West Coast legend, voice of the streets and RESPECT. wall-of-fame cover subject,  YG, has done it again—unleashing his sixth studio album, I got issues via Def Jam Recordings. I Got Issues blasts YG’s smooth, raw and powerful speak in his signature unorthodox style … and while rocking’ a red tux only he can drip in the visual for his new song “I Dance” — featuring Duki and Coco.

Having blown past the 12 billion career streams and over 2 billion YouTube views only few can be blessed with L.A.’s finest comes correct with this highly personal new album which features fellow luminaries J. Cole, Post Malone, Nas, Roddy Rich and more.

Most recently in the run-up to the album release, YG released an in-studio performance for “Alone” as well as “Maniac” ft. Hit-Boy.

I got Issues is YG’s first studio album since My Life 4Hunnid (October 2020).

The album debuted at the top of the Rap Albums charts and top 5 on the Billboard 200 albums. It featured the riveting record “FTP,” which was released during the height of the Black Lives Matter protests and became a social justice anthem for the movement.

Now get your headphones on and put your seatbelt on …

Straight Outta … RESPECT.Archive Issue #19. Cover shot by Justin Borucki. Image Copyright Musinart LLC

YG Photo shot Sunday, April 27, 2014 in NY, NY for RESPECT. Image is Copyright Justin Borucki

I GOT ISSUES TRACKLIST (PHYSICAL – CD + VINYL) 

1. Issues

2. Baby Momma

3. Toxic

4. Maniac ft. Hit-Boy

5. How To Rob A Rapper ft. Mozzy, D3szn

6. I Dance ft. Duki & Cuco

7. Sign Language

8. Scared Money ft. J. Cole, Moneybagg Yo

9. Run ft. Tyga, 21 Savage, BIA

10. Go Dumb ft. H.E.R.

11. No Love

12. Sober ft. Roddy Ricch & Post Malone

13. Drink To This

14. No Weapon ft. NAS

15. Alone

16. Killa Cali

DIGITAL VERSION (DIGITAL) 

1. Issues

2. Baby Momma

3. Toxic

4. Maniac ft. Hit-Boy

5. How To Rob A Rapper ft. Mozzy, D3szn

6. I Dance ft. Duki & Cuco

7. Scared Money ft. J. Cole, Moneybagg Yo

8. Go Dumb ft. H.E.R.

9. No Love

10. Sober ft. Roddy Ricch & Post Malone

11. Drink To This

12. No Weapon ft. NAS

13. Alone

14. Killa Cali

Dope fact: YG and RESPECT. magazine both emerged in 2009! 

RESPECT.

The post YG Turns It Up with New Studio Album 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.

Passion, hunger, aggression, and skill; these are just a few words that might come to mind when you hear independent Chicago emcee TtheGAWD. “GAWD” is an acronym for Getting Ahead Without Devolving. With a unique baritone, agile flow, TtheGAWD has an ear for production that compliments his style. Hailing from Chicago’s now defunct LeClaire Courts housing projects, TtheGAWD realized his love for music early on. His mother would always sing around the house and she even taught him the alphabet using notable musicians of the time: “A” is for Al B. Sure, “B” is for Bobby Brown, and so on.

After taking a step away from music for two years, TtheGAWD returns with a 12 track project, fully loaded with noteworthy quotables and hard hitting beats.  He knew exactly what he wanted to accomplish with the I Am GAWD album, and alongside Chicago producer Max Julian, TtheGAWD convincingly displays the tenacity of his penmanship, his ear for solid production as well as the ability to tell engaging stories through songs. I Am GAWD is an ode to the mid to late ‘90s, grimey New York era, combined with his personal experiences growing up in Chicago’s inner city.

“I Am GAWD is for the struggling artists with all the talent in the world who just want to be heard. For the emcees and producers who are constantly told to switch their sound because this style of music is no longer profitable. For the underdog and avid Hip-Hop head in general.” — TtheGAWD

TtheGAWD set out to rediscover who he is as an emcee and artist with this album. No autotune, no formulaic song structure, and no redundant content. Just a masterful display of a level of art that’s not really being heard on a large scale from Chicago at the moment. The title says it all: I Am GAWD — which translates to “I Am Getting Ahead Without Devolving.” Meaning, he won’t compromise who he is to get where he’s going.

I Am GAWD is available now, exclusively on BandCamp and will be available on all digital streaming platforms on August 14th.

Listen to the project in it’s entirety above, courtesy of RESPECT., peep the thought-provoking visual for “The Spook Who Stepped in the Booth” below, and be sure to drop us your thoughts in the comments section!

The post RESPECT. Premiere: Chicago’s TtheGawd Unleashes ‘I Am GAWD’ Album + New Visual! 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.

Hate is something most artists in the industry seem to endure on their rise to popularity; but upcoming artist Koncept Too Cold seems to not only enjoy but encourage the outlook towards him on his new single “Hate Me”. Koncept is a self proclaimed ‘famous rookie’ who moved from the midwest to Sacramento, California to pursue a career in the music industry. We have him here today to speak about his career beginnings, and where it’s taking him. Koncept has been hitting the industry hard with a release on the 11th of every month, and says he has no plan on letting up anytime soon!

Koncept’s newest track “Hate Me” touches on the animosity he’s felt by his peers, and how he uses it to propel himself to new heights- Listen to “Hate Me” below the interview and check out what he has to say about his debut into the industry, his first track to hit 100k, and more! Make sure to stay tuned for the next release by Koncept Too Cold “Starving” dropping July 11th!

RESPECT.: What first got you into music?

Koncept Too Cold: I got a Yamaha keyboard as a kid, the kind that makes beats, ya’know? I had always loved music, at that time specifically a lot of originals, we were listening to a lot of Eazy E’s solo shit, and Cube. I had a homeboy I was always with at that age and we just started writing once we made some usable beats off the keyboard and showing them to, like his older brothers and they friends and it just stuck with me from there. Homeboy is actually the one who gave me my name. I was Koncept and he was Unkut.

Who inspired you to make music?

Artist wise I grew up on the originals, Eazy E, Pac, Pun, Eminem+D12.. then there were artists that I think really formed me as a person when I found them, like SPM, Ace Hood and Don Trip. Music has always been different for me it’s so personal there’s always things I’m hearing that apply somehow in my real life literally or metaphorically, even when I was a kid.

Really though, my dad was a DJ and I never would have started making music at such a young age if it wasn’t for looking up to him and the encouragement he always gave me about doing it.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

It’s a vibe! You’re gonna be hearing a lot of different sounds out of me while I find myself and my groove in the industry. But it’s all me. I won’t ever talk about sumn I don’t know about. Sometimes on different songs I’m trying to reach different people but if you listen close there’s always value to pick up on and game in the words coming out of my mouth!

What is your creative process like?

Creative process? If it’s a song I’ve written on my own time, weed. Haha, I wake up hella early most days. 5-6 am I’m up and smoking, and that is the best time to sit down with a beat and write. Honestly though, I probably write almost half of my songs while I’m in the studio with my guys and they’re going crazy. Capture it while the vibe is there. I write down little one liners and things all day whenever I think of them, my notes are full of them.

If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be?

Anyone? Alive- I’d have to say a Drake feature is pretty much the highest honor a rookie rapper can receive right now, haha. If I could bring back the dead for a feature though, Mac Miller is one I’ve always wished could be possible.

What does your day to day routine look like?

I wake up early. I smoke, work out, and make money. I haven’t had much time for friends since I moved to Cali. I spend a lot of time flying and even more time driving.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

Nobody is obligated to be the same person they was yesterday. The world we live in so full of copies and people following other people, and that’s cool too jus don’t be afraid to say f**k the hand you got and restart from scratch your own way. That and get you some money. Don’t live below your means just live how you want to live and upgrade your life to sustain that. If you hear me you hear me!

Do you have a favorite verse from your songs we’ve heard so far?

It’d have to be the second verse of ‘Hate Me’ haha. There’s a few notable bars in that one, I definitely think it’s the hardest of the songs I’ve dropped so far!

How important are the titles of your songs?

Maybe they’re more important than I’ve been treating them to be honest. They’re the last thing I choose, a lot of the time during production and s**t, my engineer will ask ‘what’s this one called?’ And I won’t have any idea- so pretty much until like, pretty close to release, the songs will just be named whatever the producer named the beat and then I’ll listen to the finished product and pick a name. It is important though because it’s the first thing the listener knows about the song, before they even have any idea what it sounds like.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

If it wasn’t for music, I would be building up small businesses with the people around me and passing them off to them once they gain some traction. It’s always been my dream to help my friends create stable, sustainable businesses. I mean, I’d probably be doing that now if I didn’t put every single thing I have into music! Or I’d be in trouble. I wasn’t on the brightest path before moving out here to Cali.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

It’s been good overall! I mean, as someone who consumes music daily I love having my streaming services. As a rapper though, the internet has saturated the market with would-be rookie artists, because anyone can create and upload music. So because of that, and the sheer reach that the internet gives the average individual access to it’s easier AND harder than ever before to get seen in the music industry.

What is your favourite song to perform?

‘What’s on my mind’ is fun cause I can usually get the crowd chanting with me, but I also love to do ‘Trapping In Da Rain’ because people get used to the simple beat and cadence, and then the switch up really takes them by surprise!

Which rappers do you admire?

It’s got to be Gucci Mane because of the legendary run he’s had in the industry, and because he’s got the best jewels in the game hands down!

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

When I was 18 or 19 I was set up for selling weed and sat a few months in county back in Wisconsin. Had to donate all of the bread I had saved up. I just got off of probation for that this last year actually. Now that I’ve moved to Cali though, that’s the least of my worries. Completely legal here, fools laugh when I tell them it was a felony back home.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

I’ve heard a lot of variations of the saying but I think it goes “Opportunity is 80% preparation and 20% luck” meaning this shit don’t just fall into your lap. You gotta be PLANNING to win. That and don’t ever settle because everytime you give up someone else wins. You just got to want it bad enough to do what other people won’t, and I do!

What’s next for you?

There’s a lot going on right now, things are definitely picking up speed. For now, we’re going to stick to the plan, drop one song and video a month while we prepare to announce the release of my debut album. Hopefully we can plan a USA tour late 2021 early 2022. What I do know is you’re all going to be hearing a lot more of me in the coming months!

The post RESPECT. Interview: Get Familiar With Koncept Too Cold appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Dropping the highly-anticipated follow up to his project, Sad People Make Dope Music, Mogli the Iceburg is back! 

Sad People Make Dope Music 2 is a blend of metal and rap with lyrics filled with emotions that speak to real life matters like relationships, friendships and more. Letting his listeners in, Mogli doesn’t hold back on this project; you can truly hear every drop of excitement, sadness, happiness and love that he poured into the music. From “Distance” that speaks to the internal battle of holding onto a friendship to “Coming Back 2 U” that will pull at your heartstrings as you listen to lyrics about a lost love — SPMDM2 will open you up to a passionate musical course like no other. 

SPMDM2 is a testament that musical expansion is beautiful even when growing pains come with it. 

Take a listen to Sad People Make Dope Music 2 while you read about the journey of creating it, below.

RESPECT.: What was the inspiration behind ‘Sad People Make Dope Music 2’ and what does it mean to you?

MOGLI THE ICEBURG: I view my ‘Sad People Make Dope Music’ projects as a fun outlet creatively. I approach it with more of a mixtape mindset where there are no rules,  and I can allow myself to get as quirky, serious, eclectic or focused as I want to be. My last album was borderline not rap at all, so I wanted to bring back more hip-hop influences and continue to push boundaries blending styles, genres, and cultures. 

RESPECT.: What has the musical growth been from ‘Sad People Make Dope Music 1’ to this project?

It’s been absolutely massive. Shortly after completing ‘Sad People Make Dope Music 1’, I had a sort of ‘AHA’ moment where I fully embraced the idea that there are no rules in hip-hop anymore. Before I felt like I had to follow a certain format because I was a rapper, like if there was a hook where I was singing, I had to rap traditionally on the verses to make up for it. I don’t view music like that anymore. If I want to sing something, I’ll sing it. If I want to rap melodically I’ll do that. If I wanna use a 2004 era 3-6-Mafia flow while screaming death metal ad-libs, I’ll do that too. Above all I just want to take all the music that I’ve loved in my life and put it together in a way that’s new. 

RESPECT.: What is the message that you want listeners to get from this project?

Your life has a purpose, and that purpose goes beyond what our worst moments would make it seem. 

RESPECT.: What was the process like of creating ‘Sad People Make Dope Music 2’? Production? Songwriting?

I do all of my recording, mixing and songwriting myself from my apartment, I feel the need to kinda touch every part of it. I used to do all my own production too, but at this point in my life there are so many exceptionally talented people in my network that I’d be stupid not to collaborate with them. Most tracks have at least some co-production on my part as well. I got to work with some of my best friends on this album, as well as people I grew up listening to like Aaron Gillespie from the band Underoath, so making this album kinda felt like an actualization of everything I hoped music could be when I first started.

RESPECT.: Most people try to start an album off with the first song but if you could tell your fans to start off with a particular song, which one would it be and why?

This sounds corny but it would be the first song. I sequence my albums very intentionally (death to the shuffle button) and I always view the first song as something that sets the tone for the next 30-40 minutes. 

RESPECT.: What brought you to music and what do you love the most about creating it?

I think I was always so passionate about music that it was just a natural continuation for me obsessing over and appreciating music that I tried to make my own. I taught myself how to do just about everything when it comes to production and recording, so it was definitely a gradual process, but the best part now is having the ability to make my own favorite music. I like to think that everyone has their own song that is totally unique to them, and most people just listen to other people’s songs and try to find the closest thing to something they’re searching for but can’t describe. Artists that reach a certain level of development are able to actualize that idea and make the perfect music for themselves. 

RESPECT.: What is something you want listeners to know about you that they don’t already know?

That even though most of my music is dark and painful, I’m actually pretty happy with my life right now. Music is an outlet for me, and certain emotions and past experiences happen to be what inspires the art. And if you’re struggling with something, I really suggest trying to find something, anything in life that can be a positive outlet for you too. 

RESPECT.: Music is a big aspect of what is inspiring folks to stay positive during these tough times. How does it feel to be a part of that by releasing ‘Sad People Make Dope Music 2’?

It’s such a bizarre crazy time in so many ways sometimes that it feels weird trying to promote something, but on the other hand, we’re all living on the internet and the people that follow me have been very insistent that I put this out ASAP. So I’m just happy that I get to share a moment that matters with my supporters.

The post Mogli the Iceberg Releases Electrifying Project ‘Sad People Make Dope Music 2’ [LISTEN] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

At times, people hear the word redemption and automatically associate it with the act of saving someone or being saved. But many don’t realize that redemption is beyond just being “saved of sin.” And King Chav’s newest track speaks volumes on how much redemption means!

King Chav’s “Redemption” is wrapped in production by Godzay Katana and features unforgettable lyrics from Chav, DJ Mykael V and Kham. The three rap about a life of better change, God having their back and showing the world what their music truly means and how important it is. And like any of us going through our own journeys, we all need God to have our backs while we prove to ourselves (and sometimes to the world) that the road we’re taking is the right one. 

“We’re on the road to redemption.” 

Read more about King Chav and “Redemption” below while you listen to the track!

RESPECT.: What was the inspiration behind “Redemption”?

KING CHAV: Redemption has multiple inspirations and meanings for me. As a believer, I know there are countless things God has redeemed me from and allowed me not to see the negative consequences of. With my music career, I had some successes yet still felt like there were some things and validation I was missing. But I decided that I was going to validate myself and do what I believe regardless of what others thought. I needed to redeem my career and confidence. This song is the kick start. 

RESPECT.: Describe the vibe/feelings that you would like listeners to get from “Redemption”?

KING CHAV: Redemption is full throttle motivation. Whether you need to get amped up to finish that last set in the gym or you’ve been feeling down on yourself, this song should be a jolt of energy. Redemption is a song to inspire you and push you to that next level. 

RESPECT.: What made you team up with DJ Mykael V and Kham for this track?

KING CHAV: The feel and sound of this song was way too big to do alone. DJ Mykael V is from the Tri-State area like me and I wanted that feel of a DJ hyping up on top of the track. I convinced him to do the chorus and it worked out magnificent. Kham is a rapper who I know could match the energy while not slacking on the lyrical ability. And for what I was looking for, the final product is better than I anticipated. 

RESPECT.: What’s your favorite line on “Redemption”?

KING CHAV: “And I stayed low, you ain’t know where I was working like Tommy.” It’s a reference to Tommy from the Martin show, how they would always clown him for not having a job. Also a reference to Tommy from Power. That bar is me explaining that even though you may not see me doing it, I’m always putting in work.

RESPECT.: What brought you to music and what do you love the most about creating it?

KING CHAV: I’m from the generation of doing the Grindin’ beat and having battles in the lunchroom. Music shaped a lot of my life. As I got older and started doing other things, music was always calling. I’ve been a host for years for The WkNd Radio Show and as we grew to syndication so did my relationships and the desire to pursue it as a career became too much to overcome. I love the ability to tell stories and connect emotions through music. I may not have ever met a person but with music, we can have a shared experience, good or bad, and that is powerful.

RESPECT.: What is something you want listeners to know about you that they don’t already know? 

KING CHAV: I want people to know that I’m here for them. Although my music may be my personal expression, my lyrical diary and experiences, I still consider the experiences and emotions of those who may have gone through the same thing. My story becomes our story and at the end of it all we are stronger together pressing towards a greater hope.

The post King Chav is On The Road to “Redemption” With Newest Track – Feat. DJ Mykael V & Kham appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.