Check out the single below…for the few of you who aren’t hip, the Hobbs & Shaw trailer has been added as well.

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The post Aloe Blacc Recruits J.I.D for ‘Hobbs & Shaw’ Cut “Getting Started” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

August 2012: Aloe Blacc performs at MetroTech Commons for the 18th Annual Brooklyn Academy of Music Festival. Additional performances that year included Graham Central Station, Ky-Mani Marley, Fishbone and Van Hunt. You can read the full review of that show here.

The post PHOTO OF THE DAY: May 22nd, 2017 appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

THE DOVE SOCIETY 
Hear the Roses presents a series of music-focused features. The podcast about passion, perseverance and the pursuit of dreams, includes an in-depth conversation with Grammy Award-winning music producer Shafiq Husayn (SA-RA Creative Partners) and his The Dove Society label mates, who open up about their creative process, working with Anderson .Paak and “being a vessel.”
Listen: https://soundcloud.com/heartheroses/the-dove-society

ASYA SHEIN 
The music edition features an intimate interview with Asya Shein, founder and curator for FUSICOLOGY, a Hub for Progressive Culture and Lifestyle events that has worked with artists including Anderson .Paak, Aloe Blacc and Robert Glasper.
Listen https://soundcloud.com/heartheroses/fusicology-asya-shein

BILLY JOHNSON JR. 
The music edition includes an in-depth conversation with veteran music journalist Billy Johnson Jr., a former senior editor for Yahoo! Music, who has interviewed musical icons such as Beyoncé and Janet Jackson.
Listen https://soundcloud.com/heartheroses/musicjournalistbillyjohnsonjr

The post Hear the Roses: Music Edition 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.

It has been eight years since Dilated Peoples last released a body of work but their presence has been strong since they came into the game and their fans have always stood by their side even throughout their hiatus. Now that they are back with a brand new album, Directors of Photography, their fans are beyond excited to hear their new tracks. And hip hop is fearing the impact that they are about to have on the game. 

RESPECT. Mag sat down with Rakaa of Dilated Peoples to discuss Directors of Photography, working with DJ Premier and more.

RESPECT.: Your last album, 20/20, was released in 2006, how does it feel to be coming out with an album after 8 years?

It feels good. I mean we’ve been working as solo artists and doing a lot of side projects. But getting in the lab together as a group and focusing that energy on a group project is definitely a good feeling. We didn’t just want to make another nostalgia album; we didn’t want people to think we’ve been sitting around for 8 years but rather have been working and pushing that line and we didn’t want to waste everyone’s time especially our own.

Is that what inspired you guys to do this album?

That was the inspiration. Not that we really needed to tell people. We have been solo projects and knew at some point we would have to get back to doing a group project. We wanted it to be right and the timing to be right. There was no contract that said we had to do it. We fulfilled our contract with our last label. We didn’t take a check long time ago. We just wanted to make a crazy album. It’s not just about the legacy but is about pushing forward and making honest music.

How does it feel to be on a different label and release this album with a different label?

So far so good. It hasn’t come out yet so we’ll see how that goes but we know like they are a good team of people.  We know them personally and worked with them. We have a couple solo projects and Step Brothers projects with The Alchemist out with them. We worked with them directly and indirectly for years so it’s still kind of a family project. It’s not like we went and signed with strangers or went for the highest bidder. We went to the place that we felt who could handle this properly on a bigger scale than we’d do out of the trunk. This was the right team and the right time.

Do you feel that your sound has evolved since your last album?

I don’t think it has changed. We weren’t chasing any sound or any particular hidden agenda and having that attitude going into it. You know as an MC when you have an ill line you know you have an ill line and when you chop an ill sample you know that’s a killer and when you feel like that about an album as opposed to a whole song you know you’re in a good place so for us we stand behind it hundred percent. We just let the music rock and speak for itself but we’re excited about the world hearing it. This album is definitely the most dilated album that represents the purest of what we have ever done. This and Expansion Team is probably my favorite album that we have ever done.

Were there any parts of this album that were tough to create?

Probably the first single was the most difficult. Me and Babu started with a different beat and concept for “Good is Gone.” We had different beat and different rhymes but we wanted the title and idea for the song. So we presented it to Evidence and he didn’t really want to do it, it was not where he was at. We got the DJ Premier track and I was like, “Yo we should do this concept.” I was re-doing my verse and re-writing the song and I had this concept. There was a bunch of drama but it was a passionate situation. Ultimately he came around to it and said, “Yo that is a good idea.” I don’t mind the process because alls well that ends well. There is whole bunch of stuff like that on the album that we were all tuned in for, heavy session work and it was something that we all cared about so much and the line we created for ourselves and the people that supported us. So we wanted to make it right.

How was it like working with DJ Premier?

There was a lot of back and forth but it all came out alright. Once we switched to the mode, “Ok you’re right lets do this,” it all worked. But as far as working with Premier that’s our big brother right there he always looked out for us pretty much from the earliest part of our career supported us. It was an honor but also it was a pleasure. Sometimes you get to work with people that it is an honor but you don’t really like the vibe and makes you wish you never met them. Premier is definitely not one of those people.  He’s one of those people that he’s very up on things, he’s very aware of what is going in the scene, he’s a historian and very educated about the culture and obviously he’s a master on the beat so when you get an opportunity to work with someone like that, working with someone like that you look up to and who inspires you to do well. It’s a great feeling. He’s the whole foundation of the Gang Starr team. The only reason “Worst Comes to Worst” came out because he said, “Yo this song is ill. You have to make this your single.” It was like big brother threat we knew we had to release it. We knew if we didn’t release it would be a problem.

What was your favorite track off this album?

There is a song called “Dark Room” on there that is very ill to me which features Vince Staples. Both of the singles are crazy. It’s hard to say because we didn’t do anything we weren’t a hundred on for this album. For other albums there was a lot respect and space like, “You wanna do that? Ok cool you can do that.” On this one we were stomping our feet. We were pushing each other. There was nothing personal about this but we all just wanted to do well.

DJ Premier and Alchemist are on the production of the album. Who else contributed to the production?

Evidence, Babu, Bravo and Joey Chavez, 9th wonder, Jake One, Twiz the Beat Pro, Diamond D and Oh No. If I forgot anybody forgive me it’s been a long day!

You guys have very few features on the album compared to how others do it nowadays. How did you guys decide who you wanted on the album?

Everything was really natural. We didn’t want a feature on the song just to sell the record. We wanted it to be as close to grain as possible. So the features that were on there we felt complimented the song. It was based on the texture, the vibe and the concept.

What excites you about this project?

I’m just excited for the people who have been waiting for this long for the album. Around the world you know there are people who have been rocking with us for a long time so I’m excited for those people. It’s like when the food smells good and when it hits the table it tastes even better, it’s like that.  That’s what I want for people. We’re anxious to put it out there and see how the reaction will be. We tried to raise the ball and push the line for ourselves so hopefully that will inspire others as well.

What would you like your fans to get out of this album?

It is not like one particular message album. It is not a theme album. Fans would just listen to an album that knocked really heavy and showed that you could make quality music, you could push the line forward and do what is right without chasing anybody down. You don’t have to follow a status quo or trends. You could do according to what feels right, just do it at the highest level.

The post Interview: Rakaa of Dilated Peoples Speaks on New Album, Their Hiatus and More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Eli Saf himself produced the subdued track. And while it may “knock,” that seems to be precisely the point. Equally as subdued as the producer himself, the instrumental doesn’t show off. Each element fits right in, enabling the atmosphere of the song without any unnecessary clouds. No puzzle piece is more important: it’s all about the bigger picture.

The post New Music: Eli Saf feat. Slim Dollars – “Even If” (prod. Eli Saf) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Dag Savage, comprised of Exile and Johaz, are preparing to drop their first EP on January 15th via Dirty Science / Fat Beats. The EP features 4 brand new tracks featuring guest appearances from Aloe Blacc, Murs, and Co$$ in addition to a couple of remixes. Of course, the duo had to give fans a taste of what to expect on their project, and leaked their preliminary track “Twilight”.  Look out for the  music video coming soon, but until then check out the tracklist for the upcoming Dag Savage EP.

Dag Savage EP Tracklisting:

A Side
1. Twilight
2. Drugs – featuring Coss & Makeshift
3. When It Rains – featuring Aloe Blacc

B Side
1. That’s Just Life featuring. Aloe Blacc & Murs
2. Drugs – Mr Brady mix – featuring Coss &
3. Twilight – Fat Albert Einstein Version
4. Twilight – Instrumental

The post New Music: Exile and Johaz – “Twilight” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.