Photo Credit: Trillest Entertainment Logo

Please introduce yourself and your company:

“We’ve been in the game 10 plus years, every year we’ve increased our clients and revenue. We project to hit well over 6 figures in 2020, that’s without spending a dime to market our services. In this industry, reputation is everything and if you do good business people will naturally come back and talk about you. We are top ranked on Google and have other PR companies calling us the best. That’s when you know you’re winning.”

Photo Credit: Trillest Entertainment

The post Exclusive Interview: Anthony, CEO of Trillest Entertainment Discusses How He Created A Six Figure Global Digital Marketing Firm & How The Internet Is Revolutionizing The Music Industry appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: R. City

Hitmaker Theron “Uptown” Thomas is one half of the brother duo R. City, who is responsible for some of Pop music’s biggest records to date. Having worked with the likes of Rihanna, Lizzo, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Levine, The Pussy Cat Dolls and Akon to name a few, this living legend plans to impact the careers of many more hotshots in the new year.

I had the pleasure of catching up with this hotshot for a candid interview to discuss finding longevity, creating music with his brother and working with some of Pop music’s most notable acts. Check it out below.

Theron Thomas Interview 

Respect: How did you get your start in the music business?

Theron: I officially started in the business in 2007. My brother and I were in a big group in the Caribbean especially the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. We got famous over there and then moved to the states in 2000 to try to make it. It took us 7 years to finally get in. We got in as songwriters but we were trying to make it as artists. A song we wrote in the 7th grade called “The Rain” got us that foot in the door. We didn’t even know that people wrote songs for other people.

So my best friend who was and is still Akon’s DJ let me know that Akon was working on his next album. So he played a few songs for me, and me being young and arrogant I said I can write a better song than the ones he had played. He then asked me to play the song I had in mind. I played “The Rain” and he loved it. My friend called me and told me Akon wanted the song but I was like “why would he sing a song we wrote?”

He then said people write songs for people over here in the states and Akon bought our song for $5000. That was the most money we had ever received at that time. I had a daughter catching the bus so for me I could not believe people paid that much money for a song. After working with Akon people started hitting us up asking us if we wrote songs and it just went on from there.

Respect: What is it like creating music with your brother and how R. City came about?

Theron: Making music with my brother is fun. We both respect each other’s talent and allow each other to lead in the areas that we are experts at. The good part is that sometimes we clash and the music is better because of that. Sometimes I want to do this and he wants to do something else and that friction creates this unique sound.

How we got our name R. City is because we are from St. Thomas, which is known as “Rock City”. We couldn’t legally release music under the moniker “Rock City” so we dropped the Rock and called ourselves R. City, which stands for Rock City.

Respect: When did you catch your big break? 

Theron: I would say linking with Akon is when I caught my big break for sure because it opened up a door that never closed. It was a small opening and once it opened we kicked the door down and bum-rushed our way in. The door never closed on us after that point.

Respect: Can you describe the relationship between R. City & Adam Levine of Maroon 5?

Theron: It is good! Adam Levine embraced us and Maroon 5 took us on tour with them. They are the nicest guys. I feel like I am in their debt for life if you ask me. He did not have to do a song with us, he did not have to take us on tour, nor did the band have to agree with him to allow us to come along. Our relationship is good and will remain that way.

Respect: How did working with the Pussy Cat Dolls on their “I Want To Grow Up” release come about and how did it impact you career?

Theron: That was our first hit record. We did it with Rodney Jerkins and it was originally for Britney Spears but it did not fit the space she was in musically at that time. We were signed to Interscope and my A&R at the time Erica Grayson knew we wrote songs so we sent it to her and she loved it. She sent it to Jimmy Lovine and the rest is history. We had a hit “When I Grow Up” and that was the first time people gave us our respect for charting. That led to us getting more big opportunities, so that was a big deal for us. 

Respect: As you have worked with some of pop music’s biggest stars, who are some artist’s career you have heavily influenced?

Theron: I would say people who we have worked with since the beginning of their careers such as Jennifer Hudson who’s This Isn’t Love Album we worked on. It was a Grammy-winning album. Ne-Yo did “Spotlight” and we did “This Isn’t Love “ the single. Lizzo I would have to say as well. I worked on her current album that is out. She was nominated for 8 Grammy Awards.

Out of the 8, she walked away with 3 awards. She is amazing and a really good person. I knew she was special and a star from the day I met her. At the time I was working with Rihanna on her new album, flying back and forth to Paris and London for 2 and a half years not working on anything else. But at the same time, I knew I wanted to work with her because she was so dope and did.

Respect: How has being from the Virgin Islands influenced your music career and taste in music?

Theron: We do not have segregated radio in the islands. Like in America you all have urban radio, pop radio, rhythmic radio meaning that you all have separate genres. In the Virgin Islands, we don’t. If there is a Bob Marley, Aerosmith or Little Keed song they all play on the same radio station. Growing up as kids we never really saw genres because the lines were blurry. It influenced us in a way where we would put hip hop, r&b, soul, pop and rock all in one like gumbo.

Obviously, people thought it was weird at first but then they realized that is what makes R. City unique. One time we were writing a song for Gwen Stefani and she told me that she loved the R&B melody. I didn’t even know that it was an R&B melody. I just liked it because it sounded cool.

Respect: How important is it as an artist and songwriter to have creative freedom? 

Theron: It is very important because with your art you want to make sure people see your vision. I write songs for other artists that I won’t sing so my vision is important. I might write the most gangster hood song for DJ Khaled’s album and then for my album take a completely different direction because that is simply just not who I am. Feel like in the music I want to make sure people are getting to know me as much as I can as well as my brother. We just want people to see what we stand for and what we are into and rock with it.

Respect: What Advice would you give any creative looking to break into the industry as a songwriter?

Theron: Practice makes perfect. Keep on writing and learn how to accept advice. But do not let the advice control you because everybody’s story is different. Like no one no matter what will have my story I don’t care how they try. Nobody is going to move from the Islands with $35 in their pocket. No matter what advice I give you, you have to walk your path. As cliché as it sounds, the best advice anyone can tell you is to never give up. The only people that actually who lose are the people that quit and that is for real.

Respect: What are you currently working on? 

Theron: A kid named 11:11, my good friend Dr. Luke, Mario, Usher, Lordes, A1 LaFlare (singer/songwriter) and I’m currently in the studio with Saweetie. So much love for her and her drive and work ethic. I have a different level of respect for her being in the studio with her seeing her create.

I am also working with Doja Cat on her new album. I did her records “Rules” and “Like It” Feat. Gucci Mane. I am in a space where I want to work with new people and be responsible for ushering in a new wave of talent. Kim Petras is one of the best pop voices in the world. I am super excited about her. That is where I am mentally. It is all about working with new artists.

My son Sumo and I did a kid’s album that we will release this year. He is 7 years old and I am truly excited about that. It’s called Sumo World. I am just in a great space. When I first started music I did it because I had a daughter, I was broke and wanted to take care of her my way. Now money is not an issue, and I’m making music that I love and that I want to hear.

I am ecstatic to also announce that new R. City music is coming soon!! 2020 will be a crazy year!!! 

 Be sure to follow Theron on IG @therontheron_ as he continues his reign over the music business. .

The post Theron “Uptown” Thomas: Pop Hitmaker You Need To Know appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Presenting a sonically impressive variation from the norm, Lil Blurry has plans to revolutionize the game while unapologetically emphasizing the importance of individuality, and on “Important” he does just that. As he raps “Yeah, yeah, yeah, they doubted on my name, now I’m in that new Bugatti and you know I’m switching lanes”, it’s evident that Lil Blurry has no plans to pay the haters any mind. With a signature of approval from two of the most prominent musicians in hip hop, he’s setting the stage for a career that will be nothing short of amazing.

Watch Lil Blurry’s “Important” new visual featuring DJ Khaled for below!

The post DJ Khaled Has An “Important” Message For Lil Blurry appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Image credit: Walt Disney

By now, you’ve seen a blue Will Smith playing his role as the genie on the forthcoming live-action remake of Aladdin; now, you’ll get to hear more of his musical contributions. As part of the official soundtrack for the film, he and Father of Asahd DJ Khaled came together to remake the classic song “Friend Like Me” (originally performed by the late great Robin Williams in the 1992 original).

Also added is the full stream of the Aladdin soundtrack for your listening (and nostalgic) pleasure.

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The post Will Smith & DJ Khaled Recreate the ‘Aladdin’ Classic “Friend Like Me” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Finally, Khaled brought many of the aforementioned artists with him to Saturday Night Live to perform a medley of album cuts. Both that and the new visuals can all be seen and enjoyed below.

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The post DJ Khaled Delivered a Slew of New Videos and a Star-Studded ‘SNL’ Performance Over The Weekend appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Nipsey Hussle might be gone in the physical sense, but he’ll never be forgotten.

Today DJ Khaled delivered his 11th album Father Of Asahd. Featured on that track is a now-posthumous cut with Nipsey and John Legend titled “Higher”; its accompanying music video ensures that the late Hip-Hop star remains in fans’ thoughts.

In the Eif Rivera-directed video (50 Cent, French Montana, Lil Wayne), we first see an opening tribute to Nipsey, who lost his life on March 31st in a senseless shooting outside his Marathon Clothing store in Los Angeles. The music video was cut just days before his death, and it’s said to be Nipsey’s final performance captured on film.

Check it out below.

https://youtu.be/tPC9VID6M9s

The post DJ Khaled Shares Heartfelt Music Video for “Higher” Feat. Nipsey Hussle & John Legend appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Tyler, The Creator – IGOR

Image credit: Columbia

We’ve seen the beautiful evolution of artist-producer Tyler, The Creator over the course of five releases, beginning with 2009’s Bastard. Now, ten years later, the Cali star pushes the envelope even further with his sixth album IGOR, which sees 12 new tracks and some low-key assistance from Kanye West (who actually appears on a track uncredited), Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti and more. Check it out below, along with an explanation of the genre-bending project straight from the source:

DJ Khaled – Father Of Asahd

Image credit: We The Best/Epic

Something that deserves the utmost respect: the fact that, prior to this day, DJ Khaled has already delivered ten studio albums to the masses. Now, he brings forth his eleventh: Father Of Asahd, which sees 15 new tracks and appearances from all of the usual suspects and some that may have been collaborated with Khaled as much in the past — Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, SZA, the newly-freed Buju Banton, Big Sean, Cardi B, 21 Savage, the late Nipsey Hussle (the visual for this collaboration is also out now), Nas, Meek Mill, Lil Baby and more. DJ Khaled’s formula has been gold since 2006’s Listennn… the Album…don’t expect Khaled’s reign to take a backseat anytime soon.

Slowthai – Nothing Great About Britain

Image credit: Method

After some dope visual drops (including one featuring Skepta), Northampton emcee Slowthai delivers his official debut Nothing Great About Britain, which sees 11 (as of the album’s official release, 17) new tracks and — in addition to the aforementioned — additional appearances from JayKae and Mura Masa. The album as a whole is definitely aimed as the racism and prejudice that currently exists in his hometown (and much of the western world).

Check it out in full below.

Megan Thee Stallion – Fever

Image credit: 300

The hottest female artist on the planet not named Cardi B delivers her major-label debut Fever, which sees 14 tracks and features from equally hot rapper Da Baby and veteran Juicy J. Needless to say, the Houston star continues to hold her own over hard-hitting, catchy production this side of “Big Ole Freak” (and you can expect more hits to spawn from this project during the Summer).

Press play on Meg’s new heat below.

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The post NEW ALBUM FRIDAY: DJ Khaled, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyler, The Creator & slowthai appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.