Screenshot Image: @iamdanileigh

DaniLeigh has a bubbly personality with a lot of energy. We all knew her back when she released her EP Summer With Friends. Over the summer, we got familiar with the “All I Know” singer by releasing the “Lil’ Bebe” hit single that went up the charts. We had the pleasure of interviewing her and by talking about her album, The Plan, how she got Lil’ Baby on her hit single “Lil’ Bebe” remix, her challenges by making her visual “Blue Chips” come to light and many more.

Peep the interview below.

RESPECT.: You performed in Brooklyn a few days ago and performed, how was the energy and vibe like out there?

It was dope! They were coming for me with a lot of energy. The love was there. It is hard to capture.

RESPECT.: Define RESPECT.

Loving someone equals respect. When you treat and do for someone is always a sign, as well.

RESPECT.: With your hit single, “Lil Bebe,” what is your definition of the single? How did it come about with you and Lil’ Baby as being a remix?

The definition is talking good about yourself. It’s the emotion and dance that makes the constant vibe. Lil’ Baby was always a feature. I put a video up on Instagram, and he ended up commenting on and doing it.

RESPECT.: With your new album, The Plan, that has came out, what was your expectations from this album? Why did you name the album as such?

The album has plenty of vibes. It took me one year to record 12 records, that consists of, my feelings, my Dominican culture side and many more. It is everything that I had gone through.

RESPECT.: y announcing the ‘Be Yourself’ tour, what are we going to expect from you on this tour, as well as, why did you call it such as for the namesake?

You should always be yourself at all time. By being yourself is a powerful thing. The whole brand is about being you on how you want to be by dressing a certain way and etc. I have been denied due to how I was dressed, but it is who I am.

Screenshot Image: @iamdanileigh

RESPECT.: By doing the visual for “Blue Chips,” tell us your hardest thing to do? What was your most challenging thing?

The hardest thing was being in the cold water. It was definitely a challenging moment by singing my verse under water. It was something I always wanted to do.

RESPECT.: You are on the No. 1 Latin charts because of your co-penmanship, did you expect that at all with the success of your career?

I didn’t know it will do well with the people who are on it. I was super happy with my reaction, and it was a major accomplishment. I love being a songwriter behind the scenes.

RESPECT.: If you were a fan of yourself of your own music, what single would be the first to introduce them to your music?

“Lil’ Bebe” because it sounds different with enjoyment and creativity.

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The post DaniLeigh Talks About Her Recent Album, ‘The Plan’, ‘Be Yourself’ Tour & More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Arin Ray by @Baoweezi

Earlier this year, Ohio native Arin Ray dropped one of the most well put together projects of the year in, Platinum Fire. After establishing himself as a sure-fire talent on the show, X-Factor, Ray parlayed that attention into songwriting for some of music biggest names before linking with Interscope to release the aforementioned project, which features Ty Dolla $ign, SiR & more, with the YG assisted, “We Ain’t Homies” serving as the projects lead single. Last week, we caught a performance of this album from Arin, as well as some crazy performances from Chicago native, Najee Muhammad, & rising singer/songwriter DaniLeigh.

Taking place at swanky LA photography spot, Hubble Studios, the night was billed as G-Shock’s 35th anniversary and they did not hold back. With a beautiful backdrop playing second fiddle on stage, the stage crew were able to provide a one of a kind visual experience to compliment the performances.

Najee Muhammad by @baoweezi

First up was Najee who siphoned through a slate of unreleased music from his upcoming demo, Bleed Me Dry that sounded ready to be dropped now. Toting a soulfully distinct sound without sounding too saturated, Najee is one of the purest artists coming up right now. With just him and accompanying trumpet player, Sean Christian on stage, the duo created a vibe that was completely different from your typical show opener.

“I moved back to LA at the end of last summer. When I moved back I ended up landing a job with blends as a in store model, just to get off my feet.” Najee tells RESPECT., “One of the store owners over heard my music and what I was working on. At the time blends and g-shock were already in the works with throwing an event for G-Shock’s 35th anniversary. My music was pitched, The coordinators loved it, and the rest was history.“

Najee & Sean Christian by @Baoweezi

One thing that was unique about this show was how much the curators cared about the listeners overall experience. In addition to the trippy visuals and amazing music, the crowd was also provided with a fully stocked open bar as well as a delicious selection of tacos, beans, rice & tortilla chips. There was nothing more to ask for.

Arin Ray by @baoweezi

Next up was Arin Ray, & the crowd was ready. Already becoming a staple in the Los Angeles music scene due to his laid back west-coast inspired style — as well as sharing the same manager as California King, YG (shoutout Push) — Ray commanded a solid audience and they were not disappointed. Ray skated through a set of cuts from his album, including, “We Ain’t Homies,” but it was the new music that he performed that had everybody most excited. Set to the tone of some exquisite, 80s love song sounding production, the song is his upcoming single and one that will only bring a new fan base in.

”The track is called, ‘Reckless,’ & we’ll be dropping it on the deluxe edition of Platinum Fire,” Ray explains to RESPECT. Mag. He also spoke on the upcoming second leg of his tour, “Yeah! We’re hitting a lot of the east coast and southern states. We’re also hitting Canada and just a lot of places. I’m excited to go to Atlanta and of course my home city, Cincinnati. We’re just excited to go to the cities that people really want us in.”

DaniLeigh by @baoweezi

Capping the night off was a special performance from Def Jam artist, DaniLeigh. Having never heard of her music before that night, the Miami native definitely left an impression on me and I’m sure the crowd as a whole, as she effortlessly gave an amazing vocal performance backed by some tranquil dance moves. In all, she was the perfect artist to finish off a special night for G-Shock.

Sean Christian, Arin Ray & Najee Muhammad by @Baoweezi

Thank you to everybody at G-Shock as well as Arin Ray, Najee Muhammad & DaniLeigh. Be sure to keep an eye out for those three names as they progress through the shark infested waters of the music industry.

*All photos taken by @Baoweezi*

The post RESPECT. Recap: Arin Ray, Najee Muhammad & DaniLeigh Connect With G-Shock For an Intimate Performance in Los Angeles appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photos via DaniLeigh.

DaniLeigh is a signer and dancer from Miami, Florida that’s rising to stardom at a rapid pace. Her Hispanic upbringing naturally pumped a love for music through her veins. At an early age, DaniLeigh began recording covers to songs and uploading them to YouTube. Since, Dani’s resume has become extensive. She has worked with artists like Pharrell, Nelly Furtado and Meghan Trainor. Dancing on stage with artists was a regular gig but soon she would step to the microphone as a musician.

In September 2017, DaniLeigh dropped her first project, Summer With Friends. You can hear the vibes of vibrant, feel-good sounds flow through every song. The popular track, “Lurkin,” was even featured on the second episode of Insecure’s Season 2. DaniLeigh has taken her career to new heights and is proving that she won’t be denied. 

RESPECT Magazine contributor, Miguel Crespo, had the pleasure of speaking with DaniLeigh to talk about the successes of her recent project, Summer With Friends, working with Prince and what the future holds for her.

When did you know you loved music and wanted to sing for the rest of your life? 

I can’t really picture my life without music.. I’m not a sit down at a desk type of person.. Music is what moves me.. And I’m not super vocal personally, so letting it all out through my music is my outlet to express myself the most.

What was it like growing up in Miami musically? Do you feel moving to LA played a big part in achieving your goals? 

Growing up in Miami gave me that Spanish culture. Always at my Dominican families house and experiencing the beach, etc. Moving to LA definitely helped me. Everyone in music I feel like is here, so networking and collabing with different artists is way easier.

You’re not only a talented singer, you’re a dancer that has shared the stage with artists like Pharrell and Meghan Trainor. How has that experience helped you in your career as a musician? 

I believe it showed me the lifestyle of being an artist. I saw Meghan Trainor blow up after her hit song and how everything started moving for her. I saw what was needed for an artist, etc. I appreciate being behind the scenes a lot.

You signed with Def Jam in 2017. How did you get your start? 

I did. I believe my start in the industry was when Prince discovered me at 18. I moved to LA when I was 16 but that moment was crazy for me. I had been on blogs, press, MTV, Vibe, etc. After that, I was really focused on starting my music career.

Your project, Summer With Friends, released in September. From release day to now, how has the feedback been? 

So great! It’s crazy how people are starting to discover the project now. The numbers are steady going up and I’m gaining more and more fans every day from the project.

What was your favorite track to make and why? 

My favorite track on the project was, “On.” It was so fun to make! I loved the bounce and how much life it has to it. I feel like I sound so different on that record.

Who are people that influence you? What are things that inspire the music you create?

My biggest influencers are Aaliyah, Rihanna, and Drake… The inspiration I get from my music is all through my life and story. I’m picky when it comes to choosing production, but once I hear the right beat I always write about what I’m going through. I’m a visual artist as well so I always have an idea of what the music video would be prior to me writing the song.

Who are some artists you would like to work with in the future?

I would love to collab with Drake, Byson TIller, Rihanna, SZA, and 6lack is dope.

You mentioned you were mentored by one of the greatest artists of all time, Prince. What was it like to have somebody of his stature in your corner? 

It was unreal honestly. I picked up a lot of traits from him. I’m smarter on business decisions that I make, my pen game is stronger and I’m just overall grateful. He really believed in me as an artist and I really look into that as something special. Makes me realize that I am made for this.

What is some advice you would give aspiring artists trying to make it in the music industry? 

Work hard and have the most confidence when it comes to your artistry. Find a team that believes in you 100%.

Do we have any new music to look forward to soon? 

Yup! June I will be dropping a continuous project called, “Summer With More Friends.” Got special features on there and new vibes! Can’t wait to drop. And then my debut album will be dropping in the Fall.

What’s next for DaniLeigh? 

New music, new visuals, more shows, and a tour! 🙂

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The post RESPECT. Interview: DaniLeigh Talks Working With Prince, New Music & Upcoming Tour With Jeremih appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.