Marvin “The BoyBoy” Watson Jr. has been known around the world for being a staple in the competitive music industry, a businessman, a father, and his affluent lifestyle. In 2010 Mr. Watson, decided to launch a premiere website to the world under the name Scalen, to bring to the market a brand that will stay true to urban culture as well as capture that ever so commercial appeal. Keeping that goal in mind, in addition to Scalen’s projected success as a record label “The BoyBoy Young Mess” has taken his extensive hands on experience and label proprietorship to cement Scalen’s future as a films division and a clothing line in hopes to grow from an urban label to an international brand.

Can’t live without hip-hop?  Then you’re in for a new taste in hip-hop inspired streetwear.  Check out N-U-B Clothing, which brings out the capital F in ‘Fresh’.  Made for ladies and gents who are living the real life, N-U-B seeks to represent you the way you are.  Lynell Ellis, the Founder and CEO of N-U-B Clothing Co. chatted it up with SoJones and tells you what N-U-B is all about.

Introduce yourself and describe how your brand was started?

Family, what’s good? My name is Lynell Ellis, Founder/CEO of N-U-B Clothing Co. N-U-B started off first, as an idea. I am real big fan of the Hip Hop Culture (my roots) I was always attracted to the art/designing side of Hip Hop,beside the music. Studying the other clothing pioneers,through out history. I felt the need for change, in the clothing industry and in 2005 N-U-B was born… “if they can do it, then I can do it to”

Describe this season’s theme for your line. Include any sources of inspiration (examples: 80’s punk, muses like Amber Rose, 70’s disco bands, Kanye, etc)

This year’s theme is called “New U Beginning” our motto. My inspiration for this theme has always been about U, the consumer. N-U-B represents the masses, that’s making an honest living and just trying to pay the bills. N-U-B represents the single parents (Mother,Fathers) who are putting food on their table for their little ones to make ends meets. New U Beginning is for our family and friends of Haiti.

Any product placements on celebs to keep an eye out for (examples: publicity photos, magazines, movies, music videos etc)

N-U-B Clothing has been feature in several publications, including U Soul magazine,with a full page interview. Busta Rhymes, to local celebrity who is making a difference. shouts -outs goes to rapper Foley in Memphis who will be rocking N-U-B Clothing. while,hosting a show on Fox 13 in Memphis call the ” Street Scene” which airs on Friday nights.

What has been a surprise fashion hit over the last year? (a particular piece, a look or even another brand)

There has been many surprise fashions in the past year, but the one that sticks out to me is the straight leg-tight pants, even though that style is not me. It was for all of Hip Hop back-in-day. Some of the younger dudes and ladies,seem to think that this style is somewhat new, but I am here to tell you: it’s a throwback style from the early 80’s when we use to rock suede Pumas with the fat orange shoe string laces. Remember that? LOL!

What current fashion trend would you like to see thrown overboard?

I hear in some states they are trying to pass laws to the way you wear your pants. Crazy. Trust me, family, we do not need a law or a fine to the way we wear our clothes. Although N-U-B could never tell you how to wear your own clothes, man-up! We can still be creative in fashion, and keep it real in the field of Hip Hop without stupid wannabe laws, like that one if it’s true.

What is/was one of your most prized fashion pieces, past or present?

I was attending the MAGIC Show last year in August. N-U-B Clothing was doing some major networking there and to my surprise I had the pleasure of meeting one of my idols, the God Father of the Clothing, Mr. Daymond John. To all of you who do not know, he’s the founder CEO of FUBU and now a shark on Shark Tank. To me that is one of my fashion prized, besides becoming a register trademark.

TuPac or Biggie?

Both. You cannot say TuPac with out saying Biggie, both were legends in the game of Hip Hop. I am very grateful to have seen, listen and watch them both, as they too, played an important part in hip hop fashion. From Pac wearing his famous bandana and tank tops, to Biggie Coogi down to the socks, remember fashion in Hip Hop was still young then. Now: New U Beginning,yeah!

Get N-U-B Clothing from their website at nubclothingco.com for a price range around $20.00.  Check the cool designs and wear ‘em proud!  Here are some SoJones-approved N-U-B gear for your references.

Article written by: Asmara Wreksono
Posted on: March 8, 2010@ sojones.com

Houston based MC Chamillionaire will be featured prominently in Tupac-inspired, Makeveli clothing’s spring tribute ad campaign. Chamillionaire will model the line in magazine and media advertisements, being the face used to furhterly familiarize the public with Makeveli.

Previous Makaveli Branded campaigns have featured Scarface, DJ Quik, Twista, DTP, Chingy and actor Omar Epps.

Coming off the major success of 2 singles, Chamililonaire’s current buzz in the streets is heavy due to the single “Ridin”. His trendsetting capabilities have never truly been tested, but the Urban & Hip Hop fashion website URB1.COM expects a successful push from the rapper’s image.

“Chamillionaire was an obvious choice when we were considering candidates for the spring campaign” said Makaveli Branded VP Rick Edwards, via a statement. “Everyone knows the incredible work ethic that Tupac had during his career and I see that same ethic in everything Chamillionaire does. His leadership and music both have contributed greatly to the resurrection of the Houston music scene.”

The campaign will be highlighted via Hip Hop music magazines like The Source, XXL and Scratch.

The fastly growing Hip Hop fashion publication, URB1 Magazine (subscribe at URB1Mag.com) just did an interview with Mr. Edwards that will be featured in their upcoming April issue.

The interview was put togethor by the magazine’s exceptionally driven staff member Shawndrea Oliver (who founded MixtapeTalk.com). It talks about the Makaveli brand and plans the line has for the future.

 

Proceeds from Makaveli Brand clothing will be donated to the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation and Center of the Arts, which opened last year in Atlanta, Georgia.

As far his own career is concerned, Chamillionaire continues to keep things rolling. He will be featured in the upcoming April issue of The Source and will be launching a nationwide tour with Lil’ Flip on March 30 in San Diego.

The video for his second single “Ridin,” off his debut album, The Sound Of Revenge, will be going into rotation on various music video outlets in the coming weeks. The single’s buzz in the streets gaurantees its’ music television success.

The clip for “Ridin” was directed by Lyfe Garland and features cameos from Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony and actor Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister (Friday).

URB1 Magazine hopes to land an alternate interview with the rapper to talk about the clothing he had designed for himself by “Paulies”, a Brooklyn New York exclusive brand. Chamillionaire’s custom shirts have been popping up on television being worn by tv hosts, other artists, and even URB1.COM’s founder. Beyond the customs, hopefully get more information on the artist’s thoughts on fashion that’s hot in Houston, TX and rap in general.

Article written by: Rodrick Rainey
Posted on: March 5, 2006 @ sojones.com