It’s 2016. Technology (though effective for a while) consumes us. For better or for worse, it’s justifiably the blame for guiding much of our train of thought. And actions. And attention. To some degree, most non-senior citizens will agree. Right? But memories will forever remain precious and hind site will always be 20/20 – in most cases.

With that being said, Kentucky wordsmith Allen Poe teamed up with producer/emcee Denmark Vessey to paint his short, nostalgic canvas and create “Memory”. It’s beautiful and poetically complex. Those familiar with Denmark‘s soundscapes and rhymes shouldn’t be too surprised by Poe‘s execution here. The single’s content is not as complex as, say, an MF DOOM or Dr. Octagon record, but you may have to actually listen to the words and piece together whatever forms naturally. A bit more refreshing than the mindless, spoon-fed doses of material we’re offered on most radio today.

Poe’s love for poetry is undeniable to the average listener. “Memory” is a cool grey dart, introspective and executed perfectly. A pinball loosely bouncing through memory, at the end of the run leaving listeners reminded how important each moment is. Be present.

That’s enough out of us, enjoy the record. One love:

Songs We Love: Denmark Vessey, ‘Don’t Smoke K2’ (NPR)

Allen Poe x J. Manifesto & Germicide – “Cascade” (Okayplayer)

Along with Castle, Kentucky Emcee Allen Poe Recalls his ‘1st House Party’ (RESPECT. Mag)

The post Allen Poe & Denmark Vessey Signify the Past’s Role in the Present (Audio) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Summer is over, we’re knee deep into Fall, and just a step away from Winter. That means RIP to the good weather, cookouts and pool parties. But just because the temperature drops, doesn’t mean the kick it stops, and here to illustrate just that is Kentucky’s Allen Poe, with “1st House Party”, featuring Castle.

“Cookouts are to Summer what house parties are to Winter, only I don’t think they get the proper cultural recognition, despite Kid N Play’s best efforts”, Allen explains.

Check out Allen Poe and Castle’s homage to house parties, which is story-telling at its best.

The post Along with Castle, Kentucky emcee Allen Poe recalls his “1st House Party” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The post New Music: Allen Poe & Deejay Element featuring J. Manifesto and Jermiside – “Cascade” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The Bluegrass State has been making a name for itself lately in the world of hip-hop, most recently bringing us Versailles, Kentucky product Allen Poe, who has teamed up with producer IV the Polymath to give us the remix project to his EP How Gardens Grow, released last October.

With a vintage flow, Allen Poe does a great job of taking us back to the roots of hip-hop in a way that is as refreshing as it is nostalgic, and IV the Polymath’s production enhances the music that much more. Check out How Gardens Grow and be on the lookout for more from Allen Poe.

The post New Music: Allen Poe & IV The Polymath – “How Gardens Grow” (Selected Remixes) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.