Photo: Gordon Parks, Drug Search, Chicago, Illinois, 1957.

RESPECT. Magazine Proudly Endorses The Gordon Parks Foundation’s Exhibition: “The Atmosphere of Crime”

What do we mean by “crime” in America? The question should be easy to answer—we have detailed codes and statutes that forbid certain conduct defined as a criminal offense. We have an elaborate system of policing, prosecution, punishment, and incarceration that involves millions of people. But there’s a great deal more to how we think and talk about crime, and certainly to how we see and enforce criminal laws.

From the beginning, the prosecution and punishment of crime in this country have been profoundly shaped by race, poverty, power, and status. For centuries politicians have stoked fear of crime and exploited perceived crime waves, while our public discourse about crime has been compromised by persistent inattention to our history of racial violence. There is a different narrative about “crime in America” that we have for the most part ignored.

In 1957, Life magazine editors engaged staff photographer Gordon Parks and writer Robert Wallace to explore crime in the United States. The published article, by Wallace and staff editors, was a myopic rendering of the dominant narrative about crime and criminality, emblematic of a discourse shaped by politicians, law enforcement officials, and criminologists not interested in reckoning with pervasive racially motivated criminality.

Photo: Gordon Park. Untitled, Chicago, Illinois, 1957

Gordon Parks’s photographs told a different story. As an African American survivor of racial injustice, he was keenly aware of race and class in America, and this palpably informed his photography and his art. He consistently humanized people who were meant to be objects of scorn and derision. It’s this dissonance with a conventional crime narrative that makes his “crime” photos for Life so compelling today.

Excerpt from Bryan Stevenson, “The Lens of Gordon Parks: A Different Picture of Crime in America,” in Gordon Parks: The Atmosphere of Crime, 1957 (co-published by The Gordon Parks Foundation, The Museum of Modern Art, and Steidl, 2020).

A version of this exhibition titled Gordon Parks and The Atmosphere of Crime was originally on view at The Museum of Modern Art, New York, from Spring 2020–Spring 2022.

The Gordon Parks Foundation Gallery

Through November 4, 2022

The post How GORDON PARKS Documented the Prosecution & Punishment of Crime Shaped by Race, Poverty and Power appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

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.

Remaining consistent and focused during a pandemic doesn’t seem laborious for 100GrandRoyce.  While under quarantine, the rapper remains socially distanced and delivers a solo visual for his 183rd produced single,”Pain 2 Pleasure“.  As usual, Royce doesn’t dissatisfy the listener when it comes to the rhymes, and the soulful instrumental makes this joint even more paramount.  For the enthusiast of good hip-hop music, this is unequivocally something to play at high volume for a gratifying experience.

The single comes off the recently released EP Prodigal Sun, which captured the attention of several notable editors and publications, attaining various solid reviews and opinions.  The duo is currently locked in preparing to release another merch capsule and another project shortly after.

Peep the visual above and be sure to bump the full project below, or on your preferred digital streaming platform.

The post RESPECT. Premiere: 100GrandRoyce – “Pain 2 Pleasure’ (Prod. by 183rd) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Revenge of the Truence’s MuGGz and Tay Dayne waste no time getting to the point on their great new EP, H1N1, produced entirely by frequent collaborator Endemic Emerald. They kick things off by landing a massive uppercut with the lead single, “The Outbreak,” and they never take a moment to rest until the closing track fades. It’s a signal of immediacy that coincides with the New York duo’s mission statement of keeping it moving with a steady stream of quality releases.

Since releasing their debut Rot4ever in 2015, they’ve dropped a staggering four albums and six EPs, with each building on what came before it. “The progression is what keeps me going,” Tay says of their strong work ethic. “Not only seeing how the music gets better and better, but also seeing people’s reception to our art.” 

To say that fans and newcomers alike will be receptive to H1N1 is a massive understatement. There is so much to dig into and digest on this EP’s six tracks, whether you’re in it for Endemic’s grimy aesthetic, MuGGz and Tay’s quotable verses, or the tack-sharp songwriting. While tracks like “The Outbreak” and “H1N1” highlight their rapping chops, the duo really shows off their pen game on standouts “Trading Places” and “Major Ways.” After all, there’s a good reason those tracks are among Endemic and Tay’s favorites. “They’re beats with bars and a message,” Tay says.

There’s a strong message running through the video for the title track as well, which is available for viewing today to coincide with the project’s release. ROT self-directed the visuals that center on footage from the H1N1 outbreak of 2009 and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a bit of a heavy watch, but it’s a poignant one as well as a grim reminder of where the world is at right now.

H1N1 is available now through all major digital retailers and streaming platforms via No Cure Records, and can be streamed right here in its entirety, courtesy of RESPECT. The six track effort is also available on vinyl in limited quantities via Fat Beats.

eVinyl (Fat Beats): https://www.fatbeats.com/products/revenge-of-the-truence-h1n1-lp

Revenge of the Truence: 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rot4ever
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/livethruyours
• Spotify: https://bit.ly/ROTonSpotify
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/rotpack2020

Endemic Emerald:
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endemicemerald
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/EndemicEmerald
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/endemic.nocure
• Spotify: https://bit.ly/EndemicEmeraldOnSpotify

The post RESPECT. Premiere: Revenge of the Truence – H1N1 (EP + Video) 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.

“I was in the hospital the day after she was born, and the show ‘I Shouldn’t Be Alive’ came on,” he says, referring to the show where survivors explain how they narrowly escaped various life-threatening situations “It felt like a message to me—like my daughter saved me.”

Later that same year, TreaZon was dealing with a lot of personal strife that came to head with so-called friends who turned on him. He explains that it felt like they tried to “kill” him in a figurative way, and it was with that and his daughter’s birth that I Shouldn’t Be Alive found its meaning. It’s one that chronicles triumph in the face of adversity through the lens of a supremely gifted lyricist and emcee, who also happens to have a stellar ear for production.

There’s a palpable sense of urgency to TreaZon’s bars on standout cuts like “Reason,” “Sleeve,” and “Alive” that goes beyond his blistering delivery. These are anthems for anyone looking to stay true to themselves as they cut toxic people out of their lives. There’s also absolute bangers thanks to the production from L. Williams Beats, Ashotz Beats, and Superstaar Beats, respectively.

But I Shouldn’t Be Alive is more than just massive beats and fired-up rhymes, and there’s a good reason for that. With this LP, TreaZon wanted to let his guard down, which is why a much more personal track like “Tonight” is one of his favorites on the record. In that vein, there’s also the moodier “Before My Eyes” and “L2N,” both of which deal with familial challenges and victories.

“One of the criticisms I got for my previous record, Troublesome, is people wanted to hear more of my personal life and they wanted me to be less surface level with topics,” he says, adding that he set out to do exactly that with I Shouldn’t Be Alive. The result is TreaZon’s best release to date, and it sounds like he’s only just getting started.

RESPECT. is pleased to premiere the album stream for I Shouldn’t Be Alive is available now through all major digital retailers and streaming platforms via Zero Love Records, .

Smart URL: https://smarturl.it/ishouldntbealive

TreaZon Online:
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/treazkenshin
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/treazkenshin
• Spotify: http://bit.ly/TreazonOnSpotify
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treazkenshin

The post RESPECT. Premiere: TreaZon – “I Shouldn’t Be Alive (Album)” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Longtime collaborators 6orn & Geo Fendi have teamed up for a stylish new video for “Oceans,” a wavy banger produced by CEDES.

In fact, the up and coming Fendi is signed to 6orn’s Rich & Fly imprint, where he was previously featured on 6orn’s 2019 EP, Play for Keeps. And their ability to complement each other’s talents continues on this psychedelic slapper. There are a lot of layers to the sounds and vocals of “Oceans,” and you can start to get a better grasp on them thanks to the work of director Pxvcegod Films.

Pxvcegod also worked on all of the animated effects, which bring additional life and color to the already-vibrant track. There’s laser etched demon faces, nostalgic filters, and other engaging elements that make “Oceans” a feast for the eyes and ears. And while this track doesn’t stem from a larger body of work, let’s hope 6orn and Fendi are cookin’ up a project together right now. The world needs it.

Check out the video premiere for “Oceans” right here courtesy of RESPECT., and head over to your preferred digital retailer or streaming platform to support the single available now via Rich & Fly Records.

Smart URL: https://smarturl.it/6ornGeoFendiOceans

6orn Online: 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/6orn__
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/6orn_
• Spotify: http://bit.ly/6ornOnSpotify

The post RESPECT. Premiere: 6orn & Geo Fendi Deliver Wavey Visuals for “Oceans” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.