By: Keeyen Martin

Rising vocalist and performer Keeyen Martin, is one of Atlanta’s most promising new songsters. As he prepares to break into the mainstream, his talent has led him to grace the stage with living legends such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, PJ Morton and Kanye West. With a soulful sound and relentless talent, he is preparing for his most successful year to date.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the Atlanta native for a candid interview to discuss his upcoming plans for the new year. Check it out below.

Keeyen Martin Interview 

Respect: What occurred in your life to make you want to pursue a career in music as an entertainer?

Keeyen: Being born into a musical family definitely. My mom and dad were singers and my dad is a pianist, organist, and songwriter. So being born into a musical family, doing music is one of the first things I remember doing and I was always around it. It became an immediate norm for me to go to the studio with my mom when she would record with gospel groups and perform, as my dad and uncle would be in the studio songwriting for a bunch of people.

I was in love with music before I knew what that meant. As I began to grow as a singer and performer I loved that energy and reaction you get from giving a good performance. Honestly I love being the center of attention and that came around the age of 4 or 5. I knew then I wanted to have a career in music as a famous singer. That was the start of it and I haven’t slowed down since.

Respect: When would you say you caught your big break or have you caught it yet?

Keeyen: That is interesting because a break is about prospective. I would say for me probably the transition into my under graduate is when I caught my big break being indicative of me getting a lot of professional work, from writing professionally to singing background. College is definitely where I caught my break. One of the first major opportunities I caught during undergrad was having the honor of singing background vocals for the late great Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. That was a huge moment for me because as a singer, everybody reveres Aretha Franklin.

That is when I started to see the difference between a professional level where you are in the settings with all of the people you have admired over the years, and are also getting compensated for what you do. It was an easy transition for me and doing it around campus was cool but I definitely appreciated being compensated for my talent for a change.  I would definitely have to say around my collegiate years and experiences are when I started to see the change.

Respect: What was the inspiration behind your “Girl I’m On The Way” Single as it has found much success?

Keeyen: Really that song came from a place per usual as I was sitting at my key board writing and playing some chords and I knew I wanted to tell a typical love story from the male prospective. Essentially like “hey you dropped the ball and messed up” and as I was writing it I wanted the lyrics to have a simple meaning and energy surrounding it. I was in conversation with myself asking myself “what would I say to a girl if I messed up with her? Man girl I’m on the way.”

So when I said it the way I said it, it made the record simple like I was having a conversation and talking like how we talk today. I really like that and wanted to put that phrase in the hook and then it became the title of the song. I think after that, it was just easy to build the record because I drew from a real life experience and felt like every guy specifically would be able to relate to my situation. That is essentially how Girl I’m On The way” came to life.

Respect: What was it like sharing the same stage as legends such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, PJ Morton, Kanye West and Common and have any of them inspired you or have been instrumental in your career?

Keeyen: Well first I would have to say that I loved working with all of them. But I would have to say that Stevie Wonder is u there. He was one of the earliest voices I remember hearing from my parents and he has always represented musical excellence to me. His career is self-explanatory as far as all of the amazing songs he has made that really have transcended time.

He has been a constant source of inspiration but I vividly remember when I got the chance to meet him after singing with him. It is interesting because you go into these gigs thinking you will be close friend with an artist or acquaintances with them but generally tha tis never the case. You get hired by their music director, you learn the artists’ music and the first time you see them is on that stage they say thank you very much and keep it moving. It really just depends on the person.

But yes I remember when I got invited to eat dinner with him and his family and he just took a great interest in me. To hear him talk about my personal music and singing while encouraging me to remain authentic, is something I vividly remember. He told me that I have something that is classy and authentic. After having a conversation like that, I knew that I no longer needed affirmation from anyone getting the approval from Stevie Wonder.

Also really enjoyed working with Teyana Taylor recently. She has been really sweet and offered me all kinds of insight on the industry and interest in hearing my music when it comes out. She also championed me to all of her friends and peers. By default I would have to say that Stevie Wonder and Teyana Taylor, are two people in particular that I gravitate towards more on a personal level simply because they both genuinely showed an interest in me beyond me serving them and singing background. Some artist are only interested in you playing your role and being of service to them as they are stars in their own right as well.

Respect: Where do you draw inspiration from when creating?

Keeyen: I often take moments and reflect on my personal life, the lives of my friends and the moments they have shared with me as well as the moments I share with ym family and honestly sometimes I will just watch tv or movies for inspiration. One of my favorite components of being an artist is the storytelling of it. I really take pride in words. Like everyone who knows me personally knows that I am a natural wordsmith.

I have always been kind of nerdy in that regard as I love words, poetry, speaking and the art of languages. I think that with all of those things, I draw inspiration from whether they are personal bulls or others and I like to craft up words that I know can tell those stories. For me it is kind of easy to tap into that space as I like to listen and observe as well as being in tune with what I am feeling day to day. I think from having the capacity of being an empath so to speak, you feel everything including people’s energy all day long and I really enjoy that.

Every time I have a studio session or feeling creative, I try to tap into what exactly it is that I am feeling, what have my friends been feeling, and like the whole mood of how like the culture of the people and ultimately I try to allow myself to create music that won’t just speak to me but other people as well. That is definitely one of the fun parts about being a songwriter. The inspiration for me is so easy when I am trying to create something.

Respect: Do you mind lending some more insight on the work that you do with the Atlanta Music Project?

Keeyen: It really is an organization that is centered around youth. I have the privilege of being their vocal coach, and music mentor in which I am able to teach them all kinds of music courses to a lot of underprivileged kids in the Atlanta community. They may come from low-income or schools that have disconnected or removed art and music programs frontier curriculum. We come and feel in the gaps!

For me it is beyond a joy and honor because every time I interact with them, it brings me back to when I was a their age. I was always involved in some type of organization especially musically. I remember when I started  my senior year of college and was baffled to discover they didn’t have any music programs in school which made me realize not every school has those which didn’t make since to me.

That immediately peeked my interest and I have always kind of been a natural leader since I was a kid. I Always loved volunteering and helping others, so for music it came easy for me to want to help others musically. Anytime I am able to teach or help another child or student hone in on their craft, that is joy to me. It has been such a large part of what I do because with being a teacher, it teaches you patience, and if you have a career in music patience is necessary.

Also in working with youth you have to have patience. Teachers do not receive the credit that they deserve for what they experience in the daily basis. Atlanta Music Project has been a joy to not only grow and develop as a professional singer, but to also be able to make the transition and give the kids first hand experience as I am learning myself, is super empowering and encouraging.

You know the song by Whitney Houston “Greatest Love Of All” where she sings “I believe that children are the future teach them well and let them lead the way”? That is very real to me. No matter what I do as a performer, I want to be able to have that connection to the next generation because if we don’t have that connection, who do they have to look to for guidance with their lives and careers.

Respect: What is up next for Keeyen Martin?

Keeyen: I just released my new single “Separated“ and will consistently be releasing music all throughout the year. I have some great visuals to accompany you relaxes as my EP is slated to release in April. I have a lot more performance, travels, and tours planned so you can definitely expect a huge impact to be made which is my intention.

Now that I have people’s attention and they are aware I Want to make an impact. We are excited about not only the process of making it happen, but knowing that we have some great music and content to roll out. Looking forward to getting this new music to the people.

Click here to checkout Keeyen Martin’s latest single “Separated” as he continues his rise to fame.

The post Keeyen Martin: Atlanta’s Next Big R&B Star appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

A few of the DJs celebrated that night will be Mustafa Rocks, Boi Jeanius, Jay Illa, DJ Word, MANO, DJ Pharris, O Zone along with special guest DJ’s will perform a tribute remembering Timbuck2’s legacy and contribution to the hip-hop culture.  Following the legacy of his contribution to the culture, Timothy Francis Jones Foundation and PUMA is releasing a signature collab sneaker in honor of Timbuck2 with a percentage of the proceeds donated to the foundation.

The Timothy Francis Jones Foundation was founded at the request of Timothy Jones who succumbed to renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) in 2015. Their mission is to promote self-health awareness amongst men and specifically men of color. With this in mind, Timothy Francis Jones Foundation helps shed the stigma of seeking health care, tackle gender and race – based barriers to accessing care while providing educational opportunities through online content, strategic partnerships and community based opportunities.

Described in Billboard as an amazing person and talent by Kanye West and “Awesome DJ,” according to Just Blaze, “even better human being.” DJ Timbuck2 was one of the most respected DJ’s to not only grace the city of Chicago but the hip-hop culture. Touching many lives through music, Timbuck2 was not your average DJ, with multiple influences of hip-hop his technique with the turntables, he always seen it as an opportunity to educate hip hop. Common recalled memorable evenings spent listening to the turntablist, concluding that he was “one of the most talented and gifted DJs ever!” Known for putting Chicago talent on the local radio, Timbuck2 was one of the biggest supporters of the Chicago music movement, working as a tour DJ for major artist including West, Common and Lupe Fiasco.

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The post DJ Timbuck2’s “Timothy Francis Jones” Foundation Presents 5th Annual Event #Timbuck2Forever & Launch of PUMA COLLAB Dec. 17th appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Recently, Nicole Bus embarked on Common‘s “Let Love” tour as a supporting act. The 11-stop tour is slated to end in late-July and could lead to a potential collaboration between the two. For more soulful reggae music, make sure to keep an eye on Nicole Bus later this year. Peep the song below.

The post R&B Singer Nicole Bus Delivers “Mr. Big Shot” Ahead Of Forthcoming Debut Album appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Image credit: Loma Vista/Concord

If you’re not aware, Common is currently gearing up for the release of his twelfth studio album Let Love, which he explains is inspired by his recent book:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Common (@common) on Jul 11, 2019 at 10:51am PDT

This week, the Chicago Rap veteran delivers a new single from that forthcoming effort titled “Hercules,” which features assistance from Swizz Beatz. You can check out the visual for that below, along with the tracklisting for Let Love, which drops August 30th.

“Good Morning Love” f. Samora Pinderhughes
“HER Love” f. Daniel Caesar (w/ Dwele)
“Dwele’s Interlude”
“Hercules” f. Swizz Beatz
“Fifth Story” f. Leikeli47
“Forever Your Love” f. BJ the Chicago Kid
“Leaders (Crib Love)” f. A-Trak
“Memories of Home” f. BJ the Chicago Kid & Samora Pinderhughes
“Show Me That You Love” f. Jill Scott & Samora Pinderhughes
“My Fancy Free Future Love”
“God Is Love” f. Leon Bridges & Jonathan McReynolds

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Check out “HER Love” below.

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By: Ryan Rondeno

Private chef to the stars, Ryan Rondeno, is a true master of his trade and is ready to shake up the restaurant industry. His elegant dishes, bold flavor, and simple techniques, are a few reasons why he is one of the premiere rising American chefs.

Having trained with globally-renowned chefs Emeril Lagasse, Anton Schulte, Mathais Wolf, Sue Zemenick, and Gerard Maras, Rondeno learned how to find his edge as chef. His love for New Orleans cuisine and California infusion, caught the attention of heavy hitters such as Diddy, Will Smith, Common, Mercedes Benz and Lamborghini, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Even more impressively, this New Orleans native has appeared on The Jam TV Show, ATL & Co, Good Day Charlotte, and Good Day San Diego, sharing his cooking expertise. He also won Culinary Fight Club (LA, San Diego, & Chicago) 3 times and won third place in the national championship.

To impact the lives of many on a grander scale, Chef Rondeno has decided to make his lavish recipes available to people across the US.

Through offering trade secrets, training through simple technique, and revealing signature recipes for all ages, he is giving people the opportunity to to connect with him further.

As he continues to be a trailblazer in the cooking world, his culinary focus remains on providing his clientele with the finest grass-fed, organic meats and locally grown organic produce.

Click here to learn more about Chef Ryan Rondeno’s recipes, spice collection, and latest cooking endeavors.

The post Chef Ryan Rondeno: The Cooking Trailblazer appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Balancing his passion for music and acting, Kendricks is proving to be a double-edged sword that the industry will soon be familiar with. During the interview, we had the opportunity to ask Corr Kendricks about his HARDCORR album, traveling the country, and working with legends such as Taraji P. Henson. Read Corr Kendrick’s RESPECT. interview below.

How long have you lived in Chicago? We’re sure you travel often for acting opportunities, but what city or cities have been your favorite to visit?

I’ve lived in Chicago for about 4 years now since moving back home from the East Coast.

When I was younger I moved around a lot. It started here and Chicago then I hit Milwaukee then Philly then Jersey then back home to the Chi.

One of your most popular songs is “Demeanor” featuring Fred da Godson. How did you connect with the New York rapper?

Me and Fred linked up threw a mutual friend that connected us. We got the record done and it was a smooth vibe. Just business and good times. Fred a good dude.

How do you feel like you’ve grown since release releasing that single in 2016?

I’ve grown a lot since that single. Just things I deal with on a daily you know life situations will cause that…. and if it’s no change it’s no growth. I’m all about elevating to the next level being my best self!

Your latest project HARDCORR is out, and available everywhere. How long did it take you to record and master everything?

To be honest, HARDCORR was done years ago. I worked on HARDCORR years before Empire and years after Empire. It’s something I been holding on for awhile just cause I wanted to give it my all you know….I have so much music it was just all about getting the right vibes for the project…. The name wasn’t even HARDCORR in the beginning stages lol gotta thank the OG D Dot aka THE MAD RAPPER he def had hands in the creative process at the time so salute to him. But once we figured out what songs will be placed it took a day or less but the project was done years ago..

From listening to the project, we can tell you’re a very driven, passionate, individual. What was the inspiration for Hardcorr ?

The inspiration for this project was my kids and life situations at the time. I was going threw being homeless at the time and dealing with a bad break up. I was moving far away from my kids..it was just a lot I took on and was going threw…. and you will hear more in depth stuff on the next wave of music, trust me.

Is there a specific song on the album that’s your favorite? If so, what is it, and why?

“Make it Out” is my favorite and “Welcome to My Life” cause it really shines light on things I experienced growing up as a child and as a young adult. It’s my truth that most people don’t know about me…. the abuse and shelters just everything.

What was it like working alongside Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson and more on the set of “EMPIRE?”

Working with Terrance Howard for the first time ever was intimidating and amazing The reason why is cause during rehearsals I messed up on a couple lines and he hit me with the (Jerome Get him outta here lol ) so me already being nervous and now I’m messing up lines I felt like they was gonna ask me to leave set lmao…. but na, Terrance is a very good dude he helped me own the character of “Black Rambo.” He gave me great pointers while on set..him and Malik Yoba….

Taraji is amazing. She’s like my big sister, you know? I ask her advice on things and she always helps me whether it’s with characters and how to let myself go and be that character you know she always dropping jewels so I’m always learning from both the vets and who else better to learn from in this business on the acting side

Have you learned anything from your experience acting that you’ve applied when navigating through the music industry?

Well funny enough with acting you have to pretty much let go drop the ego be Vulnerable and let the expressions and emotions flow. Just like with music your not thinking about anything or anyone feelings I write music and zone out I release the anger frustration stress it’s all let out in the music so with acting it’s the same your not even you when acting but the emotions and feelings your putting into the character is you.

You’re currently playing the role of Yosh on Showtime’s “The Chi,” which is co-executive produced by Common. How did you come about this opportunity and does it feel special to be a part of a show based in Chicago?

Well this opportunity came about through my agent. I had to audition just like everyone else… it was a lot of good guys at the audition but what god has for you nobody can take I got the call back that they wanted me so I’m very blessed take nothing for granted…. It just feels amazing to be part of something amazing telling our story on a daily in the city things mothers fathers brothers etc go threw here in Chicago so I feel blessed I really do

What can fans expect next from you? What’s the best way for readers to get in contact with you?

Fans and everyone can expect another project a lot more music and films. Just get use to the voice and face, it’s no stopping! They can follow me at @Corrkendricks on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. If you want to catch the music and latest freestyles check out my SoundCloud.

Thanks again Corr! We’re tuned in, and wishing the best for you.

Thanks so much RESPECT. Mag for the interview and the love. Really appreciate it, stay blessed!

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The post RESPECT. Interview: Corr Kendricks Talks New Project, Co-starring in ‘The Chi,’ & More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.