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His love for rap-rock fusion has been inspiring him since High School. He was the lead vocalist/rapper in a band called ‘Flint Eastwood’ —the bands ultimate breakup lead to bLAck pARty coming into existence, stylizing it with capital letters to single out “LA” for Los Angeles, where he lives, and “AR” for Arkansas where he was raised. In 2013 he began producing for Kari Faux. The two had met when both were in their mid-teens. Their collaboration, “No Small Talk,” caught the attention of Childish Gambino, who remixed it and featured it on his STN MTN/Kauai mixtape. Which only lead to bLAck pARty inking a deal with the Childish Gambino’s Royalty collective. bLack pARty contributed production to Gambino’s GRAMMY® Award-winning album Awaken, My Love! as well as scores a placement with TV series Dear White People, Insecure, and Atlanta.

His 2019 album Endless Summer is his first release through Wolf + Rothstein and RCA Records. The first single, “No Complaints,” features DMP Jefe, watch it below.

Out of his busy schedule bLack pARty took the time out to catch up with RESPECT MAG about everything from music to his future plans.

RESPECT.: Growing up, what were some of your biggest musical influences?

bLAck pARty: Growing up my biggest influences were Stevie Wonder, India Irie, Nirvana, MF Doom, Kanye West, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Bad Brains, Zro I came across a lot of music being around the different people in my life. I also grew up in the internet age when music became much easier to access.

RESPECT.: So congratulations on signing with Childish Gambino’s label! How did that happen?

bLAck pARty: Thank you! I actually connected to Childish Gambino back in 2014 when I was mostly doing production for Kari Faux, we had made this song & video “No Small Talk” that went viral and through that I ended up connecting with one of Gambino’s business partner’s Fam, Kari allowed Gambino to remix the record and we built a working relationship since.

RESPECT.: How did your first conversation with Childish Gambino go?

bLAck pARty: I don’t remember exactly, but I remember it was the day his Sway interview dropped so it was mostly conversations about that and conversations about rap music in general. I’m a huge supporter of underground rap, so I remember showing him some of the underground rap groups coming out of Atlanta at that time.

RESPECT.: You also produced on his Award-winning album, “Awaken, My Love!” how did that happen? What was that process like?

bLAck pARty: That actually came about because I had moved to Los Angeles around the same time he was working on “Awaken, My Love!” We always talk about music so it started off from me just being in the studio giving feedback to doing background vocals and some drum programming. It was an interesting experience that I feel I learned a lot from. It was actually the first major album I worked on and being able to be around some of the most talented musicians in the business was a blessing.

RESPECT.: So you write, produce, and engineer and do vocals? Which one is your favourite and why?

bLAck pARty: I’d say my favourite is probably producing because it’s the more creative and fun job. It allows you to think outside of the box and make something that resonates without actually using language.What I’ve learned from playing in places outside of the US is even if the people don’t necessarily speak my language they can still get with the rhythm of the beats and even catch on to the lyrics if they’re simple enough.

RESPECT.: Do you play any instruments? Regardless, what is your favourite instrument and why?

bLAck pARty: Yes, I play whatever I can figure out. If i were to pick a favourite I would say guitar. I always find it easy to write songs with just a guitar. Also a large majority of my favourite artists play guitar: Lauryn Hill, D’angelo, Prince, Kurt Cobain, India Irie, Amy Winehouse- all guitarists!

RESPECT.: Tell us about your song “Dancing”. What are some of the themes found in that Track?

bLAck pARty: Dancing for me was a record that originally was up as a demo, over time it was revamped to be more groovy. I wanted to make something that felt like a day party going into the night time. When it came to video the director [Dylan McGale] and I wanted to play off of one of my favourite movies, KIDS, and one of my favourite music videos, “Frontin” by the Neptunes. I’ve been skating since I was young, and skateboarding and music go hand in hand, so I had to show love to the skaters.

RESPECT.: How do you feel after having your music placed on Insecure?

bLAck pARty: Shout out’s to Issa ! It feels incredible. I have a lot of people tell me they found out about my music through watching Insecure. I actually watch the show so it’s kinda wild to hear my music on there.

RESPECT.: Complex described your sound as a retro sound that could fit nicely into rotation if it came out in the ’70s yet still feels fresh for 2019. Do you agree?

bLAck pARty: Yes. I think the 70’s was one of the more interesting times in music. I’m definitely inspired by that era in music and I listen to more older records than I listen to newer music. The thing though is taking that inspiration and bringing into the present or the future.

RESPECT.: What was that moment in your life that you realised you wanted to be a serious musician? Like this was it for you.

bLAck pARty: When I was 13 I knew for certain I was going to make music. I remember watching videos online of Kanye, Alchemist, The Neptunes, Madlib, making beats and rapping and I decided that’s what I wanted to do: make music and have fun.

RESPECT.: Who are you looking forward to working with the most in the industry?

bLAck pARty: It would be dope to work with legends like Al Green, Patrice Rushen, Erykah Badu…

Photo Credit: Manny Singh

RESPECT.: If I was to see your playlist right now what would I find?

bLAck pARty: You would find Fela Kuti, Amy Winehouse, Al Green, Sza, Khruangbin…I just like to hear something with a lil soul or funk in it

RESPECT.: Tell us about your 5 goals in 2020

bLAck pARty: My only goals are to continue to get better as a person and as a creative.

Follow bLAck pARty on instagram to keep up with all his updates.

All Photos by Manny Singh.

The post RESPECT. Interview: Childish Gambino’s signee bLAck pARty talks Future & Past appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The Lion King (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Image credit: Disney

As you probably know, the super-updated version of the classic film The Lion King is set to hit theaters next Friday Thursday (July 18th). Today, fans get to check out the official soundtrack, features some sangin’ actors and a score courtesy of Hans Zimmer. Included in the 19-track offering: an original cut by Beyoncé titled “Spirit,” and re-imaginings of childhood favorites like “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” (random but necessary shout-out to Elton John).

Check out the new soundtrack below.

Big K.R.I.T. – K.R.I.T. IZ HERE

Image credit: Multi Alumni

I can’t believe that it’s been almost a decade since the release of the groundbreaking K.R.I.T. Wuz Here. This weekend, Big K.R.I.T. decided to provide a proper sequel (?) for that project titled K.R.I.T. IZ HERE — a 19-track body of work that also sees additional appearances from J. Cole, Yella Beezy, Lil Wayne, Saweetie, Rico Love and more. Check it out below.

Blood Orange – Angel’s Pulse

Image credit: Domino

This weekend, Dev Hynes somewhat surprises his fans with a follow-up to the still-rotating Negro Swan. Check out Angel’s Pulse, a 14-track offering with additional appearances from Toro y Moi, Project Pat, Gangsta Boo, Tinashe, Justine Skye and more. He explains:

“My new record is called ‘Angel’s Pulse’ and I performed, produced and mixed the entire thing myself… I’m calling it a mixtape. I have a habit through the years of making records that I just give to friends, or on tape to people on the street, or no one. Usually this material is made directly after the album I’ve just put out. Somewhat of an epilogue to the thing I’ve made before. This time.. I decided to release it… I put as much work and care into it as I do with the albums I’ve released, but for some reason trained myself into not releasing things the rate at which I make them. I’m older now though, and life is unpredictable and terrifying… so here you go mates.”

Check it out below.

Ed Sheeran – No.6 Collaborations Project

Image credit: Asylum UK

“Before I was signed in 2011, I made an EP called No.5 Collaborations Project. Since then, I’ve always wanted to do another, so I started No.6 on my laptop when I was on tour last year… I’m a huge fan of all the artists I’ve collaborated with and it’s been a lot of fun to make.”

You heard the man. Below, Ed Sheeren gifts us with his No.6 Collaborations Project, which sees 15 new tracks and a slew of appearances from Eminem, 50 Cent, H.E.R., Cardi B, Khalid, Young Thug, Meek Mill, Ella Mai, J Hus, Stormzy, PnB Rock and loads more. Press play on the new project, as well as a new visual for the Travis Scott-assisted “Antisocial.”

Elle Varner – Ellevation

Image credit: Entertainment One

Here’s some soulful R&B to add to the mix courtesy of songstress Elle Varner. Check out her new album Ellevation, which clocks in at 9 tracks and sees assistance from Wale (“Pour Me”) and Rapsody (“Wishing Well”). Check it out below.

Master P – I Got The Hook Up 2 Vol. 1

Image credit: No Limit Forever

Master P is back. The man who gave us turn-of-the-century classics like Da Last Don, I’m Bout It and, well…all of No Limit’s classic musical catalog is back with an official sequel for the timeless hood flick I Got the Hook-Up, and fans get to enjoy the soundtrack before its release (UPDATE: The film’s out now). The accompanying compilation sees a slew of dope features: Jeezy, Calboy, E-40, YFN Lucci, DC Young Fly, Fat Boy SSE, Romeo Miller, Silkk The Shocker and more make appearances on the project. Check it out below.

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The post NEW ALBUM FRIDAY: ‘Lion King’, Big K.R.I.T., Blood Orange & More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

It all goes down April 26th and 27th at FedEx Field. Check out the flyer below and stay connected via Broccoli City’s official website (where tickets are expected to go live this Friday).

Image credit: Broccoli City

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The post Childish Gambino & Lil Wayne Announced as Headliners for Broccoli City Festival 2019 appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Even as the Summer comes to a close, Childish Gambino‘s still providing the perfect visuals for the season. His latest (above) is an animated take on “Feels Like Summer” (one of two drops delivered with that theme back in July), which sees Mr. Glover walking through a neighborhood while everyone in the Hip-Hop stratosphere interact around him. Drake, Future, Kanye West, J. Cole, Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, 21 Savage, Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, Ty Dolla $ign, A$AP Rocky, Lil Pump, Trippie Redd, Chance The Rapper, Jaden Smith, Kodak Black, KiD CuDi, Soulja Boy, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, Gucci Mane, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Diddy, Chris Brown, Wiz Khalifa, Jay-Z, 2 Chainz, Meek Mill, Lil Wayne, Pusha T, OutKast and way too many others all make an appearance in the warm visual, which Childish directed alongside Ivan Dixon and Greg Sharp. Expect to play this one multiple times looking to find everyone included.

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The post Childish Gambino’s New Animated Video Definitely “Feels Like Summer” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Image credit: Childish Gambino/RCA

I’m going to be honest here: while Donald Glover/Childish Gambino‘s more-commercial fanbase probably love “Awaken, My Love!”, I find myself more drawn to his Hip-Hop side (ie. much of Because The Internet)…while I do dig the soulful vibes, I’d rather have them in smaller doses alongside Childish’s bars. I’ve definitely been heavily debated over this.

So, when “This Is America” came out, I was hype to hear more dark, socially-charged tunes from him — which is why I’m slightly disappointed that Gambino’s new Summer Pack (below) features two songs you’d probably listen to in a cabana while sipping a Mai Tai. I shrug at it, but you’ll probably love it.

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The post Childish Gambino Drops Off a Two-Song ‘Summer Pack’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Check it all out above. Perhaps a real-deal SZA/Childish collab is still in the works?

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The post SZA Drops New Visual for “Garden” (Co-Starring Donald Glover) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.