college plus I didn’t have the money to keep it up so I let it drift!

Before learning to fly, I started training with a company called Ape-Media to be a radio presenter I loved it, it was amazing! I was 13/14 and the station got a licence to broadcast for a month on FM and I had a week day show 12-2. I interviewed artists such as Soundbwoy, Terri Walker, Omar, Akala and Baby Blue it was amazing for me, I actually had a proper little show! After the broadcast, I kept in contact with everyone and I still work with almost all of them up until this day! Shout out to Ape-Media, they are fantastic I still work with them too!

Kamuran Kavaz (Model/Choreographer) - @Luke Miley

3. What exactly does @Luke Miley do?

Well that’s a hard one because we do so much people always get it confused and think we are a modelling agency or a photography agency. We have models and we have photographers, but we have just about everything else too, from DJ’s to fashion stylists, spray painters, hair stylists and jewellery brands.

We provide a lot of P.R to music artists signed to major labels and we also work on independent projects. Our fees are not disgustingly large, which is why people do come to us and get a fantastic service! I have just signed an amazing photographer called Iizsik (www.lukemiley.co.uk/iizisk), his work is amazing and I can quite honestly say he is one of the best emerging talents coming out of this country!

We have promo teams too, so if your looking to promote a product we have girls and guys up and down the country ready to promote your service!

5. Working with clients such as Lucy Ambache (Choice FM Breakfast), Ronnie Herel (BBC 1XTRA), Denise Brown (Stylist to the stars Rhianna, Kanye, Cassie, Jasmia (Britain’s Next Top Model) to name a few, How does it feel to be working with such an extensive and popular client list?

It’s fantastic, they are all amazingly talented people and I’m not just saying that! I do have some horror stories about some total prats I have worked with from producers, DJ’s and artists, but I will save that for when I'm a multi millionaire and write a tell all book! It’s funny because sometimes I sit back and relax at home and I may turn on the radio and I will hear one of my artists on air and its one of the most satisfying things to hear!

To know you got them there and people are enjoying their music is an amazing feeling or even when you see a client featured in a magazine and realise you work with them is brilliant as it shows that all the hard work is paying off.

Lucy Ambache (Choice FM Breakfast DJ) - @Luke Miley

6. Ok, can you tell us what a typical day for you is like?

Well it depends what time I go to bed or if I go to bed! I try to make sure all my meetings and appointments are booked after 12:30pm so I get to have a lay in the morning (bearing in mind I go to bed at around 5/6am!) I go through my emails throughout the day on my Blackberry, go to shoots, meetings, try and fit in a bit of shopping, phone calls, workshops the list goes on! No two days are ever the same!

7. How important do you think networking and keeping contacts is to a business and do you think the rise of social networking sites have given more aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to build their business?

Networking and contacts is crucial to a business, good relationships will gain you a rep, higher profile and will lead to bigger things! It’s true it’s about who you know!

8. Operating in such a competitive industry such as Fashion and Music, how do you plan to give ‘@Luke Miley’ that competitive edge?

Now that’s a secret! You just need to know your game and not be scared of competition and be original! Try and not follow the crowd, being a sheep is not cool and it doesn’t do your bank balance any justice!

Benjart Clothing - Photographer - Iizsik - @Luke Miley

9. When looking at potential clients, what kind of things do you look for?

Individuality! It’s key… I don’t go for just the run off the mill. I’m a crazy person so I like crazy things! But this is not even being rude 'NOT EVERYONE IS A MODEL!' I look through applications some times and I think, 'can I see them on a front cover of a magazine? You need to be able to take rejection and not be calling me or my assistant’s phone complaining saying “Why aren’t you working with me you’ll be sorry!” It gets slightly jarring!

10. What recent projects have you been working on?

Well there are quite a few things in the pipe line that I cant really talk about at the moment, but there are some massive things going on right now. This year were working on London Fashion week which is totally hot and we just supplied a load of our hot models for the front cover of RWD Magazine. You can also check out some of our girls in Sway and Lemars video which is coming out pretty soon.

We are also involved in the community and work in partnership with Ape Media/Newham council to provide work shops for youth during term and half term breaks. The courses range from tee shirt making, runway coaching, spray paiting, animation and so forth. We supply highly skilled creatives to teach, meaning the kids are gaining excellent skills which may help them later on in life if they choose to go down the creative route!

11. What advice would you give to those who are willing to start up their own business?

Be prepared for a long winded process, you need to be able to have determination and self discipline! Alot of people think you can get up in the morning and start new businesses, but I don’t think people realise that it consumes your whole life!

Website: http://www.lukemiley.co.uk

Want Respect? Use a Condom Competition: Win a years supply of Fusion Condoms!

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:13:00 +0000

Fusion condoms have teamed up with Want Respect?, Use a Condom to further promote awareness of safe sex. To celebrate, The Scene Magazine are giving 2 lucky readers the chance to win a years supply of Fusion condoms (103 in total).

To Win: All you need to do is send us an email and answer the following question:

The new Safe Sex Flex music video dedicated to the Want Respect?, Use a Condom campaign features which UK artists?

Send us your name and address with your entry to: press@repdascene.com and we will get back to you by the email address you sent your entry to us by if you are one of the winners.

Any details you send us will not be shared outside of The Scene Magazine. We will not send you any emails/post other than to tell you if you have won..which means no spam! The Scene Magazine will also not take responsibility for loss of items in the post.

Hint! - www.MySpace.com/wantrespect

To enter the competition, you must be 16 years+

Fusion Condoms and their website – www.fusioncondoms.com

Good Luck!

Event Review: San Miguel Hidden Depths - Secretsundaze

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:44:00 +0000

July 31st saw the 3rd San Miguel Hidden Depths event titled 'Secretsundaze' held in the popular T Bar located in Shoreditch, East London. Following from the highly successful events in London and Manchester, Secretsundaze was going to be alot different from the previous events held in the past by headlining underground House and Techno DJ's Giles Smith and James Priestley who took a break from their summer of Secretsundaze parties to curate a very special night for San Miguel. Hidden Depths made sure that this was going to be a night to remember by transforming the venue into a bespoke space with customised art and print design, ensuring a unique audience experience.

With Secretsundaze being invite only event, the venue had a very good turn out with party goers in high spirits which in turn created a good atmosphere especially with the headline artists being DJ's Giles Smith and James Priestley on set to provide audiences with a mix of Ibiza style sounds to really get the party mood in full swing. The venue was fully kitted out with comfortable seating areas and wide screen plasma tv screens situated near the centre of the dance floor which captured revellers doing their thing on the dance floor as well as showing screenshots of past Secretsundaze events that were held in locations around London.

Giles and James set included their consistant blends of Deep House and Techno which got the crowd hyped with some serious head nodding and inventive dance styles which drew the attention of those crowds who were not so keen on getting on to the dance floor, but as the Ibiza sounds started echoeing throughout the venue, the whole crowd began to feel the vibes and joined in the echoic mixtures of underground House and Techno compilations.

Overall, The entire event was entertaining and the performances from Giles Smith and James Priestly, plus special guests including Black Science and Detroit made the night even more memorable. The visual support from the plasma tv screens and unique art and design displays created more of a unique expreince. Definitely, another successful event provided by San Miguel Hidden Depths.

Website: www.sanmiguel.co.uk
Myspace: www.myspace.com/secretsundaze

Review: Bulldog Skincare Range

noreply@blogger.com (Online Publication) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:25:00 +0000

There are various mens grooming products out there on the market, but men still have a hard time finding the right skin care range which will work for them. Now that could be a thing of the past! A new men’s grooming range called Bulldog has launched on to the market and aims to meet the needs of men who are finding it a challenge searching for the right skincare range that works.

With more and more men getting used to the idea of filling up their bathroom cabinets with the latest grooming technology, Bulldog offers a wide range of specialist organic products for sensitive skin. The range includes moisturisers, shaving gels, post shaving balms, shower gels and face scrubs...an ideal kit for those guys who are serious about their grooming regime.
Having tried the new skin care range out, Bulldog does not easily irritate your skin or leave your skin feeling dry after applying generous amounts of moisturising cream, which is down to their use of natural ingredients. Instead, your skin will feel re-energised and feeling smooth, especially their shower gel which has refreshing Lemon and Bergamot scent.

The face wash contains Shea butter which is known for its moisturising properties and Rosehip oil which helps nourish and sooth the skin. The moisturising cream contains two important ingredients which are Green Tea and Green Algae which aid skin hydration. Another piece of good news is that not only is Bulldog skin care range affordable and has those all important essential oils, but they also have that sophisticated and masculine fragrance which will leave you feeling fresh and re-energised after a hectic day at work or after a workout at the gym. Bulldog definitely deserves its own shelf in your bathroom.

The Bulldog skin care range is available at Sainsburys, Superdrug, Waitrose and Planet Organic.

Website: www.meetthebulldog.com