My Scottish Survival Kit kept me safe on mean streets of New York
FORMER boxer and now hip hop star Stevie Creed describes how he used his Scottish Survival Kit to stay safe while he was a teenager living alone in some of the toughest neighbourhoods of New York.
Article Source: The Brooklyn Scotsman
Last Updated: 5 August 2022 15:23
FORMER boxer and now hip hop star Stevie Creed has described how he used his Scottish Survival Kit to stay safe while he was a teenager living alone in some of the toughest neighbourhoods of New York.
He reckons his Edinburgh accent and daredevil attitude he developed growing up in the city helped him make friends in the Black community who adopted him as one of their own.
And his quick-thinking Scottish chutzpah got him out of a few scrapes when he was being robbed at gunpoint by gangs of young hoodlums, in Brooklyn.
In his newly-published autobiography – The Brooklyn Scotsman – Stevie tells the amazing story of how, when he was only 19, he flew out of Edinburgh Airport telling his parents, Elizabeth and Alastair he was going to the States on a fortnight’s holiday to see the sights of Manhattan.
But the truth was that for months the talented young amateur boxer had been secretly planning to live in Brooklyn and train at the well-known Starrett City Boxing Club gym there.
While in America, Stevie – who’s real name is Stephen McGhee and grew up on the south side of Edinburgh – eventually gave up boxing and transformed himself into a hip hop star, recording and releasing rap music albums, making videos and headlining shows on both sides of the Atlantic.
He tells how it was his friends in the Black community who gave the baby-faced white boy boxer-turned-rapper a new moniker of Stevie Creed and dubbed him The Brooklyn Scotsman.
His years in America have played such an important part of his life Stevie’s had a giant tattoo of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and Edinburgh Castle tattooed on his back.
Stevie, now 31, is living back home in Edinburgh and is still releasing albums, making music videos, doing concerts and has appeared in a television documentary about himself and performed on stage at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for a run of shows two years in a row.
Stevie says: “I’ve got a lot to thank Mel Gibson for after his portrayal of William Wallace in the Hollywood blockbuster film about Scots warriors battling it out with the English. When I was living in America, many people thought Scots were all as fierce and brave as Wallace and his battling clansmen.
“I certainly didn’t do anything to disavow them of that notion, as the more they thought of me as a mad Scot always ready for a fight, the better.”
On one occasion, Stevie was about to be robbed by some teenage gangsters until Stevie pretended to them he was an undercover drugs detective from Scotland, seconded to New York telling them his name was John Kimble – the detective in the Kindergarten Cop movie. The gangsters bought his story and moved on.
Stevie would also keep an old wallet filled with Monopoly money in his pocket and once when two robbers pulled a gun on him demanding money, he handed over the bulging wallet of pretend cash.
“They see the thickness of the notes folded inside the wallet and think they’ve hit the jackpot,” Stevie explains. “The pair then run off through a darkened outdoor basketball court and disappear into the night.
“I would love to have seen their faces when they realised the wallet was full of Monopoly money and the thick wad they thought was made up of tens and $20 bills weren’t worth a dime to them.”
Stevie continues: “Being Scottish, more than being white, was what made me stand out when I was living in America and what drew people towards me and made them want to look out for me.
“The people in Brooklyn – particularly those from a Black culture and background – seemed to find a common bond with me because of my Scots heritage.
“People noticed my accent before the colour of my skin and the way I spoke was a real bonus when I came to live in Brooklyn. I’m sure out of all the different accents and dialects the Brooklynites were hearing, a Scots accent wasn’t one of them, so that set me apart from other white guys and got me noticed.
“Everyone seemed to love the accent and it was a great hit with the girls I’d come across in bars or even on the subway train.
“It’s not the first time I’d be within earshot of a girl I’d taken a fancy to and I’d pretend to be talking to someone on my mobile phone just so she would hear my accent. Now, that was a great conversation starter!”
You can get your copy of The Brooklyn Scotsman published by Macdonald Media Publishing for only £12.99 from www.thebrooklynscotsmanbook.com
Image: Stevie Creed walking through Flatbush Junction, in Brooklyn.
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
RUSK & RUSK shares the Spanish Butcher menu ahead of opening in two weeks
RUSK & RUSK, the independent Scottish restaurant group, today shares details of the menu set to ignite tastebuds for The Spanish Butcher which officially opens in Edinburgh on Friday 10th May.
READ MORE
Johnnie Walker Princes Street seeks new talent to join award winning team
Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the award-winning global visitor experience in the heart of Edinburgh, has announced exciting opportunities for passionate individuals to join its renowned team.
READ MORE
All Aboard for Unmissable Tales of Adventure at the Port Edgar Open Weekend
THREE captivating and inspiring stories of adventure, near-death experiences and endurance are set to thrill the crowds at Port Edgar Marina’s 10th anniversary Open Weekend on 4th and 5th May!
READ MORE
Van Gogh experience announces Scottish premiere dates
A spectacular multimedia show celebrating Vincent van Gogh's life and stunning artworks is coming to Glasgow this summer!
READ MORE
A Big Map for the Big Yin! Interactive map launched to celebrate Billy Connolly
National Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.
READ MORE
Cast announced for Scottish tour of Hen Night Horror
Touring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!
READ MORE
The Best Home Bar competition from Aldi Scotland returns for 2024
Aldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!
READ MORE
Fingal sails to top of world best luxury hotels list
Edinburgh’s Fingal has sailed to the top of the world’s best hotels list in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards 2024.
READ MORE
UNIQLO will officially open the doors to its Princes Street store tomorrow
Edinburgh – Global apparel retailer UNIQLO, will welcome its first Scottish customers through the doors of its Edinburgh store on Thursday, 25th April.
READ MORE
CHICAGO Announced for the Edinburgh Playhouse
David Ian for Crossroads Live in association with Barry and Fran Weissler are delighted to announce further dates for the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour with dates at Edinburgh Playhouse in 2025.
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns for a delicious double helping
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.
READ MORE
Racegoers go corgi crazy at Musselburgh Racecourse
A NEW four-legged champion has been crowned for the Corgi Derby at The Sky Bet Sunday Series Raceday, Musselburgh Racecourse.
READ MORE
Nationwide campaign encourages adults in Scotland to take the plunge
With a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.
READ MORE
Gilded Balloon and Edinburgh Street Food announce new, dog friendly comedy night
Edinburgh’s top street food hang-out and leading comedy producers Gilded Balloon have today announced a brand new partnership, bringing the city’s funniest night out to Edinburgh Street Food.
READ MORE
The one that started it all: Edinburgh Science Festival announces its new Director
Edinburgh Science Festival drew its 35th anniversary edition to a close last weekend and now announces its new Director, Hassun El-Zafar, and dates for the 2025 Festival.
READ MORE
Pomegranates Festival kicks off next week
There’s just one week to go before the Pomegranates Festival of International Traditional Dance (25-30 April) kicks off at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and various venues across Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
Now in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter
The popular Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter, with even more opportunities to get a taste of the finest Scottish fare!
READ MORE
Cineword celebrates Danny Boyle
Cineworld Edinburgh celebrates the acclaimed British director Danny Boyle from May 7th to May 28th with a limited time big screen re-release of four of his classic titles at only £5 per ticket!
READ MORE
Johnnie Walker Princes Street Introduces Sunrise Yoga Experience
Johnnie Walker Princes Street is inviting guests to find their flow and embark on a journey of tranquility and connectivity with its latest offering, Sunrise Yoga on 3rd May!
READ MORE
Red Carnation Unveils 100 Princes Street, a historically rich new hotel in Edinburgh
Red Carnation Hotels, the family-owned hotel collection, proudly announces the opening of its latest masterpiece and first property in Scotland, 100 Princes Street.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Zoo named best zoo in Scotland
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has been named the best zoo to visit in Scotland by TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest travel guidance platform.
READ MORE
Ambassador Theatre Group becomes ATG Entertainment
Ambassador Theatre Group (“ATG”), a leading live entertainment organisation, and owner of the Edinburgh Playhouse, today announced that it is rebranding as ATG Entertainment.
READ MORE
New Finds at Culloden Battlefield shed more light on intensity of battle
Latest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MORE
First Look and opening date confirmed for The Spanish Butcher in Edinburgh
RUSK & RUSK, the independent Scottish restaurant group, today shares first look impressions of The Spanish Butcher, Edinburgh, and confirms it will officially open on Friday 10th May.
READ MORE
New Edinburgh Dog Friendly Brunch Spot Opens Today
Sip & Bark is opening its doors today on Raeburn Place in Stockbridge, with a delicious brunch offering, a selection of cocktails and fine wines, plus it’s dog friendly!
READ MORE
Port Edgar Open Weekend is back with a splash as it celebrates 10th Anniversary
The annual Open Weekend returns to Port Edgar, the largest watersports and activity centre in Scotland, for a special 10th-anniversary event on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May!
READ MORE
Kinky Boots struts into Edinburgh
Broadway and West End phenomenon Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting into Edinburgh in a brand-new production starring Strictly's Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge!
READ MORE
Laser Station Teams Up with Cash For Kids for Fundraising Event
Laser Station will be hosting an exciting fundraising event from April 22nd to April 28th, aimed at raising funds to support Cash For Kids initiatives.
READ MORE
Lloyds Early Careers event coming to Edinburgh
Lloyds Banking Group is hosting a free event on Saturday 13th April in Edinburgh for young people wanting to explore the wide range of careers options available in the banking industry.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links