Art Direction: Jack Beaudoin

In December (2015) we sat down with Nolan the Ninja after his debut EP, F-ck The Hype was released. A humble giant when trading dialogue, but an absolute viking when handed a microphone. Yeah, you may hear that about a lot of artists on blogs and buy into over-hype, but we couldn’t be more serious or be making this up. He’s a force. If you’re reading this and are familiar with his work we assume you are already agreeing – if this is your introduction, welcome.

As mentioned before, Detroit is home for some of the most polished lyricists and musicians hip-hop has ever seen. The list goes on, but for the sake of a good reminder let’s name a few – Black Milk, Elzhi, J-Dilla, Royce Da 5’9″, Eminem, Guilty Simpson, Apollo Brown (Ugly Heroes), Clear Soul Forces and many more. For years “The Motor City” has become a promising hub giving birth and catering to quality musicians. I think we can all agree with that, right?

The hunger continues with Nolan’s new “dianetics.” Actual hunger, continued hunger for more – as his latest EP displayed beautifully both direct and indirectly. This first leak here from his forthcoming, Left of Center debut LP ‘he[art]’ is just a taste at what the record will offer. It feels like a refreshing continuation thus far – executing in a similar manner as the EP but with his tie’s knot tightened a bit more. ‘he[art]’ boasts guest artists ranging from Guilty Simpson to Red Pill and production from Def Dee to MoSS.  This is high energy, quality hip-hop. Notice I always italicize the word hip-hop. Nolan is far from a phony emcee/beatsmith and true heads notice this immediately. Though a required taste, that perhaps could be mood-based, this is what the culture could use more of. A young, passionate, student of the game who actually cares about the craft. Anyway, that’s enough out of us. Enjoy the record. Peace and love!

Physical pre-orders for ‘he[art]’ via Fatbeats 

https://soundcloud.com/nolantheninja-1/dianetics-prod-by-5ynot-1/s-xErkJ

Nolan the Ninja on Twitter

Suggested Articles:

RESPECT. Magazine interview (Dec. 2015)

Stream ‘F-ck the Hype’ EP

The post Detroit’s Nolan The Ninja Drops Off New ‘dianetics.’ (Audio) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

This is the grit we all desire. The sound we miss. Or do we have to “miss” it if it’s available? Detroit is home base for some of hip-hop’s most notable names over the years and rather competitive for emcees like Nolan the Ninja. The oversaturated “now” sound coming out of Detroit and its surrounding areas, however, leaves a wide open lane for the true schoolers – away from the hype of the mainstream.

If you’re just now finding out about emcee/producer Nolan, good. It’s a breath a fresh air for the passionate hip-hop junkie. The amount of enthusiasm and passion is undeniably evident. Having released two records this year (Fuck the Hype and Lo-Fi Loops) and an appearance on DJ Soko‘s Domino Effect LP, it’s safe to say he had a great year on wax. Fuck the Hype, released under Left of Center, should be spun now if you have not done so yet. We’ve attached the full stream for you below, so splurge and purchase.

That’s enough out of us. Enjoy the new visual treatment and keep scrolling to check out our conversation with Nolan. Peace and love:

RESPECT. Magazine: Can you tell the world a little bit about Nolan the Ninja – for those who may just be discovering you today?

Nolan The Ninja: I’m a 23-year old emcee & producer from Detroit, Michigan.

RM: Over the years Detroit has been home of some of hip hop’s most notable artists. Who are some of your hometown favorites if you had to name a few?

NTN: Well, Elzhi is my favorite. I’d definitely love to collaborate with him in the future. Some of my other favorites include Clear Soul Forces, Red Pill, & Royce Da 5’9 just to name a few.

RM: If you could collaborate with one artist (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

NTN: It’s a tie between Nas & D’Angelo.

RM: Congratulations on the release of your latest Fuck the Hype album. It’s quite the body of work. Can you discuss the albums title a bit for us?

NTN: Essentially, it’s about understanding self. The title simply says, “Be yourself.” Fuck what else is going on because it doesn’t matter. Make the vibes that’s in your heart, you know? The organic shit is gonna last the longest, anyway. People are too stuck on fabricated trash. It’s to the point where people think that they have to be subjected to that certain standard of music to be accepted. It’s disgusting & I want to see change. Therefore, I’m acting as the change that I’d like to see.

RM: What should the world be expecting from Nolan the Ninja moving into 2016?

NTN: I’ll be going on a European tour with DJ Soko & Noveliss of Clear Soul Forces in a couple of months. I’m mad excited about that. My first official tour & my first official trip to Europe? Crazy. I also have an album releasing in the Spring on Fat Beats/Left Of Center. I’ll be doing some executive work on other LOC releases, as well. Other than that, who knows? This past year has been full of surprises so I’m excited to see what 2016 brings.

The post Detroit’s Nolan the Ninja Drops Off New “Gusto” Video + Interview appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Premiering the first single off his debut LP Domino Effect, DJ Soko (The Left) joined up with Hassaan Mackey, Marvwon and Finale “Take Notes.” Produced by Def Dee, this lyrical-sparring track will make you feel like you’re in the middle of a cypher. Available August 21, don’t forget to pre-order DJ Soko’s Domino Effect (LP, CD, Bandcamp).

Check out DJ Soko’s “Take Notes,”  the full track-listing for Domino Effect (Featuring such artists as Journalist 103, Guilty Simpson, Red Pill, and more), and watch the album trailer below:

The post RESPECT. PREMIERE: DJ Soko – “Take Notes” Feat. Hassaan Mackey, Marvwon, Finale appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.