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
First Published: 5 August 2022 15:22
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.
Latest Edinburgh News
Edinburgh Based Drinks Innovators Now Available in Local Prestigious Establishments
Discerning drinkers at some of Edinburgh’s most prestigious establishments now have the chance to savour Buck & Birch’s uniquely curated spirits and liqueurs.
Best fish and chip shop casts its net for top apprentice fish frier
East Coast Fish & Chips takeaway in Musselburgh, named the best in Scotland earlier this year, is casting its net across the country to find its first apprentice fish frier.
Local school transforms into dystopian festival venue
Grid Iron Theatre Company, which specialises site-specific and location theatre, will host immersive performances at Edinburgh’s Leith Academy.
Hundreds come together to create spectacular outdoor artwork in Loch Insh in celebration of creativity
The UK's biggest National Park was the chosen location for the latest Green Space Dark Skies project, by the outdoor art experts at Walk the Plank.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Announces Experience Collaboration With Soho House
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has collaborated with Soho House to provide its members with a variety of experiences throughout the Edinburgh Festivals season this August.
IRN BRU bring the UK first venue in a CAN to the Edinburgh Fringe
IRN-BRU have created the UK's first venue in a can to give some of Scotland's funniest online comedians a dedicated platform at the Edinburgh Fringe.
As Greece inspires the latest menu, Six by Nico prepares a feast fit for a Goddess
Six by Nico's team has harnessed the power of ancient Greek mythology to create a Mediterranean masterpiece of powerful proportions!
Community groups across the capital connect with nature thanks to CityFibre
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) visited Wester Hailes Library as part of their Giraffe About Town community programme, sponsored by CityFibre.
Johnnie Walker Princes Street lights up the city during the Edinburgh Festival
Johnnie Walker Princes Street, has kicked off its partnership with the world’s most famous arts festival, by unveiling a show stopping projection illuminating the entire eight floor building.
Edinburgh care home highly commended in national awards
Care UK’s Cairdean House, on Redford Road, has been highly commended in the ‘Best for Communication and Use of Digital Channels’ category.
Green Space Dark Skies announces Ben Nevis as Scottish location in Finale Event
On Saturday 10 September, Ben Nevis in the Glen Coe National Scenic Area (NSA) will provide the backdrop to the last Scottish Green Space Dark Skies outdoor artworks.
Finalists Revealed for The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022
Over 75 leading finalists have been revealed today for The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022.
Tiny Changes curate a series of unique intimate acoustic performances
Tiny Changes is teaming up with Connect festival to host a pop-up stage at this year’s festival.
Free Gala Day to mark official opening of five star visitor attraction in the Scottish Borders
A free family gala day will be held on Friday 9th September to celebrate the official opening of the five-star purpose-built Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre in Galashiels.
Musselburgh Racecourse Stobo Castle Ladies Day crowns winners of The Style Awards 2022
Scotland's biggest and most prestigious 5-star Ladies Day held on Friday 5th August at Musselburgh Racecourse in East Lothian, has announced the winners for this year’s Style Awards.
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.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo kicks off August with spectacular showcase for 2022 Voices
Performers from across the globe are sure to wow audiences with sensational music, dance, costume, and spectacle as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo makes its highly anticipated return.
Superstar Chef set for culinary triumph at Connect Festival in Edinburgh
Connect Music Festival kicks off August 26 - 28th and is delighted to introduce Chef Barry Bryson as an addition to this year’s acclaimed line-up.
Merlin works magic to bring Free Fringe to Morningside
A Bustling Edinburgh suburb will see a host of acts and entertainers descend on the area as it becomes part of the Free Fringe for the first time, thanks to the Merlin pub.
Paint and Sip at the newest speakeasy in Edinburgh for a night out with a twist
Edinburgh’s hottest new bar in town, Counter at Native, has revealed a new take on a night out in the city; a creative ‘Paint and Sip’ workshop.
Brilliant listener numbers in latest result for Forth 1 and Forth 2
Forth 1 and Forth 2 have seen listener figures continue to grow with a fantastic set of results in the latest RAJAR figures.
Edinburgh photographer, Soo Burnell, to exhibit at Gleneagles Townhouse
Leading photographer and Edinburgh native, Soo Burnell, is set to launch her newest exhibition, ‘Bodies of Water’, at the recently opened Gleneagles Townhouse from 5th – 29th August.
Green Space Dark Skies: The team of artists working with local communities to bring events to life
Green Space Dark Skies, produced by Walk the Plank and commissioned by UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, has revealed the artists who will bring Scotland's August events to life!
Conifox Adventure Park officially breaks world record for the Longest Inflatable Assault Course
Conifox Adventure Park has today confirmed that they have officially broken a world record for the longest inflatable assault course which sits at a mammoth 568 metres.
Boogie, Arlene and Marty from Forth 1 meet Giraffe About Town Skinny Malinky Long Legs
Forth 1’s Boogie, Arlene and Marty met their Giraffe About Town sculpture Skinny Malinky Long Legs earlier this week.
Irn Bru launches Sunshine Service
From the Costa Del Leith to the Clyde Riviera, IRN-BRU is set to deliver deckchairs and ice-cold cans to Scottish sun-seekers!
Perthshire Preserves gets on board with Fingal Edinburgh
A Perthshire jam-making company has announced a buoyant new partnership with Scotland’s only luxury floating hotel, Fingal, as part of ‘National Afternoon Tea Week’ from 8th to 15th August.
New Naked Malt Garden set to open at Underbelly Edinburgh Fringe this August
As the Edinburgh Fringe is set to return, Naked Malt will launch the city’s best kept secret cocktail garden complete with sipping stations and Instagrammable delights this August.
Connect Festival adds new acts including a comedy lineup
Connect Festival adds new acts including a comedy lineup ahead of its Edinburgh Debut at the Royal Highland Centre in August.
EH1 Festival set to take over VEGA for official launch party
EH1 is set to take over VEGA Glasgow with an official launch party, bringing together DJs from Scotland’s most popular club nights including Glitterbox, PRTY and EVOLATION!
Sponsored Links
