My 1st festival and it was baking! I thought to go prepared... no need for an umbrella or a rain poncho. But we did pre order a locker in case we needed to leave things like a jacket for the evening.
Wet wipes check, tissues check, cheap (don't want to break or loose expensive) sunglasses check, bottle of water check, hygiene gel check, sunblock already on check!
I didn't end up wearing boots on the day as it was so hot. I wore converse. Was going for a dixi chick look. The hoodie was the warmest I have incase it chilled in the evening... which it didn't.
Tip...Rookie mistake to wear sandals.. they are
a. not an all day walking comfortable item
b. can break when your drunk, I've seen girls looking really bad.
c. dust, dirt and dodgy tan lines!
Best mate to dace with in tow and here we go.....
The Legends of the Summer JT and JayZ did not disappoint as we danced for hours to some new and old jams. Then the guest star Riri arrived and everyone was running to take pictures.
I wanted to take more pictures of festival fashion but I was disappointed. Everyone in the same Aztec dress, bikini tops and crack showing denim shorts. Maybe the heat got to them but it was just vests folded to their bras and men all top less and shorts.
I did however manage to find one girl on the left.... looking hot cool and fierce...
June was the month I was at 3 charity/fund raising events from chimes for change, Not On Our Watch and Oxjam. Was also the month for the mens wear fashion week.
On to July here is your save the date..
Dance Al Fresco
Feel like dancing in the park? Learn to tango? Or watch others do so?... Taking place all month. Head down to Hyde Park if you participate proceeds go to tree planting of the park.
Fashion Rules
4th July is the opening of a new exhibition at Kensington Palace. Previewing clothes worn by the Queen, Princess Margaret and Princess Diana. From the spirit of the 50s down to the extravagant 80s.
Club to Catwalk
10 July is the opening of a new exhibition at the V&A. The inspirations behind 80s catwalks from the UK clubs. Showcasing over 85 outfits from the likes of John Galliano and Vivian Westwood.
Wireless Music Festival
12-14 July Wireless festival... need I say more? Tickets are pretty much sold out unless your going VIP and there are some tickets left for Sunday. Headliners dubbed the kings of summer JT and Jay-Z.
For a faster update on any events like my facebook page where I add events in advance.
Itunes have started posting their line up for itunes festival in sept. So start signing up now if you want free tickets to see an artist or band you love.
Korean Pop.. well I'm not Korean and there is also J Pop but what I wanted to blog about is their style. Its something I am still experimenting with and wanting to bring it with the western touch. I just wanted to share this video with you and the make up that I did, just so that you can get a flavour of it.
I love the fierce edge they have in their video's. It's actually the whole video and the styling that most K pop has all in all in their genre.
: Rap, Grime & Pop (even though there was a bit of jungle
and bashment in there)
"Meet me at the lock"
Walked past security, past the crowed, straight back stage and into a cramped room full of hopefuls.
This lot know each other like a family; music the common bond. Hyped up on some well known doughnuts breezing past like a lucky give away. Pictures and videos being taken for charity documentaries as people talk amongst each other and performers walk past as they come off stage. Its havoc in here, and I'm wondering how am I going to do this interview, in this madness.
The vibe is sugar rush with butterflies, banter, and worries on the vibe from the crowed.
Clencha, a long time friend and an energetic, positive, people person, is chilling, offering doughnuts, cursing banter on his co performers dock martins in between chatting to me.
"You know they not in fashion"
"What? I'm representing in Camden... OMG hey tell Clencha they in now"
What's life like for an up and coming artist?....
Why Clencha?
When I was a kid we used to play this game coursing, dragging each other by the clothes and I would always hold on... Tight grip... Clencha... I haven't seen the name on another artist before so it got me thinking of the meaning... the symbol of the fist... Black power... clench your dreams your family.. Firm grip... It came from mucking around to something serious. Derrick is personal... Clecha is who I become my alter ego.. Derrick is exclusive to my family.
When did you start rapping and realise you want to do it for a living?
Started at 14... Make a living out of it at 17... I was developing my style and skills between that time and doing pirate radio where I got the recognition and realised that's what I want to do. Be known for the music... Better then a 9-5 and I get to please people.
What is it that makes you different?
I'm fearless 100% fearless... Innovated... Will try anything to be unique... When the lights hit me they see how I'm unique.
Where are you in life, where are you now and, what do u hope to achieve?
I was just making music for the sake of making music... it was a freedom of expression... Now I'm making a living and raising the bar! Getting recognised... Put the name to the face now... Unlike radio before.
If u were stranded on an island what 3 things would u bring?
I'm trying to preserve life so what food?? Water?! You're gonna die ain't you so water to survive... Can I say my phone? So I can contact someone to get off the island? And a watch so I know the time and not lose track...
Why would you want to keep track?
You want to know and I doubt I'll be on the island for a year?! Forget it a fillet o fish!! That's it that's my answer! your f*&%ing with me on my answers
If u could have dinner with anyone and meet anyone who would it be?
Alisha keys... 100% omg my man knows!
(Friends helping out with the answers)
Proudest moment?
Getting to kiss Alisha keys on the cheek! And she let me!
What shall we expect in the future?
Anything and everything... More music and some acting... Everything!!
Favourite quote?
I got a few but my fave for a while is "nothing happens before its time"
Best event?
Wow let me come back to that... Probably a performance one
Best place in London?
Was gonna say central but I love bricky... Brixton... everything is there for me... My home town! Garms, clubs.. And its expensive to move there now...
Best fashion item or style?
I just love a hoody its been misconstrued... It doesn't mean who you are, doesn't define you... but I can sleep in it and go gym... a hoody straight!
As the wait to the performance nears the vibe goes down as the others exit, and Clencha goes back stage to support the act before them. A few last min rehearsals to ease the nerves and some dancing muck around.
Watch out for a well connected, radio known, face soon to match, blazing the club trail Clencha supporting Mz Bratt..
Event: Jump Off Description:"The Jump Off is where Fashion, Music and the Arts collide creating a melting pot of urban youth culture. The event features the best of aspiring local talent competing in Live Model Shoots, Comedy, Rap, Dance & Producer Battles for cash prizes and bragging rights." Location: Fabric, 77a Charterhouse Street, London, EC1M 6HJ Frequency: Every 2 weeks on Mondays until the finals in August TBC Price: £8 in advance £15 at the door www: http://uk.jumpoff.tv/shows/view/the-jump-off/ Hot Tip: The toilets are unisex (yes I was baffled and had to check the door twice) To activate the water to wash your hands is a pedal by your feet... no sensor malarky! Crazy tip but we all asked the question when we were in there.
Big booties or big hair? shorts or leggings? Only for sure thing are the boys in new Era hats and their pants swung low. There I was lost in a crowd of mixed ethnicity, bubble hats and Pjs, Russian fur head gear, baggy jeans, short dresses, jeggings, anything goes with a twist of urban edge and swagger. A shortage of hoddies replaced with "If its not New Era then your a fool" style and lyrics from MC battles.
Fabric looks massive as you walk in, with all its industrious detail and Jump Off logos. In the middle of London's City district, you'd be surprised it's here. Expect it to be clean, like it was, yet surprised that it is, after all it is a show of London Urban Hip Hop.
Battles for the hip hp genre in dance, producing and MC. Think Stomp The Yard or You Got Served but with less attitude and more appreciation. A more welcoming crowd then the "bad boy" image you would have expected. Waiting for contenders to step up. Its a though crowd but not as harsh as you would think this world is.
We watched a dance crew, we dubbed as Little Mix, and the Champs battle it out. Little Mix looked amateur as they took to the stage yet had a few surprise moves that, we were routing for the under dogs to get through to next weeks round.
The Producers battle was an eye opener for those who don't make music, and a nice taste of wit and talent for those who appreciate. 5 mins to re-work a sample given to you. Producer quickly adding in base beats, snares and synths. Then played back to the audience and judges to crown their winner.
The long anticipated MC battle. Infamous for finding talent such as Pro Green. Was Less 8 Mile and more Comedy Night. Contenders coming in from "tut" north to flow or literally spit on on the mic. Maybe the calibre of talent will get better as the competition nears its finals in August, but this night we were entertained by someone who's rapping style was "dude you have issues" and I have thus dubbed as MC Turrets. Funny how you can see the stage was their alter ego as they shook hands and said well done after throwing abuse and swearing at each other.
The event started late with set up breaks between battles and not running to the advertised schedule. So we missed the Booty Shake battle, as we left early to go home. But no doubt we will be back for more Monday night entertainment.
Why go? What else can you do on a Monday night? less of clubbing and being musically entertained?
2012 is the return of the Jump Off. I missed it when it was huge and I hope to go this time. I will admit to missing the one just gone but fingers crossed I wont be missing the next one on 23rd Jan.
What is Jump Off?
Urban culture, The future of Hip Hop, Dancers and Singers. I think this trailer should show you better....
Event: The Jump Off
Date: 23rd Jan, 6th Feb (every 2 weeks on Mondays)
Location: Fabric, London, UK
Description: "The Jump Off is where Fashion, Music and the Arts collide creating a melting pot of urban youth culture. The event features the best of aspiring local talent competing in Live Model Shoots, Comedy, Rap, Dance & Producer Battles for cash prizes and bragging rights."
