Image credit: Conglomerate

Four of last decade’s musical frontrunners are still creating fire in 2018. In addition to a hilarious Mountain Dew Super Bowl ad campaign, Rap gods Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott have teamed up with Destiny’s Child alum Kelly Rowland for a new single titled “Get It,” which sees production from Bangladesh. The makings of a chart-topping return for all parties involved.

Vibe to Busta’s latest below; “Get It” is officially out tomorrow (February 2nd).

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The post Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott & Kelly Rowland Are Ready To “Get It” 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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Luda is sounding better than he has in some time, and Bangladesh has supplied him the perfect monster to flex over. Enjoy your #IDon’tGiveAFuckFriday.

The post New Music: Ludacris – “I Don’t Give A Fuck” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

It’s that time again! Tapes on tapes on tapes. You’re welcome.

Gucci Mane, Trap Back 2

After acting alongside James Franco and Selena Gomez in Spring Breakers, Gucci Mane is back at the trap. The sequel to Trap Back is enjoyably consistent. There’s boastful Gucci-isms (“That’s your tender, after I hit her / Heard that she broke up with you on Twitter”); bangers with longtime collaborator Zaytoven and Mike Will Made It-approved joints. It’s familiar and Gucci proves that he’s still a two-for-one guy: memorable hooks and rhymes.

Standout Track: “That Pack” feat. Travis Port

Bangladesh, Ponzi Scheme

Without Bangladesh the world would neither have “Lemonade” nor “A Milli” and [a larger] part of the rap community would probably be unaware that a country by the name of Bangladesh even exists. Shondrae Crawford’s mixtape acts as a reinforcement of the super producer’s well-crafted sound. That being said, where Bangladesh encounters problems is in his raps. He’s trying to pull a Hit-Boy and like his GOOD Music counterpart, fails. It’s listenable but the rhymes and delivery feel imitated, and with a few additional listens it’s easier to pinpoint who Bangladesh is emulating. Plus, there’s 30 tracks. Sure, some of them are 30-to-40 second skits but for real, Bangladesh? Was it really necessary?

Standout Track: “My Girl Pu$$y”

Rich Boy, Back To Class

Rich Boy is trying to change his d’s into a’s with mixtape, Back To Class, and he may very well be headed to Trap University. Although 2007 saw the rapper at his prime, he sounds comfortable and confident six years later. Rich Boy’s delivery was always heavy, backed by a staccato flow. So it makes sense that he goes well with present-day trap production. But he showcases moments of being well-rounded too. There’s the Drake-ish “Party”; “Get Dat Doe” and its chopped-and-screwed introduction and the Mike Will Made It-esque melodies of “Break The Pot.” Rich Boy retains what made him popular, while readjusting his flows and beat selection for the times.

Standout track: “Break The Pot”

Harry Fraud, Adrift

What awaits at the end of the dock illustrated on Fraud’s mixtape cover? A sea full of bangers, that’s what. Essentially a compilation album with 10 previously unreleased songs, Adrift captures some of the best and recent Fraud-made tracks. It’s a buffet featuring almost every rapper that is currently popular. Mac Miller, Fat Montana, Danny Brown, Pusha T, Action Bronson, and there’s many more. It’s easy to pick and choose between tracks, which is what Adrift was made for.

Standout track: “Lay Low”

Cap 1, T.R.U. 2 It

T.R.U. 2 It is ferocious, which seems to be implied by the serious-faced lion on the mixtape’s front cover. Cap 1 is relentless but there’s a calmness to his street tales. And even when he’s pulling a Future (“6AM”) he does it in a way that’s not detracting. 2 Chainz appears on various songs on the tape, with his best verse on “Werk.” Such an accompaniment contributes to the tape’s appeal, but Cap 1 does a good job of ensuring his voice dominates on each track.

Standout track: “Werk” feat. 2 Chainz and French Montana

Gudda Gudda, Redrum

An AK-47 and streaks of blood–Redrum is at war. It’s a war centered around establishment, meaning Gudda Gudda’s establishing himself as a rapper worth caring about. And he succeeds. Past releases were often weak and Gudda had yet to find his own voice. However, on Redrum the Young Money MC seems to have finally found something that works. There’s still awkward moments (“Bob Marley”) but there’s progression in Gudda’s delivery. It’s also worth mentioning that he enlisted Jae Millz and Busta Rhymes, two very role models. It shows a certain confidence that Gudda didn’t seem to have before, and that’s refreshing.

Standout track: “Grave Digga”

Nitty, Something To Prove

West Philadelphia MC Nitty proves that he’s worth listening to with this mixtape. Nitty is at his best when he’s describing street tales: “Any nigga slide around that corner getting 30,” says Nitty on “My Side.” It’s a pretty description and makes you wary of ever visiting the Nitty residence. But the rapper can create some great hooks too. “Who Want A Molly” has club potential and “Philly Jawn” booms with earthquake bass and apocalyptic horns. Nitty still has much to prove but this is a tape worth listening to.

You’re welcome.

The post Mixtape Madness #4: Download the Best Mixtapes of This Week appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Producer Bangladesh is the latest beatmaker to step up to the mic with his new single “100.” He enlist the help of some clients Pusha T and Jadakiss to give the record an extra push.

The post Music Video: Bangladesh feat. Pusha T and Jadakiss — “100” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Why not start your Tuesday with a little Weezy?  Lil Wayne dropped a new track, “Put The Light On Me” late last night with a beat courtesy of producer Bangladesh.  The two have collaborated in the past (A Milli) and with their track record this joint is sure to please.  Check it out below.

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