RESPECT. Premiere: Tay Rhodes - 'Tony' - RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture

Located just over two hours away from Detroit, Kalamazoo is a city in Michigan that few people may be familiar with. Sure, it’s the birthplace of legendary New York Yankees slugger, Derek Jeter, as well as home to the first outdoor mall (hence the nickname, Mall City), but in terms of music, the city has yet to make a splash. However, that could all change soon, with the emergence of Tay Rhodes.

Tay Rhodes — who grew up heavily influenced by the woman in his household who had an affinity for Hip-Hop — presents a sound that is one of the hybrid variety, as he can be sonically compared to “a cool mix between Future and Mick Jenkins.” His ability to merge two different realms of music while successfully staying on topic is unique, to say the least.

Following up the release of his 2015 EP, Kame House, Tay Rhodes is back and preparing his sophomore effort, Purple Heart, which is described as a “personal body of work that represents Tay’s resilience through life’s ups and downs.” With a glimpse of what’s to come, Tay has given us here at RESPECT. the privilege of premiering his new single, “Tony”.

Purple Heart is slated to be released on May 2nd, but for now, press play and enjoy “Tony”, which is easily one of the best records you will hear this week.

LISTEN: Tay Rhodes – “Tony”