In the midst of overnight stardom and trendy waves we real hip-hop fans yearn for a refreshing, authentic sound that offers longevity, and most importantly trust. Niko Is may just have what you’re looking for. Though born in Rio de Janeiro and currently grounded in Orlando, Florida, pin pointing his sound is impossible. Respectable [versatility] is an understatement when discussing his music, which we’ve been able to observe for the past few years since he hit the scene.

2012’s Chill Cosby release was seemingly Niko’s take off, with an acclaimed response and help from Talib Kweli‘s Javotti Media. Action Bronson made a guest appearance on “Steffi Graf”, which certainly excelled our attention to the forefront. This release was absolutely album quality. Multiple renowned media platforms took notice, and soon after it was merely impossible not to see something about Niko Is featured with online hip-hop publications. With that being said, he was just dipping his feet in the water, and nationwide fans would begin to flock.

It’s only right that we highlight Niko Is’ producer-of-choice, and friend, Thanks Joey. They’ve been rocking records together since their early high-school years, and the chemistry is undeniably bold. There really is no arguing that they compliment one another. Close, consistent work as an emcee-producer duo, or a few man production team, is something that we don’t see enough of in 2015. This is not to put him in a box with just his Colours Of The Culture team, because Niko has done records with a handful of other producers and the quality is just as dope.

During the recording of Chill Cosby and Good Blood, Niko Is was simultaneously working on his long awaited, acclaimed Brutus album. Keeping it brief, the Lp is released alongside Javotti Media and some of the features include Talib Kweli and Kool A.D. Production credit goes to Thanks Joey, who definitely destroyed the boards and gave his all to this collection. Despite his loose, free spirited approach on the mic, a track like “Nobody’s Watching” reminds you he can display much deeper content, where staying honest and true to yourself surrounds the message. Other tracks like “Vamoose” and “We Know” pull you back to the feel-good, left to right head swaying side, while still offering relevant content. Niko Is solely reflects his everyday life in a poetic, loose and energetic manner. In an interview with Straight Fresh, Niko states:

My name, being called NIKO IS, is pretty much an ongoing invitation to discover who I am.

Talib Kweli took notice a while back and it has been a wrap since, with Niko now being Javotti Media’s staple artist more or less. Kweli’s vision and inspiration for Javotti is amazingly, “A platform for independent thinkers and doers. A home for those who are driven by passion and vision. A place for us and those like us.” He continues to give back to this culture any way he can, and this movement is one to be reckoned with. You get nothing but quality from Javotti Media, with a roster also consisting of Res and Corymo. Keep up with everything they’re putting out and be sure to support such a beautiful movement. This is much deeper than music, and very necessary.

Okay, so we got the point across and hopefully opened you up a bit to Niko Is and his music. But what about live performances? How’s his stage presence? Do know he does not come up short for the crowd. The reviews from his live performance are beautiful, as he is currently on tour with Talib Kweli, Immortal Technique, Constant Flow and Hasan Salaam. The tour will end mid-April, but be sure to catch them in a city near you if you live on the east coast as they head north from now til then.

Be sure to visit the official Niko Is website for purchase links and more album information. Peace and love.

The post Niko Is: Gaining Hip-Hop’s Trust Alongside Talib Kweli’s Promising Javotti Media appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

T.I. and Iggy Azalea jet off to Brazil in the video for their latest collaboration on “No Mediocre.” T.I. just released the song on Monday and the Grand Hustle general is moving full steam ahead with the visuals to gear up for the release of his album Paperwork in September. Tip hangs out in beautiful Brazil while being surrounded by super bad woman everywhere he goes. Iggy struts her stuff and oozes sex appeal, dressed in colorful ensembles throughout the scenic Director X video. Check it out below.

The post New Video: T.I. feat. Iggy Azalea – “No Mediocre” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Nick Walker

Nick Walker is currently in South America working on the walls of Sao Paolo, Brazil. The British stencil artist produced two new pieces which feature his anarchical alter ego, “The Bowler-Hatted Vandal”.

Nick Walker

Ludo

Ludo produces another one of his monochromatic murals with a hint of nature in the urban environment of Ivry Sur Seine, France. This piece is entitled “Greatful Dead.”

 Nychos

Nychos is now in Windsor, Canada for the Free For All Walls project. The artist, known for his anatomical, surrealistic pieces, produced a mural exposing the anatomy of a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Pixel Pancho

Pixel Pancho is currently in Los Angeles where he produced two pieces. The artist loves exploring the relationship between nature and his character.

Pixel Pancho feat. Chase

Fintan Magee

Fintan Magee is now in Brisbane, where he just completed this new piece. His use of the floor as an extension of his piece creates the sense that his mural lacks boundaries, extending everywhere.

INTI

INTI is now back in Central Europe, where he just completed this new piece in Eindhoven, Netherlands. The artist is currently in town for the Step In The Arena Festival where he  painted one of his signature mystical characters.

Deih

Deih keeps on tearing through the streets of his hometown, Valencia, with yet another new offering to the local pedestrians. Fascinated by the strangeness of life, the artist produces an original character in a surreal setting.

The post Street Art: Best Of The Week appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Rafael a.k.a. Silks is a Brazilian graffiti artist from São Paulo City. The artist’s hectic work was birthed by the loneliness that pervaded his childhood. Silks work, though often inspired by this singular feeling, is never homogenous. Affected by the urban textures from the city which vary with time, his dense work is an unending trail of colors, that intersects between macro and micro schools of art.

From the walls to the canvas, Silks uses a consistent technique involving layering.

The post Street Art: Sliks – How To Fight Loneliness appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Brazilian street artist Zeh Palito recently produced new murals in Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil. His latest work is about to propel him to a spot amongst some of the strongest international street artists.The 26-year old started tagging in 2001 and painted countless walls from Argentina to South Korea. Palito layers paint onto his walls, with each layer telling part of the fantasy.

Zeh Palito’s work is about creating a positive cycle of equality between man, nature and animals. He generates strong energies by developing visual mythologies that send his viewers into a parallel futuristic universe that celebrates vitality and dynamism. His ability to draw from astrological figures is captivating. His organic abstractions are reminiscent of a trip at to the Planetarium.

The post Street Art: Zeh Palito, Creating Visual Mythology appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Mats, a pivotal figure in the Brazilian street art scene, has been working in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Surrounded by graffiti and pixadores (a kind of graffiti born in Sao Paolo in the ’60s) he slowly began to leave  his figures around the neighborhood. Note how bold and colorful his characters are; they have a lot of aesthetic similarities to graffiti lettering.

The post Street Art: Mats Combines Characters with Lettering appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Milo Tchais is a Brazilian street artist based in London. His whimsical outburst of colors lay on the grey urban walls throughout Europe and South America. In a search for artistic freedom Tchais puts emphasis on the role of nature and it’s essential value in the detailing on his works on the streets or on canvas. He allows his viewer to wonder into a fairy-tale like jolly universe where nature and the urban world meet. “Any truthful art or illuminating process comes through and or for the awakening and expansion of consciousness,” he says.

Some of his pieces is reminiscent of Chile street artist Charqui Punk.

Via Street Art London

The post Street Art: Milo Tchais Awakens and Expands Consciousness appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.