Got my stunners on.

With the younger generation taking over, there was bound to be a couple of individuals who stood out from the rest. Whether he’s riding beats that would make even Willy Wonker buss a screetchy or rockin’ a fitted, SHADEZ does it all. All I’m saying is if you don’t know about this seventeen year, old super-fly monstrosity by now…BOY BETTER GET TO KNOW.

So, do you mind telling the sweet public what you've been up to recently?


I have been busy mainly just planning and getting everything ready. Doing some freelance design for a lot of clothing lines and up and coming clothing lines e.g Benjart, Ask Your Girl and Avit. Working with my design crew I’m in called Modu which means 'members of the underground'. We just recently had our launch party, doing some clothing for the up and coming ATL feat Doctor video, and featuring in a number of music videos e.g. Shyties new vid and F-streets new vid.

Rumor has it your only 17 years old, how do you manage to juggle your time?

It’s very hard, but I always plan ahead so I am able to know what I am doing. Design wise, I jus go with my thoughts. But ‘cause I’m always busy, if people want to arrange something with me it tends to be planned way before rather than late notice *laughs*. I usually record dates in my phone, and yes I am 17! People are shocked when I say that cause I do look older than I am, but I don’t see age as a limit when it comes to creativity. Also because I am so young people underestimate me but I am just trying to do what no one has done and become a unique focused and business minded young adult. Which may lead to me inspiring more people who want to get out there!


At such a young age, how have you managed to stay persistent in such a hectic business?

One thing I did was not to put myself in any bracket. Not to be compared to anyone else and just staying on point and sticking to my theme. Also by just turning to God and laying my plans with him (yes I am a strong Christian). I don’t tend to think like my age group, and I use his to help me move forward as I don’t want to be classed as anything. I also stay persistent by bringing you something new!


On the music front, your beats are pretty unique, the 'Retro Kandiiiiii Shadez' track in particular, where do you find your inspiration?

Inspiration comes from my whole image, also if it wasn’t for my boy MR PEACHES (myspace.com/mrpeachesmusic), the whole image wouldn’t have been able to come to life. I was basically looking for a song that would sum up my whole out look as an individual. I am a retro/urban person, yet still heavily influenced by God, not to mention the fact that I have a wacky mind like Willy wonka’s…basically you could call me insane!

If you could work with any producer/artist who would it be?

Everyone would say this…but the Neptunes. I love their feel. I would also love to work with anyone who’s unique with what they do and has soul. I am working with a good friend of mine, Heavywieght Productions. He has a good track record working with all of the known grime artists, from wretch 32 to chipmunk to many more. His style is unique as he is very versatile. Also my friend Versa…he is self explanatory. Another Mr. Versatile, also bringing out a completely unique sound when producing.

You are also quite a fashionable dude, how did the line come about?

Fashionable… that’s quite a compliment! But I don’t really see myself as that, I just try to create my own swagga and mix and match. I don’t aim to be the same as others. This also inspired me to do a clothing line ‘cause I was sick and tired of wearing the same thing. Clothing seemed to be limited to Nike this and Addidas that. Don’t get me wrong they are good clothing lines, but also very common, so I wanted to make a clothing line where people can be themselves…an individual.


Come on!, spill the beans about your line then!

I don’t really want to expose the clothing as such, but all I’m saying is that it involves Urban,Retro ,Experimental with Sweets. An 80’s Willy Wonka mixed with some robotic nerd vibes, its very colourful candy colours to be exact.

What are your prices?

My prices vary, just message me the smallest is like £10.00 I guess…but message me on www.myspace.com/kidkandi. I will actually answer! I can’t really put a price on things as it depends on how much time I put in.


Being a male in the fashion business, do you think things are harder on you?

Things are hard as to me personally, I think anyone can make a clothing line but what makes you successful is that your clothing has something cut above the rest. You must be unique and aim to do something outside the box while other just do what has been already done. I do think at times its hard for me, but I know my theme, my aim and what I am trying to show. My clothing line has a theme and purpose to it meaning there is a a backbone structure whereas other clothing lines (no offence) just put any old thing on a shirt.

Talking generally, (in both the music and fashion business) what has been your best experience?

Best experience?... I feel it’s yet to come. But a positive point has been working with people who I thought I would never meet let alone embrace a conversation with! I’m really grateful to everyone I’ve meet ‘cause I look up to these people and to hear them say they look up to me is quite surreal. I just continue to stay thankful as without god I wouldn’t even be here.

You know the deal, what has been your worst?...spill it.

I ain’t had my worst yet, I have problems in which I see the positive side and use that to help me. But no worst situation yet… however there can be some ungrateful people who don’t show appreciation when you do something for them. But then it comes with the job I guess!

Where would you like to see yourself in 10 years?

10 years… I aspire to continue fashion and make a mark with my clothing. I am still young, so I feel if I start now I am able to go back to it when I am older. I may continue acting and eventually pursue a career in it. Those are thing I feel I want to carry on because I’m able to express myself, and show the different shades to me. I want to be able to have lifes basics, I guess getting married…the kids…the house…the car!

What advice do you give other young people that want to get into your line of work?

Advice I would give to young people is, never listen to doubt. If you want to do something… just do it! (I love Nike for that *laughs*). Aim to be different, don’t aim to do what people have already done. It’s stupid. Find your own image, so you can portray what YOU want to sell. Oh, and make sure you have a theme to your clothing. It’s like the backbone which supports your clothing. Yeah, just be yourself no matter what people say…you’ll prove them wrong.

Do you have any shout outs?

Woah! I have loads, I jus wanna’ shout out Modu and all the members of UglyKidsClub. I mean we work real hard to do what we do. If you want a fresh tee just go onto www.myspace.com/uglykidsclub. I also want to shout out, The Retro Rangers (Kay star a.k.a pink ranger also Ms V. a.k.a yellow ranger ). I’m also that, we are basically a group that have more swagga than Dennis Rodman in heels mixed with a cat from the 80’s! Shout out to my swagga bro in crime Moz , my swagga girl in crime Scarlett, Jasmine, Self, Pins and to my management Saintclinx. Also Twisti, gg customs and not to mention Mr peaches. It’s a long list but to all those in my top friends, and those who are supporting me as I still grow and learn as a person and designer. Lord willing I will be a good example to the younger generation who aspire to take on the same route as I am taking.

Damn, what I would give to see SHADEZ phone book! Don't forget to check him out at his myspace page, www.myspace.com/kidkandi. Don't sleep on this one!