TELL 'EM | JEREMIH

We're always looking to our playlists to set the mood and even more so when we continue to transition from the Spring to the Summer! We're excited that our 100th issue is covered by Singer/songwriter, rapper, and record producer, Jeremih. This musician also is well versed in playing the saxaphone, several percussion instruments such as congas and timbales, and piano/keyboards.

In 2009, his debut single Birthday Sex dropped and in addition to being a song that we enjoyed hearing, it came to #4 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. After its release he continued to create hits with his 2010 single, Down on Me (featuring 50 Cent), and this single enjoyed successes that included sextuple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Don't Tell 'Em (featuring YG) was a 2014 single that was his 3rd top-ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. He also continued releasing more singles with Oui and Planez (featuring J. Cole) with both receiving quintuple platinum certification by RIAA.

He also formed the duo MihTy with Ty Dolla Sign in 2018 where they had a collaborative album that was released in 2018. He has worked with a number of artists including 50 Cent, DJ Khaled, Ty Dolla Sign, YG, J. Cole, Flo Rida, Big Sean, Future, Lil Wayne, Fabolous, Chris Brown, French Montana, Wiz Khalifa, and more. He has also written songs for Kanye West, and Nicki Minaj.

His work has received additional recognition from winning an iHeartRadio Music Awards in 2015 for Hip Hop/R&B Song of the Year, 2X Nominee for Billboard Music Awards for Top R&B Song, Grammy Nominated for Best R&B Performance, and being Nominated for the American Music Awards R&B Breakout Artist to name a few.

We have enjoyed listening to Late Nights: The Album (Slowed Down) as well as seeing him on 50 Cent's The Final Lap Tour and as he is always working on projects, collaborations, features, we enjoyed seeing him play Elijah Linden in S1 of Power Book IV: Force.

We wanted to know more about how he was introduced to music, talking about the success of his single Birthday Sex, how he became involved in Birthday Sex Wine, and more.

ATHELEISURE MAG: From a young age you cultivated being a musician by learning how to play the drums, saxophone, percussion instruments, and piano/keyboards! What is it that you love about playing those instruments and incorporating them into your music?

JEREMIH: My primary choice of instruments currently is playing the keys and drums. Playing instruments is like speaking a different language of emotion. Each instrument carries its own unique tone and character, allowing me to express myself in diverse ways. Incorporating them into my music adds layers of richness and authenticity, creating a deeper connection with the audience.

AM: Your debut single, Birthday Sex, peaked at #4 on Billboard's Hot 100. What did it feel like to have all the successes that were associated with that song?

J: It was an incredible moment of validation and gratitude. Birthday Sex continues to resonate with so many people, and seeing it climb the charts was surreal. It was a testament to the hard work and dedication I had put into my craft.

AM: How did Birthday Sex Wine come about and why did you want to get into the wine industry?

J: For the past few years, white wine has been my drink of choice. Birthday Sex Wine was born out of a desire to create something special that would enhance celebrations and memorable moments. I've always been intrigued by the wine industry and saw an opportunity to blend my passion for music with the art of winemaking. It's a way to share joy and elevate experiences through a unique product that reflects my personality and style.

AM: In creating this wine, how much was your involvement?

J: I was all in on the process, from choosing the perfect blend of grapes to the look and feel of the label. My respect for winemaking came from hanging with winemaker Russell Bevan, who is known for an impressive collection of over fifteen 100-point wines. We spent time together in Napa developing the taste profile and educating me on the process of winemaking.

We wanted to know more about Birthday Sex Wine as Russell Bevan who is known as one of Nappa Valley's most acclaimed winemakers. We wanted to find out where his passion for wine came from, his successful wine company, how he came to Birthday Sex Wine and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you had a passion for wine?

RUSSELL BEVAN: I have had an intimate relationship with wine most of my life. Even as a child, I asked if I could go back for seconds during mass. For my whole life, wine has captivated my pallet and mind.

AM: Prior to launching your own wine companies, can you tell us about your background in this industry?

RB: I wrote a wine column through the Minneapolis Star Tribune and worked for the Gallo Winery doing sales while in college.

AM: How did Birthday Sex Wine come about?

RB: Jeremih and I met at a friend's house (Rob Ellin) and started talking about our mutual love affair with wine and that seed has grown into Birthday Sex.

AM: Can you walk us through the process of what it is like to create a wine? Where do you start?

RB: Everything starts with mother nature -- the soil microclimate we grow the grapes in and the growing season. We are the caretakers of what she gives us with this project. Our goal is to craft something that has delicious, pure flavors and a seductive mouthfeel.

AM: This wine is a Naked Chardonnay, do you foresee that there will be other varieties under this brand?

RB: The door is always open, Jeremih and I just have to find enough time together to taste wines that inspire us.

AM: Outside of Birthday Sex Wine, are there other wines that you're creating that will be launching that we should keep an eye out for?

RB: Adversity Cellars! Massively concentrated Cabernets with lush textures and pure fruit flavors.

IG @jeremih

@birthdaysexwine

@adversitycellars

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 16 - 21, 9PLAYLIST PG 22 + 23, 9DRIP PG 24 - 27 | Jeremih

Read the APR ISSUE #100 of Athleisure Mag and see TELL ‘EM | Jeremih in mag.

STATEMENT BOUND | A CONVERSATION WITH SPRAYGROUND'S DAVID BEN DAVID

Whether it's via Instagram or candid shots in your favorite weeklies, you have seen athletes, celebs, their children, entertainers and more rocking backpacks that are designed at another level (bold graphics, wings, fun fabrications)! From backpacks, accessories, and apparel - this pop art is a coveted favorite that has become a collectible by those in the know.  Known as Sprayground, its founder and designer, David Ben David aka DBD, has taken his love for traveling, surfing and skating to build his empire on bags that allow you to keep it moving! With a background that also embraces the street art scene - he continues to challenge himself with new designs that have added to the cult phenomenon of the brand! 

As we transition into Spring, designers are already seasons ahead in terms of design, shooting project and being inspired. We took some time to chat with DBD to find out more about the brand, celebrities who have embraced his collections, his collaborations and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and how you came up with Sprayground?

DAVID BEN DAVID: I love to travel with bags, from surfing to skating when I was a little kid, I always had bags. But I always had a black bag, so boring and generic, right? So then the idea came to me: let’s spice up this category. There was an opportunity there. I just created one bag, the Hello My Name Is bag, because I was from the whole street art scene, where that sticker is very iconic in my world. So I put it on a bag and it sold out very quickly. I was freaking out, because I was, like, am I going to be a one-hit wonder? I had to challenge myself. So I came up with the Money Stacks bag, [which] was better than the Hello My Name Is bag and everyone–every celebrity, athlete, musician–wore that bag. And ever since then we’re getting a lot of traction. We are now sold in over 80 countries.
 
AM: What is the Sprayground aesthetic/lifestyle?
 
DBD: The Sprayground aesthetic/lifestyle can be categorized as being one of ambition and drive. It's comprised of luxury and the jet setter life, always on the move, all the while maintaining a certain level of style that can only be achieved through our unique designs and silhouettes.

AM: Why do you think a number of celebrities and entertainers are drawn to this brand?
 
DBD: Artistic, different, they appreciate the edgy designs and lifestyle. Bold, you feel empowered when you put on Sprayground.
 
AM: Who is the Sprayground guy and girl?
 
DBD: Sprayground's demographic is so vast as we have kids from ages 12-16 to adults and celebrities like Chris Brown, Odell Beckham Jr and Spike Lee wearing our bags.

I would say our core demo is 17-30, currently skewed male, however; our female demographic is expanding drastically, especially since we launched a female oriented capsule for our 2016 Back to School Collection in early June and will continue to launch female oriented capsules called “The Duchess” collection.

Sprayground’s guy and girl is alternative, edgy, collective, fun and fashionable.
 

AM: In addition to your core line, you have a number of collaborations or special collections - what have been some of your favorites and what should we keep an eye for out this Spring and Summer?
 
DBD: Spongebob was a cool story. The actual creator of Spongebob approved the designs himself, which they never approve anything. We have a Simpsons collaboration launching that the creator of Simspons approved those designs as well. Keep an eye out for more exciting collaborations coming this Back to School season!

AM: What are your personal favorites in your lines?
 
DBD: Each bag I create is like a new baby... I love them all.. I created them.
 
AM: Who would you love to see wearing Sprayground that has yet to rock it?

DBD: Happy seeing “people," all people are celebrities under God’s eyes.

AM: Where do you find inspiration when you are thinking of the next season or campaign?
 

DBD: Living in this creative and vibrant city, New York. Also, traveling. In each season, every piece tells a different story. Our collections play and have multiple different themes. Every campaign has energy and color. We cater to everyone. 

AM: In your personal time, where can we find you brunching, going to happy hour and working out?
 

DBD: 4 thinks I like: Family, Traveling, G-d and creating.

AM: When you're not designing where or what can we find you doing?

DBD: I'm always in a state of creating...building a brand is like fighting a battle..the second u stop, the next brand can advance.. it's about always being new, innovative and building and motivating a team around you.
 

| PHOTOS COURTESY Sprayground | Odell Beckham Jr; NFL Giants | Young Thug; Rapper | Ruby Rose; DJ, Actress, Model, Recording Actress, TV Presenter, Former MTV VJ | Chris Brown |

Read more from the Feb Issue and see Statement Bound, A Conversation with Sprayground's David Ben David in mag.