By: Cwilltooill

Texas rapper Cwilltooill returns to the music scene with dope new C.B.D. (Calm But Dangerous) project. As his southern roots plays out in every melody on this EP, you will hear Cwill’s original vocals reach new heights. As he discusses some of his life lessons, in a melodically pleasing way, his courage to be honest and raw separates him from the rest of the rising emcees in the game.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the southern rapper for candid convo centered around his C.B.D. release. Check out a short interview below and get to know San Antonio’s next big star Cwilltooill.

Respect: What city are you from/ where are you based now?

Cwill: I’m from Wetumpka, Alabama but I am currently living in San Antonio, Tx.

Respect: At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?

Cwill: While I was in college I fell in love with expressing myself. I had always rapped and I come from a musical background because of my brother and my father. So around the age 20 I knew I wanted more from music than just to put a few hrs a week in.

Respect: Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound
today? If so, how?

Cwill: Very much so! I’m from the country! You can hear it my lingo and you can feel it when I Touch a mic. I come from beating on a table in a lunchroom remembering songs and performing at talent shows. My mom used to wake me up to Rafael Sadiq and my pops was in a blues band and loved Jodeci. Then just being from the south in general has influenced me to always strive for substance in my
music.

Respect: How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with
you?

Cwill: I’m a mixture of Soulful Rap , Southern Hip hop and a hint of R&B. I don’t like to stay in a box and my vocal range is growing everyday so in my head the ceiling is limitless. I don’t mind talking my shit but I also don’t go full cap season in my music either. I keep it real and relevant. I talk about my relationships, my family, and really whatever is on my mind. I have my own studio so I’m able to record at-will really.

Respect: What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?

Cwill: Football ending did it for me. I graduated on a full scholarship playing football all in south Georgia until I had to give it up because of concussions. I remember not being able to sleep at night and staying up writing rhymes and mixing vocals. I realized how good my music was getting and the feedback I was receiving on my music in 2017-2018 solidified it for me. I knew what I wanted at that moment.

Respect: What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?

Cwill: I love creating new sounds and I’ve fell in love with performing. Music pays my bills and I’m about to break generational curses with my craft. I wake up inspired. Not everyday, some days are harder than others as a black man in america but hustle stays in tact. The faith I have in myself is what keeps me going. Well that and God reminding me constantly that this is where I should be spending my time and energy.

Respect: Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

Cwill: I’m a new found photographer and videographer. I have a photo studio and I write poetry as well. I’m also all into network marketing and I have merchandise I’m working on designing and printing everyday just adding new streams of revenue. Going back to network marketing though, one of my main hobbies is selling CBD Detox tea and other health and wellness products.

Respect: Who are some of your main musical influences?

Cwill: J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Deante Hitchcock, Big K.R.I.T. , Smino, Lauryn Hill,
Andre 3000.

Respect: What are some of your music career goals for the future?

Cwill: Win a Grammy. Chart a single and album (multiple)! I also see an international tour in my future. I’m already setting it up as we speak. I also want to make music with all of my influences. Another huge goal is to own my own label. And owning all of my masters for life.

Be sure to press play below to stream Cwilltooill C.B.D. (Calm But Dangerous) and follow him on social media @cwilltooill.

The post Texas Artist Cwilltooill Uses Music to Heal With C.B.D. (Calm But Dangerous) Release appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By:
A-Lex

Grammy nominated Singer/Songwriter and Producer A-Lex, has officially released his hot new single titled Already Rich. Having found success pinning hits for the likes of Trippie Redd, Keke Palmer, T-Pain, Musiq Soulchild, and Kodie Shane, he is ready for the world to hear just how talented of a singer he is, outside of just writing. Being heavily influenced by Andre 3000, Pharrell Williams and Frank Ocean, A-Lex has been able to create his own sounds that resembles each of these artists’ music styles.

On Already Rich, A-Lex shows us how ill his rap flows are over the booming Hip Hop beat. Destined to set your ears on fire, this single is exactly what the Atlanta native needs to establish himself as an artist in the music business. Some lyrics that stand out on this release include “I still remember the times when n****s ain’t lookout, I move in silence I’m good without them they shook”. These lyrics convey his raw confidence as he takes his prolific bars to new heights.

One notable element of “Already Rich” that is note worthy is the catchy chorus. The chorus is where this emcee reminds listeners that he was “Already Rich” despite the naysayers. With an original sound, new music, and backing from some of music’s biggest stars he is headed straight to stardom. He does a great job of showcasing his gifts as a songwriter, creative, and artist on his latest release.

Be sure to tap in with him below and stream his new single “Already Rich”.

The post Grammy Nominated Singer/Songwriter A-Lex Releases New Single “Already Rich” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: Zenden Lavon

Rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer, Zenden Lavon has returned to the music scene with the official visual for his latest single, “Blue Dream“. As a current resident of Los Angeles, California, this creative credits his experience of  living in several different countries as the driving force behind many of his concept-driven projects.

Being heavily influenced by Bob Marley, Andre 3000, and Jay-Z, Lavon prides himself on creating songs that are lyrically sophisticated, while keeping the Jazz influence that was evident on his album ‘Be Vol. 1.’

The post Zenden Lavon Releases “Blue Dream” Single & Video appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Image credit: EMPIRE/ATLANTIC

DRAM continues to create great music for his base. This time, is a damn good cover of André 3000‘s The Love Below classic “Prototype,” which he performed live in L.A. last month. Enjoy the live and official versions below.

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The post DRAM Covers André 3000’s “Prototype” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

For those who haven’t checked these out yet: before you scream in excitement, know that these aren’t Hip-Hop tracks. With that said, the legendary André 3000 has liberated a two-track EP titled Look Ma No Hands, an ode to his late mother Sharon Benjamin-Hodo (she passed back in 2013). Both tracks are very soulful; “Me&My (To Bury Your Parents)” is piano-driven while the title track is a 17-minute overture that features James Blake and sees André rocking a bass and clarinet. It’s beautiful and bittersweet, for sure.

Enjoy both tracks below. In related news: André recently joined his Outkast brethren Big Boi in celebrating Big Boi’s son Bamboo‘s high school graduation (yes, we’re old). A quick Insta-snap for that can be seen below as well.

Bamboo Got that Paper work !!! @woodwardacademy class of 2018 !!! ? #WithHonors

A post shared by Big Boi (@therealbigboi) on May 12, 2018 at 8:38am PDT

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The post ICYMI: André 3000 Dedicates Two New Tracks to his Mother appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Since hitting the mainstream in 2003, T.I. has publicly made it known that he is the King of the South and in an interview with Montreality he explains why he is not only the king but the father of Trap Music.

“Since (Trap Music) was introduced to the world there were people who enforced it, spread the genre out, and gave it wings & life beyond its origin, but if you go back to who truly started it, I must humbly say myself.”

Although T.I. credits himself for Trap music, he did take the time to speak about another legend in Hip-Hop and why he feels that Eminem and Andre 3000 are similar when it comes to the craft.

“Eminem is one of the most talented, capable, intellectual, technicians of wordplay I have ever experienced. Both times we worked I had the opportunity of watching him actually put this sh*t together, and it was truly of another world. Eminem and Andre 3000 are the most meticulous artists I’ve ever worked with, and they’re very critical of themselves.”

T.I. also took the time to address his feelings on another legend in the game that is no longer with us and why he feels that the passing of Afeni Shakur should solidify to conspiracy theorists that Tupac is in fact deceased.

“If Tupac was around, by all means we would know because he would come to his mom’s funeral so that kinda dispels any rumor for me. Pac ain’t missing his mama funeral even if he did do some wild sh*t like fake his death.”

Check out the full interview below.

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The post T.I. Says He Started Trap Music, Compares Eminem to André 3000 [Watch] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

1. dvsn – Too Deep

2. Erykah Badu – Hello (ft. Andre 3000)

3. Tame Impala – New Person, Same Old Mistakes

4. Sampha – Too Much

5. Syd – Body

6. Daniel Caesar – Japanese Denim

7. Alina Baraz & Galimatias – Fantasy

8. Frank Ocean – Chanel

9. H.E.R. – Focus

10. Andre 3000 – Prototype

11. Anderson .Paak – Silicone Valley

12. Mos Def – UMI Says

13. Kool & The Gang – Summer Madness

14. 6LACK – PRBLMS

15. Noname – Shadow Man (ft. Saba, Smino & Pheolix)

Listen and comment what you think below. Keep it simple, and have a good week readers!

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The post RESPECT.’s Simple Sunday Playlist [LISTEN] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.