Fusion 16 by DV8 Training

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ISSUE 16

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Devlin Eddie Kadi Trey Songz Jason Derulo Kelly Rowland

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Tinchy Stryder Fusion meets the UK superstar to talk music, girlfriends and hooking up with Jay-Z

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Guest speakers including artists like Ghetts, Asher D, Ny and loads more. Stars interviewed for Fusion Magazine include Estelle, Kelly Rowland, Wiley and many others. Access our fully equipped studio and fantastic training centre with industry standard equipment and software. Dv8 tutors are all working professionals from the industry so you get to create real life projects. All this and you can gain a nationally recognised qualification at the same time. Courses are FREE and 16-18 year olds automatically get up to £665 EMA for full attendance and a free bus pass.

Daisy Maffia Naval Shadi

Durell Crawford

What were you doing before DV8? s but they didn't “I was on a few music workshop in the long run.” take me to what I wanted to do What are you doing now? music business “I am now at university studying .” ction and produ

What were you doing before DV8? t it.” c but didn’t know how to go abou “I knew I wanted to work in musi What are you doing now? minster. e in Commercial Music at West “After leaving DV8 I did a degre an as nt geme Mana ld cWor Musi After that I started work at nce.” ing with Kelly Rowland and Beyo International PM Assistant, work How did DV8 help you? what I to one basis, helping me outline “Dv8 worked with me on a one the t it. They helped me get a job in wanted to do and how to go abou ess for over a year even after the industry and monitored my progr me valuable advice and links to course was finished! They gave I hadn’t been able to get in touch with if people that I would have never come from Dv8.”

re DV8? What were you doing befo Project”, I was e “The Complete Music Industry Before I went on the DV8 cours a passion for music had have ys alwa I do. to ed want caught up not knowing what I that I would benefit knew I s exion Conn at e cours so when I saw the flyer for the future. ed to do something to benefit my from the experience and I want What are you doing now? I'm in a great job the DV8 work placement scheme Now after doing the course and to DV8. I have s thank all ally basic set; I'm and at MySpace with the best people way! All I must and had so many jokes along the knowledge on event co-ordination in it for real and be to got e you'v that is DV8 by say about the courses provided e up for it! get a lot out so make sure you’r want to do it. If you put into it you

all sorts of How did DV8 help you? achieve. I made new friends, met How did DV8 help you? ng for gave me confidence in myself to nothi DV8 ’s there ess say to Busin used and n ys uctio alwa I t learning. “The DV8 Music Prod and now people and enjoyed myself whils enge ess chall the busin r up bette took a be DV8 to London but Course helped me teens from 16-18 to do around opened a us. man, a better artist /producer and provide a number of courses for in and now me to l usefu are lot of doors that as such employers at experience from the future.” Participants can take part in the long running work placement scheme and benefit

Adidas, UKstreetsounds.com, RWD magazine, Myspace, Eastside Records and many

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ENTERTAINMENT Music Blogs p26 Eddie Kadi p27 ADVICE Young People’s Rights p32 Drugs p33 REAL LIFE Gangs p28 Bullying p29 Busking p30

FEATURES Things to Do This Summer p5 Holiday Destinations p11 Olympic Art p8 Cover Star: Tinchy Stryder p22

of or

his

Fashion Summer Swag p14

Devlin p20

MUSIC Trey Songz p16 Jason Derulo p18 60 Seconds with Kelly Rowland p34 ONES TO WATCH Giles Walker / Joseph Jack p12 PurpleBOii / MC Realist p13

“DV8 is particularly successful in raising learners’ ambitions and learners achieve high standards of work” Ofsted Disclaimer: These articles are not expressive or representative of the views of the London Borough of Waltham Forest.

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FUSION

CREDITS Fusion Magazine www.fusiononlinemag.co.uk Publisher: DV8 Training Executive Editor/Course tutor: Matilda Egere-Cooper

Editorial

Editor: Latifah Gittens Deputy Editor: Edward Kargbo Designer: The Team/Ceri Thomas Sub-Editors: Georgia Bullock and Sarah Gallagher Editorial assistant: Carla Nash

Feature writers Georgia Bullock Sarah Gallagher Latifah Gittens Edward Kargbo Jerome Odigie Shem Roberts

Published by DV

The Outset 2 Grange Road Walthamstow London E17 8AH 0208 509 6070 www.dv8training.com

ISSUE 16

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editor s letter Hey, First of all I would just like to thank you for reading this. The last 6 weeks have been a bumpy ride - we’ve faced many obstacles from people dropping out to work being erased. We’ve also had ups and downs, tears of joy and tears of sadness. But thanks to the dedication of this fantastic team, we give you the most epic issue of Fusion magazine. Not that I’m the one to blow my own trumpet, but I can’t pretend or lie and say it isn’t - the cover speaks for itself. We have exclusive interviews with East London Star in the hood Tinchy Stryder, ladies man Trey Songz, the beautiful Kelly Rowland

Training

Special thanks to Colin Batsa, Taponeswa Mavunga, Katherine Williams, Becky Lockett, Zoe Stafford, Richard Parkes, Caroline Cabral, the CLC staff and DV8 fashion students. 4

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and underground stars such as MCRealist and PurpleBOii. Not sure what to do in the summer? No problem, on page 6-7 we’ve got some ideas. On page 32 & 33 we also have advice on young people’s rights – and these are things you need to know! That’s enough of me spilling the beans anyway! I hope you appreciate the hard work we put in to making this magazine. It’s different from the norm so enjoy reading, pass it on to a friend and tell them to pass it on too! Lots of Love, Latifah x P.S- you can do anything you put your mind to!

this summer! Summer is here and for those who have no idea what to do this time round, turn the page for Fusionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to keeping occupied this summer!

Giles Halton

Christophe Libert

Things to do

Paola SansaĚ&#x192;o

Words: Jerome Odigie

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Cinema Everyone loves to go cinema. Whether it’s going with your friends, partner or even for some alone time by yourself, watching a great movie always tops off a beautiful day. Look out for Step Up 3-D, Takers and Piranha 3-D coming out this summer!

Fun Fair Going fun fair brings back childhood memories with your family and friends. Maybe bringing back these memories could lighten up your summer?

Seaside If you’re looking for something different the seaside is a good getaway. Destinations such as Brighton, Southend, Clacton on Sea, Great Yarmouth Central and Cromer, Norfolk are peaceful which can leave you in a calm state, not forgetting the chance to tuck into some traditional fish and chips! 6

Water fights If you’re not into swimming but want to cool down in the heat, a good old soaking with your friends or family at the local park or even your back garden always cools down the day. From water buckets to super soakers to water balloons this one is a must! fusiononlinemag.co.uk

Things to do

this summer!

Notting Hill Carnival Heat blazing, drum banging, colourful costumes and amazing food: this is definitely the most anticipated event of the year. It’s a two-day festival frenzy for all ages, sizes, race and cultures!

Restaurants From Nandos to Pizza Hut to TGI Fridays, restaurants are always a top choice in mind for a good motive, whether it’s with your girl/boyfriend or good friends, it’s always a belly buster of jokes, fun and good food!

Shopping Summertime means new swagger! So everyone gets down to the shopping areas for new garments and fragrances to show off. Kids, women or men - everybody loves a new look!

Theme parks From Chessington to Alton Towers to Thorpe Park, no one wants to miss the summer thrills and chills at a theme park. With famous rides such as Rameses Revenge, Dragon Falls (Chessington), Saw, Thirteen, Stealth, Colossus (Thorpe Park), Air, Nemesis, Oblivion and Rita (Alton Towers), it’s a must experience! fusiononlinemag.co.uk

Olympic Art With the 2012 Olympics just round the corner, I took a trip down to the construction site to see how they were progressing. I was quite impressed. Although I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to go into the park, I was still able to take pictures of the surrounding art and the environment. PICTURES BY Edward Kargbo

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Olympic Art 10

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y a w A d n a Up, Up

Thinking of going away in the summer? Don’t know where to go? Here are a few people who enjoy going on holiday, and they have noted their favourite destination and why. Words: Georgia Bullock

Michal

Age 16 Occupation Student

I would go to Slovakia to a town called Dudince because it’s where I was brought up. It is really relaxing and hot. There are lots of forests and events, and I get to see my family and friends.

Mikis

Lauren

Age 35 Occupation Record producer and teacher

Age 33 Occupation Tutor

I think that my favourite country to visit for a holiday is Trinidad, mostly for the carnival; it’s nice and hot and the music is great.

My favourite holiday destination is India. I love the people and the country is beautiful and magical.

Idil

Age 16 Occupation Student

I think that South Korea would have to be my favourite place to go on holiday because of the different places, the hot actors, sightseeing and meeting new people.

Nicola Age 19 Occupation Receptionist

My favourite holiday would have to be in the Bahamas. It’s nice and hot, it’s far away, it’s a very beautiful country and I think that it is a perfect destination. fusiononlinemag.co.uk

to Watc h

PurpleBOii Entertainer Words: Latifah Gittens

too, like Bob Fosse. What should we look out for in 2010? My EP, Andre Vs PurpleBOii, and my promo mixtape, PurpleBOii mix tape. My EP is going to be more commercial. Finally, what is success to you? Achieving your goals! I want to be an entertainer; I want to make it in the music industry. You can be an artist and have followers and you can be an artist that has fans, there’s a difference. www.youtube.com/purpleboiitv www.facebook.com/purpleboii

hat is it that you actually do? I’m an entertainer; I sing, rap and dance. If you could collaborate with anyone in the UK and US who would it be? In the US it would have to be Trey Songz or Prince and in the UK, Tinie Tempah or Chipmunk. Who musically influenced you? Prince and Michael Jackson! A lot of things I do is based on what they did, it’s not just musicians that influenced me, dancers did

Joseph Jack

Words: Latifah Gittens

hat inspired you to come up with the name “RU Listening”? RU Listening is a phrase taken from inside jail. Guys would be behind the door saying, “Are you listening John!” or “Are you listening David?”. Someone told me I should take that phrase and turn it into a company, so I did. Do you have any motivational words for any upcoming entrepreneurs? Boy, all I can say is if you get up in the morning and you go sleep at night and the same thing is on your mind then you’re going to make it. Just get up and go for what you want and make sure you never rest. What keeps you motivated? This is my life man, that’s it literally; the 12

baby on the logo is me. Every time I walk out my house, I’m wearing an RU Listening t-shirt. I don’t walk anywhere without it. Anyone who knows me or has seen me about know you can’t see Joseph Jack without RU Listening. I’m hungry for this. What are your plans for 2010? Right now me and a couple of people are working on a magazine, mixtapes and I’m also working on a film called The Southside. If everything goes well, we’re going to look into getting the funding to produce the whole film. The way things are going, it looks like that’s going to happen. I’m putting my hand in every single pot. www.facebook.com/pages/ R-U-Listening/53033246343 fusiononlinemag.co.uk

MATILDA EGERE-COOPER

CEO of entertainment and media company RU Listening

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Giles Walker Sculptor

Words: Edward Kargbo

MATILDA EGERE-COOPER

o who are you and what do you do? My name’s Giles Walker and I build kinetic sculptures. How did you get into it? I started off as a scrap artist and I was part of a group called ‘Mutoid’ Waste Company. We use to be travellers living in trucks and caravans. We use to go round and get stuff from scrap yards and build sculptures out of it. What’s your latest invention? Recently I built a pair of pole dancers, robotic pole dancers and robot drunks! I’ve just built a robot homeless figure. I’ve been working with the homeless, going around recording loads of homeless people, putting their voices into the robot and then putting the robot on the street and when people walk past one of the homeless voices talks and tells a story about their life. Have you got anything big we should look out for in 2010? I’ve got a big project planned but I don’t want to tell you about it, it’s a secret. But it will be unveiled later this year at the Black Rat Gallery. www.gileswalker.org

MC Realist Musician

Words: Sarah Gallagher

ell us about your background? I emerged from the UK grime scene. I’m currently working on my own project, but I haven’t got a title for that yet, but that’s coming out soon real soon. I am just working on different genres of music not just grime but R&B, dance, everything. I’m just experimenting with the music to see how far it goes. Who influenced you to get into music? I’ve got a lot of influences, but there are people I have just seen who have made it from nothing to something, people like Chipmunk who is really positive, because he is the perfect example of somebody who has gone from nothing to something.

You were signed by Asher D famous for being in So Solid Crew. What is he like? He is funny (laughs). He is like my big brother. He looks out for me, always rings me and sees if I am alright. Over the years we have had a tight relationship, more family than business. He is always around when I need him and he is a cool guy. Who would you like to work with in the future? If I had to pick anybody I would pick Keri Hilson. There’s something about her, she’s good and I just like her. Obviously you have the Lil Waynes, but I would like to work with artists such as The Streets, Lily Allen, anybody really. To be honest I wouldn’t mind who I work with as long as I get to be on the tracks. fusiononlinemag.co.uk

hi on Fa s

Summer Swag

Fusion introduces to you four DV8 fashion students who are up and coming designers and models. Their work has been influenced by the likes of fashion icons Alexander McQueen, Vivian Westwood, Gok Wan and Alexa Chung. They have created a collection of punk rock designs with a twist. Words: Latifah Gittens PHOTOGRAPHY: GEORGIA BULLOCK

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ic M us 16

, Yup...It s

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Trey

ow did you get into the music industry? Actually, my mother’s husband introduced me to a friend of his, that actually produced Sweet Lady by Tyrese and he introduced me to his partner who then became my musical mentor - and we’ve been working together ever since. Who influenced you when you were growing up? Musically, everybody from Jay-Z, Biggie, R Kelly, Jodeci to Usher, further into my love and admiration for music, I started listening to Luther Vandross and Michael Jackson and really studied music. What was it like singing with Stevie Wonder? Singing with Stevie Wonder was unreal. If it hadn’t been for Stevie Wonder, there was no possible way that people like me would be in this business. He’s beyond kind and to sing with him and for him to sing my song was a pleasure. What’s your favourite song you’ve recorded? Woooow, I gotta pick one song? I’ve recorded soooooo many songs, so I’ll say my favourite album is Ready. You’ve performed in the UK twice and sold out both shows. What is it about the UK that you like? Your appreciation of music. Not to say the USA doesn’t appreciate music, but it’s a different love within your culture for live shows and great musicians. You have acts

R&B sensation Trey Songz is set to release his 4th album in September, the follow-up to his 2009 hit Ready. And not only is he enjoying his status as the hottest heartthrob at the moment, but he and Young Jeezy will be the focus of a new reality show that will give viewers an insight into what it was like touring with Jay-Z. He talks to Fusion about Stevie Wonder, romance and the best advice he ever had. Words: Latifah Gittens

Trey Songz on...

Romance Romance is when there is a lot of consideration and thought that goes into what you’re doing for the person, and taking the time to make that person feel special. It can be anything from a walk in the park to a trip to the movies; it just has to be very personal and intimate.

Brand Trey I want to make sure that everything I do is set apart from the norm. I feel like it’s very trendy to have your own fragrance so if I do it, I want to make sure I take the time out to make it different and special otherwise it’s just another line. I like the lingerie idea – but that has to be done intricately!

that can still perform here that came out years ago and still get the same love. I love the whole culture and of course the women! (laughs). What’s the best advice someone’s given you? My grandma always told me to be grateful for everything you get and to be humble no matter how much success you achieve. That fusiononlinemag.co.uk

is the best advice, to remain humble and appreciate your blessings. Finally, what’s your motto for success? My motto? I don’t really have a motto. I work very hard and I believe the sky is the limit and beyond, and that everybody can have what they wish to have if they work hard to get it. The album Passion, Pain & Pleasure is out September on Atlantic Records. 17

In my head: Jason D I remember when…I could walk in a mall without glasses and a hoodie.

Singer-songwriter If I was Jason Derulo rides a sportsman solo with prompts I would play… basketball. and quick fire questions about his personal interests and romance. Mind 'whatcha say’ My role Jason! model is…my Words: Jerome Odigie

My first love was… performing.

Music makes me… love more.

mum.

I have never…been perfect.

I would like to collaborate with… Madonna

Outside of music I enjoy…watching movies. Recently I have…felt fulfilled.

Last time I laughed…was last night when I had a couple drinks.

My favourite place is… home.

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n Derulo I love it when…I am around girls.

Last time I cried… was when Michael Jackson died

My fashion style is…unlike anyone else’s.

My favourite song at the moment is…Ridin’ Solo.

I would like to… change the world

I hate it when… people lie to me.

I started singing when I was…five.

Jason on... Romance Love or lust? Lust, because I’m not in love yet, so for the moment it’s lust all the time. Flowers or chocolates? Flowers are a little sappy, I think chocolates are cool because you can both enjoy them. Eating in or eating out? Eating in because when you are eating out, you kind of put on an act. Whereas when you’re eating in you can actually be yourself and let your hair down. Park or beach? The beach, because the beach is beautiful. It has its own music and backlighting. The beach is the sexiest place on the planet. Jodeci or R Kelly? R Kelly always gets the party started. Jodeci is a little older so I was not so exposed to Jodeci. I was more exposed to R Kelly. Lights on or lights off? Both, because sometimes you want the lights off. You just want to

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feel the person. When the lights are on, you can see the person, so you get the best of both worlds. Bowling or skating? Skating, because it’s a little more high energy and I like it when we’re both falling. It’s a lot of laughing involved, it’s cool. Clubbing or movies? You can’t really talk that much to the person, which is not a good thing, but I choose movies because I like watching movies. Make-up or no make-up? No make-up, because natural beauty is the best beauty; I want to see you for who you are. Text or call? Call, because my fingers get tired. Sometimes I just want to talk to somebody. Texting is cool. When you’re busy or you can’t really talk, talking is always good. Paris or London? London, because the accent is amazing!

From

nothing to

something! Dagenham-born artist Devlin is something of a prodigy and his mixtape Tales from the Crypt set the bar for a new generation of Grime music in 2006. Now signed to Universal, the young and rising star gives us the lowdown on his life. Words: Jerome Odigie

o what age did you start to become an artist? I started writing lyrics when I was about 12 or 13, but I would say (I became) an actual artist making songs only earlier last year (2009). I have been on radio since about 15 but that was just more like the grime scene. I was just writing pure hard lyrics to go in every week but actually as an artist, I would say the beginning of this year. London City is the single that made me. What’s the main message in your music? I just try to be myself, because everyone uses the same language, everyone uses the same words. So I always try come from a different angle, but if I can say something different I will, and try not to be the same as other people. But at the end of the day I just say music is there for enjoyment. I wouldn’t scrutinize too much - just enjoy the music. What struggles have you gone through to get to where you are now? fusiononlinemag.co.uk

Not having nothing. Coming from Dagenham to Greenwich trying to get money for trains, bunking trains, doing things to get money to pay for studio, working in dead end jobs, doing things I shouldn’t be doing really. Studio time was the killer as well, because when I was like 14 -15 I never really had nothing and they were asking for like £25 an hour. So that was the struggle - getting money for studio. How is it that you feel so strongly about your community? That’s where I’m from man, it’s not the greatest of places but it spurred me on to do better for myself. Obviously I have alot of friends and everyone has been supporting and backing my music from day one. So really, that’s where I’m from at the end of the day, that’s where I’m born and bred. What artist would you like to collaborate with? Maybe Timberland or Dr Dre just for the beats man, the beats are sick. But if it was a vocalist… (pauses to think) I had written

Eminem off for the last 6 years; I thought he was dead! But the way he’s come back…I like what he’s doing. Drake is good as well. Would you ever make a funky house tune? Depends how drunk you got me (laughs)! Doubt it very much. Never say never though. If there was one person you could meet and spend the day with, who would it be? I don’t know if you have heard of an artist called Big Pun; he’s a rapper but if he was still alive - God bless him - I would like to spend a day with him because I think he was a genius still. Who’s your inspiration? Probably myself really, because I have made this happen from nothing, from a pen and paper in my bedroom about 6 years ago. So just seeing the progression every step of the way made me believe in myself more. I know it sounds like a cliché but I literally did turn nothing into something. So really it’s myself. Now that you have been signed, are you flossing?

I’m not flossing! Obviously I have a bit of cash around me now, but trust me man I’m not flossing. Hopefully at the end of the year, if all goes well, then maybe - but I’m not killing it at the moment, just a bit more comfortable than I have been for many years. f you hit a mill what you looking to spend it on? Touch wood I hit a mill! If I hit a mill, I’ll be gone man! I’ll just go and get a nice big yard and that’s your money there you know what I mean? Your yard aint going no where. Yeah that would be my stability with a nice big snooker table and bar next to the snooker table, indoor swimming pool and heated floor in the bathroom. Anything to look out for from you in the future? Brainwashed is the first proper single and video around. Then Bud, Sweat and Beers is the album coming soon. The single Brainwashed is out August 22nd through Universal Records fusiononlinemag.co.uk

Leader

As the biggest selling artist of 2009, east Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tinchy Stryder has proven that UK urban can be established in the mainstream, and he continues to go from strength-to-strength with his clothing line Star In the Hood and an impressive joint venture with Jay-Z. Fusion caught up with the rapper to learn a little bit more about the life of a UK superstar. Words: Latifah Gittens

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r of the Pack

hat inspired you to get into the music industry? It’s one of those things that I naturally did from young, writing lyrics and MCing. When I was younger, I didn’t plan to be an artist, musician or anything, it naturally came to me. I got a lot from the people who I listened to growing up, who made me feel like I want to do music, but I never thought initially, “yeah, music is for me!”, you know what I mean? What inspires you to make the sort of music that you do? For me, it’s writing lyrics about my emotions and day to day life and what’s going on around me. Sometimes I think of things and feel like talking about them. But I think with this music I’m writing about something that is personal.

How have you found the experience of going on tour? I’ve been on like my 7th tour now. The last tour which was my own second headline tour was for a month from February to March. It was good, touring is exciting. I love performing; every time I go on stage I get a crazy rush, but the downside from being on tour is that not everyone can cope with it because you go from city to city and to different towns, but it’s all fun. It’s all part of it. How does it feel working with Jay-Z? We’ve put a label together so it’s not like I’m really signed as an artist to Jay-Z. It’s a great thing though because I’ve listened to him since I was young and I look up to him. He’s really inspiring. Who would you say is your biggest competition in the industry right now? The biggest competition? I’m not really feeling anyone right now if I was to be honest. I like what Tinie Tempah is doing, so he’s my competition at the moment. Are there any other UK artists that you like? I would have to say Dizzee Rascal because I like his music. He’s been around for a while and he’s got his mind set, he knows what he wants to do. Elle Goulding as well because I like her song Starry Eyed. You featured on a Team UK remix of Diddy’s Hello, Good Morning with Tinie Tempah - but have you done any collaborations with anyone else in the US? No, I’ve done songs with a couple artists for my own project, but on my next album Third Strike, there’s some exciting collaborations going on so you’re just going to have to wait and see! On another note, your females fans may fusiononlinemag.co.uk

want to know: are you in a relationship? Yeah I am. How does your girlfriend feel about your career and all the female attention you get? She’s cool with it man. Are you planning to settle down anytime soon? Settle down and have kids? Nah, nah, my music is my focus. So anything to look out for in the future? Yeah, my album comes out in November, so that’s like the main thing right now. Finally, do you have any advice for up and coming artists? Stay focused and every time you get a setback just think of it as everything happens for a reason, so you just have to learn how to deal with them. The single In My System is out August 1 on Island Records. The album Third Strike is released in November.

Top

Tinchy Stryder Singles

Here are the singles that made Stryder what he is today! Words: Sarah Gallagher

Never Leave You feat. Amelle Berrabah This is an all-out pop single which was released in August 2009 and became Stryder’s second number 1 hit with his album Catch 22. It also became Amelle’s first number 1 single as a solo artist. The song speaks about two people trying to cope without each other.

Number 1 feat. N-Dubz In April 2009, Stryder released a collaboration with N-Dubz titled Number 1 which topped the UK Singles Chart and gave Stryder and N-Dubz their first number one single. It’s about having a fling with a girl and how she unexpectedly became the “Number 1” in his life.

Take Me Back feat. Taio Cruz

The fifth single from the album Catch 22 is Stryder’s best single which also features vocals from Tanya Lacey. The video was filmed in his hometown of Bow in East London. In the video, he tries to remember all the times he had with his girl, and trying to make her understand no matter what happened she isn’t alone.

Stryderman

This was the song that helped him become popular after it was featured in a US TV show. It peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles chart in January 2009. This song is about love and trying to find the right girl. It’s about a guy who can’t live without his girl so he asks if she will take him back.

You’re Not Alone

Even though this song reached 73 in the UK charts, it’s one of Tinchy’s best songs because it shows his fans what he is about. He says in his song “She wants me, I know this” saying that the woman would rather have him then their other blokes. The song is strong and it’s making a point that he is rising to the top.

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t ai nm en rt That Grape Juice officially launched in February 2007. It says that it is the number 1 source for urban pop, culture, music, news, gossip, reviews, celebrity interviews and much more. They have linked up with the likes of Live Nation, EA Games UK, Def Jam UK, Sony Music, AEG Live and BBC 1 Xtra (who recognised That Grape Juice as the UK’s number 1 music blog) and many would argue that they bring it like no other blog. www.thatgrapejuice.net

SB.TV: Don’t Watch ME, Watch SB.TV! SB.TV is taking charge with their interviews with great artists, many of them featured as part of its A64 and F64 series. They were the only UK blog to get the first exclusive interview with Drake - and this just shows how good they really are. See the self-proclaimed “UK’s most popular youth broadcaster” Jamal Edwards do his job but most importantly be the man behind SB.TV! www.sbtv.co.uk

PinBoard Blog: Feed Your Ears

Featuring exclusive and original content, Pinboard prides itself on staying true to real music and not just posting content for ‘hits.’ In 2010, they’ve launched a couple of new series such as Pinboard Presents: The People and Remedy Rehearsal Rooms, and they constantly keep their updates fresh and relevant. www.pinboardblog.com

Enter The World

Of Music Blogging! What is a music blog? It’s where you can get updates on the latest music videos, interviews and celebrity news online. There are five particular urban music blogs that are gradually taking over the internet - so why don’t you check them out! Words: Sarah Gallagher

PunchBowl Blog: The Buzz, The Makeup, The Hype From music to movies, fashion, politics, arts and gossip, PunchBowl Blog is a one-stop shop for news from the UK perspective. The blog features pieces from notable journalists, as well as traditional blog content including multimedia. This is a great blog because it isn’t just about music - it’s about everything you’d find in popular magazines too. www.punchbowlblog.com

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Grimedaily: Everything, Everyday, Everywhere

Grime Daily was created to reveal the heart of the UK grime and rap scene. It brings a whole new side to grime music and this is its edge over other blogs. It explores Funky, Drum and Bass, Bassline, Dub step and anything else in the UK urban scene and also has its own online store where you can but T-shirts and sweatshirts with funky designs. www.grimedaily.com

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That Grape Juice: Thirsty?

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Eddie Kadi

The Man With The Plan From Prince to Bon Jovi to Madonna, it takes a certain type of star to fill up London’s sprawling O2 Arena. But a little-known stand-up comic, who usually plays to a few hundred people in pubs, will perform at the vast venue in September after persuading management that he could fill the seats. Words: Sarah Gallagher

ould you introduce yourself please? I was born in DRC which is the Democratic Republic of Congo and I was there up to the age of 8 with my family. I didn’t know much English really, some French and Lingala which is my mother’s tongue. Then I eventually picked up some English which got me through primary, secondary and university. How has living in London since you were 8 changed your life? First of all, I don’t need to make any phone calls to ask if I can stay out after 10pm. I can pretty much go to bed whenever I want! I pretty much get more of my own pocket money now! A lot of things have changed and you know a lot more freedom comes when you grow up. How are you feeling about your upcoming concert at the O2 in September? I’m feeling great. It’s the biggest one that I have done. The first one I did was a 600 capacity venue, now we’re talking about the O2 and we don’t need to talk about how big it is. So it’s exciting. I love performing and there are a lot of special acts that are going to be performing with me. What was it like working with Diversity? It was amazing. They are nothing compared

to Michael Jackson who I would love to have worked with but obviously I can’t. Perry from the group was nervous before the show and I had to show him how to do the dance and make him feel comfortable, but it was amazing and I would love to work with them again. You’re good mates with Donae’o so what was it like working with him on his single Party Hard? Oh Donae’o (laughs)! Working with him was interesting. He is a character in himself, and I have seen in him work on tracks and he is a very excited guy. He does not sleep; I don’t understand how his make-up artist gets rid of those bags under his eyes. But yes, it was a lot of fun. Is he an inspiration to you? (Laughs) I will say he is. He is hard working, and I remember Donae’o from before when he did tracks such as My Philosophy (Bounce). He was amazing then and he has kind of re-invented himself into a funky house king. It just goes to show if you want to succeed in the industry you have to be ahead and Donae’o is always ahead. So yeah, that makes him my inspiration. Finally, have you got a motto in life? My motto in life is, “Love is the best medicine and I am your local pharmacist”. fusiononlinemag.co.uk

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, g n a g a n i o j If you ! r e t a l y r c , w o n e l i sm er of murders

a numb There have been crime. Many people e from gun to knif blame on gangs. So are putting the so many people e ar y wh is on the questi ing gangs today? in jo in ed st re inte rds: Sh em Ro berts Wo

think the reasons why young teenagers join gangs today is because they might have family and friends that are gang members or brought up in an area where there is a lot of violence - and as they say, “You’re a product of your environment”. My opinions about gangs are a lot of teenagers don’t class themselves as a gang member but the police say more than three teens together at once is a gang and a lot of teenagers get in with the wrong crowd, then start to commit offences most of the time. They do this because they have nothing to do at home and if they have no youth clubs around their area, they drop out of college or go out to the streets and sell drugs or rob people to make money.

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The other reason why they join gangs is because of fashion. They know people that are in one or just do it to get ratings from their elders, but some join because they had a bad life. Their mum or dad may have left them, so they turn to join gangs for love and guidance or just peer pressure. But the main reason today is the media, like gangster movies, which also encourage youths to go out to commit crime. Videos games can influence them to commit crime too. My personal view about crime is, everything happens for a reason. If you notice, all the teenagers that commit crime are the ones that never get killed or shot; it’s always the good ones because they say the good die young but more murders happen by a little kid who goes to school getting bullied, who then goes home and cries. He will then go to the local street and get a gun, go back to school and commit an offence and that is why the media does not understand about real life situations. The reason why I joined a gang is because to me, it was the quickest way of making money, from doing robberies to selling drugs. My experience was deep. I would get arrested by the police and have to turn up to court. Police would give me strip searches in the station and I would get a curfew and not be allowed to go to certain areas. But then I overcame this by going to college making music and money legit. Now I look back at my life and thank the Lord. I am blessed.

Worst of Both Worlds Have you ever been bullied or been a bully? Ever felt alone or hurt? Ever think that you’re not good enough or there is something wrong with you? Here are two points of view from a girl who has spoken out about being bullied - and being the bully. Words: Georgia Bullock

AS THE VICTIM How long were you bullied for? When I was in Year 3, it lasted several months and it gradually got worse. Why were you bullied? I keep asking myself that question, and I really don’t no why. Where were you bullied? I was bullied at school. How did being bullied affect you? It knocked my confidence down a lot. I felt so intimidated every time I saw them I would get scared and just be really quiet. How many people bullied you? There was a big group of about 7-8 and they were three years above me. The ringleader was friends with someone in my group, which meant I had to associate with them and this made it much, much worse. Did you ever get any help? No, I never told anyone - only my friends and they couldn’t have done much. Was the problem solved? Yes, one day they got me alone, and the ring leader approached me and started to verbally abuse me and then her friends joined in. The ringleader pushed me, then I stood up and started to shout at her, then she started to cry. From that day on she never said one word to me.

AS THE BULLY

Why did you become a bully? I started because, when I started secondary school I was afraid of being bullied again so I made sure I was the bully. How many people did you bully? I had quite a few; I targeted the ones who weren’t able to fight back, because of what happened to me in year 3. There was one girl that I bullied and she actually moved school, I used to throw chewing gum in her hair and take things out of her bags, which lead her having locks on her bags. Did you ever think of the fusiononlinemag.co.uk

consequences? I did, but in a way I didn’t really care, because I knew I was sly and there was no evidence. How has being bullied and being a bully affected you? It has taught me lessons, but the hard way. Like treat people how you want to be treated, because I was once in both positions and it isn’t a nice feeling. If you have been bullied and have no one to talk to, there are many people that want and can help. ChildLine is very useful and it’s also confidential. Visit www. childline.org.uk or call 0800 1111. 29

Busk til Dusk

People who you see singing or playing an instrument in the underground or around London are called buskers. They work very hard at what they do, just to try and make a living. Meet the five buskers who spoke to Fusion magazine - some have given up their jobs and life just to busk and entertain the public of London. Words Georgia Bullock

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Name: Phil Age: 36 Location: Covent Garden Type of busker: Magician Do you busk for business or pleasure? I want it to be business, but I haven’t made any money so pleasure.

How did you get into busking? I thought I would just give it a go as just a random idea, and it looks fun. How long have you busked for? I have been busking for about three days, and I am finding it to be a hard scene as all the other buskers have been busking for many years.

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Name: Ben Age: 26 Location: Covent Garden Type of busker: Stunt man Do you busk for business or pleasure? Business, entirely for business. Does this help you survive or do you have another job? This is how I survive, and this is my job, and this is what I do. How did you get into busking? I got into it about five years ago through a friend who was also a busker. I watched one of his shows and thought I would give it a go and I came up with a bunch of stuff. Did you have to train? Not as such, I come down here to practice and I am still coming up with new ideas and techniques.

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Name: Derek Age: 38 Location: Waterloo Type of busker: Dancer Do you busk for business or pleasure? Business. Do you have another job? I am qualified in working with computers and have done in the past but I don’t have a job at the moment.

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Name: Mark Age: 24 Location: Waterloo Type of busker: Stunt man Do you busk for business or pleasure? Business and pleasure, it’s my job and my life. I love to entertain people. How did you get into busking? I lost my job about six years ago stacking shelves in a clothes shop which was really boring. Do you enjoy busking? This is something I love to do; it gives me the chance to better myself and to be more creative.

Name: Andrew Age: 46 Location: Northern line Type of busker: Musician Do you busk for business or pleasure? Business, but I enjoy it so it could be classed as pleasure as well. So how do you live on such a low wage? This isn’t a well paid job so my wife has a really good job, and that’s what we survive on. How did you get into busking? I have always played the guitar and I thought that I would try and busk for fun. Then I gave up my job to busk full-time. How long have you busked for? I have been busking for about 16 years now and I really enjoy it; it makes me happy to make other people happy.

How did you get into busking? About 16 years ago in Covent Garden. In the 1980s there was a great atmosphere but it sort of died off. Times have changed now, everything has become more expensive. Do you enjoy busking? Yes, I love it. It keeps me fit, it’s better than going to the gym and it keeps me alive. I get to entertain people whilst I am enjoying myself.

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vi ce Ad

Do you know your rights? As a young teenager, your rights are important and you should stand your ground and speak up for your beliefs when you need to. So here are some of the legal rights you should know! Words: Sarah Gallagher

Privacy You have the right to a private life. For example, you have the right to withhold information that you don’t want anyone to know. If you have a counsellor and you do not want your family or friends knowing, you have the right to keep it confidential. To sum it up, you have the right to have your say, speak your mind and not let people take you for granted. You have the right to not be judged and not to be discriminated against. Your needs are just as important because when you grow up, you are going to start realising that you can change the world and that you can have your say in what happens today.

The right to be protected from discrimination You should be allowed to protect yourself from people who might stereotype you for your race or age and that because of this, you should not be treated unfairly. This could be an issue when you’re trying to get a job but the Children’s Rights Alliance for England is determined to make sure young people are protected from this.

Stop and Search

You should not be stopped because of your age, gender, race or sexual orientation. You should be able to have your say if the police stop you for something you haven’t done or you have the right to stand your ground and not talk until a parent or guardian comes to collect you. 32

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Voting You have the right to vote from the age of 18 because it gives you the chance to have your say about the world and how it should be protected. You have the right to speak your mind about what you feel is right for your community, so if you feel like there should be more youth clubs and places for young teens you should tell your local MP. If you are living in East London you can contact Waltham Forest Council and they will deal with your needs.

s g u r d t u o b a H T U R T e Th The number of young drug users has increased rapidly over the years. The question is...do they really know the consequences of taking or supplying them? Words: Latifah Gittens

Cannabis (Weed, Skunk & Marijuana) Cannabis is a Class B drug. Possession can get you up to five years in jail. Supplying someone else, including your friends, can get you 14 years and an unlimited fine. There are two main side effects - you either feel chilled out and sleepy or you may see things that are not there and start hallucinating. The long term effect could be becoming a schizophrenic.

Cocaine (Charlie, White & Snow)

Mephedrone (Meow Meow, White Magic & Charge) Mephedrone is a Class B drug. Possession of mephedrone can get you up to five years in jail. Taking it can cause anxiety and paranoia and carries risks of over stimulating the heart, and the circulation and nervous system which can cause fits.

Crack (Rocks, Stones & Freebase) Cocaine and crack are Class A drugs. Possession can get you up to seven years in jail. They are very addictive and can be difficult to stop craving and depending on them due to changes in the brain. Dependency on them can become an expensive habit to keep and can lead to committing offences or selling your body in order to maintain the habit.

Heroin (Brown, Skag & H)

Heroin is a Class A drug. Possessing it can lead to a prison sentence of up to seven years. It can damage your veins and can lead to gangrene (death and decay of body tissue) and tissue infections.

Methadone (Meth) Methadone is a Class A drug. Possessing it can lead to a prison sentence of up to seven years. Supplying (which includes giving it to a friend) could lead to a life sentence and another unlimited fine. It depresses the nervous system; it can also put you in a coma or stop you from breathing completely.

If you need advice about drugs visit www.Talktofrank.com fusiononlinemag.co.uk

M us

60 seconds with

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland is an ex-Destiny’s Child member who has now made a name for herself since 2002. She is releasing her third album this summer. Words: Latifah Gittens 34

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hat’s your biggest achievement? My biggest achievement would probably be establishing my charity I Heart My Girlfriends. It’s all about women empowering each other and motivating each other. I feel like women meet each other and the first thing they do is size each other up. I feel like there’s not enough of us bonding together and having a voice for each other and helping each other and looking at each other in the eye and saying, “I love you”. If you were invisible for the day what would you do? Oh my gosh! I’d probably go and be a shadow of Oprah Winfrey (laughs). I’m so serious! I think she’s so great in what she’s done with her life and how she gives herself to people. It’s so amazing. What would you say was your worst habit? My worst habit is eating ice (laughs). What would you say your best feature is? My best feature is my smile (smiles). What’s your most embarrassing moment? I went on a date with this guy and I was really tired. I had just come off tour and I saw the film There’s Something About Mary probably four times. He wanted to take me to see it again and I fell asleep on his shoulder and drooled and snored. He never took me on a date again (laughs). What do you do when no one else can see you? Cry. You cry for so many different things. Sometimes you need a good cry. Sometimes, I sit in front of the mirror and cry! Do you have any strange phobias? I can’t say it, because some people will probably be mad at me. But I am a germaphobic. I hate touching doorknobs but germs are everywhere! What’s the sweetest thing a guy has done for you? I love the candy Lemonheads, so I told this guy to send me some because I love them. So he sent me this huge jar with a note saying, “For every Lemonhead I thought of you”. I only went away for a day and he was like, “that’s how much I thought of you” and I was like, “I adore you!”. Finally, do you have any make-up tips? I would say find a base that matches your skin tone because that’s such a hard thing for people of colour. That’s my next project I want to work on.

Meet

THE

TEAM

Name: Georgia Age: 17 I would like to thank Carla and Matilda for helping me through the course and for being such good tutors. I would like to thank UMP for being a nice class and always keeping it live and for all the jokes.

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Name: Sarah Age: 19 tors thank all the tu I would like to urse. I co e through th for guiding me pecially es a ld ank Mati would like to th e light s shown me th because she ha ns for tio decide my op and helped me ga in be r ank UMP fo the future. I th pe ho I d an ith work w great group to to ul ef at gr I’m well. that you all do vice ard for their ad w Ed d an ah Latif ture. fu t ea ybody a gr and I wish ever

Name: Edward Age: 17 As King Edward, I would like to say thanks to Matilda and Carla for being such great tutors. The class has been jokes, and I have made some good friends. Thanks guys 

Name: Shem Age: 16 lping k Georgia for he I would like than s! ure layout me with my feat 35

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