A Photo Tribute to a Legend

In Memory of TAKEOFF.

The post RESPECT. In Peace. A Photo Tribute to MIGOS Legend TAKEOFF. appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

RESPECT. sends its condolences to the entire MIGOS family and relatives of Takeoff regarding the tragedy of his murder at 2:30 am in Houston, while a group gathered outside a bowling alley rolling dice. Please take a moment of silence as you view this photo of him from the RESPECT. 2017 Annual captured by photographer Trevor Sage-El.

R.I.P. TAKEOFF

Photographer Trevor Sage-EL. Both TAKEOFF image are Copyright Musinart LLC

The post BREAKING NEWS: MIGOS Legend TAKEOFF Murdered In Houston. appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

In our recent chat, they spoke about getting into music, misconceptions, and being hands-on amongst a list of other things. Check out the interview below.

How did you initially get into music?

Matt: “I started off helping artists and their managers with basic legal needs like management contracts and partnership agreements. A few years ago, I was introduced to Chris Ehigiator, who was 6ix9ine’s manager at the time (before the legal issues occurred). He was responsible for Danny’s rise to fame and hits like “Gummo.” He had a lot of business experience and marketing wisdom and was kind enough to share Some of the game with me. It was around that time that I decided to transition from the legal side of the music business to management.”

Ish: “I began throwing events on campus at SF State with the homie Chris O’ Bannon, called “Good Vibes.” We brought artists out, such as Lil Pete, Show Banga, OMB Peezy, All Black, Nef The Pharaoh, and T-Pain …that eventually turned into a summer opportunity at Capitol Records, which I consider my first music job in the industry. While at Capitol, I was exposed to artists like 6ix9ine, Migos, Lil Baby, TM88 and other hip-hop acts. I remember being a part of the A&R meeting when they were trying to sign acts like AzChike and Drakeo The Ruler (before he was sentenced to life in prison).“

What are some of the obstacles you face managing an emerging artist?

Matt: “I think the biggest misconception that emerging artists have is that success happens overnight. Artists, like most people, want immediate success and notoriety. It’s really important to set expectations for your artist. This business is a marathon. I don’t care how good your music is…it takes time to develop a fan base and develop relationships with the right people to gain exposure and momentum. As a manager, there are no days off. If your artist has a problem (personal or otherwise), it’s your problem to fix. You have to make yourself available at all times and be willing to do things that you might not want to do. It’s a thankless job…the fans, industry executives, and even the artist themselves rarely understand the sacrifices managers make behind the scenes.”

Is there anyone in your corner who you go to for advice?

Ish: TK Kimbro (the Founder of R Baron at Atlantic Records) and manager of Shoreline Mafia, 03 Greedo, Mac P, and others is someone I go to for advice when it comes to culture and politics. TK is someone I consider my first mentor in the game, he put me on early to a lot of shit in the R BARON WORLD; he introduced me to Rosecrans Vic, Giggles, Irene, and others who I consider family now. Mike Chehade is another person I always go to for advice about everything. If there is something I need or a person I want to connect with, Mike is the first person to make the introduction.

Matt: “I often go to two of my boys for advice – my business partner Gavin McNeill and Maurice Frazier. Gavin is the founder and Creative Director of Supervsn Studios and 4Hunnid. Gavin’s worked with artists like YG, DJ Mustard, Mitch, Kehlani and others; he always gives me sound, no bad advice, and helps me keep things in perspective. My other boy, Maurice, is an A&R at Def Jam and works with Grammy Award-winning artists like Jhene and Logic.

How hands-on do you get while working with an artist?

Matt: “I think it depends on the artist. I will get as hands-on as the artist wants. With MBNel, he’s open-minded and allows me to give advice and creative direction on songs, features, and music videos. While other artists want to control all aspects of their creative vision – which is perfectly fine. It just depends on what the artist is comfortable with.”

What’s a common misconception that people have about management?

Ish: “People assume managers just babysit artists, that’s not the case…we run the show behind the scenes, making our clients lives easier by accomplishing tasks artists wouldn’t otherwise care about, but is necessary, such as connecting dots, administrative work, coming up with artist campaigns, negotiating contracts, and anything that revolves around the business.”

In your experience, what’s the best way to build a relationship with labels and so forth?

Matt: “The best way to be build relationships in the industry is to be a solid person. There’s a lot of fake people in the industry and even more people who only like what’s “hot” at the moment. You have to do your best to identify the real, solid people and avoid the others. If you have a talented artist and you develop them properly, the music will eventually get the recognition it deserves and the labels will find you.”

What advice would you give to aspiring managers who want to follow in your footsteps?

Matt: “Find an artist you truly believe in and stick with it. It takes time.”

Ish: “Enjoy the process, don’t forget to smell the roses”

The post RESPECT. Interview: Matthew Llewellyn & Ismael “Ish” Soto appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Capturing the essence and feel of every artist’s personality he’s worked with, Remain3K’s ability to capture a vision has been utilized to help artists showcase their brand all over the world. After designing for some of the most famous artists around the world, Remain3K is now using his eye to hone his craft and show the world the diversity of his artwork.

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A post shared by Remain 3K (@remain3k)

Launching his career in 2012, Three King$ (3K) has been creating original works of art for many major artists. A native to Chicago, 3K later transitioned to Atlanta, opening the door for more major opportunities to create the cover art for names such as 21 Savage, Yo Gotti, Migos, YFN Lucci, Blackbear, Gucci Mane, among others. In 2017, the Chicago native pressed pause just for a second to focus on his own music project, One Crown 5 and hosted by DJ Scream and DJ Fly Guy, which was greatly received by the streets. Navigating back to his first love, Remain3K’s simplistic and sharp with visual aesthetics combining photography and distinct elements of design.

To keep up with him, you can follow him on Instagram & Twitter @remain3k.

Check out some of his work below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAeX788H9gc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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A post shared by Remain 3K (@remain3k)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAawkR1HrRR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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The post Remain3K Shows Fans How To Turn Graphic Design Into Art appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

You can listen to The Amazing Karmic Trap Musical below. Leave us a comment telling us what you think.

https://tidal.com/album/138496585

The post Julian Xtra Releases His Latest Project ‘The Amazing Karmic Trap Musical’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Hailing from Kenya, musician Kimani aka Victoria Kimani has emerged as one of East Africa’s biggest names. She releases her third album titled Afreaka, a joint project with Liberian producer/artist FKI 1$t (Post Malone, Ariana Grande, Migos, 21 Savage). With FKI 1st stationed in Atlanta, the project marks FKI 1$t’s return to his West African roots and Kimani venturing outside the confines of traditional Afropop. The pair explore a new footing in the space of contemporary African music and American rap, fusing together Hotlanta bars and Kenyan savannas.

With this album release, the pair also release a music video for the song “Talk To Me,” which features a guest appearance from famed comedian Michael Blackson. 

Peep the visual below, and listen to the album above.

The post Victoria Kimani Drops ‘Afreaka’ Album + “Talk To Me” Official Video appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

RESPECT: When working on PARTYNEXTDOOR project, with the single “Showing You,” how were the vibes in the room and while making the song?
When we went over to Party’s crib, Prep (Party’s in-house engineer) already had drinks ready to go – casamigos. We would sit for an hour or two, playing hoops and vibing – we mostly just like to chill and get the vibe of the room before getting to work. Party will come downstairs from the studio and stick his head in the room to see what’s going on with Prep and I and Party might come in and give creative insight for what he would do very family vibes – much more relax.

RESPECT.: What did you want to come off as when doing the “Showing You” track when its done?
Party actually took away a lot of elements we did and only really left the high hats that I did. The song was stripped down for the listeners to actually hear what Party was singing about and the message he was trying to get through.

RESPECT.: Tell us your moment when working with PND and how you were picked to do such a dope album and creating the vibes.
Bizness Boi is a homie of mine and he introduced me to Prep (Party’s main in-house engineer) and then Prep introduced me to Party. We worked on a bunch of different songs and “Showing You” made the tracklist. I believe it was one of the last tracks that made it.

RESPECT.: With being a gold plaque producer for 6lack 2018 project, ‘East Atlanta Love Letter,’ what are some of your favorite memories while working on the album?
It’s an amazing experience, I got to meet and work with all the other producers that made that album come to life, like, Singawd Yakob & Singawd were sitting in on the mix and thought it was tight – that moment was a great moment of recognition

RESPECT.: How was your reaction when getting that call that you were certified gold for that album?
It was amazing, that was my first gold plaque, went No. 1 on billboard for 2 weeks for “Let Her Go.” I honestly believe that it can go platinum. It’s a milestone to cross off and assurance that you know you’re on the right path.

RESPECT.: Tell us the definition of the name. How did you come up with that? Is it your real name?
Zach is my real name, Zach “Ekzakt” Perry, but I wanted to be clever when I was just starting out as a young producer. I’m a very meticulous thinker and I thought of name “exact” and instead of spelling it the normal way, I put in Ekzakt – the phonetic spelling of “exact.”

RESPECT.: Working with talented musicians in the industry, what can you say is your advice to who looks up to you?
Work hard and don’t burn bridges. The creative world is an easy place to butt heads because you might have your own version of a project or a sound, but everyone has their own vision. And the people you thought would be a nobody in the industry, you might be working for them one day. You can’t be afraid of putting yourself out there. It’s the hardest part. Especially when there’s fame on top of your position. A no is just a no but an unasked question will always be a no without the possibility of a yes. Example: When I was first starting out I tweeted at Mistah F.A.B. to work and he ended up DMing me back and we met and got to work that day and I actually got to co-produce one of Fab’s projects.

RESPECT.: Who influenced you to start your music career?
In the beginning it was because of parents and grandparents. At age 11, I was making beats and loops with my cousin. I would listen to producers like Dr. Dre and Timbaland and those sounds and beats are complex to someone who never made beats before. It was inspiring because the music that was popping off was centered around drums and bass and Dr. Dre’s beat had all these musical elements to it. Which further increased my curiosity into exploring the fields of producing and engineering

RESPECT.: What can you say is your most favorite project (body of work) that you helped produce?
Top 2: YMTK – ‘All The Right Places’ – at that point in time, I lost my apartment. So for six months, I worked with YMTK straigtht and ended up executively producing it. I did every aspect of the project and afterward I was able to see my own strengths and weaknesses. 6LACK – ‘East Atlanta Love Letter’ and “Let Her Go.”

RESPECT.: Define your sound as a producer?
Mixture of Timbaland & Rick Rock.

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The post Ekzakt Talks About Producing PARTYNEXTDOOR’s Single “Showing You,” Having His First Gold Plaque and More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.