By: Drew Mac

Singer and professional vocalist Drew Mac has released a new single titled “Dreamin”. As he is known for pushing societal boundaries and living in his truth, he does not disappoint. His original sound and boldness comes full circle on this release.

This pop/rock inspired tune showcases Mac’s  brilliance and creativity in a different way. To give his fans a taste of how he is is feeling visually, the California native followed up this release with a dope visual. Directed by Mykhailo Dolgin, this video is a work of art imaginable only in your dreams.

His ability to infuse love, heartbreak, addiction and sobriety into a song, is most impressive. You will hear Mac singing about knowing his worth while fighting against what his heart and mind wants. His pure vocals mixed with his deep lyrical content, makes this single his best work to date. The original sound that carries throughout, is heavily influenced by David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Britney Spears and New Order.

Press play below, to stream Drew Mac’s “Dreamin” single.

The post Drew Mac Releases Latest Material “Dreamin” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Royce The 5’9 checks in with Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson on Scoop B Radio Overtime. Photo Credit: Shyrone Haskins

Man, I remember the first time I caught on to Royce da’ 5’9″

It was my junior year of high school and I wasn’t allowed to watch music videos on MTV or BET.

So, what’s a guy to do? I did it anyway!

My mom would tell me she was going to check the bottom of the cable box and see if it was hot when she came home from work. So, naturally, I found the cheat code. I ran the cold water in the kitched sink until it got extra cold, then I got a sponge and cooled the cable box. By the time my mom came home, the cable box was cooled and was left the way it was when everyone left for school and work that morning.

Why are these details important, you ask? This set the stage for the formative years of my hearing Royce da 5’9’s music.

Well, I clearly remember coming home from school and checking out the music video for Rock With Me.

That song, Royce’s, also featured Eminem. I’d been sold on Eminem since he appeared on the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards and marched into the entrance of Radio City Music Hall with a ton of Eminem look-a-likes.

In turn, Eminem shook Carson Daly’s hand and left Fred Durst hanging while rapping to the hit, “The Real Slim Shady.”

Now that I’ve bored you, I say all of that to say that I thought Royce was talented in Rock With Me and the collaboration of he and Eminem meant the world to me back then.As talented a lyricist that Royce is, one would wonder who else he repects lyrically.

In a recent conversation on Scoop B Radio Overtime, Royce da’ 5’9 broke it down for me. “Biggie, Jay-Z, and Nas were in terms of albums were the first albums that I was able to appreciate from a technical, lyrical, standpoint,” Royce da’ 5’9″ told me on Scoop B Radio Overtime.

Royce da” 5’9 Checks In With Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson On Scoop B Radio

“I’ve always been influenced by Redman, Ras Kass, the Helter Skelter album was a big album in my household. D.O.C. is a criminally slept on emcee out of the west coast. I think had he not had that accident he shoots to top three easily, Big L.”

Big L??  Yup Big L, Harlem’s finest! He’s very underrated. Royce thinks so too. “Criminally underrated,” Royce da’ 5’9 said.

“I think Big L was better than Jay-Z at that time, just in my opinion. Let me know if y’all disagree because we can argue.”

Nope, we’re saying nothing. 

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Solange Knowles

Solange  wore an over-sized suit composed of a glittering black pants and a matching tuxedo jacket from H&M.

Alexandra Shipp

The actress wore a Falguni & Shane Peacock fall 2014 dress composed of sheer materials with embroidery and a delicate beaded work.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus wore Alexandre Vauthier. This year, the singer did not want people to talk about her because of her outfit, her signature tongue/smile or her twerking skills. Instead, she wanted to use the platform she was given to talk about an important cause.  After her highly talked-about performance from last year, Cyrus discovered the she had a voice and people were paying close attention to what she had to say. Below is a video of her explaining what she had in mind for the night.

Here is the memorable acceptance speech given by Jesse, a homeless man, who went on stage for Miley Cyrus. If you want to support the cause, click: here

Miley Cyrus – Wins Video Of The Year – VMA’s 2014 by IdolxMuzic

Jennifer Lopez

J.Lo  went for a slick and shiny look last night. Wearing a revealing and elegant Charbel Zoe dress  she proved that when it comes to the VMAs, she can do no wrong.

Chanel Iman

The model looked like she freshly stepped off the runway last night on the red carpet. She was wearing a Balmain dress and Casadei heels.

Katy Perry & RiFF RaFF

RiFF RaFF and Katy Perry were undoubtedly embodied the VMA spirit last night. The two wore a Versace Couture denim outfit inspired by Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake‘s 28th Annual American Music Award outfit from 2001. “WE’RE GOIN FOR DA BEST WORST DRESSED TODAY #THISISHOWWEDOVMAS,” tweeted Perry earlier on Sunday. “I must admit my outfit is a result of my love for nostalgia and my tumblr addiction #THISISHOWWEDOVMAS,” she continues.

The outfits were perfectly tailored and showcased how the musical couple does it: loud, fun and memorable. Britney herself was a fan of the look. She messaged Perry saying: “Just when I thought the denim dress had retired….you bring it back! You looked amazing tonight bb.”

Which was your favorite look of the night?

The post Shine Bright: The 2014 Video Music Award Best Dressed appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Looks like Iggy Azalea stole a page from Britney Spear‘s “Toxic” video. A video was recently released from an older song Azalea had recorded with a label record she was almost signed to. In the video, Iggy Azalea is dressed as a flight attendant as she dances and sings to the camera. Not only does she look like Britney in the video but she also similarly uses auto-tuned. Iggy is playing the pop-star card as much as she can, but we prefer her rapping. “Nothing Like Me” certainly looks nothing like Iggy.

The post There Is Nothing Like Iggy Azalea’s “Nothing Like Me” Video appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The Mike Jones spirit will always be alive in rap. The latest iteration comes courtesy of rap duo A.Dd+, who hail from Dallas. Rapping over hypnotic and twinkly production from DJ Burn One, Slim Gravy and Paris Pershun describe their journeys and their initial doubters, who are conveniently coming around at the same time they are blowing up. It’s a familiar story in rap and in the arts in general, but A.Dd+ breathe some new life into it. More than just observing how people have changed, they command these shifty folks to fuck off. They also use their flows to bring out the nuances of the beat. Listen below.

And check out some of their older stuff, like this song which plays with the melody of Britney Spears‘ “Toxic.”

(via The Fader)

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