She Got Game

SHAWTY LO

Atlanta, GA — 2008

“Shawty Lo photographed for XXL magazine in 2008.  This photograph was taken at the Bowen Homes Housing Project off the former Bankhead Highway on the Westside of Atlanta. Bowen Homes was the city’s largest public housing projects and also considered one of the most crime ridden – it was demolished the following year in a citywide effort to remove all of the city’s public housing.”

BOW WOW

Atlanta, 2010

“Bow Wow photographed for XXL magazine in 2010. This was also shot with large-format Polaroid film. It was during a snowstorm in Atlanta, and I didn’t have enough light to shoot inside the sneaker boutique where we started. But he was a great sport and sat for me out in the snow as I fumbled with the giant 4×5 camera.”

The post RESPECT. Archive Presents: Photographer BRYAN MELTZ — The One with the Golden Eye appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Up and coming artist, Goon Des Garcons* has recently released his debut album, Sheesh! and this is one project you need on your summer playlist. Sheesh! is the perfect combination of strong lyrics and addicting beats, which makes for one unforgettable project.

We sat down with Goon to talk about his debut album, what he has coming up next and his love for his fans. Press play on Sheesh! while you read our interview with Goon below!

RESPECT. Interview:

Who is Goon Des Garcons*? What makes Goon Des Garcons* the artist that he is?

The post RESPECT. Interview: Upcoming Artist Goon Des Garcons* Talks Debut Album, ‘Sheesh!’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

When an artist finds themselves readily willing to lay it all out through their music, you MIGHT get a really good project. But with Parris Chariz, it’s a guarantee that you’re going to get unforgettable music. And Parris’ newest album, 2045 is one that you’re not going to want to stop playing. 

The 16-track project features Parris’ hit tracks, “Smooth Operator” & “Star” and if you’re familiar with either one of those songs, then you know that 2045 doesn’t fall short! 

From the melodious sound of “Hunger Games” to the uncut lyrics on “Hate Me or Love Me” and all in between, each one stands out in its own way. 

“This is my best music to date and I’m ready for the world to hear it.” – Parris Chariz

Dive in and let yourself truly enjoy the gem that is ‘2045.’ And once you’re done, check out the visual for “Hunger Games” below. 

The post Parris Chariz Releases Electrifying New Album ‘2045’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Anytime someone goes through a breakup, one of the first things they wonder is: “Was it worth it?” Then they start to question if the relationship was a waste of time, money, etc.

JC‘s newest track, “Worth It” embraces the emotional turmoil of having a piece of you taken away and asking yourself those same questions. The song– written by JC and produced by San Gria– has a smooth sound to it and really grabs at your heart strings…especially if you have gone through a breakup or tough relationship.

Take a listen to the track (along with the rest of JC’s project, ‘The Living Room Chronicles, Vol. 1’) and tell us, was it “Worth It”?

And while you’re at it, watch the visual for “Worth It” below!

The post JC Helps Us Figure if it Was “Worth It” on New Track [LISTEN] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Most are using today to celebrate Valentine’s Day but we’re truly celebrating the release of Detroit’s very own, Parris Chariz’s, “Smooth Operator.” 

Fresh off of his upcoming album, “Smooth Operator” features that unique sound that only Parris can offer. The single has a trap beat to it that you can hear Parris rapping over, “I call plays I’m a smooth operator/

I put my cape down I didn’t say that I’ma save her/I’m dressed in black look like I came up with the Raiders/Told her I was different I didn’t say that I’m the greatest/Just make the call you need a smooth operator.”

Along with the release of his new single, Parris is also celebrating recently being signed to Amplify. Good things are coming Parris’ way including his upcoming album! And just like his last album, “In My Weakness,” this upcoming album is exactly what hip-hop fans are going to need. “Smooth Operator” is a true testament to that. 

Listen to ‘Smooth Operator’ below.

Stay tuned for the video release of ‘Smooth Operator’ on 2/21.

The post New Single: Parris Chariz – “Smooth Operator” [LISTEN] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

All images credited to Trevor Sage-El / Copyright: MUSINART LLC

As time passes, the G-Shock brand becomes more and more timeless. G-Shock watches are the soundtrack to many memories. As most know, G-Shock has been around for 35 years killing the watch game, year after year, and with that many years in, there is no way a celebration won’t be had. So a massive bash is exactly what G-Shock decided to throw.

Let me paint the picture for you. Let’s take it back to this past Thursday. New York City. A surprisingly warm evening for November. Theatre at Madison Square Garden filled with G-Shock fans and the press from all over the world. Drinks are flowing. Popcorn is popping (it was actually already in boxes, but you get what I mean). The vibes were awesome. Between the extraordinary archive of watches on display in a pop up museum donned with a big lit up G-Shock sign, the numerous respected ambassadors and having the G-Shock engineering legend in the house, attendees had the perfect setting to take 143438 photos/videos to share with their friends.

G-Shock MR-G Display: Replica of Samuari Armor of the Sengoku Era

David Johnson VP of Timepiece, Casio America, Inc. was the MC for the press portion of the event.

Mr. Kikuo Ibe, Founding Father of G-SHOCK and research was loved by the crowd.

On stage were: Matthew Hranek, Full Time traveler, explorer, eater and drinker, Condé Nast Traveler editor, photographer, director and author of “A Man and His Watch,” Adam Craniates, Red Bar Crew Co-Founder, Watch Collector, Freelance Writer, Mr. Kikuo Ibe, Louie Vito, a G-SHOCK Athlete, Professional Snowboarder, Olympian and Ronnie Fieg, Owner of KITH.

Eric Haze, Graphic Artist, G-Shock loyalist and Collaborator was shared his passion for G-Shock watches.

But these festivities were not all G-Shock had in store for its fans as a give back for 35 years of love. Oh no, it was not.

As people were filing in to get to their seats, drink in hand and that already popped popcorn in another, Virgil Abloh hit the stage and started his set. AND basically started the party. Between bumping “Bodak Yellow” and getting everyone to rap along to “Dreams And Nightmares,” Virgil set the scene for what was to come next. Muthaf***ing A$AP Mob!

As we all waited for the crew to bless the stage, their DJ got things started with some classic A$AP tracks. And before we knew it A$AP Nast hit the stage and performed “Nasty’s World.” It didn’t take long before everyone was on their feet, dancing and feeling all the vibes. Soon after, A$AP Twelvyy, A$AP Rocky and the rest of the mob were on the stage performing hits after hits. The energy between A$AP Mob and the audience was electric. People were dancing in aisles, drinks in everyone’s hands and of course, they were all rapping the lyrics at the top of their lungs. These fans were ready for what was going down! SO when A$AP Ferg came out, the energy was at an all time high!

Ferg performed his hit tracks from the beginning of his career to now, including “Shabba,” “New Level,” “Coach Cartier,” “Plain Jane” and more. And it wouldn’t be an A$AP Mob show if they didn’t perform “Yamborghini High” and paid tribute to A$AP Yams. And Yams wasn’t the only one that received a tribute. Ferg made sure to take a moment to shout out Meek Mill and asked everyone to sign the petition to lesson his sentence.

Before closing out the show, Ferg thanked G-Shock for having the A$AP Mob and obviously the fans for all their support. But it was clear that A$AP Mob deserved the thanks for putting on probably one of the best shows the audience would have seen this year.

Happy 35th Anniversary to G-Shock!

Suggested Articles:

G-Shock to Release a Watch Collab w/ Iconic Graffiti Artist, Futura

Kikuo Ibe of G-Shock on Breaking Boundaries and Super Heroes

The post G-Shock Celebrates 35th Anniversary with A$AP Mob appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo Credit: @Raze

“The Washington Height’s classic hip-hop aficionado is back at it with another single, after being a bit out of the loop working on his craft; he has released “Selling Dreams.” Produced by SRFSCHL’s Rusty Mack the classic boom bap feel with a bit of soul influence from Raze himself. Would you sell your dream?”

Suggested Articles:

Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble” Reaches Highest 100 Debut For A Rap Song In 7 Years

Happy Kendrick Lamar Eve: Check Out Ten of His Dopest Guest Appearances

The post Raze is “Selling Dreams” on His New Single [LISTEN] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.