“Don’t know how many times…”

This joint has been on repeat since I’ve first heard it.  And if, “Red Bull gets you wings”, then this track gives me muscles.  Have you ever had a song that gets you super hype whenever you hear it?  Yeah yeah, we all have.  Well this one does that to me.  I feel like I’m about to wreck shop after listening to this.  But then I realize, No…. that’s not my steez, let me put my dress back on and bop my head because I’m a lady.. I’ll just listen to 5ive Mics and T.I. bully the beat created by FKI (in association with Hustle Gang & Defient).  You can’t go wrong when Brooklyn’s own 5ive Mics link up with the King of the South, T.I. (Tip).

Shout-Outs to Coney Island!

The post New Music: 5ive Mics – “How” ft. T.I. appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Smooth, sporadic and stylish are the three words I would use to depict the work of art that Brooklyn lyricist Naj, aka “God, Neptune“, chooses to decorate your imaginations with his new album: Cave To Canvas. From the abstract cover artwork to the tricky sounds and instrumentals that lay in the backgrounds of his lyrics that he delivers with no hesitation. Cave To Canvas is not your ordinary Hip-Hop album, Naj is spilling his acrylic painted emotions and observations in a single package. The album opens up with a jazzy and R&B joint titled “Golden” featuring singer Jae Soul who takes us back in time with a dash of Jill Scott. Now ladies there is something for us, Naj gives us a peak on what the average man goes through in an addicting relationship in his hypnotizing piece “Dope Dealer“. He makes the similarities clear between being addicted to the one you are growing closer to intimately and the love you may have for your other addictions.

“First hit shit was lit though, couple strokes stop asked her if she high to get low. To be honest she ain’t know what she was in for. Automatic bond on time more than the Kin’folk…”

Naj turns it up with his more upbeat tempo “Juice” featuring Snubbs. The track opens with a snippet from hood movie classic Juice . Naj’s attitude is very supportive but also declarative that he is an individual and he will win with you or without you.

“I ain’t gotta f*** with you if you don’t f***with me, big dreams. All I want to see a n**** breathe…”

In the times we live in Cave To Canvas does reveal the darkness our society is going through with the hollow and “echoey” beats and even a spoken-word peace by Freestyle poet and social activist Parlay on “Culture Vulture“. The project also features R&B sensation Kola Rai, and emcees, VIVA La Burns, Chase Dollars and Hollywood YSA.

BE SURE TO FOLLOW NAJ: @najisdope (TWITTER, Instagram)

The post ALBUM REVIEW: NAJ IS DOPE PRESENTS TO YOU “CAVE TO CANVAS”! appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.