Photo by @CoachTev

What happens when you put a hungry young cub with little experience against a bitter old Lion with infinite knowledge but no filter? You get moments – and memes – like this, this and this. A couple of days ago, contemporary Hip-Hop punching bag, Lil’ Yachty & established old-head Joe Budden — & I guess DJ(?) Akademiks? – squared off on Complex’s brilliant new daily show, Everyday Struggle. After going back and forth online due to some comments made by Joe on earlier episodes, the two decided it would be not only beneficial but entertaining to meet in person—in front of the cameras. Throughout the episode, we saw the two rappers mostly debate on topics like Yachty’s impact, competition between he and his peers and probably the most meme-worthy, the “Happy Debate.”

Perhaps the most important part of the interview, though, had to be Lil’ Yachty stating that not only was he ignorant to if he was currently in a “360” deal, but that he wasn’t sure what kind of deal that was…. Like at all. This incited a VERY concerned response from Joe – granted it was draped in fury – about how Yachty should be more in tune with how his business is being handled. Entertaining would be the understatement of the century in terms of chronicling the rest of the interview, but beneficial can’t even begin to describe how lucky Yachty was to hear this. YES, I said it. Yachty was lucky that Joe was speaking to him like this, because obviously, nobody else is.

Now, the man is 19-years-old, two years removed from serving Big Macs in Atlanta and currently on top of the world; HE IS GOOD…. For now. As he said, Budden isn’t worried about 19-year-old Yachty, he’s more worried about 35-year-old Yachty and his family—and it’s good that somebody is. Ironically, the only boast that Budden could seem to prod from the ultra-humble – media trained – Yachty was him saying that he does better business than his contemporaries. On the surface, I agree with him. Target and Sprite are ginormous looks, and last I checked they weren’t looking to be endorsed by somebody who will, “pull up on you and tie your kids up.” But that’s all onthe surface. All of the commercials in the world don’t mean anything if you’re not getting your FAIR cut. Remember this Yachty, and every other aspiring rapper who reads this column: Without you, there’s no us. Know your worth.

Check out this week’s With All Due RESPECT. featuring buzzing Private Club rapper Rossi Rock, North Carolina’s Caterpillar Jones, Dave B and more.

Photo by @ashoka_kdm

Ashoka – “No Stress”

Philly native Ashoka checks in and makes his second appearance on the WADR list after last year’s, “For You.” with his infectious new single, “No Stress.” Staying true to the song title, “No Stress” follows Ashoka letting go of a chick who is obviously coming with more baggage than he bargained for. “Okay your dad never call that’s enough to deal with/ now I don’t call either that’s some over kill shit/ that combination can’t make you feel the prettiest,” raps Ashoka on the third and final verse, creating a sense of remorse for the girl he’s letting go. Musically, the song showcases Ashoka’s best qualities; songwriting, vocal transitions and choice of beats. While many other current rappers are opting for the more trap-influenced sound with drugged out melodies and heavy synths; the Philly native instead opts for a looped sample and some sporadic hi-hats that compliment his flow perfectly. In short, the song is the perfect track to decompose to. Check out, “No Stress” below.

Photo by @davebspacebot

Dave B – “Kandi”

Coming in next on the list is Seattle native Dave B and his wavy, almost acidic new single, “Kandi.” Throughout the beginning of the track, Dave sticks true to most of the elements that are popular in today’s landscape. His uber quick rhyme schemes — “Smoke a lil, drink a lil, keep you on the offence/ sniff a lil ‘fore you go and grab a nigga coffee” — set to a synth heavy backdrop highlight what has the potential to make the Soulection affiliate one of the more popular artists in 2018 and beyond. My favorite part of the track, though, has to be how effectively Dave protrays his bitterness. He seamlessly transitions from resentful to remorseful, while simataneously switching from cold blooded lyracist, to somebody with enough vocal range to ingite Bilal flashbacks. Couple that type of indecisive creative artistry with the dusty, Soulquarious–inspired drums on the hook and you have what could be an unsung canditate to blow up this summer. With the backing of Soulection meshed with tracks like this, it’s only a matter of time before the Seattle native gets his due dilligence. Peep, “Kandi” below.

Photo by @CoachTev

Coach Tev – “Flight Change (Feat. Jay Luse & Cambino)”

I’ll go ahead and say it, Dallas native Coach Tev will be the breakout artist of 4th quarter 2017. After releasing some of my favorite Soundcloud music of 2016 in, “Lefty“, “Chrissy’s Interlude” and “Midnight Cruiser“; Coach returns again with the introspective, yet very relatable single, “Flight Change.” Sticking to his pattoned tranquil flow and easy-to-rock-to beat choices, Tev reminds me of a southern Dom Kennedy with more lyrical ability. His smooth cadence on this track about “fly-outs” gone wrong and disappointments is the exact kinda of relavent social commentary that I belive will endear Tev to the masses. If “Chrissy’s Interlude” served as the story of Tev meeting his dream chick and bagging her, and “Midnight Crusier” saw Tev explore the idea of leaving said woman who just wasn’t on his level, then “Flight Change” has to be the beginning of a new chapter. One where he opts for a woman abroad as opposed to one of the locals. In all, the track sets up a solid buzz and excitement for his upcoming project, I Fell In Love With My Mistress, which is sure to be filled with raw, emotionally charged raps with a smooth twist. Check out, “Flight Change” below and get hip to the Texas native.

Photo by Chris Gonzo

Rossi Rock – “Tell Me (Feat. 24hrs)”

If you follow this publication or my writing at all then by now you’re well aware of Rossi Rock, the San Diego native making huge waves in the scene right now. If this is your first time reading about him, well you’re in for a treat, and there’s no better introduction than his new single, “Tell Me” featuring 24hrs. Set to the backdrop of what can only be described as a nostalgic, late 80’s R&B tribute with modern twist; “Tell Me” is one of Rossi best records to date and a complete flex of his lyrical abilities. Mostly known for his melodic bangers like, “That’s My Lady” and his Bodega Bamz assisted, “Suav City II“, Rock opts instead for the more slowed down, drugged out style with a romantic twist. If you’re a new Rossi fan, 24’s auto-tune heavy hook and Rossi’s smooth cadence will intrigue you to dig deeper into his catalog. If you’re a seasoned fan, lyrics like, “drive through the city getting bop on the 8, girl I get around like Tupac in a way,” will arouse, “Never Sure” vibes and nostalgia from his Agassi tape. The track comes off of the TanBoys affliliate’s new EP, Pony, and serves as what could be a springboard to mainstream success for Private Club Record’s newest signee. Check out, “Tell Me” below and be sure to peep Pony, out now.

Photo by @ACreativeLoser

Caterpillar Jones – “Testosterone (Feat. Ali Superb)”

Music is a beautiful thing in this world, let me tell you. The way some of these artists express themselves in ways that I know are probably killing their soul inside, is nothing short of remarkable. I remember one time, leaving this girl’s house at 4:30 in the morning after doing… well whatever you do at somebody’s house at 4:30. During the drive home, I allowed my music to play on shuffle and ironically, Future‘s “My Collection” came on and I instantly felt like the coolest cat this side of the Mississippi. After what had just happened, I knew that I would most likely never see ol’ girl again, so I vibed out as hard as possible to lyrics like, “even if I hit you once you part of my collection.” The strange thing, though, is if you get past the easily-to-relate-to chorus, the verses are filled with sadness, angst and an overall depressive tone that could ruin anybody’s high. That’s the true mark of an artist though, make me feel good even when you aren’t. North Carolina’s Caterpillar Jones showcases that exactly quality on, “Testosterone.” To be frank, if you’ve ever been scummy in a relationship before, it won’t be hard to connect to this track. “Testosterone” is a two-and-a-half minute heartfelt apology to a woman that Jones has obviously pushed to the edge. The crazy thing about it is, he seems to be more shook up about it. While brief, Ali Superb provides maybe the most pivotal part to the song in my opinion. “You wanna lie? Then I can leave you lone/ You wanna fly? Then I can let you go/ You wanna die? Then keep fucking with these hoes,” croons Superb towards the tail end of the track, casted as what I believe to be Caterpillar’s conscience. Between comparisons to Tiger Woods‘ sex addiction and refferrences to STD-fueld pregnancies, “Testosterone” might be the most REAL song that you hear all day. Check it out below.

https://soundcloud.com/caterpillarjones/testosterone-ft-ali-superb-prod-derrickthomasjr

There you have it! Did we miss anything? Did we forget your favorite underground artist? Let us know in the comment section!

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Hey guys, I have a question for you. Has Hip-Hop been kind of ehh lately or is just me? It seems like after the Nicki Minaj/Remy Ma scuffle that the genre has been a bit dormant. For a culture that thrives off of spunk, spontaneity , turmoil and controversy; we’ve been a bit boring. Where’s the scandal? Where’s Big Gucci Soulja at? I don’t know about you, but I haven’t forgotten about that money grab disguised as a boxing match between him and Chris Brown — who apparently is in more trouble mentally than we thought. I love you Hip-Hop, I’m just saying step it up so I don’t have to turn on VH1. With that being said, Smino dropped a classic — “Edgar Allen Poe’d Up” might be the best song title of 2017, or ever, Young Dolph decided to showcase his gangsta in the most creative way possible and a beat battle gone rogue turned producers Lex Luger and Southside into sworn enemies. That about covers the mainstream news for this week, but with SXSW kicking off this Tuesday in Texas, we should be in for a nice dose of exhilarating discussion topics in the upcoming week – I promised myself I’d use “exhilarating” in a post this week, so yes. In the meantime, check out these five slept on tracks – featuring 1207, EarthGang and more —  that are either sure to blow the top off the industry, or the socks off your feet. Maybe both, you decide. Peep below.

Milky Mel – “I Think You Know (Melik.xyz Rework)”

Arizona hasn’t been traditionally known as a hotbed for Hip-Hop talent, but by now you should be familiar with 21-year-old Tempe native Milky Mel. After releasing banger after banger last year in songs like, “Momma Told Me” and “We Got It”, Mel is is back with the infectiously catchy, “I Think You Know”. The track, which was originally released mid-2016, received the “rework” treatment from DJ Melix.xyz which catapulted the song to a complete different level. Melik does his best Dr. Frankenstein impression as he takes Mel’s creatively appealing bars such as, “All my life they callin’ a prodigy but I ain’t really done sh*t/ critics getting fond of me” and meshes it with industrial sounding synths that sound like they were picked up off the Yeezus cutting room floor. With Milky gaining notoriety as one half of the buzzing Underpressure duo, it won’t be long before the crooner/rapper helps put AZ firmly on the Hip-Hop map. Check out the track below and thank me later for turning up your Wednesday a few notches.

https://soundcloud.com/melikxyz/i-think-u-know-melikxyz-rework

1207 – “You Think You’re in Love”

When it comes to groupie jams, let’s just face it. NOBODY is fu*king with Hip-Hop – call me when Rock produces anything close to “Ain’t No Fun”. It started when NWA set the tone in the late 80’s, then Snoop carried the torch damn near forever, and more recently A$AP Mob has been the home of groupie attachment. Making a strong case to be next in line in the pimpin’ HOF are San Diego crew 1207 with their contagiously compelling ode to groupie love, “You Think You’re in Love With Me.” Coming off of 1207’s criminally underrated group project, Lemotional Season, the song serves as different side of the Sand Diego natives, which are normally known for their rambunctious demeanor. If the title doesn’t say enough already before listening, 1207 member Spooks kicks off the down tempo track by humbly declaring, “She wanna know my real name, but I don’t know” before panning over to crew front man Rob $tone —  of “Chill Bill” fame — crooning the chorus. The trio, which is rounded out by Malik Burgers, utilizes the whole track to showcase their impressive versatility and vocal range, something that hasn’t been before seen from the energetic, more trap focused crew. Oh & “You think you’re in love with me, but baby I’m so god damn cashed I cannot love a thing,” is without a doubt my most quoted phrase so far of 2017, so thanks for that Rob. Check out the track below and be sure to cop Lemotional Season, which is out now.

Eileezus – “In Store” 

Sometimes, a track is so good that describing it would never do it justice. Sometimes, a song is just so honest and baring of all emotion that trying to dissect what the artist was feeling at the time of its conception just does it a huge disservice. Bay Area native Eileezus and her beautifully written joint, “In Store” are a perfect example of that. I came across the songstress last year through her scene-stealing appearance on Rossi Rock’s Agassi, and was instantly infatuated with her songwriting style as well as vocal range. On “In Store” the way she speaks about her significant other has me desirous to say the least. “Will you call me back if I miss you, no time to see me but it’s cool” and “Always around and always on the go/ if I gotta chase you, I can’t say I won’t,” are two examples of her strong pen that embody the essence of this track perfectly. That essence being a woman who is in love with an ambitious man that seems to not showcase the same for her. The only catch? She seems to be okay with it. If only women existed like this in real life and not just art. Check out the track below and be sure to give her dynamic EP, Good Feelings, which is out now.

https://soundcloud.com/eileezus/in-store

EarthGang – “Missed Calls”

Look, I don’t need to hear it okay. I know I’m late to the bandwagon. I’m fully aware that Andre 3000 has already vowed to help with their next project and I’m also fully aware that the song I’m posting was released way back in 2015. Now here’s something you should know: I don’t give a f*ck. When I actually pressed play on this divine track from Atlanta natives EarthGang, I instantly became leader of #EarthHive — does that work? Coming in off of their amazingly underappreciated — I’m part to blame — mixtape, Strays With Rabies, “Missed Calls” is yet another ode to all artists’ notorious ability to not give a damn. “I”m so good at missing calls, bi*ch I’m perfect this year,” and “Fetish for flaws, lust for my scars/ and this broke ni*ga dick guarantee I won’t starve,” serve as two perfect examples as to why I feel like this track could STILL be a radio hit. Do me a favor and go back to your favorite tracks of 2015 and seriously ask yourself if they could fit in the scope of sound in 2017’s musical climate. I’m not saying ask yourself if they still sound good, but do they FIT. “Missed Calls” is a song that sounds like it was made yesterday which speaks volumes to the duo’s obvious potential to create timeless music. Don’t make the same mistake that I did, wake up now. Check out “Missed Calls” below and go buy Strays With Rabies, out now. Oh yeah, and did I mention 3 Stacks is on board?

Coach Tev – “Midnight Cruiser (Feat. Blake Cris & Oracle Jones)”

Last but not least, we check in with Dallas, Texas native Coach Tev and his smooth but brutally honest track, “Midnight Cruiser”. The title of the song describes it perfectly as it sounds like the ideal joint to play in your whip after leaving shortie’s crib at two in the morning. If we’re being honest, this and “My Collection” from Future should be placed in the Player’s Hall of Fame. “I push the two tone Chevy Caprice, down the street we can meet twice a week if you keep it discreet/ me no want conversation, I ain’t quiet ‘bout that/ and I ain’t sneaking through ya window, I’ll just slide through the back,” flows the self-proclaimed Heartthrob Teazy on the second verse, creating a soundtrack to discreet hook ups everywhere. After releasing dope song after dope song – see “Lefty” and “Omen” – it won’t be long before the industry takes notice of the rhymespitter. With his intriguing voice and his unconventionally tranquil cadence style, Coach Tev should be playing in speakers everywhere soon. Be early to the party, check out “Midnight Cruiser” below.

There you have it! Let us know how we did, did we get it right? Are we still sleeping on your favorite local artist? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Hey guys… I know, you’ve probably been wondering where the segment had gone — or maybe not — but either way we’re back! It’s been a few weeks since the last installment and lots of things have changed. The wave in music lately has been the soft, more sensual sonic direction as the summer turns to fall. We’ve gotten fantastic projects from Mac Miller, Isaiah Rashad and even Dave East — though that was anything but soft. But the biggest (pleasant) surprise has to be Solange and her number one album, A Seat at the Table. A beautifully crafted and uplifting album, A Seat at the Table, has gained so much acclaim and respect that many are saying it could be the best release from a Knowles sister this year. Yes…. That’s a nice way of saying that maybe Solange made a better album than big sissy this year. Regardless, the vibe has been set and with that I present to you a very sensual version of With All Due RESPECT. These tracks will either have you getting lucky or reminiscing over that special someone. Check them out below.

ZellyVibes – “Forever”

Anybody who has followed this segment closely knows that Las Vegas commands a huge presence on this list. Sin City is ooozing with talent at the moment with the only problems being unification and lack of a breakout star — minus Dizzy. Well, that excuse may no longer be valid as LV native ZellyVibes sounds (and looks) primed for superstardom on her mega wavy track, “Forever“. Hailing from her Zelly Vibes: The Mixtape project, “Forever” highlights Zelly showcasing her unorthodox vocal abilities and unique songwriting. Meshing her distinctive appearance with sensual mystique and great music, Zelly is on the verge of blowing up and don’t say I didn’t try to tell you. Check out, “Forever” below and be sure to keep an eye on the Vegas native.

Sed – “Red Shirt”

About two years ago, I stumbled upon a track that changed the course of my life. That track was, “Kate” by Jay Bel, a member of a New York collective by the name of Sleepercamp. The find prompted me to dig deeper into the camp and I was introduced to his comrades, Jimi Tents and Sed. While Tents and Bel have both released acclaimed projects the past, Sed has been quietly building up a following who were anticipating this release heavily. He didn’t disappoint. Part of the #SlprCampSundays series that saw individual releases from every member, Sed dropped an introspective but catchy track in, “Red Shirt“. All I can say is, those Sleepercamp boys aren’t playing. Check out, “Red Shirt” below.

Brent Faiyaz – “Poison” 

R&B is at a tricky point in 2016. It’s having trouble finding out what it’s new sound is going to be and what sonic direction is going to drive the genre. Artists like The Weeknd who provided an alternative sound have gone pop, leaving the genre in the hands of newcomers hoping to carve out their own legacy. One of those artists is BJ The Chicago Kid and while checking out his L.A. stop of the In My Mind tour, I witnessed a prospective member of that group open up for BJ, Brent Faiyaz. Faiyaz immediately caught my attention with the emotion he poured into his performance. One track in particular had an unfamiliar sound that drove me crazy. While watching the performance of it amongst many at a crowded Roxy Theatre, I felt as if I was alone in my car, burning one up and pondering my relationship. That track turned out to be, “Poison“, a heavily emotional, yet somehow seductive track that will have you in your bag for sure that hails from his recently released EP, A.M. Paradox. Check out the track below.

SiR – “Go There”

Keeping it in the R&B lane, we head to Los Angeles to get familiar with City of Angels native SiR. After releasing an awesome project last year in Seven Sundays, SiR aligned himself with TDE wordsmith Jay Rock and provided a much needed vocal presence to the heavy hitting track, “The Ways“, off of Rock’s acclaimed 2015 album, 90059. Gaining some traction from that feature, the Inglewood native channeled that energy into one of the best Soul projects of this year with, HER. Throughout the whole album, SiR demonstrates the chilling vocals and unmatched melodic ability that has turned him into one of music’s best prospects. In many ways, he reminds me of a young Musiq Soulchild, particularly the track, “Go There” which is perhaps the best song on the EP. Throughout the ballad, SiR sings of a two broken people trying to console in one another without catching a connection that will lead to more heartbreak. “But I’m gon’ let her be who she want/ she ain’t gotta change around me/ said she got some sorrows to drown and a ni*ga know how it be” croons SiR in one of the most simple, yet relatable lines of the whole year. That’s R&B at it’s best, simple, yet it strikes a deep chord. Check out, “Go There” from HER, which is available through all online retailers now.

Coach Tev – “Class of ’82 (Feat. B. Anderson & Blake Cris)”

I know…. I promised you guys an all R&B list but you know I couldn’t leave you without a BANGER. Actually, that might be an understatement for Dallas native Coach Tev’s bass heavy track, “Class of ’82” an ode to the old school players of the south with a little bit of militant attitude sprinkled in. “Fu*k a black president if he can’t get our rights up/we gon’ run up in the oval office bit*h and light it up” raps Tev over the Chudi produced track. The Soundcloud bio for this track reads, “Raunchiness of a HBCU step show + social awareness of a #BlackLivesMatter meeting that just took place 3 hours ago” and to be honest I can’t think of a more perfect description for this infectious yet, informative track. Check out, “Class of ’82” below and be sure to stop sleeping on the Dallas native. The kid has next!

There you have it! Let us know how we did, did we get it right? Are we still sleeping on your favorite local artist? Let us know in the comment section below!

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