During his interview with The Breakfast Club, Angela Yee asked if he is signed to Def Jam. Although nonchalant about the matter, East states he’s very excited about his joint venture. Being with Mass Appeal for 2 years and working with Nas, who helped introduce the world to East, this is a step forward.

In the interview, Dave East explains why signing with a major label is important for the next steps of his career:

“It’s at a time now where I really need a machine, not going to say need, but it helps. A machine really helps what I’m trying to do, especially being from New York and not trying to stay in New York. Like I’ve told y’all before, I’m not trying to be underground or classified as a certain type of dude. So, I feel like this was a good move for what I’m trying to do with my brand, my movement across the world.”

I Remember Sittin In My Nasty Ass Cell Tellin My Celly Ima Do The Music Thing When I Get Out This Shit. Went Hard As I Possibly Could Then @nas Signed Me. I’ll Never Have To Live In The Projects Again And That Was A Real Dream. Thank You @defjamrecords For Welcoming Me To The Family #FreakyForever ?

A photo posted by Dave East (@daveeast) on Sep 29, 2016 at 8:42am PDT

Once again, congratulations to Dave East and stream the project below:

Also just announced, Dave East Kairi Chanel album release concert is happening October 18 at the Highline Ballroom.

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The post Dave East Signs with Def Jam: “I’m not trying to be underground” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

So, how exactly did the singer come to meet the powerhouse rapper? She was actually one of his backup dancers for his “Yeezus Tour”. The Los Angeles musician released her debut single and visual for “Experience” in September and is expected to release her album sometime in 2015.

The post Kanye West Signs Kacy Hill to G.O.O.D. Music appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Ace Hood is the most successful artist, other than DJ Khaled, signed to the We The Best label imprint, under the Cash Money Records umbrella. The rapper is a native of Deerfield Beach, FL and raps about the hard life struggle and hustle that one has to go through while trying to make a living in his city, as well as the responsibilities that come along with it. Hood, who has released three albums (Gutta, Ruthless and Blood, Sweat & Tears) on Def Jam Records, has always been the underdog compared to big Def Jam stars like Kanye West, Fabolous, Rick Ross, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Nas and The Dream. Those seven Def Jam artists have something that Ace Hood does not: at least one gold or platinum album or single.

Ace Hood, who has never put a out a lukewarm album, is back with a new label home: We The Best/Cash Money.  The new single selection appears on Hood‘s Body Bag Vol. 2 mix-tape.  It features R&B singer Trey Songz and is titled, “I Need Your Love.” All about finding the right significant other to enjoy life with forever, the track is a continuation from where Ace‘s “Body 2 Body” single left off. Hood tells a story about a young man in a bad relationship, looking to find the woman that will eventually make him happy.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR1BJ1UsGLQ

The post MUSIC VIDEO: ACE HOOD FT. TREY SONGZ – “I NEED YOUR LOVE” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

“Pain is finding out you’re poor/ with the cops knocking at your door.” – Pusha-T

Pusha-T keeps his recent mean streak of 16’s going over this Kanye West production featuring the trap’s favorite crooner, Future.  We’re hoping to get an actual date on his solo debut soon, releasing via Def Jam. Until then, listen to the self-described “drug dealer brilliance” here.

The post New Music: Pusha-T – “Pain” Featuring Future (Prod. By Kanye West) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Hearing the name Scarface, many think of the popular 1983 film starring a young Al Pacino, but Scarface, the rapper, is looked at as one of the South’s greatest to ever touch a mic.  His success began when he signed to Rap-a-Lot Records in 1989 as the newest member of the Ghetto Boys, which would soon be renamed to Geto Boys. Their first album together in 1989, Grip It! On That Other Level, was a huge hit thanks to the blend of political conscious and twisted violent raps on records like “Do It Like a G.O.” and “Mind Of A Lunatic.” Scarface released his debut solo project, Mr. Scarface Is Back, in 1991 garnering him some extra popularity, but he was still over shined by the Geto Boys’ release of We Can’t Be Stopped that same year.

Scarface managed to be successful at a time when southern rap, and even rap in general, wasn’t popular on a mainstream level. Probably due to his demented and horror filled lyrics, Scarface and the Geto Boys’ songs weren’t played often on northern radio and some videos were banned from MTV. Still, Scarface continue to push southern rap in front of the public eye. His solo career climaxed between 1994 and 1998 with the release of three straight platinum albums. The Untouchable put Scarface at the very top of the Billboard 100 chart in 1997 with the lead single “Smile” featuring a recently slain Tupac Shakur. When the new millenium arrived Scarface signed a deal with Def Jam Records, and simultaneously became the president of Def Jam South, signing the Atlanta based rapper Ludacris. His 2002 release, The Fix, included several features and producers; Vocalists Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Nas, and Faith Evans along with production work from Kanye West, The Neptunes, Mike Dean, and Nottz. Today, Scarface is allegedly working on a new album, and has done feature verses for other artist such as the Insane Clown Posse and 2 Chainz.

The post Hip Me To … Scarface appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.