Breakthrough Grime Artist AJ Tracey Trials the Timberland Flyroam
An insider’s guide to the innovative new collection.
Futuristic, minimal and high performance, Timberland’s Flyroam collection hit the streets this month, pairing lightweight, innovative materials with a sleek sports-meets-lifestyle aesthetic. One of the standout pieces from the range is the Flyroam chukka sneaker boot, which comes in two colorways and utilizes Timberland’s patented AeroCore technology in its light and supportive sole.
To put the Flyroam to the test, we teamed up with rising grime star AJ Tracey — whose 2016 singles “Buster Cannon” and “The Rumble” put him on the radar of a global audience — to trial a pair while we quizzed him on his career to date. See below for our exclusive video and Q&A and click here to find out more about the Timberland Flyroam collection.
What’s your take on the Timberland Flyroam?
They’re mad lightweight. I’ve always been a fan of comfy kicks and these ones here are good for man to do road on!
Who do you look up to in terms of grime MCs and role models?
In terms of grime MCs, I would say Skepta and P Money. That’s who I grew up listening to and they helped me craft my sound. Outside of grime? Just my mum. She’s my main role model.
Last year was described as grime’s comeback year but many have tipped you to have a career-making 2017. What have you got lined up for your fans?
Bigger live shows for sure, loads of festivals, unexpected collabs and more music!
Roll Safe is one of the most popular memes of the year so far. How does grime’s sense of humor differ from hip-hop’s? Who do you rate more: Roll Safe or The Pengest Munch?
I think they’re both sick. I wouldn’t say one’s rap and one’s grime, neither would I say that the humor’s different, maybe they just play on things that are specific to one culture or the other. But yeah both are proper funny and good ideas.
“Buster Cannon” and “Luke Cage” both reference TV shows. What are some of your guilty pleasures when it comes to film and TV?
I like Rick & Morty, Adventure Time, Naruto, Dragon Ball Z and Jersey Shore. Oh and How I Met Your Mother!
