There are many areas that are making hip-hop proud currently – “DMV” being one on the list. For those unfamiliar, it’s the area where Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia mesh, which naturally developed the now-universal byname. With its rather central location along the east coast, it’s safe and evident to say that musicians by way of the DMV area draw influences from above and below – and it’s something beautiful. It’s a bit tough to pinpoint a sound or specific influence as a whole when you hear it.

To name a few from surrounding pinpoints, do recall Wale, Pharrell, Clipse, Oddisee (as well as a good portion of Mello Music Group recording artists), Missy Elliot, Skillz, D’Angelo and many more. We’d say that’s quite a beautiful hybrid of artists, right?

Tef Wesley gave us the original “Gametime” treatment last year (2015), having released a video for it as well. Fast forwarding a year later to now Tef decided to round up fellow partners in rhyme Jered Sanders and Cane to paint the triumphant, guitar riffed, heavy drummed Grussle canvas. Grussle is an electrifying beatsmith, always paying homage to the traditional, neck snapping and atmospheric boom-bap-esque sound that we all love and want more of. DMV’s Dj Ragz (of the Jazz Addixx) brought his sharpest Ginsu knives to the table, per-usual. Do be alarmed. This joint is potent.

Lets not turn this into a long, exhausting review. Enjoy the record and be sure to keep up with the fellas as 2016 unfolds. Peace and love.

Tef Wesley | Jered Sanders | Cane | Dj Ragz | Grussle

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“This cassette was made with dust, vinyl, drum machines, breaks, kicks, snares, chops, kicks, loops, and soul.”

We witnessed this entire project unfold. Ologist, by way of Virgina and a proud Better Beat Bureau member, reached out to “some of the dopest producers” he knew via Instagram in the summer of 2015. The project’s original title, or concept rather, was The IG Beat Collective – which is self explanatory and simply amazing if done properly. But that is no issue for Ologist and producer Analog Burners, who both formulated the project now known and available as ‘When Crates Create‘.

Toggling back and forth on the which physical format to release the 18-track collaboration, they chose cassette. Oh yes, a good old classic beat tape. Boy how we miss those, huh? Perhaps this doesn’t tickle the fancies of the average radio listener or trap star, and that is totally okay. This predominately caters to an audience of true school, and old school, hip-hop heads – but not limited to. Your grandmother or country ass brother in-law could easily ride out to the wide, yet cohesive body of work.

There are too many names to list for you, but check the track list out as you stream it. If you’re not familiar with a lot of the beat smiths throughout the tape, do know they all take this craft very seriously and give eternal praise to the culture – as you should too. Yeah you. Enjoy the stream and keep up with the lords. Peace and love:

If you missed Analog Burners & Starvin B‘s ‘Starvicide‘ release feel free to splurge. It’s something you should probably be familiar with. One love.

Ologist | Analog Burners | When Crates Create

The post When Crates Create Is The Ultimate Instrumental Tape (Stream) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Tef Wesley is back in action. After sending a warning shot out with “RX” last year, he’s serving up a brand new single, “Gametime”, to kick off things in 2015. Produced by Grussle, this track will be on their upcoming collaborative album, Pens & Needles, due out later this year.

“Gametime” is a strong return to the table, modernizing the golden era hip hop sound with thorough rhymes over hard-hitting production and topped off with impressive cuts on the hook by DJ Ragz of the Jazz Addixx/Muzik Fiendz crew. The song was mixed and mastered by legendary engineer Eddie Sancho.

In the visual for the hit, Tef Wesley takes us into a day in the life with his SK crew and friends, representing to the fullest. The video was directed by Darren Harper for Love Being Street films.

Watch the video below:

The post New Video: Tef Wesley & Grussle Feat. DJ Ragz – “Gametime” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.