PAUSE PRESS PLAY

Blazer: Bottega Veneta, Shirt: Balenciaga @ Flannels Man, Vest: Daniel Rozsahegyi, Shorts & Boots: Bottega Veneta

RASHARN POWELL

For anyone who doesn’t know about you or your music, how would you describe yourself and your sound?

The music sits within dusk & dawn. As for me, I just write about what I go through, feel me?

Your track ‘Joyride’ looks at two contrasting worlds of a young black man in society. You’ve also openly spoken about your journey, trials and tribulations through your ability to story-tell. How has it been for you, as a young black boy in Britain, growing up?

Mostly, interesting. I moved around a lot, so I’ve lived among a lot of different people and cultures. That opened me up to a lot of good & bad experiences. Many of the bad was due to racism when we moved out of Redbridge. Experiencing that, in my teenage years, provoked a lot of negative sh*t that I had to overcome. I’m talking about cars full of white boys, pulling up on me randomly and shouting monkey noises, then jetting off. Or some white kids throwing stones at my mum’s car as she’s driving, due to her being black and in a nice car! These moments did a lot to help me understand myself & my own power as a black boy, but at the time, I couldn’t begin to tell you the rage that would overcome me. You know? Passive or blatant racism is something I’ve had to learn how to handle throughout my life and it’s funny because it’s always posed the question; “Why should I? Why should we?”

But I’ve been blessed with a solid community that surrounds me & believes in me. That hasn’t wavered much since I was a kid growing up in IG4 [Redbridge]. I still have all my close childhood friends plus I’ve obviously connected with and met so many more over the years. I truly believe, the people you meet and places you go, alter your direction, but it’s up to you as to whether it’s positive or negative.

What’s the last song you added to your playlist?

“James Blake – Are You Even Real” that song is… otherworldly. (laughs)

Is there anyone that you have taken musical inspiration from throughout your career?

Of course! Andre 3000 of Outkast, Blackstreet, Bon Iver, to name a few.

What’s the most impractical piece of clothing you’ve had to wear for a shoot or to perform in?

I don’t think I’ve had anything impractical but maybe a rookie mistake was wearing this black quilted Craig Green jacket whilst supporting Kodie Shane last year. I move a lot on stage so that sh*t got hot. Very quickly. (laughs)

Have you bought any pieces that have sentimental value to you?

Probably, my first Homme Plisse Issey pants, one of the first items I wanted to get after eyeing them for a while. Felt good to finally own it.

Which fashion-related item do you feel best represents British culture?

If we’re talking about my youth culture, a Just-Do-It bag and some kickers. Staple items. (laughs) But I can’t forget to mention the tracksuit! I had a Nike Tech Fleece one, I kept in pristine condition.

Growing up, do you remember the first-ever item you had bought [for yourself] that holds significance?

Oh sh*t, this brings back memories! This probably wasn’t the first but I bought these Evisu jeans with the Evisu logo embroidered on the back, intertwined with a tiger. I wore that to an Under-18’s rave when I was like 16 and let’s just say, I didn’t have a problem securing a consensual whine. (laughs)

Do you have any items you feel are inevitable to wear on a daily basis?

During these COVID-19 times, I’ve been sporting comfort. Rotating between my Corteiz, Bleriot, Places + Faces or Needles sweats with a tee, most days.

What does the future of Rasharn Powell have in store?

A lot more music and a lot more range.

Tracksuit: Jehu-Cal, Trainers: Nike

RUSHY

Emerging onto the sound waves with a bang, for anyone who is unaware of Rushyfromthe3, introduce yourself.

I go by the name of Rushy, I’m part of a collective called Straight 3 out of West London. I work with two other artists called RomyJo and Lano and yeah I come with the fun bubbly sound and I’m trying to take this thing as far as it can go.

Straight 3 is the West-London based collective you’re from, how did the three of you come together?

With the Straight 3 collective, we all met each other in school. From Year 7 we’ve all been close and then we just found out randomly that we’re good at music. We started making little bars sending for each other and whatever. Then people were saying to us “Yo you’re actually decent”. My guy RomyJo is a singer, he can sing so… His thing came out a bit later. He just sang a cover to a song one day and we were like “Yo bro you have actually got vocals” and so yeah that’s how it came together.

Your debut video hit 1 million likes in just one month. How did that feel?

I can’t lie it was a good feeling but I’m one of those guys that feel like there’s not a lot of things that excite me to that extent where I’m mad happy, but it was definitely a good feeling. I was just thinking “Yo I’m ready now. Let’s go.” I’m trying to hit more of these views.

Your recognised track ‘Trippidy Trap’ was written in 2016 but then released three years later. Can you describe the process?

I think I actually wrote the track 2017 and then I recorded it at the end of 2017 nearly 2018. Then we recorded the video 2018 in August and then we said “Yeah, let’s go”, let’s put this out and then we went through couple situations where we were trying to find out where we should put it and then yeah we found our place and put it out January 2019.

Born in East London but now residing in West, you’ve witnessed the contrasting sides. What has it been like growing up in a bustling capital?

Yeah, I was born in East. I lived there for like 4 years of my life. I have a lot of family there so I go back there sometimes, but growing up there and then moving to West like showed me the difference, like everywhere in London has their own little swag, their own little way they speak but everyone is still kinda the same and we still got connections around London so yeah that showed me that London is a place where a lot of things can happen. I started realising things and seeing people everywhere do their thing so I’m thinking yeah let’s go!

Growing up into the noughties, what type of music were you into?

Cant lie growing up I listened to a lot of different types of music like when I was young young from what I can remember from my dad, was listening to Sizzla and artists like that. Then when we left my Dad’s, my Mum would always listen to R&B. She even went through her little John Legend stage, before that was Aaliyah, Mary J Blige and all of that. Obviously some Arabic music and then I got to the point where I was into rap bare. I was mad into Joey Badass and that type of Capital Steez, Pro Era stage, Asap Rocky, and then yeah it just got to a point where I mixed both of them. Now I listen to both types of music. US and UK, I love both of them.

What’s the last song you have downloaded?

The last thing I downloaded, can’t lie It’s a banger, Unknown T – Dehdeh, rise up the ting and bowww *laughs*

What’s the most impractical piece of clothing you’ve had to wear for a shoot or to perform in?

Have you bought any pieces that have sentimental value to you?

I wouldn’t say I have bought anything sentimental for me. I would say I’ve been given a couple of things like let me say for example I’ve shot some videos in Patta tracksuits that they’ve let me keep after so I’ve just got them there now and they remind me of the times.

Which fashion-related item do you feel best represents British culture?

When it comes to British culture, I feel like its trainers play a big part so I’d say trainers man. Airforce 1’s or something.

When it comes to clothing, I think of trackies… Nike ones. I’m more into streetwear so tracksuits are my thing.

Growing up, do you remember the first-ever item you had bought [for yourself] that holds significance?

That’s a hard one still, maybe my first pair of Jordans, when I was young, I got some money together and was like “yo I want these Jordans, I need these Jordans.” I think it was a pair of Jordan 8s, the one’s that had blue and purple on there.

Do you have any items you feel are inevitable to wear on a daily basis?

Tracksuits *laughs* it’s just tracksuits, I love tracksuits can’t lie, any tracksuit, Nike tech tracksuits… not even Nike tech, Patta tracksuits. They’re all too comfortable.

Is there anything from you that we can keep our eyes peeled on?

Keep your eyes peeled on my EP Stress 3 on the 17th (July), which should be out already by the time this is released. There’s a video for Big Vibe and yeah I’m just gonna be releasing music regularly now so keep your eyes out for my name everywhere.

Tracksuit: Jehu-Cal, Trainers: Nike

23 UNOFFICIAL

It’s been a journey for you. Breaking out in the music scene in 2017, signing a deal and having a life-changing record titled ‘Ain’t Bothered’. What’s been an unforgettable highlight of your career, unless you’re still ‘unbothered’?

I would say it would have to be my headline show back in 2018. It was my first and for me, it was just a show to let my fans know how much I appreciate them for allowing me to change my life, to be honest. It was sold out and I had all my friends and family in the building who have also helped me a lot throughout my journey in music as well as life.

Your sound is likened to a mixture of rap, RnB and another flourishing fusion of genres, afro-bashment. Growing up in East London, is there anyone you looked up to in the music scene?

I pretty much looked up to everyone that you hear in today’s music scene and now it’s humbling to know I also connect with these people as well as having songs with them

I heard the whole ‘music thing’ was kept hidden from your parents, to the point where they refused to believe it was you. Tell us a bit more about that?

Loool. at first, I wasn’t taking music serious so I didn’t feel the need to tell them until I came home one day and they brought it up because someone had shown them but I guess it all worked out in the end 🙂

What is the last song you’ve added onto a playlist?

Pop smokes new album

What’s the most impractical piece of clothing you’ve had to wear for a shoot or to perform in?

I’ve never come across this issue to be honest because I usually style myself because I feel like I always have to be comfortable with what I wear when performing.

Have you bought any pieces that have sentimental value to you?

Yeah, a few pieces. At first, I was buying Louboutins for every achievement I had in music i.e. my first million views, 10 million views, label deal, headline show. I also purchased a custom tracksuit for my headline show that I still have to this day.

Which fashion-related item do you feel best represents British culture?

White airforces. They’re probably the one pair of trainers you could find in everybody’s collection.

Growing up, do you remember the first-ever item you had bought [for yourself] that holds significance?

I’d probably say my first pair of Jordans back in 2010. The whole 23 thing comes originally from me owning so many pairs so that would be it for me.

Do you have any items you feel are inevitable to wear on a daily basis?

Yeah, a pair of Jordans. They’re my go-to trainers and I wear them every other day to be fair.

We’ve seen club performances, Nike Jordan endorsements and millions of streams, what else can we expect from you moving forward?

More music, more shows & potential business moves. I’m currently looking into giving back to my community but you’ll see that come up in the coming months.

Shirt & Shorts: Prada @ Flannels Man, Trainers: Represent Clo, Pinky Ring: Mass

COL3TRANE

You’re often likened to some of the biggest artists in the music industry, from Frank Ocean to Post Malone, how does that make you feel?

I used to hate it because it made me feel like people weren’t really listening… but now I understand most people say it as a compliment. So thank you.

Your sound has been described as the perfect synthesis of RnB, soul and hip-hop. What kind of music did you mainly listen to growing up?

All of those really… and jazz. Some Rock & Roll as well. I still do listen to a little bit of everything.

What was the last song that you added to your playlist?

“Find Your Way Back” – Beyoncé. I started watching Black Is King Last Night.

You’ve been on the radar for quite some while and you’re newly 21 years old, looking back so far – what’s been a highlight for you during your career?

Putting out music I love… playing shows to people who know all the words… it’s all mad it’s the stuff of dreams.

Has there ever been an impractical piece of clothing you’ve had to wear for a shoot or to perform in?

Literally every time. I went through a phase of having to wear hoodies when I perform. So I was in Coachella playing at a private party with my guy Lido in like 35-degree heat in a black hoodie… I was comfortable in my head but I was sweating my ass off.

Have you bought any pieces that have sentimental value to you?

Not really too sentimental about clothes… more jewellery.

Which fashion-related item do you feel best represents British culture?

A Nike tech fleece tracksuit.

Growing up, do you remember the first-ever item you had bought [for yourself] that holds significance?

When I got signed I bought myself a diamond ring which I wear every day.

Do you have any items you feel are inevitable to wear on a daily basis?

My rings… feel naked without them.

Is there anything from you that we can keep our eyes peeled on?

Of course. Always.

Sunglasses: Bonnie Clyde, Suit: Daniel Rozsahegyi, Vest: ASOS Man, Trainers: Nike, Jewellery: Lijo London

IQ DI PRINCE

Known for fusing dancehall and RnB influences into your sound, who are some musical influences that have impacted both you and your sound?

Vybz Kartel and Chris Brown and Micheal Jackson.

There’s no doubt in saying you shut a showdown, is there anything we can expect from the future of your live shows?

You can expect some choreography from my dancers and memorable performance.

What is the last song you downloaded onto your phone?

We paid lil baby.

As much as your music creates the ultimate vibe, it also touches on important messages. Do you feel as if it is important for you to be vocal about certain things through your music?

Yeah, it’s good because music makes people feel good & it’s the quickest way to get a message across to somebody.

If you could have a joint single with any artist in the world, who would it be and why?

Vybz Kartel because he’s lyrically great.

What’s the most impractical piece of clothing you’ve had to wear for a shoot or to perform in?

A multi-coloured shiny jacket.

Have you bought any pieces that have sentimental value to you?

My crown.

Which fashion-related item do you feel best represents British culture?

A Nike pouch.

Growing up, do you remember the first-ever item you had bought [for yourself] that holds significance?

White airforces.

Do you have any items you feel are inevitable to wear on a daily basis?

My glasses they go everywhere with me.

Is there anything from you that we can keep our eyes peeled on?

I have an ep coming out soon!!!

Jacket: Pronounce, T-Shirt: Artists’ Own, Shorts: Prada @ Flannels Man, Boots: Artists’ Own, Chain: Feather Pendants

LOUIS CULTURE

If you could describe yourself and what you stand for in three words, what would they be?

Always thinking bigger

One must admire your unapologetic use of expression through music, especially displayed in your track ‘Being Me’. How important is transparency and being authentic through music to you?

I do think in art and performance, there is the importance of imagination and such but I think as well it’s commendable to give people pieces of your own life and be transparent with whoever is listening.

With what I do because I’m using my birth name (Louis that is), I owe it to myself to tell my story as it is and as it were. Although I do participate in storytelling too.

Fashion and music’s love affair is inevitable, the two cultures go hand in hand. You’ve been fortunate enough to dip into both, which one came first?

Music!

Your music delves into a little bit of Lo-fi, spoken word and hip-hop, what kind of music did you mainly listen to growing up?

Hip Hop first, the ambient/lo-fi influence probably came about in my teens. Delving deeper into other genres and friends putting me onto shit

What was the last song you added to your playlist?

Dizzee Rascal – Imagine

Dream collaboration. Who is it?

Aphex Twin

What’s the most impractical piece of clothing you’ve had to wear for a shoot or to perform in?

I don’t really know to be honest. Comfort is key

Have you bought any pieces that have sentimental value to you?

I bought a BBC Ice Cream varsity jacket a few years back. That shit seemed so far when I was a kid.

Which fashion-related item do you feel best represents British culture?

Nike Air Max 90s or Air Force 1s – it’s kind of a walk of life type shoe.

Growing up, do you remember the first-ever item you had bought, for yourself, that holds significance?

Probably a Bape tee

Do you have any items you feel are inevitable to wear on a daily basis?

Something black haha

What can we expect for the future of Louis Culture?

More music, more ideas and just to grow with me. ELEVATION MEDITATION 2020