Behold The Gold: Natalia B Interview With Isis Nicole

Hobbies can become a hustle. Take it from Natalia Durazo, founder of Honey B Gold, an alpha female jewelry line heavy on the shiny metal for fly girl panache. After obsessing over 5'' door knockers, gold hoops, and Hip-Hop, Natalia took jewelry making into her own hands, finding her passion in design. Each one of her pieces embrace a sense of womanhood, fit for the ladies who keep it trill and demand power as well as respect. The flossy bossy Natalia took some time out to share a few words on her start with Honey B Gold, her love for Ghostface Killah, nail art prospects, pieces sent to rapper Iggy Azalea, collaboration with NY based company Yours Truly, and so much more after the jump.

Name Natalia Gold

Hometown Born and partially raised in Los Angeles, currently residing in the Inland Empire.

Most Known for

Making obscene, tacky, jewelry for all the fly bitches.

Unknown for

HOPEFULLY, NOT known for making wack jewelry.

Sexiest thing someone has done for you?

Let me pluck their whole beard in the name of LOVE. I have this obsession with plucking hair, I told him if he didn’t let me do it he didn’t really love me, so he humored me. I heard it’s less painful to take a kick to the bozack than it is to pluck mens facial hair (laughs).

Bitchiest thing someone has done to you or vice versa?

My childhood best friend stole the LOVE of my teenage life from me in 10^th grade (laughs). He then put the moves on me my senior year and I let him kiss me in the name of revenge. BOYS!

Let me start by saying that I love the no nonsense vibe Honey B Gold holds. What's the story behind Honey B Gold, why was it created, and why is it important?

Well, Honey B wasn’t something that was necessarily planned. It was more like an unexpected pregnancy. I’ve always had an affinity for big obnoxious jewelry. I was the girl in high school with the 5” door knockers, humongous gold hoop earrings, and three dozen bangle bracelets. I always swore Slick Rick was my biological father. Anyway fast forward to ’06, I got this random idea to paint J Dilla’s album art on a pair of metal heart earrings I already owned. Dilla is one of my favorite producers, and I started rockin them to events and people started requesting custom pieces. I started making money and before you knew it, I had a little jewelry hustle which has now turned into Honey B Gold.

When did you know that this was something special that just had to be out?

I started receiving fan mail before I even knew the line could have fans. I had an immense amount of support from people everywhere. I knew the love and encouragement I was receiving was a sign from the universe to continue doing what I was doing.

A lot of the names in your summer 2011 collection make me think of something like a hardcore rap theme. How do you come up with the titles for your jewelry?

I name my pieces depending on whatever comes to mind. I kind of let the first thing that pops into my head claim the name. Although just an FYI, the name Honey B was inspired by Wu Tang Clan. Shout out to my boo Ghostface Killah aka Starky Love aka Pretty Tone bone till ya moan (laughs). I battled between Killer B and Honey B for a while, but the moment I realized I could relate the word “Honeydip” the decision was clear.

Why gold in the first place?!

Being a huge Hip Hop head I’ve always been drawn to flashy stuff. Gold is the epitome of flash! Plus I’ve never cared much for any other metals. Everything I made included a hint of gold, and it just seemed like the perfect marriage.

I saw the videos you posted of Jessie J and Lola Monroe rockin’ your pieces. You know who else should start if she hasn’t already ready, Honey Cocaine or Iggy Azalea. What do you think?

Wellllll.. I recently sent a care package to Iggy Azalea, so MAYBE we’ll see her rockin’ some Honey soon??

I took note of the hot pink nails in your lookbook, you into nailporn? That would be sweet if you and nail artist(s) could team up and make some dope nail accessories drippy gold style!

Anything that’s flashy, over the top, or just too much makes my heart skip beats. Before I had any real responsibilities you’d catch me at the nail shop two times a week switching up the designs on my hands and feet. Being that my jewelry is handmade, having claws definitely works against me, I tried. So for now I live vicariously through other girls. You seriously gave me a dope ass idea, might have to break you off some royalties (laughs).

You have a love for self made hustlers and bad bitches. But in between all that gritty stuff your collection does share a softer side with insight and advice on relationships, whether it be sex, lust, love or heartbreak. Is there a particular reason to this?

For the most part, most of my pieces are my own personal statements to society, and they’re all so random which makes it super hard to try and put a collection together. Although (if it isn’t obvious) my last collection was inspired by a broken heart. I was going through a very difficult break up and that’s what I felt. I used my outlet as therapy and boom, you got some Alpha female, angry but steezy bitch jewelry.

Who do you consider to be Honey B Gold fly girls and bad bitches?

Fly Girl= Any chick that owns her style, and does it well. Bad Bitch= A strong broad that holds her own, and makes us proud to own vaginas.

Has anyone tried to jack or been busted for biting Honey B Gold yet?

Not that I know of –side eye-

Any new pieces or sneak peeks in store or that you’re able to share for 2012?

I’m currently working on a few different collabos with AMAZING brands, and even one of my favorite female rappers. One project I’m actually releasing within the next few days is the collaboration between Honey B Gold and NY based company Yours Truly. I am beyond excited to see the girlies rock this bad boy.

What is your biggest challenge to date?

Besides myself, the biggest challenge I’ve endured is perfecting my craft. I’m always looking for ways to improve my materials, my techniques, and my delivery. I welcome these challenges.

Where do you want to see Honey B Gold this year?

EVERYWHERE.

A successful life for you would be

To be happy, continue to create, and have all my loved ones around me.

Any advice to aspiring artists?

As corny and cliche as this sounds, NEVER GIVE UP. Don't give up on your vision if it doesn't work the first time around. Go back to the drawing board and make a new game plan and try again. Repeat as many times as needed. BELIEVING IS SEEING.

Click here to shop Honey B Gold

@NataliaBGold

Who's That Girl?! Isis Nicole Q&A With Iggy Azalea

This is the year of the fly girl and Iggy Azalea ain't wasting no time to shine. I found out about the Australian goddess through a post by Brass and was instantly hooked to her long legs and lyrics. Yup, Iggy got bars and a decent amount of confidence to compliment her steeze. But who could ever resist a chick killing hard ass beats? If you're a sucker for ponytails, nails, graphics, gold, denim and Hip-Hop then you'll have fun getting to know Iggy Azalea a bit more after the jump.

Name Iggy Azalea

Hometown Middle of nowhere Australia, since adopted by LA, California

Age 21

Blog I don't run my own blog but my official fan blog is iggyazalea.tumblr.com

Best go-to-spot for nails and hair
My hair is so long it's too expensive to get it done at a salon, so I do it myself! But the best nail spot is Carmen on Spring and 9th Downtown LA!

3 words that describe your style The. New. Classic

Most Known For My raps

Unknown For My cakes! I'm quite the baker… my friends love them.

I was recently introduced to your music video “Pu$$y” through a blog post. When did you pursue rapping and what was your inspiration behind the song?

I first started rapping at age 14 in Australia then moved to the States at age 16 to pursue it after dropping out of high school. I knew without a shadow of doubt there was a place for me in Hip-Hop, although in retrospect - I was pretty crappy! Thankfully with lots of practice, I got better progressively. My inspiration behind the video for "Pu$$y" was actually the movie "Friday" but once I started brainstorming with friends, the concept got a life of its own. Sonically "Pu$$y"is the Part II of "2x", which is a freestyle video. People kept telling me they wished "Pu$$y" was a full song so I made one in the spirit of "2x"

2x’s is clever as f**k, who created the graphics and concept for it?

Thank you! My idea was to do something lighthearted to contrast the harshness of what was being said in the song. The cats and everything happening on my crotch were meant as a double metaphor and also kind of a 'fuck you' to a lot of people who at the time were telling me I needed to be more 'sexy'. I felt like fuck them! If I want to get my boobs or vagina out it'll be on my own terms! I grew up in a small town in Australia so animation and drawing was always a hobby of mine that kept me.

I learned of your love for Jean-Michel Basquiat, Tupac, Grace Kelly, and Ned Kelly, all very unique individuals with different functions in their lifetime. Do you consider your work to be a reflection of their existence?

I consider my work to be a reflection of my own existence because a person can only authentically be a product of their OWN struggles and successes. All the people you've mentioned I feel drawn to because there is something within each of them that I identify with. I empathize with the above characters. I try to expose the greats I steal from, rather than hide it like other artists because I want to create awareness and encourage others to go check them out and dig into the history of it all and take their own inspiration from these people. I'm sick of seeing "Scarface" references in videos and I want to introduce everyone to the people I believe are the true greats.

With the popularity of groups like the white girl mob, does this at all influence your position in hip-hop?

On a personal note, I can't let them influence me because I've been on this path, my own path, for a long time now. Nothing they do or don't do has the power to change the direction I'm sailing in, and I say that with all do respect. I am an influence and a chief - not an indian! On a business note, the listeners and fans of music are the ones who truly decide my position so you'd have to ask them!

What does it mean to be the catwoman of rap?

This is hard to answer because it was never a self professed title! However it's a title I'll gladly take. When I heard it, it made me feel like I was a mysterious, sexy, powerful rap superhero so that's what it means to me.

You’re such a beautiful girl, do you have any history with modeling?

I was once approached by Elite model management and when I went in to be interviewed they measured my hips only to find they are 38'' which is bigger than the standard sample size. I was told to drop 4 inches from my hips if I wanted to be a model. Naturally I went home that night, ate lots of pizza, and rapped into my computer. I love getting my picture taken but not if it means fighting against my bodies natural shape. It's not healthy.

How do you set yourself apart from so many of the rising internet crazes?

I just be myself, I'll never be them - they'll never be me. Everyone is unique without even having to try! It's when you TRY to be 'different' that shit starts to look the same…

Alongside the Iggy Azalea YouTube channel, are there any other projects you work on?

I'm currently working on my debut project 'Ignorant Art' which is being released mid September on my website iggyazalea.com. I'm also working on a mixtape with a rapper and great friend of mine named YG 400. Our mixtape is called '1990’ and it features remakes of classic Hip-Hop songs from the 90's which is scheduled to be released late October. And after that I start to work on my album entitled 'The New Classic'.

What internet trends would you like to see disappear?

The porn site Tumblr has become. I'm all for nudity but the images I've witnessed are mostly all lacking in creativity. It's just one big blur of sunkissed tits and ass.

What music trends would you like to see disappear?

'White girl rap'. It's not a category at the Grammy's - why is it becoming one in Hip-Hop? I thought it was just 'RAP'. Let's get rid of race defined rap PLEASE.

Who, besides a family member, do you find inspirational and why?

Anyone brave enough to be an innovator is an inspiration to me.

Who’s your favorite upcoming artist(s) right now?

I love all my young west coast artists at the moment! There is an electricity in the city of LA right now and everyone can feel the west coming together and rising back up. I'm Australian but I still feel so proud to be here witnessing it all. All the pu$haz ink boys have a special place in my heart since recording the '1990' project and I'm really excited to see them continue their journeys as artists also.

Any advice to aspiring artists?

Find out who you are, hold onto it for dear life and never let anyone convince you being someone else could ever compare to being YOU.

Twitter @IGGYAZALEA

Who's That Girl?! Isis Nicole Q&A With Ahredakar Rhea Carter

Okay so I'm going to try to introduce Rhea Carter while quickly letting you know who I am. Goodness this is hard because I don't want to take away from who she is...SOOOOO, here it goes. I'm Isis Nicole, Columbia College Chicago undergrad who loves music and fascinating people. I first saw Rhea on her blog ahredakar then soon after at this Taraiji P. Henson interview held on campus in the lobby we both happened to be in. I wanted to say "Ooo gurl I luh yo hair!" because at the time she had this funky purple and blue colour and she was this beautiful beautiful girl I had not seen during the icy cold winter in Chicago. But this guy standing beside me beat me to it, she smirked and walked away. Intimidating? Not so much. Had enough of guys taunting her? Who knows maybe. I was just salty he took my compliment right out of my mouth and I never got a chance to say what I wanted to say. Anyways, I mustered up the guts to at least ask her for a q&a and sure enough my wish was granted :-) . I know people are going ape sh*t over blogging these days. Everyone has one. But Ahredakar has got something special. I admire her dedication and ability to recreate from whatever she finds at thrift stores. She's a gem. See for yourself after the jump!


Name Rhea Carter

Hometown Chicago

Age 19

Most known for?
My colorful hair I believe and fashion

Unknown for?
My drawings =(

Favorite thrift store find?
Vintage Chanel purse =)

Coined blognology?
Make something out of nothing

Sexiest song you have ever heard?
I Believe In A Thing Called Love - The Darkness

Sexiest thing someone has ever done for you?
Nothing, my love life sucks lol

How did ahredakar come about?
I have always wanted to make a blog and I just felt like it wouldn't be me if I didn't try to promote a positive message behind it.

Why tumblr rather than any other blog space?
Haha my friends had a huge effect on that choice and after totally not understanding it for months I finally got the hang of it.

What is the motivation behind your blog?
Oh, there are so many motivations but mainly the beauty in thrift stores and recreating. To be able to find life in something others found worthless. It's beauty in almost everything and I hope to inspire others to see and create it.

Besides ahredkar, are there any other projects you work on?
Yess , hehehe I've been working on a line of recycled dresses made from some of the most random materials, but upcoming I've been planning to make a online store side project. I'm a crew member of The Hip Hop Democratic.


Is there ever a moment you feel limited in creating (and or recreating) the right outfit? If yes, what do you do to get pass that bump? If no, how do you always posse that creative energy?
It has been pretty opposite from that, I feel myself up with so many ideas that most of the projects I start are never completed. It's been hard trying to balance everything but I'm dedicating this summer into doing so.


What is your favorite piece you’ve created?
A awesome varsity jacket that I will post a picture of one day.


What blogging trends would you like to see disappear?
The "I don't give a fuck attitude." I think that's the problem now-a-days no one gives a fuck. And we honestly should be caring more based on the way this world seems to be turning out.

What fashion trends would you like to see disappear?
Jordans ! lol

How do you deal with some of the negativity that comes from other bloggers who for the most part remain, anonymous?
Always defeat someones negative comments with a joke, two negative people never win.


Has anyone tried to jack or been busted for for biting off of you yet?
Lol alot of bloggers point others out to me, but never see it as them trying to be like me. I don't mind at all and will not be doing any call outs ;) might even give them a heart lol.

Do you take gif requests?
Yeah well often people ask me to make them one. I still have no idea how to make a video gif...that pisses me off


Who, besides a family member, do you find inspirational and why?
2pac because he truly died for what he believed in which is telling the people the truth, and giving back to the communities. I also am inspired by Dr. Seuss


Any advice to aspiring artists?
We all have to start somewhere , your journey begins as soon as you make your first step.





[Images via Ahredakar]

EXCLUSIE DONT TRIP...YET INTERVIEW: INDIE

I have been in love with Graffiti since I was a girl and that's FOREVER. The only thing that was missing in my love affair with Graffiti was a writer named "Indie". Her pieces are amazing & creative plus on top of that she's a inspiring women. Doing more than her fare share and doing it better than ever. You may have seen her piece's in the Bronx, Holland, and along side Fafi & Cope2 just to name a few but it does'nt stop there now she's on Don't Trip..Yet giving us ladies a glimpse in the life of...

INDIE 184 MYSPACE

DTY INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE: WEEKEND WARRIORS

What do you need in a clothing line and who is behind the clothes that we stay steady rocking day in and day out? Who is the most talented with a roaring uprising to the top? It's the ladies of the streetwear culture, We are not only taking over but we are doing it like no other so don't slack on calling us O.G's because it's nothing less than original. Weekend Warriors are killing it right now these ladies are helping build the bridge that's taking you over to the other world along with other label's in the streetwear culture and it's exclusively for the ladies but also living in harmony with the fellas. So In the effort to get into the minds of the designer's of WEEKEND WARRIORS Desi & Bri, DTY came up with some questions and the ladies came back with some REAL answers.

WEEKEND WARRIORS
WEEKEND WARRIORS BLOG