My name is Naturel, and I’m 25. I was born and raised in Prince Georges County, Maryland. I spent a good 8 years living in Brooklyn, but now I live in New Jersey. But, when I lived in Maryland, I went to Suitland High School, then somehow I found myself at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY.
AMADI: So I hear you are a very creative clothing designer, graphics designer and rapper, how do you incorporate the three together in your works?
NATUREL: A mentor of mine once told me that I shouldn’t box myself into a occupational title, so I like to think of myself as just a “creative” person. My MUSIC influences my FASHION, my FASHION influences my DESIGN, and my DESIGN influences my MUSIC. I don’t take off one hat to wear the other. I look at them as 3 different platforms to express what I’m feeling at the time. I think that with enough creativity and drive, a person can do anything!
AMADI: Explain your role as the Creative Director at Engedi Chang?
NATUREL: I was designing with one of the founders of EC a couple years ago, and to make a long story short, when they had gotten the opportunity to launch the line, they brought me in to handle all the art direction, design, and brand development stuff. Basically, I work hand and hand with the co-founders (L.Swint & L.Chang) and the three of us collectively input our own unique disciplines into each season. L.Chang has an amazing background in tailoring and construction, and Swint is a god with denim, and strong in the technical department. I’m kinda like the glue that brings everything together, from cut and sew to graphics and everything in between. Its been my dream job till this day, designing clothes that I’d love to wear without having to worry about a ceiling for cost like other labels I’ve designed for. Another plus would be seeing the brand styled on folks like Nas, Usher, T.I., Chris Brown and other celebs.
AMADI: As a graphics designer, what does your other art work consist of?
NATUREL: Graphic design is kinda like the “practical hustle” for me. Record covers, flyers, and web layouts make good freelance projects if the money’s good. But, I get a real rush from creating logo’s and branding. For me its so much more fulfilling and challenging creating a mark for someones identity that they could potentially use forever. F.Y.I., Herb Lubalin and Saul bass are GODS! All praise due to other folks I look up to (look’em up and be a fan too) Justin Kay, Max “Raza Uno” Vogel, Grotesk, Dan Funderburg, and The Collabros!!! Also, be on the lookout for my hold-me-down-heavy squad… Allan cole and Darien Victor Birks!
AMADI: How long have you been rapping? Who are your influences?
NATUREL: I’ve been surrounded by music my whole life. I was singing Stevie Wonder songs at cookouts by the age of 3. My pops had a band and played damn near every instrument and tried to get me to play them. Nothing really stuck until he put me behind some drums. I played in his band as a back up drummer for a while. But, I started rappin when I was 10 and took it seriously at 15. Aside from the obvious artists I’m still a fan of like Dilla, Black Thought, Kanye, Jay Z…(There’s a better list on my myspace page); I’m really influenced by life and those that surround me. I tend to feed off the energy of my crew, my family, and my girl. A lot of experiences that I go through with them are reflected in my music.
AMADI: You are really doing big things, could you explain to our readers what steps they need to take to start their own clothing company?
NATUREL: Its consist of a lot of hard when one is starting any business. The foundation and idea behind a brand has to be SOLID. It all starts with an honest and unique idea, then develop an image and brand for that idea that speaks to your target demographic. In fashion, a garment is a garment; nothing more and nothing less then the sum of its parts. But its the story, life style, image and brand behind that garment, that sets it apart from anything else similar in the market. After that, assemble your team. (Design, tech, production, logistics, and sales) and hope for the best. Its tough out here in the industry. The markets always changing, pay attention to what’s going on in the international market too. Most of the garment business is produced over seas, and with the global economy in flux, you have to think ahead and figure out how that affects your factories, and ultimatly your product.
AMADI: Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
NATUREL: Five years ago, I realized that I was living out all I ever dreamed of when I was young. Five years later (today), I’m realizing that I’ve only began to start dreaming and realizing. In five years (or less) I am going to be in a position where I can do anything I want. I’m already in the process of developing new business ventures using new methods that change the way you experience music. My vision for the type of artist (visual and musical) that I am doesn’t fit into the conventional business models that the record or fashion industry is used to. With the right resources that I already have and those that I’ll aquire soon enough, my vision will be realized. To be honest, I’m just gettin started! I want to be able to sell out stadiums, hold art exhibitions in Central park, and materialize all that I can create in my mind all from a penthouse that’ll make a spaceship jealous! I’m already living it in my mind, so in the future expect me to show you what I see. 
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/naturelmusic
Website: http://www.engedichang.com
Coming Soon: www.Theneuesound.com
February 6th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Babe I’m soooooo proud of you!!! You are talented in so many ways
… lol … There is no doubt in my mind that you will reach all your goals and then some sooner then you think and I will be by your side the whole way through. I love you!!!
February 6th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
My Little Brother is doing BIG things. Proud of you Lo Lo, and I love you more than you could ever know. You mean alot to me and it’s one of my dreams that your dreams come true. I see that becoming reality and I am so very happy and thrilled for you. Don’t ever forget your roots and however big you get we always got your back here in the DMV. Come home for adobo once in a while!
February 6th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
I’m feel so proud of my boy, L… he’s grown so much as an artist & I can’t wait to see where he’ll be 5 years from now!!! He’s definitely doin’ big thangs and making moves in the industry!!!!
February 6th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Very informative. Keep up the good work!
February 6th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Yeah… the products are clean. I’d rock ‘em steady.
Instead of the next 5 years let’s think the next 50. Live your dream. MAKE IT HAPPEN DAMMIT!
February 6th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Hi, Naturel is my son. I taught him well. He takes after the mother. I was visiting him in New York and he was introducing his friends and showing the productivity and I comment on his design, layout on the garment denim on a invisible seams. inseams. Naturel was taking sewing class in high school and designing a fashion, sewing the pattern. He had to sew by hand to each piece of pattern.
He is a talented and gifted. To make it short. My daughter was attending a talented and gifted school and Naturel was a tag along student then he was tested for the program and he became a talented and gifted student. If Naturel put his mine into what he is working on. He makes wonders. That’s my son.
Take care naturel be yourself. Have a wonderful day,
Mom
February 6th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Peace to the homey Naturel!!!Suitland Alum, UV Alum, PG Stand Up!!! Definitely a problem on the mic and with the fashion. Keep the torch going homey and we out here if you need something.PEACE.
February 6th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
I am so proud to know you… Even when we first met at Suitland, I knew you were destined to do big things that would also inspire others… as you have inspired me. I even remember the first time you hit me with some spoken word over the phone– SOOO long ago. But I’ve always wondered where life would take you and, in turn, where you would take it. Glad to see the dream is real. This was a wonderful article.
February 7th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Awesome Interview! Clothes are fly of course, you killed the Beating Hearts show Thursday night, your music is crazy!! YOU ARE SOMEBODY!!! Much Love!
February 8th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
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February 12th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
~Constant,
Wow!! I am so proud of you! Its been a long time since summer Guam parties!! I have no doubt in your talent and the great thing you are so capable of doing. The world needs people like you, with endless creativity and fearless drive. I’m ecstatic that its only a matter of time when this industry sees you for the immaculate asset that you are with both your music and your design. Limitless is the word that best describes you. This interview is so real, its you, and like i said, i can so picture your voice behind every word! May God continue to bless you and guide you in the right direction. I Love YOU My DEAR, DEAR FRIEND! Keep it up… There’s a lot of real DIM Muh’s out there, be that NEUE light!!
~Yardstick
February 12th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Congrats for an extraordinary interview and documentation! I laid the basics as mere foundation to take you thru life but it was YOU who took it well beyond and above everyone’s expectations. The multiple talents you have and the tools you acquire to build your aspirations, along with resilience to push ahead are not from the genes but Gifts! You have been emitting your ambitions since you were a kid and have resulted in remarkable achievements thus. A few…the art portfolios to enter Suitland VPA were incredible, the distinguished student of the Arts for the year 2000 an impressive achievement, the scholarships, the entry to Pratt, and the hiring by Roc Wear, were not seen coming but were realized because of your strong attributes and desires once you have set your mind. You are something special. Continue to believe in yourself and dream no more. We will always be proud of the unveiling of successes on your way to reaching your defined goal. We’re additionally proud of how you personify yourself and your quest to becoming a true Artist. Actually, you always have been you just didn’t know. If we’re not there physically to support, our thoughts and blessings will always be as well our Love.
Dad
February 26th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
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March 3rd, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Enjoyed reading your interview. You have such a wonderful attitude about life and what it’s all about. Sounds like you had a creative foundation to spring off of and you have, indeed, done that. Who knows where you’ll go from here! Needless to say, you are one to watch now and in the future. You are truly a modern creative leader.
March 19th, 2009 at 3:59 am
Larry,
Your perseverance, is indeed “an inspiration to all”. Countless hours of your hard work and dedication has made your dreams a reality. God gave you the instruments to succeed in life, and you have taken it and have gone beyond. Live life to the fullest. I am proud of you, and especially I am proud of what you have become. Keep in touch… Lots of love and prayers, The Maratita’s of Guam.