Princess Nokia
What do you do and why do you do it?
I’m an artist. I am naturally compelled to narrate stories and vision the work that I make.
What was your big break?
The release of my first album Metallic Butterfly.
What are you working on at the moment?
Art pieces based on naturalism and botany; developing my collective Smart Girl Club; dropping a new mix tape this summer; and throwing a new party called NC-17.
This is the 35th Anniversary Issue of i-D, when did you last celebrate and what did you celebrate for?
I recently gave a discussion on feminism, and gave an Honorarium at Harvard University. Afterwards, the professors, alumni and I got dinner and had a great conversation.
Tell us one thing that no one knows about you?
I’m a bird watcher.
The Square
What do you do and why do you do it?
Dee Jillz: Grime music, because I love it.
Lucky Lolingo: I produce grime music, because I’ve loved it all my life.
Describe yourself…
D: Grime, humble, cool, great.
L: Humble.
How did you start your career?
D: With practice and freestyle videos.
L: My brother showed me how to produce.
What was your big break?
D: Working with Grandmixxer.
L: Starting to DJ.
What advice would you give young people wishing to follow in your footsteps?
D: Get money.
L: No matter how hard it is, you will master your craft.
Tell us one thing that no one knows about you.
D: I’m mischievous.
L: I skateboard a lot.
Finish this sentence: 35 is the new…
D: …19.
L: …leng.
Tink
What do you do and why do you do it?
I rap, sing and write because it’s what I was born to do.
Describe yourself in five words.
The voice of my generation.
How did you start your career?
Recording in the basement with my father.
What was your big break?
Timbaland heard a record of mine and insisted on producing my debut album.
What are you working on at the moment?
Think Tink, the album.
What advice would you give young people wishing to follow in your footsteps?
Embrace your flaws. Be an individual!
We‘re celebrating the 35th Anniversary Issue of i-D, when did you last celebrate and what was the occasion?
My 20th birthday on March 18th.
What excites you most about tomorrow?
Knowing that I’ll wake up and do something I love.
Tell us one thing that no one knows about you.
I’m a very private and reserved person. I like my space.
What‘s your party trick?
Shots!
Finish this sentence: 35 is the new…
23.
Hudson Mohawke
How did you start your career?
The first records I made were vocal records, RnB bootlegs – it was before I was working with Warp, and before twitter – this was the Myspace days.
Tell us one thing no one knows about you.
I’m not really a musician you know, I fumble my way through to get where I want to get.
What advice would you give young people wishing to follow in your footsteps?
If you’re gonna be performing with the A List people, you have to change your mentality – there are certain ways you have to conduct yourself – if you’re in certain environments, you don’t know who’s company you’re gonna be in, or who’s gonna walk in- you can’t have your phone out filming shit.