5 Graffiti Artists Who Are Populating the Streets With Their Art

Posted by & filed under Art.

Written by Ardi

Graffitis used to be looked at as an act of vandalism and something that gives an ugly look to the cities but that mindset has changed a lot since then! Nowadays It is appreciated as an art form and the graffiti artists are highly respected. Graffiti is no longer just some writing or shapes being sprayed on the wall, it is a way for the artists to express their ideas, imaginations and to say what they want to say as an artist. 

Here are 5 of our local Graffiti artists that you may have seen their works all around the city!

Siek27

Credit: @siek27 (Instagram)

Skilled in doing aggressive lettering, Siek27’s work is bold and eye-catching. His use of colors together is pleasing to the eyes and if you look closely, there are details like a sharp highlight, cute little character design, interesting backgrounds that are designed for each graffiti. These are what make his work outstanding! A true classic form of graffiti at its best.

Mohd Zaki B. Nordin (Escapeva)

Credit: @escapeva (Instagram)

Better known as Escapeva, Mohd Zaki is a graffiti artist who is famous for his portraits! He uses walls as his canvas and paints impressive portraits of different characters along with a very detailed background surrounding it. Each graffiti has its own vibe and story which makes them unique and one of the kind! Escapeva is also skilled in graphic design, digital/manual, 3D and realism illustration.

Kenji Chai

Credit: @mr_kenjichai (Instagram)

From the city of Sandakan, Sabah, Kenji is one of the most well-known artists in our local graffiti scene. He works with bold and striking colours, a very happy and positive vibe and is able to really portray his colorful imaginations onto the walls.You may have seen his “alter-ego”, Chaigo, ( A turquoise colored dog ) around the city!  

Katun

Credit: @katun_ (Instagram)

Katun is great at painting some cool and edgy characters, from hybrid humans and robots to his signature animal characters, he can do it all. His signature character is the monkey that has painted in many forms and designs all around town. His comic book style of painting and drawing showcases his distinctive way of doing graffitis! 

Abdul Rashade

Credit: @abdulrashade (Instagram)

Abdul Rashade was born and raised in a small part of Penang named Batik Pulau. He is a graphic designer at Les Copaque, one of the best animation production companies in our country! Apart from his daily work, Abdul does graffiti all around the KL city. His designs look very dynamic and seem as if the motifs and the elements are moving! He incorporates Nusantara culture and a lot of floral designs in his work. 

Soothe Your Ears With Dae Kim’s New Single Clemency

Posted by & filed under Music.

Written by Charmaine

It is without a doubt that music is produced in all sorts of ways, however what we mainly hear on the radio or what’s usually saved in our spotify playlist are music with words in it and tend to forget that sometimes music without words but just notes are just as good too such as Petit Biscuit’s Sunset Lover. 

Therefore, serving those same vibes is Korean-born solo electronic/ambient artist , Dae Kim with his newest single Clemency. This is Dae Kim’s first time releasing a single and the song was made through his true intentions in the late night when he first relocated back to Korea. 

That being said, the song gives off a really calming and serene feeling when heard which ultimately puts you in a state of being relaxed. Undoubtedly, this is a great song to listen to when driving back home from a long day from work. 

All in all, more recognition should be given to songs and artists who produce tracks without lyrics but just notes and really nice beats that accompany it. 

The song is now available on Spotify and is released through ‘Memoir Music’ which is a sub label to chillhop and also Apple music too. 

The Air Jordan 7 “Hare 2.0” Pays Homage To The Legendary Bugs Bunny

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

Not many cartoon characters are as famous or as legendary as Bugs Bunny, even more so considering close ties with Jordan Brand. Hence, Jordan has unveiled a homage to the original Air Jordan 7 ‘Hare’ that released in 1991, which many dub the new silhouette, ‘Hare’ 2.0.

Hints of Bugs Bunny’s colour palette make themselves present from the use of Neutral Grey, Summit White, and Pink Foam, matched to a grey furry finish with contrasting pink accents. The lateral heel portion includes numbers “130014-100,” a further acknowledgement of the style code from the original 1991 colourway.

The Air Jordan 7 ‘Hare 2.0’ drops for RM 1025 on 8th April, on Nike.com.

ASYRFNSIR Hypes Up Your Quarantine Playlist With His Latest Single, ‘Virus’

Posted by & filed under Music.

Written by Ardi

ASYRFNSIR is back after being the champion of RapStar ERA with a new banger called Virus.

As a result of collaboration between SonaOne and Asyraf, the new single has the signature sound and rhythm from SonaOne and the fluid rap by Asyraf gives it a unique charm that makes you play it over and over again.

Coincidentally, Virus came out at the same time as our current pandemic with the coronavirus but the song is not about Covid-19. The idea behind Virus comes from Asyraf adapting this most popular phrase into his song.

“Ku boleh berjangkit, ooh, aku ni Virus” (I’m contagious, ooh, I’m a Virus). Perhaps because of the current situation, many will think that this song is about the COVID-19 outbreak. But the truth is the Virus in question was me. When I joined the RapStar ERA, I had the intention to create work that will reach and ‘infect’ everyone.” He said.

The lyrics video for the song is already out and it has some pretty cool visuals and the dark colour theme goes quite well with the lyrics and the vibe of the song.

Make sure you stream Virus on all major music streaming platforms now.

5 Restaurants And Cafes You Should Try That Are Not On Grabfood

Posted by & filed under Food.

Written by Charmaine

It is without a doubt that due to this MCO period, most food outlets have reverted their business online and through food delivery applications such as Grabfood. With that, most restaurants and cafes can be found on the Grabfood application itself, however there are a few food stores that are not on the famous app itself but still serve delicious meals. 

Here is a list of them that you should check them out :- 

Pizza Mansion

If you are a Pizza lover or just someone who’s craving for pizza but want something else rather than the usual mainstream brands such as Pizza Hut or Domino’s, fear not because Pizza Mansion is the next best thing as it offers amazing  flavours such as the Holy Pepperoni, Anchovy Marinara and also vegetarian pizza options as well that includes the Zucchini, eggplant and chickpea pizza. Apart from that, they also offer great combo deals too with pizza of different flavours and delicious side meals. Therefore, the prices of the pizza ranges from RM30 and above, and you can get them now by ordering through beepit .

For more information, check out their instagram @pizzamansion. 

Fowlboys KL 

Everyone’s buttermilk chicken cravings have been put on halt for awhile due to the MCO period, however you don’t have to wait any much longer until this restricted order has ended to get your hands on them because the Fowlboys are serving it up for you through their own personal delivery system.

 Although right now, the store might be on a break until the 6th of April in the meantime what you can get ready to order once its up and running again is the infamous “Motherclucker”, a combination of buttermilk chicken thigh, hot pepper jam, cheese and sandwiched between two sesame buns along with the “ Batter up” which includes the buttermilk chicken thigh and some buttermilk waffles. The prices of the meals start from RM 15 and above and the way to order them is by whatsapping this number, 017 871 1089 and let them know your delivery order and time slot for it. 

For more information and daily updates, visit their instagram @fowlboyskl

Kakiyuki 

Before the MCO, stepping into kakiyuki used to feel magical, with its minimalistic designs and their flavourful Japanese shaved ice, although all of that needs to be put on pause for a while, the store itself is still taking its operations online through it’s personal delivery as well. That being said, what is being served during this period are their infamous Matcha and Hojicha roll cake along for Rm 10 a slice and RM 50 for a whole roll along with their selection of Warabimochi with a choice of either Matcha or Kinako for RM 14 and their custard pudding for RM 11. If you feel that you’re having a sweet tooth right now, all you have to do is just whatsapp this number 018-229-9986 . 

Check out their instagram page @kakiyuki.ice for more information. 

Oh Cha Matcha 

At this point, it’s not just your favorite food store that has been put on hold, but it’s your favorite drinks outlet too. Therefore, when it comes to matcha drinks the aroma of it could not be any stronger at Oh Cha Matcha, which makes this place the absolute best place to get an amazing matcha drink. However, even with these strict restrictions, Oh Cha Matcha has found a way to take it up a notch and bring its services for you online through it’s through beepit. That being said, their matcha drinks cost up to RM 11 and above but at the same time, offer other food selections too such as rice bowls and pasta. 

Don’t miss out and check out their instagram @ohchamatcha.kl for more daily updates !

New Chapter By The Owls Cafe

Before the MCO, cafes were a great place to hangout with friends, have a great meal and even take pictures of your meals. If you miss the whole cafe environment, you wouldn’t have to any longer because New Chapter by The Owls Cafe are bringing those delicious cafe foods to you through beepit. You can have your craving satisfied through a large selection of meals such as Smoked duck Aglio Olio, Salmon Truffle mash and a bowl of  “Owlsome beef rice” . The prices of these meals may vary but most of them start from RM15 and above. 

To find out more, go to their instagram @newchapterbytheowlscafe for more information and updates.

7 Ways To Style An Oversized T-Shirt

Posted by & filed under Fashion.

Written by Andrea Tang

T-shirts are an essential capsule piece in everyone’s wardrobe. Whether you’re into fashion or not, you’re bound to have at least one tee. A more elevated version of a plain tee is an oversized tee, where it’s looser, longer, and some might argue – more comfortable and easier to style.

Some tips on how to purchase an oversized tee:

  1. If it’s not meant to be worn oversized, go for 2 or 3 sizes bigger. It should be big, but not weirdly baggy.
  2. Make sure the sleeve length ends around your elbow.
  3. Go for colours, prints, and patterns that are timeless.
  4. Try bundle or vintage shopping! You’ll be amazed at the finds.

But what do you wear with an oversized tee? Here are 7 ways to style it: 

Under outerwear

 

Image source: https://lookbook.nu/look/9168378-Ssnmrkrn-Artisanal-Long-Sleeve-Rothco-Utility 

Layer it up by wearing a tee under outerwear like a jacket can really upgrade your outfit. Since wearing jackets in Malaysia is ‘hot die you’, opt for outerwear like a short-sleeved thin shirt or a utility vest! 

Contrast it up with slim-fitted bottoms

 

Image source: Topman
Image source: Pinterest

Just because you’re wearing a big shirt, doesn’t mean you should size up everything else too. Compliment your oversized t-shirt with slim-fitted jeans! 

Pair with some work pants

 

Image source: Pinterest 

You can’t go wrong with a little bit of utility. Top it off with a good and trusty pair of sneakers and your look will be *chef’s kiss*. 

Tuck that tee in

 

Image source: Pinterest 
Image source: Pinterest

Tucking in your t-shirt fully is definitely a full-proof no brainer. It’s simple, clean, and makes you look put together. Upgrade it by doing the half-tuck for a little asymmetrical flair to your outfit. 

Wear it with a long-sleeved fitted shirt underneath 

 

Image source: Pinterest
Image source: Pinterest

This might not be the best outfit to go walking around in Malaysia in, but hey, that’s what air-conditioned malls and freezing classrooms are for, right? Pair your oversized t-shirt with a long-sleeved shirt of a different and brighter colour underneath. This will definitely bring your look to the next level!

Tie a shirt around your waist 

 

 

Image source: Pinterest
Image source: Pinterest

Go for that rock and roll vibe with a checkered or bright-coloured long sleeve shirt that you can tie around your waist. It’s a great way to jazz up your look by adding colour without being tacky.

Spice a plain tee up with accessories 

 

Image source: Pinterest
Image source: Pinterest

Shake things up from a plain look to a fire fit with a couple of statement accessories like chain necklaces, belts, bandanas, hats, and more.

How do you style your oversized tees? Let us know in the comments!

What Exactly Is Sustainable Fashion?

Posted by & filed under Fashion.

Written by Andrea Tang

You see the word “sustainable” plastered on the missions and mottos of several clothing brands today, promising that their products are less harmful to the environment. It’s the number one marketing buzz tool amongst fashion brands, both giant and small,but truthfully, what does it really mean to be sustainable?

What makes a piece of clothing “sustainable”?

Image source: https://justinekinirons.com/17-sustainable-fashion-brands-that-will-make-you-want-to-quit-fast-fashion/ 

A piece of sustainable clothing should be made of materials that are vegan, organic, and/or recycled, Sustainable Fashion Matterz reports. For example, 100% organic cotton where no toxic chemicals are used and water is used more efficiently. Materials also can be biodegradable, reusable, renewable, or recyclable, to decrease single-usage. 

Image source: https://www.sarahbeekmans.com/safia-minney-slow-fashion-relentless-campaigner/ 

It is also called ‘slow and fair fashion’, which highlights its whole production, distribution, and marketing processes as opposed to ‘fast fashion,’ which points to everything in the contrary. The materials used are sourced carefully, taking into account whether it is of good quality, won’t be toxic to the environment, and can be used for a long time. Production is done with the environment in mind, which means less water is used and things are discarded properly. Fair and ethical production is also taken into account, where clean, fair, and safe working environments are a priority for the employees. Distribution and marketing can incorporate recyclable packaging with no single-use plastics. 

Sustainable fashion vs. fast fashion

Image source: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/extinction-rebellion-takes-on-fast-fashion-at-penneys-m0600nts9 

Sustainable fashion focuses more on providing clothing to consumers without putting the environment and other people at risk, unlike fast fashion where it’s a race to see who can produce the most amount of trendy clothing the fastest.

According to The Good Trade, most fast fashion brands produce about 52 “micro-seasons” per year, compared to the standard four seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter. To give you context, that’s about one new collection every week. Big brands like Forever 21 and H&M allegedly get daily shipments of new styles, while other brands like Topshop introduce 400 new styles a week on its website.

Producing these garments so quickly and making it affordable comes with a price. The quality isn’t as good and it’s like to get thrown out (or used as an old rug in Asian culture) after a couple of wears because it just isn’t designed to last long.

Brands want you to throw it out and then head back to their store to purchase another. People don’t mind the bad quality, because the price justifies it.

Image source: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/environment-costs-fast-fashion-pollution-waste-sustainability-a8139386.html 

As said by Lucy Siegle, “fast fashion isn’t free. someone, somewhere is paying”. The manufacturing process of these fast fashion brands allegedly involve dangerous work environments with toxic chemicals and fumes, harmful dyes, and synthetic fabrics which can affect the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Image source: https://www.racked.com/2018/4/13/17230770/rana-plaza-collapse-anniversary-garment-workers-safety 

One of the few examples of these dangerous work environment includes Rana Plaza, a garment factory that Mango, Benetton, and Auchan were linked to in Bangladesh that collapsed in 2013. The total death toll is 1,134 people, The Guardian reports.

Image source: https://sustainability.uq.edu.au/projects/recycling-and-waste-minimisation/fast-fashion-quick-cause-environmental-havoc 

The carbon footprint of fast fashion is huge. The BBC reports 235 million items of clothing sent to landfills in 2018, 700,000 fibers released in a single domestic wash, and 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon emissions produced by the global fashion industry in 2015.

The Ethical Life reports that 17% to 20% if industrial water pollution is from textile dyeing and treatment. This means my red t-shirt, something that seems so harmless, might be polluting the ocean.

How do you go sustainable?

Image source: OkGo 

You can start off by supporting sustainable local brands like Kapten Batik or ShopSayang, where they put sustainability as their priority. It might be on the pricier side (usually upwards of RM100), but I swear it is worth it in the long run! 

Another way to enjoy fashion without breaking the bank and the environment is to shop second-hand. The stigma around shopping second-hand is slowly dying and being challenged, with lots of trendy bundle and thrift shops like OkGo Store, MODO Japan, and more opening left and right. Find out how to have a better bundle shopping experience here. 

Image source: https://www.themrcollection.com/how-it-works/ 

Other ways you can go sustainable include engaging with clothes-rental services like Rent-A-Dress KL, Dresstal, and Lola Gown! Another way is leasing your clothing out on Facebook groups that are filled with potential rentees.

Image source: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/05/06/as-sustainable-fashion-awareness-grows-clothes-swapping-thrives.html 

You can also opt to swap your clothing by participating in physical clothing-swap events or in Facebook groups that are solely made for this. If you have the time, you can even try repairing, redesigning, and upcycling your clothes. Learn how by watching YouTube tutorials or asking your talented friends or family!

Tell us, what are your thoughts on sustainable fashion and how do you practice sustainability? 

How To Declutter Your Life (Or Your Room)

Posted by & filed under Lifestyle.

To be honest, you don’t really need an excuse as to why you shouldn’t go Marie Kondo on your room or your wardrobe. Apart from hoarding mites and dust in your old clothes, it has been said that the process of decluttering can help you bring some clarity into your life, and when you’re lost for thought because imagination just isn’t coming close, you gotta start cleaning. And Julian from WDHANFTSY has just the tips in mind to get you started on clearing your stuff out.

How To Decide What Should Be Removed and What Shouldn’t

When going through your items, first you have to go through a selection by asking a few questions:

Have I worn this in the last year?

If you think you’re going to be wearing this again after putting it off for the last year, throw it away.

How many times have I worn this in the last year?

If it’s less than 3 times, just let it go.

How many t-shirts of the same type do I own, and will I wear them often?

Apply the first two questions above, and let it go.

It’s a gift, but you don’t want to let it go, but will you ever wear it in the near future?

Are you going to wear that gift ever? If no, let it go.

Separate your clothing into several categories (home wear, go-to outfits for going out, cold weather, sports). You’ll notice that you do not need THAT many pieces for that specific category.

Unless your winterwear is Arc’teryx or a North Face GORE-TEX Jacket, you don’t really need it.

Do I still fit in this? 

Need we say more?

But what about items? Not to worry. We have that covered too.

Do you have 3 or more of the same items?

If you have more than 3 of something, you might not need the 4th and more.

Do you still need all your childhood toys?

If you are saving up a particular item for the future use like when you have kids (eg: toys, soft toys), it is advised to keep only the educational things and not things to play with.

Does it help you develop a skill?

If it does not help you develop a skill, let it go.

You don’t actually need all your boxes.

All that boxes you think that might come in handy in the future, throw them out or use them to throw your rubbish or unwanted stuff. Chances are, you will obtain new boxes in the future with your new purchases.

Do you have half-finished items?

If there are some items that is finishing (eg: paint, crayons, etc), try to use them up and dispose of them. Finishing items will eventually have wear and tear or aging which may not provide you the same service or benefits as it did when you first purchased them.

Tarik Jeans Goes The Retro Malaya Route For Its MCO PSA Posters

Posted by & filed under Art, Lifestyle.

In times of seriousness and dread of what’s to come in the future, it’s always good to get a few chuckles and a sense of lightheartedness whenever we can, and Tarik Jeans have done just that with their new set of PSA posters in collaboration with graphic designer, Cultkids.

The artwork retains the design DNA of Tarik Jeans, who often reference the old Malaysiana and Nusantara type of artwork from the 70s and 80s, incorporating it with modern PSAs, fit for today’s society. Messages include the do’s and don’ts of how to handle the COVID-19 crisis, simple instructions for members of the public to follow in order to help curb as much of the COVID-19 as possible.

Hashtags such as #kitajagakita also emotes a deep meaning to all Malaysians, especially the frontliners who are currently taking the brunt of the fight so we don’t have to, and the most we can do for them is to stay at home to prevent the virus from spreading somemore to ensure the safety of everyone. And in times like these, we all need each other to pull through as one nation.

While the collection starts with 10  posters, more have been added since to the collection. To use these posters, visit here and spread them around!

Getting To Know GARD and WUZGUT

Posted by & filed under Music.

I’ll be straight up with you from the get go. Up until a close friend of mine was helping me write an article on the best music releases of 2019 and mentioned the now mainstream beauty that is Wonderland by GARD and WUZGUT, I have literally never heard a peep of the duo in anything that I’ve read or anyone that I’ve heard it from. Up until when he introduced me to the track was I drawn into it’s odd simplicity, almost cincai-like lyrics that effortlessly flows and delivers its message with zero complications or contain any ulterior motives, “I cuma nak, ke Wonderland dengan you, girl.”

It didn’t help that the beat hooked onto you like a fish hooked onto bait; a delicious bass line attached to a deceptively clean synth portions that’s easy to get into and without realising it, getting you to sing along to its lyrics. I had a chat with the underground duo to talk about how they came up with such a concept, and their music.

This interview has been translated and condensed for easier reading and understanding.

How did GARD WUZGUT came to be? How did the two of you meet?

GARD: The first time I met WUZGUT was when we embarked on a prject together back in 2018. We knew each other from when Soundcloud was at its peak, and met through a mutual friend Amir (Attune), and from there, we discussed, and then agreed to do this project together, which we christened CPR (Club Perenang Rohani).

What got you interested in beatboxing?

GARD: What was interesting to me when it comes to beatboxing was the technique, how beatboxers are able to do instrumentals with just the mouth. After that I joined a competition just to see what  I can do (Beatboxnation) and that was that. Shoutout to AbeatC for helping me throughout.

What would you describe your genre as?

GARD: More R&B, and Balada.

Who were your inspirations in the realm of singing?

GARD: When I was small, I actually listened to a lot of Jamal Abdillah, Sheila Majid, because my parents loved old music, so I just listened to what they listened. But now it’s a whole lot different, cos it’s more The Weeknd, Eli Sostre & Nav.

Baq/WUZGUT. Picture Credit: Slatan

Describe to me your creative process when it comes to making the beat and writing out the lyrics to the song. 

WUZGUT: I started using FI studio because of Metro Boomin. “Skyfall” & “Blue Pill” were kinda my sound foundation and it has always been my vibe. But starting out, I always envision what’s gonna come out of a cook up sesh, like ok I need this track to have hopeful vibes then go on to the other and make a soulful one.

In the track “Mesin Masa,” I use Chordz to help me write the melody for the beat. I find that this helps a lot when it comes to creating the vibe in your head. The production for this song personally was kind of heavy to me because of the weight of the reverb. Matter of fact the project file was initially called Wetland because of how wet everything.

“Sorry If Rindu” is honestly one of the best drums I’ve every done, the snare especially but unfortunately I lost the source file hahaha. In this track I tried my best to bring forth that rock kapak energy with more upbeat. Again, I used Chordz to write the counter melody throghout the beat and used my favourite 808 sample from the DJ Spinz pack. Good sounds/samples selection make the whole song work I swear. Oh, and then I let the beat switch just because. Hahaha.

“Senja” is as simple as it sounds, just drums and instrumentals. Now this I got from the Frank Dukes pack. The moment I played it, I can already here some ‘suara ghaib’ singing the chorus. I should’ve pitched it down or up a bit to avoid copyright but it just sounded so perfect. I don’t regret it, but it’s just not a wise decision in the long run.

“Wonderland” I put the same energy into it as I was making “Senja.” I have to let GARD have his space in the song, so no busy drums allowed.

Ultimately for me, when it comes to beatmaking, it all comes down to good sounds and sample selection. You could know every bit of music theory in the world, but if what you do sounds shit, it just sounds shit. Sometimes you can just browse samples in your library to start with. I usually make several beats then I send to GARD so he can choose and finish the recording part.

 

As many listeners have noticed, your lyrics do not follow a singular format, rather it is a mix of Manglish. What was the decision behind this?

GARD: For the lyrics, I decided to go with a Manglish mix because not everyone can understand Malay street slang, and I also can’t write much better in English because I’m not skilled enough. I used Bahasa Malaysia that’s easy to understand because for me, as long as my messages can be understood by people, then I’m grateful.

What was the concept behind Club Perenang Rohani?

GARD: Well, WUZGUT and I wanted you guys to feel like you’re in a movie, but in audio form. We want you guys to understand the story about Club Perenang Rohani. We’ve arranged it to be like a trip from sunrise to sundown, so songs like “Wonderland” and “Senja” represents the night time portion, calm and serene.

 

After this EP, are there plans for a full-length album?

GARD: Yes, but me and WUZGUT are still in the works, and hopefully this one touches closer to the heart and much more filled with emotion. We appreciate your patience.

How would you describe the music scene now in your own words?

GARD: Alhamdulillah, Malaysian music has expanded, and WUZGUT and I are thankful that we’re in the right place, and we’re immensely happy that Malaysians are able to accept our music as is!

Nidji. Picture Credit: Discogs

What kind of impact would you like to make unto the Malaysian music scene?

GARD: I think we’d like to progress to a point where we can make soundtracks for Malaysian films! Like in Indonesia, they have Nidji who did the OST for Tenggelamnya Kapal Van der Wijk. Hopefully we’re able to work together with other legendary artists such as Sheila Majid, and Anuar Zain. I mean, dream big right?

Stream Club Perenang Rohani now on all major streaming platforms now.

Follow GARD here and WUZGUT here on Instagram.