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Sunday 22 February 2015

The name is James, Phoenix James


 That moment, when you see your long time Facebook friend doing well and you think WOW! Priceless! Well,  Mr. James did just that. Having been in the front seat following his career to rise up, seen the posts about the music and acting, I always knew that the ambition was there and it has been a pleasure to see this star shining. He is not in just acting or in music, he also writes, models and creates. Going by the name of Phoenix James he also is known as Phenzwaan.

The list of his achievements is huge and full of house hold names; Virgin, Natwest, Kodak and Coca Cola are just a few on his modelling merit list. He has been seen in the leading British soap on TV and he has had his foot print on some world wide block buster movies too. Poetry is near by his heart and he has accredited him self with some ranking in competitions.

Despite all of these huge names he has been working with, there is the down to earth man just doing what he loves doing the best; creating day in and day out.








Tell me about your childhood and where you grew up? What pushed you into the entertainment industry?

I moved around quite a bit during my childhood. I lived and went to school in St. Michael in Barbados and also in Andover in Hampshire before returning to school in London. As a child, I always very creative, I enjoyed singing, dancing, drawing, writing and making things and have always gravitated towards different forms of creative expression. This led me into the entertainment industry as a performer after leaving school and from there I just focused on the things that I was good at and that I wanted to do.



I would like to know more about your other side, Phenzwaan, who is he and how did he come along into your life?

Phenzwaan is a moniker I created for myself in the late 90’s. It means to give light, to give birth and to create... shining star. Phenzwaan became my stage name and the name I’ve become known by as an award winning international performance poet and spoken word recording artist.


You have been seen on the wide screen as well as on television, which one do you prefer and how do they differ in your experience?

I don’t know if I’d say I really have a preference. Movies for the wide screen are generally considered to be more far reaching in terms of audience and scale when it comes to cinema etc which is great and television tends to have a quicker turn around time from pre-production to release date which is also great. I don’t mind which as long as I’m working as a part of and amidst the magical creative process of either one.



I know right now every guy is going to be jealous when you say you have been in an actual James Bond movie, what was that experience like and what did you take from it with you? Would you like to be James Bond one day?

It was a surreal and amazing experience. When growing up as a kid, appearing in movies like James Bond, Star Wars etc these are the things you fantasise and dream about but not necessarily with the thought that you might actually one day down the line really appear alongside those people up there on the big screen as an actual real part of it all. I’d love to play James Bond one day.




You are also in the new Star Wars and have been in Guardians of the Galaxy and Thor: The Dark World movies. Which genre do you prefer to work in, or do you have any preferences?

I haven’t worked on enough varied projects yet to have developed a particular preference but mostly what appeals to me is any film about overcoming some obstacle or trial in life, reaching a moment of triumph after a persevering and testing journey. Films that highlight the strength of the human spirit. I quite like films with intense courtroom drama. I’m inspired by the detail, creativity, language, art and input required to produce any movie really. Generally overall, with that in mind, I think I am easily entertained. I worked on Thor as a Stand-in, I’m not actually in that one.






You were a manager in the hair salon before fully entering into a entertainment industry. That tells me that you have a strong sense of what hard work is and how to achieve. You obviously have put this work ethic into your career in entertainment too. How hard is it as an actor to get past the competition now and how did you do it?
 
I actually don’t know how hard it is because I don’t focus on the difficulty as much as the solution. I just know if you put enough work in with the right amount of perseverance, determination, self-belief and willpower, that all things are possible and you can go anywhere in this life you want to go and achieve absolutely anything you want to achieve. If I see anyone or anything as my competition then I am already defeated before I begin. Everyone and everything exists to make us better than we are. With that in mind, we have no other option but to consistently excel to greater heights.





If you were able to give advice to your younger self now, what would that be and why?

I would say to be bold, fearless, patient, act wisely, believe in yourself, keep going no matter what, and never give up. Why I would say all that is because I believe we can never hear it enough.

Where would you like to see your self in 10 years time and what are you working on now?

In ten years I see myself not owning a smartphone. I’m planning to be smarter. I’m currently working on that.



Tell me more about your poetry. What inspires you? We wouldn't mind a poet here :)

My poetry is an expression of my ideas, thoughts and experiences, as well as the experiences from the point of view of others and things I’ve read, heard or seen at some point in my life. I’m inspired by everything. Life is poetic. Let me know when, I’ll come and poeticize.








At this point, what is keeping you the most occupied? Acting, music, modelling or poetry?

Presently at this point, it’s a nice equal balance. I’m getting to enjoy being immersed and creative in all of those areas, which makes me happy.



 Tell me more about " Love Freely but Pay for Sex" . What is it all about? Where can people see this? 

Love Freely but Pay for Sex is a feature length mock documentary film I wrote, produced and directed in 2013. The story follows a rogue British independent film & TV production group, with no prior film making or television production experience, armed with a handful of very mouthy and persuasive male and female amateur journalists & presenters who spread themselves out across London pursuing the general public, media personalities and various members of authority to lay themselves bare and open up on their views about a new impending Government led Pay for Sex Policy that will soon affect the whole of Great Britain and the EU. It can currently be seen on the film’s official website at www.PayforSexPolicy.com Scheduled for television across the United States & Canada and DVD release including special deleted scenes.

Tell me about your television work, when shall we see you on home screens again?

I’ve had somewhat consistent but reasonably small television appearances over the past few years, nothing to write home about...though I still do. Looking forward to exploring more lengthy and involved acting roles on television in the very near future. Stay tuned and watch this space...


What in the entertainment industry excites you? You love the work you do, what keeps you motivated?

Absolutely everything in the entertainment industry excites me. I say that because as a creative person and artistic individual, there is always something to be inspired by, to learn from, to share, to give yourself to, and always something to feed of off. Innovativity, originality and ingenuity seems to flow from some constant source available to everyone and for all to tap into. The entertainment industry is a highly creative environment and for me that is always very exciting. It’s this that keeps me energized and motivated.





You have been in entertainment for a long time, what changes have you seen during that time? Are they better or worse in your opinion?


I’ve seen a lot of changes. It’s the only thing that has been constant and consistent. The entertainment industry and the way things are done is evolving all the time, which makes opportunity and all of the possibilities greater. Change is necessary, it’s all about progression. Change forces us to strive, to grow, to adapt, to overcome and to move forward. That can’t be bad. 




You can follow Phoenix at his own website http://phoenixjamesofficial.com/ , where you can also find the links for your favourite social media.



Sunday 15 February 2015

Kanye West x adidas Originals YEEZY SEASON 1

For Autumn/Winter 2015, Kanye West and adidas Originals unveil a bold new proposition: YEEZY SEASON 1, a collection of apparel and footwear that cherishes universality and timelessness. Described by West as the world’s first “solutions-based” clothing line, the individual pieces define a style that matches the relentless pace of contemporary lives. “I don’t want the clothes to be the life,” he says. “I want the clothes to help the life.”


Presented during New York Fashion Week just before All-Star Weekend, the show was conceptualized by West in close collaboration with renowned contemporary artist Vanessa Beecroft.Upon entering the venue, guests were lead into a dimly lit room, where 9 rows of models stood stoic. As lights turned on with blinding intensity, each row of models progressed forward, lending the audience a full view of the clothes. Guests including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Kim Kardashian West, Rihanna, Drake, Justin Bieber, P. Diddy, Kris Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Khloe Kardashian, George Condo, Anna Wintour, Spike Jonze, Russell Simmons, Big Sean, Pete Wentz, Pusha T, A$AP Ferg, Steven Klein, 2Chainz, Cassie, Alexander Wang, Kehinde Wiley, Tom Sachs, Gia Coppola, Travis Scott, A-Trak, Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, Hailey Baldwin, and adidas athletes John Wall and Von Miller. “Wolves” an unreleased track from West’s forthcoming studio album embodied the pinnacle of this epic performance."


With this collection, West’s goal is to absolve consumers of dressing’s daily stress by creating a line of high-quality essentials that can be freely combined in infinite ways—“like Legos,” he says. For the designer this means stripped-down, comfortable, and unpretentious clothes for a “modern jet-set couple,” pieces to be worn from the gym to the office to a meeting to the airport and everywhere in between. “I wanted something that felt like New York or Paris or Tokyo or Santa Barbara or Chicago—a worldliness and an ease.”

  
West defines a silhouette of considered volume—billowing and oversize on top, tight and trim around the bottom—based largely on his personal sense of style. A study in contrasts like street-luxury and vintage-new, the clothing shapes a new modern wardrobe. For men, this includes MA-2 bombers with oversize flap pockets; washed cotton collarless blouson jackets; oversize sweats with distressed edges and worn, puckered hems; and perfect T-shirts in tones of camel, olive, blue-gray, and camouflage. Each piece is intended to be worn by any sex.


  The women’s collection, however, clearly and intentionally shapes a feminine silhouette with high-waist, knee-length, body-conscious knit skirts; floor-grazing cotton tube dresses; tightly woven running tees; and stunning crop tops ingeniously crafted from adidas socks. “This is a challenge to where fashion is currently—a new feminine ideal,” West says, explaining the curve-hugging pieces.

 For footwear, West and adidas presented further breakthroughs following the highly anticipated launch of the YEEZY Boost. Newly revealed shoes included woven lo-top sneakers for men and suede stilettos and platform snow boots for women—developed in close tandem with adidas’ products team. The designer expresses his gratitude to adidas for its unparalleled technical prowess. He says, “They are a super innovative company that gives artists a platform to create and dream.”

Beecroft has shown internationally since 1993. She is noted for her innovative performances and unconventional approach to the creation of images and communication. Her works reside in the gap between art and life. Though her live events are recorded through photography and film, her conceptual approach is most similar to the creation of a live painting.




 Beecroft's work can be found in numerous public and private collections around the world, including the MAXXI National Museum of XXI Arts, Rome, Italy (2014); Colony Club, New York, NY (2014); Art Basel, Miami, Florida, USA (2013); Galleria Lia Rumma, Milan, Italy (2011); MMK, Frankfurt, Germany (2010); Mercato Ittico, Naples, Italy (2010); PAC, Milan, Italy (2009); Spasimo, Palermo, Italy (2008); Pescheria di Rialto, Venice, Italy (2007); Gana Art Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2007); The National Gallery, London, UK (2006); Neue Nationalgalerie, Berlin, Germany (2005); Kunsthalle Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany (2004); Castello di Rivoli Museo d’Arte Contemporanea, Turin, Italy (2003); Bienal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (2002); Palazzo Ducale, Genoa, Italy (2001); Guggenheim Museum, New York, USA (1998); MoMa P.S.1, Long Island City, New York, USA (1994).




 
















“Wolves” by Kanye West. Co-writers: Cashmere Cat, Vic Mensa, Sia, Mike Dean, Noah Goldstein. Producers: Kanye West, Cashmere Cat, Mike Dean, Noah Goldstein, Plain Pat. Side artists: Vic Mensa, Sia

Images: by Getty Images 

Sunday 25 January 2015

Gospel for a breakfast



Gospel music is a root for many genres and there is a place to go back to those very roots. King Dome Radio has it's own gospel lounge for a little break from a hectic life style. For many, this station offers the alternative to escape from the material things in life concentrating on the things that are important and praising the Creator of all. 

The newest alliance with Gospel Radio Lounge is J Moss, the voice of Gospel music, who has been working with many big names and on his latest album collaborating with Faith Evans on the song called " You make me feel". There is an interview coming with this man of the moment soon on the station as he talks more about his new album and inspirations in life. 

Starred by many Stellar awards winners the station is spreading the good word and the positive message for all. You can also purchase your favorite music whilst listening to them via the station. 

You can listen to the station at 




The station is constantly promoting the new and old gospel music and you can have updates to your favorite artists at 







Tuesday 13 January 2015

Guilla Gear; urban wear with a splash of color

Ladies and gents, girls and boys, we all are always looking for a new statement to make with our clothing. In urban clothing the possibilities are endless and the market is there, people who want to show their true colors by wearing something different, and all of us are looking for a good quality.
We want clothing that represents us as we are and looks good at the same time.

For many of us. it's the music that gives the inspiration to what kind of fashion we would like to be seen in. I think our generation has truly been spoiled with the choice, internet makes it possible for anyone to purchase anything from all the corners of the world.
One such a brand is Guilla Gear, American apparel, that praises the urban culture in the positive way. TaMonte Whitelow, The President of Operations from Guilla Gear, is pushing his business hard:



"Everything we do is inspired by the I Am Guilla philosophy; Guilla being Gifted Unique Individuals Livin' Life Accomplishin'. I wanted to put out clothing and other apparel so that the message could take on a tangible form."

The designs and the philosophy behind the range has been growing for a few years. Like many brands and businesses, the business hasn't got outside founder, everything is done from the desk of TaMonte by his own hands with the help of his brother and business partner Will Whitelow as a designing eye in the company, and with their vision of what urban culture should stand for.

"We really haven't decided on the direction of the brand just yet. Since the original concept began with my love for music, I want to reincorporate that in our future designs.I also want to do more community outreach as well, this would give is the opportunity to actually make an impact on people's lives."

"The goal of the clothing is to embody the I Am Guilla philosophy, thus inspiring and motivating those own/wear our products as well as those who encounter the logo in General."

For him the brand is much more than just a clothing line, it's a life style and something that was inspired from the music.

"Music is the fabric of my life. I began loving music at an early age when I listened to Michael Jackson, New Edition and artists like that... New Edition is my all time favorite group. I found my love for hip hop when my mama bought me the LL Cool J "Bad" album one year for my birthday tho"


So, it goes without a saying that when I was given the opportunity to review the brand... well, you don't need to ask twice! I love the philosophy behind the range and as being very much community orientated, embracing the talents around me sits deep in me.

The waiting time of the parcel was good. Baring in mind that these clothes come from USA and I am in United Kingdom, it's Christmas time so we all know that the mail guys are really busy; I was impressed. It only took less than a week and I had the parcel in my living room, packed into a nice and neat but still strong card board box, I had a smile on my face! First impressions; simply looks fantastic! 

The brand is well thought with the colors, and to be honest, this should attract any hip hop princess, the vibrancy of the colors in clothing is talking for it self. With the clothes I had couple of nice surprises; two mix CD's of old school hip hop to keep the spirits up and boogie glutes going.

First glance of what's in the box; nice thick hoodie, tank top in pink, panties and T-shirt.... oh, and old school hip hop mixes times two! 

Really liked the way the brand is represented and loved the quality of the fabric. The print looks good and metallic print has a little twist of changing slightly a color by the different lighting! That did make me do the WOW!
Might be fair to say that I had already fallen in love with these clothes and felt like a kid in the candy store. I am not really a dress type of a girl, so these suite me just fine (currently typing this in the track suite bottom after my boxing session in the gym).

Smaller items,such as tank top and panties were packed nicely into a neat branded plastic bag, again, nice touch!

So far so good, I have no complains and everything looks very professional. 








Sizing is important part of any clothing, you want to know that XL does not mean size 12. I am not a size zero, so trust me, the times I have been disappointed of the reality something being smaller than what it says on the label, are countless. The tank top is stretchy, so it wont matter what size is the bust, they will fit in and the top enhances the curves. Ladies like that. It's a big yes for me. I also like to feel that the clothes are not squeezing  me. My tank top is a perfect fit and I do love my tank tops and wear them all the time. Color is very bright pink but they also are available in other colors .
Guilla Girl, that would be me, is nicely printed in silver and to my eye, well it does look really cool. I can see a hot summers day and going out to wearing it. Tank tops are timeless and the safe investment for a hot weather. Cloths are also for all ages, and that is a plus in my eyes.





Panties.. I don't know any woman who does not absolutely love the cute under wear. Again, the good quality material accompanies a nice outstanding print.

My favorite from all has to be the hoodie. I love them, I got lots of them and as some ladies collect shoes, I am a hoodie freak. I would seriously choose the hoodie over high heels any day. This hoodie is thick, and that will make it all year around peace of clothing; nice in the cool summer nights and warm in the winter. Kangaroo pocket is large enough to hold essentials and the sizing is nice and loose. My personal preference for hoodie is a loose fit, so I already love this one and it is unisex item, perfect for boys and girls. The color is very strong deep purple.

These are just example clothes I received, but there is more in Guilla Gear. You can find a matching sweatpants for your hoodie or you can have the hoodie with other prints on it.


There are more choices at
Guilla Gear Apparel , Facebook page filled with pictures of the brand and happy customers wearing it.
You can also visit http://www.guillaboyz.com/ and choose Guilla Gear Store from the menu at the left hand side. And whilst you are deciding which one you want to buy, why not to have a tour on the site and learn more about the brand?

Now that I have gone through my box, the next big thing is to wear them and then wash them.

The clothes are very comfortable to wear. I took mine to the gym with me. After an hour of moving and boxing, no rips on the seems, I still felt good in them and the most definitely I had to wash them.






They tell you not to mix the colors and whites, but I did do just that, on purpose. I wanted to see if these strong and very dangerous colors mix or leak. I turned my washing machine on 40 C and put the long program on. I do must say, I was a little bit doubtful, surely something will go wrong and my bright white towel will come out with the rainbow colors... but no! The towel is still white, the colors on the Guilla Gear have not faded and the print holds. Everything is exactly as it was when I put them on the washing machine, except they are now clean. There was not much shrinkage on the clothing, comparing the normal average of 10% the clothes kept them on the form well. The clothing has offered me nothing but the positive experience and I can honestly say that Guilla Gear is on my shopping list. I am looking forward purchasing sweatpants, few more hoodies (remember hoodie freak) and some tees.  What makes this shopping even better is that I follow the philosophy of the Guilla Gear and support the community and potentially have a chance to change someones life better. This has to be all around winner and very hip hop by any standards.

What about the all important cost?
You might think that $40 for a hoodie is expensive, but then again, you will buy quality that will last you for years and does not change the shape or form on wearing it. Good quality clothing is not cheap, but the price tag on these items are on the average and to try them out, you can always attack the sales.

The brand is building it's own website dedicated just for clothing at http://guillagear.com but it is still under construction.

My opinion of the brand is 5 *'s without a fail. Everything was as it's supposed to be and I am very happy with my clothing.