FU Magazine coming soon

OMG it's nearly here, click here to get an exclusive view of the front page and keep checking our myspace page for updates.

Fantom DunDeal

In the music industry it’s important to have a unique name which sets you apart from your peers and Fantom DunDeal is fully aware of this. Explaining how he got his unique name he told us:
"Me and my people's was studying what name I would move with, I thought because I am gonna do this for the love of music and the people, why not call myself FANS"
After realizing that his name needed more Tom was then added then finally DunDeal.
Born Arlon Griffith, this musical 23 year old was initially a reggae artist but was introduced to rapping while staying in St James [Barbados], where he found himself surrounded by people who were obsessed with Hip Hop. Influenced by this Fantom quickly became hooked and started rapping and later formed a group with local talent; Dexter, Da Vinci and Don Carot called C Profits. But this was short lived as the group went their separate ways shortly after leaving secondary school.
While at college Fantom found himself increasingly distracted by music:
"I couldn't sleep unless music was playing, eat unless music was on, I couldn't even do my school work in college unless music was on" -Fantom DunDeal
After a bit of encouragement he finally decided to start taking his music career seriously and take that 1st big step and find a studio to record in. After working on a variety of projects it was a seasonal hip hop track called 'Bajan Christmas 'that made people aware of his arrival.
Having had numerous radio hits, including "the honour of holding the 98.1's hit of the day several times" and being number 1 on many internet music charts this determined young man is fast becoming a household name. With his debut album "Caught Up" already out worldwide success is just around the corner for Fantom DunDeal.

For more info on Fantom DunDeal go to:

www.myspace.com/fantomhitz

America's Next top Journalist

It's not often you find someone who could be Americas's next top journalist and is as passionate about writing as we are at FU, so we thought it would make sense to let 24 year old New Yorker Dazzanna Chic' Munford tell you about herself in her own words:

"I started writing poetry at the age of 9 and never stopped. My father is an amazing writer and my mother dabbles in poetry from time to time, so you can say it’s in my blood to write. I am a senior at Morgan State University, located in Baltimore, MD and my Major is English with a concentration in journalism. I write for the school yearbook as a managing editor, I also contribute to the school newspaper as a writer. In my spare time I like to write short stories but my passion is poetry. I also like to go out to the club with the girls and dance all night. Sundays are my relaxing day when I fantasize about becoming a video girl… LOL. No, but seriously the sky is the limit in my eyes.
I want to write for an urban (XXL, Vibe) magazine right out of undergrad. I am going to apply to grad school; however, I might take a semester off (I need a break). After all my schooling I would like to be an editor for a major magazine. I also want to freelance in Africa to expose ongoing sexual crimes against women and girls. My ultimate goal is to become a seasoned writer who writes for the love of writing not money or fame.
Life drives me to do what I do. My passion is life, everything about life motivates me to write. Right now is a struggle to get ahead and stay motivated but that’s what keeps me going. I love the struggle. I have had a lot of ups and downs but I always manage to get back to where I need to be. I know writing is my deliverance to a better life. Ironically words are my therapy, so either way I win. I have a little sister who means the world to me… So I pave the way… So she doesn’t have to choose a path… Just to follow me"

For more info on Dazzanna go to:

www.myspace.com/msjournalist8

Elsiebelle

Elsiebelle is a unique jewellery line based in Bristol UK, which has been established since 2005. The unique jewellery company uses a mixture of modern and vintage designs such as tea-pots, tatoo designs, vintage and brass knuckles to bring something new and innovative to the masses.
Always trying to keep ideas fresh and funky many of ElsieBelles items are limited edition bringing rare and irreplaceable designs to your jewellery box.

ElsieBelle jewellery with its availability worldwide has something for everyone.
With Christmas on the way go to elsiebelle.com and use the code MERRYXMAS in the web-store and claim 20% off of your order.

For more info on elsiebelle go to:

www.elsiebelle.com

Yummie Couture

Yummie Couture is a new and fresh brand started by 19yr old student Ilija. Originally from Bosnia Hercegovina the now Austrian resident intends to take the design world by storm.
Ilija’s passion for fashion started when he discovered he liked his own designs more than those he would see hanging in the shop windows. The bland black and white colours he would see used in High street stores were no match for the bright blue’s, neon pinks and yellows he uses in his designs.
Not afraid of taking risks “I refuse to look like all the people I see everyday.”-Ilija. This talented designer has already sold out a set of his limited addition T-shirts called BANANA INVASION. Following on from this success another line (STAH THUNDDAH) has been added along with 3 limited addition BANANA INVASION T-Shirts.
Using an array of colours Ilija has been attracting a range of clientele ranging from the UK and US.
A gifted designer and artist Ilija enjoys “Breathing life into my drawings, if I have the opportunity to present my vision to others why not. I want them to take a look into my brain.”-Ilija
Having his designs featured in photo shoots, taking part in fashion shows and having artists such as M.I.A and African Boy interested in his clothing, Ilija is guaranteed to become an international design sensation.
“Fashion for me is when you express yourself through your clothes without saying anything.”-Ilija

For more information on Yummie go to:
www.myspace.com/yummieclothing

Swifta

Swifta is already building a name for himself in the music industry. MCing from the young age of 13 he had his mindset on taking over the music scene. Not content with being just an MC this talented young man has also been producing music for the past 2 years and has “The ability to make a wide range of beats over varied tempos”
Originally from Hackney, this now North London based MC/Producer’s early introduction to the music scene has made him all the more hungry to succeed. Influenced by other London based rappers such as Dizzee Rascal and Kano who “Vary their style and have a lot of commercial success’" Swifta is working hard to ‘make something for the future’
Determined to get his name out there he has already worked with both major and up and coming artists and is still looking to do more collaborations in order to learn and grow as an artist.
Continuously working on new tracks, his second promo ‘Umbrella Vol 1’ which consists of instrumentals has been widely recognised, getting over 1000 hits and still counting.
Persistent, determined, creative, positive and hardworking, at just 16 Swifta has all the characteristics needed for a successful music career and although he knows he has a long way to go, he is well on his way to becoming a superstar.

For more info on Swifta go to:
www.myspace.com/swiftaofficial

™ І Я Đēē ™

FU interviewed music producer ™ І Я Đee ™ who told us how he combines his love of cricket with his love of IT and music.

Where you're from?
I’m from the beautiful Island of Barbados.

How long have you been producing ?
I’ve been doing it now for about 2-3 years

How did you get your start?
I’ve always had a love for music and I realized that I would be sitting there and come up with beats in my mind. So one day I just said I’ll take a shot at it so I did and never looked back after that.

Who are your musical influences?
Chaaaa that’s a hard one ‘cause there is so much people who have influenced me, but I would have to say people like Kanye West, Timbaland, Cool & Dre, Common, Nas, Pete Rock, DJ Premier, KRS-One, Run DMC…

What makes you so unique?
I would have to say the thing that makes me unique is; unlike other producers who are familiar with instruments etc, I’m not, I don’t know heads from tails on a piano. But when I sit and the beat comes to mind, my fingers find a way to make it work and to me that’s what makes me stand out.

Who have you worked with?
I’m doing some work with some up and coming artists from here in Barbados and also some from Canada/US. I haven’t worked with any known International artist as yet (BUT VERY SOON…lol)

Future plans/goals?
It would have to be becoming one of the best producers here and internationally. Other than the music I also play cricket and have a love for IT so furthering them are also very high on my list.

Also being from Barbados do you think it's harder to be taken seriously as a Hip Hop producer when everyone expect people from there to just do Soca all the time?
Yes 100% ! I believe it’s much harder. I honestly think it shouldn’t be hard because music is music no matter where you are from. Most people just think we can’t know anything about Hip Hop or R&B because we are from a different musical culture.

For more info on ™ І Я Đee ™ go to:
www.myspace.com/bajan_cricketer

Breana

FU interviewed 15 year old aspiring singer Breana, who told us about her inspirations and performing in Atlanta.

What made you wanna start?
Listening to the radio and watching celebrities on TV made me realize that was what I wanted to do. Then one day while listening to the radio in the car I realized I actually had a good voice.

What type of music do you do?
R&B

What inspires your songs?
My surroundings and things that affect my life like heart break, family and also world issues.

Who are your musical influences?
Beyonce and Cassie

What’s the best show you’ve done?
The show I did last summer at the Peacock in ATL

How are you different to other aspiring singers?
I’m not trying to be anyone else, I’m just doing me and I’m very determined and won’t let anyone stop me from achieving my dreams.

What’s more important to you, being successful or just being rich and famous?
Being successful

Who would you like to work with in the future?
Mary J Blige

What’s next for you?
I’m just gonna keep working hard to get what I want and further my singing career.

For more info on Breanna go to:
www.myspace.com/bre1014

Kasarenee

Kakra Safo is the name of the artist, designer and founder of Kasarenee. The name Kasarenee combines Kasaa which means "Talk" or "Speak" in Akan together with the name of Kakra’s sister who is also apart of this innovative artistic team.
Before Kasarenee began, it was a love of art that began in secondary school which lead Kakra into an eye-opening work placement with coca-cola. Whilst working there he was introduced to inventive and ground-breaking programmes, which helped to further develop his artistic skills.
Also during his studies Kakra, the driving force behind Kasarenee was also involved in such projects as "Emergency Exit Art" (EEA), which was held at the influential White Chapel Gallery.
Fusing all of this knowledge and experience together Kasarenee was born. Originally a final year college project, Kasarenee focused on producing images and T-shirts. Now the company has developed it has moved into business promotions and marketing drives. Also Kasarenee produces logos for major up and coming music groups as well as graphics for film productions.
With many exciting projects ahead, Kasarenee will continue to push the artistic boundaries in order to enhance and challenge visual concepts for their growing audience.
"I am an artist, an artist takes modern art into a direction that would broaden the meaning of what art was and could be."- Kakra Safo.

For more info on Kasarenee go to:
www.myspace.com/kasarenee

Gk - DESIGNz

FU interviewed Grita K the talented young lady behind Gk - DESIGNz who told us about her bright and colorful designs and schooled us on why all youths who wear hoodies are not thugs.

Where did you get the name for your label?
It’s made up of my initials

How long have you been designing?
For over a year

What made you want to start?
I have always been interested in fashion designing and when one of my friends suggested to do airbrushing I tried and liked it.

How did you get your start?
I started by designing for friends then moved on to various DJ's, music artists and dance groups. I haven’t had any formal work experience though, I just taught myself how to do it.

How would you describe your clothes?
Urban, street and unique

What inspires you?

Other young designers who are dedicated

Have you been involved in any big projects?
I have worked with Hoodies & Shadez where we did a photoshoot sending a message across that not all young people who wear hoodies are criminals. I also did a fashion show at the young designer awards where we had to make an avant garde outfit.

There's loads of designers out there fighting to get noticed what makes your designs so unique?

I pay a lot attention to detail and my clothes are very bright and detailed.

Who would you love to dress?
Gwen Steffani and Gym class heroes

What's next for you?
To keep on pushing and hopefully setting up my own business one day!

For more info on or to view/buy Gk - DESIGNz go to:
www.myspace.com/airbrushdesign