j*9 interviews Choxanne from all female graffiti crew 'Girls on Top'

Choxannne is graffiti artist and has been doing so for the past twelve years, she is part of the respected all femle graffiti crew Girls on Top. She was also involved in the UK’s first and only all female graffiti exhibition in 2008 and is a part of Paint My Panda customisation street art crew.

j*9:What got you involving in writing?
Choxanne: I used to see loads of really good graffiti on my way to a youth club when I was about 14 or 15 but never did it myself. I was more trying to be a skateboarder; I just liked what I saw around me really and got more and more interested until I started doing it myself. I had always liked painting and drawing as a hobby so it was definitely something I should be doing.

j*9:How long have u been writing?
Choxanne: I have been writing graffiti for 12 years

j*9:What did your first bomb feel like?
Choxanne: I was nervous about getting caught but did more!

j*9:Have you ever been caught doing illegal’s?
Choxanne: No comment!

j*9:How would you describe your style?
Choxanne: Funky fresh

j*9:Who have you collaborated with?
Choxanne: Kelzo Akel, Skyhigh and Luna more than most

j*9:What it like taking part in Girls on Top, the UK first female graffiti exhibition?
Choxanne: Well the crew had only just expanded so it was early days, it was good for us because we got quite a bit of attention from it but a lot of the crew weren’t really ready for the show and I think that showed in the work, so while it was fun and a new project to do it wasn’t a tight enough show for any longevity


j*9:Was it through this exhibition the Girls on Top Crew formed?
Choxanne: No it formed years ago but got revived when I started painting with Mira, I then held a girl jam in 2007 and invited a load of different girls to paint for fun and from then I expanded the crew and we got offered the show from that I think.

j*9:What do you females stand for?
Choxanne: Free thinking & fressssssssssh attitudes.


j*9:What do you think of the UK graff scene?
Choxanne: I think there’s a lot of talent around and very skilled artists but there is also a lot of negativity around and people dragging each other down. There is also not enough scope for a lot of writer’s talents we need bigger legal walls and shop shutters and buildings to be painted ideally but the councils actively discourage this, there is a lot of narrow mindedness towards the art form but then the UK is a bit backwards at times so I’m not really surprised! People still think you are mad for doing it as it’s hard to make money at the moment. But I am still here!

j*9:What place do you think women have in the UK Graff Scene?
Choxanne: A very small one! There really aren’t many girls pushing it here that i know of i could count them on one hand! There are a lot of talented artistic girls don't get me wrong there are more street artists but not many graffiti writers :(

j*9:Do you have any favourite artists on the scene at the moment?
Choxanne: mickey & phemme9 are my favourite female graffiti writers; they have great funky styles not just technical ability

j*9:Are women starting to get some recognition?
Choxanne: Only the ones who work really hard or have been writing for ages, you can’t fake it
j*9:Tell me about any upcoming projects you may have?
Choxanne: I am part of a company called paint my panda which specialises in hand painted denim jackets (inspired by the old New York painted jackets) and other fashion items like caps, bags and shoes, along with private commissions, live painting at events and youth projects, so far it has been received pretty well, and I have a couple of big murals to paint next year, I am glad to still be painting :)

Check Choxanne at:
www.paintmypanda.com
www.myspace.com/girlsontopgraff
www.flickr.com/thcuk
www.flickr.com/paintmypanda

Hip-hop Feminism Literature

Earlier this year, I purchased a few books on hip-hop feminism to help me along my way of creating BITCHES. In fact I can say, all of these books had a huge influence in my understanding of ‘black feminism’ and how it differs from ‘feminism’ which to be fair is based upon the experience of white middle class women. More importantly, how women are used as a currency of exploitation by mainstream hip-hop. (I say mainstream because conscious stuff, as it name sake is not interested in that rap). All of these women refer to themselves as ‘hip-hop feminist’ they grew up in the culture, appreciate it but yet see so many flaws in terms of the construction of masculinity and femininity. It also rooted my knowledge of all these females who were as the pioneers of hip-hop but for some reason they are never mentioned or given a shout out. So if you have the time please do check out these books.

j*9 interviews DJ Ychuck

J*9: You have an unsual DJ name, how did Where did you get your name from?
DJ Ychuck: My last name is Onyschuk. It’s kind of a difficult last name to pronounce (its Ukrainian) and people are constantly saying it wrong! They have called me 'O-chuck', 'oni-chuck','ychuck.’’ When I said ‘ychuck’, my friends were like 'that's a wicked name...that's your DJ name!' It's a funny name and it's stuck with me through time. Some of my best friends call me Chuckie!

J*9: How did you get into hip-hop?
DJ Ychuck: I started getting into hip-hop when I was at high school. I think I first heard real underground hip-hop on a ninja tune compilation that a nice person who worked at a record store gave to me. I also listened to a lot of college radio, and fell in love with late night underground hip-hop sets. I bought all the Tribe Called Quest records, and kept progressing from there.

J*9: What was the first record you bought?
DJ Ychuck: The first full length 12" I bought was Pussy Galore! On Pussy Foot Records. It’s a great compilation! http://www.discogs.com/Various-Pussy-Galore/release/205196

J*9: How did you first start DJing?
DJ Ychuck: I started DJing when I was seventeen. I actually grew up in the height of North American rave culture, and got into drum and bass before I got into hip-hop. I always used to hang out beside the DJ booth, and I remember being mesmerized by what the DJ was doing with all the knobs and faders. My dad bought me my first DJ mixer as a graduation present, and I set up a bunch of old turntables (they didn't even have pitch control on them!) and tried to start mixing records. Later on I saved up to get some real DJ gear, I spun records with a lot of buddies, played in a lot of people's basements, and made a lot of 'train wreck' mixes along the way while I learned how to make mixtapes!


J*9: Have you played in other parts of the world?
DJ Ychuck: So far, I've been lucky enough to play in the US, and in Europe. In the US, I played in San Francisco. I was actually invited by QBert to appear on his 'Turntable TV' DVD series, and while I was filming down there I played at a club with DJ 8-Ball (DMC West Coast Champion)and Rafik (DMC World Champion) Last year, I was gigging in Germany for six months. The highlight of the trip was playing at the We B Girlz Hip-hop Festival, where I opened up for Bahamadia and Roxanne Shante.

J*9: You are also turntablist DJ, how did u start that?
DJ Ychuck: I was actually really lucky that I discovered turntablism! When I was younger, I used to hang out at a graffiti store. In addition to djing, my little sister was into painting graffiti (she's a dope visual artist, I used to mostly bomb) and we used to go pick up paint and markers and I'd shop for records. I used to buy drum and bass records, while my sister would check out the paint. We met a nice guy who worked at the store, and he knew that I really dug my turntables. He recommended that I check out some ITF videos. I bought an ITF video, and that night my sister and popped the VHS tape in the player and were totally stunned after we watched the first DJ's battle routine. I think it was the first time that we ever saw a DJ scratch and juggle! We must have watched the tape about four times that night. Around this time, (2000-2001) there were still a lot of raves going on in Toronto (my hometown) and I was able to see amazing turntablists at raves in big venues. I was going to raves every weekend to see DJs like Roc Raida, Swamp, Klever, A-Trak and the Funky Teknicianz. It was an incredible time.

After a few months of carefully observing real DJs, I was totally motivated to learn the art of turntablism. I was lucky enough to find a mentor, DJ Labo, who taught me to properly scratch and juggle. This was around 2000-2001, which is now considered to be one of the 'golden eras' of turntablism. He also introduced me to the Toronto battle scene, and to a whole lot of really good DJs (Toronto produces some of the sickest turntablists on the planet!!!) I couldn't get enough of the turntables...I actually dropped out of college (I was studying jazz guitar at the time) so I could have more time to practice scratching!

J*9: What is more important, beats or lyrics?
DJ Ychuck: I used to think it was the beats, because I'm really into listening to productions, and I really enjoy the soundscapes that producers create. However, these days, I'm really feeling lyrics too, although sometimes I listen to the flow of the lyrics more than the words. But I think it's really important to have a strong message you want to communicate as well. I know that lyrics can sometimes 'speak' to people in a way that they can easily understand, and make a song truly memorable. In a well written song, both elements are equally important.

J*9: What are the key ingredients of getting the crowd going?
DJ Ychuck: Playing the right records at the right time and of course making sure that you have some bangers in your crate too. I think that a good DJ really takes his or her time to build up a set, and focuses on taking their audience on a real journey.

J*9: Is it easier for girls being DJs?
DJ Ychuck: I think that it's a challenging for anyone to be a good DJ!

J*9: Does your gender affect the type of music you play?
DJ Ychuck: Absolutely not. I play what I feel is right for the moment. I think that the message that I want to communicate to my audience determines the type of music that I play.

J*9: Do you feel compromised to play other female hip-hop stuff?
DJ Ychuck: No. I really like a lot of female artists (like Missy, M.I.A. Beyonce and Mary J. Blige to name a few), but I play their tracks because they make dope records, not because they're females. I play music if it's good...I'm not concerned with the gender of the person who made it. I do think that women have certain strength to them though, and I like it when female artists channel their funky, soulful vibes into the music they create.

J*9: As women in hip-hop is it our responsibility to support each other to build a community?
DJ Ychuck: I think that people should support each other. Men should support women and vice versa. The only way that the earth will ever really be able to progress is if everyone begins to work and build together.

J*9: What is the future of hip-hop?
DJ Ychuck: I think hip-hop is going to be further influenced by electronica and dubstep. I've been hearing lots of really cool, wonky electronic hip-hop coming out of cities like LA. There are some really good artists out there right now like Nosaj Thing, and Flying Lotus who are pushing the music in a new direction. Today I just heard of this producer called Shlohmo who's really original and makes really spacious, futuristic beats. I also make produce some new school hip-hop beats under the name Sara Simms so you'll want to check out some of my productions in 2010.

Photography, creative direction and makeup and styling by: Melle Oh
Additional styling by: Shehan McLelland
Jewellery by Crushed

Check out DJ Ychuck on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUk3WILeMAY&fmt=22
http://www.djychuck.com
http://www.facebook.com/djychuck
http://www.myspace.com/djychuck

My New Fashion Icon

I have decided that after 10 years of watching the ‘Fresh Prince of Bell-Air’ that the character Hilary had an amazing wardrobe. So to pay homage to this forget style icon, I will try my upmost best to relive her fashion-forward outfits. I squeal in excitement as I write this, I can’t believe her savviness only came to my attention now.

She encapsulated the nineties body-con style that was at a fever pitch from fashion designers like Alaia Azzedine down to every single rap artists music videos. The bold-block-colours, Chanel 2.55 handbags and round-toe-mid-heels all screams 1992.

So, it shall by new look of 2010.

Some Old Skool Fun

Here is some old skool hip-hop tunes I found in my mum's shed. I believe that shed of her's is a Narnia to music of the past. Enjoy.

Can we ever reclaim the word Btich?

This week I had an interesting online discussion with Leddie, she is one half of the hip-hop duo Leddie and Smoggy. The gist of the debate was is the word ‘bitch’ an unacceptable word to use. We both had our own thoughts on the matter, read below to make up your own minds.

Leddie: Don’t agree with it being called "bitches" though ... Kind of shows the misogyny in Hip Hop, lol and how it affected us ... Glad you’ve put in the info it’s about "Bold Individuals That Challenges Hiphop'crisy En Style" though still.

Janine: hmmm...double edge sword. It’s a feminist zine/website for girl’s involved in the five elements of hip-hop culture. I choose to use that word for the exact reason, constantly used by some male rappers to put women down, so I thought fuck it, I’m going to make it mean something, hence the break down. Also tend to find when a woman is described as a 'bitch' it’s because she doing her own thing and not boasting some mans ego...

Leddie: Yeah, that’s true ... But, The Word 'Bitch' is Said in derogatory Manners within Hip Hop, Even if its instead of saying woman they use Bitch like it’s an acceptable thing and we should 'learn' to like being called it, That’s why I don’t agree with women using it in tunes like "Chilling with my bitches" or shit like that .I’m a Woman, and if a man can’t learn to realise that women aren’t objects and are actually human beings, He isn’t a man. Like I said though, at least u broke it down in the info, I just don’t really agree with the name of it.

Janine: You don’t agree with the word 'bitch' because of the context that is used, which I guess in relation to hip-hip tends to be negative. But I feel anyway my blog is not about perpetuating misogyny, I want it to say women are called bitches in a negative way, but let’s reclaim that word to our ownership and mean something else. So it is recognizing its historical use, but changing it to mean something empowering. Cause all the women that I have interviewed or wrote about are females doing their thing in male dominated industry. I will admit I choose to use the name BITCHES for shock value, but it’s not some gimmick, it about showcasing talented women...

Leddie: I don’t agree with the word bitch being used because I think it degrades the whole purpose of what we’re trying to achieve as women within Hip Hop. Our aim is to be seen as the powerful, Strong outspoken women we are ... But were being degraded within commercial Hip Hop, and then were giving into their submission, like a "bitch" is all we are able to...

Janine: I agree, the word 'bitch' is used demandingly, but why can't the word be reclaimed to mean positive. By doing so, is that not a political or feminist statement in itself? You used the word to mean something bad, but I am going to spin it on it to mean something I want it too? The same way the word has been used to negative, can it not be changed to mean something positive, as in all it is a word created by man, therefore can be changed by women?

Leddie: To me the word 'bitch' can never be used positively ... To me, it is like a respectable black male or male, using The "N-Word" ... To me, it’s Disrespectful and although people use it as a Greeting, or casually, to me, it’s a direct negative and violent condemnation of character. It’s the fact that we 'allow' ourselves to be called bitches, by females and males, its lost its bite and we just allow it to happen ... Even women in Hip Hop used the term "bitch", for example, Lil Kim - "Queen Bitch" ... To me, its degrading yourself to their level to fit in to Hip Hop. I don’t want to fit into hip hop, I make Hip Hop music, But the state of the Hip Hop culture, on a whole in my opinion, is Absolutely Disgusting because nobody respects themselves or each other, yet we all act like its fine and get on with it.

J Star 9 interviews Amelia Ideh of Put Me On It

Amelia Ideh runs the influential 'Put Me On It', a blog dedicated to promoting good music from independent artists. She is a little lady, with lot going on, not to mention the fact she works in PR and is also an event co-ordinator. She is responsible for the monthly nights like ‘Pause’ at the Market Place and equally ' at the Gramophone. She is indeed a woman that runs things.


J*9: Describe yourself in three sentences?
Amelia: I'm a workaholic, but I'm half Nigerian so it's genetic - we're born hustlers. I'm creative yet organised - I have a degree in contemporary dance where I specialised in choreography (so it was surprisingly good training for what I do now). I sometimes feel like a cross between a hippie and a Care Bear.

J*9: What is an average day like for you?
Amelia: I work from home so it's pretty boring - get up and get to work! I spend an insane amount of time on the internet and often find myself still working at 3am, I love going out to gigs, contemporary dance and the theatre but I don't seem to have the time I used to for clubbing.

J*9: You run the blog put me on it, how did you start it?
Amelia: It began as a space where my friends and I could share news about music and events - we were constantly calling and emailing each other about it so I thought the blog would make it easier. It was my baby so of course I ended up posting the most but I still run it for the same reasons I started it for.

J*9: What did you hope to achieve?
Amelia: I don't think I had a goal in mind at first; it really was just to save time! After a while things developed and a lot of artists and DJs came back to me saying my support was actually having an impact so now I want to use the blog, events I produce and my networks to share amazing music and support the people who are making it.

J*9: You work in music promotion, as it the industry as tough as it seems?
Amelia: The toughest thing for me has been coming from an arts background where everyone is very nice and supportive - they want to collaborate and nurture each other in order to move forwards as a culture. The music industry seems to be much more of a competitive and male vibe which is just not very me! Luckily I think some people find that refreshing, but I've had to develop a thick skin, people can be unbelievably petty and patronizing.

J*9: How easy is it for you to promote independent artist?
Amelia: I think of PR as being one third of an equation. Good music and good marketing will result in good publicity - plenty of independent artists have had to get good at doing their own marketing which is the whole point of a label really, though the kudos can help.

J*9: What was the initial attraction to the world of PR?
Amelia: I held an artist consultation session at the Roundhouse a while back, and asked a group of musicians, vocalists, producers and DJs what they felt the hardest parts of their jobs were. The overwhelming response was spreading the word. I wanted to develop a company that could make a difference, and I had some experience of working in marketing and PR, so when people started coming to me asking if I could support their projects, I said yes.

J*9: What keeps you motivated with the type of work you do?
Amelia: Good music. I have had offers to work on projects I really don't believe in but I can't do it. I want DJs and journalists to be happy to hear from me, and generally they are which makes my job much easier and more fulfilling. I also don't work on projects I wouldn't want to write about myself, for example I could never write about someone's work just because they were paying me to promote it, because I always blog from the heart. At the moment I'm working with Accidental Records (Matthew Herbert's label), which is my favourite label - so I don't need much motivation - it's a dream come true!

J*9: You won a Performing Arts Fund from the BBC, how has that aided you in your career?
Amelia: The support, the process and the money which come with it are all amazing - but to be honest the biggest deal to me was the sense of affirmation. These people believe in me and my ideas, and they are willing to invest in me - that has made a world of difference to my confidence. The investment money means a new website and some bigger events next year, which I'm really excited about.

J*9: You are also an events manager have there been any nights you have been particularly proud of?
Amelia: Recently my Halloween party at the Market Place "Bitches Brew" was pretty amazing - an all female line up of emerging singers, DJs and artists who were all fantastic, and the place was rammed full of lovely people! I'm proud of everything I've worked on though - Pause (especially the Soul Power party we did this summer), Deviation, and Lookout! Have all been great experiences.

J*9: What are the key ingredients of making a good event?
Amelia: DJs you can trust to respond to the dance-floor instead of ego tripping, inviting the nicest people you can ("cool" people are fickle so don't court them), noticing the details (is the dance floor too bright for people to get comfortable dancing, does it smell nice in here?) and remembering to enjoy the party yourself.

J*9: Tell me about the first record you bought?
Amelia: I'm not quite sure which was the first but it could have been Cliff Richard and The Shadows, Holst "The Planets", Rick Astley or Danni Minogue. I was a strange 6-year-old. Long before that though I just used to listen to my Mum's records - loads of Michael Jackson and Motown.

J*9: Are you working on any projects in the future?
Amelia: Loads, watch this space!

Check out her site: http://www.putmeonit.com