Grime Legend Manga Saint Hilare is Back With A Bang

Grime heavyweight Manga Saint Hilare has been making waves in the UK music scene and has just dropped a new track and video that are set to shake up the grime community. The video is for his song "Just Being Us" from his last album "Run For Your Life". The video is a montage of Manga’s success and all the fun he has been having, including his radio sets, concerts, and visits to fashion shows. If you haven't heard it yet, where have you been? This party tune is a testament to Manga's talent and the fun he has while making music. Fans of Manga Saint Hilare can look forward to more great music during his BBC 1Xtra residency with Eahwee.

The brand new track is his "Obligated Freestyle," a tribute to Novelist and Sustrapperazzi. Produced by Sustrapperazzi, this track features bars from previous songs and has a mellow-ish grime production. Manga's flow here is impeccable, and it's a very personal track that showcases his lyrical prowess. The freestyle was shot in front of the "Obligated" mural in East London, and it's a nod to the grime culture that he loves and represents.

Bone Soda's DIJONNS: A New Creative Hub

Bone Soda's DIJONNS: A New Creative Hub

Bone Soda is a London-based creative collective pushing the boundaries of London's creativity with its innovative approach to music, art, and fashion. The crew is set to open a new space called "DIJONNS" in central London which will serve as a hub for creatives to connect and collaborate with others.

Bone Soda has made a name for itself in the creative community with its unique blend of cultural and artistic influences, being sported by people like Alhan and Jammz. Their events and parties have featured some of the biggest names in the global music industry, including Rema and PinkPantheress.

DIJONNS is currently under construction, but the anticipation for its opening is already building. The new space will provide a platform for creatives to showcase their work and connect with others in their field. Whether you're an artist, musician, designer, or simply passionate about creative expression, DIJONNS is the place to be. The first event to take place there is a Chess Club on 9 Feb at 7PM. If you're after a spot you better be quick as registration finishes at the end of the day.

At DIJONNS, Bone Soda will continue bringing together a diverse talent range, fostering a community where creativity and collaboration can flourish. This new hub will provide a space for artists to come together, share ideas, and create new projects that push boundaries.

UNDERCOVER x melissa

Streetwear fans, prepare for another exciting footwear collaboration, this time between legendary streetwear brand Jun Takahashi’s UNDERCOVER and Brazilian luxury brand Melissa. The two brands have come together to create a spiky and punk-inspired collection that features three shoes and one bag.

The standout piece of the collection is the red bag, which is a statement piece that perfectly captures the "beautiful but deadly" aesthetic of the collaboration. The spikes and thorns on the shoes and bag are made of PVC, giving them a tough and edgy look, something that Jun Takahashi has always advocated for.

Melissa is a well-known Brazilian footwear brand that is known for being one of the first brands to collaborate with others. The brand has been at the forefront of the fashion industry for over 20 years and continues to push the boundaries of design.

UNDERCOVER is a legendary streetwear brand that was founded in 1993 by Japanese designer Jun Takahashi. The brand has a cult following and is known for its edgy and innovative designs that often push boundaries and create things never seen before.

Burberry: A New Era

Burberry recently announced a new creative director in the form of Daniel Lee. Bradford-born Lee has started to gain a reputation for taking brands to new places, as seen with his previous role at Bottega Veneta. Under his guidance and leadership, the brand went from being a niche luxury name to one of the biggest names in fashion, attracting attention from celebrities such as the goat Skepta, and A$AP Rocky.

Lee takes over from Riccardo Tisci, who brought a fresh, although slightly uninteresting perspective to the iconic British brand by introducing a new logo and incorporating streetwear elements. Tisci's efforts paid off, with a 21% increase in revenue for the company. However, with Lee at the helm, Burberry is in a position to make an even greater overhaul.

One of the first things Lee did was wipe the brand's social media presence and change the logo to a more vintage, traditional British style. This move shows a clear departure from the streetwear direction Tisci had taken the brand in and a return to its roots as a purveyor of classic, high-end fashion which is where Lee has his experience.

The faces of the new campaign are a testament to Lee's vision for the brand. He has chosen to feature individuals such as the talented musician Chief Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr., also known as Skepta, and the legendary footballer Raheem Sterling. These choices showcase Lee's interest in promoting diversity and representation within the fashion industry and sticking the brand to its British roots.

Wales Bonner x Adidas x Jamaica

Wales Bonner Designs New Jamaica Footy Kits

Football and fashion have come together once again, this time in a partnership between World-renowned, legendary designer Grace Wales Bonner and Adidas. The partnership follows a string of well-received collaborations including footwear and tracksuits and includes a four-year contract that sees the iconic sportswear brand and the incredible designer join forces to create a range of football kits that are both stylish and functional.

The kits are a true representation of the designer's style and aesthetic, with a focus on tailoring, simplicity, and elegance. The minimalist design of the kits is in line with the designer's clean and modern twist on '70s style, making them a perfect addition to the wardrobes of football fans everywhere, regardless of their heritage.

The launch of the kits was a significant moment for both the fashion and music industries, with Grime OG Kano, and jungle fan-favourite Nia Archives taking centre stage. The artists were both chosen for their vocal Jamaican heritage. My favourite pieces of the collection are the yellow top and the black tracksuit (pictured above) although in my opinion nothing will beat the original (pictured below) 

If anybody wants to buy me one, DM me.

Fantastic Toiles Day 1

Earlier today, I was at Fantastic Toiles' first drop of the year, and it was honestly an experience I am unlikely to forget. I arrived early and thought I had the wrong location because from the outside, it looks derelict and abandoned (as pictured below) but on the inside, it is quite the opposite - youthful and energetic.

When I finally entered the shop, I was amazed by the array of intricate and detailed clothes and accessories on display. As I walked around the accessories, I was particularly drawn to the different bags, gloves, and hats on display. But, the highlight of my visit was a set of beads from Bailey N/A. Something about these beads was just magical and I knew I had to have them.

 

Nasir was kind enough to give me a few quotes for udmusic, which will be included in an upcoming article. I was so impressed by the fact that Nasir gives upcoming designers a platform to showcase their work and doesn't charge them a commission or anything. In my opinion, this helps show just how much of a community Fantastic Toiles is.

I also had the chance to buy the second Fantastic Toiles 'Offerings' book and started reading it on my way home. The beginning statement left me in tears and I realized just how magical the place is and the impact they are making in the fashion industry. One quote, in particular, struck me, "by us, for us =/= for you, by us." This really shows how much Nasir and the rest of the Fantastic Toiles team care about what they make and how they feel as artists.

My visit to Fantastic Toiles was an incredible experience that I don't think I will forget anytime soon, if ever and I am already eager to go back tomorrow despite the hour-long travel time. It is amazing to see a place where people can indulge in their passion for fashion and art without any constraints or limitations. I definitely recommend that you head down to their next drop which I don't doubt will be just as magical. Keep scrolling for a look at my favourite items and looks they had for sale (apologies for the low quality).

For more information on Fantastic Toiles check their Instagram

Vibbar - Lost & Found

 Lost & Found by Vibbar

Vibbar's "Lost & Found" is easily one of my favourite projects so far this year. This album is a showcase of the collective's versatility and range, featuring a diverse selection of tracks that will leave you in awe. From the nostalgic and soulful production of "11PM" to the energetic and entertaining "Like Dat" featuring Jme, Vibbar takes you on a journey through their creative world and demonstrates their mastery of multiple genres. The use of samples in the production is a standout feature, and the lyrics are thought-provoking and clever, highlighting the group's wit and humour. 

One of my favourite tracks on the project is "Session 11-2-2017," which showcases their ability to switch effortlessly from soulful samples to harsh, grimy drums. The track "Paris" is also one of the stand-outs, with its garage-y production and entertaining bars reminding me of the early days of So Solid Crew. "Deadweight" is probably my favourite track on the project, with its grimy and energetic vibe that had me throwing up gun fingers from start to finish.

The album closes with the reflective "Makeshift," delivering bars with clarity and ease and showcasing the group's ability to reflect on the past and present with a nostalgic yet hopeful outlook.

Overall, "Lost & Found" is a true testament to Vibbar's growth as a collective and what can happen if pursue art as a creative endeavour rather than a business.