Malcolm Worsham, Author at RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture

Caso Banz Drops New Single “Whiplash” Featuring Kirko Bangz

Malcolm Worsham — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 20:54:54 +0000

Caso Banz is a blazing breakout Indie artist who is setting out to make his mark in the world of entertainment. His new hit single “Whiplash” featuring Kirko Bangz is putting the spotlight on Banz as a potential hit maker working with the emerging music greats.

Originally from Goldsboro, NC Caso Banz, the vocalist formally known as Angel Moreno, is grinding in the Atlanta music scene. Thus far, he has worked with noteworthy artists Project Pat on the track “No Cap”, Colonel Loud, Kirk Frost, Kirko Bangz, and even got a crowd lit when he opened for Kevin Gates.

His early fans referred to him as Picasso, because music is his art form and just like the legendary painter, Banz’ audience is moved by the feeling that his artwork provides. This can be attributed to his intricate creative process where he drinks hot tea, lemon, and honey to get in his zone and then records each track piece-by-piece until it is fully completed. He has a divine gift of not needing to pen his lyrics, as Caso Banz naturally creates and flows from being guided by his feelings and passions while laying down vocals.

His tracks can be described as a hybrid of old school and new school R&B combined with his style and vocals for an exclusive twist that will get anyone singing and dancing along. This powerful combination allows the melodies and runs to be felt in listeners’ souls, while the tight choreography and visuals in his shows make attending a Caso Banz’ performance the experience of a lifetime.

Caso Banz makes sure to “get in where he fits in,” so that he is always aligned with all that is meant for him while he applies himself and works with others to “make magic” in the studio. As a proud father, his two daughters and his son are his motivation to stay persistent with practice and perseverance, especially while weathering the storms that the entertainment industry and life, in general, can bring. “I’m here as long as the people want me here and I definitely plan on being around for a while,” he exclaimed as he stated that he looks forward to a long career in entertainment. Music is his pathway to a lifetime of stardom as he is also interested in pursuing TV and film in the future.

Stay connected with Caso Banz here.

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Dave East Rolls Thru the Neighborhood in the new video “Menace”

Malcolm Worsham — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 03:57:02 +0000

Dave East is preparing for his upcoming project and trilogy to his classic campaign, Karma 3, what goes around comes in threes.

The Harlem emcee is still focused on his mission for his team after the homecoming of his beloved loc, brother, and New York comrade Kiing Shooter. He drops off his latest single titled “Menace,”.

The visual starts with him re-enacting classic scenes from the iconic John Singleton film Boyz N The Hood. Dave East.

Tap in to the visual “Menace” below. Stay connected with upcoming announcements and releases from Dave East here.

The post Dave East Rolls Thru the Neighborhood in the new video “Menace” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

RESPECT. Interview: Baton Rouge rapper Pee Rarie Talks About the Culture of Baton Rouge, his upcoming project ’Gangsta Feva’ and the state injustice of Louisiana

Malcolm Worsham — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 00:59:54 +0000

Baton Rouge artist Pee Rarie notoriety in the south has positioned him for success. After releasing the single “Dem Jiggaz,” Rarie named has been buzzing in local celebrity circles. Along side of $icario500 loyalty has played a major factor between the two rising stars. Positioned with NeverLeveled Found/CEO, power broker Guy B Duhon Jr, who has opened doors to local stations 107 Jams and many media outlets. Duhon mentioned “I wasn’t thinking about guiding any artist, once I heard Pee and $icario500, I let my guard down and said told them both it’s go time” with Duhon behind the scenes, Pee Rarie & $icario500 it can be guaranteed the trio will make plenty of noise in the future.

RESPECT.: What’s the sound like in the city?
PR: The sound in my city is unique, it’s a lot of emotions that go into our music an culture. Plus this is one of the worse states in the us , an it shows in the music as well.

RESPECT.: Who are your musical influences?
PR: My musical influences has always been the Hot Boys and Lil Wayne. The reason I wanted to start rappin but all the Louisiana greats from Boosie to Lil Dundray. My biggest influences has always been Soulja Slim and BG though.

RESPECT.: What made you choose hip-hop?
PR: To be honest I didn’t choose hip hop
or any style of music, I just chose music, an I chose music because this is the only place I can vent openly about the things I’ve locked away in my life from the past till now. Music has no limits an I never want to b limited to one style of music.

RESPECT.: What story do you have to tell?
PR: I just want to tell my story. I want the world to know me and witness a true miracle, I’ve been shot, stabbed, heartbroken and betrayed but still I stand tall and I’m a living testimony. No matter what happens long as your breathing it’s never over for you. I went from ICU to the studio, from the studio to performing in different states interacting with different people an races. Now I’m here with RESPECT. Magazine and I’m thankful to God for it all.

RESPECT.: Do you feel like the stories of the south are authentic and need to be heard?
PR: I feel as though the stories of the south are authentic and they really do need to be heard simply because, we are so different, when you meet someone from Louisiana or the south period, you will remember them from how they act and there words for the rest of your life. NBA youngboy is one of the biggest artist in the world and everything he raps is the stories of the south, that says a lot from the industry to the streets. I mean everybody got stories of pain an struggle it’s hoods an projects all over the world, but it’s just something about our pain that digs deeper and the world respects us as a state because they know we at the bottom of the map.

RESPECT.: How has “Dem Jiggaz” shook up the city?
PR: “Dem Jiggaz” it’s like a theme song in my city. Everybody really can relate to it. Most the people in my section be Rolling. Dem Jiggaz is one of my more creative songs, the visual is out on YouTube to those who have yet to hear it or see it y’all should go peep it out.

RESPECT.: What’s your mixtape Gangsta Feva about?
PR: “Gangsta Feva“ Basically Means “thuggin it out alone”. I wrote a lot of the songs when I was in the intensive care unit. Through the process of me shaking back I started to lose love and interest in a lot of people from friends to certain family members, when you know you supposed to be dead and you living on borrowed time, you start to pay attention to the smallest things people overlook. God placed me by myself and forced me to sit still and think about everything and everyone in my life and that’s how “Gangsta Feva“ was made. It’s about betrayal hurt shame and redemption, it’s about my process to becoming who I am now.

RESPECT.: What is it about Louisana racism and injustice that is different than the other 49 states?
PR: Louisiana racism is the worst in the U.S. next to Mississippi. We are really the dirty south at the very bottom of the map where we had slave ports in plantations. We actually still have plantation houses out here that people actually live in. They really got confederate flags hanging up on houses proudly, the racist people in Louisiana ancestors was really slave owners and was taught to hate an adapted to what they saw as a child which is a family tradition an beliefs. These racist in Louisiana are the ones that don’t hide it, the ride with flags bumper stickers and all, unlike the others in other states who are racist in private. Our laws speak for them selves, we also still got the chain gang style of punishment, let that sink in.

RESPECT.: What’s more important the fame or fortune?
PR: Fame is cool but I’d rather take the fortune, but only because I want to take care of my fam and help people that I know are in need, but I also know money can’t fix everything a lot comes with it but that’s life, long as I can help an make my people smile I’m happy with that.

RESPECT.: What’s next for you?
PR: Whatever God has in store for me. I’m currently working on a joint tape with my bro $icario500 called Twin DRAGONS) an a solo tape called (DRAGON BLOOD) but other then that I’m just going threw the process of life .I’m still in da hood as we speak tbh, I’m just focused on the moment, walking light trying to make it to the next day an be better then I was the day before.

RESPECT.: What does RESPECT. mean to you?
PR: RESPECT. means everything to me because at the end of the day an the end of your life, that’s all that’s left no money no materialistic things ,just your name an what u stood for. I was always taught to look a man in his eyes, keep my head high, never fold bend or break, so no matter what happens to me , I will forever be remembered as a stand up guy and that’s all I really want. Respect is big to me, it means everything. Without respect your money means nothing, look at the rapper who snitched haha perfect example.

Watch Misused ft. $icario500 below and tell us what you think.

The post RESPECT. Interview: Baton Rouge rapper Pee Rarie Talks About the Culture of Baton Rouge, his upcoming project ’Gangsta Feva’ and the state injustice of Louisiana appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Meek Mill Address Amerikkka with His Latest Single “Other Side of America”

Malcolm Worsham — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 19:53:41 +0000

Meek Mill address the nation with his latest single “Other Side of America”. He starts the record with a sample of Donald Trump’s plea to the African American to bow down and accept him as the commander of this nation.

(Donald Trump)
What do you have to lose?
You’re living in poverty
Your schools are no good
You have no jobs
58% of your youth is unemployed
What the hell do you have to lose?

Stream and Listen to “Other Side of America” below. Leave a comment and tell us how you feel about the nation at this time.

The post Meek Mill Address Amerikkka with His Latest Single “Other Side of America” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Alex Ketchum the Toronto based YouTuber who’s making waves on social media with his brand of original viral content

Malcolm Worsham — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 14:22:35 +0000

26-year-old Canadian YouTuber Alex Ketchum is showing exactly what it takes to make it as a content creator. Currently based in the heart of Toronto, Alex has been making waves online with his brand of original viral content. Picking up the video camera at a young age, Alex has always had a passion for making videos. In high school he spent his free time making films with his friends, which is what made Alex realize that he wanted to be a content creator. Alex attended York University for Film Production, graduating with honours. Producing award winning films and series such as Tinder The Web Series, which was a Vimeo original short series based upon the popular dating application Tinder and embarked on some of the worst possible online dating scenarios.

Although Alex loves filmmaking, he realized what he truly enjoyed more was being in front of the camera. With a drive to entertain, Alex decided to start creating content for YouTube. Alex’s videos quickly gained popularity and even caught the attention from international publications. One of his videos titled “Fixing my wall with ramen noodles” was featured by VT and LadBible, receiving several million views across their Facebook pages. International Business Times recently published an article about Alex Ketchum, calling his work “a refreshing and clever take on many popular Youtube trends”.

Alex believes in only producing the highest quality work. “you should only put out things you’re proud of”, said the YouTuber. According to Alex, consistently producing high quality content online is a lot harder than most people think. It’s a full time job and you’re constantly facing criticism when putting yourself out there on social media. It can be a toxic environment, but it’s important to keep your head up and have confidence in the content you’re producing. Alex Ketchum definitely has the right stuff to make it as an influencer, and we look forward to seeing what he comes up with next.

You can also follow Alex Ketchum on Twitter and Instagram @AlexKetchum.

The post Alex Ketchum the Toronto based YouTuber who’s making waves on social media with his brand of original viral content appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

After Being Arrested in LA, Grammy Producer THANKGOD4CODY, Channels Message With His New Single “Light My Way”

Malcolm Worsham — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 21:56:56 +0000

With recent riots occurring across the country, as a nation, we are being forced to maintain during these dark times. Black Lives Matter and so does our mental health. “Light My Way” offers a sentiment of hope. ThankGod4Cody made his artistic debut with Cody of Nazareth in 2019. The project has garnered over 1.5 million streams and caught the attention of cultural and music curators. A native of Memphis, TN, TG4C is a Grammy nominated, multiplatinum artist, and producer. Many are familiar with his work on SZA’S CTRL album spawning hits with his production credits on songs like “Love Galore” ft. Travis Scott and “The Weekend”. His single, “Light My Way” is the first single release in the Thank God 4 Friday campaign. The campaign will feature a new single drop, biweekly. “Light My Way” is part confession & part prayer delivered over soulful organ keys and trap drums.

“At some point there is a time when you feel the need for help from above, we all search for it. The world is dark. We need our way lit. Especially times like now, it would be good to have that guidance, that light.” – ThankGod4Cody

Stream “Light My Way” below and stay connected with ThankGod4Cody here.

The post After Being Arrested in LA, Grammy Producer THANKGOD4CODY, Channels Message With His New Single “Light My Way” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

RESPECT. Interview: Shaka Smith Talks About Caribbean Hertiage, Ahmaud Arbery, and His Latest Single “Stay Strong”

Malcolm Worsham — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 16:58:42 +0000

Shaka Smith is an actor, lawyer and host of 2019 People’s Podcast Awards, Nominated Podcast (Fit Club). Shaka recurs on Dear White People, Modern Family & Pair of Kings, and is most known for his show Fit Club AfterBuzz TV/Black Hollywood Live. He is also the author of 6 Minute 6 Pack.

As he continues to carve out a lane all his on own as a multi-talented, award-winning actor, author, activist and now recording artist, Shaka Smith released a moving new single, “Stay Strong.” Marking his first official release, “Stay Strong” finds Shaka Smith using his pen to fight against the powers that be. Mixing vivid, first person storytelling with Hip Hop’s defiant voice put Shaka Smith’s raw talent on full display, showcasing his love of social justice and knack for creating thought provoking music.

The single release comes with two remixes, produced by musician and actor Benjamin Patterson (OWN’s Greenleaf), which give a distinct feel to each track. On the remix he melds his signature funk style with edm elements for a fast paced sound fueled by the urgency of Shaka’s message. The piano mix is a delightfully stripped down version of “Stay Strong” that underscores the gravity of the injustice this defiant piece highlights.

Artwork as strong as all of the tracks complements Shaka Smith’s captivating style of rhyme as he offers words of encouragement to those wrongfully incarcerated, while shedding light on some of the issues they face within an unjust justice system. With 20% of proceeds donated to the Innocence Project, Shaka Smith proves that he is more than just talk. He is committed to social justice and meaningful systemic change within the system.

After living with “Stay Strong”, it will be apparent to listeners that Shaka Smith is here to be the change in the world he wants to see. Since chasing after his dreams, not only has Shaka Smith held down recurring roles on popular shows like, “Dear White People” and “Modern Family”, but has also has steadily built a fanbase of over 250,000 loyal supporters, letting the game know he’s here to stay. Check in with “Stay Strong” and the remixes on all digital stream platforms and check in with Hip Hop’s up next: Shaka Smith.

RESPECT.: Where are you from and how did you first find hip-hop?
SS: I’m from Miami, Florida. Living in a Caribbean household, I grew up primarily listening to reggae, so it was some time before I discovered Hip Hop. I remember a distinct moment listening to Tupac’s “Changes“ and realizing the power of Hip Hop and the gravity of the message it could contain.

RESPECT.: Who are your musical influences?
SS: My musical influences, are Tupac, Biggie, Eminem, Lauryn Hill, and Jay-Z amongst others. I feel fortunate that I got to grow up in an era where these legends delivered real messages about the issues that resonated with me and my community.

RESPECT.: What made you select the career you’ve chose and how do you keep it balance?
SS: I haven’t chosen a career so much as follow my passions and the things that fulfill me in the hope that I can be of service to others. Shifting between wearing hats as a lawyer, actor, host, fitness model and musician hasn’t been easy. The entertainment industry likes to put artists in boxes. However, I don’t ascribe to the idea that any artist needs to stay in one lane. When it comes to the stress, I have focused on physical fitness, yoga, and meditation which keep me clear and sharp.

RESPECT.: What inspires you to make the music, the sound or the lyrics?
SS: Lyrics more than sound inspire me to make music. Songs always start as a story I want to tell in my head, the words come and usually dictate the sound. I love when I get a track to work with though. Its so much fun to get a beat and see what my mind cooks up.

RESPECT.: As we see in front of our eyes our voice gets silenced in the confusion around us. The single “Stay Strong” speaks volumes why now to release something like this to heal us when it looks like we are being preyed upon?
SS: This is such a heavy question and I have to say it largely comes down to faith, but it is because I have also seen what happens when we do stay strong, lift each other up and give voice to those in our community that can’t speak for themselves. From wrongful convictions and unarmed shootings to poor medical care amidst this pandemic, we have to be stronger now, more than ever. We’ve also seen exonerations, arrests, and a focus on our communities to change the uneven medical outcomes during the current health emergency. The recent case of Ahmaud Arbery finally resulting in arrests highlighted what we can accomplish when we are strong. We are extremely effective when we find strength in one another and I hope, especially in the moments when we are tired or weak, this music can offer some modicum of strength or inspiration to keep moving forward.

RESPECT.: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the industry?
SS: As a relative newcomer, I’m still learning so much, but trusting myself, my voice and the message has been my biggest lesson. I’ve been writing and creating music for awhile, but I judged myself on whether the story or messages behind what I was trying to convey would be received in the right way. This way of thinking limited my growth and kept me from releasing music for so long. I have been struck by the messages I’ve received supporting my first release and am excited to continue trusting myself and releasing new music.

RESPECT.: What are you currently working on?
SS: I am working with producer Benjamin Patterson, a musician/actor who also stars on OWN’s Greenleaf. He’s given me great perspective on balancing the entertainment industry and has an amazing ear for music. He produced the two remixes of “Stay Strong” and we’ve got a few songs in the works with a really unique sound that I can’t wait for everyone to hear. New music will definitely be coming in June.

RESPECT.: What advice can you give our next generation about protecting your voice and preserving the wisdom instill in us all?
SS: Honestly, I’ve been so impressed by the next generation.They don’t shy away from anything and they own their authenticity in a way that has almost forced every other generation to catch up. I’d say don’t forget who you are and the power you have sharing your authentic self with the world, but always remember you have something to learn from everyone, regardless of generation.

RESPECT.: What’s next for you in 2020?
SS: In addition to more music, I host a weekly podcast, Fit Club on the Black Hollywood Live Network (AfterbuzzTV). Its always been important to me to get out the health information in our communities that is typically not given or aimed at us. The disparity in health outcomes is simply awful and the right information can do much to change that. We stream live on YouTube every Tuesday at 1pm PST and are available on all major podcast streaming platforms.

RESPECT.: What does RESPECT. mean to you?
SS: RESPECT. is recognizing what moves you and having the confidence to share it with others in a way that honors a positive intention. Ultimately the greatest respect is the respect you have for yourself.

Stream and listen to “Stay Strong” below.

The post RESPECT. Interview: Shaka Smith Talks About Caribbean Hertiage, Ahmaud Arbery, and His Latest Single “Stay Strong” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.