The iconic Deal Real record shop returns to Carnaby 12 years on Carnaby and Deal Real legacy have joined up to create a pop up, in-store weekly music events and a youth engagement programme where selected students will earn an accredited qualification, all to be hosted at 14 Newburgh Street. The legendary hip-hop record store Deal Real will return to its iconic home in Carnaby on 18 April to celebrate the place where many of the new generation of hip-hop stars burst onto the scene. Deal Real was originally situated at 3 Marlborough Court, just off Carnaby Street between 2002-2007 and was the venue where the likes of Amy Winehouse, Kanye West, Mark Ronson, John Legend, Mos Def and Lupe Fiasco performed to crowds of fans, tastemakers and inquisitive passers-by. It became London’s epicentre for hip-hop and urban youth-culture, responsible for showcasing, supporting and nurturing a wealth of burgeoning talent, many of whom went on to attain mainstream success. The roll-call also included Oritse Williams, Estelle, Tinchy Stryder and Doc Brown to name a few. Deal Real was a hive of activity and its legendary Friday night open-mic events provided a platform for creative young people to come together, showcase their talents, share ideas, network with like minds, develop skills and build positive futures. It was social networking before Twitter, with many young people arriving as curious music enthusiasts, but leaving as fans, collaborators and friends. The 2015 Deal Real Legacy pop-up shop launches on Record Store Day, Saturday 18 April 2015 at 14 Newburgh Street, Carnaby with the first in-store event curated by UK rapper, Kano. The shop will showcase the cream of London’s undiscovered and unrepresented talent, including emerging visual artists, musicians and fashion designers. In addition there will be reflection on the original store with a photo-gallery showing memorable moments and in store performances, along with previously unseen archive footage from a range of British artists including Example, Professor Green, Rodney P, Ty and Mr Hudson, as well as internationally renowned artists Kanye West, Will I Am, Akon, Mos Def and John Legend. Reconnecting with notable alumni, Deal Real Legacy will host free weekly in store signings, performances and workshops. Visitors can expect definitive line-ups including some of the most established UK and international artists, alongside the freshest up and coming talent. During their time in Carnaby, Deal Real supported the development and progression of numerous young emerging creatives, many of whom have enjoyed success which wouldn’t have been possible without shop, support and events. Deal Real are partnering with City & Westminster College, Shaftesbury and Creative Media Network to support the Deal Real Legacy initiative with an accredited training and employability programme. It will enable 10 young people from diverse backgrounds and offer a comprehensive programme of development, valuable mentoring and engagement with industry people followed by substantial work experience opportunities with Carnaby brands. Confirmed Event line-up: - 18 April – Kano to launch the first in-store event - 1 May - A curation by highly acclaimed UK hip-hop producer and DJ Harry Love - 15 May - Ladies Night, featuring Mercury nominee Kate Tempest with an exclusive accapella reading of her album, ‘Everybody Down.’ - 29 May - Tinchy Stryder and DJ Spryo Tickets will be made available through a ballot hosted on Carnaby.co.uk and Dealreal.co.uk – more details will follow. Interview opportunities and additional hi-res images available on request. Deal Real pop up: 18 April – 8 June 14 Newburgh Street, W1F 7RT Carnaby.co.uk @CarnabyLondon #Carnaby @DealRealLegacy #DealReal For further information and images please contact Scarlett Engineer at Sister Tel: 020 7287 9601 [email protected] Notes to Editors Deal Real Deal Real was a renowned hip hop specialist record shop, located at 3 Marlborough Court. Moving from its Noel St. location in Soho, the Carnaby store was opened under new management in 2002. The shop ethos centred on promoting the diverse range of UK and US hip hop culture, with a particular focus on emerging UK artists and genres that had very few other outlets. They even embraced early emerging genres like electronica, dubstep and grime. Deal Real soon became renowned youth culture consultants, working with brands including Puma and Adidas, using these opportunities to provide sponsorship and showcase opportunities, as well as work experience to aspiring creatives. Carnaby Carnaby is in the heart of London’s West End, two minutes away from Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus, where over 150 brands of quality and distinction and over 50 independent restaurants and bars can be found across 13 streets, including the world famous Carnaby Street. Carnaby is a unique and iconic experiential shopping and dining destination. No shopping area in the world can boast a real connection with music and popular culture quite like Carnaby. Music and fashion have walked hand in hand from John Lennon and Mick Jagger to Boy George and Rita Ora. Today, many of the fashion stores have strong links with musicians including Liam Gallagher who chose Carnaby Street as the flagship home for his brand Pretty Green. The Great Frog opened in 1972 and makes rock inspired jewellery for the likes of Iron Maiden, Arctic Monkeys and Lady Gaga. Drop Dead, Vans, Dr. Martens, Ben Sherman, Lambretta, adidas Originals and the brand new European flagship for Pharrell Williams’ brand Billionaire Boys Club are among the many brands that have a big music focus. Quotes “London’s Hip Hop Mecca” Sleazenation magazine, November 2003. “It’s fantastic being able to celebrate the legacy of Deal Real with the community and Carnaby; and together take to use the opportunity to support up and coming talent from music, fashion and art, as well as young people aspiring to establish creative careers”. Previous owner of Deal Real, Vincent Olutayo “I remember Mos Def was over here and he came through and he became addicted, he brought Pharoahe Monch, and Kanye West, and then it just spread from there, the Black Eyed Peas, the Wu Tang Clan, Red Man, Slick Rick, it was unreal. I met all my heroes right here”. Doc Brown, former rapper and MC “Deal Real was like the epicentre of what was happening…they had all these superstars coming each week, it was quite special…it was where great people, who were into good music, would meet up and hang out”. Magician Dynamo "Deal Real was the heart of the hip hop culture in London…The open mic events were legendary and gave me the confidence to perform in front of a crowd. So many successful British artists and international stars regularly hung out, bought records, or performed there.” Singer, rapper and songwriter Example Shaftesbury Shaftesbury is a UK listed REIT, which owns a unique real estate portfolio extending to 14 acres in the heart of London's West End. Their holdings are concentrated in Carnaby, Covent Garden, Chinatown, Soho and Charlotte Street. Shaftesbury’s focus is on retail, restaurants and leisure in the liveliest parts of the West End. The portfolio now comprises 587 shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs, extending to 1 million sq. ft. The management strategy is to create and foster distinctive, attractive and prosperous locations through an innovative long term approach. .