street cred magazine may june 2011 sample
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Street Cred Magazine May June 2011 SampleTRANSCRIPT
Trey SongzWORLD EXCLUSIVE
Giant Clubbin’ Special!See who got spotted at Gatecrasher, Sense & Sugar Suite
Jessie JLondon’s Diva Takes Over
Zardy CampbellApple Bottom Photoshoot
Fashion LickWhere do you buy yours?
Sufferers of Domestic ViolenceSpeak up and get help
Kingie’sTaking Barbers to the highest level
Vybz KartelThe Gaza Man Reveals All!
Bobby Noodles - Mykal RoseRichard Blackwood - Female Takeover
Justice, 1 Day ExclusiveSupported by Apple Bottoms & Canon
MAY-JUNE 2011www.streetcredmagazine.comRRP £2.95
T H E E Y E O F E N T E R TA I N M E N T & L I F E S T Y L E BRAND NEW LOOK!
On single life and new found fame.
6-11 GRIMEY NEWS
J-LO, Ja Rule, Ciara, Rihanna,
Beyonce, Ga Ga, Bruno Mars,
Kanye... (you know we’re good at this!)
12 NEYO @ NIA
Singer, Song Writer, Dancer.
13 MARQUES HOUSTONWe’ve got the pics! Check it out!
14-27Girls & Guys, Dresses,
Shoes, Hoodies, Caps,
and Max Factor.
42-43 FANCY PANTSBe Seen! Have you made it into
StreetCred’s galleries?
30-31 SICNIS EXCLUSIVE
Get the gossip on how she got her
dream!
EDITOR’S LETTER
We’re Back!
RESSURECTION EDITIONApril 2011 - www.streetcredmagazine.com
58-59 KINGIE
22-23
42-43 CLUBBIN’
Barber Shop Special on The King!
JC Hair Salon Feature
See who got spotted!
Hey how you doing? Nice to have you all with us once again reading our exclusive magazine that is back on the scene giving you all what’s hot and what deserves to be recog-nised. As I am writing this it’s quite emotional, as you all know our humble beginnings where we come from has been a long road of blood sweat and tears. The story is 14 years
long but to put it shortly, we are just normal honest people doing the work for the community and genuinely want to see the upliftment of the underdog. It’s important that people see things to believe it can happen and we know what its like to have the door shut and you try to do things to better yourself but can get distracted. I myself relate and this is why we do this to be a voice for you. Streetcred fans have cried and pleaded for its return and from the heart we thank you for the love. Where have we been you say? Good question, and I am happy to answer with excitement because you know that were always up to something, ha ha.
Streetcred has been working on our extentions to the company giving our readers
true all round media value. We are happy to be the first Magazine TV Online and Social Network from the Midlands with internationalreadership. Did I say Social Network? Yes, you can check out the Chatlog on our site. Register free, set up your own profile, add friends, create groups and connect with loved ones. Streetcred Chatlog is an amazing opportunity to make connections in the entertainment industry as our site is a one stop shop to your favourite scene and most importantly you stay fully connected to us. A very easy to use site successfully getting hits from all over the world and still growing. The TV online show is a fabulous monthly feature to our site where you can actually see Streetcred in action getting the behind the scene shots of celebs and normal people who do extraordinary things as well as clublife and interviews. We promote all that’s positive in the community and really have the mass readership.
Were back by popular demand and very happy to be here with our resurrection edition boasting Trey Songz, Vybz Kartel, all that is hot in the fashion world and so much more. Bi-Monthly Streetcred is out on the shelves and our website boasting the chatlog social network is growing by numbers everyday. If you haven’t registered, then do so now, and gaze over the hot debates and relevant news of today. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who is backing our return and we are still the leaders of urban entertainment publishing, putting independent businesses on the map. We are not just a magazine we are a way of life. Created by the people for the people. Ok, enough rambling, lets see what is in this edition, turn and enjoy our vibes! Big up to Almighty God for making this all possible and the new team; Gordy, Paivi, Daina, John (Doublesided Media), Zardia, Steve Williams, Nicki Kelly and all the writers. Bless to Mum for being a true inspiration and guiding light, love you loads xxx. Also I just want to say don’t let anybody make you believe you are nothing, because everybody is somebody.
¬ God Bless - Mark Dwayne MDG [Editor]
[email protected]@[email protected]
UK Info Lines: 08432 89105807904 227 725
New Format Media - MDG ProductionsStreetcred TV Online
MEET THE TEAM
JC HAIR
FASHION
4
MEET THE TEAM
GRIMEY NEWS
MARQUES HOUSTONWe’ve got the pics! Check it out!
FANCY PANTS
SICNIS EXCLUSIVE
KINGIE
CLUBBIN’
JC Hair Salon Feature
Editor-in-ChiefThis is the Job we give MDG because he likes pre-tending he’s in charge, but really he’s the canary in the mine. We treat him well, water him often and sometimes he gets food.Add MDG on Chatlogwww.streetcredmagazine.com
Public Relations
Paivi - An amazing PR women who boasts of a friendly personality that gets the real juice for our magazine. Paivi is our homegirl from Finland and makes sure we all have a smile on our face. ‘Morning guys chocolates for everyone’... bless her.Add Paivi on Chatlog - www.streetcredmagazine.com
Head of Photography & Assistant Editor
Gordy Pix - Not only does this man shoot the best photography you’ve ever seen with a career spanning in the publishing industry for over 15 years. Gordy is our true friend to Streetcred and keeps us updated with whats going on in London and has been known to showcase people at his events who were once unsigned and now have huge record deals. Jessie J ring any bells? Gordy Pix is the Man! Add Gordy on Chatlog.
Photographer
Rosemarie Davies - Fashion Freek! Takes her ownneat pics of stars too. See what she did for us at Trey Songs and Ne- Yo. This lady has an amazing eye. The
creativity for magazines and Fashion is Rosie all daylong
Add Rosie on Chatlog - www.streetcredmagazine.com
Flavour of the Month Editor
Zardia Campbell - We think she has a great eye for hot talent so we have given her the
Flavour Of The Month slot and as you will see she was modelling Apple Bottom wear for
Brookyln yard ooh arr I say.Add Zardy on Chatlog - www.streecredmagazine.com
Research & Features Co-ordinator Design Art & Directions - John Northam
The views expressed in Streetcred magazine are not necessarily the editors, because he has no views... don’t kill him if you read anything offensive!And Oi, MDG! Yes, you up the top...! Never, I repeat, never write an Editor’s note THAT long again! It was hell trying to fit it in. I know it’s been a while, but we don’t need a novella! Find John at.. Doublesided Media Group - www.dosime.co.uk
Fashion Editor
Jessica Slater - Turns heads a bit, defo a hot tottie as Usher would say. Our Jess Slater is an alround pr tal-
ent with loads of exciting news for us to put in the magazine. A lover of hip hop and does the guestlist
for some of the biggest nights in the country. Check out her fashion pages and yep she really
knows what looks hot for you!Add Jessica on Chatlog - streetcredmagazine.com
MEET THE TEAM
The views expressed in Streetcred Magazine are not necessarily the editors opinion so don’t try to kill him if you read anything you feel offended by. The magazine is meant to be a fun read and gives objective views and is non threatening to anyone.
We simply represent the truth of popular culture. All content is copyright to New Format Media. No part of this magazine can be used without official authorisation.
Contribitors:Natasha Brown, Steve Williams [Sports], Playwright Media, Atlantic Records, Claire Coster,
Taponeswa Mavunga, Sony Music Entertainment, Apple Bottoms, Babyliss, Kinect, Canon, BlackBerry, Kos Dillon, MAC.
DJ & Radio Presenter
Fashion Full Stop By Jess Slater &
Melissa Scott This Spring it’s all about a colour BOOM!
Super bright block colours have been gracing all the SS 2011 Catwalk runways such as Max
Mara, Prada, and Gucci. Daytime looks should be laidback cool: think
retro funky and ALWAYS STAND OUT!
Daytime Fine…
We love slouchy Boyfriend Jeans
with colourful vans, baseball jackets, toy
watches and raybans!
Asos £6
Asos £30
Rayban for Asos £108
Topshop £40
Trapstar £65
Topshop £5
Topshop £22
Lego £25
Michael Kors £179
Topshop £8
Topshop £16
Topshop £10
Topshop £45
Topshop £18
Vans £34
Vans £37
Vans £34
Grimey News Editor
Nicki Kelly - Freelance journalist and a bit of a songwriter... really knows whats happening in the music scene before anybody even us!! So we had to bring her on board as we don’t want any problems, ha ha. Nicki is the great person-ality of our publication and will have you in stiches with her sense of humour. So loveable is our Nicki.
Add Nicki on Chatlog - www.streetcredmagazine.com
Daina - This girl has worked for Channel 4 the BBC and now owns her own media company called Play-wright. The gorjus Daina Anderson lends her profes-sional skills to our publication with her exciting Girl
About Town spread where you see what she has been up too in the normal life of Daina..we love it!
Add Daina on Chatlog - www.streetcredmagazine.com
DJ Mystikle Blue - The famous DJ from Birmingham making noise on Sandwell radio and headlining the
hot fancy pants party plus she likes to be in publications boasting that she won the
King Of the Decks competion beating the guys ha ha MB has been with Streetcred for over 6 years and
continues to rise with her talent.. acts as an a&r for a massive record company too, definitely
a person to know .Add Mystikle Blue on Chatlog www.streetcredmagazine.com
55
MEET THE TEAM
A Jamaican poets dream is to have her work published and we atStreetcred are happy to share some of her work with you. Inspired by her mentor, Louise Bennet, they were both born in Kingston, Jamaica. Laurel has been studying criminology at University for the last five years and has been in England since 1985 working with underprivileged children. This lovely lady enjoys cooking, dancing and is a member of the Birmingham community choir .
‘How great are you Jamaicans who are showing in 2008 with perseverance and faith unno mek it a special date, with ya athletic sons and daughters must be proud mothers and fathers see them performance no wonder unnu all can get up and sing.Jamaica that we love and praise to the fa-ther above, for many it was frightening to see Bolt sprint like lightning. winning the 200 meter race with a huge grin deh pon him face, the world now tek a different view of Ja-maica just as great as others and not a grain of mash up crackers how great you are Jamaicans...’
Read more in next edition.
J-LO ISBACK
ONTHE
FLOOR!
Dream of a Carribean Poet.
Artist Management Distribution PR Music Production Artist Development
www.salivaville.com
Laurel Robinson
Mother’s Magazine
Reach your potential customer.Advertise in StreetCred.
J-LO ISBACK
ONTHE
FLOOR!We love J-Lo on the floor because that’s
what she does best and nothing else!
Please don’t act, please don’t sing, just
dance as ‘Gaga’ would say! Actually, do
the films because we like to watch you
for a lengthy amount of time.
The stunning new American Idol judge
was bound to use the show as a plat-
form to come back to the music scene
with fire and my my my isn’t she look-
ing as hot as ever? Simply mind blow-
ing and infact hotter than before. J-Lo
still has the body to die for. The happy
mother is glowing once again with new
Electro track, ‘Get On The Floor’, which
is even playlisted at Roc N Rolla events
in Rainbow, Birmingham so you know
she has got the underground bowing to
her right now. The track is funky and
features the annoying Pitbull but does
an ok job on this one.
J-Lo has come to take the limelight
away from Rihanna... we think she can
do it so c’mon baby just stay on the
floor and give us those sweet looks and
all will be fine for your career! x
‘People have tweeted me and said you help me get through my music and a lot of your tracks I usedto make love too. Im bringing that back to the game!’Gotta say Ja Rule is a bigperformer and has soldmillions of CD’s worldwide and to have him backwould be a great thing!
ReturnoftheRule!
GRI
MEY
NEW
S!
at w
ww
.stre
etcr
edm
agaz
ine.
com
FIND US ON...
7
GRIMEY NEWS
Kanye
video to be banned?!
Kanye released his new
video for ‘All Of The
Lights (Feat. Rihanna &
Kid Cudi)’, Directed by
the legendary Hype Wil-
liams. The video seems
low budget but highly
dangerous for sufferers
of Epilepsy. The video
contains more flash-
ing lights than Black-
pool Illuminations and
may cause sufferers to
fit. Apparently music
channels are consider-
ing banning the video
as this is a health risk &
it has already been re-
moved from YouTube.
Is that taking it a bit too
far? I think so, surely a
severe warning before
the video starts would
suffice?
Is it cool that Dre is getting dissed by 50? Could be a big fall out with 50 Cent and Dre as the ‘in the club star’ is looking to release a diss record saying how Dre cut him out of the headphone deal he made with Jimmy Levine. As you may know, the Dr has released top quality sounding head-phones and now 50 has decided to do his own titled ‘Sleek by Fifty’. There has been an uproar in the interscope offices. 50 has made his feelings known to his millions of fans on twitter that he is upset with Dr Dre. We think it’s a petty beef thoough because Dre and 50 are tight and hope this gets sorted out.
Bruno Mars takes COKE!Recently Mr Mars admitted to coke possession in the courtroom. Wow, is that what he is taking to get those high notes? Bruno has to complete 200 hour community service. Apparently he looked a bit dodgy at his concert afterparty at Gatecrasher recently.
JAY Z & BEYONCÉ COMING TO AN END??!!!
Wow, could this be it for the biggest hip hop couple in the world? Word has it Jay Z and Beyoncé are having time out away from each other as they keep on arguing and apparently he has been pushing and shoving her in public. Be-yoncé spent Valentines with her friend Kelly Rowland without her wedding ring on, hmmm.Watch this space, could Jay Z, a man at 40, handle his first heartbreak?
10
GRIMEY NEWS
It all started when Ciara appeared on ‘The Fashion Police’ with the wonderful Joan Rivers (She was a waitress at The Last Supper). Ci-ara said that when she last bumped in to Rihanna at a party Rihanna wasn’t ‘the nicest.’ Rihanna got wind of this comment and took to Twitter to retaliate...
Rihanna tweeted “My bad Ci, did I 4get to tip u? howrudeofme.”
Ciara wasn’t happy with this response and got all ’Ghetto’ and replied “Trust me Rihanna u don’t want to see me on or off stage” Poor Ci couldn’t even manage to spell Rihanna’s name correctly. So the Barbadian beauty responded again to Ciara “So u Gangsta huh? Haaa. Good luck with booking that stage u speak of.” Ouch!
I have no idea why Ciara made such a comment, when you are in the industry a little comment like that is always going to be escalated in to something HUGE. Would Robin go after Batman?
Rihanna, obviously here to save the day (Batman would do the same), tried to make up with Ciara by tweeting her again saying “Ciara baby. I love u girl! I’m heartbroken! That’s y I retaliated this way! So sorry! letsmakeup.” Anyone else sense the sarcasm? Then Ciara, wanting to play happy families responded “Rhi u know it’s always been love since day 1! Doing shows/everything. You threw me off in that party! Apol-ogy accepted. Let’s chat in person.”
Obviously Ciara wants a picture with Rihanna for a bit of promotion as her record label have let her down majorly with her latest release ‘Basic Instinct’ its not a remake of the Sharon Stone film, it’s Ciara’s 4th studio album.
So was all this just a publicity stunt to get Ciara some headlines? What do you think? Words Nicki Kelly
CIARA AND RIHANNA TWITTER WAR!
Ciara
11
GRIMEY NEWS
getthelookEndless fun...
M·A·C owns the primers category. Now we’re taking Prep + Prime further than ever. Use it under, over, during and after makeup application, and marvel at the ease with which it can accept con-cealer and cooperate with colour. And now, with Prep + Prime Vibrancy Eye, P + P advances eyes and focuses potential. A lightweight, quick fix AND long-term solution for puffy, tired-looking creases and bags that targets the three main causes for dark under eye circles – pigmentation, visibly weakened capillaries and shadowing – while illumi-nating the eye area with optical effects for instant luminosity. Vibrancy Eye provides pick-me-up power and moisturisation. One step and you’re prepped for makeup magic. A wonderful new shaded highlighter debuts with this collection – Prep + Prime Highlighter is lush and cushiony, yet lightweight – in wonderful hues that provide a sheer wash of colour to high-light, brighten and perfect. The click “pen” allows for exact application.
“CUTE!” The most fanciful, fun and flattering compliment a young, modern trendsetter could ever want! Our version is the girliest kind of international glam possible, a style ride that combines postage-stamp-sized puppies with pixie swizzle-stick fashion and butterfly kisses for cute boys and even cuter shoes! Cupcake icing colours, vintage romance, an ATM card with Hello Kitty on it – and a way of life that says “yes!” to everything adorable! Come on; get happy with the multi-culti cutie, from Tokyo to Toronto to Paris with love! Pastel shades for Eye Quads, Lipstick, Plushglass and Nail Lacquer…And, due to popular demand, we’re com-pletely cute-ifying three favourite Lip Pencil shades from last season that will join the fun and frolic. Flash! You’ll ♥ the Mineralize Blush with the sweet heart baked right into it. If it shines, shimmers and pops it’s completely, contagiously, cute!
Great news: It’s back, for good…Skinsheen Leg Spray, the long-wear gel/mousse body makeup that sheers on legs, arms, décolletage for a subtle golden glow. Water resistant three times over. Love your Lustre Drops? They’re back too, for that touch of chic luminosity, an ethereal glow wherever applied. Two new golden shades of Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural plus Mineralize Skinfinish and Bronzing Pow-ders complete the collection, making M·A·C all about one-stop Bronzing.
by MAC
Bronze Everyday
Primed for Perfection
Quite Cute
14
HAIR & BEAUTY
THE EASY CUT!Whether it’s to save money or time, for those of you who have always thought about cutting your hair at home, but worried about getting it wrong, look no further than
the evolutionary new Easy Cut from BaByliss for Men.
Easy Cut is the new must-have grooming tool to maintain a
short hair cut at home. Easy Cut looks different and works differ-
ently to traditional hair clippers – with its unique rotary blade technology and sur-
round comb guide it can cut hair in any direction, making it easy to use and get a perfect even finish.
This advanced clipper is designed to deliver top performance on short hairstyles, guaranteeing an even cut every time, so you won’t need to visit the barber every couple of weeks to keep your grade 1 or 2 looking right, you can do it yourself – saving you a tidy few quid each year. Easy Cut has a telescopic comb guide with a twist and lock mechanism which means you can cut with confidence, knowing that it will not slip in use. It can be used mains or cordless, so you can clip your hair at your convenience. And its bold ergonomic design means main-taining your style has never been simpler. Plus for general tidying up around the ears, neckline and sideburns, Easy Cut includes a separate precision trimmer so you can have total clipping confidence. £40 RRP.
GET THE LOOK : Couture Curls
Soft, careless curls continued to dominate the catwalks throughout Spring-Summer and Autumn-Winter 2010. Models rocked soft glossy waves on the runway at Pucci and Chloe’s SS10 and AW10 fashion week shows, whilst Kenzo and 3.1
Phillip Lim opted for a whimsical, tousled head of hair for their AW10 catwalk shows.
Get one step ahead of the fashion pack and recreate the looks with ease with the BaByliss Curling Wand. To achieve the
runway’s must-have hair, simply wrap thick sections of hair around the wide base of the BaByliss Curling Wand to
achieve loose, glossy waves – the perfect care-free complement to new-season couture.
BaByliss Curling Wand £25
Stockist: 08705 133 191
Press contact: Lucy Armitt or Catherine Havercroft at The Communications Store 0207 938 5047 lucy/[email protected]
15
GET THE LOOK
1. Decide whether you want to dress more like Usher when he dresses casual or if you want to dress more formally.
2. Shop Usher's fashion line. The best way to dress like Usher is to buy clothing from the fashion line he designed himself. However, this may be a bit out of your price range.
3. Start with jeans if you're keeping it casual. Wear a vintage t-shirt and sneakers and you'll have completed Usher's everyday fashion look.
4. Go a bit fancier by pairing jeans with a solid colored shirt and a sports jacket. Usher might wear something like this to a more casual awards show, like the MTV Movie Awards.
5. Be more formal with dress pants, a t-shirt or solid colored shirt and a sports jacket. Usher may wear something like this on a talk show ap-pearance.
6. Wear a suit. Usher has described himself as a suit man. He'd most likely wear a nice suit to something like the Grammy's.
7. Accessorise. Wear a watch and some jewellery. Usher's not afraid to be a little flashy. He can even pull off a bow tie. Not many men can look sexy in a bow tie, but Usher can because he's confident. Master Usher's confidence and you can pull off the same look, too.
DRESS LIKE USHER!
STARS PROMOTE SAFE SEX!
JLS
DRAKE
Drake Safe Sex - A newcomer in the hip-hop music industry, Drake lends his famous face and celebrity status to star in an advertisement pro-moting ‘Stay Strapped Condoms’. With hip-hop music playing in the background, he is seen in the ad informing fans of the importance of using protection when having sex.
JLS Condom Range - British boy band JLS has teamed with Durex to launch their own range of condoms to promote safe sex. The condoms, aptly called “Just Love Safe brand,” will feature the pop stars' faces on each packet. All the profits from the condoms will go to the JLS Charity Founda-tion, and from there, the band members will donate to their chosen charities.
1.Where do you get your fashion sense?If I like it, I will get it. If I think it fits nice, then im happy. But sometime I think what the hell was you thinking. But im sure we all have those ones..lol
2. If you were to model yourself on a celebrity who would it be?I couldn’t tell you. Bloody hell! That’s a hard question.
3. What do you feel makes you differ-ent to other woman?I wouldn’t say I’m different to other women, but I am very independent, I don’t like relying on others, I’ll give anything a go, if it benefits me and my and people closest to me, even if im scared. I would also say I listen and im not judgmental.
4. How important is it to study?It’s very important to study. One should always better ones self. Oth-erwise you’re standing still. I think its grate to learn new skills and to have goals. Life moves to fast, there is no time for what if. Grab every opportu-nity with open arms.5. What are your hobbies?I love dancing with the kids on the
Wii, and getting the highest score... lol. I also love socialising with friends.
6. What is your ideal man, and how would you like him to treat you?My ideal man would be someone that has goals, am-bition, supportive, playful and looks after himself. I also would like to be treated with respect and as a equal, and someone that listens and understands me because I am a bit of a crazy one at times..lol
7. What would you like to achieve in the next five years?To be fully qualified in my chosen career path, have my own home, a few holidays a year and still be writ-ing for Street Cred Magazine.
12 questions with Zardia - Flavour of the Month Editor8. Favourite food?My favourite food is Avocado and I love big fat prawns. I do like my vegetables, but they have to steamed, hot! but crunchy. Also like Duck and Fish.
9. What don’t you eat and why?I do not eat Cow Foot, or Liver because it tastes nasty. I don’t like cakes, unless it’s a chocolate cake and hate doughnuts. I really hate milk and custard; I don’t do pudding unless it’s a bowl of fruit with ice cream.
10. What do you like most about being a mother?Being a mother is great because I love to play, I love messing around with my kids and they always come first. Watching them grow up and seeing them change into wonderful children. I think I’m the big-gest kid in the house really, and sometimes I get my eldest daughter telling me off.
11. What are your aspirations?To take every opportunity with open arms, to learn and progress in everything I do. I would also love to jump out of a plane once in this life time and bungee jump of a high bridge. Bit of a thrill seeker!
12. What’s the most memorable time in your life?Bringing my two girls safely into the world, and see-ing their little faces for the first time.
Miss Flavour of the Month Melissa-Chantelle Myles is a new and inspired artist, with the future at her feet, knowing what she wants and where she is go-ing, looking towards her goal for the future. Show-ing if one door closes another will most defiantly open. Also not to give up on one dream to keep trying know matter how big or small you may think things may be. Melissa came with full Flavour this month and hear is what she had to say.
Hello Melissa! When did you first start singing? - I started singing when I was in the school choir aged 13, at first it was just a way of getting out of lessons, but I soon realised that I actually enjoyed doing it.
When did you realise you could sing? - I guess the first time I actually realised I could sing to some degree was when I decided to sing at the old people's party held at school.
Who was the first person who told you that you could sing? - My mum was the first person to tell me that I could sing, but of course that's my mum so I thought she had to say that. Then there were other people who would tell me the same.
What things have you done to promote yourself? - I have a YouTube channel where I put up videos of myself singing, it helps me to get the views of others on my singing and sometimes they're kind enough to comment on my appearance and decor! lol
What things am you currently doing? - Currently I am studying an Access HE course; when I have com-pleted, I will hopefully go into university this year where I will be studying Midwifery.
What are you’re future plans, where do you see you’re self in the next 5 years? - In the next few years in terms of my singing I would like to be able to have found a good and affordable voice coach, who can help me
Melissa-Chantelle Myleswith certain aspects of my voice, perhaps do a few songs of my own and generally ex-plored my potential. In terms of my studies I want to have successfully completed my course and be a qualified Midwife. Hope-fully by then there will still be enough jobs in the NHS!
Who do you look up to in terms of singing? - To be fair, I have never really been able to say that there was one person who I really looked up to. With me, if I like a tune and I feel can sing it then I will try. Having said that, when I first started singing the one person's songs I would practice the most were those of Celine Dion.
Do you think it’s important to have a back up plan, when you’re a singer like yourself? - Most definitely! No matter how good you are at singing, you should always have a back up plan. Times change so fast there is never any guarantee, there would be noth-ing worse than realising that not only have you passed your sell by date, but you also have no other skills to be able have a com-fortable life.
What would you say to the young people out there that are trying to get noticed? What would be a good tip? - I say never give up, if you feel you truly believe you can make it, there is nothing that can stop you, be persistent because nothing happens before its time.I think another thing would be to keep yourself surround by people who love you, you will need them and their support to help you continue during times you feel like throwing the towel in.
Teedra Moses is one of the most slept-on R&B art-ists IN THE GAME. From the first time I heard her debut album ‘Complex Simplicity’ on a trip to New York in 2004, I knew I was hooked forever. It’s been over seven years since the Lioness released an official album due to the collapse of her record label TVT Re-cords but her fans worldwide have remained patient and loyal thanks in part to the mixtapes she has put out, most recently in February of 2010: the aptly titled: ‘Royal Patience’ which is a beautiful progression from ‘Complex Simplicity’showing a more brave artist that just keeps improving.
Teedra’s heartfelt, soulful lyrics have ensured her lon-gevity as a credible artist that doesn’t pander to the in-dustry, she writes, sings and endures…for the people who love her music.As a huge fan, it was an honour to catch up with her about what her plans are for the future and when we can finally expect to hear a new album
Jess: Hey Teedra, thank you for talking with us! How are you? How’s life? Teedra: hey girl! It’s my pleasure, I
am busy! Always busy! But good, I’m blessed.
J: So we’ve just had the release of the ‘R U 4 Real’ official video which features on last year’s Royal Patience mixtape. How has it been received in The States? T: Really well, the hits and the feedback have been good. I wanted to show a development from Complex Simplicity but with a similar vibe. This is just a scratch. I can’t put out the music the way I want to, or as often as I want to and it’s irritating for me. I wanted to give people something to show that I’m still here and still making good music. I love the video, it’s a reflection of where my music is going.
J: What’s your label situation at the moment? T: I am indie right now. (The label that Teedra was initially signed to TVT Records collapsed and went bankrupt in 2008). It’s not that I’ve not had interest from major labels or that I don’t want to sign with a major label but this is a very ‘tap-dancing’ industry and I’m not willing to tap-dance for a label, I’ll tap-dance for the people! It’s the people who demand the artist essentially, not the label. I have a lot of people with me, behind me and supporting me and my music. There’s strength in numbers and I want the labels to see that I’m here, and I’m doing this whether you like it
TeedraMoses
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or not. If you want to get involved and allow me to do what I want to do as an artist, then yes, we can work together. I do have a label in mind, so we’ll see, but it’s very important to me that I can continue to do me, my way and not become a mould of what a label wants.
I still plan to release a new mixtape very soon and then get my album out around August. I’m working on feeding the people, the real music lovers with sexy soul music; real sing-ing from a lifestyle artist.
J: Will the long-awaited ‘Young Lioness’ get a release? T: The album is complete but the name will change, it will no longer be ‘Young Lioness’, just ‘Lioness’. When I first decided that title I had just released ‘Complex Sim-plicity’ and I was scared, you know? I’m not scared anymore, and I don’t feel the name is appropriate now. ‘Lioness’ will definitely be released and as I said, we’re aiming for Au-gust this year.
J: I saw your show in London a couple of years ago, you we’re amazing live and I was shocked at how far some UK fans had trav-elled to see you perform. Do you have any plans to come back to the UK anytime soon? T: I REALLY want to! The UK has wonder-ful music lovers and I felt such a great energy from the crowd at the last show. I haven’t been back for so long! Anybody who wants Tee-dra…obviously there are certain performance fees in place but I’m more than willing. I hope to come to the UK before the year is out even if not to perform although that’s why I’d really love to come.
J: You have collaborated with some amaz-ing artists already, are there any other art-ists you would like to collaborate with in the future? T: You know, I don’t go after artists or think of anyone in particular. Some of the most amazing artists are the ones that haven’t made it yet, no-one knows their name. If I meet an artist or producer that is a creative person and it happens organically then that’s great and that’s what creates the best collabo-rations!
J: Is there anyone in the UK you’re really feeling right now? T: I’m not too familiar with the UK scene to be honest, although I adore Adele. She is an extremely amazing artist. And there’s a new girl right, with black hair and bangs?
J: You mean Jessie J? T: Yeh that’s her! She’s cool!
J: I think the reason that so many people have fallen in love with your music is that your lyrics are so REAL and everyone can relate to them, where do you draw your in-spiration from? T: I write about whatever I’m feeling in my life. The best artists write about what they know whether it’s through observa-tion or experience. I stick to what it is that I know and just hope that someone else out there is feeling the same.
J: So you’re mother to twin boys (from a pre-vious relationship with rapper RasKas), how do you cope managing being a Mom and an artist? T: The boys are in their early teens now, they love to see how the game goes! They know their job is to get good grades and behave well no matter what I’m doing. I’ve been doing this for nearly ten years, they know the vibe and they know they have to be mature about it, it’s just me and them and they get that!
J: I have to ask because I know all of our male readers will want to know; are you a single lady? T: Girl, I am totally single! It’s not like ‘woo hoo’ haha! It is what it is. I’ve been blog-ging about this recently, I’m single but it’s not an issue.
I can safely say that this is one lady I will be following for a very long time, as REAL in person as in lyrics…Thank you Teedra.
- Check out Teedra’s official website : www.teedramoses.net- Watch the newly released ‘R U 4 Real’ video on Teedra’s official Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/OfficialTeedraMoses- Follow Teedra on Twitter: www.twitter.com/teedramoses
Interview by Jessica Slater
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Ok ladies here it is, the true sex symbol of RnB who has fans watching his every move and has woken up the industry showing that it’s cool to be old skool. Hearing Trey’s music is pleasing to the ear, the quality vocal and performance is consistently outstanding.
Trey was born in Virginia, USA, and won-ing the hearts of screaming teenagers and cemented his place as their No.1 bedroom pin-up poster. For TS it is not safe to walk the streets right now as everywhere he goes he seems to cause hysteria. The reason?...Women of all ages are absolutely besotted with this man. Why is this? The smooth chocolate looks? The lyrics in his songs? What is it that’s got women all over the world falling at his feet?
In March 2011 Trey Songz supported superstar Ne-Yo and it appears that the majority of the crowd actually came to see him instead of the headline act.
The after parties were rammed to capacity and the day Trey mentioned he was com-ing back to the UK in April, the concerts sold out completely.
Trey Songz has been an underground RnB star for many years. We first saw him with thecaine roll hairstyle and wondered who is this hot kid on the mixtapes? Apart from the fact that this guy is noth-ing short of sexy and phenomenal with his music, 26 year old Tremaine Aldon Neverson is a very cool intelligent man who is passionate about his career and searching for that special someone to share his success with. If you look like Keri Hilson you may stand a chance as he is definitely feeling her for looks.
Trey has hundreds of girls following him from his shows to his hotels and people camp outside the clubs just to get a glimpse. Trey has got them hooked! Never has there been this amount of buzz for an RnB star since R Kelly who used to
have what Trey has, and its funny, because Trey admits to having adapted Kelly’s style into his music. This is an interview with a man who is far from a newcomer but still growing with four gold LP’s under his belt. The latest album ‘Passion Pain Pleasure’ is scorching through the charts. 2010 is when Trey really went in with ‘Neighbours Know My Name’, ‘Say Aaah’, Featuring Fabulous and the current single ‘Bottoms up’ with a guest appear-ance by Nicki Minaj. The main man of RnB music is aiming to be the complete package, but can he do it? Read what he has to say about his new found fame, single life and how much his fans mean to him.
TREYSONGZ
FAMEFORTUNESINGLE LIFE
Sponsored by JC Hair.
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EXCLUSIVE
MDG: How you feeling man?Trey Songz: I’m feelin good man, just working.
MDG: You are definitely putting in the work, I haven’t seen this craze for a long time in RnB where girls are actually fainting at your shows. How is it that you have this magic touch over your fans?Trey: It was a great show! Birmingham was amazing, the after party at Gatecrasher was phenomenal. The energy there was just amazing, I’ve always loved Birmingham man.
MDG: I swear I haven’t seen that kind of response to an artist since Jodeci times. The feeling you bring to the game is that Old skool R Kelly Usher era… Trey: Everything from the interaction, the show you’ve seen yourself how much involved the crowd is and how I try to create that connection. It’s all about that bond and I do everything I possibly can to connect with my fans. I really go in from the Twitters to YouTube the Facebook. I think its really important because at the end of the day the fans are a part of my life. We have a bond between us that is unbreakable.
MDG: You’re a mega RnB star and I can see you becoming a legend especially with the way things are going and I have to say that your writing is phenomenal. How are you finding being so big with all this female attention and being single?Trey: Sometimes it’s a lot to deal with and sometimes I love it to death and sometimes you wish you had a girl to go through it all with, but sometimes you know that you can’t have it all right now because that takes a lot of your time because I am actually sharing myself with the world and she would have to understand that, but overall its definitely a blessing. It’s like I tell you, right now I’m touring with Usher for the first time and I’m walking around thinking not many people know me so I’m going shopping. It starts off I take a couple pictures and then there’s one café where I’m hanging out and then hundreds of girls start crowding the place so it’s a reality check sometimes.I have to know what I’m doing but its such a blessing to be loved.
MDG: Bro, you are known all over the world so when you do this tour you better be ready ha ha.
[Both laugh]
MDG: What type of lady does it for you?Trey: I like Keri Hilson but nothing is going on there.
MDG: Hmmm, tell me the names you’ve worked with on this journey?Trey: Aretha Franklin, Fabolous, Gerald Lavert, Patti La-belle, Rick Ross, Jim Jones. I’ve been blessed to work with a lotta people you know, Busta Rhymes and Snoop Dogg too.
MDG: So basically you’ve put in the work?Trey: Definitely.
MDG: A lot of people think you’ve just come all of a sudden and that you haven’t been in the game that long to get your rewards. Can you tell me a bit about the history? Trey: I’ve been putting out albums from like 17. Starred mi-nor roles in a couple of movies, just really doing my thing.There is a lot similar ways I have to R Kelly, I mean I was pretty much influenced by him and furthermore there is nobody else doing real RnB music.
MDG: What was your beef with R Kelly?Trey: Iv’e been a fan as you know but just didn’t feel that he
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was connecting today at all and I said it openly that he is like an old man trying to keep current when he doesn’t need to. Its just a disappointment from such a phenom-enal artist.
MDG: Are you gonna keep to RnB or will you be diverse?Trey: I’ll always be diverse and I will always be RnB. Even though I am the most prolific RnB artist right now as far as commercial success, but I think its cool to make different kinds of music and I think its important as RnB Singers this is all of us , myself to Usher, Chris Brown and Ne-Yo we are responsible for keeping the RnB alive. Ya know I mean with ‘Bottoms up’ featuring Nicki Minaj that is clearly Hip Hop but at the same time you don’t wanna be boring and predictable it’s good to be diverse and have freedom in the music.
MDG: I can see you are diverse though I mean at the concert when you dropped Kings of Leon that was un-expected and you did a good job of a massive rock song. Trey: I actually listen to a lot of Kings Of Leon. I listened to a lot of Sting coming up as I’m so into different types of music you wouldn’t believe and I just love the oppor-tunity to open minds.
MDG: You ever listen to Bashment? You know like Vybz Kartel? Are you aware of him?Trey: I’m aware that he likes to talk about what he like to talk. It’s very raw and honest and I love that and it brings me back to what I said about freedom, you have to have that in music and that Reggae is an art form where artists can be free to express. Its expanding man, I mean as much as some people think that music is dying although its not what it used to be, its still growing and I think we will see phenomenon in music again in these times. I mean you have artists like Adele that bring hope to music and she’s so not typi-cal and I love that. There is just so many different cul-tures creating great music right now and it can only live.
MDG: I notice you care very much about your commu-nity in the states.Trey: Most recently I did something with BET where we went to schools and spoke to the children. It’s different to when your teacher tells you something is wrong but when it comes from a person they look up to they will listen more and its just amazing that so many different
people take heed to what I say, so that for me shows I’m doing my job. If I can influence kids to stay in school and show the importance of education, I’m happy I’m reaching. These are the children that are giving me my blessings and it’s important I let them know that and give back.
MDG: What’s the craziest thing you’ve experi-enced from meeting your fans?Trey: Definitely been a lot of panties on stage. One time actually in Birmingham O2, my first time performing, there was like 20 pairs on stage ha ha. My fans make me who I am and it’s important I let them know what they mean to me. Any chance I get I like to make sure they know that.
Trey Songs will be back in the UK at the end of April. Streetcred will be attending his shows as i know many of you will be
Album: ‘Passion Pain and Pleasure’ in stores now.
This interview is byMark Dwayne MDG andsponsored by JC Hair.Colmore Row, Birmingham.
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EXCLUSIVE
It’s 7pm, March 9th 2011, The anniversary of the late Notorious B.I.G and I’m in the studio with one of the hottest female MC’s in the Country. It has been a long time coming and genuine excitement from both of us as we know this is an interview that’s been on the cards for many years. The artist I am chilling with is an MC, writer, Street Cred Raver, Mother and genuine fan of hip hop music.
There are some people that do hip hop as a hobby because they simply see the videos, admire the lifestyle and imitate it. Where Sic Nis Numi is con-cerned its more than just a hobby for her, music is her way of life. When you think of firing talent that deserves to be recognised this young hip hop-stress comes to mind and believe me she is putting
in the work.
Not selling sex and violence like many others who choose that easy route but giving you her soul and what she feels society really need to hear. Sic Nis has estab-lished herself as one of Birmingham’s prime female MC’s boasting lyrical skills that can surpass many celebrity acts. Watching this act perform is quite simply a mind blowing experience. What you see is surely what you get, a non conforming bold lyrical artist with a sound that sends chills through your body. Sic’s flow is distinc-tive and respected highly by even the hardcore male mc’s in the game.
It is my pleasure to give an insight into the lady who was inspired to be a hip hop MC by her mother who introduced her to the great Scarface ‘Diary’ album. We talk music, the love of Notorious BIG, politics, being a mother of a talented 13 year old son and why an abu-sive relationship inspired her to achieve her status. Sic Nis feels it’s very important to deliver positive messages to today’s music buying music public. Here is an exclu-sive first time interview with the charismatic joyful and youthful DIVA of Salivaville Music Group.
MDG: Tell me about SIC NIS, where did the rapping come from? SIC NIS: I like to call myself a writer because I have always written poetry and its funny, because when I was younger at school I would think I was Whitney Hou-ston and be singing in the playground, Songs like saving all my love [ha] but it was when Mariah Carey came out I was blown away by her writing and that just made me want to do this more. When it came to hip hop I say Wu Tang made me feel at home.
MDG: So you went from loving Sweet Mariah to rug-ged Wutang? SIC NIS: I loved the two but it was hearing Wutang on MTV Raps and the Fushnickens I was definitely involved. I became inspired and I was intrigued by the wordplay and everything. its funny I remember dating Cyril Regis son and I was at their house and on Sky a hip hop track called I live for the funk was on and Cyril knew all the words and I couldn’t believe how he was into the rapping so much.
MDG: So that was all apart of the progression of you getting into hip hop hearing your elders being into it? SIC NIS: Definitely, I started to become it and dressing hip hop with the click suits and all that. I remember know-ing all the words to Onyx and never knew what they looked like until I saw my friend the day they had a concert and he
said ‘I’m going Onyx tonight, look how i’ve shaved my head bold like them [laughs]. The main person I thank is my mother as it was her who brought home Scarface the Diary CD.
MDG: Wow you had a hip hop mommy?? SIC NIS: Indeed she brought home hip hop and up to today she is still into it.MDG: That is crazy, if I played scarface at home those times id be getting told to switch it off. MC Hammer could stay on all day in our household [both laugh].
MDG: Your son immolates you still which is un-usual for a boy to look up to his his mum as a rapper… SIC NIS: I am amazed by my son till I had to get him on my mix tape the Prequel which is on I Tunes. Sometimes I hear him spitting and I say where you get those lyrics? and he says I wrote them Mom and he’s only 13
MDG: I think I am actually gonna say you’re a hip hop mommy with a hip hop son who has a hip hop granny.. think your making history here [both laugh] SIC NIS: But so many artists at that time really did inspire me Nas Method Man but when I heard biggie that was it.
MDG: Really? Biggie played a big part? SIC NIS: Of course I aint going to lie i’ve even adapted elements of his flow in my music that’s how much I loved him.
MDG: Why love biggie so much? SIC NIS: He showed you could be intelligent, tell a great story and have you in the zone as he really captured the imagi-nation and brought a new feel to the game. When he died it really affected me and he showed you could have the amazing swagger in music. So many reasons why I just fell in love with hip hop. I member my sister and my friend had our little salt n peppa crew and we be on Newton place rapping on the side roads every-day. I was shy at first but my friend Tara got it out of me. I remember going to Oxygen rooms and there was nuff man mcing, names like Badness and Devil Man peeps I listened too on radio and Tara says ‘give this girl the mic she can spit’ and when they heard me I got so many pull ups It was shortly after that I was introduced to Major of Vomit productions and he really helped nurture my sound and bring the best out of me.
MDG: Must feel good to get respect from the guy’s right? SIC NIS: Yeh it is.
MDG: Any female influences in hip hop? SIC NIS: Of course there is Queen Latifah, Lil Kim, Salt n Peppa, MC Lyte ,Rage, Rah Digga and oh gosh Lauren Hill…that album!!!! [She gets emotional]
MDG: So where did the name SIC NIS come from? SIC NIS: I be in the studio and every bar I would drop and up to this day people just keep saying that’s sick that’s sick so I took it and it means Succeeding impossible circumstances needs intellectual strength.
MDG: What’s the dream? SIC NIS My dream is to be a successful writer. Get my music mainstream.. I have a mixtape called The Prequel which is the introduction
before the introduction. The next EP is For richer and for poorer ‘vol 1 There’s bashment industry beats and Raekwon, biggie tracks. The album will be ‘No intro-duction necessary’
MDG: Topics on your album? SIC NIS: I like to bring a message in my music. I have a track called Note to self which is deep and its about me being in an abusive re-lationship. The song is about if I had spoken to myself then this is what I would have said. I also have a blog called Note to self blogspot.com/sicnis Justice Malik Amnesia MDG tantrum scorcher Ital MDR H Menace from Harlem UGK all featuring on my cd’s.
MDG: So are you on the independent route or is the aim to get signed by a major? SIC NIS: If Jay Z came to me now I would say I’m not looking to get raped by any contract I am me and I want you to buy into that. It’s important that I write and have my own input in my career. I want to be invested in either you back me cause you know I’m going to be a hit or forget it because I’m not going to be moulded into the next Rihanna or Nicky Minarj. When you see the certain females there is a certain way they make you .Not say-ing I don’t dress sexy but there’s a limit and my music is what I want people to by into. So I’m not havin a boob job I like my ass im not losing weight that’s what it is!!!
MDG: You enjoying the journey? SIC NIS: This is the best bit of course I love meeting people on the way and even admired you as a name from brum you know I used to be that young girl that went to the streetcred parties and won miss streetcred lol I love the whole journey seeing you was inspiring couse you didn’t care you said this is what you love and went for it.
[Mark gets embarrassed on compliments]
MDG: What is Major the producer to you? SIC NIS Major is like Motown slash aftermath Badboy all in one from Birmingham Hockley the studio I go too. Everybody who’s anybody who rolls through. They have started a big thing called Saliva Ville which has a catalogue of artists and are shopping around deals so far loads of interest in the states for our music.
MDG: What’s a good memorable performance for you? SIC NIS: I was in a play at the drum called a Caribbean Christmas which was 6 nights. I played a Jamaican with a pink weave, it was our take on the Christmas story where Jesus got kidnapped .
MDG: So ultimately what are you about? SIC NIS: I’m about social awareness because people are walk-ing round with their eyes wide shut. We got kids, if I got a child my family got a child, my friends got a child an so on so you have to represent and the way things are going now its absolutely disgusting. If I can change just one persons mindset about how bad they are, my job is done. I just want to convince certain people to wake the hell up and see what’s in front of you then I know I have reached and that person will pass on the knowledge . I have to thank God, my son, Major for the beats and being a mate. MDR Paradox Tara Charlene my sister Anisha Sophie everybody who knows I check for and even the negative people I check for them too because its all apart of the journey.
“Inspired by negative society and making a change with her dream.”
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SICNIS
SIC NIS“If Jay Z came to me now I would say I’m not looking to get raped by any contract I am me and I want you to buy into that. “
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