Ohgeesy (left), Fenix (middle), and Master Kato (right) of Shoreline Mafia. Photo taken by Miguel Crespo for RESPECT.

Shoreline Mafia is a Los Angeles rap group who has found their success climbing at a ridiculous rate. Founding members Fenix and Ohgeesy became friends in high school and created the collective, later adding Master Kato and Rob Vicious. Most of the group’s production is handled by Ron Ron The Producer. 

The group caught the attention of Atlantic Records thanks to its breakout hit “Musty” from the 2017 debut mixtape, ShorelineDoThatSh*t. Their recent project, Traplantic, is creating a buzz just as strong. They recently kicked off the, Only The Xclusives tour, that has multiple sold out appearances already. You can purchase tickets to a show near you here. 

We sat down with Shorline Mafia and spoke with them about their come up in the industry and what the future holds.

How did you get your start in the music industry? 

Fenix: We Met our manager, TK. We visited Atlantic and a couple other places but we ended up signing with Atlantic.

How did you come up with the group name, Shorline Mafia? 

Fenix: We’re the wave. We’re the wave and the wave starts at the shorline. 

How did you meet each other? 

Ohgeesy: Me and Fenix met through graffiti and sh*t in high school. Then my homie that’s like my brother, he’s locked up right now, introduced me to Kato. Then Fenix moved to Midtown and that’s where he met Rob at. We all linked up and we been family ever since, you feel me? 

You dropped a couple projects this year. The last one in July. Since then, how has the feedback been?

Fenix: Good feedback. Sh*t has been jumping. ShorlineDoThatSh*T is still doing numbers. Traplantic is going crazy. Got that new single “Bands” off Traplantic going crazy. Got a video for it coming soon, you know what I’m saying? Sh*t is lit.

What was the first song you put out that blew up?

Fenix: “Musty.” This song “Musty” we got for sure.

Who are some of your musical influences? What made you start to want to making music?

Fenix: Some of my musical influences would be like, Master Kato, Ohgeesy and Rob. I was listening to their mixtapes when I was a little kid. That sh*t was fire.

Kato: I’m not going to lie, shoutout Wiz Khalifa, bro. He made me want to rap. His sh*t is cool. He was doing  that sh*t.

Ohgeesy: Man, shoutout everybody. Wiz, Curren$y, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, The whole Swishahouse, Boosie, Three 6 Mafia, everybody really. I fu*k with everything. 

Have you come across any difficult situations in the music industry? What can you say has been the most challenging thing so far?

Fenix: Keeping all the bit*hes away from us.

As artists, what are your goals aiming towards 2019? 

Ohgeesy: Getting plaques and being one of the biggest groups in the world, you feel me? Being a staple in Hip Hop. Leaving a mark. The same way our favorite artists left a mark on our brain, you know? We want to do the same sh* t for the next generation after us.

Any new music, projects or upcoming shows to look forward to? 

Kato: New album, November.

Fenix: We got a tour starting on September 7th. It’s about to go up. It’s a bout a month long. Then we got the album coming in November. A crazy as* album with all different sh*t. All bangers. People not ready for it but yeah, November it’s going up.

2018 has been a huge year for Shoreline Mafia. What does the future look like and what’s next for you? 

Kato: Big racks.

Ohgeesy: This next album is about to drop. More money. Big racks. We’re just going to keep getting bigger and bigger, you feel me? Soon we’ll build a mother fuc*king enterprise, you feel me? We’re going to be one of the biggest fu*king things ever. The album is going to drop and the whole world is going to fu*k with us. 

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The post RESPECT. Interview: Shoreline Mafia Talks Meeting Each Other, New Album And Upcoming Tour appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Atlantic Records recently promoted music industry veteran Mar Brown to Senior VP of Urban Radio Promotion, after just two years as the VP of Urban Radio Promotion. The respected industry executive has wasted no time in utilizing his expertise and creative wit to help lead the charge in making Atlantic one of the nations top record labels for urban radio airplay in 2015.

Brown takes his leadership role seriously and says he’s learned from some of the best in the business on how to create success in every position he’s held. “I have personal relationships with the artists I work with. I protect them and they appreciate that,” says the Los Angeles native. “I’ve learned from my mentors that being a great leader requires being able to cater to everyone’s personality. They have to believe that you’re going to take them where they’ve never been before. It’s about leading by example. Plan the work and work the plan.”

He credits his mentors Juliette Jones (EVP Atlantic Records), John Platt (CEO Warner Chapell), and Mark Boyd (former Music Executive) for showing him the ropes in the industry early on.  As the new Senior VP, Brown oversees and cultivates effective methods to build relationships between urban radio stations across the country with the label’s artists. He’s currently working closely with Atlantic artists Wiz Khalifa, K. Michelle, Kevin Gates and Ty Dolla $ign to name a few.

Brown began his illustrious career in the industry 17 years ago as the West Coast Regional/National Mix Show rep of Radio Promotion at Virgin Records before landing the VP of Rap Promotion/National Mix Show Promotion at Interscope Records.  Brown then took the helm of Sr. National/Head of Mix Show Radio Promotion at Warner Brothers Records in 2012 and was then promoted to VP of Urban Radio Promotion of Atlantic Records in early 2014.  Brown has played a significant role in landing numerous #1 hit records on the Urban Radio Charts for notable artists including Wiz Khalifa, Omarion, Meek Mill, Wale, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, The Game, French Montana, Mary J. Blige,  and Janet Jackson.

The post Atlantic Records Promotes Mar Brown to Senior VP of Urban Radio Promotion appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

You may not be familiar with the name but Chicago vocalist PJ is music’s  brightest, rising star. Earlier this year, she was featured on Lupe Fiasco‘s ambitious Tetsuo & Youth, has written for the likes of Wiz Khalifa and joined Atlantic Records as their newest signee back in March. However, while her resume is impressive the burgeoning talent isn’t ready to slow down anytime soon.

Her latest offering “Say” is a testament to her well-crafted songwriting ability. Over the Key Wane-production, PJ shares her frustration with life’s hurdles. From a draining job to a break-up, the Chi-town native unloads some unshakable melodies into this low-key ballad. The Lupe assisted track also features a memorable 16 from the veteran rapper.

Vibe out to “Say” below and stay tuned for PJ’s forthcoming project, “Rare,” a follow up to her debut EP Walking Around Pools.

The post New Music: PJ Feat. Lupe Fiasco – “Say” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Atlanta’s own Kap G returns to the e-streets with his new mixtape, Real Migo Sh*t 3. Hosted by DJ Dynamite, the third installment in his successful mixtape series features a dozen tracks including the previously released “La Policia (Remix),” which led to an appearance on CNN to speak to Don Lemon about police brutality. Guest appearances and production come from a strong group featuring Ca$h Out, T.I., David Banner, Paul Wall, Young Chop, Trailer Park Legend, Go Grizzly, and others. “La Policia (Remix),” “El Chapo,” “Feeling Like The Sh*t,” and “St. Patricks Day” are essential listens that showcase the Atlantic Records signee’s skill at crafting catchy anthems with replay value. With a nice cameo in the summer hit movie DOPE and a new strong collection of music, 2015 has been a strong year for Kap and will likely get better.

The post Kap G Releases New Mixtape, ‘Real Migo Sh*t 3’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The post Stream Kyndall’s “Still Down” EP + “Playing Games” Video appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Things have been extremely hectic for Dyme–A–Duzin. The Brooklyn-bred MC is busy promoting his new album, Hip Hope, & continuing to propel his career to a higher plateau. Already signed to Atlantic Records & an endorsement by Puma to help boost his brand, he’s been heavily touring and performing with anyone you can mention. Aside from headlining shows at SOB’s, SXSW shows, and performing for Power 105.1, he’s also fresh off the plane from Atlanta after rocking a couple shows for the A3C Festival; sharing the stage with acts such as 2 Chainz, Vic Mensa, MMG’s Rockie Fresh and many more.
With every project that comes out, the Brooklynite MC has also been busy cultivating his brand and expanding musically. Every project has increasingly been much more organized sonically, lyrically raising the bar and continuously outdoing all of his past projects. Now we have the pleasure of sitting down with Dyme-A-Duzin to get his personal opinion on the truth behind being a signed artist, his opinion of where hip hop needs to go and what he seeks to attain through music in the long run.

RESPECT. Mag: Peace to you Dymez! How’s life been after the release of your latest hip hop album, Hip Hope and how have the fans been reacting to it?
‘Hip Hope’ has definitely been a milestone in my career. I feel like it’s the best project I’ve released. The fans love it and all have their own favorites. I’m also gaining new fans everyday from it. The buzz is building.

What were your intentions for Hip Hope?
I made ‘Hip Hope’ to contribute good music to the culture. Especially for New York City. Hip hop started here and I feel like we lack identity these days. I wanted to stand up for NYC hip hop. Create something innovative & nostalgic all at the same time. I see the release as the beginning of the movement.

Your video in promotion for the album “Body On Me (remix)” has been catching a lot of steam. How did you hook up with Casey Veggies to collaborate on it?
Casey & I both performed at SXSW this year. I performed the original version at the Nice Kicks showcase. After the show he expressed how much he liked the record. A few days later I sent him the track & the rest was history.

What can you let us know about the upcoming video “The Real Swank” and the message behind the record?
The concept of “The Real Swank” was something I created in high school. ‘Swank’ is a mindset. Someone with ‘Swank’ has a sense of class, style & luxuriousness regardless of their status. There are people out there that try to claim the term as their own but don’t represent themselves in that way. I’m just letting them know who the original ‘Swank’ is.

We see that along with big names, you also choose to include artists like Wati Heru and Surf Club’s Adrian Lau on Hip Hope. What’s your relationship like with the New York hip hop scene? 
I don’t really concern myself with what the “popular” acts out of NY are doing. I’ve tried to play the friendly supportive role but that’s ended up backfiring. I’m focused on myself, the ‘Hip Hope’ movement and the true stars coming out of NY that are looking for a shot. We’ll be the New New York hip hop scene.

Already with a signing to Atlantic Records, endorsement from Puma and shows all over the world at such a young age, what do you think is next for you in your career?
I want to do a tour for the album. I’m looking to get on the radio. And I definitely want to collaborate with artists all over. I just want to keep making good music & performing. Performing is one of my favorite things to do.

What do you think hip hop is missing to help push it forward to new grounds?
We need more artist to think outside of the box instead of trying to do what they think will get them a quick buck.

Many tend to underestimate just how much hard work and consistency is needed to be a hip hop artist. What’s one thing you know now that you were blind to a couple years prior?
Labels don’t do it all for you. If you don’t grind they won’t move. Don’t think signing to a label is the end to all your problems.

For any who haven’t heard of Dyme-A-Duzin and are blind to your movement, what would you say to them about your music that makes you worth checking out?
A breath of fresh air. A honest perspective from a young BK creative trying to push the envelope in hip hop. Lyrics, concepts, melodies and flow. Songs.

What’s been your proudest moment in your career thus far?
My proudest moment would probably be opening up for Erykah Badu & The Roots. As well as Mos Def & Talib Kweli. These artist have had such an impact on my life growing up. It was an honor to perform on the same stage.

Is there anything that you regret in your career thus far? and Why.
No regrets.

How far do you want to take it? At what point in your career will you sit back and say, “I’ve accomplished everything I set out to do from the beginning?”
I plan to continuously evolve and expand. I’m just gonna obey God and do whatever I was called here to do. There are no limits.

Any closing comments?
Download ‘Hip Hope’ now! It’s good music. IamDyme.com! Thank you to all my supporters. Much love to Radamiz & RESPECT. Mag.

Be sure to stay updated on anything Dyme-a-Duzin by checking the website and following his Twitter @DymeADuzin. Brooklyn’s on the rise!

The post Interview: Dyme-A-Duzin Talks ‘Hip Hope,’ Atlantic Records & More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Wondering why there has not been a release date for Tetsuo & Youth? Well, Lupe Fiasco took to his Instagram to reveal that Atlantic Records is holding up the process. Apparently, the record label, which has had problems with Lupe in the past, will not give the green light to release the album until the rapper drops a pop-friendly single. So in the meantime, Lupe plans to release a mixtape entitled Lost in the Atlantic Ocean. Before he deleted the post, Lupe stated:

“ATLANTIC RECORDS won’t release the album until they get a “pop” single…so putting together a mini-project while they find one for me. It’s called “Lost In The Atlantic Ocean” with a bunch of my friends to stay active and happy…this a snippet called “Lilies” feat Sirah produced by The Buchannons…finishing today…”

Be on the look out for more updates and check out the “Lilies” snippet below.

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#HaileSelassie Soundtrakk & Nikki & Lu #LostInTheAtlantic

The post News: Lupe Fiasco to Release “Lost in the Atlantic Ocean” Mixtape appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

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