By now you should know that some weeks ago, Dutch denim brand G-Star RAW® announced its latest worldwide “Hardcore Denim” campaign with an icon and a man who needs no introduction – Snoop Dogg. That celebration was soon followed by our special HYPE magazine exclusive G-Star RAW story (visually captured by award-winning, contemporary multimedia visual artist Trevor Stuurman) that has Shane Eagle gracing the cover which you can still checkout here.
Now we’ve got another exclusive piece of editorial content to share in the form of a dope interview with non other than the Cape Crusader himself, YoungstaCPT who also teamed up with G-Star RAW® the Exclusives SA Launch. In this interview with YoungstaCPT, we get to know some facts about his life such as the first Snoop Dogg track he remembers jamming to, his perceptions on G-Star RAW® as a brand, how he remains positive and more.
Creative direction and Photography: Trevor Stuurman
Stylist: Carla Vermaak, Lampost Productions
So what was the very first Snoop Dogg track you remember when growing up?
The first solo song I heard of Snoop’s was ‘What’s my name?’ But before that I heard him on various guest appearances on songs like ‘Still D.R.E.’ ‘Next Episode’ and even Lil Bow Wow’s ‘What’s my name’.
How old were you?
I was 10.
And when you think Snoop Dogg style, music and lifestyle, what comes to mind?
In the beginning it was straight gangster, he was representing the west coast from head to toe – the French braids to the Chuck Taylors, gang signs, the low riders and bicycle choppers, so for me, I always knew Snoop as the cool calm gangster. But when I think of Snoop now he’s more of a famous personality and icon in the entertainment industry and not just a rap legend.
Did he ever impact your own music?
Most certainly. It’s a long story to explain but to sum it up, Being that I’m from the Western Province of South Africa, Snoop’s music fitted perfectly with our environment and lifestyle because of the weather, the good weed and the high level of crime and gangsterism we experienced. So when I started making more music to represent the local mentality and slang I pulled a lot from Snoop Dogg to make the link between Compton on California’s West Coast and Cape Town (whose initials are also CPT ironically)
So he has been a big inspiration?
I have been inspired heavily by Snoop’s solo work, also what he did with groups like 213, Tha Dogg Pound, Doggystyle All Stars and Tha Eastsidaz. Not to mention the outside brands he’s collaborated with like Skull Candy, PONY and his ‘SDC’ clothing and now G-Star too. So Snoop is a true definition of Hip Hop as I feel he embodies a lot of the elements and always incorporates them in whatever business venture he enters into.
I’m loving the pieces I got gifted. My favourite is the denim jacket and shorts combo. Those are crazy!
I always knew G-Star RAW® to be a reputable, top end and expensive brand. It’s always been cool
Prior to your partnership, what was your perception of the brand and has it changed over the years?
I always knew G-Star RAW® to be a reputable, top end and expensive brand. It’s always been cool. Rugged, raw, tough garments and since I’m a denim fan they always got street cred approval from me and the hood. I like baggy denims a lot, they’re in the same WhatsApp group.
Did you own any G-Star RAW clothing and if yes, what was the first item you got?
I did. I had a bunch ‘coz my cousin wore it a lot so I would have to bargain with him. I don’t remember the first item that I owned but I remember my cousin and I arguing over this denim bomber jacket that he had, I wore it on Eid 2007 and it was so dope man! It was the best part of my outfit so since then I been a G…..Star!
What is your favourite G-Star RAW® item in your collection right now?
I’m loving the pieces I got gifted. My favourite is the denim jacket and shorts combo. Those are crazy!
What attracted you to partner with the G-Star RAW® brand?
Well I’ve worn them for a long time prior to the partnership and like I said I’m a denim lover so they’ve kept it consistent over the years and for me that speaks volumes.
Is Denim a big feature in your closet right now and did you wear a lot of denim growing up?
Both. I was always dripped out in denim. I also feel it was a way bigger fashion trend in the ‘90s and early 2000’s so I was fortunate to have that style shown to me early on.
What is the one thing you think most makes you unique and stand out as an artist?
Aside from the accent and the slang, I’d say it’s just me being myself. There’s a lot of rappers but nobody else can be Riyadh, so by incorporating my identity, I stood out.
When did you realise your greatness?
6 years old.
How do you measure success – a gold record, over 1-million streams on iTunes, winning Best Hip Hop Album at the SA Music Awards, or is it something more than this?
Once my family and loved ones are sorted financially off of my hard work then I’d say I’m a huge success. If I could at least take care of my mother and make her life content I’d say I made it.
Would you say you are successful?
I’d say I’ve achieved a lot but I still have a long way to go.
Looking at your life and career so far, what makes you most proud?
Just the fact I followed through with my plan and goals. A lot of my friends ended up in bad situations or just didn’t get to live out their dreams so I think just waking up, getting to do what I love everyday, gives me a personal sense of accomplishment.
How do you remain positive and inspired during challenging times?
I have faith that God will not give us a test we cannot overcome and with that being said I’m still breathing and surviving so I’m still praying every day. Thankfully and gratefully.
Who and what has inspired your journey thus far?
My mother was the blueprint to me for all things cool. She always watched the best movies, listened to the hottest music and wore the flyest clothing, so she really guided me in all things trendy but she always made sure I added my own spin to it to be unique. I still take a lot of my teachings from her.
“I have faith that God will not give us a test we cannot overcome…”