By: Isaiah Smithsonian

No stranger to bright lights, multi talented singer, actor and model Isaiah Smithsonian known as Yotta on BET’s series Tales is gradually carving out his lane in the entertainment industry, and isn’t showing signs of letting up any time soon. Favoring the likes of Chris Brown, Khalid and Babyface the sultry voice singer gives credit to music pioneers like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Sam Cooke for providing stylistic inspiration behind his uniquely crafted sound.

His latest visual “Blessings” has gained nearly 250k views on Youtube and is on heavy rotation on BET’s Soul and R&B music network. As it showcases Soul, R&B and Neo Soul music from various decades this release is right on time for the songster. He does an excellent job of creating a song that displays his deep musical talent and his desire to remain humble throughout his success. You will see him on camera consoling an on camera love interest in a gentlemen like fashion. As the beautiful woman goes from crying to smiling it is clear that Smithsonian has a way with the ladies.

With great music, and budding acting career, and rising fanbase Isaiah Smithsonian is one his way to becoming a certified superstar! Be sure to check out his “Blessings” video below and tap into some dope vibes today.

The post Artist And Rising Actor Isaiah Smithsonian Is Humble In “Blessings” Visual appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

We’ve all heard the stories of record labels and the ups and downs being contracted with one may cause.  Here and now BET network is taking us all behind the scenes of some of the greats.  Tonight, May 17th at 8:00 ET and 9:00 ET make sure to tune into the first part of the eight-episode-docs-series.  Uptown Records is the first up in the spotlight to dig into all the dirt, good and bad with a Part I and Part II episode of the journey.  Some of Hip Hop’s most iconic labels will be featured  in the eight-week series for one-hour long like, Grand Hustle, Loud Records, Slip-N-Slide, Terror Squad, Ruff Ryders, Disturbing Tha Peace (DTP), and Murder Inc.  

Founder, Andre Harrell will be among the industry insiders like, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and Guy’s Teddy Riley and Damion Hall giving they’re unique takes on Uptown’s success, legacy, and so much more.  We can expect to see some never-before-seen footage in an up close, first-person narrative kinda way.  The series is executive produced by A. Smith & Co. Productions and DTP co-founders Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Bridges’ manager Chaka Zulu, and Jeff Dixon.

“The dreams and visions; the successes and failures … we want young aspiring entrepreneurs to have a blueprint as to what really goes on in this business and understand how much work it takes,” says DTP’s Dixon of the inspiration behind the series. “We [as African-Americans] also want to document our own history, especially in this industry. This is like our natural resource. No one can tell these stories like us.”

According to Billboard, these are some of the other power players that will be “playing” in each episode of Inside the Label:

Uptown Records: Andre Harrell, Diddy, Jay Z, Mary J. Blige, Babyface, Teddy Riley, Damion Hall, Brett Ratner, Laurieann Gibson, Robin Thicke, Sanaa Lathan, Doug E. Fresh, Al B. Sure, Eddie F, Kim Porter, Father MC, Jeff Redd and Monifah.

Grand Hustle: T.I., Jason Geter, Young Dro, Kevin Liles, Lil Duval, Killer Mike, DJ Toomp and B.O.B.

Loud Records: Steve Rifkind, RZA, Xzibit and E-Swift.

Slip-N-Slide Records: Ted Lucas, Rick Ross, Trick Daddy, Trina and DJ Khaled.

Terror Squad: Fat Joe, DJ Khaled, Noreaga, Cool & Dre and Jesse Terrero.

Ruff Ryders: Joaquin Dean, Darren Dean, Chivon Dean, Swizz Beatz, Eve, The Lox, Irv Gotti, Drag On, DJ Clue, DJ Kool Herc, Lyor Cohen and Jimmy Iovine.

Disturbing Tha Peace: Ludacris, Chaka Zulu, Jeff Dixon, Chingy, Bobby Valentino, Shareefa, Lil Scrappy, Bangladesh, Lil Fate, I-20 and Poon Daddy.

Murder Inc.: Irv Gotti, Ashanti, Ja Rule, Jay-Z, Charlie Baltimore, Kevin Liles and Lyor Cohen.

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The post BET Network Takes us ‘Inside the Label’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Coming back on the music scene after a 20-year hiatus, R&B trio After 7 is keeping things strictly soulful on their new single, “I Want You.”  Produced by Babyface and Daryl Simmons, the group is, “taking every diamond, pearl, and precious stone,” they have to contend with the present-day playing field of R&B. With plans to release a new project in 2016, After 7 is making their rounds to familiarize a new audience with their sound.

Listen to after 7’s new song, “I Want You” below:

The post New Music: After 7 – “I Want You” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.