YOUNGERS: DARKZ P CASSO OLIVIER BRUDA

DRE MICHAEL YASU JEROME VENETIA ROSIE ELIZA TROY VON MAJIK

SKINNY MACHORDC PEER MENTORS: WAYNE DAMANI FEMI SHAMEEK NATHANIEL

JAMIEMENTORS: CHARLIE

DARK BANGS GEMMA FLEUR DE GEURRE

ELELTA ALEX ALGY LAWRENCE

MAJA ANDY . JEGGIE JACKIE MARK

YOUNGERS: DARKZ P CASSO OLIVIER BRUDA

DRE MICHAEL YASU JEROME VENETIA ROSIE ELIZA TROY VON MAJIK

SKINNY MACHORDC PEER MENTORS: WAYNE DAMANI FEMI SHAMEEK NATHANIEL

JAMIEMENTORS: CHARLIE

DARK BANGS GEMMA FLEUR DE GEURRE

ELELTA ALEX ALGY LAWRENCE

MAJA ANDY . JEGGIE JACKIE MARK

2012

I DON’T TEND TO LIVE LIFE WITH GOALS, I JUST KEEP ON IMPROVING IN WHATEVER I’M DOING. I KEEP BUILDING UPON MYSELF AT MY OWN PACE BUT I ALWAYS PUSH MYSELF.” BRUDA DRE

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A WORD FROM THE FOUNDERWhat running has brought into my life is difficult for me to put into words. But since I first strapped on my trainers five years ago a circle of motivated and creative individuals inspired me to start the Run Dem Crew Project. You learn a lot about yourself in the project and it’s an experience that I’m determined to share with as many young people as possible.

As a poet and musician who works in education, I meet an incredible amount of young people with dreams but few opportunities to make them real. The running is the least important part of what we do but by training for a distance we believe the lessons learned are invaluable. This is not just another youth project but a long-term relationship building a community of young people who run, play and work together. Runners of today and CEO’s of the future.

By teaming up with RWD for this supplement we hope to reach and spread the RDCYoungers message to an even greater audience. Since starting the project three months ago the RDCYoungers have been to a movie premiere, on fashion shoots and in studio sessions. It’s been incredible to witness the change both physically and mentally amongst the group and I look forward to seeing them blossom in their creative endeavors over the years to come.

But for now the miles have been run, the training has been done and all that’s left is for the Youngers to line up on the start line of the British 10K and ‘Go Hard Or Go Home’. Charlie DarkRun Dem Crew Founder @daddydark / @rundemcrew

Concept : RDCYEditor : Nardene ScottWriters : Rosie, Venitia, Darkz, Troy, Jerome, Olivier, Bruda Dre, Jammz, P Casso, ElizaArt direction : Dacre BraceyPhotography: PharoahStyling : Nasrin Jean-BaptisteStyling assistant : Venitia Grooming : Shreya Patel

Additional photography:pg 4 : Adrain Nettleshippg 5/ 7/ 8 : RDCYpg 8/ 9 : Michaelpg12/ 22 : Wayne Thomas

Still life:Photography : Kevin JosephStyling : Sophie Robinson

Thanks to : Charlie Dark, RDC, RDCY, RDCY Peer Mentors, 1948 staff, Nike

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DIARY

At the start of the new year I wanted to push myself in a way I hadn’t before, something that seemed impossible, so I decided to start marathon training.

My calves hurt because I wasn’t stretching properly, eventually it was painful to walk and I had to go to the physio and get a deep tissue massage, so not really running at all to running at least 10K a week was a stressful experience at first! I like running with Darkz ‘cos of the banter, sometimes I laugh so much I forget I’m running. But also when I run I think about new videos to make or script ideas; my mind goes into creative mode and the streets of London look like cutaways from a film I haven’t made yet. Running requires so much discipline that it bleeds into other parts of your life as well, after all the training I’ve done I feel confident in telling people I’m a runner but I’m also just a more efficient person. If I could improve on one thing though I would run more, I could definitely do more although Nike + has helped me train as knowing my progress gave me goals to work towards every week. My best memory was going over to Nike HQ with the rest of the Run Dem Crew Youngers, it was the day I realised how big this project really is.

Jerome

I couldn’t lay a finger on a specific factor that made me start running if I tried; fitness had a part to play and so did the idea of not running alone and meeting new people as I’m adventurous, I like trying out new things but I can tell you this, I love it!

The biggest thing was sorting out my sleeping pattern and I had to pick up on a lot of time management skills. I love running with the Youngers, mainly because we all have something new to talk about and some of them are fun to be next to while running... My main personal goal is to get faster; that’s already happening, I feel it but I just want to always finish whatever race I start in life. Training my mind to finish seven miles every Tuesday will keep me in ‘overcome anything’ mode. I actually named my favourite route ‘The Inception: Dreams Vs Reality’, I didn’t really find it; it kind of found me. I run past the Emirates, which is the dream and I run to Whittington Park, which is the reality. It inspires me to push for greater heights in anything I do. Since becoming part of RDCY’s it’s opened me up to hanging out outside my local area. It would be fair to say I’ve become more social.

Darkz

“My best memory was going over to Nike HQ…it was the day I realised how big this project really is.” Jerome

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Running routes, injuries, inspirations and more, join the youngers on their RDC journey...

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“Now I’m part of the RDCY’s, I can’t let anyone down, especially myself...” Troy

DIARY

Charlie Dark asked me to start running when Run Dem Crew just started and I ran for a couple of weeks with the crew but never had that consistency to keep going every Tuesday.

I had to change my mentality towards running. Now I’m part of the RDCY’s, I can’t let anyone down, especially myself. Now that I’m running with the crew it feels good to know I’m pursuing something outside of my comfort zone. After my first run, I felt a real sense of achievement and my perception of running and the British 10K changed completely.

I’ve learned running can open up many things, you can really share and actually learn about each other and develop a good bond through it. My favourite running route is around south east London where I live. It’s quite a hilly area so the intensity always changes. Although I would love to run in LA where the weather is always great and the women are always beautiful!

Seeing how far one of the RDC mentors Nathaniel has come - who I’ve known since before the RDC – as he was slightly over weight and wasn’t really into running at all but looking at him now, its like he has evolved. He’s happier, healthier, he’s even got a bl**dy job with Nike. I’m just very proud of him and he sets an example to A LOT of people out there.

Troy

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I started running because I found it a great way to keep fit and stay in shape but I think I take running a lot more seriously since I’ve joined RDCY.

There’s so much more to running than just moving your legs in a fast forward motion! There’s your diet, stretching, cooling down, strengthening your body and the dreaded injuries! The hardest thing I had to change was my mindset. When I started out on my own, three minutes into a run I’d just want to quit! It’s about mental strength as well as physical! I found it so inspirational to see the crew train hard and complete the marathon earlier this year. My personal goal is to be able to complete a marathon so the Nike + British 10K is the perfect start.

When I run I often think about food, it’s bad but it’s really hard when you have the smell drift past your nostrils. When I run with Darkz, he does crazy things like leap over railings so I always have this bad vision that one day he will fail dramatically…Terrible, I know!

Running can be embarrassing too, when I was training, a guy in his car proceeded to drive alongside me at 5mph whilst I ran! People were staring; he caused a traffic build up and it was so embarrassing!

Venetia “There’s so much more to running than just moving your legs in a fast forward motion!” Venetia

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DIARY

Being honest I started running because I wanted to lose some of my muscle mass, which I built up using weights. Clothes were just getting too tight so running was more of a means to an end at first but instead of it being a chore, it became something that I quite enjoyed.

After my first run I had muscle cramps, found it hard to breathe and nearly fainted to be honest! I run from Peckham down the Old Kent Road over Tower Bridge, back over the London Bridge in prep for the upcoming British 10K. I like to absorb as much scenery as possible, London always has something new to offer. I look around and enjoy the views, which tend to be architecture, beautiful women and I always seem to look at people’s sneakers. Once I was doing a bridge run and a few women run by giving me the biggest grins. So I’m thinking to myself, it must be the fresh trim; I look down at my shorts only to find them inside out and the tag swinging at the front!!!

Overall running with the group has made me feel like part of a family rather then a random group of people, plus using the automated voice on my Nike + has helped me improve all aspects of my run.

Olivier

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“Overall running with the group has made me feel like part of a family rather then a random group of people” Olivier

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RDCY was what actually sparked my interest in running and I quote Mr. Dark ‘You find out a lot about yourself.’

Obviously making the effort to run in the first place was the hardest part for me but once I started; that was it, I was in!

I run with Darkz mostly because he is local and keeps me entertained also him being there pushes me, as we are always challenging each other. The run I like the most would have to be the Parkland Walk because the actual route is a nature reserve and full of greenery; its beautiful and very therapeutic to run through. Before joining RDCY I just wanted to keep fit so I ran following the buses, got lost and had to ring a cab home but ideally a long stretch on a sandy beach would be the one because I’m very easily distracted. Saying that I don’t tend to live life with goals, I just keep on improving in whatever I’m doing. I keep building upon myself at my own pace but I always push myself.

Bruda Dre

At just 23 years old Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is one of the top sprinters to ever emerge from the UK. A constant inspiration to young athletes everywhere, RDCY’s Rosie Knight caught up with the gadget obsessed athlete to have a chat about running, injuries, hype tunes and how ‘The Avengers’ was just the best film ever…

Rosie: You’ve achieved so much but what has been your greatest achievement? HAA: I think everything has a meaning and there’s some things that I’ve done that I’m very proud of but you can’t compare each one. Something that stands out for me was winning Young Sports Personality of the Year then winning bronze at the World Championships because to come back from an injury, then winning a medal was a big thing.

What was the hardest part about coming back from an injury?It’s a bit of both really, initially it’s doubt, being upset that you’re not doing what you’d like to be doing. You see people running fast and know you could be in the mix. When I had my accident in 2007, I couldn’t even do the washing up I was so fragile! But, what doesn’t break you makes you stronger.

What got you into running?I kinda got into running after being chased by a dog. A man saw me, saw I had pace and sent me to the track. When you’re 12, you’re there for fun or because there’s girls there; you don’t even realise you’re training, making yourself a better person.

Which three attributes do you think make a good runner?First off, you need mental toughness, be kind of ignorant to pain. You can’t give up when things seem tough. It’s good to be physically gifted but you need to know your strengths and weaknesses. Lastly you need to not take things too seriously, enjoy it and it will all work out!

What do you do in your rest time? Well, I’m a big gadget geek so I’ve got my

BlackBerry for business use, iPhone for fun use. My Mac for playing football manager, which I’m actually playing on the train now. I’ve got my hard drive for watching movies when I’m abroad, just things to make life easier when you’re living out of a bag.

What’s the best film you’ve seen this year? Well, obviously ‘The Avengers’ is number one because I’m such a comic book geek, so watching it all come together, after seeing ‘Captain America’ and all the build up, it was great. I also really liked ‘Chronicle’.

So, what’s your training playlist saying? Marcus Nasty’s sets are good as they’re about two hours long, so his sets work well for me. I’m really into afro beats at the moment, one tune that does really get me going is ‘Babylon’ by Congorock. Also, I’ve been listening to Azealia Banks, Tyga, Nicki Minaj, Drake, ‘The Trumpeter’ by Ray Fox, that’s a favourite!

Who’s your favourite runner and what is it about them that really made you a fan? It’s got to be Maurice Green. He bought the swagger to the sport. Even down to Usain Bolt licking his lips and walking to the finish line, Maurice really started that. It was just after the Sydney Olympics, I was seeing these video’s and he was the person I was really looking up to when I started running.

If you could offer one piece of advice to aspiring runners what would it be?Just enjoy the sport. It’s an individual sport, so you can only do what you can do, so just enjoy it.

Check out harry-aa-official.com and follow @HarryAA100m

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ON YOUR MARKS

“...Maurice Green. He bought the swagger to the sport. Even down to Usain Bolt licking his lips and walking to the finish line, Maurice really started that.”

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LOCKER LEADERSRDCY’s Eliza explains why you should stop thinking about it and just strap your trainers on and RUN!Taking up a new hobby always seems to be a chore but when it comes to running we’ve got the inside on what you really need to get up to speed.

Feet FirstA suitable pair of trainers are essential, they make the difference between a great run and a run from hell. There are plenty of colours and styles to choose from plus selected Nike stores also offer Gait Analysis, which breaks down how you run and completely tailors your trainer advice to match. Even better the service is completely free!

Let It Breathe Piling on the miles makes for sweaty work and a kit that becomes sticky with sweat makes for uncomfortable running. The Breathable Stay Dry collection is an absolute essential for a new runner!

Beat The Heat At your maximum potential, heat becomes torture so staying cool is mandatory. Whilst running gets you hot and bothered, the Stay Cool Dri Fit, well, it’s pretty self-explanatory!

Keep TrackWhat always keeps you motivated and training hard, week in week out are the results and by using Nike + your progression is just a click away. Accessible via your iPod, iPad and iPhone you can get coaching tips, track your activities, challenge friends and set personal goals. Download at nikeplus.com

The AW12 Nike Sportswear Collection is available at JD and nike.com

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SETTING THE PACE

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The AW12 Nike Sportswear Collection is available at JD and nike.com

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NOW I’M PART OF THE RDCY’S, I CAN’T LET ANYONE DOWN ESPECIALLY MYSELF, BECAUSE WE’RE NOT JUST DOING THIS FOR OURSELVES BUT DOING IT FOR EACH OTHER.” TROY

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RUNNING REQUIRES SO MUCH DISCIPLINE THAT IT BLEEDS INTO OTHER PARTS OF YOUR LIFE AS WELL.” JEROME

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I JUST WANT TO ALWAYS FINISH WHATEVER RACE I START IN LIFE” DARKZ

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“You have to do something a little bit clever to separate yourself and OF COURSE great music. If you ain’t got great music then nobody wants to listen…” Youngman

YOUNGERS GRILL YOUNGMAN

On Music…Dre: When was the first time you sat down and thought to yourself damn I’m making it?Youngman: Well, I’ve only ever had two real jobs. I used to work at Rolls Royce in the HR department and I used to do silver service. So I kind of always managed to make a living out of music but the first time I was thinking I’m actually getting recognition wasn’t last year it was the year before. Then last year was an emotional year because I got a first class business degree but it just kind of dawned on me that music was my profession.

Dre: How do you feel with the pressure of a follow up to a solid record?Youngman: That’s a hard one to be honest. I think it’s natural to go in and out of inspiration. I made my biggest single ‘Who Knows’ in my bedroom. Skream sent me the beat and I recorded it there, then since things have progressed I’ve found myself in massive studios, big desks and loads of people. At the moment I’ve been going back to basics.

Dre: Who from another genre or scene would you like to collaborate with?Youngman: I think there’s two types of music; good or bad. I just want to involve myself with all types of genres. As far as the

UK, I’ve been blessed to have worked with some of the greatest ones. I’d love to work with Labrinth or Pharell, that would be sick!

Dre: How high do you think the level of MC/singers is in the UK right now?Youngman: I think the level is high, but guys that do both or can do both, I don’t think there’s too many. It’s definitely what I’m trying to capitalise on, like trying to be a UK Drake, as far as mixing those styles together.

P Casso: How do you stay creative? Youngman: Well I can tell you at the moment, I’ve decided to trade in my laptop for books because there’s only so much you can write about yourself and it seems to be working alright.

When the Derby dubstep MC and singer Colin ‘Youngman’ Smith rolled into the studio with the Run Dem Crew Youngers to give an insight into his life we don’t think he was expecting what he got. The RDCY’s gave Youngman an intense grilling on literally everything from his musical opinion to his favourite ‘tings’, current fitness regime, Fifa skills and (ahem) business availability.Interview by Bruda Dre, P Casso, Darkz and Jammz.

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On Mentoring and Mixtapes…Jammz: So like any other game music consists of a lot of decision making, what helps you make your decisions?Youngman: Wow, it’s hard I’m not gonna lie! There are a lot of hard decisions to be made and sometimes you live and die by them, especially in music. I try to stay true to myself and the music that I like. Always stay true to the people who believed in you from the start.

Darkz: How important is it to have a mentor in order to achieving your goals?Youngman: I’ve had so many mentors and without them I wouldn’t be here. I think it goes back to the last question. You are what you surround yourself with, so it’s important to surround yourself with positive people.

Darkz: What do you think a mixtape has to have because the market is flooded right now?Youngman: I would say something a little bit quirky. I know when The Weeknd did his mixtape, he just put these tracks online, nobody knew who it was and before he knew it there were all these views. You have to do something a little bit clever to separate yourself and OF COURSE great music. If you ain’t got great music then nobody wants to listen and it’s really important to get press and videos and treat it like an album.

On Fitness…Dre: How do you prepare for a tour?Youngman: I train like four or five times a week and my dad is a big big big runner. He

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runs 10K a day, so I try and keep up with him because he’s in great condition. I always try and eat healthy because when you’re on the road sh*t gets crazy.

Darkz: Who is your ideal running partner?Youngman: I wanna run with Nicki Minaj, well run slightly behind her, for some motivation! Hold tight Usain Bolt, I ain’t trying to run with you.

Darkz: When was the last time you ran?Youngman: The last time I ran, I went on the bike, I trained and then I ran and I kind of pulled a tendon in my calf so it didn’t work out very well. #Justsayin

A Deeper Delve…P Casso: Who would you choose to be stuck on an island with, OG Niki or Cher Lloyd?Youngman: Woooooooooow!!! I don’t even know how to give an explanation on why or who. I’m gunna keep it real and say OG Niki. I’m not scared!

P Casso: What is your favourite computer game?Youngman: Fifa, we’re gunna have a massive tournament over at Example’s house soon.

P Casso: Who’s the best?Youngman: I haven’t played Example but Benga is good because he used to play football but what happened is he had an

Xbox but I had a PlayStation. So I thought ‘llow him, trade in PlayStation and we’ve haven’t really had much time to play since.

P Casso: What are your three favourite tings at the moment?Youngman: I’m really a bit out of touch but I would say the new ‘Transformers’ girl, Rosie and Rita Ora too...

P Casso: The ladies want to know if you’re on the market, so what’s your business availability?Youngman: I’m actually in a situation. That’s an exclusive!

P Casso: Wait, what about the last ting?Youngman: Oh alright my last ting is... Eva Longoria!

Watch the video interview on RWDmag.com/RDCY and follow @Youngmanmusic

“I train like four or five times a week and my dad is a big big big runner. He runs 10K a day, so I try and keep up with him because he’s in great condition.” Youngman

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