Sunday, 25 February 2007
Recipe Of The Week
Like Kano I'm getting back into cooking so I'm looking to try out some new, more bizarre flavours. In the first installment this week we go for a portion of Baked Bean Fritters. Warn your neighbours cause the wind speed is about to be increased...
You will need:
1& 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, salt & pepper (not the rap outfit, although playing it in the background isn't a bad idea), 4 eggs, 2 tins of beans, a green pepper, 1 small onion, a bit of brown sugar, garlic powder and some oil (they say a cup but boy, I don't want a heart attack just yet).
Mix up you flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and eggs until well blended. Add the remaining ingredients, except the reserved sauce and the oil. In a large skillet (dunno what this is either), heat the oil over medium-high heat. Drop the batter by teaspoonfuls into the oil; brown fritters on both sides, turning when the sides begin to bubble, after about 1 minute. When fritters are golden and crispy all over, drain on a paper towel lined plate. Repeat until all the batter is used or your bowels can't take the strain. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the reserved baked bean sauce over low heat until warm. Serve as a dipping sauce with the fritters.
Next week: The Space Wrap
One For The Kids?
Possibly one of the most bizarre barbies - ever - my sister owns one and there's even a magnetic stomach that you put over the hole, until your read to act out scenes of labour or whatever children do with pregnant barbies. On a similar note, the JumpOff have teamed up with the ‘Want Respect’ campaign, aimed at targeting sexually active teens in England and cutting pregnancy rates amongst the young. Check out the video clips at http://www.jumpoff.tv/wantrespect.php or http://www.myspace.com/wantrespect
London Paper 12
Forget Britney and her shaven head, it’s all about girl power in club land this week as a new bunch of ladies hit the town.
The glam squad known as Girlcore are set to make their mark at Catch, 22 Kingsland Road tonight. “Me and and a bunch of girlfriends jokingly started calling ourselves GIRLCORE - and now its taken on a life of its own,” reckons Sup Mag’s Marisa. After a series of parties, out of town trips and an article in Elle they’re putting on a night of their own. “We're not serious promoters, but everyone can actually DJ (except me!) so come and hang out with us girls, guys, gayers, whoever!”
But the night really getting the crowds excited this week, what with funky house continuing it’s takeover of the airwaves and commercial club land, is the new night launching at the legendary Ministry of Sound. This Friday, Release, will feature the best in up-lifting, soulful house beats and funky bassline groves.
Although the line-up in the main room features big name DJs Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson, Grant Nelson, Aaron Ross and Mr Arkoss, it’s the all lady affair in the bar, courtesy of the Pussy Galore promotions team, that’s causing a stir. “We’re all about celebrating the value of female DJs and indeed all women who work hard in this industry”, says Pussy Galore promoter Victoria Beri. “For me personally, after having been a DJ & Artist booking agent for many years, I know that it can be pretty hard at times if you are a female DJ trying to get work.” Beri is confident they won’t be a passing fad either. “Having worked in the music industry since 1990, I have seen these all-female collectives come and go, but I believe Pussy Galore is different because there are no hidden agenda’s and no-one has an ulterior motive, it’s just all about fabulous female talent.”
Pussy Galore’s debut at Ministry will feature a mix of DJs from various radio stations that have already made their mark on the scene. “Lady T, my promotions partner, will be heading our girls into battle on the night. I say battle but only because it’s an all male line up in the main room. It’s not a contest, but obviously the more support we get the better - especially from the ladies out there.” Other femme fatales representing on the wheels of steel, or plastic CD decks, as they tend to be nowadays, are rising talent Anna B, Jolie, Danielle Dominique and Tayo Maroine. Also expected to go down something like Clinton on Lewinsky is the PA from Ear Dis of their current club smash, the aptly titled ‘Hey Girl’, which due to popular demand is set for a re-release this March. It’s a girls night out to be reckoned with that’s for sure.
Release will be on the 3rd Friday of every month at Ministry of Sound, 103 Gaunt St, London SE1 6DP. 10.30pm-4am: £8 b4 midnight, £12 after.
A version of this article appeared in The London Paper.
Saturday, 24 February 2007
N Dubz - About To Blow
They’ve already been compared to The Black Eyes Peas, but N-Dubz are taking the UK by storm their way or no way... Words by Chantelle Fiddy image by Kevin Joseph
Every month we think really hard about who deserves our coveted About To Blow mantle. This month, when Chewy ‘make ‘em and break ‘em’ Richards mentioned maybe doing those three kids that have got schools and streets on lock, the answer was a resounding ‘Yes.’ Without a doubt, it’s N-Dubz time. Meeting the north London trio on their home turf in Camden, it becomes clear that such is their popularity that once the bell rings, it’s every man for himself. “Come with us to a few primary schools and you’ll see what happens...” singer and lyricist Dappy explains, rather excitedly, over a chicken wing. “Can you believe I was on a boat coming back from France, in the toilet taking a piddle, and I turn around to find some guys facing me and they say ‘You’re that baby in the cot (from the video)! Oh my God - can we have an autograph’. We’re building up our fan base like hotcakes.”
Since hitting screens with Better Not Waste My Time and current heater I Swear, which was No. 1 on Channel U for over two months, there’s been no stopping the screaming kids, hollering record labels or their songs echoing from mobile phones up and down the country. Celebrity fans already include Kano and Rio Ferdinand and they’ve already had a couple of deals on the table. Taking inspiration from song-writers such as Phil Collins and George Michael, they’re not your average R&B or rap outlet either. But Tulisa, 18, cousin Dappy, 19 and best friend, Faze, 19 have been making bedroom bangers for the last eight years. “They're both mad," says Tulisa. "But Dappy is the motivator, making us get on it and getting on point. I’m the mother hen moaning at everyone. They’ll be bringing girls to the studio and I’m like ‘Get them out, we need to record’. Every week I’m giving them condoms saying ‘Protect yourself, we don’t want any babies!’ They’re very protective of me with guys though.” Under the guidance of Dappy’s dad, a session musician, they recorded a garage album in their teens and released a low-key (or as Tulisa puts it, ‘gutter’) video for an old song, Everyday Of My Life, which didn’t garner much support.
“That was then and this is now,” says Faze. “People are calling us the UK version of the Black Eyed Peas, but we’re not. We’re coming up with tunes that window cleaners can sing along to when they’re scrubbing... We’re doing this for Japan, Germany, everywhere. If you’re not doing it for this reason, you might as well stop now.”
And with major record label negotiations on-going, world domination might not be far off for N-Dubz. However, these forward-thinking three still plan to release their next single, Feva Las Vegas, on their own label, LRC. RWD can also exclusively reveal they’ve done a battle style collaboration with L. Man and Narstie over the name N Dubz (Ed: see Page 39 for L. Man’s thoughts on the two crews sharing a similar name).
“Who won? Who do you think” laughs Dappy. “It’s two thousand and heaven, baby. Heavens on our side and we’ve got the bangers coming. Go buy them and make us rich cos we’re starving. I’m on TV and I’m still wearing odd socks!”
Worst beating your mother’s given you?
Faze: One time, when I was about 11, we put a hose through someone’s window and I got taken home by the police... then that was it after the Feds went. The broom came out - it broke on me.
Tulisa: The first time I came home smashed when I was 14. I was in my room throwing up after an all-nighter drinking vodka shots.
Best advice from Ma?
Faze: ‘Don't trust no one!’
Tulisa: Can I swear? ‘All men are f*ckers, don't trust none of them’ - and she was right. She told me that when I was about 12 to prepare me.
Dappy: ‘Don't fear no man and use a condom.’
A version of this article appears in the new RWD Magazine www.rwdmag.com
Monday, 19 February 2007
Saturday, 17 February 2007
Live 23 Out Now!
If you're in south London you may have picked up the new LIVE already, if not keep your eyes peels with 20,000 copies being dropped in the area. Remember it's for young people, by young people.
In the new issue find out who the team are tipping for 2007, the reality of being a young, single, mum, what goes on in the mind of a high maintenance female, a first hand account of living life under a veil, plus meet three rising sports stars, check the new street style page, read interviews with L.Man, Chamillionaire, Jamie Woon, Essentials, an essential guide to bands, all the local news and much more!
And don't forget If you're aged 13-22 and want to contribute to LIVE Magazine as a writer, designer, poet, illustrator, photographer or want more info, then drop me a line chantelle@live-magazine.co.uk. Based in south London, the mag is done by young people for young people and published quarterly. With a new issue about to drop, it's perfect time to get involved and get your mugshot up in the pages. You'll be mentored in your chosen field by industry professionals who will try and help you achieve your personal and career goals.
Thanks to everyone who responded to this before, it's great to have met some of you down in Brixton.
*SPECIAL APPEAL*
Given the spate of shootings in south London involving young people, LIVE need your views, opinions and contributions more than ever. There's no simple soloution to what is going on, but what do you the young people think can be or should be done? Do you feel safe in your area? What are your experiences? Whether you just want to offer your two pence worth or have an essay to pen on the subject, please get in touch or leave a comment here.
You Know It's K-A!
Kano 'F**king Wid Da Team' freestyle
The original version can be found at www.myspace.com/kano679 along with the 'Write Bars Till The Milkman Comes' freestyle. Also check the pic of Kano from the forthcoming Def Jam Icons game.
The original version can be found at www.myspace.com/kano679 along with the 'Write Bars Till The Milkman Comes' freestyle. Also check the pic of Kano from the forthcoming Def Jam Icons game.
Friday, 16 February 2007
Safe + Sound
Taken from Safe + Sound, the new book produced by i-D.
Twenty two year old Ben Drew, more commonly referred to as Plan B, hails from Forest Gate, east London. His vivid accounts of inner-city living are brutal and sometimes feared yet consistantly reverred. Armed with an acoustic guitar, the rapper and sometimes singer, has drawn comparisons to the Arctic Monkeys, Johnny Cash and The Streets. But a listen to his debut album, Who Needs Actions When You Got Words, firmly places him in his own spot, talking on behalf of a jilted generation.
AN HONEST LIVING As told to Chantelle Fiddy...
"You don't have to go to college or University to do well in life, the University of Life is more important than any of that. My mate from Essex, people would think he had a better chance of doing well in life than me: he had money, he lived in a nice area with no crime, fewer drugs, good schools. His middle class neighbours would say he could do something proper. But then he came to London because his village was boring, he was like a nieve kid. I knew about drugs, I was wise, I'd experienced a lot. Drugs are everywhere but you can't blame drug addiction on other people. Some wankers have it around their kids and make them think it's ok. Then there's people who are just clueless. When you're in your 20's it's down to the individual. At 22, I couldn't talk a Manchester United fan into being an Arsenal fan could I? He learnt late on and now he's a smack head, injecting heroin in his vain's and I'm here doing what I'm doing. His mum used to look down on me and thought I was bad influence, if she had life experience she wouldn't have judged me, but she's had to go through her son becoming a heroin addict for her to realise she too had a lot to learn. The only way of avoiding the pitfalls of London are not coming at all, coming as a man or living it and learning. My kids would have to grow up in the city, they'd have to be streetwise and experience it. For me their grades wouldn't be as important, I just want them to go to school to learn how to read, write and speak properly. You just need motivation to succeed. When you see things happen you feel it. When I write my songs, it's a mixture of my own life and what I've seen in other peoples. I'm an artist so I'm going to always look at the world as an artist and someone who doesn't need a grade to make money or be happy in my work. The darkest time in my life was shit that went on at home and stuff that I talk about in my songs. One of the most personal tracks is 'Couldn't Get A Long' about a mate that died. I got through things in my life by accepting them and being honest with myself, everybody lies, I lie, but when things get to a certain point where it's really messed up, the best way is honesty. You've got to be honest with yourself, don't believe your own lies. People see honesty. When I was experimenting with drugs I didn't have to kick the habit because I didn't let it become a habit. You know they're not good. The first pill is wicked, the second time you have a bad come down and the third time to even get high you have to double drop. The more you take you're never going to get that initial high, you're just going to keep pumping your body with shit. Ecstasy is a cool experience but you have to be man enough to accept when the bad times outweigh the good, most people aren't that honest with themselves. I was man enough to say I don't think this is cool, I don't order a drink to look cool either. I was honest enough to accept that whenever I smoked weed or sniffed coke, it turned me into a paranoid and dishonest person. Weed may inspire you, but then you roll another joint in the morning and forget what you were going to do. Just be honest, it's having a negative effect. And all those great ideas, like so many things, they're just lost."
Safe+sound is a 272 page soft cover book produced by i-D.
Featuring contributions from many well known artists, photographers, fashion designers, stylists and writers including:
Alber Elbaz, Alex Prager, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Tucker, Alix Sharkey, Ann Demeulemeester, Antonio Berardi, Antonio Marras, Matthew Stone, Melanie Ward, Michel Momy, Naoki Takizawa, Neil Barrett, Neil Boorman, Neville Brody, Nick Knight, Paul Smith, Peter De Potter, Peter Saville, Philip Treacy, Phoebe Philo, Raf Simons, Richard Burbridge, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Ryan McGinley, Sam Taylor-Wood, Shannon Plumb, Shawn Mortensen, Sheryl Garratt, Simon Foxton, Sophia Kokosalaki, Stephan Schneider, Stephen Jones, Terry Jones, Thurston Moore, Tricia Jones, Vanina Sorrenti, Veronique Branquinho, Walter Van Beirendonck, Willy Vanderperre, Wing Shya, Yohji Yamamoto.
£12.50 UK, £14.50 EUROPE, £18.50 WORLD Prices include postage and packing. www.myspace.com/idmagazine for more info or www.amazon.co.uk to buy. If you are interested in stocking Safe+Sound in your store, please email karen.leong@i-dmagazine.co.uk
London Paper 12
Strip club for an eye-opener by Chantelle Fiddy. Thursday, February 15
In the wake of Valentine’s Day, whether you’re single or attached, you might be looking for a night out with a difference.
Forget swinging, S&M parties or an evening with Ann Summers. Since pole-dancing classes became a legitimate form of exercise there’s even more of an excuse now to visit a strip joint.
Celebrities such as Caprice, Emma Bunton and All Saints have been known to take in a show at Stringfellows, for example, one of the best known venues for nude dancing.
I’m not talking about over-pumped men smeared in enough cooking oil to fry an egg, either, the girls were there to admire the female form. You might call it a modern kind of feminism, you may find the whole idea absurd, but paying a woman to take her clothes off isn’t necessarily about cheap thrills or sexual gratification.
As well as being a fun night out and something you’ll get years of conversation out of, it’s also an eye-opener to the male psyche and our own inhibitions – or lack of them. Given that strippers have their fair share of wobbly bits, you may leave feeling a whole lot better about yourself.
“I find it empowering,” says Laura, who has been frequenting strip clubs for nearly five years. “I’ve come to respect the dancers. I’d never have the confidence to do it, but they’re not stupid and some of them are making good money. If they’re totally at ease with what they do to earn a living, why shouldn’t we support that?”
Laura’s tips for first-timers include going to one of the more upmarket venues in the West End – such as Sophisticats, The Windmill, Spearmint Rhino or, of course, Stringfellows.
“You get what you pay for and some of the smaller, local venues can be a bit seedy,” she says. You’ll also need lots of cash. “It’s embarrassing if you don’t have money to pay – most places will throw you out if you don’t put your hand in your pocket,” she adds.
But it’s not going to be for everyone. Whereas some people take great pleasure from nudity, others look like they’d feel more comfortable talking about their haemorrhoids, and find the whole thing about as sexy as Pat Butcher in bondage.
If you’ve got more chance of dragging your friends to a cemetery to drink cider this weekend, opt for the Anti-Valentine’s Day London Vampire Party at Penderels Oak cellar bar, High Holborn, on Saturday night. Rock and dance are supplied by Devilish Presley, DJ Cavey Nik and DJ Rockula. Garlic, black eye liner, lipstick and corsets are advised – but kitted out like that, don’t expect to be getting into a strip club at 1am. Goth and go-go? Stranger things have happened.
London Paper 11
On the scene by Chantelle Fiddy. Friday, February 09
When you think of Asbos, you tend to picture unruly youths joyriding, scaring old people or committing mindless acts of vandalism. What club 333 in Old Street has done to warrant its Asbo is still something of a mystery.
While the entertainment industry has been targeted for offences such as flyposting and organising illegal raves, one of the best Asbo stories I’d heard was regarding garage DJ Slimzee. Thanks to his illegal pirate-radio activity, he was banned from every rooftop in east London to prevent him putting up transmitter aerials. Quite how that was monitored is anyone’s guess. But last week an email arrived announcing that 333, which was shut down just before the Christmas rush, had indeed been slapped with an Asbo.
If whispers among local businesses are to be believed, this is down to a plague of violent incidents – including the fatal shooting at The Jam last year – that has struck the increasingly popular nightspots in Shoreditch. Apparently the local authorities (in this instance, Hackney Council) simply aren’t having it.
Unlike Monroe’s The All-Nighter Dance Club, in Lancashire, which was the first venue to receive a Closure of Premises Order under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act, 333 was able to reopen last weekend – albeit with a string of restrictions including no hoods, no hats and more strict searches.
Another kick in the gonads is that the promotions team Off-Centre has decided to throw in the towel in 333’s leaking bogs. Neil Boorman, who alongside Ross Clarke and Gerry Bull founded Revolver, Hoxton Apocalypse, Shoreditch Twat, 333 Saturdays and Neu-Noise, said: “After nearly ten years at the club, it wasn’t an easy decision to go, but there’s only so much that our crowd can be expected to put up with.”
Thankfully, Boorman and his team move to a new residency at 93 Feet East on 17 February. The first date, until 3am, features Belgian electro darlings The Glimmers, The Rakes, Dirty Pretty Things and the Infadels.
On a positive note, there haven’t been any reports of Asbos for stinky-pitted clubbers yet. If you head down to see Berlin duo the Sick Girls in Valentine Breeds Hate at 93 Feet East this Saturday, only wear red if you don’t mind serious sweat patches – because these ladies know how to work it. Roll on the weekend, and the deodorant.
London Paper 10
Music and Movement by Chantelle Fiddy. Thursday, January 25
At the tender age of 16, I was somewhat deluded in thinking that my raving gear – a bikini top, fluorescent yellow mesh workman’s jacket, baggy tracksuit bottoms and white gloves – was the height of nightlife fashion. According to my photo albums, jungle and drum and bass culture in the late Nineties has a lot to answer for.
Thankfully, the team behind Movement, which recently celebrated ten years of rinsing’n’rolling business, was among the promoters who broadened the D&B landscape. While many of us were still stuck out in the sticks, Movement added a touch of class to the scene by bringing it to Bar Rhumba in the heart of the West End.
Check your dusty tape pack collections and you can guarantee that every DJ worth his drinks vouchers has played a Movement night where roping in the premiership selectors such as Roni Size, Zinc, Goldie, Shy FX, Nicky Blackmarket (owner of Blackmarket Records in Soho) and Scratch Perverts is simply standard procedure. But Movement (www.movement.co.uk) is also renowned for opening up its doors to new talent in a scene that is widely regarded as a close-knit community.
The brand is now established worldwide following continual touring, six years at Homelands and three compilation CDs: Perpetual Drum and Bass Motion (described by now defunct magazine, Jockey Slut, as the best D&B compilation ever), The Brazilian Job and The Sound Of Movement.
Movement founder, the legendary DJ Bryan Gee, decided two years ago to pass the torch to his son, Jordan V, the editor of ATM Magazine and a DJ in his own right. The result is a more varied music policy and a lot to look forward to.
“We’re the longest running weekly in London and that isn’t by luck,” said Bryan. “People come from all over the world to experience the unique atmosphere and vibe we create. We’ve recently opened up the back of the club to hip hop, house, R&B, funk and ragga to offer an alternative to London’s partygoers. And although D&B might not be their type of music, the atmosphere is. Our sound system, promotions team, club security and management are geared to give partygoers the (Thursday) night of their life.”
If you don’t mind a lethargic Friday, head down to 36 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC1 on Thursday between 8pm-3am. With happy hour and free entry until 9pm or a mere £4 before 10pm (£6 NUS, £4 members after).
Monday, 12 February 2007
NY feat Purple - Fire
I'm not batting for the other team but I LOVE NY and I LOVE THIS SONG. Been on the system for about a year now which is saying ALOT. "Fire" by Ny featuring Purple, is the 1st release off Ny's forthcoming mixtape "Split Endz Volume Two"(although the original minus Purple features on Volume 1). Released in the UK in March on True Tiger Recordings.The video is currently on rotation on MTV Base.
I'm not batting for the other team but I LOVE NY and I LOVE THIS SONG. Been on the system for about a year now which is saying ALOT. "Fire" by Ny featuring Purple, is the 1st release off Ny's forthcoming mixtape "Split Endz Volume Two"(although the original minus Purple features on Volume 1). Released in the UK in March on True Tiger Recordings.The video is currently on rotation on MTV Base.
Wednesday, 7 February 2007
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