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.

The Lion King (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Image credit: Disney

As you probably know, the super-updated version of the classic film The Lion King is set to hit theaters next Friday Thursday (July 18th). Today, fans get to check out the official soundtrack, features some sangin’ actors and a score courtesy of Hans Zimmer. Included in the 19-track offering: an original cut by Beyoncé titled “Spirit,” and re-imaginings of childhood favorites like “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” (random but necessary shout-out to Elton John).

Check out the new soundtrack below.

Big K.R.I.T. – K.R.I.T. IZ HERE

Image credit: Multi Alumni

I can’t believe that it’s been almost a decade since the release of the groundbreaking K.R.I.T. Wuz Here. This weekend, Big K.R.I.T. decided to provide a proper sequel (?) for that project titled K.R.I.T. IZ HERE — a 19-track body of work that also sees additional appearances from J. Cole, Yella Beezy, Lil Wayne, Saweetie, Rico Love and more. Check it out below.

Blood Orange – Angel’s Pulse

Image credit: Domino

This weekend, Dev Hynes somewhat surprises his fans with a follow-up to the still-rotating Negro Swan. Check out Angel’s Pulse, a 14-track offering with additional appearances from Toro y Moi, Project Pat, Gangsta Boo, Tinashe, Justine Skye and more. He explains:

“My new record is called ‘Angel’s Pulse’ and I performed, produced and mixed the entire thing myself… I’m calling it a mixtape. I have a habit through the years of making records that I just give to friends, or on tape to people on the street, or no one. Usually this material is made directly after the album I’ve just put out. Somewhat of an epilogue to the thing I’ve made before. This time.. I decided to release it… I put as much work and care into it as I do with the albums I’ve released, but for some reason trained myself into not releasing things the rate at which I make them. I’m older now though, and life is unpredictable and terrifying… so here you go mates.”

Check it out below.

Ed Sheeran – No.6 Collaborations Project

Image credit: Asylum UK

“Before I was signed in 2011, I made an EP called No.5 Collaborations Project. Since then, I’ve always wanted to do another, so I started No.6 on my laptop when I was on tour last year… I’m a huge fan of all the artists I’ve collaborated with and it’s been a lot of fun to make.”

You heard the man. Below, Ed Sheeren gifts us with his No.6 Collaborations Project, which sees 15 new tracks and a slew of appearances from Eminem, 50 Cent, H.E.R., Cardi B, Khalid, Young Thug, Meek Mill, Ella Mai, J Hus, Stormzy, PnB Rock and loads more. Press play on the new project, as well as a new visual for the Travis Scott-assisted “Antisocial.”

Elle Varner – Ellevation

Image credit: Entertainment One

Here’s some soulful R&B to add to the mix courtesy of songstress Elle Varner. Check out her new album Ellevation, which clocks in at 9 tracks and sees assistance from Wale (“Pour Me”) and Rapsody (“Wishing Well”). Check it out below.

Master P – I Got The Hook Up 2 Vol. 1

Image credit: No Limit Forever

Master P is back. The man who gave us turn-of-the-century classics like Da Last Don, I’m Bout It and, well…all of No Limit’s classic musical catalog is back with an official sequel for the timeless hood flick I Got the Hook-Up, and fans get to enjoy the soundtrack before its release (UPDATE: The film’s out now). The accompanying compilation sees a slew of dope features: Jeezy, Calboy, E-40, YFN Lucci, DC Young Fly, Fat Boy SSE, Romeo Miller, Silkk The Shocker and more make appearances on the project. Check it out below.

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Image credit: Multi Alumni

Come July 12th, the world will finally get their hands on Big K.R.I.T.‘s forthcoming album K.R.I.T. IZ HERE, which is set to feature 19 new tracks and features from J. Cole, Rico Love, Yella Beezy and more. Today, we get to check out another cut from the project titled “Addiction,” which features assistance from Lil Wayne and Saweetie. The song was premiered via Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 radio show, where K.R.I.T. explains its creation:

“We were actually in L.A. last year. I got in the studio to work with Rico Love. He executive produced the album along with my manager, Dutch. And so Don Corleon did the beat, Rico was vibing and came up with the hook concept. And then it was like a challenge for me, just the different groove, you know what I’m saying, different vibe with the record… We was able to get Wayne on the song, right? And then Rico was in the studio with Sweetie, and then we was able to get her on the record, and then it just became this monster that it is now. And I’m still being my country self, you know what I’m saying? But experimenting with different cadences and ways just come off that people might not be used to, but I’m excited about that.”

Enjoy “Addiction” below and pre-order K.R.I.T. IZ HERE…here.

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Check it out in full below.

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The post Big K.R.I.T. Has a Conversation with his Dad for Father’s Day appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

In addition to a new single and a new album (the latter drops this week), the Mississippi artist and producer has also announced his From The South With Love national tour, which kicks off this September.

Pre-sales begin tomorrow (June 11th; password is ‘multialumni’). Check out the schedule below.

Image credit: Multi Alumni

9/19/19 – Tampa, FL – The Ritz Ybor
9/20/19 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Revolution Live
9/21/19 – Orlando, FL – The Beacham
9/22/19 – Pensacola, FL – Vinyl Music Hall
9/24/19 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
9/26/19 – Austin, TX – Emo’s
9/27/19 – Irving, TX – Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
9/28/19 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
9/29/19 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theatre
10/3/19 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
10/4/19 – Los Angeles, CA – Belasco Theater
10/5/19 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues
10/6/19 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory
10/8/19 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
10/9/19 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
10/11/19 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
10/12/19 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre
10/16/19 – Denver, CO – Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom
10/17/19 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre
10/18/19 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
10/19/19 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
10/22/19 – Indianapolis, IN – Deluxe at Old National Centre
10/23/19 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
10/25/19 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
10/26/19 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave II
10/27/19 – Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall
10/29/19 – Toronto, ON – The Opera House
10/30/19 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
11/1/19 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
11/2/19 – Silver Spring, MD – Fillmore Silver Spring
11/4/19 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts
11/5/19 – New York, NY – Webster Hall
11/7/19 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre
11/8/19 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa
11/9/19 – Charlotte, NC – Fillmore Charlotte
11/10/19 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
11/12/19 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
11/13/19 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City Bham
11/14/19 – Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall
11/15/19 – Jackson, MS – Hal and Mal’s Club
11/16/19 – Atlanta, GA – Coca Cola Roxy

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The post Big K.R.I.T. Announces ‘From The South With Love’ Tour appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

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Aye ya'll, it's been 9 years since I released "K.R.I.T. WUZ HERE," and I got one thing to say, K.R.I.T. IZ HERE! Studio album dropping July 12. It’s time!  #KRITIZHERE #MULTIALUMNI ? Cover Credits: Artwork by @mihailoandic Creative Direction by @stevenothello Photography by @_sig_

A post shared by Big K.R.I.T. (@bigkrit) on Jun 6, 2019 at 4:00pm PDT

Today, he follows that announcement with the new track (and visual for) “K.R.I.T. Here,” which definitely includes a message to the big labels that once held his music for ransom. Check it out below.

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“It’s important more then ever to show the positive energy of life… The coming together of generations and the giving of knowledge. There’s so much power in community and fellowship. I have been blessed to share positive energy with so many people [throughout] my career. Although negativity is everywhere we must feed our souls with the positivity around us.”

Check it out below.

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