Words by Offspring community member @_jasmintaylor
As Offspring Community creatives, Fitria (@fitriatjandra), Jeff (@jeff.maranan) and I were given the opportunity to celebrate the One Star and cover the Victory Lap One Star World event on 17th February. For future projects in the year, I would highly recommend taking this chance to #springboard your own creative careers and get involved.
Upon approaching Belair House on the night of Victory Lap One Star World, I could feel the juxtaposition between its traditional architecture and the glowing, red lights shining through the windows. Where you would expect silence, the sounds of alternative hip-hop echo from within. In a place where adults may dress proper, people in unconforming styles and popping streetwear brands flow from the building.
VL and Converse logos projected on the exterior of the mansion in Batman reminiscent red holograms were impossible to miss. It’s more than eye-catching, it’s a screaming affirmation of this is who we are, and we are here.
The occasion is Victory Lap and Converse’s celebration of underground music and the Converse One Star, a party welcoming people to live performances, DJ sets and a night of pure VL vibes. VL founder Joe (@joekid) described the group’s origins as a radio show for himself and his friends with musical talents such as rapping, producing and DJing.
“Victory Lap is a community and ever-growing family. It’s not exclusive… we’re just trying to promote good, authentic music.”
Dancing, laughter and conversation extended through the night, and I could feel VL’s family spirit was contagious in the crowd. I had an incredible time meeting people both involved with the collaborative event, and guests and fans of the musicians performing. The DJs did a brilliant job with selecting beats and songs on the night and incorporating a mix of songs and artists that were familiar and new to me.
According to Joe, Victory Lap began with himself and friends doing radio shows around the world while on holidays such as New York based Half Moon Radio and the Lot Radio. Although these DJ shows were for fun, Joe and his friends agreed they needed a name to post these shows under. It was while in New York city the crew undertook the name Victory Lap.
The history of Victory Lap was reflected in the One Star event, as previously in New York, Joe connected with artist Mike, who he was able to bring back to London to perform at the event.
“It’s a full circle moment. It’s sick that people are recognising what we're doing now. So, stay tapped in. There’s a whole lot more coming.”
Joe continued to elaborate on how he appreciated freedom in curating the event, “(Converse) let me do the design and direct, which was really important to me, because when I do things with Victory Lap, I don’t want it to be watered down. I want it to be how I see it,” he said.
Furthermore, I could see how the One Star, sneakers and fashion intersect with alternative hip-hop at the event. From musicians to guests, everyone was dressed super fly, and I loved how everyone in the room styled the One Star differently to make it their own. This was echoed by Joe, who said in the culture you can’t have hip-hop without streetwear and sneakers.
“It all goes hand in hand. Alt hip-hop is very braggadocious and about being cool, projecting how you feel and expressing yourself.”
During all the performances, including headliners Goya Gumbani and Mike, the room was alive with energy. Guests swarmed to the mic area, forming a sea of bopping heads in sync with the beat, swaying from side to side as they register the bars. Phones lit up one by one across the room as flashlights turned on, and ayes from the crowd accompanied the shows like adlibs. I frequently attend concerts and gigs and found the smaller intimate feel of a performance in a mansion combined with boastful and raw hip-hop music a unique experience.
Considering it was the celebration of VL performers and DJs both Joe was most excited for, I can confirm in my eyes the night was a monumental success.
Keep your eyes peeled for more opportunities from Converse and Offspring to #springboard your creative career with live projects throughout the year.
