Paterson, NJ’s Ran Reed first broke ground in the mid ‘90s. After building a substantial catalog under the tutelage of his fellow Garden State beatsmith/deejay, Nick Wiz (Rawkus Records, Rakim), the talented emcee/producer would eventually drop a retrospective greatest hits of sorts, in the form of Respect the Architect. Although this project wasn’t released until January of 2012, via No Sleep Recordings, it makes one wonder if his full potential has yet to be realized. Well it seems as if that’s all about to change as Reed gets set to drop a barrage of hay-makers in promotion of a forthcoming, full length effort.

Although a release date or title have yet to be determined, that hasn’t stopped the Silk City native from wetting our appetites with a taste of what’s to come. This ors d’oeuvres of sorts comes in the form of “Gun Boy Anthem,” which features the lyrical pandemonium of none other than Hip-Hop’s first family, M.O.P. Reed’s electrifying synths and racing drums welcomes his laid back, albeit menacing, flow that sets the stage for the reckless abandonment of Lil Fame and Billy Danze. If this is what we can expect on his album than it’s going to be a cold winter, better bundle up. Hit that play button below!

The post New Music: Ran Reed Feat. M.O.P – “Gun Boy Interlude” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

“We did not want to make this a record label because most record labels have a similar sound. Once a record label flops and the sound is over – the artists flop. So, we went and found everything from traditional hip-hop to pop music. Basically any playlist in the world we want to have music on each and everyone. These artists with We Build Hits are actually talented and I am in direct connection with them everyday, so I see the talent daily. We believe in each and every artist here.”

There’s no arguing Billy Danze‘s stripes, patented sound and most importantly [RESPECT.] when mentioning hip-hop. 2000’s “Ante Up” still gets senior citizens and toddlers riled up. What do you get when the veteran handpicks a wide collection of artists to represent a movement? You guessed right – fire. ‘We Got It All Vol. 1’ is one for your digital collection – trust. “I have not heard any record from these cats that I didn’t like” Billy confidently states over Dj Spot‘s murderous, and almost addictive, intro cut. To avoid a confusingly fluffy review that we see published left and right, lets allow the music draw your own review:

‘We Got It All Vol. 1’ is as blunt and truthful as its title; they have it all. From Reign Major‘s roll-up-to, laid back “Best Thing Yet” to Tona‘s brutally honest “Lost”, this mix covers a lot of ground. How can you be mad at that? It’s more or less equivalent to throwing your iPod on shuffle, with trust that all 16 records will satisfy. Dj Spot did what he does best on the wheels, and blessed us with smooth transitions and quality mixing. We Got It All sort of echoes and gives an early Dj Clue or J-Love vibe when first listening front to back. We all love Clue and J-Love, come on. Billy Danze stated:

“Spot is one of those dudes that’s serious about hip-hop and knows how important it is to help spread it out. I’ve heard about him through the years and wanted to work with him a some level. So with both of our passions for the music of yesterday and today I felt it was only right to hook up and together start setting up the artists of tomorrow.”

Predominantly based in the states, We Build Hits has had success with their previous collaborative releases and moves. But what makes the “record company” special is the access of material per artist. They all do their own thing under this loose, respectful umbrella that Billy has crafted carefully. The freedom is profound, and it’s refreshing to see this small army do what they love while remaining drama/scheme free. After speaking with Billy on a few occasions about the company we can start to wrap our heads around the vision and the expectations moving forward. On a closing note, we hope all you real hip-hop junkies and good music fans enjoy the release. Be sure to download the project and support the team. Peace and love.

Reign Major | Tona | Money Mark | Demorne Warren (D-Dub) | Eyeznpowa | Ronve | Caktuz | Lucci Loner

(All interview segments with RESPECT. Magazine’s Dread Solo – special thanks and many blessings to Devron from We Build Hits and Russia’s own Dj Spot)

The post M.O.P.’s Billy Danze Is Back Alongside His Relentless Team Of Emcees With ‘We Got It All Vol. 1’ (Free Stream/Download) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Billy Danze (M.O.P.) is arguably rocking with some of the hottest up-and-coming and lasting emcees on his We Build Hits roster; state to state and out of the country. We Build Hits artists are setting it off properly with the legendary Dj DooWop on this eight minute old school hip-hop excursion. Short introductions to each verse emulating the Ruff Ryders’ 2000 classic “WW3” was a good twist here, as we can all reflect how much we loved that record.

One thing we can all admire about Billy Danze‘s movement here is the artistic freedom in which he allows each artist to obtain and work with. In a more recent interview with Dread Solo he specifically noted the freedom aspect and how important that was to him, and the artists.

Getting into description on each artists verse is unnecessary, as the track speaks on its own. Nonetheless, Los Angeles’ Reign Major sets it off over BDP‘s “The Bridge is Over“, jumping into Tona‘s verse which canvases Black Moon’s 1993 classic “How Many MC’S”. By this point if you are not convinced, or sold, on We Build Hits as a movement, you may consider re-evaluating your standards. Philadelphia’s promising emcee Lucci Loner closes out over Pete Rock‘s “T.R.O.Y.”. Be sure to keep up with each artist on an individual basis, as they are all making pretty major moves separately as well as a collective with Billy Danze’s blueprint in effect.

Reign Major | Tona | Money Mark | Demorne Warren (D-Dub) | Eyeznpowa | Ronve | Caktuz | Lucci Loner

The post New Music: Dj DooWop & We Build Hits Freestyle appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

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Tona returns with the new single “Long Winded Road” alongside Adam Bomb over this smooth, slightly dreamy production from his Naturally Born Strangers roadie Rich Kidd. This is the first released single, as well as the first visual, off the upcoming CARPE DIEM record. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Tona is the standout emcee within the We Build Hits movement, supplying listeners with honest lyricism and raw deliveries.

Dread Solo recently exchanged some dialogue with Billy Danze (of the legendary M.O.P.), and discussed his We Build Hits movement in detail. “Right now we currently have seven artists from all over. We did not want to make this a record label because most record labels have a similar sound. Once a record label flops and the sound is over – the artists flop. So, we went and found everything from traditional hip-hop to pop music. Basically any playlist in the world we want to have music on each and everyone. These artists with We Build Hits are actually talented and I am in direct connection with them every day, so I see the talent daily. We believe in each and every artist here.”

CARPE DIEM is set to be released on March 2, 2015 and will be available everywhere. Be sure to get your copy and stay up on Tona – this cat is making noise and running with one of the hottest up-and-coming camps in hip-hop. Real hip-hop heads will appreciate him if they don’t already.

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