'Disturbing London baby we about to branch out' [in Tinie Tempah voice!] is the line which features in Tinie Tempah's critically acclaimed Number 1 debut single 'Pass Out', and that is exactly what we are witnessing here at OBWD base. The 'GQ Best Dressed Man of 2012's' unprecedented breakthrough onto the mainstream was one of great disillusion to us at only bespoke. It was only a few years ago when the two of us witnessed Tinie Tempah (real name Patrick Okogwu) on a very small stage as an unsigned artist in Leicester, 2006 at the age of just 18 years! At that time he was very popular on the underground course, with his debut EP 'Hood Economics Room 147' creating a storm in the UK urban doldrums. Off the back of this very successful EP he penned a major record deal with EMI of which his massive debut album Disc-Overy was born. This album produced several hits including the already mentioned 'Pass Out', 'Wonderman' and the phenomenally globally successful hit single 'Written In The Stars' landing him with two BRIT Awards in 2011. This single has also provided a platform in which Mr Okogwu has been able to have wide success in America, with a spot on the Billboard 200 albums chart with his debut album and collaboration with Wiz Khalifa on the track 'Til I'm Gone'. Tinie Tempah is flying the Union Flag for us high in the States and it is reflective as 'Written in the Stars' was used as the opening song in the 2012 SuperBowl. With another album which is set to be fittingly titled 'Sophomore' in the pipeline, it is definitely all eyes on him in the musical world for this year!
And now you ask, 'What is Disturbing London?', well Disturbing London aka DL is the sub-label created by Tinie under EMI and Parlophone, and it is the platform in which he has created his own streetwear line. Disturbing London offer Tinie's touring range, which include some graphically creative numbers such as the iconic tea mug (Tinie is a massive fan of tea as we are too!) and the DL skull with the London icons forming the crown jewels, instrumentally personifying the UK. We have always been avid fans of the range of tees he has had a hand in creating, and they really do show off Tinie's style and relevance in contemporary fashion as a figurehead. Furthermore, very recently the Disturbing London think tank have collaborated with MHI in a new, more up-market and professional venture which looks incredibly promising from where we're standing. MHI are a world renowned streetwear brand with many references in popular culture coming from rapper Sway who is a massive fan! This very original and British new look is incredibly promising, with the S/S range availablenow on the official website. We're giving you a few snaps here for you to feast your eyes on and drool over! Check it out folks....
The debut album Disc-Overy is out worldwide now.
The free Happy Birthday EP [released November 2011] is available here.
The Disturbing London and DL x MHI range are available on the official website.
