To be associate editor of SLAM magazine at age 23 was one thing — an incredible thrill and a job I felt lucky to have (thank you, DP and Tony G.!), but one that I also felt I’d worked toward, having treated basketball fandom as a part-time job since I was 10 years old and having been paid to cover the sport for several years already. I’d also read SLAM since its very first issue dropped in 1994. But to inherit the same title at XXL — a rising hip-hop publication suddenly led by a gifted leader in the space, Sheena Lester — felt like a true gift. I was a basketball journalist but still very much a hip-hop fan. In a way, though, one prepared me for the other. As the XXL staff prepared for the Great Day and began to track who was going to show up on 126th Street, excitement mounted. Slick Rick is going to be there? Scarface?! Tribe?! The freakin’ Wu-Tang Clan?! I was going to be in the presence of artists I’d bumped in dorm rooms and cars, seen in concerts but never been, you know, face to face with. But I had my SLAM experience to lean on. SLAM had already sent me to numerous games to do countless interviews — I had even been in the Chicago Bulls’ locker room during the ’98 NBA Finals a couple months earlier. So I had learned … no autographs. No geeking out. Keep it professional! So when September 29 rolled around, and interacting with these amazing rappers face to face was my job — literally, Datwon Thomas and I were tasked with shooting Polaroids and getting signed releases from every single artist who came through — I was able to keep my cool. Except when Rakim showed up..

—Ben Osborne

Photos by Ben Osborne © iD8 Studios

More From Ben Osborne:

“I found these negatives of these photos years after taking them and barely remember just how vibrant the colors were that afternoon. Of course I remember the day, and I know I played a big role — that day and especially producing the issue — but to see this personal photo I took when my work was done, years after the fact, is an incredibly strong reminder that I was right there. Gives me goosebumps, to be honest.” 

–Ben Osborne

The post Hip-Hop’s Greatest Day — In Living Color by Ben Osborne appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: Truth Ali

California based Hip Hop artist Truth Ali has dropped off the PREMIERE of his latest visual for his “Wait A Minute” single. Having been compared to the likes of Eminem, Techn9ne, Ludacris, Busta
Rhymes, Twista and 2 Pac,  his raw creativity is relentless. As someone who prides themself on being real and authentic, he shows the world why he is the next big act coming out the west coast. His quick tongue and vicious bars are two elements of this release that take Truth Ali’s talent to new heights.

In this visual you will see the emcee dressed in an almost all black ensemble with a black background, conveying his seriousness. As he spits some of his heaviest bars, the California native comes correct, and hard. With a rapidly growing fan base this visual is exactly what a real hip hop lover is looking for. The man and woman moving in unison as silhouettes are really nice to touch an impressive body fo work.

Truth Ali does a great job bridging conscious lyrics over a booming thriving melody. Some bars that stand out the most on this song are “all I’m fearing is God, no longer afraid of my own strength, y’all ain’t wasting my time ain’t no refunding on that shit”. His on camera charisma and high energy delivery, gives him an edge over the other newcomers looking to shake up the music business.

The post RESPECT. Premiere: Truth Ali Releases “Wait A Minute” Visual appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Now, those two worlds come together, as Rah, O.T., Rampage, Trillian, J-Doe, Murda Mook, Baby Sham, Spliff Star, Prayah and Aaron Cooks land on the same track…not only that, Flipmode look to be dropping a comeback album in the future. In the meantime, you can check out “Flipmode Squad Meets The Conglomerate” below.

[SIDENOTE: Where’s Lord Have Mercy?]

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The post Busta Rhymes Brings The Conglomerate Together with Flipmode Squad for Massive Posse Cut appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The Legends Fest: Hip Hop Edition

Hip-hop legend Scarface will be joined by some of hip-hop’s most honorable artists from the 80s and 90s, including KRS-One, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shante, and DJ Quik.

Chicago’s own, Twista, known for his chopper-style of rapping and chart-topping hits, performs in his hometown alongside hip-hop icons to cover fan-favorites and take concert-goers on a trip down memory lane.

Performances by the reigning queens of hip-hop, Roxanne Shante, MC Lyte, and Shawnna, will shut down the building with their legendary hits for the real hip hop lovers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi_SbrsjCMZ/?hl=en&taken-by=mclyte

About The Legends Fest:

The Legends Fest is an annual event that honors music’s greatest icons. Past headliners include Busta Rhymes, Brandy, Monica, G-Unit, Da Brat, and many more.

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The post Scarface, KRS-One, MC Lyte and More are Headed to Chicago for the 2018 Legends Fest: Hip Hop Edition appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Image credit: Island/Universal

Call me crazy, but I feel like there’s already been a slew of “Mans Not Hot” remixes — like this heatrock — since it’s gone viral. Nonetheless, here’s another one: comedian Michael Dapaah (aka Big Shaq) is back in roadman mode, this time connecting with New York legend Busta Rhymes (who performed this last year, I believe)…check that out below.

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The post Busta Rhymes Jumps on Big Shaq’s “Mans Not Hot” Remix appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Image credit: Conglomerate

Four of last decade’s musical frontrunners are still creating fire in 2018. In addition to a hilarious Mountain Dew Super Bowl ad campaign, Rap gods Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott have teamed up with Destiny’s Child alum Kelly Rowland for a new single titled “Get It,” which sees production from Bangladesh. The makings of a chart-topping return for all parties involved.

Vibe to Busta’s latest below; “Get It” is officially out tomorrow (February 2nd).

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The post Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott & Kelly Rowland Are Ready To “Get It” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Busta Rhymes. Photo Credit: Hip Hop Golden Age

Hit after hit, Busta Rhymes’ influence on hip hop and pop culture has stood the test of time! Busta Bust checked in with me and shared his most memorable Christmas gift: a 6 piece remo drum set.

Check out Busta Rhymes and Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson’s chat about this memorable gift!

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The post Scoop B: Busta Rhymes says his favorite Christmas gift was a 6-piece Remo drum set appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.