Check out “Roses” below and make sure that you check out the Deluxe edition of Platinum Fire here.

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The video treatment came about with Keoni Marcelo, the director. He just wanted it to be a little more fun, a little more different than what I’ve been on before. Because a lot of my music and my videos have been serious. But this one, we just wanted to have a lot of fun, and just kind of party, you know what I’m saying? Turn up. It was a cool moment for us and a type of song I really hadn’t done yet.

Live it up with Arin Ray below.

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The post Arin Ray is Living Life in His Latest Video for “Reckless” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Check it out below…if you’re not hip, you can check out Arin Ray’s debut album, Platinum Fire, here.

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The post Arin Ray Drops New Visual for “Damn” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Arin Ray by @Baoweezi

Earlier this year, Ohio native Arin Ray dropped one of the most well put together projects of the year in, Platinum Fire. After establishing himself as a sure-fire talent on the show, X-Factor, Ray parlayed that attention into songwriting for some of music biggest names before linking with Interscope to release the aforementioned project, which features Ty Dolla $ign, SiR & more, with the YG assisted, “We Ain’t Homies” serving as the projects lead single. Last week, we caught a performance of this album from Arin, as well as some crazy performances from Chicago native, Najee Muhammad, & rising singer/songwriter DaniLeigh.

Taking place at swanky LA photography spot, Hubble Studios, the night was billed as G-Shock’s 35th anniversary and they did not hold back. With a beautiful backdrop playing second fiddle on stage, the stage crew were able to provide a one of a kind visual experience to compliment the performances.

Najee Muhammad by @baoweezi

First up was Najee who siphoned through a slate of unreleased music from his upcoming demo, Bleed Me Dry that sounded ready to be dropped now. Toting a soulfully distinct sound without sounding too saturated, Najee is one of the purest artists coming up right now. With just him and accompanying trumpet player, Sean Christian on stage, the duo created a vibe that was completely different from your typical show opener.

“I moved back to LA at the end of last summer. When I moved back I ended up landing a job with blends as a in store model, just to get off my feet.” Najee tells RESPECT., “One of the store owners over heard my music and what I was working on. At the time blends and g-shock were already in the works with throwing an event for G-Shock’s 35th anniversary. My music was pitched, The coordinators loved it, and the rest was history.“

Najee & Sean Christian by @Baoweezi

One thing that was unique about this show was how much the curators cared about the listeners overall experience. In addition to the trippy visuals and amazing music, the crowd was also provided with a fully stocked open bar as well as a delicious selection of tacos, beans, rice & tortilla chips. There was nothing more to ask for.

Arin Ray by @baoweezi

Next up was Arin Ray, & the crowd was ready. Already becoming a staple in the Los Angeles music scene due to his laid back west-coast inspired style — as well as sharing the same manager as California King, YG (shoutout Push) — Ray commanded a solid audience and they were not disappointed. Ray skated through a set of cuts from his album, including, “We Ain’t Homies,” but it was the new music that he performed that had everybody most excited. Set to the tone of some exquisite, 80s love song sounding production, the song is his upcoming single and one that will only bring a new fan base in.

”The track is called, ‘Reckless,’ & we’ll be dropping it on the deluxe edition of Platinum Fire,” Ray explains to RESPECT. Mag. He also spoke on the upcoming second leg of his tour, “Yeah! We’re hitting a lot of the east coast and southern states. We’re also hitting Canada and just a lot of places. I’m excited to go to Atlanta and of course my home city, Cincinnati. We’re just excited to go to the cities that people really want us in.”

DaniLeigh by @baoweezi

Capping the night off was a special performance from Def Jam artist, DaniLeigh. Having never heard of her music before that night, the Miami native definitely left an impression on me and I’m sure the crowd as a whole, as she effortlessly gave an amazing vocal performance backed by some tranquil dance moves. In all, she was the perfect artist to finish off a special night for G-Shock.

Sean Christian, Arin Ray & Najee Muhammad by @Baoweezi

Thank you to everybody at G-Shock as well as Arin Ray, Najee Muhammad & DaniLeigh. Be sure to keep an eye out for those three names as they progress through the shark infested waters of the music industry.

*All photos taken by @Baoweezi*

The post RESPECT. Recap: Arin Ray, Najee Muhammad & DaniLeigh Connect With G-Shock For an Intimate Performance in Los Angeles appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Arin Ray keeps his Platinum Fire momentum going with his latest — a new music video for album cut “Old School,” which delivers colorful, nostalgic vibes courtesy of director Lauren Dunn. Enjoy the warm clip above.

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Check out the cinematic clip below.

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The post Arin Ray Drops New Visual for “Communication” (Feat. DRAM) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Arin Ray has been on fire with his buzzing single “We Ain’t Homies” that features YG. “Stressin’ singer has been on sold out shows recently in celebration of his album, Platinum Fire, with some amazing artists like SiR, H.E.R. and many more. He previously released his EP, Phases, in 2016 that is a CLASSIC to this day!

With his 14-track album, there is a familiar sample on the track “F**k Y’all” in which you can hear Busta Rhymes as you vibe to the beat. If you haven’t heard of the album yet, it is a classic from beginning to end with non stop vocals and instruments! On the album it has phenomenal features by Ty Dolla $ign, D.R.A.M., Childish Major, SiR and Terrace Martin. The heartthrob is the next wave in R&B with a neo-soul vibe! We caught up with the Los Angeles-based artist and we talked about how the single “We Ain’t Homies” came about, what triggered him to pursue music, the term “Underdogs” means to him, and many more.

RESPECT.: From your recent EP, Phases, up until your first debut album release, what can you say has been the most challenging thing you have done when in the process of making the album?

It was the waiting, putting the finishing touches and putting together the rollout of the album. It was hard making the music and not putting it out. The album has a lot of emotions, and it is easy to come off the record. The process of getting the overall vibe and wanting to know what people think was scary. I want to make the content relatable to the fans.

A post shared by ARIN RAY (@arinraycamp) on Jul 10, 2018 at 11:32am PDT

RESPECT.: What does your album name mean? What do you want your fans to take from this?

I like the name by it’s vibe and it is a mood setting. I like how it sounds and the way it feels. Also, I wanted to go platinum by catching the vibe and color.

RESPECT.: I remember I first heard “We Ain’t Homies,” and knew it was going to be a hit! What was your reaction on how it was blowing up? How did you get YG to be on the track, and what was it like during the process on making the track?

I was surprised because it was the first song to do on the project. I like working the drum patterns and bass, writing the lyrics and actually finishing the song. Most people don’t know that it is two years old! I didn’t think people like it because it had a certain sound. I love the record because of the message of it.

It was easy to get YG on the record. My A&R manager and him grew up together. By the relationship and having mutual respect, that is how it came about. He wanted to be on the record and when he heard it, he laid down his verse.

RESPECT.: Define RESPECT.?

RESPECT. is by being considerate and having a good understanding by interacting with people and the world. You have to speak and act in certain situations.

RESPECT.: What triggered you that music was your passion? Was it because of the birth of your son or the music run in your family or both?

I have done music my whole life. My parents are singers, drummers and producers. I have been making beats and writing songs since I was little. I went to art school and graduated. My son inspired me from my recent album. When I found out I had a son, I was making music. When he son was born, the album was finished.

RESPECT.: I seen that your family is heavily in the music industry, what made you become great in your artistry? What are some challenges along the way that made you get to this point?

It is to learn and do my research and understand what the groove is. I learn everyday by being a student in the game. I want to get a vibe of the original soul back and the power of the mind.

A post shared by ARIN RAY (@arinraycamp) on Aug 13, 2018 at 5:01pm PDT

RESPECT.: I see that you were on tour with some amazing artists. Who are some artists that you would like to collaborate with in going on tour with and also to make music?

H.E.R. was my first tour by doing about 15-tour dates. I did a five-date sold out tour with SiR and the crowd was amazing! I would collaborate with Tame Impala because of the vibes. I would go on tour with Kendrick Lamar because of the musicianship and the stories that are told.

RESPECT.: What does “Underdogs” mean to you?

By being a person that has potential, but being good at some things but not the best at everything. You gotta put in the hours. My hometown wasn’t a music city and didn’t have many opportunities.

RESPECT.: Which song off of the album do you like to perform? Why?

With my band, “Hit Me Up” and “Take” because of the energy and vibe of the song performing live. I like them all honestly. I have performed unreleased song called “Roses” that connects with his fans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym9EJYJPYhI

RESPECT.: What is next for you?

There will be more shows, music and videos. I have a show in Miami on September 15 called Best Life Music Festival at the Coca-Cola Plant.

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The post RESPECT. Interview: Arin Ray appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.