The story of the U.S. and U.K. in Afghanistan
After 20 years in Afghanistan, $2 trillion spent and countless lives destroyed what have the U.S. and the U.K. gained? A shit tonne of money actually.
Q&A with Manuela Karin Knaut
Independent gallery Grove Collective present Manuela Karin Knaut's exhibition Intuitive Energy which you can attend virtually through the power of VR.
Q&A with 1NE Derby
1NE Derby are taking all of the hassle out of the resell market. Championing community, collaboration and sustainability - this boutique store is the one stop shop for streetwear fanatics across the U.K.
Who’s to blame for the Climate Crisis?
The U.K. is dumping tonnes of plastic abroad, floods are ravaging Belgium, England and Germany. Siberia and the actual Ocean are on fire. But are we to blame?
M.I.C & NAMMY WAMS: YOU CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING
The Master of Inane Conversation (M.I.C) is back from a brief hiatus, this time backed by the eclectic production palette of Nammy Wams and features from Jawnino and grime legend JME for the groundbreaking new YOU CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING EP
How colonial lies shaped African sexuality
To close out pride month our latest article uncovers the scale of discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people in sub-Saharan Africa. Showcasing the need for pride as a worldwide protest to remain
Berny Ferr honours Pride Month with LGBTQIA+ inspired make-up looks
One of our favourite make-up artists and contestant on the first series of BBC 3's Glow Up, Berny Ferr, showcases a range of looks in honour of Pride Month.
Q&A with iYANDA
We chat to the Kardashian endorsed, award-winning TV personality, MC and speaker Ayanda Thabethe who's cyber alter-ego iYANDA is South Africa's newest Virtual Influencer
The Threat of Fascism is Here
Hani Thapa explores the parallels between the current Conservative government and widely understood conceptions of fascism.
Q&A with Jess Dalton
London-based footwear designer Jess Dalton has an impressive creative portfolio. Working with Palace Skateboards, Kickers, and Dr Martens, she has valuable and exciting creative experience.
Why is Britain in denial of institutional racism?
When issues such as institutional racism are brought to light, even with supporting cases, many Britons choose to deny and resist its existence. Connie Yates explores why
Q&A with Twentyhood Mag
We sit down with founder Stephanie Kleanthous to chat all things Twentyhood Mag. The magazine which is dedicated to giving a voice to creatives in their twenties is celebrating it's first print issue!
Q&A with Thérèse
Multi-faceted rising French-Asian activist and artist releases her debut 6 track EP featuring the powerful new track CHINOISE? using 6 languages to break common stereotypes around Asians.
Q&A with Second Outing
Second Outing is a new peer-to-peer rental platform that connects users looking to rent and lend pre-loved designer menswear through an online community. With no subscription fee, unlimited rentals and an endless expanding pool of clothes to choose from Second Outing appears to be the antidote to fast fashion wastage. We sat down with one of the founders to see how it all works.
Q&A with Offside Outlet
After working on the shirt of the summer Ayesha Brown releases the inaugural LEGENDS capsule under her Offside Outlet brand. Read our interview with the self proclaimed creative space invader
Q&A with Rockwell Princely
Fresh from a 9-minute sell-out of his latest subsolar trainer design, we got hold of Rockwell Princely, head designer at notwoways.
Q&A with railontour
Missed flexing your fits during lockdown? That certainly didn't stop South-West London's Esther who's quite literally taken her rail on tour to showcase her style during Covid
Q&A with Cero Ismael
Cero Ismael is ready to open up. His debut release Blue Man is a creative masterpiece from a young man slowly learning to show the world who he is.
It may not be all men, but it is all women
Annabel Martin reflects on the tragic loss of Sarah Everard and what she represents to women the world over with a critical look at the "not all men" brigade.
Reality TV Stars: The women we love to hate
We love to hate the women of reality TV. Based on the hit show Married at First Sight Australia, Emily Read examines the consequences of hating the women who bring us light-hearted entertainment.
Emotional abuse criminalised in Scotland under the 2018 Domestic Abuse Act, despite no specific training
Aided by celebrity testimony, the public has been made aware of the toll of emotional abuse. Scotland has taken action criminalising emotional abuse, but implementation is lacking.
'Framing Britney Spears': How The Media Has Framed Women In Music
Following the release of Framing Britney Spears, Lydia Patrick explores tabloid press and mainstream media's tendency to dehumanise women in the music industry
Digga D - Against All Odds
We chronicle the storied rise of Rhys Herbert known to everyone as UK drill pioneer Digga D surrounding the release of debut mixtape Made In The Pyrex
Q&A with DJ Spen
With a career spanning across 4 decades Baltimore house legend and Quantize Recordings label boss Sean Spencer (DJ Spen to partygoers worldwide) has overseen several eras of music. Now he's back with his new album Soulful Storm
The government’s commitment to surpressing the past
Robert Jenrick and Boris Johnson want status of slavers to be protected to "protect British history". But British history has been sanitised by governments for decades
My life is currently worth about the price of a reusable bag
An anonymous supermarket worker shares her thoughts on the government and public's behaviour during the pandemic.
The political pandemic that plagues our democracy
Luke Croft-Faulkner explores how the Monarchy handled the COVID-19 pandemic
Q&A with Kiran Samra
The West-Midlands artist gives us her insight into what it means to be a painter in the 21st century. Her beautiful oil paintings have seen granted a residency in Switzerland as well as leading workshops closer to home
Q&A with Ayo Adepoju
We interview We Plug Good Music's founder surrounding the 10 year anniversary and remastering of the inaugural A Prelude To The Future mixtape
Q&A with Fiona Whitney
Her debut single Been Here All Before references her battle with Trichotillomania. Her journey includes her covers amassing thousands of views, recognition from Dappy and Chip and self producing via her iPad.
Students - Customers when it's convenient
The toll of Coronavirus on university students and how they are selectively treated as customers of the private sector. With insight from an anonymous nursing student who speaks on how being deployed to a Covid ward has altered her educational experience.
Influencers - A global pandemic through rose tinted filters
Hannah Kitty Brownbill explores how luxury getaways and designer goods has made the lockdown harder. With insight from students and NHS workers.
Why right-wing populist male leaders are botching Covid
Worldwide the countries struggling most to contain Covid are ones led by right-wing, populist, male leaders. We explore why.
Q&A with KATIE
Following the release of 2019's hugely successful LOG, KATIE is back with new project Our Time Is Blue and we were fortunate enough to discuss it with her.
Navigating Covid with neurological differences
Freddie Jones' explores and draws from experience, the difficulties of navigating the pandemic with neurological differences
Q&A with DJ Spen
With a career spanning across 4 decades Baltimore house legend and Quantize Recordings label boss Sean Spencer (DJ Spen to partygoers worldwide) has overseen several eras of music. Now he's back with his new album Soulful Storm
"Arthritis? That’s just for old people right?" Wrong.
Our new article by Leah Deeney explores what an Osteoarthritis diagnosis means for a woman in their early 20's
Q&A with Emanuel
We spoke to the Toronto based artist about his stunning new EP lt Therapy Session 2: Transformation, working with Idris Elba and his revelations this year.
Armstrong WW - Control
The 18 year old Texan artist by way of Cameroon has provided a late contender for Sludge Mag's song of the year with Control
12 days of Christmas
Our 12 picks for small businesses to support this Christmas and beyond!
KidSoSteez - Born To Create
Midlands boy KidSoSteez debuted his first single Born To Create this week, establishing himself on the UK alternative music scene.
Q&A with WOOGIE
Read our new interview with South Korean mega producer WOOGIE. The Jay Park and 2 Chainz collaborator continues a strong run with the release of PARADISE and tells all about his journey to becoming one of South Korea's most prominent music figures
Q&A with Omar Khaleel
British-Yemeni photographer Omar Khaleel 's work is the sort of magic that can only really arise from a multi-cultural worldview. With a client list boasting everyone from Adidas and Puma to The Guardian, HYPEBEAST and the Financial Times he is one of fashion photography's shining lights. Read out new Q&A where he gives budding photographers his top industry tips
Q&A with Vanessa Maria
No Boundaries, alike to the name of the talent agency that she co-founded, is very much the motto that Vanessa Maria lives by. A DJ, broadcaster, creative producer and now marketing specialist- the sky is far from the limit for this young extraordinaire.
Q&A with Jaydonclover
We caught up with the rising singer about her song featured in the new Footasylum campaign, new track piecesofme and being inspired by Birmingham
Q&A with Odeal
Read Odeal's exclusive Q&A with Sludge magazine. The 24/48 singer continues to solidify himself as one of the U.K. scene's most multi-faceted song writers.
Q&A with Nubia Assata
We sit down with teenage author Nubia Assata to discuss Silent Screams. The poetry anthology comprised of poems about the Black experience through the fresh eyes of a 16 year old.
Your Grandparents - Tomorrow
Check out the DIY Kung-fu movie inspired video for the Los Angeles based trio's funky new track
Q&A with Rasha Khoyi
From Iran to America, to England to Alexander McQueen, Rasha Khoyi's life so far reads like a movie. Read our Q&A with the emerging designer
Q&A with Lordkez
We interview Lordkez. The sultry South African songstress talks to us about the new EP she's blessed the scene with Charcotta
Prosper - Sorzano
Manchester's underground pioneer Sorzano delivers Propser. A short film about finding mental peace with all of the protest and anarchy currently going on around the world.
Q&A with Kay Young
Read our exclusive interview with Roc Nation's newest signee Kay Young. She gives us the lowdown on her stunning new EP Middle Matters with insight on what we can expect from her upcoming album
Misadventures with misogynoir
How Netflix turned a necessary exploration of the hyper-sexualisation of pre-teen girls into yet another avenue to silence, intimidate and bully black women.
SOMA - Rudeboi
Ahead of the release of their next EP entitled TOTKO II, Zimbabwe-born rapper Shumba Maasai and UK producer Hermes release new track Rudeboi. A warning to Black Africans contemplating migrating to Europe.
Women In The Dance
We chat to Lintott and Joksi the two Birmingham natives behind Women In The Dance, an initiative through social media to change the landscape of dance music scenes by creating safer environments free from sexual abuse.
Odeal - More Life
Fresh off providing the hook for Ringaling alongside Headie One on Nines' chart topping Crabs in a Bucket album, German born Nigerial artist Odeal is here with a banger of his own in More Life
L3 - IGNORANT
The Essie Gang family has another star on their hands as L3 impresses with his latest single & video IGNORANT produced by HoneyWoodSix.
Sirens FC x Out of Office link up with Martyn Ewoma
to make custom Arsenal shirt featuring the names and faces of iconic black figures in education to raise money for The Black Curriculum
Men Ruin Everything:
Gym Edition
Josephine Ewoma of the fitness page Just Josephine speaks to her own experiences and those of countless other female gym-goers having their workouts jeopardised by predatory men.
Vandalism or art:
who draws the line?
Banksy's latest piece If You Don't Mask You Don't Get was removed by a TfL worker. Due it's estimated worth of £7.5m valuation he was been welcomed to re-do it. Phoebe Patrick asks why the rules of vandalism are different for him?
I May Destroy You
BBC3 Drama I May Destroy You is receiving critical acclaim from all corners for it's unflinching depiction of how different people deal with sexual assault. Read Phoebe Patrick's rundown of Michaela Coel's masterpiece
Anything But Change
The replacement of Edward Colston's statue with Jen Reid is a nice moment. But is symptomatic of a culture of symbolism in lieu of action.
Q&A with Berny Ferr
Fresh off season 2 on BBC3's Glow Up and a collaboration with Converse x It's Nice That we grab some face time with Berny Ferr. The London based make-up artist mixing upscaling and illustration in to his make-up work to great effect
M.I.C and PK Brako release new single Witchclart
After a wait that feels like an eon grime fans can finally look forward to hearing the song that incorporates quite literally the hardest bars of 2018. An exert from JUST JAM 117 which is now a viral clip with co-signs from JME and Lethal Bizzle saw M.I.C cursing his enemies with creativity and disdain in equal measure.
Skengman Churchill
Following today's gammon convention in Westminster that has seen far-right protests defending British values by urinating on memorials and fighting the police, Halima Nashir explains Churchill's true legacy
The French Knee on the Neck
As protests for racial justice permeate throughout the United States and the rest of the world, it's time to remove France's colonial knee from the neck of African development
Q&A with Carlton Matthews
Following the hugely successful release of his debut zine Social Suicide we sit down with graphic illustrator and motion designer Carlton Matthews.
Black Lives Matter. ACAB
We give our definitive guide to anti-racist readings from our own platform and wider literature. See also our guide of petitions to sign
KKK 🤝U.S. police 🤝Colonialism🤝U.K. police
Halima Nashir unpacks the origins of anti-black racism and explains the way a necessity for cheap labour under capitalism set the beginnings of Britain and Europe's love affair with anti-black racism.
God Save The Queen
Following on from commercial jobs with an array of fashion's biggest brands and publications Martyn Ewoma makes his film debut with God Save The Queen in collaboration with Sludge Magazine
Q&A with Chinwag Call
Chinwag Call is a creative project centred around opening up a dialogue amongst recovering addicts. We at the Sludge Magazine office sat down with it's founder Jacob Newton to discuss the project
Billionaire brunches and black liberation
As Kanye West reportedly joins Jay-Z as rapper turned billionaire it’s important to remind ourselves that more black billionaires doesn’t equal liberation for black people.
Q&A with John Alone
John Alone presents a psychedelic, eccentric sound which doesn’t conform to a genre and goes against the grain. We were able to talk to him about the track, his inspirations, and the effects of lockdown on musicians.
Why it’s okay to lack motivation whilst under lockdown
We're really proud of all of you who are spending this time working on yourselves, but if you're just getting by or even a bit fed up that's okay too. Our new article by Emmie Cosgrove tells you why
Q&A with Jake Zeeman
With YouTube videos amassing millions of views Jake Zeeman is the filmmaker set to keep you entertained throughout lockdow.
We know you had to do it to 'em
A few weeks back we challenged our Instagram follows to show us their best isolation fits in the iconic meme pose. You certainly didn't disappoint
Q&A with Jex Wang
Chat over dinner with one of London's busiest creatives Jex Wang. The Eastern Margins syndicate who's talents extend to photography, writing, DJ'ing and political meme savant
Q&A with Bllackline
With an impressive publication list spanning from Highsnobiety and It's Nice That, to Nike and The NHS, Harlesden based graphic design and illustrator Bllackline is on the ascendency. We chat to him about inspirations, the U.K.'s respect for artists and starting out in the industry
Q&A with Jimi Da Killa
We sit down with Jimi Da Killa to talk all things Cognac Arcade, fashion design and future plans
Q&A with ede store
We interview Eve Williams, founder of the ede store. The skincare and wellness project taking self care beyond the skin deep
UGLYBUTBROKE interview
We sit down with the creative director and photographer lensing your favourite artists across the globe. From Yung Lean, A$AP Nast and Aminé to U.K. talents Slowthai and Jorja Smith - Nina Nagele's photography is truly a sight to behold. She even blesses our readers with a playlist
LOCKDOWN: Couples Edition
Are you tearing your hair out isolating with your significant other? If so our new article by Lauren Dorling is here to help with four top tips for surviving Lockdown: Couple's Edition
Why are so many young rappers dying?
Recent years have seen an upsurge in the deaths of young rappers including as xxxtentacion, Fredo Santana, Juice WRLD, Lil Peep, Nipsey Hussle, Jimmy Wopo, Pop Smoke, Smoke Dawg, Mac Miller & others. Our new article unpacks the causes of this seemingly unending tradgedy.
POP for Sludge Magazine
Our new editorial exclusive lensed by Martyn Ewoma features Louie Bowman in an array of outfits showing the punchy impact of mono-colour outfits
Q&A with Eastern Margins
We were lucky enough to sit down with Eastern Margins syndicate Jex Wang to discuss the platform fighting for representation for Eastern and South East Asians in the U.K. music scene
Why cultural appropriation on the catwalk still matters
Comme Des Garçons are just the latest brand to come under criticism following their decision to have models wearing fake cornrows on the catwalk. Martyn Ewoma delves in to why fashion needs to do better
Year and decade roundup
We look back at the moments and art that shaped 2019 and the 2010's as a whole
Minor Formula interview
The Birmingham brand are encouraging you not to get bogged down by the pitfalls of modern life. They're a brand second and a family first, championing the spirit of collaboration.
Modern medicine's failings towards black mothers
Black women in the U.K. are five times more likely to die during childbirth. With reference to his own near disastrous birth, Martyn Ewoma delves in to the history of modern medicine to unearth reasons for the disparity.
The Age of the Luxury Collab
We interview fashion polymath Vincenzo Borrelli to unpack why we are seeing such an influx of collaborations between established fashion houses and streetwear brands.
Seinna and Scientific drop latest collaboration 'Kimchi'
London based rapper Seinna links up with Dresden based producer Scientific to present new track 'Kimchi'. Read the lowdown here
I’ve failed as a woman and I’ve never felt more beautiful
Frequent Sludge Magazine contributor Lauren Dorling's subject matter covers any number of complex issues. Her new article for us explains how she dealt with the one topic request from an editor that stumped her: beauty.
Four Ways To Find The Will To Live When You've Lost It
The dust from Mental Health Awareness month has settled, but unfortunately adversity exists all the year round. Lauren Dorling offers us her four top tips for conquering introspective quandaries.
The Politics of Apathy
Far-right rhetoric and legislation is slowly becoming more publicly palatable, whilst challenges are being shaped as an infringement on the expression of ideas. Ellen’s reasoning that her friendship with George W. Bush is nothing more than “being friends with someone that doesn’t share the same beliefs that she does” is evidence of how the gravity of political ideology is being undermined.
The De-politicisation of Mental Health Discourse
Mental Health Awareness Week is an example of how far society has come in terms of de-stigmatising mental health issues. It is now time for government to be as proactive as the people they represent.
We interview model turned photographer Luke Forte
With a modelling career that's seen him face campaigns for the likes of Goodhood and walk shows at PFW, the decision to take his camera along with him on his adventures has seen Forte capturing beautifully raw images of his own.
Teach You Something
DIPS & Lo-Wu drop the visual for K THE INFINITE assisted track "Teach You Something". Check out our rundown here
Listen to new track Dreaming by John Alone and Ckbreeze
Sultry vocalist John Alone drops official video shot by Rococo World and directed by Kieran Kiani
Jonathan Williams on Photographing the Scene's Biggest Musicians
Meet the Birmingham based photographer shooting some of the U.K. and U.S's biggest stars
Jinsun Park interview
In this exclusive interview Jinsun Park tells us about her inspirations, London's Korean community and her new book "Two Times Or Maybe More".
Had To Wear The Dress 'Cause I Had a Stick
After the hugely successful release of Young Thug's So Much Fun one lyric has captured the imagination of listeners. Martyn Ewoma explores the history of androgyny in rap music.
When is booty shaking right?
As women's rap grows in the mainstream, so does the criticism of their reclamation of sexuality through their lyrics. Predominantly from male rappers who have been using women's sexuality as a vehicle to promote their own careers since rap's inception.
High Karup$hin drop new album Guerrilla Glue
Following on from their 2015 project DBOAN II, Connecticut based trio High Karup$hin are back with their new project Guerrilla Glue. We sit down with members Bvby $lurge, Txgh-Dye and F$A Phantom to get the lowdown on the groups spooky production, the groups interesting knack for making joint paintings and the future of Connecticut rap scene as a whole.
Meet Amel Mukhtar, the British Vogue staffer bringing political activism to the forefront
Check out our interview and shoot with Amel Mukhtar. The new features assistant at British Vogue penning unapologetically politically conscious articles on a range of issues from the Christchurch massacre to the women at the forefront of the Sudanese revolution. But don't be surprised to find her still finding time to ponder the new series of Big Little Lies and the artists of the summer to look out for.
Read up on the rise of social media maven Jess Lawrence
From modelling in worldwide campaigns, to brand collaborations and navigating the office environment as a social editor, Jess Lawrence is clearly a rising star. We managed to spend some time with the woman herself to find out how she's managed to put herself on this impressive career trajectory.
Dips & Lo-Wu's "Take Off" is a summer evening essential
Hosted via GRM Daily, the South London duo enlist frequent Local Geezers collaborator Rufus Wilson to deliver a video that perfectly encapsulates the duality of the duo's raw South London roots with a more relaxed tranquil approach to delivering their message
Local Geezers drop the hotly anticipated "Geez Way"
After releasing a snippet of an unheard track in collaboration with fellow Derby native Ashley Hunt of Hunt's Emporia for Depop, Local Geezers fans have been chomping at the bit for the release on the mysterious summery track. Now finally "Geez Way" is here.
Style and sustain with SET
Since 2013 U.K. SET has been going from strength to strength, attracting co-signs from the likes of Skepta, Frisco and Casey Neistat. We sit down with the brand's founder Jack
Jimi drops wavey visual for "Brandy belly"
Check out the Derby rapper's exclusive release and remember to drink responsibly.
My milkshake makes for a forlorn Farage
In a landscape of British politics mired by political violence. The throwing of milkshakes at fascists, has proved a step too far for the liberal left wing and far right alike
Valorising the veil
As is often the case with customs that originate outside of Western society and religion, the veil has been demonised and in equal measures co-opted to further right wing agendas. Oliver Stevens-Neck explores the West's orientalist fixation with the veil
Caster Semenya:
When Fairness Is False
Writer Tariyé Peterside delves in to the ever political world of sports to explore the IAAF's decision to deny Caster Semenya the right to compete in the sport she has long dominated
Enthusiastic Consent is Coming! (Spoilers)
As the final series of Game of Thrones commences the surviving characters have treated audiences to a plethora of drama ranging from beheadings, incest, dragons and White Walkers. So what made a consensual sex scene in the last episode so shocking?
Heavy on shoulder
Photographer Jinsun Park explores the stresses of the South Korean education system through her new photos series and think-piece exclusively for Sludge Mag
Performative cancel culture
Writer and photographer Martyn Ewoma explores the politics of culpability and the pitfalls of performed online liberalism in our new article
Adelaide & Red: The dichotomy between Diaspora and African Blackness (Spoilers)
Writer Tariyé Peterside gives her reading of Jordan Peele's new blockbuster 'Us' and how it pertains to the black diaspora experience in the U.S. and Africa
Manoeuvring the patriachy
What ‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ can teach us about manoeuvring for power in the Patriarchy
The Manifesto Built On Memes
As memes replace manifestos, and when ideas mean more than their subsequent implementation, Adam Smith explores the entertainment industry's role in modern politics
Pejoration for power
How the right wings co-opting of left wing terminology has rendered political discourse illegible
Does the Pope's stance of the death penalty matter?
Pope Francis' renewed stance on the Catholic Church has taken a huge 180 and the clergy are less than impressed
"It's the M.I.C on the mic!"
We catch up with the emcee superman punching through grime's glass ceiling. Find out what has fuelled this exciting, polarising, Nintendo loving enigmatic new talent that has everyone from NME to JME and Tim & Barry paying attention.
'Smear' for Sludge Mag
Model Tionne Harrison takes centre stage in our first ever exclusive fashion editorial. Lensed by Martyn Ewoma this dreamy pastel editorial is comprised of looks styled by Skye Lai with beauty looks dreamed up by make-up artist Berny Ferr.
GEEZER GANG!
We caught up with Jimi Da Killa and Wiz who along with producer Ted Loco are inseminating the UK rap scene with a much needed shake-up.
Climate activists:
Pull it out before the earth puts out.
This article by Lauren Dorling explores a belief held by certain environmentalists; that curtailing how many children we all have may be the only way to save our planet.
Q&A with Vincenzo Borrelli
Get to know Instagram's favourite cult leader in our interview with Vincenzo Borrelli.
What do bank holidays mean to working Brits in 2018?
We interview a range of people with jobs outside the 9-5 to see how employment laws impacts them
Responsibility in LBGT filmmaking: lesbians through the male gaze
Little by little we are seeing a greater variety of stories and romances being depicted on the silver screen. Portrayal of lesbian relationships still lag behind often reverting to homophobic tropes and overt sexualisation.
How Bare Vintage took the Depop market by storm
Over the past few years what started out solely as a Depop page has transformed in to a platform for budding models, and an Instagram page that provides some of the most beautiful editorial photography showcasing contemporary streetwear brands.
Freedom of speech ≠ freedom from consequence
Whilst drill rappers are literally being imprisoned for their lyrics, and professional athletes careers are being destroyed for speaking out against discrimination, sections of the far-right believe the biggest affront to freedom of speech in the modern world is being held accountable for spreading racial hatred.
Why Trump and Team Owners Are Missing the Point
Nicholas Borghesi explores the president and NFL's disdain for peaceful protest.