Diggy with sister Angela Simmons

Diggy signing his contract with Atlantic Records

The stylish Diggy Simmons is the son of hip hop legend Reverend Run from the iconic group Run-DMC. He became  famous through the popular family reality show “Run’s House” which airs on MTV around the world. After many successful seasons of Run’s House, Diggy decided to expand his personal brand and express his musical talent by releasing a series of mixtapes.

The mixtapes got so much love on the net that various labels started vying for his talent. Eventually, Atlantic Records snagged him. The 16 year-old is now gearing up to release his debut album later this year. Aside from his music, the young Simmons is also known for possessing a keen sense of style; he’s a regular at runway shows in Paris and New York. In fact, he’s putting finishing touches on a sneaker collection that will be hitting stores later this year.

Keep up with this young fella via his BLOG.

Watch the video for his “Made you look” freestyle:

Nike SB X Dirty Money

Via: Freshnessmag

June 15th …. Apparently that’s when history will be made with Drake’s debut album. Mark the date!

Pics by Sivu Nobongoza

Hey ladies…. how are y’all doing today?

Hi,we’re good.Things are a little hectic on our side, we have three events to organise this week;Wednedays Rand-A-Brand night at chrome,our anniversary on friday and the Neyo pre-party with HeadHoncho on Sunday…so we’re hanging in there.Lol

So its Bank productions’ first anniversary already; it feels like only yesterday when you guys approached us to collaborate on your first event. How does it feel to be celebrating your anniversary?

This serves as one of those rare times when words can’t even express what is going on in our heads and hearts. Our emotions have been all over the place in a good way.In short its a blessing and honour that sometimes seems to good to be true.

You ladies have kicked butt in the past 12 months ….. what do you attribute your success to?

Aww…thank you. Honestly it would have to be the hundreds of peeps who come thunderstorm or heatwave always mange to support our gigs.their loyalty has become invaluable. On a more personal note we know that our success has been a result of the support we get from one another.we each have our days to stumble and our days to pick eachother up.its been a humbling experience.

You guys have obviously had your share of ups and downs…. what setbacks and challenges have you guys experienced thus far?

That’s what we call an understatement!lol. Ya neh,it been real. Our setbacks have manifested in the usual, sponsors pulling out last minute,not having enough funds for a particular idea, not managing to find an appropriate venue and so on.yet since we’re being real being in cpt has taught us that we still have a long way to go in terms of being part of a rainbow nation in South Africa. Racism and Chauvnism have been particulary hard to deal with but our famillies have instilled a fierce sense of pride and entitlement within each of us that will never cow in the face of such adversities.

What would you say is your best, most memorable event?

It would have to be our silence the haters party,for so many different reasons; it required so much work,management and dedication.it tested us like no other event had and made as question then re-affirm that we were in this for the long run. After this event we knew what we were capable of and that not even “a bull of a man” could ever hope to keep us down.

You guys have worked with a fair share of celebrity entertainers … please fill in the following to see how your experience with them has been:

* HHP is ….a teddy bear!and one of the most down to earth person in the industry.
* Khuli Chana should ….get his behind back to Cape Town because we have BIG things planned,so watch this space cpt.P.S groupies most welcome,(its in his contract)-re ea dlala!lol
* DJ Kent can’t …..say NO to us!lol he’s the sweetest most respectful DJ we have ever come across.we love working with him plus he was the first DJ we ever booked…so the love goes deep.
* AKA was ….a blast!he exudes such charm and charisma we couldn’t help but respect him.
* DJ Milkshake loves …chatting on-line whether it be facebook,twitter…etc.And we love it because we get to stay in touch and keep up with what he’s up to.

You guys have a cool relationship with Head Honcho … what is it about the brand that you like and what can people look forward to regarding your relationship with the brand?

That’s a trick question right? Other than the fact that the gear makes us look uber chic and hot?well…the brand epitomises a lot of the principles we stand for as a company…in short Respect our Hustle. Big thing are coming your way when B.A.N.K and HeadHoncho team up we tend to blow the roof!we are always striving to be bigger and better than the last time. I guess that’s what brings us togther,we have a vision and we’re not going to stop till we bring it to life.

So where to from here girls?

Where else but the ToP? We are constantly on the hustle and we are constantly striving to trancend new heights. We’re still in beautifull Cape Town for now getting those damn UCT degrees…lol.but to be honest not even the sky can limit us at this point.

Lastly but not least, how do you Live Progressively?

Living Progressively is not something that can be taught.It is a movement that is inherent in everyone and should be followed by everyone.Sometimes it just takes listening to that voice inside of you to unleash your full potential…to Live Progressively.

JR making the 'circle beega'

Deep Level "running the city"

More Pics Below

DJ Switch on the 1's & 2's

I’ve come across a lot of talented cats but the Cape Town-based Ameen packs so much heat that it is easy to forget any talent that you’ve encountered in the past.

Ameen came from nowhere to command a leading position in the local hip hop scene. His production on chart-topping tracks such as Zubz’ “Part time lover, Full time freak”, Proverb’s “Lets take it back” and “Boogie Down” which stars Nigerian rapper Naeto C, HHP and Ameen himself leaves no doubt in the listener’s mind that you are now rocking with the best!!!

This guy’s work ethic is on point. His hunger and persistence will also ensure that he continues silencing all his haters while shooting straight to the top of the music charts locally and internationally.  Take our word for it!!

He might want to consider a part-time gig as a model …..  Ameen graced our recent photoshoot. Check it out under Collection.

We sat down with homeboy and this is what came of it……

Head Honcho: What’s good homie… how are you living?

Ameen: Progressively! Haha Stayin fresh man!

HH: You had a busy 2009. You worked on many projects with artists such as HHP, Zubz, HC, Danny K, Naeto C etc. Which project was the most surreal for you?
A: I think one of my most momentous projects of 2009 would have to be with Megan C. She came into studio with an open mind and allowed me to go beyond what most folks expect of an Ameen production… She has a very unique voice to which at first I wasn’t quite sure what to do with it, and I’d have to say the most satisfying thing she told me was to not limit her to anything – I found that I could relate on that level cos we both come from very diverse musical backgrounds, so the chemistry was redonkulous!

HH: You’re now rated as one of the top hip-hop producers and composers in the country. Did it come easy? What have you had to do to reach this position?
A: Nothing worth-while comes easy man. Its a game of blood, sweat, tears and determination. It’s the one thing I strive every single day for so to me failure is not an option.
As for this position, I’m never satisfied for too long so I’m still working hard to get to where I aim to be and as long as that aim changes to greater levels, I’m just gonna keep on trying to better myself everyday and giving thanks to The Most High for the strength to continue.

HH: So where and how did the passion for music come about?
A: Music is in everything I experience daily… With every moment there’s a melody to it in my head like the soundtrack to this movie of Life. From the good times, to the bad, the crazy and dramatic, I hear it inside and it’s not limited to a tempo or genre… Its not limited to a culture, place, name, time or attached imagery – Its the closest thing as limitless as God to me.

HH: Who/what are your music influences?
A: Well I guess I’m influenced by what I listen to and that’d be Jamaican Dancehall, Crunk and most Southside Hiphop ( .A. Town muhuhaha!!!), Brazillian Baillefunk, Motown and Soul, G-Funk, Electro, Neo-Soul, Metal, Punkrock, Funk, Turntablism, FutureMusic, Bhangra, Glitch, 90’s RNB, Meditation Music, New York And LA Gangsta Rap, Classical Symphonic concertos, electro, chip tune.. I’m open to anything I find interesting!

HH: Since you’re slap-bang in the music scene …. What would you say is still lacking with our local scene?
A: Apart from good sound engineers, I’d have to say musical diversity lol… I mean these days dudes are JUST doing south, like there’s no need for exploring and doing something fresh that’s just straight up good music that’s new and people innately just vibe to. What I find kinda strange as well is that we have lots of soul singers but not a single good RNB act – where y’all at??

HH:  Which exciting projects are you currently working on?
A: I’m working with a member of the Honcho fam, he’s also a member of my song-writing team and member of JHB crew called MVT, and that’s none other than ma boy Tru. This kid is mad talented. Other projects I’m lookin foward to are Jax Panik (electr pop rock), HC (rap), Shaz & B (funk), a band called White Collar Kiss (Rock), Franki M (RNB), Keeno Lee (funk),Jarred Rickets (?.. He’s got too many ideas to bracket him in a genre lol) and Chad Saaiman’s much anticipated second album (soul/funk).

HH: You recently joined Head Honcho as a brand ambassador…. What is it about the brand that resonated with you?
A: The fact that I couldn’t necessarily attach it to anything…. other labels stereotype u to a group or culture like you wear something and be like “ooh that’s hip hop wear” or “oooh that’s goth” lol.. Honcho’s got a lil’ something for everyone and that’s why it speaks to me.

HH: How do you ‘live progressively’?
A: Day by day a new conquest. Stay focused and be better than your best yesterday.

HH: Where will AMEEN be in 5 years time?
A: With a sound from 2020

Ill Skillz made history last week Friday ….. they recorded a full album in 24 hrs and managed to shoot a video, do a photoshoot and perform at the launch event later that evening……. Shoooh, I get tired from just writing this! The 24 hr album will be available to download via our site. We’ll keep you guys posted.

Stan1 & Ayanda

 More pics below:

Ill SKillz drummer Darren

Jimmy Flexx in the booth

Uno posted up in studio

Performing at CT Festival in between recording

Pics by Max Mogale

Our boy will be doing it BIG once again for the CT massive on Fri, 5 March. Catch Stan1 performing live at Inside Lounge in Kenilworth. Leo Large will also be on the decks. Brought to you by Reign Cloud Ent. See you there!

Peep the photoshoot for our late summer range….. the photos were taken by the Cape Town-based Max Mogale. We’re very proud of this new range; the diversity of the clothing showcases our growth as designers.

Items such as the blue/red Striped “Flight School” tee show that we can also pull off a ‘clean’ look without losing our edge. Ladies are also spoilt for choice with vests and tees in different cuts. Pop in at a stockist near you and get yourself some of this fresh gear.

Peep the rest of the shoot in the ‘Collections‘ page on our website. Thanks to our models AMEEN, Roxy and Ande for participating in the shoot.