Surpassing the expectations of a standard “remix” in 2016, Brooklyn’s Dj Skizz offers an oversized fixing for all hip-hop heads with this one. Let’s take a moment and reflect on how potent Cormega & Large Professor‘s ‘Mega Philosophy’ LP was in 2014. If you missed it, we highly recommend you getting your hands on it today. Anyway, “Industry” was a stand out record for many off of the album.

With a healthy list of commendable production credits, rock solid releases and an evident, pure work ethic, it’s no surprise Skizz would go above and beyond with this one – or anything he touches for that matter. As you can see above, he brought along some seasoned veterans and staples to paint his refined canvas. Could we ask for a better line-up of emcees to discuss such a heavy topic? Probably not.

That’s enough out of us. Enjoy the record – we are sure you will. Peace and love!

Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud

The post Dj Skizz Remixes Cormega’s “Industry” And Brought Along A Few Seasoned Veterans appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo: Jeff Otero

There’s no denying that Black Rob has experienced almost every high and low possible– on and off of the mic. From early successes alongside Bad Boy Records to multiple prison sentences, the New York native is far from done. Of course “Whoa!” still gets necks snapping and crowds moving, yes, but Rob is back with all new material and seemingly more focused then ever. With the new Genuine Article record set to be released this coming Tuesday (4/21) fans should expect nothing short of honesty, gritty lyrics and that signature east coast sound we all love. Do expect refreshing production from a solid line-up and features from the likes of Sean Price, Tek and more. Be sure to keep up with him on Twitter and place your pre-order now. Catch our interview with Black Rob below!

Just the other day you stopped up at Sway In The Morning and discussed your latest health issues in detail. It’s great to see you back on your feet and doing what’s necessary to battle this. After the stroke and series of unfortunate events how would you say you’ve been dealing with this?

It’s been hell, man. I beat it already, but you know – I’m maintaining. It’s a good thing to keep this in check, man, because you know I got work to do. We got this album coming out and I have to be ready you know what I mean?

Let’s get right into that. The title of the record, Genuine Article, strikes a few questions. Can you discuss the title a little bit for us?

Yeah man, basically I titled it that because that’s who I am. Everything I say is true. You know, I try to keep it fair and let people know what’s going on. This game ain’t what you think it is. Brothers are out here telling lies. People want to know what truth is. I don’t have time for that lying stuff. I’m always trying to bring the truth, and that’s it.

Fans certainly know Black Rob for always keeping it real on records, dating back to your debut in ’99. There’s no arguing that one.

And that’s it man. The first two albums really banged out. Some people were out there cranking it up, and some apparently missed it. It’s all good. I just try to capitalize off of the truth.

Some heads might forget the stripes you’ve earned throughout your career. You’ve been doing this hip-hop thing for some time now, and have some thick history with Puff and other amazing milestones.

For sure – I definitely feel like I have some stripes. All the other brothers before me were really nice, man. I’m grateful for all of that.

You mention all the others before you. While we’re on the subject, who were some of Black Rob’s biggest influences coming onto the scene as far as music goes?

Awe man, so many to name. Most definitely B.I.G. and Tupac. They were a big influence to get it done for sure. L.O.X. are another one for sure, you know. They’ve helped me out a lot – big up to them. There’s a lot more too that helped me get started.

On the new album you have a joint called “You Need That Real Ish” alongside Sean Price and Tek. We were real excited to see this collaboration. The track has a crazy 90’s vibe, which is refreshing for the real hip-hop heads.

Yeah man, that’s the family. They’ve been really good to me and put me down when I couldn’t find a deal. They put me down and let me go off, so I big them up for that too. We are good friends and we all still come off with the same type of music. They’re real, too, you know what I mean? That’s really all I’m trying to do now – deal with the real people and keep my career going.

What are your thoughts on the current state of hip-hop?

There’s a lot of fruity dudes out here now, man. I don’t want to name any specifics, but we know. On the flip side there are a lot of young brothers coming out and really trying to do something for themselves – like Troy Ave for example. It’s really all about rapping and just telling the truth, you know? And keeping the crowd amplified. That fake shit don’t last too long.

I’m sure fans are curious what you listen to on your own time. What is Black Rob listening to right now?

I listen to the real cats that get it on, man. Sadat X right now – Brand Nubian always kept it real. Shout out to Sadat X. And Busta Rhymes. You know, dudes like that.

On a closing note, what should fans be expecting from you after this album drops? Do you have any tours lined up, spot dates, dope features, etc.?

We have the album release show on Tuesday night, which should be real live (see flyer below). Also, we have the reality series The Come Back Kings alongside Ed Lover, Mr. Cheeks and more coming soon, so be sure to keep up with all of that as well. We are looking forward to this album and the worlds response. Thank you for your time and God Bless.

Peace and love. Extra thanks to Jackie O.

The post Black Rob On New ‘Genuine Article’ Lp, Recent Health Issues, Brand Nubian & More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Moving forward from their successful debut, Jersey’s own El Da Sensei and Tame One needed no introduction three years later. But “Art Of Scratch” still opened up album with a raw, neck snapping introduction to the crew anyway. “Who’s this? The knotty headed terror and the sensei.”. By this point Between a Rock and a Hard Place (1994) swarmed the underground and built trust in all hip-hop fans. Their music has graffiti writers, b-boys and anyone immersed in the culture sold. Many call that record a classic, and there’s honestly no arguing that. How about their sophomore That’s Them?

Though not as critically acclaimed as the groups first record, this album falls far from short. Us real hip-hop junkies are not too interested in album sales and chart rankings; we are looking for quality and substance, which this album certainly obtains. Tame and El stayed true to their craft here and gave us what we expected from them following the debut – head nodding, raw underground boom-bap. The album has features from the likes of Lord Jamar, Showbiz, Da Beatminerz and other notable artists on and off the microphone. Covering all grounds and giving us the Artifacts sound we all loved in 1997, That’s Them is now eighteen years of age and still relevant.

Don’t sleep on their recent moves, either. As a group they’ve been crushing venues pretty often, which RESPECT. Magazine‘s Dread Solo had the pleasure of catching back in Philadelphia alongside Ras Kass and company. El Da Sensei has recently announced his upcoming XL release, and we heard he brought on some heavy hitters. “It’s gonna be beats, bars and Lo all over this album. Whatever you’re expecting – it’s going to exceed that!” Keep up with the release and everything going down in 2015. But while you wait check out the 1997 visual for “The Ultimate” below. Peace and love.

The post Artifacts’ Sophomore LP ‘That’s Them’ Turns 18 Today appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Founded in 1986, SummerStage was created “in the spirit of Central Park’s original purpose- to serve as a free public resource to help enrich the lives of New Yorkers.” Over the years, it has been a public platform for great art, presenting a dynamic range of music, film, and performance, including dance, poetry, and comedy. This year, SummerStage’s “This is Hip-Hop” series boasts an impressive roster of hip-hop’s founding fathers and greats like Rakim and Big Daddy Kane who performed in June, The Jungle Brothers who will appear on August, 6, as well as some of the godfathers of production, such as Marley Marl, Pete Rock, and DJ Premier, who are performing toward the end of summer. There is certainly something here for everyone; dance performances, film screenings, DJ sets, and concerts abound.

Below is a curated list of the remaining “This is Hip-Hop” series’ events from the SummerStage calendar.

7.21.2013 | 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Queensbridge Park DJ D-Nice/25th Anniversary of “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka”

7.28.2013 | 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Central Park Pete Rock & CL Smooth/Brand Nubian

7.31.2013 | 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Central Park World Premier of “RSC Ghetto Made” Rock Steady Dance Crew Celebration

8.6.2013 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem The Jungle Brothers/Zhigge 

8.8.2013 | 10:30 am – 11:30 am | Queensbridge Park Illstyle & Peace Productions 

8.9.2013 | 10:30 am – 11:30 am | Bloomingdale Park Illstyle & Peace Productions

8.11.2013 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm |Marcus Garvey Park Illstyle & Peace Productions/ Robbi K/ DJ Set by Stormin’ Norman/ Sweet Billy & The Zooloos

8.10.2013 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Central Park “Hip-Hop Turns 40” DJ Kool Herc and Cindy Campbell

8.10.2013 | 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Central Park DJ Kool Herc and Special Guests

8.11.2013 | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm | 5Pointz  Back To The Roots-DJ Kool Herc at 5Pointz Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Hip-Hop

8.26.2013 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm |East River Park “Wild Style 30th Anniversary Celebration”

8.27.2013 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm |East River Park Pete Rock vs. DJ Premier

All the listed performaces are free of charge and accessible to all ages. For additional events in a range of genres and media, take a look at the full SummerStage calendar here.

Incidentally, many members of the RESPECT. staff will be attending the Quadron and Lianne La Havas show on July 27. See you there?

The post Concerts: NYC SummerStage’s “This is Hip-Hop” Series appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Pete Rock’s DJing set, which included timeless hits by A Tribe Called Quest and Mobb Deep, suddenly came to halt. Once in a while, technical issues can mire a live performance. Faulty microphones or speakers blowing out are just some of the difficulties that can cause a lull in the show.  Last Thursday night at Hip-Hop History Live, it was the turntables. So while Pete Rock fiddled with the cords to restore any type of sound, owner Marcus Linial of the Canal Room appeared on stage to speak about the significance of bringing together historical MCs.

Younger and older admirers gathered to the Canal Room, which all appreciated the nightclub’s milestone of reaching eight years since its renovation. From the music mecca Shine to the Canal Room, it has become one of Manhattan’s go-to destinations for a sensory overload of music and a lively scene. Performers, Nice & Smooth, Brand Nubian and Pete Rock & CL Smooth, headlined the night and are considered some of hip-hop’s most revered artists.

(Brand Nubian – From Left to Right: DJ Alamo, Sadat X, Lord Jamar & Grand Puba)

These were the guys that helped birth the lifestyle and feel of early ‘90s hip-hop and they had the rhymes to back it up. Just listening to every verse, their legacies carried through samples and borrowed lyrics in later songs, showed they have influenced many. In celebration of the Canal Room’s achievement, they were bringing the flavor of 1990 that can heat up any winter night.

Nice & Smooth, consisting of Greg Nice and Smooth B, took the stage first and performed a longer set than planned. Nice joked that they were scheduled to perform for 20 minutes. Of course, they provided enough material that kept the crowd mesmerized with their funky rhymes. “Me and Smooth come from the era of MCs.” Nice yelled, as he hopped into the crowd. “We ain’t rappers, rappers wrap gifts.”

The duo weren’t just MCs, they were veterans. Nice & Smooth opened with “How To Flow” and brought along backup dancers to show off some throwback dance moves.  “No Delayin’” displayed the dynamic of these two, feeding off the atmosphere of the room by emphasizing every punchline with powerful back vocals.

After Nice danced with a few fans in the audience, he maneuvered his way to the VIP section. To watch two performers continue on with their set, even at opposite ends, proved that they weren’t just your run-of-the-mill rappers. First and foremost, they were entertainers, often lighting up the mood with humorous comments about beepers returning from the grave, reminiscing about their blunt smoking habits and using the profit from this show to “pay a light bill.” (Good one, Nice.) Their performance was a showcase of how classic artists keep playing their music to replenish the soul.

(For an old school refresher check out T.R.O.Y. by Pete Rock & CL Smooth)

Brand Nubian, the group made up of Sadat X, Grand Puba and Lord Jamar, were next to perform. Shouts of “It’s who?  Brand Nubian!” by Sadat X, continued the back and forth connection between the crowd. Known for their politically-charged content, the group gathered some of their greatest hits to perform. “The Return,” “What’s The 411?” “Love Me or Leave Me Alone” and “360 Degrees” amped up the energy for the whole night. Together with Pete Rock  and a whole crew behind them sharing the spotlight (and a couple of drinks), Brand Nubian made it known that they were leaders of the old school just having some fun.

Maybe it was the fact that both Nice & Smooth and Brand Nubian performed longer playlists, but Pete Rock & CL Smooth did a very tight six-song set. Either way, the duo from Mt. Vernon further illustrated why they were a part of hip-hop’s rich history. CL wore a menacing scowl nearly every time he laid down some bars, while Pete Rock encouraged him with his signature ad-libs. The duo jumped into  “The Creator” and “One In A Million.”  There wasn’t one person in the room that didn’t know the lyrics, as indicated by CL pointing the mic to the crowd.

(CL Smooth performs T.R.O.Y.)

When CL serenaded the female fans with “Its A Love Thing,” it set off a string of shrills.  Although, he knew what everybody wanted to hear them perform, the single that has been covered many times,“They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y).” Paying respects to fallen troops, Pete Rock was all smiles as he paused for a minute before playing the familiar saxophone and bass sample. CL let the crowd recall the song’s acknowledgment of family members and lost ones before retaking over his MC duties.

Even if you wanted to compare these legends with today’s up-and-coming artists, the answer is probably the same. There are old school purists that will tell you that this type of hip-hop trumps anything. Others will say the newer generation is leading the hip-hop game and taking it to another level. But Hip-Hop History Live tells us this: Its MCs like Nice & Smooth, Brand Nubian and Pete Rock & CL Smooth that are passing the torch to the younger generation. Call old school real hip-hop or call new school the next wave. But on this night, these guys were the ones that created history.

(Peace, Beats and Respect from the Legendary Pete Rock)

Photography by Far Fetched Future. Catch more flicks from the night here.

The post Concert Review: Hip-Hop History Live at Canal Room appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.