His love for rap-rock fusion has been inspiring him since High School. He was the lead vocalist/rapper in a band called ‘Flint Eastwood’ —the bands ultimate breakup lead to bLAck pARty coming into existence, stylizing it with capital letters to single out “LA” for Los Angeles, where he lives, and “AR” for Arkansas where he was raised. In 2013 he began producing for Kari Faux. The two had met when both were in their mid-teens. Their collaboration, “No Small Talk,” caught the attention of Childish Gambino, who remixed it and featured it on his STN MTN/Kauai mixtape. Which only lead to bLAck pARty inking a deal with the Childish Gambino’s Royalty collective. bLack pARty contributed production to Gambino’s GRAMMY® Award-winning album Awaken, My Love! as well as scores a placement with TV series Dear White People, Insecure, and Atlanta.

His 2019 album Endless Summer is his first release through Wolf + Rothstein and RCA Records. The first single, “No Complaints,” features DMP Jefe, watch it below.

Out of his busy schedule bLack pARty took the time out to catch up with RESPECT MAG about everything from music to his future plans.

RESPECT.: Growing up, what were some of your biggest musical influences?

bLAck pARty: Growing up my biggest influences were Stevie Wonder, India Irie, Nirvana, MF Doom, Kanye West, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Bad Brains, Zro I came across a lot of music being around the different people in my life. I also grew up in the internet age when music became much easier to access.

RESPECT.: So congratulations on signing with Childish Gambino’s label! How did that happen?

bLAck pARty: Thank you! I actually connected to Childish Gambino back in 2014 when I was mostly doing production for Kari Faux, we had made this song & video “No Small Talk” that went viral and through that I ended up connecting with one of Gambino’s business partner’s Fam, Kari allowed Gambino to remix the record and we built a working relationship since.

RESPECT.: How did your first conversation with Childish Gambino go?

bLAck pARty: I don’t remember exactly, but I remember it was the day his Sway interview dropped so it was mostly conversations about that and conversations about rap music in general. I’m a huge supporter of underground rap, so I remember showing him some of the underground rap groups coming out of Atlanta at that time.

RESPECT.: You also produced on his Award-winning album, “Awaken, My Love!” how did that happen? What was that process like?

bLAck pARty: That actually came about because I had moved to Los Angeles around the same time he was working on “Awaken, My Love!” We always talk about music so it started off from me just being in the studio giving feedback to doing background vocals and some drum programming. It was an interesting experience that I feel I learned a lot from. It was actually the first major album I worked on and being able to be around some of the most talented musicians in the business was a blessing.

RESPECT.: So you write, produce, and engineer and do vocals? Which one is your favourite and why?

bLAck pARty: I’d say my favourite is probably producing because it’s the more creative and fun job. It allows you to think outside of the box and make something that resonates without actually using language.What I’ve learned from playing in places outside of the US is even if the people don’t necessarily speak my language they can still get with the rhythm of the beats and even catch on to the lyrics if they’re simple enough.

RESPECT.: Do you play any instruments? Regardless, what is your favourite instrument and why?

bLAck pARty: Yes, I play whatever I can figure out. If i were to pick a favourite I would say guitar. I always find it easy to write songs with just a guitar. Also a large majority of my favourite artists play guitar: Lauryn Hill, D’angelo, Prince, Kurt Cobain, India Irie, Amy Winehouse- all guitarists!

RESPECT.: Tell us about your song “Dancing”. What are some of the themes found in that Track?

bLAck pARty: Dancing for me was a record that originally was up as a demo, over time it was revamped to be more groovy. I wanted to make something that felt like a day party going into the night time. When it came to video the director [Dylan McGale] and I wanted to play off of one of my favourite movies, KIDS, and one of my favourite music videos, “Frontin” by the Neptunes. I’ve been skating since I was young, and skateboarding and music go hand in hand, so I had to show love to the skaters.

RESPECT.: How do you feel after having your music placed on Insecure?

bLAck pARty: Shout out’s to Issa ! It feels incredible. I have a lot of people tell me they found out about my music through watching Insecure. I actually watch the show so it’s kinda wild to hear my music on there.

RESPECT.: Complex described your sound as a retro sound that could fit nicely into rotation if it came out in the ’70s yet still feels fresh for 2019. Do you agree?

bLAck pARty: Yes. I think the 70’s was one of the more interesting times in music. I’m definitely inspired by that era in music and I listen to more older records than I listen to newer music. The thing though is taking that inspiration and bringing into the present or the future.

RESPECT.: What was that moment in your life that you realised you wanted to be a serious musician? Like this was it for you.

bLAck pARty: When I was 13 I knew for certain I was going to make music. I remember watching videos online of Kanye, Alchemist, The Neptunes, Madlib, making beats and rapping and I decided that’s what I wanted to do: make music and have fun.

RESPECT.: Who are you looking forward to working with the most in the industry?

bLAck pARty: It would be dope to work with legends like Al Green, Patrice Rushen, Erykah Badu…

Photo Credit: Manny Singh

RESPECT.: If I was to see your playlist right now what would I find?

bLAck pARty: You would find Fela Kuti, Amy Winehouse, Al Green, Sza, Khruangbin…I just like to hear something with a lil soul or funk in it

RESPECT.: Tell us about your 5 goals in 2020

bLAck pARty: My only goals are to continue to get better as a person and as a creative.

Follow bLAck pARty on instagram to keep up with all his updates.

All Photos by Manny Singh.

The post RESPECT. Interview: Childish Gambino’s signee bLAck pARty talks Future & Past appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Image credit: ALC

Legendary producer The Alchemist has a serious banger on his hands with the new single “Fork In The Pot,” a new collaboration that matches fellow west coaster ScHoolboy Q with Buffalo soldiers Westside Gunn and Conway. Below lies a new visual for the cut, courtesy of Jason Goldwatch (one of my favorite directors ever).

Also: make sure to check another track from Al, Gunn and Conway titled “94 Ghost S***.”

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The post Alchemist Recruits ScHoolboy Q, Westside Gunn & Conway for “Fork In The Pot” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Action Bronson. All photos taken by Miguel Crespo for RESPECT.

Seems like forever since the last time the Webster Theatre in Hartford, Connecticut held a Hip-Hop concert. Chef-turned-rapper Action Bronson would be the one to change that. Fans from all over the east coast formed in a line that wrapped around the block for the Blue Chips 7000 tour. The feeling of excitement and the rush of adrenaline surged through the air and before long the venue doors opened.

Meyhem Lauren, a street savvy wordsmith and associate of Action Bronson, was a special guest that would open the show. Lauren has made a name for himself by proving his skills with tracks like “Typhoon Rap,” and now with music from his most recent project, Gems From The Equinox. The crowd was immediately engaged when Meyhem touched the stage since he is a familiar face on Bronson’s popular food documentary, F*ck That’s Delicious. Fans sang word for word to songs and Lauren reciprocated the love in the city where he still has family.

Mayhem Lauren.

Shortly after Meyhem Lauren’s performance was over, the crowd went into a sudden uproar. Unaware fans looked around to see what the ruckus was. Legendary super producer and DJ, Alchemist had taken his position. “I need a taxi! Somebody send me a taxi! I’m gonna miss watching the Knicks!” Those were the first words spoken by the New York native, Action Bronson as he made his way onto the stage. Fans roared. The moment they had waited for had finally come.

Alchemist.

After some influence from his friends, Action Bronson put down the spatula and picked up the microphone. Since, he has worked with some of Hip-Hops most elite artists like A$AP Rocky on “One Train,” Chance The Rapper on “Blue Baby” and many more. Bronson has put out several pieces of work that are considered “classic” to many. SAAAB Stories, Rare Chandeliers, and of course, his latest album Blue Chips 7000, are to name a few. Bronson performed bangers from all his projects and fans couldn’t have been happier. Camera phones, hands and number 1 selling book, F*ck That’s Delicious, filled the air. “That’s a beautiful book,” Bronson shouted as he reached for it and scribbled his autograph. Yes, F*ck That’s Delicious is a TV show and also a recipe book that’s inspired by the childhood, family, tours and travels of Mr. Wonderful himself. A powerful performance was displayed through the rest of the night. The emotion of Action Bronson was unlike anybody else’s I had ever seen. It was clear that he’s passionate about Hip-Hop music and more importantly his fans.

A strong flex and kiss of the biceps was the final touch as Bronson left the stage. Fans chatted and discussed how much fun they had while making their way through the exits. A great performance without a doubt.

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The post RECAP: ‘Blue Chips 7000’ Tour With Action Bronson (Hartford, CT) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

California is home to the most influential west coast Hip-Hop acts. From Rappin’ 4-Tay, N.W.A, and Tha Dogg Pound to YG, Schoolboy Q, and Kendrick Lamar, the west side never fails to deliver — especially on the G-Funk tip.

Making his way to the west coast Hip-Hop frontier is Compton by the way of Vancouver spitter Jay Worthy. Repping Compton in every aspect, Worthy first received significant recognition after the debut of Aktive, with his LNDN DRGS collaborator Sean House on Fool’s Gold Records.

And the streets loved it; Worthy’s hard hitting lyricism about the gangster lifestyle and pimping, paired with House’s production featuring 80’s music samples mirrors the west coast rap that dominated radio airwaves back in the 90’s. Vice Magazine called the 14-track set with guest appearances from the late A$AP Yams and Krayzie Bone an “utter delight reveling in sumptuous soul and R&B.” Two years after the debut of the acclaimed free album, Worthy is back it.

This time around, he’s teamed up with the one and only Alchemist to deliver Fantasy Island. Showcasing promising bi-coastal heavy hitters like Conway, $ha Hef, Rugotti, Ray Wright, Polo100 and Big Body Bes, the 16-minute set presents a more mellow backdrop than Aktive. Still mirroring the swagger of Uncle Snoop mixed with Ice Cube with a side of Eazy-E, Worthy is an artist worth checking out. But despite his recognition within the music industry, many people still don’t know who he is. So we’ve compiled a list of facts to get you acquainted with Compton’s “best-kept secret” after catching up with him during Westside Gunn and Conway’s Griselda On Steroids tour stop in NYC:

1. He’s close friends with G Weeder and Kendrick Lamar: “G Weeder is one of my best friends and manager; K-Dot is my m********in’ dog, all of TDE, that’s fam.”

2. The name Jay Worthy is not a play on assistant LA Lakers coach and retired Lakers small forward James Worthy.

3. The cover art and name of the new project was Alchemist’s idea. As for what may have influenced his idea:

“It’s a couple things, it could be the TV show smooth and laid back, he said.” The whole project’s got sounds of birds and the ocean and then there’s a strip club up the street from Al’s house called Fantasy Island.”

4. Rock singer Grimes is his step sister.

5. He grew up traveling back and forth from Vancouver and Compton.

6. He’s been repping Compton since age 17 and identifies with Compton more than his birthplace because:

“…that’s where I grew up and became a man and where I spend most of my time, especially music wise,” said Worthy. “Ever since we were kids we were in Compton, my pops had us out there. Vancouver is a place where I go relax and see my family but it’s not really home to me anymore.”

7. Ice Cube influenced him to start rapping:

“I remember the first CD I bought with my little allowance was Ice Cube’s The Predator,” he said. “I would sit there with my headphones on and listen to it from top to bottom. Shortly after that, it was Snoop; before Cube it was Eazy-E, and The Geto Boyz… But Cube was the one that made me want to rap; he had kids on his album rapping on “Fantasy Fairytale” so I was like ‘I want to rap too’.”

8. Alchemist was a fan of Worthy’s music before meeting him.

“I met him at an Action Bronson show backstage, he came up to me and said he was a fan of my s**t,” he said. “We were out of town and [when] we got back to LA, we linked up.”

9.  On becoming a man in the streets, put it this way:

I was a wild boy…I’m just happy to be here making music, I could be in a lot worse situations, I’m happy it worked out for me,” he said.

10. He writes quite frequently as thoughts come to him without editing his verses.

11. His top rappers dead or alive:

“I like Pac, I like Nas, I like Kendrick, I like Raekwon, I like DJ Quik even as a rapper.”

12. Artists, he wants to work with include “Gap Band, Charlie Wilson, George Clinton and Steve Harrison.”

Photo Credit: Fahim Kassan

Look out for more music from Jay Worthy right here on RESPECT.

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The post Compton Rapper Jay Worthy Continues To Channel 90’s G-Funk Hip Hop appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Cover Art: @cepenwhy

You can ride waves in any weather with Hus Kingpin’s bodies of work. Not just ride the wave, but feel the cool breeze and euphoric undertones. They’re rich lyrics – which should leave you with a new found respect for emcees who can handle their wordplay. Did we mention the amount of co-signs and green lights he has received over the years from some of our pioneers and current staples? (see interview below)

Aside from the aesthetics, let’s note his consistency these past few years. On the independent scene, we all know that’s beyond crucial. Hus never leaves his fans to run for dry – always releasing random, sporadic singles with little warning. This is commendable and appreciated. Rookie emcees – take notes.

But forget all the fly words here – listen for yourself and catch up on his previous releases if you haven’t yet. Peace and love:

If someone is just now getting familiar with Hus Kingpin, how would you describe yourself in a few short words?

I’m a Brooklyn born MC representing Hempstead NY – half trini, half Bajan – wavy rhyme lord influenced by Nas, Noreaga, Dj Premier, Roc Marciano, Jay Z, Trap Music (laughs) – strip clubs in Atlanta – warm cognac and LA weed.

You live on the west coast now but still represent your hometown Hempstead in a lot of your records. Can you talk a little bit about your experience on the west coast and how the relocation has improved your craft, if so?

The first person I met when I moved to LA was Planet Asia. He came and scooped me and we copped some jerk chicken. Asia then took me around to meet everyone from Krondon, to Evidence, to Alchemist, to his GCM crew. Planet Asia also introduced me to Raekwon for the first time. I love PA. Everything in LA is glorious. Good weed always helps me with writers block. There are also great shows out here. Shout out to Fashawn as well, he’s a good genuine young shooter.

One thing listeners may notice is your open ended, free flowing content and your ability to allow us to paint our own pictures with your lyrics. What’s your writing process look like?

Writing process is all about energy for me, the perfect time is usually fresh out of the weed dispensary or when I’m with Rozewood who also lives in LA now. I usually go to the studio and smoke, chill, then I’ll probably fall asleep, I hate writing in the studio, but I’ll do it with the right energy

You really excercise the moniker “Lord Wavy”. It goes beyond the typical rapper’s nickname – so much that your rhymes often feel like we are riding a sonic wave. Was the Lord Wavy stamp a natural development? How did it come to frution?

“Lord Wavy” came from listening to Max B in NYC. I liked his style. It’s unfortunate about his situation. And yes it was pretty natural to form into Lord Wavy after meeting Big Daddy Kane in Queens when I was 18. He told me he’s leaving the torch for me. That was a bugged out moment in time.

The Winners is a powerful team of recording artists with some of the most natural chemistry we’ve heard in a while. Can you discuss how the team operates? And is longevity instores for The Winners?

The Winners is like TDE meets Wu-Tang. We’re all rhyme lords but not mega conscious with it – it’s all about the style and saying things that people have never said before. We have SmooVth from NY, Rozewood from NY, Sean Rosati from Boston, JuneLyfe from Boston, Sage Infinite from New Jersey, Marvelous Mag from NY, Giallo Point from UK, and singer El AY from UK. We’re going to wave up this year. Mega longevity – be on the look out!

To close this out, what does Hus Kingpin have planned for 2016? Any live shows, projects, collaborations etc.?

I’m dropping my debut in-studio full length album finally with some fly guests. Planet Asia is executive producing one of my LP’s coming. Roze and myself are finishing the Snowgoons album. Audible Doctor and myself have a project coming. SmooVth is going to break the Internet with his new ‘SS96J’ release. I got some beats from A$ap Ty from A$ap Mob. I got some new material with Marco Polo and a few other secrets underway.

Do you have any shoutouts? If so, shoot, shooter.

Shoutout Tommy Boy Records, Planet Asia, Evidence, Alchemist, Big Twins, Jazz and anyone else I forgot! Thank you.

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