Governors Ball Music Festival at Randell”s Island Park in NY. All photos taken by Miguel Crespo for RESPECT.

Nothing says “Summer In New York” like The Governors Ball music festival. The star-studded, east-coast festival has returned for its ninth straight year and the 2019 installment was another one for the books. Randall’s Island Park was full of diverse people, good food and great vibes once again as Gov Ball weekend arrived.

GovBall NYC on May 31st – June 2nd is three days of diverse musical acts headlined this year by Tyler, The Creator, Florence + the Machine and The Strokes. With four stages (plus a side stage), it boasts the hottest rock, pop, contemporary R&B and hip hop acts. Whether you line the rail in wait for your fave, hang in the back with your crew, or graze the stages and food trucks all day, you can’t go wrong.

Prancing and screeching across the stage in a neon green suit and his new blond, bowl-cut wig, Tyler, the Creator stole the show on Gov Ball 2019’s inaugural night. Without special guests or a backing band, the ever-eccentric rapper captivated the crowd with songs from his just-released new album, “IGOR,” as well as fan favorites from his deep catalog. Although “IGOR” has only been out for a couple of weeks, the audience knew many of the lyrics and shouted along fervently — to the heartfelt appreciation of the seemingly surprised Tyler, who also served as his own hype man.

American Eagle Stage

On Saturday, the performance to watch came from Atlanta native, Playboi Carti. The young Hip-Hop phenom brought energy to the Honda Stage that was unmatched. A rocking crowd full of fans couldn’t keep their feet grounded as heavy bass shook Randell’s Island. Vince Staples also graced the Honda Stage but not before a smooth and melodic performance by Ty Dolla $ign over at the American Eagle stage.

Playboi Carti

Unfortunately, there was a surprise headliner for Sunday, terrible weather. Storm cells had been brewing in the tristate vicinity since late into Saturday night. Rather than plow into the final day as scheduled, organizers preemptively cancelled most of it before it even began.

Doors were pushed to open at 6:30pm, immediately nixing anticipated acts such as Charli XCX, SOB X RBE and SZA from the lineup. When most of the day proceeded to be blue-skied and beautiful, organizers issued an announcement that the festival would actually open earlier than scheduled, at 5pm.

KAYTRANADA was angled to start at 9:30, but the instant he walked on stage, all screens went black with a stern announcement: “Due to approaching severe weather, all persons should move quickly and calmly to the nearest exit and seek shelter for your safety.”

Despite Mother Nature deciding to end the party, Governors Ball 2019 left impressions on us all. Another epic Gov Ball weekend in NY was a success and we are already excited to see what the 2020 installment has in store.

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The street life landed him behind bars on three occasions, “My little brother is in jail. Like, everybody who I used to be with is in jail.” No matter the tribulation, it doubled as a sonic inspiration. In 2016, his beef with a former friend sparked his first major release, “Mayweather Freestyle”. “I knew I was destined then. Something good was going to play out from all the tragedy that I’ve been through.”

We had the chance to catch up YFL Kelvin and talk:

What was life like growing up in Ohio?

“Growing up in Ohio was cool cause not many people make it  out of here but growing up in Cleveland was rough. I ain’t gone say I went without my whole life but sh*t was crazy growing up I seen a lot sh*t the average kid shouldn’t see. But I made it out of Ohio so I’m thinking bigger than that now.“

What made you decide to start making music?

“I wrote my first rap when my father got killed. I think I was like 5, but I always been a big fan of music before I ever thought about rapping. It’s like I had my mind up already of what I wanted to be when I got older.

What artists influenced you as your career began in the music industry?

“Growing up I was listening to a lot of Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Akon, Dipset, then once I got a lil older I start f*ucking wit Meek a lot.“

Def Jam is one of the biggest labels ever. What does it mean to you to call Def Jam home?

“I swear man this sh*t still be feeling unreal sometimes I be having to take a moment and thank God for allowing me to come this far. It’s a blessing man I’m just ready to go up”

What was the inspiration behind your latest project, Neva Lookin Back?

“The whole NevaLookinBack concept is basically me explaining the reasons why I feel like I graduated from the streets. I feel like once you reach a certain level of success it’s no point in looking back. Why look back?“

How has the feedback been since the project dropped?

“Mannn I been getting great feedback since I dropped the project. I be in the city and hear people riding past blasting my sh*t and It be feeling crazy but I be like that’s hard just to see how far I done came.”

You worked with people like Lil Baby, Roddy Ricch, MGK and more. Who are some artists or producers you hope to work with in the future?

“I’m tryna work wit Future, Meek, Wayne, Thug, Ashanti, Ella Mai, London On The Track, Metro Boomin, Chris Brown, Jay Z, Turbo, 808 Mafia, Willa Fool, all type of mf’s lol”

What’s next for YFL Kelvin?

“Sh*t I’m bouta be dropping hella more music and videos, I’m moving to Atlanta so I’m bout to turn up my first artist I signed. Turn up my clothing line, try to get into some movies and raise my sons into kings”

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The post Def Jam’s YFK Kelvin Talks Growing Up In Ohio & Latest Project “Neva Lookin Back” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Alongside the superstars mentioned above, G-Eazy and Miguel are set to headline the event. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Kodak Black, Jessie Reyez, J.I.D and more are set to hit the stage at the Gillette Stadium. Diplo is also set to perform with Jillionaire and Walshy Fire as their electronic trio, Major Lazer.

“It is now the year 2019 and sh*t has hit the fan, the world is a mess BUT hope isn’t lost!” the site reads. “Now the MDBP fam is back and they’ve joined forces with Diplo to become one giant sick Frankenstein / robot thingy known as the Major Lazord to throw one SUPER MEGA GIANT ULTRA MAD DECENT BLOCK PARTY FESTIVAL!!”

Tickets to the exciting event go on sale this Friday (Apr. 12) at 10 a.m. According to the flyer, those who are interested in attending will be able to partake in various and unique events throughout the weekend, such as the “world’s largest bounce house,” “go karts by K1 speed” and a “paintball arena by Team Dynasty.”

You can purchase your tickets here.

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FKA Twigs has returned with her first new song in over three years, “Cellophane.” The song comes with a breathless, ethereal new video directed by frequent Björk collaborator Andrew Thomas Huang.

“Cellophane” is one of FKA Twigs’ most personal tracks to date, dealing with a period in her life when she felt she had to rebuild herself from scratch. “Throughout my life I’ve practiced my way to being the best I could be,” she says in a statement. “It didn’t work this time. I had to tear down every process I’d ever relied on. Go deeper. Rebuild. Start again.”

The stunning video accompanying the track finds Twigs pole-dancing, falling through space and eventually being buried in pink mud. She trained for months in advance with pole choreographer Kelly Yvonne to learn the impressive acrobatics she performs in the video, taking to Twitter on Wednesday to thank Yvonne and Huang for their help.

FKA Twigs wrote and produced “Cellophane” with Jeff Kleinman and Michael Uzowuru. It’s the first single from the forthcoming followup to her 2014 debut LP1, which was nominated for a BRIT Award and the Mercury Prize.

FKA Twigs is performing live around the world over the summer, with headlining dates in New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris and Sydney, among others. Watch the video for “Cellophane” and check out her full tour schedule below.

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T.R.U.B.

In a culture where sex, drugs, politics, violence and money dominate the music industry, T.R.U.B. brings the TRUTH in an incredible sound based on what’s hot without conforming to unenthusiastic Hip-Hop trends.

“I produce real music that conveys an image of hope, pride, and fun with an emphasis on hard work and effort that leads to overcoming life’s challenges.”

This Memphis, TN based rapper is not your average Hip Hop artist. Born Lawrence Johnson in Alexandria, VA, T.R.U.B. grew up in Memphis, where his passion for Hip-Hop music grew.

He realized his immense talent and started perfecting his artistry at an early age. His career began rapping at age 11 with his first mixtape “Cruel to the Game.” This project ignited his career and laid the groundwork for his first underground album, “Situation of A Hustler,” produced by Richard “Enigma” Harvey.

Since then, T.R.U.B. has been grinding hard to show the people that his incredible skills and his undeniable flow capture the essence of the Hip-Hop music. With the release of “The Appetizer,” “The Taste Test,” & “The Recipe” he was given the opportunity to tour with some of the biggest names in hip hop. T.R.U.B. is simply not your average rapper; he’s a lyricist with a unique style that sets him apart from the competition.

Although, T.R.U.B. has already had the opportunity to perform and collaborate with industry heavyweights like Juicy J, Project Pat, Bruno Mars, Future, Gorilla Zoe, Plies and Yung Ralph; DJ’s, clubs and radio stations are recognizing T.R.U.B. as a force in Hip Hop based on his own hustle and skills.

T.R.U.B.’s goal is to bring good music to a global audience. He’s blessed with talent; pop star charisma, gangster rapper bravado, a fast-exploding fan base, and lyrics that transform rap into a movement.

His latest project, Armageddon, was release on Halloween of 2015. It encompasses a diversity of styles and influences of what the upcoming rapper has distilled over the years. T.R.U.B. joined forces with one of the biggest rising producers of this era, Marcus Brandon. Marcus and T.R.U.B. have collaborated to create a classic sound for Armageddon and started their own dynasty label “The Elite Society.” With Armageddon, T.R.U.B. returns to the streets where his career once started and delivers a project with refreshing vitality. His fans will certainly notice a new yet familiar T.R.U.B. Sound. And now T.R.U.B. is taking the world by storm with his new smash single ”She Fell In Love.”

T.R.U.B. states, “I have big plans and my future is bright. The world will be very impressed with the moves I will make next.”

Artist: Trub | https://www.instagram.com/trubchef/ • @trubchef ALL Social Media

Single TOP | www.TrubChef.com

Music links:

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR0wUD6f604&app=desktop

Apple music

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/top-single/1434993365

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/album/3s7v2KLBDtulmdats7e66A?si=ddHZpTTFT4mDWGp29YJR8A

iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/top-single/1434993365

The post Memphis Rapper T.R.U.B Is Taking His Music To The Next Level appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Los Angeles, CA – April 8, 2019 – Rapper, Lil Mosey (Mogul Vision/Interscope Records) is keeping the momentum high with the video release of his track “Burberry Headband.” Lil Mosey secured rising producer and fellow Seattle native, Yungtada, for the lively visual, which features Mosey sporting classic Burberry. The Royce David-produced song appears on Lil Mosey’s debut project, Northsbest alongside popular tracks “Boof Pack” and the RIAA Certified Platinum, “Noticed.” View the visual for “Burberry Headband” HERE.

In addition to the success of his records, Lil Mosey will add another notch to his belt when he hosts The Northsbest Fest on April 27^th in Seattle; making him one of the youngest artists to host their own festival. The set will feature Lil Mosey, Yung Bans, Polo G, C Glizzy and a host of special guests. Lil Mosey is currently on the road, preparing to wrap the final dates of The Northsbest World Tour. Fans can catch the rapper performing at Rolling Loud’s five-year anniversary on May 11^th.

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