No Sigel-style Jigga beef or fraudulent Roc signs here, people: Freeway’s strictly ’bout his business. We sat down with him to hear all about Jamaican shirts, Disney World, and his religious faith in another edition of The Complex 7. Read on for the interview and a download link for his smokin’ new tape. EARLY!

Interview by Valeriya Safronova

 #1: WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL GIRLFRIEND?

Freeway says: I just don’t like when a chick is too annoying. Too many questions, too annoying…I can’t deal with that. My perfect woman, she gotta be beautiful and understanding. She gotta be a rider, no matter what. No matter what I need her to do, she gotta be able to handle it.

 #2: WHAT’S THE MOST EMBARRASSING PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU’VE EVER WORN?

Freeway says: Back in the day when I was a young bol, I had a Jamaican shirt with a bunch of holes in it. I had met this girl that I knew back in the day, and she was bringing it up, like, “Remember you had that Jamaican shirt with the holes in it?” And I was pretty embarrassed. Can you imagine that?

 #3: IF YOU HAD A WEEK HOLIDAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Freeway says: If I had a week-long holiday I’d go to Orlando, and go to Disney World, and go to Universal Studios. And go to the mall out there.

 #4: WHAT HAS TO BE IN YOUR FRIDGE AT ALL TIMES?

Freeway says: Bottled water, juice, gotta have some fruit in refrigerator, some chicken steaks.

 #5: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER OF ALL TIME?

Freeway says: I love Louis Vuitton sneakers, just like the ones I got on.

 #6: WHAT’S THE WORST WAY YOU’VE BROKEN UP WITH SOMEONE?

Freeway says: I just left them alone. Just left the whole situation alone, let them figure it out.

 #7: WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Freeway says: Last time I cried was at my cousin’s funeral. I actually had a song on the last album, Free at Last, called “I Cry.” And I talked about a lot of times where I had to cry in my life. Y’all should check that out.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

Complex: Do you feel that your religion ever comes in conflict with your fans and the entire industry?

Freeway: Well, people are definitely not like me. There’s a lot of different things that I do. Like you see everybody’s drinking? I can’t drink [sipping on ginger ale], I got five prayers to make a day. There’s definitely a big difference between me and a lot of people, but I’m just doing me and hopefully some of the goodness might reflect on the people.

Complex: During the promotion of The Stimulus Package, you talked about how you want to return to the “real hip-hop”. What exactly did you mean by that?

Freeway: The Stimulus Package is basically what I grew up off of. The hip-hop that I’m used to. Who’s to say what’s real hip-hop and what’s not real hip-hop? People that are making music now, they’re making it from the heart, and I’m making my music from my heart, and that’s my version of real hip-hop. And I definitely think people are gonna love it.

VIDEO: The Beat Made Me Do It trailer

Click here to download The Beat Made Me Do It.

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Yep, actress. Oh you ain’t know? Between working on music and promoting her album Lady Love, LeToya is set to appear in two films next year—Preacher’s Kid and Killers—as well as the play Rumors. Sure, she’s busy, but who’s too busy to undergo The Complex 7? Peep LeToya’s answers on “roach killers,” Marvin Gaye, and whose poster she used to kiss every night. Watch the “Regret” video and read the interview below…

Interview by Andrew Rivera

 #1: WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL BOYFRIEND?

LeToya says: If you have no personality, I can’t do it…no personality and body odor. And you have to have some relationship with God. You can’t be one of those atheists.

 #2: WHAT TYPE OF FOOTWEAR WOULD MAKE YOU COMPLETELY DISMISS A MAN AS A POTENTIAL HOOK-UP?

LeToya says: Like the wrong pair of shoes? I don’t know if I’m a square-toe shoe sort of girl. No! I don’t know if it’s the pointy ones I don’t like—we call them “roach killers” in Houston. [Laughs.] Like, I better not see a dude with roach killers on, no roach-killer Gators!

 #3: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RAP ALBUM?

LeToya says: T.I.—yeah, I mean there is no specific one. You’ve got Paper Trail , I love I’m Serious, his first album, and King is great.

 #4: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD OR HANGOVER REMEDY?

LeToya says: I don’t drink or smoke. Comfort food? You know what? I love cupcakes, I’m a cupcake girl. I always go to Crumbs when I’m in the city.

 #5: WHAT’S THE MOST EFFECTIVE APHRODISIAC FOR YOU?

LeToya says: Anything by Marvin Gaye. His voice is a problem. He has the sexiest voice. Or Maxwell! Yeah, I wouldn’t know about a liquor or anything, so I guess I’d have to apply it to music.

 #6: WHO IS A CHILDHOOD CRUSH YOU CAN’T BELIEVE YOU HAD?

LeToya says: I only had one crush. The only reason I want to take it back is because he ended up being one of my best friends. I was in love! When I say love, I mean, oh my god. Like kissed his poster everyday. Romeo from Immature. Yes, Romeo from Immature, I wanted the eye-patch and everything, I loved him. Kissed the poster every day. But we ended up becoming best friends, so it’s weird, cause now that’s the homie and it’s like, “Wow, I liked you—a lot.”

 #7: DO YOU HAVE A FEMALE CRUSH?

LeToya says: No!

VIDEO: “Regret,” LeToya Luckett f/ Ludacris

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Shaun White is both a professional skater and snowboarder, so it’s not surprising he wants to be pro-everything else, too. His clothing collection for Target is already available, and his second video game, Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage (Ubisoft-Nintendo Wii), just dropped yesterday. Pretty impressive for a 23-year-old, but we knew that dude was an overachiever the first time we saw him land a 1260.

The Olympic gold medalist stopped by the ‘Plex to answer our notorious Complex 7 questionnaire and talk about his favorite features in the new game. Read on to see what he thinks about girls who snowboard, and what he’s embarrassed (or not embarrassed) to wear out in public…

Interview by Soo-Young Kim

 #1: WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL GIRLFRIEND?

Shaun White says: I like girls that snowboard, but I don’t like girls that are all about snowboarding. It kind of drives me nuts. I love to snowboard, but I don’t need my girlfriend to snowboard. But I like a girl that can ride ’cause teaching girlfriends to snowboard is brutal. It’s so brutal. ‘Cause you don’t wanna be the mean guy and leave ‘em, but then all your buddies are hittin’ the jumps. It’s my ongoing battle.

 #2: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER OF ALL TIME?

Shaun White says: I’ve been pretty stoked ’cause I get to make my own shoes for Adio. I’ve been skating in a bunch of different shoes and they got it down. There’s a certain feeling where you feel your board on your feet, and some shoes just don’t have that feeling. You do your ollies and stuff and you just lose the feeling ’cause there’s too much sole or too much rubber, but I’ve been diggin’ Adios.

 #3: WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Shaun White says: Marley and Me. [Laughs.]

Complex: Seriously?

Shaun White says: I think I almost shed a tear. Probably a couple. ‘Cause I just got a dog and everybody’s like, “You totally gotta watch this movie!” Marley and Me really got me. I’ll admit it. It was so sad. Animals get to me, man.

 #4: IF YOU HAD A WEEK HOLIDAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Shaun White says: I’d probably just pick a random place and go. [Laughs.] And not even tell anyone.

Complex: A hot place or a cold place?

Shaun White says: Probably warm, probably islands somewhere. I really like the Maldives. It’s just great surf. It’s just unreal.

 #6: WHAT HAS TO BE IN YOUR FRIDGE AT ALL TIMES?

Shaun White says: No food. [Laughs.] ‘Cause when I leave, it goes rotten. When I get home, I gotta take it out. Anything frozen is what I have to have. But it’s awful ’cause you sit at home like, “Orange chicken or burrito? Fuck! Decisions!”

 #7: WHAT’S THE WORST WAY YOU’VE BROKEN UP WITH SOMEONE?

Shaun White says: Oh man, I’ll tell you my friend got dumped over a blog. [Laughs.] That’s brutal right? I do the face to face usually.

Complex: That’s nice of you. [Laughs.]

Shaun White says: Yeah. Or I twitter it, you know what I mean? [Laughs.] No, I’m just kidding.

 #7: WHAT’S THE MOST EMBARRASSING PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU’VE EVER WORN?

Shaun White says: Embarrassing piece of clothing? Jeez.

[Shaun's friends]: The Duke is solid.

Shaun White says: The Duke’s solid, but it’s not embarrassing.

[Shaun's friends]: No, not for you.

Shaun White says: Oh! Like to admit I wore it? My friend had a joke about this thing, it’s called The Duke. You can see it in any mountain town, like in fur shops. And I’m not a big fan of ‘em ’cause me and animals, right? But he shows up for my birthday and gives me this ridiculous man-fur jock strap. [Laughs.] It’s like this white fur thing, and the tag on it says, “For the man that has everything—The Duke.” And I was so intrigued by it, I wore it out. And I wore it again during Halloween, when I was Freddy Mercury.

Complex: Is it supposed to keep you warm?

Shaun White says: I think it’s to keep others warm. [Laughs.] Nah, I don’t know. It’s supposed to keep…It’s gonna bring the heat wherever you…I should just stop while I’m ahead.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

Complex: What do you like most about your new video game, Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage?

Shaun White: When I saw the Wii Fit board, it was cool because of the fact that it’s so responsive to what you do. When you lean forward it tucks and goes faster. And it’s funny because the first thing I did when I got on there was, “I want to go faster.” You tuck up and go for it and it was cool that you could be sucked into the game like that. This is our second game for Wii—I think the cool part is the MotionPlus. You plug in this pack into the outlet in the back of the controller and you can play without the board. Just flick it to do jumps. What’s cool is once you put the MotionPlus in there, it amplifies every single motion that you do. So, we developed this level where you actually can create your own tricks. Everything that you do with the controller, your character will do on the screen. If you spin it or whatever, it’ll fully simulate what’s going on. You basically make up your own trick and then you can save it and go on later. You can save up to 8 tricks, so it really lets you do whatever you want.

Complex: How else does it differ from your first game?

Shaun White: We added a lot from the first one where it’s the same style with racing, but we added more characters, more levels, more challenges, and definitely better graphics. It’s so much nicer to have the second version out because there’s so many things that happened in the first game where I was like, “Gosh, I wish we had time to fix this, or to fix that.” I didn’t know what I was doing the first time—I mean I made a video game, they asked me what I wanted to see in the game, and for me, I didn’t know what was possible. I was like, “OK, I want a dinosaur to come in,” and realized it was gonna take three months of programming to make a dinosaur or six months of programming to make water ‘cause the physics of how things move and the way everything’s created. So now that I know the restraints that I’m in, I’m able to have better ideas and go, “Well this is totally possible because we did it in this game, but I wanna change it in a certain way,” so a lot of the stuff you see is a bit faster, with bigger jumps. And then instead of the slope style, which was just jumps and rails, we added hip features, quarter pipes, and different set-ups. But I think the coolest thing is probably the fact you can make your own tricks.

Complex: What tricks are you determined to land for skating or snowboarding right now?

Shaun White: Ooh skateboarding, I’ve always wanted to land my 1080, but I haven’t. I always seem to be so focused on trying to just get a really big run together that I haven’t focused on one trick. And snowboarding right now is like 1260s.

Complex: What’s you’re favorite trick to do while you’re snowboarding?

Shaun White: I like to just do huge airs. It’s fun to just go ride and do simple things ’cause it’s so easy. I do certain flips where I can do them and look around. It feels so natural. Everybody thinks that 1080s and big spins are really fun, but it’s just big airs—with The Duke on.

VIDEO: Shaun White discusses his new game with the Los Angeles Times

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What do Grey’s Anatomy, Lincoln Heights, and Yes, Dear all have in common—we mean, besides being shows we’ve never watched by choice. Jocko Sims, that’s what. Though the up-and-coming actor’s resumé is in its early stages, his role as chauffeur Anthony Adams on the Starz series Crash is finally starting to earn him some much-deserved shine.

With the recent release of his song “Head Up” on iTunes and the approaching finale of Crash (Fridays, 10 p.m.), we decided it was time to sit down with Jocko and ask him some of our favorite questions. His name may evoke images of athletic supporters (pause) and creepy computer characters, but give the man a chance—he’s got a lot to say. Read on for Jocko’s take on Latin women, cowboy outfits, and good girlfriends…

 #1: WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL GIRLFRIEND?

Jocko says: Mistrust. And it goes both ways…if you’re untrustworthy, I don’t want anything to do with you as a girlfriend. Moreover, if we are dating, and you don’t trust me, and I’ve given you no reason to not trust me—I somehow find that even more unattractive. I dated a girl once who questioned me all the time about every move I made, and every word I spoke, so much that I began to question myself. I was often left confused, and angry, and all for nothing. I’ll never do that again!

 #2: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER OF ALL TIME?

Jocko says: I had some Coach-brand Chucks a few years ago that I received as a gift. I’ve never gotten so much attention from women over a pair of shoes before or since. Those have to have been my favorite of all time.

 #3: WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Jocko says: This is a downer…and I mean a BIG one. I lost my grandmother in an car accident this past Christmas to a suspect who was running from police on the wrong side of the freeway and crashed into my family head on. I think about her all the time and I miss her. I can’t understand why people do such stupid shit (the suspect also died, along with my aunt; my uncle, as of today, cannot walk or talk). The shock of how my grandmother left hurts me. When I think about it, I often shed tears. I’m pretty sure the last time I cried I was thinking about her.

 #4: IF YOU HAD A WEEK HOLIDAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Jocko says: I would definitely spend it somewhere in a Latin country. Puerto Rico, Brazil, Domincan Republic. I love the cultures and the women are blindingly beautiful.

 #5: WHAT HAS TO BE IN YOUR FRIDGE AT ALL TIMES?

Jocko says: How about in my pantry? I have to have Frosted Flakes, and/or Cap’n Crunch.

 #6: WHAT’S THE WORST WAY YOU’VE BROKEN UP WITH SOMEONE?

Jocko says: Yikes. My ex-girlfriend got into an acting school in London while I was at college. When I realized that I wanted to “explore” other options while she was gone, I respectfully ended the relationship before I did anything, which was good. The bad thing is that I ended it over the phone!

 #7: WHAT’S THE MOST EMBARRASSING PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU’VE EVER WORN?

Jocko says: For a job? Some child-like pajamas for a scene in a movie…and it wasn’t a comedy. By choice? A tight suede cowboy outfit to a beach party. Although it was in Texas, it surely was not the right environment to choose to be creative. Here we are 10 years later, and my boys still have not let me hear the end of it.

VIDEO: “Head Up,” Jocko Sims

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On that note, we had Pearl come through our offices for a meet and great, and we must say she’s even cooler in person. Tonight, Pearl is performing at Bowery Ballroom, and at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on November 25th. We’ve heard her live shows are awesome, but if you plan on going, make sure you don’t act up, because she’ll beat the shit out of you. No, really.

Interview by Nak Im

 #1: WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL BOYFRIEND?

Jemina Pearl says: I feel like it’s maybe cliche but bad taste in music. Or if he is in a band and his band is really bad, then it’s just not gonna happen. Because it always causes issues. I’ve dated people where they’re were in a band before, and they’re like “what did you think of the show?” I’m not gonna lie, like “it was awesome!” So then they’d get all pissed off. If I can’t get down with the music, it’s not gonna work out at all.

 #2: WHAT TYPE OF FOOTWEAR WOULD COMPLETELY MAKE YOU DISMISS A MAN AS A POTENTIAL HOOK-UP?

Jemina Pearl says: What are those things? Crocs? Those are like Birkenstocks.

 #3: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RAP ALBUM?

Jemina Pearl says: That’s hard. The first rap album I ever bought was Paul’s Boutique by the Beastie Boys. So I would say that that has a pretty special place in my heart.

 #4: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD OR HANGOVER REMEDY?

Jemina Pearl says: I would say eating something really greasy. Either a grilled cheese sandwich or a slice of pizza. Something really greasy helps my stomach feel better. Something with a lot of bread, a lot of carbs and not so many flavors going on. And then a Gatorade and some Extra Strength Tylenol.

 #5: WHAT’S THE MOST EFFECTIVE APHRODISIAC FOR YOU?

Jemina Pearl says: I don’t know. Alcohol? [Laughs.]

 #6: WHO IS A CHILDHOOD CRUSH THAT YOU CAN’T BELIEVE YOU HAD?

Jemina Pearl says: My first crush was on Raphael from the Ninja Turtles. But I feel like that’s a pretty cool one. I think I went through a brief phase where I had a crush on Elijah Wood in North and Flipper. But I don’t really know how I feel about that now.

 #7: WHO IS YOUR FEMALE CRUSH?

Jemina Pearl says: That’s hard. Maybe Patti Smith back in the day. Not so much because I think she was super hot, but I just want to hang out with her. I don’t know, it’s hard for me to think who is super hot. Making out with girls is like ehh…

BONUS QUESTIONS:

Complex: You blog about Super Nintendo a lot.

Jemina: Oh, yeah. I love Super Nintendo.

Complex: You’ve heard of Xbox 360? Playstation 3?

Jemina: [Laughs.] I have a Playstation 2 as well. I really want to get a Playstation 3. Boys used to call me in high school to come beat Grand Theft Auto levels for them because I was better at it than they were. But they’re just so fucking expensive. And every game is so pricey.

Complex: You also seem to be obsessed with horror movies. How did you get into them? Why?

Jemina: Because they are amazing. I used to be terrified of Chucky, Jason, and Freddie Krueger when I was a little kid. So I think once I got to be a little older, I just really wanted to watch some, because I’ve always been scared of them but never actually saw them. My mom wouldn’t let me, so I think it just started from there. My mom is actually really into horror movies, so I kinda have her to thank for that. But what’s better than someone getting their head chopped off when they don’t have a shirt on?

Complex: What’s the story with your posts on fast food?

Jemina: When we were first doing the blog, I was driving down up and down Northampton to do demos—that’s where Thurston (Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth) lives. [That was] sort of an excuse to go to Burger King or Taco Bell. Doing that in the city kind of makes you feel like an asshole. There is a Taco Bell that just opened up nearby where I live, and I was sort of like “Whoo! I should go eat there!” Then I immediately felt guilty, but I’m about to leave for tour so I’ll probably go back very quickly about being all about fast food.

Complex: What’s your fast food of choice?

Jemina: Definitely Taco Bell. Just because it feels so dirty and awesome. [Laughs.]

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She may play an semi-uptight rich girl on Mad Men, but don’t get it twisted—Alison Brie is down to earth and willing to share all her dirty secrets. Her role on the show—playing wifey to professional cockboy Pete Campbell—leaves us wishing we could see more of her face on the screen, and not just consoling Pete after JFK’s assassination, like last night’s episode.

Luckily for us, Alison’s been getting serious face time on NBC’s only saving grace new hit, Community. And if you’re one of those “I don’t own a TV” people, you can still get familiar—Alison will also soon appear in the indie film Montana Amazon opposite Haley Joel Osment (which we’d be happy to buy you a ticket for if it means you’ll stop the pretentious yammering about your TVlessness). With all that, you’d expect the girl to have at least some dark circles under her eyes, but Alison is as energized and open as can be. Click on for more pics and Brie’s thoughts on suede loafers, arrogant men, and her many male (and female) crushes…

Interview by Valeriya Safronova

 #1: WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL BOYFRIEND?

Allison Brie says: [If he] takes himself too seriously. That’s the number one deal-breaker. I feel like you have to have a sense of humor—I’m not saying you have to be a comedian and make me laugh, but if you take yourself too seriously, I can’t take you seriously.

 #2: WHAT TYPE OF FOOTWEAR WOULD COMPLETELY MAKE YOU DISMISS A MAN AS A POTENTIAL HOOK-UP?

Allison Brie says: Probably suede loafers. I’d just be like, “You know, not my thing.” I don’t know, maybe a guy could pull them off. I mean Chevy Chase pulls them off…but other than that, maybe not my guy.

 #3: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RAP ALBUM?

Allison Brie says: The Lil’ Wayne album was great. “A Milli” was a good song. I’m a big fan of that, but…T.I., actually, I think is better. That’s an album that I went and bought one song on iTunes, and then went back and bought another song, and four songs later, I was like, “I’ll get the album.” They were such good songs. I love that album.

 #4: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD OR HANGOVER REMEDY?

Allison Brie says: It’s a hangover remedy/comfort food: fried zucchini from this place High Life that was our local high-school hangout. I get it in South Pasadena, California. It’s where we would hang after middle school and high school. And it’s like the greasiest, best, fried [food]…it’s like the fried part is almost falling off the zucchini. And the oil is leaking through. With some ranch dressing? So good.

 #5: WHAT’S THE MOST EFFECTIVE APHRODISIAC FOR YOU?

Allison Brie says: Gosh. Probably…I feel like you want something tangible, and yet I would say taking charge or arrogance. There’s something about that. “Yeah, take care of me. Yeah baby. Do it just like that. Take care of me just like that.” [Laughs.]

 #6: WHO IS A CHILDHOOD CRUSH THAT YOU CAN’T BELIEVE YOU HAD?

Allison Brie says: I don’t know. Some—most of them—were pretty good, I gotta say. Joseph Gordon Levitt; I had a big crush on when he was on 3rd Rock from the Sun, with his hair down to his shoulders. And now he’s in 500 Days of Summer, and I still have a crush on him. That crush really stood the test of time. We were talking earlier about Full House, and having a crush on Uncle Jesse. John Stamos…I kind of stand by that one, too. I had good taste when I was little! Although…oh, I know! Jonathan Taylor Thomas. That’s embarrassing. We—my friends and I—our catch phrase would be “J.T.T. is H.O.T.” ’cause it was on the cover of Teen Beat Magazine. That was embarrassing.

 #7: WHO IS YOUR FEMALE CRUSH?

Allison Brie says: Zooey Deschanel. She’s gorgeous. I just love her. She was on Top Chef Masters—they cooked her a vegan meal—and I thought, “Oh, she’s eating a vegan meal on Top Chef Masters.” She stole my heart. I think she’s a great actress, and she chooses amazing roles, and her style…her singing voice is amazing. Yeah, I like her a lot.

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Let’s be honest, New York Knicks fans haven’t had much to cheer about this decade. Even the masochists among them must have been overwhelmed by Stephon Marbury, the sex scandals, and seven consecutive losing seasons. Fortunately the Knicks do have a bright spot: 5’9” point guard Nate “Krypto-Nate” Robinson.

Tomorrow, on Halloween, the Knicks host their home opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, and Garden fans will hope that the energetic Nate Rob, who won dunk contest titles in 2006 and 2009 with his 44-inch vertical leap, will treat them to some hustle and an ill jam. Complex caught up with the Seattle native and avid gamer at an NBA 2K10 party to get his answers to “the Complex 7.” Read on to see if his answers were slam dunks.

Interview by Ralph Warner
 #1: WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL GIRLFRIEND?

Nate says: She can’t date any other athletes. [Laughs.]

 #2: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER OF ALL TIME?

Nate says: I would have to go with the Jordan VIIIs.

 #3: WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Nate says: On September 17, when my daughter was born.

 #4: IF YOU HAD A WEEK HOLIDAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Nate says: I would make it a basketball week. Everyone in the world would have to stop everything your doing and put basketball courts all around the world. Everyone would have to play basketball all day. They’ll be like slaves—slaves to the game.

 #5: WHAT HAS TO BE IN YOUR FRIDGE AT ALL TIMES?

Nate says: Oh man, that’s tough. I’m trying to think of what’s in my fridge right now. Probably Capri Sun for my kids; they love Capri Sun.

 #6: WHAT’S THE WORST WAY YOU’VE BROKEN UP WITH SOMEONE?

Nate says: [Laughs.] It was my ex-girlfriend from high school, I just never called her again.

 #7: WHAT’S THE MOST EMBARRASSING PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU’VE EVER WORN?

Nate says: Aw man, I wore my mom’s sweats one day to school back in middle school. They were black with a pink stripe on the side. We didn’t have any money, so we had to make it work. [Laughs.]

BONUS QUESTIONS:

Complex: What’s your favorite video game and video game character of all time?

Nate: Tecmo Bowl the game and Tecmo Bo (Bo Jackson) the player. That’s a classic right there!

Complex: What artists are you currently listening to?

Nate: I listen to everybody. I listen to my little brother—he raps a lot and sends me his music. I also listen to Drake, Jay-Z The Blueprint 3, Cassidy, Jadakiss, that’s about it. Oh, and Wayne! Can’t forget about Wayne!

Complex: If you had to create a rap name for yourself, what would it be?

Nate: It would be Nizzo.

VIDEO: Nate’s 2009 NBA Dunk Contest final dunk

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The secret ingredient for our sleeper pick though is forward Caron “Tough Juice” Butler. With a personal commitment to defense, the 29-year-old UConn product is hoping to be the glue that keeps the Wizards together. The two-time NBA All-Star took some time out to answer the Complex 7 and discussed getting Jordans weeks ahead of the release date, bumpin’ that new Taylor Swift track, and the keys to Wizards’ success this season.

Interview by Ralph Warner
 #1: WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL GIRLFRIEND?

Caron says: I’d have to say bad feet. [Laughs.]

 #2: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER OF ALL TIME?

Caron says: Of all time…that would have to be the Jordan Xs.

Complex says: We heard that while at UConn you always had the new Jordans before they were released, how did you get them early?

Caron says: I had a nice hook up at the mall. I use to always just tell the people that worked at the Foot Locker, “Man I got to have the Jordans before anyone else has ‘em.” Then I paid a little extra and made sure I had the shoes. If we played a game two weeks ahead of the time they were released, I definitely had them.

 #3: WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Caron says: When I was on the Oprah Winfrey show talking about my life and what I had been through.

 #4: IF YOU HAD A WEEK HOLIDAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Caron says: I would just want to spend as much time as possible with the family. My favorite holidays are ones like Thanksgiving where you’re just with the family.

Butler has raised his points per game average each year since 2004.

 #5: WHAT HAS GOT TO BE IN YOUR FRIDGE AT ALL TIMES?

Caron says: I love O.J. and salmon, have to have those.

 #6: WHAT’S THE WORST WAY YOU’VE BROKEN UP WITH SOMEONE?

Caron says: [Laughs.] I’d have to say just not calling back.

 #7: WHAT’S THE MOST EMBARRASSING PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU’VE EVER WORN?

Caron says: Oh man…the Michael Jackson Thriller jacket.

Complex says: That’s back in the ‘80s when it was hot not anytime recently, right?

Caron says: [Laughs.] Nah definitely back then.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

Complex: What artists are you currently bumpin?

Caron: I love Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, and John Legend. Taylor Swift is also somebody that I have started liking, I like her new song. But usually during pregame I’ll listen to a lot of hip-hop. You don’t want to listen to R&B or something and get too relaxed. So I’ll usually listen to 2Pac, Biggie or Jay-Z.

Complex: We’ve heard about your commitment to improving on the defensive end this year. Can you tell us about what specific adjustments you’ve made?

Caron: Endurance, that’s something that I worked on a lot in the off season. Working on my strength and agility to be able to do it on both ends of the floor because it exerts a lot of energy.

Complex: What is the key to the Wizards’ success this season?

Caron: The health of our core guys. Myself, Gilbert, Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood.

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Salli’s not old enough to make our blaxploitation hotties list, but she still merits an honorable mention (if not a Wifey Hall of Fame!). Like her Black Dynamite character Gloria, Salli is straight-up honest and doesn’t beat around the bush (no pause). Peep after the jump to see more pics of this stunner and find out why Salli still loves Kanye, what she uses to cure hangovers, and her adolescent plans to marry Prince…

Interview by Andrew Rivera

 #1: WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL BOYFRIEND?

Salli Richardson says: I guess you don’t know that they’re going to be jerks until later. Like if they’re abusive. [Laughs.] I think that’s once you’re actually dating but probably if they already have a girlfriend. If you don’t ask the guy, he probably won’t tell you. So do you have a girlfriend?! You do? We can’t date then. [Laughs.] I mean that’s just me, it has happened to me before. Guys always have girlfriends they’re trying to hide. Some dudes will try to pick you up while they’re living with their girlfriends and they try to make it seem like they don’t have a land line or something.

 #2: WHAT TYPE OF FOOTWEAR WOULD COMPLETELY MAKE YOU DISMISS A MAN AS A POTENTIAL HOOK-UP?

Salli Richardson says:I don’t really think there is a particular brand of shoe or a style i really can’t stand but I don’t like a nasty or dirty shoe. I like people who take care of themselves, so that wouldn’t fly. I can’t hang with somebody walking around with some old, dirty shoes. [Laughs.]

 #3: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RAP ALBUM?

Salli Richardson says: You’re asking the wrong person right now [Laughs.] I guess this is going to sound like the worst person to say right now but I love Kanye West. He’s probably the worst person to love right now because he’s in so much trouble but I really love his music. I think that he really elevates rap to me. He brings different styles in and it’s something my daughter can kind of listen to. It’s not completely hardcore, it does have a message. Maybe it’s just the rap that I like and he’s from Chicago so that works for me. [Laughs.] I hate saying that but there are a lot of crazy artists, but that doesn’t change the fact that his music is great. My husband is going to be like, “I can’t believe you said that.” [Laughs.] To be more clear: I love Kanye the artist. We don’t need him talking so much though.

 #4: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD OR HANGOVER REMEDY?

Salli Richardson says: Comfort food is pizza. Hangover remedy is—I know this is going to sound crazy because now I’m all into health foods, but before you go to bed and you drink a glass of this stuff called “Activated Charcoal,” you won’t have a hangover the next day. It’s like a health thing, people use it to full detox. It’s a well-kept secret but it works really well. They put it in poison kits, so if you get poisoned, that can hold you off ’til you get to the hospital. You can go look that up now. [Laughs.]

 #5: WHAT’S THE MOST EFFECTIVE APHRODISIAC FOR YOU?

Salli Richardson says: Well it’s not really an aphrodisiac but I like an aggressive, assertive man. The type who will make decisions for me because I have to make a lot of decisions on my own already. I know that’s not an aphrodisiac but I think that most women—I don’t know, what am I gonna say, drink a bottle of wine? [Laughs.] For most women, someone who plans things out and takes charge is a turn-on.

 #6: WHO IS A CHILDHOOD CRUSH THAT YOU CAN’T BELIEVE YOU HAD?

Salli Richardson says: God, I loved Prince at the time but do you really like say that? I don’t know if I would actually date Prince now as an older person but it seemed great when I was younger. I just knew he was going to meet me and marry me because I decided I looked like Vanity and those other girls. [Laughs.] I think I look back now and say, “Ah, you don’t really want to be married to Prince anyway—but it was a good idea at the time!”

 #7: WHO IS YOUR FEMALE CRUSH?

Salli Richardson says: I don’t think I have female crush but I’ll tell you who I think is stunningly beautiful. I used to think that Angelina Jolie was really beautiful but—and I hate saying this, I do think she’s looking a little thin. Though, her whole aura is sexy and hot. She’s not just pretty—there are a lot of pretty girls but they have absolutely no sex appeal.

RELATED:
-Righteous! The Sexiest Women of Blaxploitation
-The 50 Best Blaxploitation Movies of all Time

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We haven’t heard much from Doe since his awesome verse on “We Major,” but he’s been working hard promoting his debut album, First Impressions. Thankfully, he’s not working too hard—as you’ll soon find out, he still has time to play high-stakes Madden with GLC and pour champagne on women with Swizzy. We sat down with the affable Chi-town MC to talk about voicemail breakups, free liquor, and when Cudi and GLC clowned his shoes. Read on for the interview and to peep the video for his song, “Mesmerized”…

 #1: WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL GIRLFRIEND?

Really Doe says: Not respecting my time. Not really respecting my craft and different things like that. Sometimes I feel like some of the women I’ve dated in my life are like jealous guys, you know what I mean? Like jealous niggas. Like I come to the crib with some new shit on and she’s lookin’ at me like, “Ugh!” [Laughs.] You know what I mean? I can’t deal with that. She’s like, “Why can’t you be a regular nigga? Maybe this relationship would go further.” I hate for a woman to try to change my life. I’ve dated a woman where things had to end because of that. Even when they bring their parents into it like, “Well if you’re going to date my daughter you have to attend church.” My response to that is usually, “I am who I am, you can’t change that.” I am what I am. You either love me or leave me alone and that’s what it is—although I do love women, shit! [Laughs.]

 #2: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER OF ALL TIME?

Really Doe says: Jordans, easy. He changed my life. He had me wanting to play ball after school. After watching a Jordan highlight me and GLC would get so geeked up to hit the court. If that isn’t motivation, I don’t know what is. Not only that but growing up in Chicago and going to school with a new pair of Jordans on?! Oh my goodness! I mean in high school dudes were cutting class just to go to the store and get some new Jordans and then come back to school just to show them off. [Laughs.] You know what I did to get a fresh pair of Jordans? The Bugs Bunny ones? I went down a whole size smaller, squeezed my foot—dog, on some “Hammer Time,” Denzel in Glory shit. Feet just balled up…hurting! Just to rock some new Jordans.

 #3: WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Really Doe says: I think the last time I cried was…my moms and my family are so supportive of what I do, though sometimes they hide things from me. Like my mom was having open-heart surgery and my sisters hid it from me. I was on the road with Kanye and just bouncing around and I can just imagine how my mom felt with her son not being there in the hospital and she’s about to go through a major surgery, you know? So I was kind of upset with my family about that. Kanye and I were in Miami, there wasn’t even anything serious going on. I’m pretty sure we were partying, having some drinks with women around. I could imagine how my moms was feeling like, “Damn, I know my son is busy but there’s something major about to happen.” Because she didn’t know that I wasn’t told and just assumed I didn’t call. So when I found out I was hurt. It took another family member to tell me. It didn’t come from my brothers in sisters, they hide everything. So I just emotionally crashed.

 #4: IF YOU HAD A WEEK HOLIDAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Really Doe says: I might post up in Brazil or Puerto Rico or something like that. I like to travel so somewhere with good weather and beautiful women. I don’t know though, it varies. Maybe I’ll be around my friends and family for a whole week, just sit back and vibe out. I like to be a normal guy too, in my down time. Like call the guys up, play some Madden for some bread or something. Just vibe out with my family and friends. Maybe catch some basket ball or football games.

 #5: WHAT HAS GOT TO BE IN YOUR FRIDGE AT ALL TIMES?

Really Doe says: Of course water. Of course Patron, most definitely. [Laughs.] Yeah man, we had liquor sponsors from our tours and I don’t know, I think I’ve got problems now, man. I think I got screws loose. [Laughs.] We just have big-ass boxes of alcohol on our bus and we just keep them there. After the show its the afterparty, so we’d take ‘em up to our room.

 #6: WHAT’S THE WORST WAY YOU’VE EVER BROKEN UP WITH SOMEONE?

Really Doe says: Maybe a voicemail. I would say things like, “Man, I really don’t think this is going to work out. I really don’t have time for this. You don’t want this. Let’s be friends?” I mean some women get nicer treatment. Like some women can call me Warren. Not all of them, but some. Or, “Hey Really D!” I love Doe. I love Papi too, you know? [Laughs.] But anyway, yeah it’s usually, “This ain’t really working out, gotta go, peace!” To be honest with you, I don’t really get too emotionally attached to girls. So sometimes its not a breakup but I’ll just switch numbers or not respond to emails or anything like that. I don’t make enemies with my ex-girls. I don’t like having enemies with these women, you know, even if we did have a sexual relationship. I just want them to be able to look back and be like, “That’s that dude.” Plus I always please the women before myself, ’cause I don’t want my name out there all bad like, “Really Doe ain’t shit in the bed!” [Laughs.] So I like to have it so that they’re like, “Oh shit, I ain’t with him but he tore this ass up!” [Laughs.]

 #7: WHAT’S THE MOST EMBARRASSING PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU’VE EVER WORN?

Really Doe says: Shit man, I’ll give you two. It doesn’t really count when you’re a kid, but the first one was my mom used to always make me wear these dookie-brown deep corduroys. Man, you could always hear me walking around the school with the sound of that shit rubbing together. [Laughs.] I would try to hide them from her. Like for real in my basement, under boxes! But my moms would always find these pants man and make me wear them. I think that the second worst moment had to be when GLC and Cudi got me in Austin, Texas. One of my guys, he owns a boutique out in Chicago and I was trying to go through something like, “This is that new shoe!” So I bought the shoe. It was some DC shit. I bumped the shoes and it looked fly with my outfit to me, you know? So we in Texas and we getting it in, and I come out and all I hear is GLC and Cudi like, “One of these kids is doing his own thing!” So I had to put my guns up. So GLC pulled out the camera and Semtex all the way from Europe was trying to roast me. [Laughs.] So the worst thing that can happen, does. YouTube and blog sites everywhere: “Attack of the Crazy Shoes.” There were videos everywhere.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

Complex: We were talking about women. Are there any celebrity women you’re trying to get at?

Really Doe says: Not really, because sometimes I see the celebrity women and the groupies look better to me. [Laughs.] I look at them and they have better features. I feel like a lot or rappers or a lot of guys knocked off celebrity women just to name-drop. I’m not that kind of guy—and you know, I’m international with the pimpin’ too. So somedays I’ll wake up in a different mood like, “Oh man, I want something Spanish!” [Laughs.]

Complex: You said you play Madden for cash. What’s your worst Madden moment?

Really Doe says: I think it was GLC. You know how when you’re selecting a play, someone else can watch it on the same screen? To make matters worse, we were playing for money. Just like $500 or something like that. So like I said, in Madden you can just sit there and view someone picking their play. So GLC was watching every move I made and every play I picked! Oh my God dog, you talkin’ about wanting to strangle someone. I had to scroll through the picks crazy fast. I was trying to memorize where exactly the plays were, but he got me almost every time…that shit drives me crazy. I wanted to throw the controller.

Complex: So free liquor must mean trouble. What’s the most you ever drank?

Really Doe says: I think my birthday in Vegas. ‘Ye, Swizz Beatz and other people were there. Everyone was buying me bottles and Swizz was like, “I got you a table! Over here.” They handed me three or four bottles and a shitload of models. Then later I went up my room and Kanye had bought like five or six bottles on ice. I actually got pictures on my MySpace or something. I think I drank—mind you I’m not a champagne drinker—like three or four bottles myself, like wildin’ out! Like “AGH!” Just crazy drunk and throwing champagne on girls. Man it was just a great experience.

VIDEO: “Mesmerized,” Really Doe

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Whether you like it or not, the Cali-based jerkin’ dance/style movement doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon. We profiled a bunch of anonymous jerkin’ kids over the summer in our Street Detail series, but as with any youth-oriented craze, the suits are now swarming in to capitalize on the trend. That explains why we’ve been bombarded with jerkin’ acts like KeKe Palmer (”Super Jerkin”) and The New Boyz (”You’re a Jerk”), and the subject of today’s Complex 7, Audio Push. Are we approaching jerk overkill? Time will tell, but we feel like this L.A. duo could be leaders, not followers.

Oktane, 19, and Price Tag, 18, are the two dancers-turned-rappers who make up Audio Push, Interscope’s contribution to the jerkin’ feeding frenzy. The tandem’s debut single “Teach Me How To Jerk” is meant to instruct the rest of how to actually execute the jerk dance. (Only a matter of time before Ellen DeGeneres gets up on it.) But don’t let the skinny jeans fool you—these kids still keep it hood. Read on for our interview and watch the Audio Push video below…

Interview By Guille Mendoza

 #1: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER OF ALL TIME?

Price Tag says: For me, it would have to be the Air Jordan VIIIs. The Space Jam joints. Had them when I was a little kid. Never seen them since but it was nice.

Oktane says: For me, it would have to be the Is. The Air Jordan Is. Actually the ones that just came out, in the little pack, the green and white ones.

 #2: WHAT’S THE MOST EMBARRASSING PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU’VE EVER WORN?

Price Tag says: When I owned it, it was poppin’…like Mecca. Or stuff like Joe Boxer.

Oktane says: When we wore like the big ol’ shirts, like real, real big oversized shirts.

Price Tag says: 20X talls!

 #3: WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL GIRLFRIEND?

Price Tag says: If she smokes. If she smokes or is a liar. Cut!

Oktane says: Yeah, same thing—if she smokes. Like it’s a no-go.

 #4: WHAT’S THE WORST WAY YOU’VE BROKEN UP WITH SOMEONE?

Price Tag says: When I was younger, I used to have a friend do it. Tell her, “I don’t want to go out with her no more.” Run over there and tell her. Actually, there was a girl I wanted to break up with at church because I wanted to get with this other girl—this was when I was about 14. So I just told her, walked up to her and said, “I don’t want to be your boyfriend any more.” I walked off and then [laughs] five seconds after, I asked the other girl out. She said, “Yeah.” That was probably the worst one.

Oktane says: Mine are all standard. I don’t really have any bad breakups. It just happens and that’s it. I don’t really have one that’s really bad.

 #5: WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Price Tag says: Three weeks maybe. My cousin was shot in the head. Almost cried today; one of our friends was shot in the neck.

Oktane says: Yeah, probably three weeks ago.

 #6: IF YOU HAD A WEEK HOLIDAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Price Tag says: I would go to Cabo. And when I get to Cabo, all the restaurants have to be open just for me. Everything’s for me! Everything’s mine! Whatever and whoever I want to be able to do, but it has to be all ruled by me. The whole week. So if I want Chipotle all for me and the people I’m with, it’s all for me and the people I’m with. [Laughs.] Cabo, chicks, clothes, and food.

Oktane says: Mine would consist of NBA 2K9. Matter fact, 2K10. I’d want that in advance. Parties and all my bros. Doesn’t matter where, as long as we’re all just chilling and relaxing.

 #7: WHAT HAS GOT TO BE IN YOUR FRIDGE AT ALL TIMES?

Price Tag says: Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets. Gotta be in there. They have to.

Oktane says: Frozen pizza. The DiGiorno joints.

BONUS QUESTIONS
 #1: How did Audio Push learn to jerk?

Price Tag: We were taught by this crew Crucial Kings, about two years ago. They were backup dancers and they were doing their thing. They had just jumped off stage. We were like, “Yo that’s crazy!” So we had them teach us. As soon as they got off stage, they taught us. Then we started jerking. Then we thought, “Is there a song for this?” We checked everywhere on MySpace. We didn’t want to be biters. No one had a song so we dropped a joint called “Just Jerk.” After that everybody started making their jerk songs and the rest is history.

 #2: Do you have anything to say about the jerkin’ novement?

Oktane says: The jerk movement is just heavy. It’s big. It’s what’s giving young people a voice.

Price Tag says: Yeah, it’s what’s making noise right now. We are definitely happy to be a part of the movement. We advise everybody to get up on it. Everybody needs to learn how to jerk. The jerkin’ movement is poppin’. Shit’s dope.

VIDEO: “Teach Me How To Jerk,” Audio Push

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But don’t count Live out just yet—EA has essentially acknowledged the weaknesses of its recent NBA offerings by proclaiming this year’s edition as the franchise’s comeback. And it looks the part: NBA Live 10 (which drops today on 360, PS3, and PSP) has been rebuilt from the floor up, with more realistic gameplay and sim features as well as “Dynamic DNA,” which wirelessly updates player and team info throughout the season. Over the summer, we visited the EA Canada headquarters near Vancouver to get an early look at Live 10 and chat with its cover athlete. Read on for Dwight Howard’s candid responses to The Complex 7 as well as a look at the Live trailer and Buy It Now links…

 #1: WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL GIRLFRIEND?

Dwight says: For me, somebody that’s nagging. I don’t like somebody that’s nagging for attention. She’s gonna get my attention but she doesn’t have to nag for it. I prefer laidback—just let me do my thing and when they wanna get together, all right.

 #2: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER OF ALL TIME?

Dwight says: I’ve always liked Jordans, the way they feel. [Ed. note—Dwight is an adidas athlete. Zoinks!] I’ve only played in one pair and I can’t remember the name.

Complex says: So I guess you’re not a real Jordan head if you can’t remember which one.

Dwight says: No, not like that. But I did like his shoes, they look good. But the most comfortable pair I ever worn is the Air Force 1. They just feel good.

 #3: WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Dwight says:: A couple of weeks after the Finals. I was watching a special on a local station about our season and they were showing a review and talking to different players and they showed some highlights and I thought about some good times and getting far in our run for the championship. I started thinking about all that stuff and got some tears in my eyes.

Complex says: The emotions are still kinda raw from that, huh?

Dwight says: Oh yeah, you know it’ll be in my mind for a while. That was a big moment in my life, playing in the NBA Finals.

 #4: IF YOU HAD A WEEK HOLIDAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Dwight says: I’d probably be somewhere resting getting a good massage. I like coming up here to Vancouver. It’s a beautiful place. I been here kinda low-key for the past three years, just staying at a hotel to chill and get my mind off basketball.

 #5: WHAT HAS GOT TO BE IN YOUR FRIDGE AT ALL TIMES?

Dwight says: Something…it’s a sports drink, I’ll say that. Can’t say what. [Ed. note—Dwight is sponsored by Vitaminwater. Zoinks!]

 #6: WHAT’S THE WORST WAY YOU’VE BROKEN UP WITH SOMEONE?

Dwight says: I’m very emotional and I love relationships and sharing time with my significant other. I don’t think I’ve had any bad breakups that I caused, but I would say the worst way I broke up was I had one of my homeboys do it for me. I was in the 9th grade. We had gotten in the classroom, and he wrote on the chalkboard, “It’s over.” All my classmates came in and said, “It’s over!” And she still didn’t get it.

 #7: WHAT’S THE MOST EMBARRASSING PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU’VE EVER WORN?

Dwight says: Well, I’m not embarrassed about clothing. Growing up we always had Tacky Day, so I’ve worn just about anything. So I wouldn’t say I’ve had any embarrassing moments wearing clothes.

VIDEO: NBA LIVE 10 trailer

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Rap history is filled with many interesting “put me on” breakthrough stories, but if there’s a common lesson, it’s this: Seize your opportunity. Case in point—Durham, N.C. native Thomas Hardison was attending a local community college when he found out that producer 9th Wonder was teaching a hip-hop class at nearby North Carolina Central University. Tom promptly ditched his remedial math class and snuck into one of 9th’s classes as an unregistered student. Tom would attend a few of 9th’s academic sessions, each time spitting rhymes for him—and eventually, persistence (and a dope flow) overcame resistance, and 9th signed the newly christened Thee Tom Hardy.

9th has his hands full with his labels Jamla and The Academy, which just released The Hardy Boy Mystery Mixtape: Curse of the Green Faceded, Tom Hardy’s debut. We chatted with the 20-year-old new artist and his mentor for the latest edition of The Complex 7, in which Tom and 9th discuss bad breakups, dissing Asher Roth, and the possibility of a Little Brother reunion album. Also see below for a download link to the tape and Tom’s video debut…

Interview by Ralph Warner

 #1: WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL GIRLFRIEND?

9th Wonder says: Girlfriend? I haven’t had one of those in years, I’m married so you can’t ask me that. [Laughs.] Trying to get me in trouble. When I was in high school or college it was a woman that smokes.

Tom Hardy says: Bad hygiene, I just can’t deal with bad personal hygiene.

 #2: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER OF ALL TIME?

9th Wonder says: Jordan, the Jordan V are my favorites.

Tom Hardy says: I’d have to say the all-white Air Max.

 #3: WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

9th Wonder says: When Michael Jackson died.

Tom Hardy says: The last time I cried…

9th Wonder says: Shit, last week. [Laughs.]

Tom Hardy says: …I cried when I was listening to my mixtape all the way through.

 #4: IF YOU HAD A WEEK HOLIDAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

9th Wonder says: Sleep and eat. [Laughs.]

Tom Hardy says: Lay around all day and watch the shows I’ve DVRed that I haven’t got a chance to watch yet. That and just hang around with my girl.

 #5: WHAT HAS GOT TO BE IN YOUR FRIDGE AT ALL TIMES?

9th Wonder says: Some type of gourmet juice, I’m talking about Minute Maid, Tropicana—the $3 a carton juice.

Tom Hardy says: Green Kool-Aid.

 #6: WHAT’S THE WORST WAY YOU’VE BROKEN UP WITH SOMEONE?

9th Wonder says: A girl broke up with me after I traveled to see her in my car and the way I got there was I pawned my keyboard.

Complex says: Wow, she broke up with you when you came to visit?

9th Wonder says: Yeah, I promised I’d go see her and pawned my keyboard to get the money for it. I went to see her and maybe three days later she broke up with me.

Tom Hardy says: In middle school I broke up with my girlfriend through a poem. I wrote her a poem and said it out loud to her.

9th Wonder says: What?!

Tom Hardy says: [Laughs.] Yeah, it was crazy, it was in sixth grade.

 #7: WHAT’S THE MOST EMBARRASSING PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU’VE EVER WORN?

9th Wonder says: JAMS shorts bruh, you know what Jam shorts are? JAMS shorts were these shorts kids use to wear in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. These shorts had like flowers, tropical plants, and stuff all over them. You’ve seen them in videos. Those were the worst!

Tom Hardy says: [Sighs.] That’s a long list. Middle school again, I had some zip-up Dadas.

9th Wonder says: Ugh!

Tom Hardy says: Yeah, they were navy blue and white. They were ugly.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

Complex: Tom, on the track “As We Shine” you take a direct shot at Asher Roth with the “I’m a sicker spitter, than any Roth Asher” line. What was behind that?

Tom Hardy: It wasn’t really meant as a dis to him but the day I had written it I was just talking about Asher Roth with some people and they were saying you’re probably going to be compared to him because you’re coming out after him. I was just like, Damn, I don’t want to be compared to him just because he’s white. If we sounded similar I would want to be compared to him but I guess I put that on myself by mentioning his name. [Laughs.]. He’s obviously created a movement for himself and his music, he has got himself out there. For that I commend him. I haven’t really listened to that much of his music outside of his singles. I didn’t even know that song was going to come out, I wasn’t even thinking that far into the future.

Complex: How does it feel to work with 9th, who’s such a respected producer in the game?

Tom Hardy: It’s definitely an honor. Every since The Listening came out—I bought the first Little Brother CD when it first came I out, I was 14. It was the first time I’d been exposed to those types of beats before. It was an eye-opening experience, it was the first time I had heard those type of beats. Fast-forward five years later, and to have a whole mixtape with 9th and to be chosen to be a part of his label is very gratifying. It’s great to be associated with somebody who’s so universally respected.

Complex: 9th, who have you been working with as of late besides your artists on Jamla and the Academy?

9th Wonder: Murs and I are doing another album called Fornever, that will be our fourth album. There’s the next Buckshot and 9th Wonder album. David Banner and I are also working on an album, D.O.P.S, which stands for Death of a Pop Star. That’s going to be an album/comic book.

Complex: There have been rumors of a new Little Brother album. Is that true?

9th Wonder: Nope. [Laughs.] All I can say is I wish both of them well. Phonte is doing excellent with the Foreign Exchange, Big Pooh is doing excellent with his solo endeavors, and I’m doing my thing. We continue to keep up and put out good music so that’s all that matters.

Download The Hardy Boy Mystery Mixtape: Curse of Thee Green Faceded HERE!

VIDEO: “As We Shine,” 9th Wonder Presents Tom Hardy feat. Rapsody & D-Mal The World Famous

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Today being the first day of October—and the middle of the famous Oktoberfest beer festival—we figured it was only right that we salute St. Pauli’s beautiful spokeswoman. Read on for our Complex 7 with Katarina, as she discusses loving 50 Cent, dating Tommy Lee, and what turns her on…

Interview by Brooklyne Gipson
 #1: WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL BOYFRIEND?

Katarina says: Judgmental. I don’t like judgmental people. You know people tend to put me in a category all the time and I think that’s one of the biggest turnoffs for me.

 #2: WHAT TYPE OF FOOTWEAR WOULD MAKE YOU COMPLETELY DISMISS A MAN AS A POTENTIAL HOOK-UP?

Katarina says: You know, I love flip-flops on guys. When a guy has nice legs, I love flip-flops especially if they have their nails painted black. [Ed.—Ayo!] That would be my favorite. I don’t think there’s anything in particular that I would hate. I usually don’t have anything in life that I would hate because I’m open-minded and I always try to find the good in everything even though it’s not my favorite. But I love flip-flops or Converse on guys. I love funky stuff.

 #3: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD OR HANGOVER REMEDY?

Katarina says: I have pizza once in a while and I have a dessert. That would be a cheat food for me but I eat pretty healthy. I cook a lot. I’m a good cook and I don’t think I really eat bad in general.

Complex: What about drinking, you drink a lot?

Katarina says: Well I can’t drink on the job but I am from Eastern Europe and maybe you know that we are a bunch of drunks there. And we’re actually beer drinkers and I believe that one of the reasons I actually got the campaign is because I have a very full-bodied figure and St. Pauli Girl is a German beer known for it’s full-bodied flavor so I think I’m a perfect fit for the campaign and I do drink beer and I get cases of beer shipped from St. Pauli. I go camping with my friends and I take five cases all the time. If you drink responsibly it’s good.

 #4: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RAP ALBUM?

Katarina says: I love 50 Cent’s album, I’m not sure it it’s the latest one but the one I have. I love 50 Cent. I even modeled his clothing line in Vegas and I met him once.

 #5: WHAT’S THE MOST EFFECTIVE APHRODISIAC FOR YOU?

Katarina says: This is very American thing because people have this in their mind here like something gets you in the mood. To me, what gets me in the mood is drinking St. Pauli. I think of drinking more than food. It’s something that gets me going.

 #6: WHO’S A CHILDHOOD CRUSH YOU CAN’T BELIEVE YOU HAD?

Katarina says: My biggest crush was on Tommy Lee and actually, I ended up dating him for a few months last year. So that was a really neat experience to go from a fan growing up in Slovakia to actually being around him and dating him and going on tour to Japan with Mötley Crüe. And we’re still really really good friends. I always thought he was the hottest guy in the world and I still stick with it because even though we’re just friends now I still think he’s the hottest guy in the world. Yes he is. I love you Tommy!

 #7: WHO’S YOUR WOMAN CRUSH?

Katarina says: You know I really love Kate Moss. I can appreciate her as a great model. I don’t care about her personal life honestly it’s just her thing. But as a model I think Kate Moss is my iconic woman.

RELATED:
• The Complex 7: Irina Voronina (a.k.a. The 2008 St. Pauli Girl!)

Now, Backstreet is back with a new album (This Is Us) dropping on October 6. In between rehearsal time with his group, Nick took some time to answer The Complex 7 and reveal his favorite Jordans, his most embarrassing fashion moment, and what to expect from the new album. Check out what he had to say and BB’s new video below…

Interview by Soo-Young Kim

 #1: WHAT HAS TO BE IN YOUR FRIDGE AT ALL TIMES?

Nick Carter says: I like hummus. I like ice cream. I gotta have ice cream in my fridge.

 #2: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER OF ALL TIME?

Nick Carter says: My favorite sneaker of all time is probably the patent-leather Michael Jordan. What series was that?

Complex: The XIs?

Nick Carter says: Yeah. They’re the ones with the…you know, they came all the way around.

 #3: WHAT’S THE MOST EMBARRASSING PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU’VE EVER WORN?

Nick Carter says: My mom made me wear this one shirt that was like see-through and fishnet. It was during my solo tour, I didn’t know how to fucking dress, and I wore this fishnet shirt thing and I was pretty overweight at the time. I think that’s the most embarrassing thing I ever wore.

 #4: IF YOU HAD A WEEK HOLIDAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Nick Carter says: I would go on a boat. Go fishing, scuba diving. Maybe go sailing out to the Catalina area.

 #5: WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Nick Carter says: I probably cried when my grandmother passed away, which was years ago.

 #6: WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A GIRLFRIEND?

Nick Carter says: Deal-breaker would be if she has hairy armpits.

Complex: Wow that was a fast answer. You must have had a bad experience.

Nick Carter says:: Yeah, we went over to Europe a lot when I was younger.

 #7: WHAT’S THE WORST WAY YOU’VE BROKEN UP WITH SOMEONE?

Nick Carter says: I walked out of an apartment we were living in and left her there.

Complex: Damn! We thought we were cold-blooded.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

Complex: What can we expect from the new album?

Nick Carter: The new album is packed full of huge producers and writers. Bigger than we’ve worked with in a long time—Ryan Tedder, T-Pain, all sorts of crazy. And it’s got a lot of dance music on it. It’s really current, but it’s us. It’s who we are. It’s got a lot of pop and R&B influence.

Complex: Is there a particular track that you’re excited about?

Nick Carter: I love “This Is Us.” That’s my favorite track. It was produced by Jim Jonsin and it’s so awesome. I call it the new “I Want It That Way.”

Complex: What do you like to wear when you go out on the town?

Nick Carter: I love to wear cool kicks. And maybe a blazer and a dress shirt. But I like to dress casual, but still cool. I like V-necks now.

VIDEO: “Straight Through The Heart,” Backstreet Boys

]]> http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/09/25/the-complex-7-nick-carter/feed/ 18 http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/09/24/complex-7-walter-perez/ http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/09/24/complex-7-walter-perez/#comments Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:07:29 +0000 intern http://www.complex.com/blogs/?p=62621
Chances are, the name Walter Perez isn’t totally familiar yet. Until recently, he’s been under the radar with a grip of lesser-known films (Emilio, A Beautiful Life) and small roles in television shows (Judging Amy, Friday Night Lights). But with a starring role in Fame, comes…well, fame. At least that’s what it looks like for the star of the highly-anticipated remake of the ’80s classic, out in theaters tomorrow.

In the film, Perez plays tough-guy Victor Taveras. In reality, however, Walter is not so difficult to deal with. The wringer that is The Complex 7 refreshingly reveals more than what you’d expect, so check it out as he discusses tears, trekking, and Tarzan…
Interview by Tara Aquino

 #1: WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL GIRLFRIEND?

Walter Perez says: Number one deal-breaker? That’s a tough one. I don’t want to say anything that’s related anything to her physically. I’d have to say she has to be spontaneous.

 #2: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER OF ALL TIME?

Walter Perez says: Favorite sneaker of all time, hmm. You know what, I’ve been rockin’ this Reebok. Reebok Brooklyn. [Ed.—We think he might mean the Loso edition.]

 #3: WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Walter Perez says: [Laughs.] Last time I cried? I must’ve been watching a movie. What was that last movie I watched that I got teary-eyed? The one with Cameron Diaz and the girl, My Sister’s Keeper. That one.

Complex says: Most guys wouldn’t admit that so I completely, completely respect you.

Walter Perez says: [Laughs.] It was a sad movie. My mom was diagnosed with colon cancer so I can totally relate to the movie. So that’s why I got emotional. She’s good now. She’s really good now. She’s great.

 #4: IF YOU HAD A WEEK HOLIDAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Walter Perez says: I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland. Go out ‘packing in a country, like in Ireland, with two or three of my closest friends.

 #5: WHAT HAS TO BE IN YOUR FRIDGE AT ALL TIMES?

Walter Perez says: Cottage cheese and pineapple. But not like the mixed cottage cheese with the pineapple already. No, I liked the canned pineapple, like sliced pineapples. I put it on top of the cottage cheese and just munch on it. I love it.

 #6: WHAT IS THE WORST WAY YOU’VE BROKEN UP WITH SOMEONE?

Walter Perez says: Probably through a phone call. I thought that was not that bad. But I guess it’d be through a phone call. ’Cause you know when you see somebody crying or somebody sad, you just become more vulnerable. You just kinda want to take them back. I guess that’d be the worse way to break up with someone—through the phone. Not even give them the opportunity to see you one last time or give it to yourself. Give yourself the opportunity to see them one last time. So that kinda always sucks. But that’s kinda the worst way for me.

 #7: WHAT’S THE MOST EMBARRASSING PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU’VE EVER WORN?

Walter Perez says: I guess Halloween costumes don’t count. ‘Cause I dressed up as Tarzan and I went and bought this piece of fabric at the fabric store. It was like this leopard print and I just cut it up at the bottom ‘cause I was being cheap. I was like, “You know what, I don’t even wanna dress up.” So I just went there and I saw it and I got the idea.

Complex says: Wasn’t it cold?

Walter Perez says: It was really cold. I actually got sick that Halloween. I got so sick ‘cause on Halloween it was actually raining and that sucked. It was funny ‘cause we had set up this Halloween party at a friend’s house and we emptied out the pool, like completely emptied it out, like drained it. That’s where the dance floor was gonna be, in the pool, and we had just put stuff all over, like decorated. Then that night, like everybody comes and shows up. We have a cool DJ and stuff. Then it starts raining and everyone’s dressed up and it was horrible. And the pool starts getting filled up with water from the rain and we just started having fun with that water. So it was kinda nuts. But that’s probably the most embarrassing piece of clothing I’ve ever worn. Does that count?

RELATED: YouTubin’ With The Stars: Naturi Naughton from Fame

TRAILER: FAME

]]> http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/09/24/complex-7-walter-perez/feed/ 1 http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/09/22/the-complex-7-melanie-fiona/ http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/09/22/the-complex-7-melanie-fiona/#comments Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:32:03 +0000 intern http://www.complex.com/blogs/?p=27618
At the start of the year, she was named one of Entertainment Weekly’s “Top 5 Artists to Watch in 2009,” but it’s already September—c’mon SRC/Universal Motown! Where’s Melanie Fiona’s album? The Guyanese honey from the T.Dot had a couple of sleeper hits last summer (”Give It To Me Right” and “Bang, Bang”), and was previously the opening act on the Euro leg of Kanye West’s Glow In The Dark tour. Clearly, the girl got talent.

So even though The Bridge—her debut album that was supposed to drop today—is going nowhere for the moment, we still got love for Miss Fiona. Which is why we’re happy to present our interview with the singer, who not only talked about her favorite rap album and childhood crush, but also gave us an impromptu acapella of her first single. Unfortunately, we can’t show you that amazing performance, but read on for our Complex 7 with Melanie…

Interview by Grace Efuwape

 #1: WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL BOYFRIEND?

Melanie says: Lying. Just be honest. If you lie to me, it’s [going to be] something else. If I ask you a direct question and you lie, you’re a punk, straight up. The truth always comes out, so don’t lie.

 #2: WHAT TYPE OF FOOTWEAR WOULD MAKE YOU COMPLETELY DISMISS A MAN AS A POTENTIAL HOOK-UP?

Melanie says: [Laughs.] I can’t stand a man wearing UGGs. I hate it. If you’re a man, you should not wear UGG boots.

 #3: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RAP ALBUM?

Melanie says: Reasonable Doubt by Jay-Z. I also listen to Biggie, Kanye, and Common.

 #4: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD OR HANGOVER REMEDY?

Melanie says: I drink wine but I’ve never been hung over in my entire life. My comfort food is my mom’s lasagna, which I don’t even choose to make ‘cause my mom makes it so amazingly.

 #5: WHAT’S THE MOST EFFECTIVE APHRODISIAC FOR YOU?

Melanie says: My most effective is red wine.

 #6: WHO’S A CHILDHOOD CRUSH YOU CAN’T BELIEVE YOU HAD?

Melanie says: Joey McIntyre from New Kids on the Block. I was in love with him.

 #7: WHO’S YOUR WOMAN CRUSH?

Melanie says: Megan Fox is smoking hot. I have a female crush on her. [Laughs.]

VIDEO: “Give It To Me Right,” Melanie Fiona

• CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE COMPLEX 7 INTERVIEWS!

]]> http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/09/22/the-complex-7-melanie-fiona/feed/ 4 http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/08/28/the-complex-7-shantel-vansanten/ http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/08/28/the-complex-7-shantel-vansanten/#comments Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:21:21 +0000 donniek http://www.complex.com/blogs/?p=55850 The Final Destination discusses 50 Cent, gumbo, and tourist sneakers. ]]>
You shouldn’t need any extra incentive to go watch The Final Destination (in 3-muthafuckin’-D!) today, but allow us to give you one: Shantel VanSanten. The 24-year-old actress is poised for a breakthrough this year with Destination and the oft-delayed (but long-awaited) release of her Mischa Barton lesbian love story, You and I.

As a former model (and contestant on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search reality show), Shantel is certainly comfortable in front of the camera—peep our August/September Hot Complex shoot if you need proof. But Shantel is equally at ease answering questions, which is why we had no problem getting her to open up for The Complex 7. Read on to discover her favorite rap album, comfort food, and the female crush we have in common…

 #1: WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL BOYFRIEND?

Shantel says: If they can’t make me laugh. You have to be goofy and spontaneous and funny, and if you’re not, it’s not gonna work. I’m such a goofball. I’m always doing something silly. Someone who doesn’t take themselves seriously. I just don’t think you should take life so seriously.

 #2: WHAT TYPE OF FOOTWEAR WOULD MAKE YOU COMPLETELY DISMISS A MAN AS A POTENTIAL HOOK-UP?

Shantel says: Like penny loafers. The maroon ones. There are some that are kind of cool but there are some that are total grandpa. Either that or the tourist sneaker, they’re white and high-top. Penny loafers aren’t as bad as the all-white total touristy-looking sneakers. The Reeboks…the old ones. The orthopedic-looking ones, thick rubbery soles. [Grimaces.]

 #3: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD OR HANGOVER REMEDY?

Shantel says: Cheeseburger and fries. There’s a few different places. I love Fatburger. There’s a place on Santa Monica called Herb’s Burgers are something. A small shack. They’re amazing from there. If I know I wanna go all out and be a big fattie, I have a cheeseburger and fries.

 #4: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RAP ALBUM?

Shantel says: Oh, God. I used to roll around in my car in high school listening to 50 Cent and it was the shit to me. In an old beat-up Lexus—I mean old. Probably 50 Cent, his first album [Ed.—Get Rich Or Die Tryin', not Power of the Dollar]. The one he collaborated with Eminem. I still work out to it.

 #5: WHAT’S THE MOST EFFECTIVE APHRODISIAC FOR YOU?

Shantel says: I kind of like Asian-infusion type stuff. I have a really eclectic… all my girlfriends are from Louisiana, we cook gumbo and chili, and I love stir-fry. I just love food. I work out a lot so I can eat whatever I want. I love steaks…I love food.

 #6: WHO’S A CHILDHOOD CRUSH YOU CAN’T BELIEVE YOU HAD?

Shantel says: Jonathan Taylor Thomas. I used to have the Teen Bop posters. One side was Andrew Keegan and one side was JTT. I think I’m gonna go with JTT. Devin Sawa was in there…he was the one who was Casper.

 #7: WHO’S YOUR WOMAN CRUSH?

Shantel says: Marisa Miller. You don’t understand. Every magazine I have—every Maxim, every SI.
I met her before when I did the SI show. She has a real genuine quality about her. She’s striking. I like people who are real and seem to be real people.

TRAILER: THE FINAL DESTINATION

RELATED: Shantel VanSanten’s “Hot Complex” Interview/Gallery

]]> http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/08/28/the-complex-7-shantel-vansanten/feed/ 3 http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/08/14/the-complex-7-rocsi/ http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/08/14/the-complex-7-rocsi/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:40:03 +0000 intern http://www.complex.com/blogs/?p=54179
For most of us, 106 & Park fell off the radar when YouTube came into existence (or maybe when Jin wrapped up Freestyle Friday). If there’s any reason left to watch the show, it’s for Rocsi. Ah, yes, Rocsi. The 25-year-old TV personality, who stepped in the arena as a radio DJ, has quickly climbed up the industry ladder, and become a household name (at least to teenagers) nationwide. Along with her co-host, Terrence J, she was recently overseas in Japan to promote 106 & Park Japan, which will air on MTV Japan. Now, fresh off her Far East trip, we got a chance to talk to the N’awlins representative regarding Kanye vs. 50, comfort food, and childhood crushes. Read on, and you’ll forget about Free even more.

Interview by Jaeki Cho

 #1: WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL BOYFRIEND?

Rocsi says: A show-off. Somebody who’s flashy, and sees me as a trophy.

Complex: So no rappers?

Rocsi says: Oh, definitely not. They’re great as friends, and they’re great party buddies. If you want a bottle? Go sit at their table. [Laughs.] I won’t discriminate or be judgmental to the whole crew, but I have yet to meet one who’s a hubby material.

 #2: WHAT TYPE OF FOOTWEAR WOULD MAKE YOU COMPLETELY DISMISS A MAN AS A POTENTIAL HOOK-UP?

Rocsi says: Well, first of all, if you have dirty Dunks, or dirty Air Force 1s, that’s a no no. I firmly believe you don’t purchase something if you don’t know how to take care of it. White Air Force 1s don’t have that much lifespan. If you don’t have the money to continue buying white Air Force 1s then buy Adidas Shelltoes, they last longer. And the whole ‘80s look? Those Pumps? That has to stay back in the ‘80s. I don’t like the retro look. That doesn’t turn me on.

 #3: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD OR HANGOVER REMEDY?

Rocsi says: My comfort food would be spaghetti. I don’t eat meat or chicken, but I still eat turkey and fish. I’m from New Orleans so…[laughs]. I’ll do the Filet-O-Fish value meal any day. For some reason, I believe it’s real fish.

 #4: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RAP ALBUM?

Rocsi says: I think 808s & Heartbreak was like an evolution of hip-hop. And it started a lot of trying-different-things trend. Not saying it wasn’t done before, but many have tried, and not succeeded. But Kanye did it, and has this I-don’t-give-a-rat’s-ass attitude. I love that album. I mean I was on Get Rich or Die Tryin’, which was another album that did phenomenal things.

Complex: Since you mentioned Kanye and 50…

Rocsi says: I can’t answer this question because I got in trouble already. [Laughs.] But I could say this: 50 makes the best workout music for me, while Kanye’s music is more lyrics-driven.

Complex: But who makes better baby-making music?

Rocsi says: I’ll have to say 50. Because he makes them thug love songs, and every girl wants to be with a gangster. At that point you’re not looking at Kanye, you’re like, “Damn, them Air Force 1s, and sweats are great!” [Laughs.]

 #5: WHAT’S THE MOST EFFECTIVE APHRODISIAC FOR YOU?

Rocsi says: Red wine. Oh, actually, I’ve had this pineapple and chocolate fondue, and it was so good.

 #6: WHO’S A CHILDHOOD CRUSH YOU CAN’T BELIEVE YOU HAD?

Rocsi says: Joey from New Kids on the Block. [Laughs.] Because he had curly hair, pretty eyes, and he was just so dreamy. I had the pillows, and comforters. And Leonardo DiCaprio…it was bad when he came out in Titanic

 #7: WHO’S YOUR WOMAN CRUSH?

Rocsi says: I mean, this is going to be so blown out of the water…Rihanna. When she cut her hair? It just did something completely different for her. She’s tall, she’s beautiful—completely gorgeous. I love her “fuck you” attitude.

]]> http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/08/14/the-complex-7-rocsi/feed/ 3 http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/08/06/the-complex-7-dj-muro/ http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/08/06/the-complex-7-dj-muro/#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:09:08 +0000 intern http://www.complex.com/blogs/?p=52028
DJ Muro is a walking hip-hop renaissance man. Among crate diggers and sample DJs, Muro is internationally known for his soul- and funk-inspired mixtapes, which have earned him the title “King of Diggin’.” To Japanese hip-hop fans, he’s forever known as the godfather of Tokyo’s hip-hop scene. And to streetwear enthusiasts, Muro is renowned as a tastemaker who has worked with Stüssy, UNDFTD, and Staple. He has produced chart-topping hits in Japan, but still receives pounds of respect from the purists. Overall, he’s more than just your average DJ.

Despite the cultural impact he wields in Japan, DJ Muro is still relatively unknown Stateside. Well, time to get familiar! If you’re in NYC, you can check out the legend on the one’s and two’s tonight with DJ Neil Armstrong. If that’s too last-minute, you can also check him out tomorrow night with Q-Tip at Santo’s Party House, or Saturday night with DJ Chairman Mao at APT. In the meanwhile, read our Complex 7 with the Japanese honcho, and check out some of his best productions…

Interview by Jaeki Cho

“The Roosevelt” feat. Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, Trife Da God

“Lyrical Tyrants” feat. O.C.

Sky High! ~Mizell Bros. Works~ Sampler

 #1: WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A GIRLFRIEND?

DJ Muro says: Lies. Big lies. I had a girlfriend who wasn’t a normal girl. But since I’m not regular myself, I guess I can’t find a regular girl.

 #2: WHAT’S THE WORST WAY YOU’VE BROKEN UP WITH SOMEONE?

DJ Muro says: When I used to live in New York back in the early ’90s, my ex-girlfriend was cheating. I found out when I was going through the closet, and I found a bunch of letters that my girlfriend was writing to another guy—who was actually a House DJ.

 #3: WHAT HAS TO BE IN YOUR FRIDGE AT ALL TIMES?

DJ Muro says: Maybe water? And every time I come to New York, I drink a lot of apple juice. Japanese apple juice is whiter in color. The apple juice out here is more yellow, and I think it tastes better.

 #4: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER OF ALL TIME?

DJ Muro says: There’s a record called Return of the Funky Man by Lord Finesse. On the record cover he’s wearing a pair of all white high-top Air Force 1s. When I first saw those it was shocking. I could confidently say that I was the first person who brought the high-top Air Force 1s to Japan. It was really dope. Lord Finesse rocked the straps on the Air Force 1s without putting them around his ankles, and nobody in Japan was rocking it like that.

 #5: WHAT’S THE MOST EMBARRASSING PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU’VE EVER WORN?

DJ Muro says: When I started out hip-hop in the ’80s, hip-hop wasn’t established in Japan. A lot of rap artists and b-boys were booked together with clowns. I had to perform in department stores with small-time comedians, and one time I had to dress up as a clown.

 #6: IF YOU HAD A WEEK HOLIDAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

DJ Muro says: Actually, these two weeks that I’m in New York are the days that I’m off. If I get a week holiday, I’ll probably go back to Jerry’s Records in Pittsburgh and dig. I’ve never seen a record store like that. I was there when the store opened until the store closed.

 #7: WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

DJ Muro says: I didn’t actually cry, but when I finally went to Jerry’s Records in Pittsburgh during my last trip, I got a little emotional. Oh, and I knew Haze for more than ten years. So when I went to visit him, and seeing him doing all right with the new studio in New York, it got me a little emotional.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

Complex: How did your relationship with D.I.T.C. initially spark?

DJ Muro: I used to come to New York City to buy things such as sneakers and other things to resell them in my store Savage. I used to go to record conventions, and that’s where I met Lord Finesse and D.I.T.C. members. I passed my demo to them.

Complex: Are you planning to work with any New York rappers anytime soon?

DJ Muro: There’s a Marvel comic called Big Joe Crash, which KRS-One did the original soundtrack. The animator for that pitched the idea of doing an animation called Bronx Story in a Marvel comic way. They wanted me to work on the soundtrack, and KRS-One already sent me the acapella.

Complex: How do collaborations with Futura, Staple, Dice & Dice, UNDFTD, and Timberlands come about?

DJ Muro: A lot of collaborations happen when a lot of people from those companies come and chill at the parties I spin. A lot of requests happen when they ask me to do a product accompanied by a mixtape.

Complex: Why do you think that although hip-hop and sneaker culture started in New York, it has elevated aesthetically in Japan?

DJ Muro: In the ’90s, the possibility of hip-hop culture’s growth seemed limitless, and I wanted to bring that exciting vibe of New York into the Japanese scene. And I think it’s because a lot of people like me are out in Japan. We never shifted to another side; we always loved New York street culture, continued loving it, and it just grew.

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