DrunkTalkwithEgypt

The real answers for the questions you never asked.

Q: Why "Miles Mouse"?

A: Miles Mouse is a combination of a bunch of things but basically an alter ego that is responsible for the creative idea side of my work. The "yungEgypt" persona is smooth, bold, confident and loves being in front of the camera. Miles just likes to chill. He don't like the attention and would rather be behind the scenes thinking of dope ideas for yungEgypt to do rather than being in the spotlight. His name is a play on the coming of age story of Marvel's Miles Morales, while also being a "ghetto-fied" version of the Mickey Mouse character. Mickey always stands for something positive and marketable but Miles ain't really like that, he's a little off and so his shape is gonna be slightly off. Not that he'd care though. Think it's important to have fun and not take yourself too seriously. I can be equally cool and goofy, and that duality makes living a more carefree experience. Just hope Disney don't sue.

Q: What made you get into fashion?

A: During the pandemic, so my junior year of college, I was really trying to win over this girl I was talking to (iykyk) and she had a big interest in becoming a model. A couple people through life had said I'd also make a passable model so I lied and said that's what I wanted to be too. My brother owned a camera and we started taking pictures just to test the waters but also for me to flex and show her I was serious. Eventually the shoots got more intricate and I started looking at other peoples' styles so it became more of a serious hobby of mine. I don't think the girl ever cared though in all honesty (lol) soon we stopped talking but I kept going with the ideas. So who knows maybe I'm still chasing an unrequited love after all this time.

Q: Any funny anecdotes from Vol. 2?

A: I always wanted to include a Stussy article because that was one of the first brands I remember learning about. I was at a party at Penn State wearing a black Stussy tee I bought at random the previous summer. Had no clue about the brand, just thought the insignia looked dope. And because I'm an idiot, I thought the logo spelled out "Jansen" not "Stussy." So at the party, a guy had complimented the shirt and asked if I keep up with their releases. And I said in an attempt to be cool "yea, I love Jansen their shirts are crazy." The guy proceeded to stare at me really confused, told me the right name and said to start researching the clothes I wear. Again I'm an idiot. Ever since then I always try to have at least some background on the brands I buy. Hopefully he reads these magazines to see I've made amends for my ignorance.

Q: How long do these Volumes take to write?

A: Gun to my head, I could probably get a copy out every 2 months. But with work, personal life, other projects and trying to keep the concepts fresh it usually takes about 3 months. Anime section is the easiest to write yet hardest to format and the fashion section is the exact opposite. You always want things to breathe and I feel no pressure for deadlines so I don't mind taking my time. Writers block was particularly evident this Volume so I'm technically a few weeks behind schedule (smh). As well as certain people adding some unplanned inconsistencies to my schedule (you know exactly who you are lol.) I'd like to keep a 2-3 month turn around though and progressively make each volume feel like their own experience. At least until I make more progression on the screenplay I'm writing which might cause future delays for later volumes. But hey, cross that bridge when we get there right?

Q: Opinion on Across the Spider-Verse?

A: Definitely one of my favorites of the decade. Wish it came out a little earlier and I would've dedicated an article to it but would easily pay to see it 100 times. Very underrated fact how it's just people walking the streets who have the ability to animate and brainstorm such incredible things and you'll probably never know their names. A little too fresh to give any exaggerated praise or critique but for sure one of them ones.

Q: What's the deal with hard copies of AGAVE?

A: It's so funny to me whenever someone insists on a hard copy because trust me if it was easy I'd flood the block with a million copies. But I don't have a publisher so each copy comes out of pocket and that means either ordering in bulk or individually. And the way my bank account set up that bulk order ain't happening so each copy has to be ordered which is $65 a pop to make and ship. You never know what the future holds, maybe I can find a more sustainable method eventually. I mean full transparency the entirety of my catalogue is online (for FREE!) so anyone who really has a hard copy itch should just treat it like copping a vinyl or any art to a collection. I'd like to think its worth it.

Q: Favorite anime out right now?

A: Of course Demon Slayer Season 3 is really doing its thing but honestly Mashle has been such a surprise quality show this season I'd probably give them the win. Purely due to having no expectation going into it. If you haven't seen it yet check it out, I swear you'll get at least one laugh.

Q: Why include a Philosophy Section?

A: Felt like posing this question because it's actually something I go back and forth on. I love it's inclusion but it is a noticeable tone shift in comparison with the other sections of the magazine. I can already see people now thinking I have some wise image of myself or that I appear to take myself too seriously. And again I state, I'm an idiot. That being said, I do think it's essential, I love thinking over those articles because life is really hard man. The experiences that have led me to this moment were rugged to say the least and I'm sure that's the case for everyone. I like finding the connective threads in my misfortune to string together a narrative of future development and positivity even if that vision isn't clear to me as of right now. The goal is just to bring up conversational think pieces to reflect on and see how they may be applicable in the reader's life more so than trying to be the next Confucius.

Q: What's Jarell up to?

A: He getting by one day at a time. So many plans and ideas wrapping through my mind that sometimes you end up not doing any of them. Just trying to compartmentalize my focuses at this stage which could be a challenge for any young adult. You get so eager to take the world by storm and equate yourself with your seemingly successful peers that you neglect to smell the roses. And I'd say that's Jarell's biggest obstacle right now. Still trying to find jobs that can translate the lunacy of my mind into something productive. Also having new experiences with people which has its own challenges for various reasons. It's a big world out there, I'm steadily witnessing emotions, places and situations that are a first for me. I'm at my best when I'm writing though, all the anxieties melt away and I like testing myself to see what can be done with my own hands. There was a time I thought I was worthless in this life, and to wrestle with that ideation of myself has become my main reason for putting out work. Been deep in my music bag lately though, a lot of instrumentals so if anybody got some jazz club recommendations or lofi night club moves please direct yourself to my DMs.

I guess all that to indirectly say that Jarell's trying his best, and beyond curious to see where this roundabout adventure of his winds up next.