Original Artwork: Oliver Barrett

For those unfamiliar with Detroit’s Red Pill, just know it’s not too late. He’s a force to be reckoned with, offering nothing short of brutal honesty and sincerity on records for years now. A lot of heads jumped on board and took notice after Ugly Heroes (Apollo Brown, Verbal Kent & Red Pill) formed and released their acclaimed, self-titled Lp in 2013. After a line up of successful works alongside Brown and Kent, he proved that he is more than equipped to deliver quality solo projects as well. With that being said, Red Pill is set to release his solo debut via Mello Music Group on April 7th titled Look What This World Did To Us. Below you can check out his latest visual for “Rap Game Cranky,” and see what he has to say about it.

One thing fans generally note is your content on records and your brutally honest lyrics. You really dig into the blue collar background and touch on a lot of struggles everyday folks can relate to. Can you elaborate on that a little bit for us?

Yeah man, I mean that’s how I grew up in Michigan. That’s the way we live here. We work and we go through stuff, and deal with things. People all over the place go through this type of stuff. Most of us don’t come from money and stuff like that. So, for me to write about anything different would be crazy. I’m glad the content resonates.

Ugly Heroes is quite the group. You three really put out some quality material these past couple years that the masses responded beyond well to. How did you three come about and join forces exactly?

I initially met Apollo Brown around 2010 at a local beat battle event in Michigan that I was asked to be a judge at. I knew of his work prior to meeting him and was definitely looking forward to it. I gave him a copy of a project I had out that I pressed up at the time. He didn’t pay me much attention really, which is totally cool and understandable (laughs). Probably about a year later we met again at a going away party for a mutual friend of ours, where we chopped it up some more. Not too long after we fully connected and he asked me to do the “This Is Life” record. He was impressed, and shortly after this led into doing the whole Ugly Heroes project. It’s funny because I was not too familiar with Verbal Kent prior to this project forming, so we got to know each other on the spot more or less. It was all a part of Apollo Brown’s plan that worked out beautifully, and I’m grateful for it.

You’ve been running alongside Mello Music Group now for a little while, which is arguably one of the best, most authentic labels on the scene currently. Fans have built serious trust around them and for you to be apart of this is a blessing. Can you talk a little bit about your experience working alongside them?

Mello Music group is all about the art, which I respect the hell out of. It’s not about the dollar with them. The creativity and quality of the product is what matters here. That’s not to say the artists aren’t taken care of, because we are. But yeah man, it has been an amazing ride so far. I hope that my career starts and ends with Mello Music Group.

What should we be expecting with your new solo debut dropping April 7th? The few records you have released are all stellar and it gives fans a good idea of what to expect, but we want to hear more. Are you looking forward to the release?

It’s jazzy, man – kind of different. It’s still a general boom-bap sound and straight forward delivery. I had a lot of goals with this record, and the fact that it’s my first solo release under Mello is an important career accomplishment. I did my thing with Ugly Heroes, and I love all of that. But this is moving forward and allowing me to really put my own stamp on something which is important to me. It’s the most complete project I have ever worked on. I want this to be something that fans sit down with and run front to back, and there is an experience that happens with it. This is my best work to date for sure.

Since we are featuring the newer “Rap Game Cranky” video do you mind talking a little bit about this record? It’s almost depressing, in a beautiful sense of course. I think a lot of people can relate to this track, and setting, on so many levels.

The record is a little depressing, and like you said I hope in a good way (laughs). It was a time in my life when I was going through some stuff; a mild depression I was experiencing that hadn’t came along in a while. Some of the stuff I wrote while going through it, and some of it was written after the fact. I touch on alcoholism on the record, as well as on previous records, and I hope it helps in some fashion for people going through it. It was less about glorifying it, and more just reality from my perspective.

Don’t forget to get your pre-order by the time you close out this article. Also, Red Pill has a few live performances coming up: Majestic Café in Detriot, MI (3/27) and The Loving Touch in Ferndale, MI (4/3). If you are in the area you probably shouldn’t miss him bless the stage. Hard copies of the new Lp will be available at The Loving Touch show. For more information on the locations and general concerns, hit up Red Pill’s Facebook page here. Lastly, Mello Music Group just released their latest compilation project ‘Persona’, with features from Red Pill, Apollo Brown, Oddisee, Ras Kass, Masta Ace, Quelle Chris, yU and more. It’s beyond loaded, so definitely check that out below right now. Peace and love, world.

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Are you tired of purchasing drums kits only to be dissatisfied by the lack of quality? I think we’ve all been there before. Snares that sound cut off and kicks that have some sort of music behind it. You know the types. Confidence decided to put together drum kits that he’s used in his own productions and beats so that all the sounds you’ll get are nothing but official. All 20 kits contain a kick, snare and hi hat all separated into folders together.

Introducing Neck Snapping Drums Vol. 1: These kits are ready to go and really don’t need any processing. Reverb, eq and compression have been added to help create that neck snapping sound. At $1 a kit, and $20 for the whole set, the value is tremendous:

Neck Snapping Drums Vol. 1 Link

And for all you late bloomers we attached a few highlights below from some of Confidence’s most acclaimed records. The underground has been behind Confidence for years now, with a solid line-up of releases over the years. If you are not familiar, let this be the last time you say that. You will thank us afterwards.

Rashad & Confidence – “The City” off The Element of Surprise (2011) Cuts by Dj Technic

Purpose (Tragic Allies) & Confidence – “Unstoppable” off The Purpose of Confidence (2012)

G. Dot & Born – “Class Is In Session” off Confidence Presents: G. Dot & Born Featuring Edo. G (2014) Cuts by Dj Technic

If you are not sold by now than we don’t really know what to tell you. Confidence has been swaying below the radar for years with classic underground material. Anyone who follows real hip-hop and keeps up with the scene will tell you this is beyond a deal. If you produce and want ill drums now is your chance, once again. Peace and prosperity.

The post Producer Confidence Offers ‘Neck Snapping Drums Vol. 1’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

1. Numb – Cassie Ft. Rick Ross
This song is older than most and the only track on this list from 2013. Why? It’s surprising how many people still haven’t heard it yet. It’s smooth, infectious and the perfect song to ride into any new year with.

2. Chimes (Remix) – Mohawke Hudson Ft. Pusha T, Future, French Montana & Travi$ Scott
It’s often a real treat when hip-hop and techno based beats link up, and Chimes (Remix) is no exception. Best remix of 2014?

3. Turn Down For What (Remix) – DJ Snake Ft. Lil Jon, Juicy J, 2 Chainz & French Montana
Even though the official remix took almost a year to drop after the original, it might actually be impossible to turn down to this song, so give in and dance like it’s no ones business.

4. Hot N**** – Bobby Shmurda
Bobby’s still behind bars so there’s a good chance his New Year’s wasn’t as hype as he planned. However, that won’t stop most of North America from bumping this all day long. If you ain’t a heater get up out my playlist!

5. No Type – Rae Sremmurd
Rae Sremmurd is fairly new and still earning his credentials but there’s not dispute here, “No Type” couldn’t be more catchy. Throw it in.

6. F*** You Mean – Meek Mill Ft. Boosie Badazz
If this beast of a track doesn’t get your blood pumping, nothing will.

7. Can’t Stop – Theophilus London Ft. Kanye West
Slowing things down a bit, “Can’t Stop” is for anyone planning on a strictly chill day. Just relax and Listen.

8. 6. Tuesday – ILOVEMAKONNEN Ft. Drake
Even though the entire world went up on a Wednesday, “Tuesday” was almost certainly in every DJ’s playlist for New Years Eve. Even though this song is starting to get over-played, one more day won’t hurt.

9. Been Getting Money – Jeezy Ft. Akon
Jeezy’s Seen It All: The Autobiography is easily one of the best projects of 2014, and this collaboration with Akon who’s been quiet in the industry of late, makes it that much better. This is the type of song you’ll want to raise a glass to, and maybe throw up a rolly or two.

10. 2015 Flow – YG
What better way to close out 2014 than with YG’s “2015 Flow”? The beats nasty and YG gets even nastier.

The post Top 10 Songs For Your New Year’s Day Playlist appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Happy New Years Eve! One of the best parts of the end of the year is always the rap up courtesy of Skillz. He skipped last year and only did a sports recap, but this year he is back with “2014 Rap Up”. If you have forgotten any of the highlights from 2014, this track will definitely refresh your memory. Over quality production courtesy of BINK!, he talks about everything from Lupita Nyong’o winning an Oscar, Donald Sterling, P.O.P Hold it Down, the saga of Chris Brown and Karrueche, the ALS ice bucket challenge, Kim and Kanye, Mimi and Niko’s shower rod sex tape, the epic fail known as the Aaliyah movie and so much more. The track serves as the last song on Skillz latest collaboration album with BINK!, Made in Virginia which is available on iTunes now.

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1. Nicki Minaj

The number one most interesting person in Hip-Hop 2014 is the queen of rap herself, Nicki Minaj. It’s been an absolutely crazy year for Young Money’s first lady and it looks like she’s only just starting to spread those pink wings of hers. Nicki has always been a great source for entertainment and headlines, yet this year she truly had a strangle hold on not just the female, but also the male side of Hip-Hop. Its been another successful year in the studio for Nicki coming off an impressive string of singles this year alone, then backing them up with her latest album, The Pink Print, which dropped December 15th. Her hit single off the album, “Anaconda” which was released in August, broke VEVO’s record for the most views in 24 hours, clocking in somewhere just north of 19.5 million. The video currently has over 342 million views on YouTube, not to mention all the hype and controversy the cover art for this song received before the video was even released. At this point her heavenly butt is probably more famous than her music. She also saw a lot of reaction from fans over the lyrics in her recently released single “One”, plus the use of Nazi-esque imagery in the video. Nicki’s love life also found itself in the spotlight a few times as things seem to be far from over between Nicki and ten-year-boyfriend Safaree Samuals, although its been rumoured Meek Mill has been the shoulder she’s been crying on lately. Regardless, Nicki Minaj is taking over Hip-Hop one track at a time, and there’s nothing we can do about it.

2. Young Thug

At number two and without a doubt the most interesting man in Hip-Hop this year, is Young Thug. Where to even begin… For the last 12 months, the debate of what label Young thug is actually signed too couldn’t be anymore confusing. He also isn’t helping the situation as he rarely addresses the topic and when he does, it usually just makes things more confusing. He’s apparently still signed to Gucci Mane’s 1017 Brick Squad Records, along with Kevin Liles and Lyor Cohen’s 300 Entertainment. At the moment he’s heavily affiliated with Young Money and is rumored to have recently signed a management deal with Young Money CEO Birdman, who (pardon the pun) has taken him under his wing this year to say the least. With some of the strongest support in the industry, Young Thug’s extravagant fashion sense, peculiar vocabulary and one of a kind personality now has the ability and a platform to grow from. His debut album is still mysterious yet highly anticipated for 2015, along with a number of rumored joint EP’s and an alleged “one million” songs already recorded with childhood inspiration and fellow rapper, Lil’ Wayne. Although that’s really exciting news, it’s probably closer to a few mixtapes and Thugga just needs help with math. Even though he’s best known for his original sound, one of the most interesting aspects of Young Thug is the mysterious nature of his sexuality. Thanks to his unusual and somewhat peculiar vocabulary when referring to his friends and features, Young Thug may end up becoming the first openly gay star of trap music, although it’s probably just a clever marketing ploy and he just likes calling his friends “baby”. Say what you will, but at the end of the day, Young Thug is about as interesting as they come, and he’s just so damn catchy.

3. Drake

It just seems now a days Hip-Hop feels slightly empty without Drake, so there’s no surprise the Toronto native holds down number three on our list of Hip-Hops most interesting people of 2014. Drake’s no stranger to dropping hit after hit, so pair that with another successful OVO Fest and Capcom sponsored tour with Lil’ Wayne, it makes sense Drake passed The Beatles this year for most Top 100 Singles. Outside the studio however, Drake’s just as much of a beast when it comes to making headlines. His infamous air-ball practicing with Kentucky’s college basketball team showed us he actually hasn’t been Steph Curry with the shot and if you’re an NBA fan your probably familiar with his lint roller incident. Embarrassing? Apparently not as Drizzy sold the original roller for over 50k on eBay, then supplied Raptors fans with 1,200 of their own Raptors x OVO lint rollers. Well played. On the other hand, Drake got his fair serving of beef this year when he and fellow label mate Tyga, threw shots at each other about a month ago and just recently when Diddy went 0-100 real quick and slapped Drake outside DJ Khaled’s birthday party a few weeks back.

4. Iggy Azalea

Hate her or lover her, Iggy Azalea makes headlines better than she makes music and that’s why Australia’s newest export grabs number four in this years list. After dropping her debut album The New Classic earlier this year and working with the likes of T.I., Iggy’s had a significant amount of success on the radio. She’s also has success within the Hip-Hop community despite being labeled by some as “not Hip-Hop” and of course constantly being compared to Nicki Minaj. Yes, her butt is just as fantastic as Nicki’s and yes unfortunately that actually matters in Hip-Hop debates, but their worlds apart and in all honesty, Hip-Hop needs more female competition like Iggy. Now, throw in a rumored sex-tape, weekly twitter fights with various artists, multiple character parody’s on South Park, a well publicized relationship with L.A. Lakers forward Nick Young, and lastly her complaints about getting fingered while crowd surfing, it’s fair to say Iggy Azalea has earned her place on this list.

5. Bobby Shmurda

Coming in at number five is the youngest and by far the hardest on this list. Bobby Shmurda began his industry  takeover in July with “Hot N***a”, and after only five months, impressively reps over 50 million views on YouTube. His lyrics, energetic dances, videos and off-the-mic legal situations seem to be captivating the majority of the industry, making it a little less surprising that Epic Records came knocking on his door with a cool million dollar deal. The Brooklyn sensation dropped Shmurda She Wrote in early November and has had the time of his life with his new-found fame. He even recruited Lil’ Terrio, a Vine star, for his performance at the BET awards this year while also appearing on Game’s Blood Moon: Year of The Wolf. However, as great as its going for Shmurda, things might be on pause for a minute as he’s just recently landed himself, along with the GS9 gang, in some very serious legal troubles. With a bail set at two million and possibly facing 25 years in prison, here’s hoping this isn’t an even quicker end to a quick come up.

6. Migos

Migos is nothing if not pure entertainment value and your number 6 on the Top 10 Most Interesting People in Hip-Hop 2014. This trio from Atlanta more or less got their first taste of nation wide exposure when Drake (big surprise) remixed their popular track “Versace” in 2013. Since then, they’ve kept themselves busy with stealing chains, fighting fans at concerts, good ol’ classic twitter beef and dropping Rich N***a Time Line in November. The fact their sound is so different at the moment compared to other artists, is a big reason why so many people are now adding Migos into their daily playlists. There’s even an ironic twitter joke still making its way across the internet and if you haven’t seen “Migos > Beatles” yet, you can probably imagine how upset this is making the hardcore classic rock fans. If this year’s headlines are any indication of 2015, they should by no means be slept on any longer and despite all odds might actually stay relevant for another year or two.

7. iLoveMakonnen

Taking seventh on the list, iLoveMakonnen is only just settling into his lane yet somehow still so interesting. Is it his voice? strange look? ridiculous name? Only time will tell. Yet, whether you mess with him or not, his break out track “Tuesday” remixed by Drake has been everywhere and possibly the most popular song of the year. Tons of artists have put their own spin on the record since it dropped and in many cases the songs most notable phrase “goin up” has almost turned into a new culture wide term. iLoveMakonnen also made headlines a few months back after a stage attack allegedly involving Troy Ave. The first rapper to remix Tuesday is now also his boss, as Drake signed the Atlanta artist to OVO back in September. Although the future isn’t quite clear as to what else iLoveMakonnen has to offer us, he probably won’t experience the same attention he did this year but it was fun while is lasted.

8. Dej Loaf

Landing at number eight is Detroit’s newest emerging female talent, Dej Loaf. She’s extremely stylish, friendly, as real as they come and ready to prove she’s far from a one hit wonder. “Try Me’ made waves across the country this year and is easily her most popular song to date. With some unexpected help from Remy Ma, Ty Dolla $ign and Drake (just to name a few), “Try Me” became the ticket she needed for her first major deal with Columbia Records. It doesn’t stop there however, after recently dropping her mixtape Sell Sole, shes focusing on her debut album and a possible joint EP with Young Thug. She’s also recently appeared on a track with Rich Homie Quan and Eminem’s latest project Shady XV, which in turn has refocused some much needed attention back on the Detroit Hip-Hop scene. Dej may not be the cockiest in the room, but just don’t try her.

9. DJ mustard

It ‘s almost impossible to listen to Hip-Hop in 2014 and not hear “mustard on the beat h*e!” every other track. This Ad-Lib belongs to none other than DJ Mustard, and sitting at number nine, Mustard is without  question, the most interesting DJ of the year. Although Mike WiLL Made It has also been holding it down, Mustard managed to snag Producer of The Year at The BET Hip-hop Awards in October and for good reason. Yes, a lot of Mustard’s beats are very similar and have a distinct “Mustard touch” to them, but they’ve simply become so popular within the Hip-Hop community that just having his production means an almost guaranteed hit. Mustard also saw significant success after dropping 10 Summers earlier this year in August.

10. Mike WiLL Made It

Starting off this years list of the top 10 most interesting people in Hip-Hop, is Mike WiLL Made It. As some have argued this year has been dry in terms of solid albums and mixtapes dropped, it’s fair to say 2014 was the year of the DJ. It’s been a considerably long time since a DJ Other than Khaled has been able to shake up the rap game so much. With hit after hit, after hit, Mike WiLL Made It has no plans of slowing down. He’s produced for the industries biggest artists, while simultaneously branding his name on some of the years biggest heaters, with most turning to instant classics. He’s also been recruited by stars from outside the genre, lending his talents to artists like Miley Cyrus. In 2013 Mike WiLL Made It won producer of the year at the BET Hip-Hop Awards and was also nominated again this year. After recently dropping his mixtape Ransom on December 15th, Mike WiLL Made It is looking to 2015 to continue his rampage and further solidify his place on the throne of Hip-Hop production.

The post Top 10 Most Interesting People in Hip-Hop 2014 appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo Credit: Justin Abbink

Before we get into anything specific I just want to thank you for taking your time out to rock this interview. It’s always a pleasure. Lets backtrack a bit here. Who were some of your biggest influences early on as far as music is concerned?

Awe man lets see. The first record I ever got was “Yo! Bum Rush the Show” by Public Enemy. My step pop put me onto that record initially. So, definitely Public Enemy. I would also say Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J and D.O.C. I remember my step pop playing the D.O.C. record for me but he didn’t know that joint had curses on it (laughs). Him and my mom were responsible for putting me onto what was good pretty much.

I wanted to talk a little bit about the early days of you being a recording artist prior to the debut. One of the first records I heard you on was off of Blu’s “Give Me My Flowers While I Can Still Smell Them” album on the “Growing Pains” track around 2012. Can you touch on these early records?

Yeah, the “Growing Pains” joint was actually supposed to be on the Dag Savage EP, but it was released earlier than expected and ended up on Blu’s record. I still love that joint. I came up on the San Diego scene and around the age of 14 or so I was battling grown cats from around the way. Aside from battling I was rocking any open mics I could attend at the time. This went on for a while. But, I feel like when you’re a “battle rapper” people kind of put you in this box and you get a very specific type of label or something. I wanted to make records and do what the people I looked up to did and expand from that. Long story short – I had a four-track and everybody in my neighborhood that rhymed would come over and we would record music. It was challenging but very dope. That’s kind of what the early, early days were like.

You and Exile have some intense chemistry on records and always create top notch work. I’m sure the world would love to hear how you two met initially and began to work together. Can you get into that a little bit for us?

I’m pretty sure it was 2002 when we met initially. One of my big homies actually went to school with Exile. He is the one who told me about him and his group with Aloe Blacc called Emanon. He told me they were rocking this spot out in Orange County pretty often. Once I was able to start catching the Grey Hound bus out there I would go over. We would catch cyphers and all that. Exile and I basically just started building from there.

The name Dag Savage sparks some curiosity amongst us fans as well. Who came up what the name Dag Savage for you and Exile? Do you two have a cool story behind the name?

Once we started cutting records and getting serious we started playing around with titles. Exile pretty much came up with the name for us two. We were like – it sounds like a U.K. rock band or something like that! Some European rock band! (laughs). Nah, but, we looked more into the title on a serious note. The word dag means a socially awkward person, and savage, well, that’s self explanatory. It makes perfect sense and it represents the yin and the yang. Exile is a little more quirky and quiet than me, and I just approach things as a savage. Overall, our chemistry is great man. He is very honest and straight forward when it comes to cutting records, and he would never release anything wack – period.

I don’t think anybody can argue that one. The highly anticipated “E&J” album was released not long ago and the feedback from this end seems to be amazing since it hit the shelves. On a personal note I can’t put the album down. What kind of responses have you and Exile been receiving since the lp dropped? Are you happy with the outcome overall?

For the most part it is critically acclaimed. I am grateful for that because initially all I ever started rhyming for was for somebody to be like, “yo that’s dope”. You know what I mean? Whatever comes after that financially is cool. I didn’t expect for people for take onto it like they have been, so it is really exciting. The responses have been amazing.

This next question is more for fun, but it’s certainly relevant. If you could work with one artist dead or alive who would it be?

Michael Jackson for sure. I don’t care how underground you are, how many years in the joint you did, whatever. If Michael Jackson came out with me it would be a wrap. (laughs)

Word on the street is that your live performance is quite the show. Unfortunately I have not been able to catch you live yet, but I wanted to talk a little bit about rocking stages. I think it is a mildly bypassed topic. Do you think it is an important element in this game?

I agree – I think it is an important element and overlooked as well. From a fans perspective when I go see artists that I like live and the performance doesn’t connect to me like it does from the record, than I think it takes away from it. With me I go into the old open mic days again. You may only get the chance to impress certain people that one time. If you body the stage and leave an impression from your performance you are that much better off. Performing live is one of my favorite things – even over recording songs. I take a lot of pride in it.

What is one of the most memorable moments over your whole music career thus far, and why? I ask this question often, but the responses are too notable and dope not to ask.

The first memory that comes to mind is when we had a whole Dirty Science show. It was all of us; me, Aloe Blacc, Exile, Blu, Fashawn etc. Having everybody in that whole damn spot know every word to every song was priceless. It really took me back, like damn. I mean, of course I’ve had fans know my records line for line before, but this show was serious. That’s when I knew we were doing something right. Also, we rocked a spot out in London not too long ago and those cats knew everything! It was really dope. It makes you feel good.

Having supporters and avid fans overseas must be a crazy feeling. I could only imagine. Sometimes it seems like there are more supporters of real Hip-Hop overseas than there are here in the states. From what I see online and hear through word of mouth there seems to be a booming scene in lots of areas outside of the country.

Oh for sure. They know what the deal is overseas. And, some people got it twisted and think anybody can go out of the country and rap, and they will automatically think it’s dope. That’s a total lie. They know what’s good and what’s bad! I remember being at the merchandise table and having cd’s available for purchase, and them ranting that they only wanted vinyl. That’s raw! (laughs) – But yes, overseas there is a lot of love and support.

Photo Credit: Justin Abbink

What are your thoughts on the current state of Hip-Hop?

I love it. Obviously there are pros and cons to it all. I love the diversity right now. I love the element of the internet, even though it leads to a lot of over-saturation and overnight stars. I’m not one of them dudes that thinks every artists should do it a certain way. Stay in your lane and I will stay in my lane, you know? The one thing I don’t like too much on a mainstream level is that the exposure is basically like the same sound always. There are lots of dope artists who just don’t get the exposure they may deserve because the media only seems to push one sound at a time. When I was a shorty I remember hearing a wide range of Hip-Hop on the radio. You don’t really get that no more.

Inspiration is one of those things that can come from all elements of life, not just music. What keeps Johaz inspired to keep writing rhymes? Or, what were some of the most inspiring things early on that kept you going as an emcee?

I get inspired by my peers and my Dirty Science team. Blu, Aloe Blacc and Exile all have inspired me a lot and still do equally. I love a little friendly competition you know? If I hear a new Kendrick Lamar joint on the radio, I might be like, okay, time to cook up. Or, if Blu hits me with a new verse, I’m like, okay time to wreck, he ain’t getting me! (laughs) – I get a lot of inspiration from other people.

Before we shut it down I just wanted to know what the future plans are for Johaz. What should the world be expecting from here on out? Any new projects, tours, collaborations, etc. that you have going on currently?

Right now I am working on finishing up this free album I want to put out which is about half way done. I’m hoping for it to be available by the end of the year. So, that is coming soon. We have some more tours lined up but I don’t think we are hitting the road again until around January 2015 or so. Basically I am just working on creating more music. A lot more content is coming so stay tuned. Also, go grab my family Choosey’s new release titled “Left Field”. It is a loaded project. Thank you for all that you do with this culture and for having me.

Dag Savage Twitter Exile Twitter

Johaz Instagram Exile Instagram

E&J Digital Purchase Dirty Science Shop (cd’s, vinyl, etc) – do it now.

The post Johaz (Dag Savage) Discusses Debut Lp, Joining Forces With Exile, Inspirations & Much More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

2014 had some great albums. Despite everyone saying it was the weakest year for Hip-Hop in ages, these past twelve months gave us some pretty good bodies of work. With that being said, there is a lot to look forward to in 2015. Some of the culture’s biggest names are in all out album mode and their release dates are just around the corner. Take a look at the top five albums that we’re excited for in the coming year.

5. Lupe Fiasco

Lupe has been through a lot of trials and tribulations over the past couple years. He has had friends locked up, relatives pass away, nationwide criticism, label woes, the list really goes on and on. For Lupe, this upcoming album, titled Tetsuo & Youth, will be almost therapeutic in a sense. It will be his last LP on Atlantic Records before he either switches sides or goes independent so expect there to be no holds barred. On top of that, Lupe has been rapping his ass off lately which makes us wonder if this album could perhaps top his triumphant debut. Look for it in stores on January 20th and check out one of the singles below.

4. A$AP Rocky

Rocky has been laying low for a minute now. His debut album Long.Live.A$AP dropped back in January, 2013 and he has kind of been missing in action since. Sure, his sophomore album gave enough more than enough juice to last a year but we’re coming up on 24 months without anything new from Flacko. Luckily, he dropped the first single/song/promo for his follow up entitled “Multiply”. The track gives us a perfect sneak peek as to what his upcoming album will sound like. He brings that classic rapid fire delivery mixed with swaggy lines about upper echelon living. Expect to hear a some edgier beats from Rocky on this one though as he has been producing a lot of his own stuff lately. Peep the track below and see for yourself.

3. Kendrick Lamar

KDot’s sophomore LP might just be the most anticipated album of all time. The expectations for good kid, mAAd city‘s follow up are through the roof; for good reason. Kendrick is one of our culture’s most versatile, honest and talented rappers therefore, his second LP will definitely follow suit. Unlike Snoop Dogg and Ma$e, Kendrick will undoubtedly beat the sophomore slump based on the fact that he’s got a message. Don’t expect the slick talk Kendrick that we’ve seen on a few features throughout the years, instead look for a more pro-positivity Kendrick who is on a mission to uplift the people. His first single “i” has gotten lots of praise from fans and critics alike because it pays homage to the values Hip-Hop was built on. With still no release date, tracklist or second single, all we can do right now is wait.

2. Drake

Coming in at number two is Drizzy Drake’s senior album, Views From The 6. If there has been one rapper this year who has been winning non-stop, it’s Drake. Giving us a year filled with hit features and solo throwaways, it doesn’t feel like Nothing Was The Same came out over a year ago; Drake has stayed hot in these streets. Like every Drake album, it is hard to predict what we are going to get but expect to hear a more sophisticated Drake. He has played the role of timid newcomer, grateful top tier MC, and deserving God MC in past years so this time around he will be rapping at a more confident and proud manner; if that is even possible. Also, expect lots of strange sounds, flows and Canadian features. After all, things are hot up in the 6, boy.

1. Kanye West

 If there is one rapper who has always put everyone’s life on hold when he drops an album, it’s Kanye. Yeezus will be back in 2015 with his seventh solo studio album, yet to be titled. This album could literally go any which way. Who knows if he is going to bring back that Graduation flow or will he be doing essentially a Yeezus Part 2. What we do know is that he’s focused. Kanye has has had a rollercoaster past two years so expect to see an emotional Kanye on this project (is there any other kind?). As unpredictable as this album may be, we all know that the production is going to be flawless. There will be grandocious beats, scripture worthy lyrics and of course a world tour to follow.

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