Thursday, September 28, 2006

site redesign

Well the site redesign is done, told you it wouldn't be anything to major but we have got more bits to add to make things even more usable and increase the experience, it still needs a few tweaks.

Would be interesting to hear your views on what's happening.

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Addict, U-dox and Lewis Sterling Colab Jacket


A three way collaboration project between Addcit Clothing, U-dox and Lewis Sterling, to produce a fully technical jacket that represents all three in to colab equally. The camo was designed by C-Law of the U-Dox, the form fit and technical know how from Addict and the final design mastery from Lewis Sterling. All adds upi to teh most eagerly awaited Addict jacket ever.

C-Law Jacket

Monday, September 25, 2006

Bigz


October the 23rd Bigz will be releasing 'A New Big-Inning: The Pre Album Mixtape', to set up his debut album, which is set to be released mid 2007. Much of 'A New Big-Inning' was recorded after the tragic murder of Bigz older brother Akim in July, which understandably has had a massive affect on Bigz as a person and as an artist. Through this loss Bigz has gained a new outlook on life and new found motivation with regards to his music career, 'A New Big-Inning' is the result of this, displaying Bigz increased maturity, showing sides to Bigz that the listener may not have heard before. 'A New Big-Inning' plays as a journey through the mind of Bigz . Tracks such as 'Fly Boyz' and 'Bigz Theme' show the more flashy and braggadocios side most people expect of Bigz, yet tracks such as 'Change' (featuring Skinnyman and Sincere) and 'You So Badly' show a more conscious and deeper side that people may not have previously heard from Bigz. While with 'My Brothers Keeper' (featuring Terri Walker) Bigz gets personal, poignantly dedicating a song to his older brother Akim.



Through Bigz larger than life personality and following the success of 'Cor Blimey' and 'This Is How We Do' and a number of high profile collaborations Bigz has become one of the most recognisable artists in the UK, signed or unsigned. 'A New Big-Inning' weighs in at 23 tracks and features a vast range of guests including Keisha Buchanan (The Sugababes), Terri Walker (Mercury music prize nominee), Sway (Mobo winner), Skinnyman (UK hip hop legend), Ghetto, JME(Boy Better Know), Baby Blue (Est'elle, John Legend), Grit Boys (Paul Walls group from Houston), S.A.S., Scorcher, Wretch 32, Sincere, Haydon, El Rae and more. Production is handled by Para Beats (Swiss, Carmen Reece), Jay'O, Reggie Yates (Top Of The Pops), Show 'N' Prove, Lowdeep, Djorkaeff (German producer) and Nutty P.



By the age of 23 Bigz has gained a major buzz in the music industry through a blend of witty lyrics, street credibility and his charismatic personality. Bigz is also quite the entrepreneur, him and his business partner ESQ set up his record label/production company Alliance Records, who co-released Sway's Mercury Music Award nominated 'This Is My Demo' and intend to release Bigz debut album. To date Bigz has gained major support from the likes of Tim Westwood, Semtex, Dan Greenpeace, Shortee Blitz and Big Ted, Masterstepz and Manny Norte and with the release of 'A New Big-Inning: The Pre Album Mixtape' Bigz looks to be catapulted into the elite of UK artists. With the impending release of Bigz debut album this year is shaping up to be a massive year for Bigz, with the promise of much more to come from one of Britain’s most exciting and charismatic talents, Bigz music is second to none and the respect he receives in the streets reflects this. In 2007 the mainstream will be showing him the same level of acceptance. Bigz

Sunday, September 24, 2006

-VersuS- a.k.a. Juggernaut


Matt Anderson a.k.a. -VersuS- a.k.a. "Juggernaut" is the youngest of 4 boys that grew up in Jefferson Farms, New Castle, DE., America. "If I wasn't getting my ass whipped by my pops, my brothers would do it!" So as a young boy -VS- took to living the life of the streets: fighting, drugs, robbing anything to get money. Having getting recognised by 1 of his tattoos, -VS- was hit with an 18 month stint for two 1st degree robberies as a juvenile. Once released -VS- again turned to the only thing he knew was the streets! During 1997 outside of Jefferson Farms, -VersuS - got into a situation where he ended up being stabbed by some older kats from the area after an all out brawl. Later that same year -VS- was a part of a large theft ring that would "Steal anything that wasn't tied down." Once again getting caught and charged with 286 charges (took all the blame himself) -VS- found himself in a bad situation: take a plea for 18 months or go to trial? With his court appointed attorney he chose the 18 month plea, not knowing that that was only half of the charges! Months later & another lawyer the State offered yet another plea of 8 years suspended for 4 years. With NO options -VS- had to accept the agreement so he could see his GREATEST accomplishment sooner, his daughter. Serving 5 1/2 years straight stretch in Smyrna State Prison, in which 1 1/2 years was spent in the Super Maximum for bad behaviour; -VS- had a lot of time to think. He knew from that point forward that music was his goal. Fast forward to 2006....Hosted by DJ Kay Slay....-VersusS- "The Juggernaut" featuring some of the hottest MC's in the game Dipset's Hell Rell, JR Writer, Bezel, & the Roc's Philadelphia Freeway. Having his dream by the tail, -VersuS- is close to accomplishing his life long! But REMEMBER these 3 things: Everything you hear in his music he has done, will do to you, or has been through it!!!!

Hellaware

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Addict Method Zip Hoods


The Addict Method Zip Hoody with it's one action stow away hood and clean stylinghas now become one of the recurring key pieces in the Addict Clothing range. Now entering it's third season the Method Hoody in available in plain with the A Stitch but more interestingly in three custom Addict Camo's design by mr jago, SheOne and C-Law.

You can check outteh complete Addict men's cloting at Addict and yuo can read more about SheOne, Mr Jago and C-Law or about camo in design at our special camo fashion page.

Chronic Redeye


Chronicredeye are producer/DJ ‘Chronic’ and rapper/songwriter ‘Redye’ based in East Anglian town of Norfolk. Drawing influences from UK & US Hip-Hop as well Reggae & Techno, this creative and talented duo have delivered an album that deserves your attention. Totally original beats, this CD comes as a breath of fresh air with its own diverse and forward-thinking sound. Chronicredeye formed in 2003 when DJ Chronic relocated from Oxford to hook up with a large collective in Norwich (including Redeye) that was running a custom built sound system doing events in disused buildings and at free festivals etc. Most of the crew were squatting disused buildings in Norwich to home themselves and as a base for activities which included a very basic recording set up. Musical tastes in the crew vary but DJ Chronic and Redeye both share a love for real hip hop and reggae which led to Chronic producing tracks at the squatted studio for Redeye to rhyme over. In early recording sessions there were so many people rammed into that building it was near impossible for it to be quiet enough to record! The (often shoddy!) results of these sessions were then put on compilations that were sold at events along with recordings from previous dances to help raise funds for the movement. At this point there were big illegal parties happening nearly every week around Norwich and on March 28th 2004, things reached boiling point! Police moved in to shut down a warehouse party on the airport industrial estate, and got ejected by a huge gathering of our crowd who then barricaded themselves in to the warehouse and kept the music playing. Police got forces from all surrounding areas and finally gained entry around midday next day! CS Gas and rioting followed, with loads of the crew getting arrested. This turn of events inspired the first noteworthy Chronicredeye track called ‘Seein’ Red.’ Named because they were ‘seein red’ when we were getting CS gassed by police! They then ended up producing a CD album called ‘Seein Red’ and distributing it their selves around the UK, getting good feedback from HHC, as well as DJs such as KMT (Genesis fm) and Steg G (Powercut). This movement (sparked off by Brainskan sound system) is still going today and the twists and turns of sound system culture is what inspires Chronicredeye music….

www.myspace.com/chronicredeye

Friday, September 22, 2006

David Choe interview

Unfortunately not done by us but we love the artwork of David Choe and rather than steal the interview here's a link to it David Choe Interview

If you are looking fo David Choe t-shirt we can help out as we have some from RVCA and Upper Playground

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Syd Mead


Syd Mead may not be a household name, but he played a key role in the design and visuisation of two of the iconic films of the 80's. Mead designed the memorable cycles of Tron and for Blade Runner director Riddly Scott scrawled "Syd Mead" down as the first name on his wish list. Now combined with Addict Mead as created a series of graphic t-shirt with a selection of illustrations from his career to date.

Syd Mead T-shirts

Penfield Collaborations

Not had a rant on this blog yet and maybe this is the time we were approached by a very nice jacket manufactures to stock their line and yes we know who they are and like the line, let’s name them now Penfield. Now Penfield don’t make a lot of clothing mainly jackets and only a few styles of those preferring to concentrate on quality and doing what they do right, we like that. Anyway they had a couple of collaboration jackets with 2 companies that we have tried to stock in the past but because they have their heads stuck firmly and tightly up very dark places they will not supply a online only shop, even though we’ve been going since 1999 and have the best reputation in the game.

So ah think’s me we can get some of these jacket bit of backdoor stocking but no these companies may love Penfield that much that they want them to make jackets for them but Penfield are not allowed to sell them to any of their accounts. So who’s the winner here? In my mind Penfield because these very cult companies are going hey we like you, you make nice jackets so maybe you can make us a jacket and put our name on it and call it a collab. At the end of the day you are buying a Penfield jacket these companies have endorsed them but these jackets are current Penfield styles so what’s different well one’s made in a custom fabric, the other has a few bits of branding on there. Would I buy them if I were you NO I’d buy Penfield.
We’ve said many years ago that we would never stock either of these 2 companies and still I cant see we ever will not they would supply us anyway but we’ve seen other companies coming crawling and we just watch the squirm and say no even if they are offer mega deals as one company did. If you turn us down once that’s forever as I once said to one of these companies cutting out the swearing and there was affair bit “if you don’t want to supply us now don’t expect us to stock you when you are struggling”. A friend of our in the trade actually heard about us from this company and they thought it was very funny particularly when the company stated that they had never been spoken to like that, “get out a bit more love”.

Spiewak


The last part of our winter jacket order from Spiewak has just arrrived and they are nice I tried every jacket on to see what the fit was like and do you know what it was like? Perfect, but what should you expect from a company lasts been making jackets since 1904 and supplies many of the public sevices in the US with outerwear. There's a lot we can not get over on the net the feel the fit etc but many of you have bought from us over the years and you have started to trust what we say and if you are looking for a nice, classic looking jacket that's quality made, not over priced and will perform Spiewak, look no further.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Tommy Lee, Mada & Ambiguous



More images of Tommy Lee rocking Mada and also Ambiguous

Grown Man Business

Yungun & Mr Thing’s debut album is finally here! What started out as an EP simply had to become an album after so many top-class tracks were created for it. The duo’s dexterity shines throughout this project, so there’s something here for everyone. From club bangers to chilled head-nod grooves, “Grown Man Business” sees old-school-veined modern classics sitting seamlessly alongside timeless epic anthems. The consistency of the album makes it one of those fine rarities that can be played from start to end.

Also featuring guest appearances from Devise, poisonous poets Doc Brown, Lowkey and Stylah and UK hip-hop favourite Jehst, this album truly is unmissable.

Yungun & Mr Thing will be launching their album in Southampton at the Orange Rooms on September 21st. The night runs from 20.00 to 01.00 and is free before 22.00 and only £3 after that.

Sunday, September 17, 2006

The Urban Shop Mixtape

UK Runnings presents "The www.theurbanshop.co.uk Mixtape" Hosted & Mixed by Tricksta

The well respected on-line clothing store known as The Urban Shophave joined forces with one of the UK’s leading mixtape series UK Runnings for a new CD release…

"theurbanshop.co.uk Mixtape" will be available October and is going to be a CD that you are really going to need in your collection. The mixed CD will be a promotional mixed CD manufactured with a four page booklet, jewel case and shrink-wrapped. The CD will be a promotional tool to promote www.theurbanshop.co.uk and home-grown music. 1000 will be manufactured and be given away to customers who purchase clothing from www.theurbanshop.co.uk, as well being promoted through Park Street PR www.myspace.com/parkstreetpr with a full 200 mail out with all UK media & press all receiving a copies for review.

The vibe of the CD is simple. You get a sixty minute UK Runnings Home-grown Hip-Hop mix followed by a twenty minute chilled-out bonus ‘classic roots mix’. The vibe of the mixtape will one of a soulful, jazzy, funky vibe and will be the perfect urban soundtrack and listening experience.

We are currently looking for tracks and drops/shout-outs for the mixtape. If you would like to submit a track please get in touch with Tricksta at the following contact details….

DROP SCRIPT: Should be based around the title ‘UK Runnings Presents - The www.theurbanshop.co.uk Mixtape’. Add your own style and please send accapella with no effects. Try and be creative and original!!!

MP3’s: to info@wolftownrecordings.com or cd@theurbanshop.co.uk
POST: UK Runnings, PO Box 1668, Wolverhampton, WV2 3WG

The deadline for submissions is October 1st 2006 so please get tracks in as early as you can. Artists sending exclusive tracks get preference when compiling the CD. All artists on featured on the mixtape will receive 2 CD’s soon as it’s manufactured.

Remember to check out www.thurbanshop.co.uk and please add The Urban Shop to you’re my Space page at www.myspace.com/theurbanshop

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Yummies Artwork

Some of you may have seen The Yummies t-shirts on site but may still not know who they are or what they do well we aint really into telling you but here's some artwork they've done recently, which should give some clues.





The Yummies

Friday, September 15, 2006

Shok 1 War Head Dunny


Shok 1 has been getting a lot of mail from people saying they can't get hold of the Shok 1 "War Head" Dunny figures so he has made the standard edition available on his site for people who can't afford the uber-collectible Special Edition.

There is also, the brand new 3" Shok 1 figure for Kidrobot's FatCap Series 1 is on it's way over to me now. These nozzleheads rattle like spraycans when you shake them.

Shok1

Zach Culshaw now riding for Blueskin


Blueskin is proud to announce that Zach Culshaw is now riding for the clothing brand. The 17 year old from Edinburgh recently came on board this summer and hooked up with Blueskin at the Farmers Jam in Norwich 9-10 Sept 06. He got lost in a field, sprained his wrist, but like a trooper he soldiered on and came 1st in the Big Air and 4th in the Slope Style. He wore his beanie all weekend despite soaring temperatures and busted out some rare dance moves at the local Norwich night club. ‘Zach is pure talent’ said Niki founder of Blueskin.

Other recent competition results include 1st Junior British Slope Style championships at Braehead Aimseries 2006, 5th overall in the British Slope Style championships at Braehead Aimseries 2006, and 3rd Junior Slope Style at Milton Keynes Aimseries 2006. Zach is also sponsored by Rome and Westbeach.

Blue Skin is the creative love child of Lead Designer and Founder Niki Kerr. Established in 1996 as a street label primarily bought by teen and twenty something skaters, the range has developed into a recognised clothing brand for everyone. All items are designed in-house, printed on 100% cotton and produced in the UK.

Blueskin

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

RUDEBOY HERALD issue no. 15

There another bangin' Ragga mix for you to stream and whilst you are there you can check out some of the controversial and interesting offerings from Rudeboy Herald

-"CIA can still get tough on Detainees", an interesting piece of writing on interrogation tactis still employed by the CIA.

-The Shy FX show in NYC last weekend. Pics & Video!

-The Ragga Jungle Compilation Info, calling producers worldwide!

Rudeboy Herald

ANP Quarterly

ANP Quarterly: RVCA publish a quarterly arts magazine which focus’s on the broader sense of art and community. The idea behind this endeavour according to RVCA founder TM Tenore “is to make a magazine that will educate and inform openly and without the social or financial restrictions that plague many publications today and contribute more often than not to the same old thing again and again”. RVCA’s goal is not to focus on current events or "who's hot" but rather to bring forward people and phenomena that deserve acknowledgement and coverage regardless of their place in time. RVCA are beholden to nobody on this project, save their own conscience, RVCA included.

At THE Urban Shop we have a deal with RVCA that if you buy any of their clothing for our site we will send you 4 copies ( that’s one years worth) delivered totally free delivered to your door for you to enjoy because we love you and for you to feel the ethos behind the RVCA brand.

RVCA

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Wolftown Committee

Our homie Tricksat was giving it large on the Raz Kwame show on Sunday night, if you missed it you can check teh 20 podcast of teh Midland's biggest crew - Wolftown Committee - rep on Homegrown this week. 15 members deep, label owners Late and producer Tricksta are doing big things on the mixtape front and reppin' Wolverhampton in a big way! Hip hop, grime and a touch of reggae

Podcast

And we are proud to add that we sponsored UKrunning 4 and will again be putting our name behind UKrunnings 5. Keepin' it UK homegrown!

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Mada - Tommy Lee


We've all seen Tommy Lee's new show - Rockstar Supernova on Sky 3 - The Motley Crue star is heading up an "X Factor" style show in search of a band member for Supernova, his new rock band.



But did you know that Tommy has been spotted rocking Mada since last year and has been wearing it for his new shows.

Mada

Friday, September 08, 2006

One Week To Live - Interview

Up until this earlier year, theurbanshop.co.uk was known as Headstrong: a premium, online, streetwear store, that benefited from a wealth of satisfied customers and a massively diverse range of clothing. From its own series of designs by famed artists such as Matt Sewell, Remi Rough and Sickboy, (which can consequently be found, alongside an interview with owner in the t-shirt graphics book ‘T-Shirt 360’) to skate stuff, street-inspired fashion and hip hop labels. However as all good tales do, to get up to date, this twists and turns through a nightmare that shows that suits and big businesses don’t really mix too well with the independent streetwear industry. Which means Headstrong is no longer, but in it’s wake lies The Urban Shop.co.uk, bigger and better than before. With this experience of the game and the fact that he’s out the other side, largely unscathed, I thought the g-man would be a good person to talk fashion, trends, mistakes and life.

How do you go about scouting for new labels?
We don’t do business in the same sense that most companies do business as we are a virtual company and everything we do is “virtual”. It’s strange, but we have designers who have been working for us for five years that I’ve never met, we’ve got a marketing guy that I’ve never met. Label-wise, we keep an eye on what’s going on but we don’t come down to all the London fashion shows because we don’t want to copy what’s going on in London, but simply do what we want to do. We very rarely go to any tradeshows. Most of the brands contact us directly and we are continuously looking for new brands. Friends within the trade will tip us off and we’ll start looking at different labels from that too. So there’s lots of different ways that we work.

What do think are the qualities that have made your store so popular with returning customers?
Initially I think it’s the range, I even hear that from other people in the business who have their own websites. After that, it comes down to service. We are very much service-based, for example if you order today, we make sure that you’ll receive the goods in the next day or so. The only thing that slows it down is Royal Mail. There’s also the way we deal with problems. When you are buying stuff that you can’t see or show the full detail (screen resolution is 72 dpi, where as print resolution is 300 dpi etc), the customer has to have a comeback of sorts. There’s a UK law in selling regulations that actually states that you don’t even have to have a reason to return an item for a full refund. We’re just going by the law, and being helpful by doing so.

Recently there’s been a massive slump in skate/streetwear sales. Stores are closing down at a scary rate, even massive distributors. Why do you think this is happening?
The main problem is fashion itself and people (the companies) being pigeon holed into a certain area. For example, some people will see us as hip hop, many will think we’re a skate shop, but we’re both of those and probably more. HSC, a big UK skate distributor that had been going for over twenty years suddenly went bang. The problem with skateboarding, was that all of a sudden the popularity dropped. And HSC had got themselves into corner that they were a core skateboard company, and that was all they did. But suddenly nobody wanted to wear it (skate stuff) and they couldn’t get out of that.

It’s also simply down to the companies that cut costs. You have Primark selling a quality t-shirt for £2.50, or TK MAXX, who live off these places going bankrupt and sell it on for next to nothing. You can now go to the brand’s warehouse sale and buy last season’s stock for 50p per t-shirt. I think the general public are aware of what’s going on and know that they can now buy these clothes for cheaper. It’s difficult to pin point, but I think it’s changes in fashion and people not moving with the times.

It’s funny but there are also a lot of brands that are “so cool”, they don’t sell. I don’t want to name the brands but there are some very well known “cool” brands, but nobody seems to want to buy them. It’s very strange.

When did you start working with artists on your t-shirts and ad campaigns?
Back when I started, I took on a graphic designer who was also a graffiti artist known as Freeze from Nottingham, and really, he got me into the whole idea of it. But we parted company as he found it hard to get out of bed, which seems to be an ongoing theme with designers. We replaced him with this guy who did some genius work, but he just couldn’t get out of bed! We’ve always been linked to artists, but after a while we stopped having an in-house designer and asked our friends if they would be interested. Over the years we’ve made some really good friends with different designers, especially Frame. He’s been someone who has really stuck with us throughout the years.

What are the essential qualities that you look for in a label?
When we look at a label we look for three things and I think the public are after those too. Firstly, quality. We want a well made and well presented product. Next up is some kind of background for the company. For example, if we sell nice (graphic) t-shirts and they’re really popular, they are normally designed by a graffiti artist who has been painting for over 15 years. There’s always a background and a story behind every brand that we do. It’s like Obey, you would think that stencil idea is rinsed and you can see other companies realising how well it’s done and they try to copy it. But it doesn’t work for them. If the brand fits the narrative then people like that. If you’ve got a story and a way of life and are able to put it across, then yeah, people will either like it or not. But if it’s your way of life, it’s your way of life. The third thing that we are looking for is something different; people don’t want the same old thing.

You’ve been through the .com boom, but I was wondering what are the pros and cons of an online business now, in 2006?
The pros of it are that you can work from anywhere in the world, you’ve got very low overheads and you have a lot of freedom. How you sell, where you sell and how much information you put across etc. The problem is that now every man and his dog thinks he can do it. They think, “Okay, I’ve got a failing shop so now I’ll open an online shop.” There’s now a lot of competition, but that’s just basic economics.

What trends do you feel are coming up for the next season?
There is some nice knitwear for next season. Fly have done some very nice knitted cotton jumpers, and they’re so cheap it’s unbelievable. Mada have also got some really nice knitwear. Unfortunately there’s a lot of stuff out that you would have seen before. However things like (artist-led) RVCA I think that’s the way forward. If I had to pin point a trend I would say it’s the two extremes. Either, no branding, but really nice fabrics, good colours, really well made and tailored, or big, bold all-over prints. I think there are some customers that still haven’t got into it.

TOP 7 CLASSIC BRANDS
1. OBEY
2. SPIEWAK
3. DOPE
4. FUCT
5. FRESHJIVE
6. MADA
7. FLY53r135

TOP 7 UP AND COMING BRANDS
1. SCHWIPE
2. D.I.E
3. FALSE stock arriving soon
4. RVCA
5. E.I.O
6. KING APPAREL
7. WESC


Thanks to Frame, Tricksta at Wolftown and everyone who has supported us through everything.

Originally published in One Week To Live Issue 41 4-10 Sept 06

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Versus - hot new East Coast talent.


What artist influenced you to start rapping?
Gang Starr and every other hip hop legend you can think of.

When did you start taking it serious and make your first tracks?
I started taking it serious while I was in prison. Right before I got incarcerated the last time, a song named Water by The Roots made me realize that is what I wanted to do. I made my first tracks early on, and my most serious tracks within the last year.

Have you played live much in your home territory of Delaware?
Yes, I am well respected. The DVD is coming soon.

What about outside in any other States?
Yes, I have done shows in Rhode Island, Philly.

There are some killer tracks on the mixtape, including a banging track with Jae Millz. How did that come about?
I went to New York, meet up with him, listened to some tracks, picked one, and recorded. Came out hot.

Good to see Dipset all on there too. What was it like recording with Hell Rell?
We had a good vibe. Hopefully we will work together in the future.

Kay Slay has hosted the mixtape. Was it a conscious decision to have a DJ host your mixtape?
Yes, Kay Slay is the host that I wanted.

Are you planning on releasing any more mixtapes or maybe doing a video?
Yes to both. Tell everyone in England to get ready!

What US DJ's are playing your music?
I have no idea, my music is just now being put out there. We are at the beginning stages of getting it out to DJ's now. You'll get it the same time everyone else will.

You seem to have had a tough life in and out of jail. Do you feel the music has given you something more positive to focus on?
Yup, that is definitely my main focus and I plan on making it a positive one.


A lot of MC's seem to rap about they done this and done that which kind of dilutes the real man who have lived through real hard times. How do you feel about this?
If you are a nerd... rap about being a nerd! Whatever you do, that is what you rap about. The definition of real is not being hard, so all you mothers that talk that regroup...think about what you saying...cause that is not what’s happening. These mothers would hang themselves if they had to live their life like that.

If someone didn't know you, how would you describe yourself as a person and
as an artist?

I am a soft, cuddly, teddy bear. LOL that is just for the bitches.

So what's next for Versus?
Keep up to date with my myspace - Bigger and Better Things!

Interview by Brendan Deane

Rudeboy Herald issue no. 14

Rudeboy Herald is a newsletter put out by some mate of ours in NYC know as Touch and run by Amadeus, this issue features:

"The 10 most brazen war profiteers", an striking article about who is making money from the madness.

Details about Ragga Stylez NYC.

Free downloads of the latest CD

Rudeboy Herald

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Gumball 3000


Many of you will have noticed for this month we have a box of goodies from Gumball 3000 for one lucky winner which includes Gumball 3000 DVD, sweatbands, t-shirt, stickers and postcards and for 4 runners up we have little surprises of Gumball merchandise. FREE Gumball 3000 Competition


The new series of the Gumball Rally 2006 is currently playing on the Extreme Channel (currently the highest ever rating show for the channel). It is showing Sunday nights at 10pm

Gumball 3000 will be having a launch party in November - to release their new film starring the likes of - Tony Hawk, Bam Margera and Ryan Dunn.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

False


le messie drops a big one by merging the concept vision and design aesthetics of his LMAC brands Children of the Revolution with Retail Yakuza to become what he calls "FALSE". FALSE is his latest brand that will be dedicated to individually hand-finished garments of the highest quality.

FALSE conceptualized and created by le messie is a unique hand-crafted independent clothing label for the few that understand quality born from passion sweat and blood is all that matters. FALSE is run and operated by le messie and his fiancée also FALSE co-owner Amanda Scully. Garments, all highly limited are individually hand-screened and hand-finished by the couple themselves, with each item being marked and numbered individually. Those that have owned their works will attest to their garments quality and precision. le messie Creative Directs and Designs all of the FALSE lines. Inspired by the fall of man and society he continues to tell his stories through moving breathable subjects. FALSE is carried exclusively in over 20 top accounts around the globe from places far as Korea to New York to Milan and France including their own retail space in Singapore entitled Retail Yakuza. Soon to be coming to The Urban Shop UK with the release of their second season designs.

Friday, September 01, 2006

Serialtype - Part 2


Part 2's 'Serialtype' exhibition launches at This Way Up Gallery at the Dragon Bar this month showcasing Part 2's new medium of disposable graffiti that’s been installed on our city's central reservations and public transport this year. The critically-acclaimed record producer - signed to the Ninja Tunes ‘Big Dada’ label - will be redesigning the gallery space with a montage of battle type, words and ID numbers set to a whole new order.

If you have witnessed the part2ism page on Myspace then you will be familiar with the I-god at Marble arch or the cardboard cut outs inside and outside London underground trains and random shopping trolleys. These zero damage/ high impact installations are pushing the envelope of street art, putting type in places normally impossible to achieve, including a masterpiece on a central reservation in Oxford Street at peak shopping time.

Each individual group of words featured in the show will be installed in public locations and photographed before the exhibition, then displayed on the soon to be launched part2ism.com once the exhibition is in effect. Part2 says: "This is a brand new turning point for me, putting work together I designed for separate locations into a new context; juxtaposing all the different groups of text and rearranging them all so that they work together."

Part2 is a pioneer of graffiti in the UK and an original member of the first national and international graffiti crews in the 1980s, the Aerosol Nation and the Ikonoklast Crew. Now beginning to attract a worldwide following, this show is the first of many where fans can experience the Part2ism phenomenon and see the concept and thought processes in one building, possibly only ever viewed before on a photograph.

A line-up of respected musicians have been brought together for the opening night with DJ sets by Kode 9 - one of south London's finest hyperdub artists whose production house and DJ prowess have seen ascend to the top of the turntabling scene; Kevin Martin who will be appearing with his jungle/ragga hybrid of dirty basslines, machine-gun snares and seriously mutated hip hop. Also taking to the decks is Part 2's Big Dada cohort, Memes, who will be delivering his trademark dubstep that has secured his status as one of London's most respected artists.

Part 2: 'Serialtype' September 12 - 22, 2006 @ Dragon Bar, Leonard Street, Soreditch, London, E2.

Tube: Old Street (Exit 4)

Site Update

As you can see if you check The Urban Shop site we have finally got around to phase 1 of the redesign. Phase 2 is the redesign of the content and look of the homepage, we think the new look is nice and a bit more now, not sure about the exact colours yet may need a slight tweak as that chocolate should be richer. Let us know your thoughts.

As you can see autumn winter stock is rolling in fast 'n' furious with deliveries in this last week from Spiewak, Fly53, DC, DVS and Matix.

There's a new compotition also with a new month starting and this month we have product from Gumball 3000. Keep an eye on the clothing to come from them maybe another year before teh real kick in but it is sounding amazing. There should be a basic stock clothing line for spring 07 but it's the future that sounding cool, we'll keep you informed. Gumball Giveaway