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.

After the recent five year anniversary of Amy Winehouse‘s death, her foundation is opening a shelter for women at risk of following in her footsteps. The home is for women recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, and is aptly named Amy’s Place.

Winehouse died in July 2011 at 27 of alcohol poisoning. Winehouse’s age, talent, and reputation as a tortured artist, puts her in the woeful 27 club with the likes of Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix.

Winehouse’s belting voice of soul, sass, and sensitivity made her an instant icon. Winehouse is one of the most colossal talents of our time. Her 2003 debut jazz album Frank shot her to stardom, while the 2006 Back to Black is one of the UK’s best selling albums of the century.

Amy’s Place has the goal of supporting and helping the recovery of women suffering from addiction. In East London, the shelter will give the girls a second chance at a full life. According to the BBC, those staying at Amy’s Place will have a home there for up to two years.

The women will already have been through treatment to get them sober. Their next stop will be a safe place to heal and fight the fear of co-dependancy or relapse. Amy’s Place will be one of the few centers for addiction in the UK that emphasizes the support of women.

Recently, a documentary about Winehouse brought her story of addiction back into the limelight. The 2015 documentary Amy features heartbreaking and incredible footage of private moments from her life. The documentary displayed her off-beat honesty and raucous relationships. Watching her highs and lows is both eye-opening, and all-too familiar.

Amy Winehouse’s signature beehive, swooping curtain of eyeliner, and booming vocals cannot be forgotten. Her foundation aims to keep her memory alive — as well as to ward off losing a woman like her again.

The home will open on the 22nd of August.

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The post Amy Winehouse Charity Sets Up Home for Recovering Women appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Dionne Bromfield has been making rounds over the years as a singer, collaborating with acts such as:  Diggy Simmons, Mz Bratt, Lil Twist, and Tinchy Stryder, to name a few.

She has a soulful, vintage vibe to her and her sound has definitely matured over the years.  She started making noise around the young age of 13.  Now, at 19, Bromfield has had plenty of time to blossom as an artist.  Put this in perspective: she’s been trained by a legend of our era.  Bromfield is Amy Winehouse‘s goddaughter and protégé. You can hear Amy’s influence in her tone, but she definitely has her own unique sound.

The ballad, Black Butterfly, is a soulful tune that has you following her every note.  When people think of Amy, this song makes a beautiful tribute by the right person, her godbaby.  It was also co-written with hit-makers, Sia (Chandelier, Titanium, Rihanna – Diamond,  etc.) and Chris Braide (Christina Aguilera, Lana Del Rey, etc.).

“There was a black butterfly that flew in at Amy’s funeral and it landed on Kelly Osbourne’s shoulder. It stayed there for the whole service, then flew out as soon as the service had finished. It’s probably the best song I’ve ever written, and I was crying when I recorded it.”  (Source: Amy Winehouse Forever)

I don’t know how true this statement is, but if it’s true, then that’s beautiful.

This tribute allows the soul of Amy Winehouse to rest in peace…

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Richard Young / Rex Features ( 1022731bt )
Amy Winehouse with goddaughter Dionne Bromfield
Q Awards, Grosvenor House Hotel, London, Britain – 26 Oct 2009

(Above:  Bromfield covering The Shirelles’ with godmother, Winehouse on the background vocals.)

(Above:  Throwwwback!! From 2009!!)

The post Artist Spotlight: Amy Winehouse’s Goddaughter, Dionne Bromfield appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The legacy of Amy Winehouse is still being kept alive after her untimely death – four years ago – with an upcoming documentary, Amy. Yesterday, the minute-and-a-half teaser is revealed, backed by Winehouse’s hit “Back to Black.”

The Asif Kapadia-directed film shows archive footage of the jazz-pop singer enjoying life and foreshadows her early death. Throughout the trailer, she narrates, “I don’t think I’m gonna be at all famous. I don’t think I could handle it. I would probably go mad.” Of course, she became extraordinarily famous, and an icon.

The dramatic trailer sets up the Amy documentary for a July 3 release in the UK.

Watch the trailer below:

The post The Official Trailer For Amy Winehouse Documentary Revealed appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Nas drops the latest visual for “Cherry Wine” off his Life is Good album as he pays his respect to the late, great Amy Winehouse. Nas plays a smooth bartender while images of Amy Winehouse are projected throughout the video. The Jay Martin directed video does a awesome job of captivating the essence of the track as well as the essence of Amy Winehouse.

The post New Video: Nas feat Amy Winehouse – “Cherry Wine” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The post Terry Urban Mashes Amy Winehouse & Nas Into a One-Hour Mixtape appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Long live Amy the queen. The video releases September 14 — the deceased Amy Winehouse and American jazz master, Tony Bennett, made music shortly before the talented Brit’s death. Peep the vid above for a sneak preview of their studio session and an interview with Amy.

Not exactly hip hop right? But you have to give credit where it’s due. And if it lies in two soulful voices, then so be it!

The post Video: Amy Winehouse and Tony Bennett Record ‘Body and Soul’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.