Music is definitely the vice that is going to carry us through the troubling times of 2020. Here is some new flavor from an up-and-coming artist, London McKoy, who’s new single “Sometimes” addresses some of our current mental stresses with a harmony that is perfect for your RnB therapy!

     Who is London McKoy you may ask? She is an eclectic singer who is the first lady of the musical label and collective artist called Blck Mrcy (pronounced Black Mercy) who has given us some fresh tunes to pull us closer to summer 2020.

     She is also a part of DJ Duo The Don Dadas. Her Co-DJ Lola Benjamin, who is a legacy DJ, have combined forces not only to make sure our Friday nights are lit but to also tackle mental health with their event Press Play Namaste. This event is a different take on your typical yoga class. It includes a live DJ taking you away from the traditional yoga sounds and taking you anywhere from “A Tribe Called Quest” to “Dip set” while you’re working on your warrior one pose!

`London first caught my eye years a ago with her Single Bittersweet  and her growth as an artist definitely shines though  on her new single “Sometimes.” You can find out more London and Lola who was a guest on the “House of Boom” Podcast below.

#houseofboom #Houseofboompodcast #Grindseason #Workhardplayhard

The post London McKoy drops new single ‘Sometimes”, talks Dj Duo Don Dadas and Yoga appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photocredit: Drew Carrymore

Culture is what dreams are made of and on that note, it is 2018 and Canadian DJs to look for this year is growing. Latest DJ from the dot to shed light on Toronto’s music scene is DoloindaCUT, Roy Woods‘ official DJ. His musical demeanor is very much in pocket with “pretty girls like trap music” aesthetic. His flawless sets are as fun to listen to as they are during his live performances. It is the combination of the two that makes him a great and entertaining DJ. Coming from a family of DJs, it only comes natural to him but that is far from what he once wanted to be.

Have you always wanted to be a DJ?

No I haven’t. I had the dream of every young man, I wanted to be in the NBA. Other than that, I’ve always had an interest for art and drawing. I wanted to be a architect and design buildings but I was always surrounded by music. My dad had been DJing before I was born so I was brought up around DJs ,my older brother also DJ’d so growing up I used to play around. Spinning records at my moms house parties, but it was just for fun I never planned on becoming one.

Growing up what was it like for you and where do you get your music taste from?

Growning up was fun for me I’ve always been a known person. Low key I was a bad yute, always giving trouble. I was a product of my environment. I was raised on Lakeshore, that’s the southwest end of Toronto. Then I moved to Brampton. I went to school with 4YALL Entertainment (Toronto-based Comedy Youtube Channel) then I came right back to Toronto and never left since, I feel like I get my music taste from my older brother. Growing up he used to record hip hop videos on VHS and I used to just sit there and watch different VHS mixtapes all day.

Back in the days DJs used to break records. Do you think the same level of dedication still exists among today’s DJs?

Yes and no. Back in the day artists would find a DJ and get their record played in the club, hoping clubs would fuck with it, that’s how they put it out. But now artists are on soundcloud, and DJs like me that like discovering new music go and to find their tracks. When I DJ or do a mix I always like to add new content that I fuck with and try to put people on game.

Name some of your favorite brands.

Off-White, Virgil is always creating masterpieces, Supreme, Stone Island, Gucci, Jordan, Nike, Palm Angles and Ksubi.

5 goals in 2018:

My 5 goals in 2018 would be to be on the headline of my first festival and turn that shit the fuck up, my second goal is to cross the border and DJ in America and all around the world like France and Dubai and shit like that. My third is for me to do my own tour around North America. Fourth would be to produce a single on someones album or EP and my last goal is to DJ a venue with Virgil Abloh and rock the stage with him.

Your top 7 favorite artists?

MJ, Tupac, the Lox, Jay Z, Biggie, Kanye West, and my brother Roy Woods.

What was the last song you played on your phone?

The last song I listened to on my phone was a un-released record by my brother Roy Woods called Snow White that he just recorded at the house. I have that shit on repeat. that shit is a BANGER.

You have been on tour with OVO artist Roy Woods, what was it like?

Being on tour with Roy was amazing. So fucking lit. I was able to tour around Canada and go places that I never thought I would go, and actually have fun. Everywhere I went I want to go back to DJ or even just to chill out. I got to meet a lot of great people and got the chance to DJ in front of 1400-2000 people for my first tour and have the whole place lit, that tour was very special to me.

Was this your first time touring?

Yes it was. And this is a tour that I’m never going to forget. I was able to learn so much when I was on that tour being on road with my brothers. I learned how to control the crowds and turn them up. Eating right and sleeping right plays a big role because I wasn’t doing neither and it fucked me up by the end of that tour I was sick like a dawg, But I’m ready for the next one baby.

What made you make this mix?

I just wanted to curate a playlist of Toronto music that I can put on a platform and show to the world all the talent we have up here. Some of these songs are un-released and some are out on SoundCloud and Spotify etc. This is just the first of many things coming so keep on the look out. I hope u guys fuck with my movement.

Dolo also recently DJ’d for Stone Island’s first ever North American event. In 2018 definitely look out for him to make some noise.

As for the playlist, take a look below.

1. DRIPXXXX ft. TRIPSIXX – Pink Lemonade
2. 88Glam ft. NAV – Bali
3. TRIPSIXX ft. DRIPXXXX – Donuts
4. Booggz ft. FIJI – On the Road
5. Pressa ft. Tory Lanez – On The Road
6. Fatman – Orangeville
7. Roy Woods – Suitcase
8. Friyie – Who Can I Trust
9. 88Glam – Big tymers
10. Tripsixx – Wassup ft Roy Woods , Dice Soho
11. Kysean – Rockstar
12. 88Glam – 12
13. Pnb Rock – VVS ft. Roy Woods , Dice Soho
14. Killy – No Romance
15. Roy Woods – Ice In My Jewels
16. Friyie – Come & Get It
17. TRIPSIXX ft. Roy Woods – FYFB
18. AM the Artist – Trust
19. Sha Hustle – Spend Some
20. Roy Woods – Fall On Me
21. TRIPSIXX – Trap Cudi
22. Booggz – Windows ft CMDWN
23. Fatman – Traphouse on Hansen
24. TVGUCCI – TLVSD
25. Pengz & TwoTwo – Griselda Blanco
26. Prime Boys – Come With It
27. Swagger Rite – In Love With The K
28. DRIPSIXX – Run up
29. Rari – H2O

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Travis Scott was frustrated to say the least after he kicked the DJ working his set off the stage while he was preforming at New City Gas Nightclub in Montreal for repeatedly killing his set vibes on December 30th.

Footage of Travis Scott that was posted to Youtube shows the Texas-born rapper talking about the DJ who was horribly mixing his set at the Montreal show by saying  “Just play a song you f*****g moron”, followed by “The worst DJ in Montreal is right there on stage yo. The best rapper in the world is on stage right now though.”

To make matters worse, the DJ then shames himself even more by triggering the wrong button and ruined the beat while Travis is preforming his hit song, “Pick up The Phone“. At this point Travis is passed the point of fed-up and says “Just get off the stage, please. Yo, this f*****g trash a** DJ is f*****g up everything I’m doing right now man and it’s p*****g me off.”

Finally, the DJ takes an exit from the stage while Scott was preforming “Goosebumps“ so he took on the role of mixing for himself and got behind the decks and proved he really didn’t need him anyways.

Travis went solo while popping off to “Antidote“, which ended up being the smoothest played song of the entire set. The DJ made a return and came back on stage towards the end of the song, making for another pause in the show and Travis scratched the disk while screaming “Montreal!” into the mic and closed his set.

Scott tweeted out to his Monteal fans “Will be back soon. Love”,  expectantly with a new DJ.

Will be back soon. Love

— TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) December 31, 2016

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The post Travis Scott Kicks DJ Off of Stage at Montreal Nightclub appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT: Just as an alchemist transforms led into gold, do you feel that being an artist relates to that of being an alchemist? Do you view the artist journey and your creative expression, as alchemy?

DJ QBERT: Yes, I feel that as an artist, I’m constantly on a journey to learn more about music and hone my skills… It’s led me to a transformation from just doing music, to now discovering that we as artists are healers. I’ve found that the more love I put into what I do, it definitely shines through to the listener. (Well, at least I hope it does, ha!)

THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT: Artists are often labeled as “stars.” Just as a star radiates light and the planets then reflect this light, do you see your work as an artist like that of a star? Is this “light” that stars radiate merely the evidence of this journey of becoming a star/learning to radiate light?

DJ QBERT: Yes, you got it! It’s a transference of energy. the frequency of love is light… so what we hear are frequencies… and light is higher forms of frequencies. The music you hear may not blatantly reveal to you the subtle frequencies of the invisible light of love, but you will feel it, when the artist has that intention. And besides, as humans, we are all micro universes… so you could say we are all full of stars.

THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT: When an artist is not “creating” it is often labeled a “creative block.” How do you navigate this space, how do you find the creative spark in the dark, and does it require courage to create from this unknown space? Describe this process.

DJ QBERT: It’s all a balance and it comes in waves just as nature does… When you are not “feelin” it at the moment, it is the perfect time to do other things, like just simply live life, listen to other things, go out and get inspiration… And speaking of nature, that’s exactly where I go to get it! There’s so much beauty on a path in the forest. All the geometry in the plants, the way animals look and do things, the way things sound, the music that insects make, you know… All the love and light the universe gives to us just makes me peaceful… And when I’m in a zen kinda mode, I’m ridiculously creative for some reason. My third ear is open and I hear music from outta this dimension… I guess there could be light in your ears too, ha!

You can also find this story on THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT.

The Museum of Light is curated by: Billy Johnson Jr., Adell Henderson, Joslyn Rose Lyons, Rafael Casal, Matt Smith, Malik Buie.

The post CONVERSATIONS IN LIGHT: DJ QBERT appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

                                                                                                                        

DJ PWILL is a young DJ from New York trying to take the art of DJing to the next level. He may be a younger DJ in the game, but thanks to his attitude, mentors, and passion, PWILL has already made some major moves. Besides learning about some of his upcoming projects and events, this DJ’s interview will also give you an instant boost of inspiration that will make you want to chase whatever dream you’ve been holding out on.

RESPECT: Tell us about your upcoming projects. 

PWILL: Actually I have a few finished projects I want to get out real soon. Between school and DJing live events I haven’t had the time to really get them out.  I got a got a mix for those late nights in your feelings on the way, I know I need a mix for those nights so I was sure everyone else did too. And actually, the year anniversary of  my mix, “You Know Why I’m Here” is coming up and I think it’s only right we get a part 2..

How do you balance school and DJing?

I try to keep my DJing at a weekend only or on an after classes basis as far as live events. Also, I like to keep my Sundays free… I use that Sunday to catch up on all work, sleep and stuff like that.

How did you start DJing?

I actually started DJing a few years ago when I came to college. I always loved music and the way it moved people, when I got to school I kinda took that leap and it turned out way better than I would’ve ever thought. I started out just mixing music on my iPad in my dorm room then I started practicing on actual equipment for a whole year before I even decided to officially begin DJing. Major shout out to my guy Swerve… that’s the guy right there, taught me so much in this game.

Who are your inspirations in music/ Do you have a fave DJ?

Some of my biggest inspirations in music gotta be people like Bryson Tiller, Kanye and Metro Boomin. Kanye’s music has really been the playlist to my life if I’m being honest. I remember listening to 808’s literally everyday all day last winter. No exaggeration. I would listen from when I woke up to when I slept.  Metro Boomin really gives me hope to make it in this industry. To see someone who was just in the position I’m in… that’s crazy. Went from the dorm room to headlining his own tour in a couple of years at 21 years old… I need that.

What makes you different from other DJs?

I’m not afraid of anything. I will do anything to make it in this industry. I wanna be the one of the best to ever do it. I want to be a household name one day.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to start DJing?

To anyone who’s interested in DJing, just know that it is seriously way harder than it seems. Anyone can play music. But to DJ an event and control a crowd is a whole different thing. You gotta love it. You gotta make it your life.

What’s your favorite and least favorite part of the DJ scene?

My favorite thing ever (and probably will be for a long time) is hearing that pop from the crowd when you drop a song. When they just go crazy… like that’s the best feeling ever. I be so high off that feeling.

The thing I like the least about DJing has to be the long nights and the struggle of learning the ins and outs of it all. But then again I fell in love with all that. So I don’t know if there’s anything I can say I genuinely don’t like about DJing.

Describe your DJ style

My style… my style is probably best described like a Rockstar DJ *laughs out loud*, I really go up on stage and just have the time of my life. All I think about is putting smiles on faces and dirt on shoes. I want people to be just out of it from partying with me. It’s all about the fun. Nothing else matters.

Who are your favorite DJs?

My favorite DJs off the top of my head are probably Skratch Bastid, Jazzy Jeff, Swerve and most definitely myself.

Make sure you stay updated on DJ PWILL’s latest projects by following his SoundCloud here.

Photo Credits to: ZheSheChe Foto

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The post RESPECT. Interview: DJ PWILL One of the Illest Up and Coming DJs appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT:  Just as an alchemist transforms led into gold, is there an element  of transformation in your creative expression? How does this process for you, connect to that of an alchemists?

DJ MARS: The alchemist and the DJ play similar roles. The combining of existing elements, in my case sounds to create what hasn’t been heard before. All of this makes DJing super exciting to me.

THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT:  Artists are often labeled as “stars.” Just as a star radiates light and the planets then reflect this light. Do you see your work behind the pen or behind the lens, as a reflection of this light?

DJ MARS: I would say the light in some instances can be described as inspiration. In part, the relationship between the community and the music industry is inspiration. I would say my influence is based on positive influence. I am a college graduate who, in part shaped the Dj culture in Atlanta. DJ’S followed the lead that I set and took it in a positive direction as well. That is a clear example of the planet reflecting the light of the star.

THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT:  When an artist is not “creating” it is often labeled a “creative block.” Where do you find the creative spark? What inspires your work and does it require a sense of courage to create from this unknown space?

DJ MARS:  My creative inspiration comes from a multitude of different places. Being a Dj is relative to being a producer,or scientist or a cook. A DJ takes bits and pieces of records to combine them to make a coherent thought. In our line of work that coherent thought is a party. We use records to shape emotions,and if used properly they songs evoke strong emotions. Great DJ’s are like great orators,whether the speech giver is a politician or religious figure. For me I rarely hit a creative block because there is so much music for me to play. A new record gives me, the DJ, a new direction to go. Each audience gives me a new opportunity to alter my set, so that its fresh and new. In my line of work creativity is endless.

The Museum of Light is curated by: 
Billy Johnson Jr., Joslyn Rose Lyons, Adell Henderson, Rafael Casal, Matt Smith, Malik Buie.

For more info on The Light visit:

http://www.themuseumoflight.com/
https://instagram.com/museumoflight/
https://twitter.com/museumoflight

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The post REFLECTIONS IN LIGHT Interview: DJ MARS appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Artwork: Chase Grizzly

Maybe you haven’t been keeping score, though; and if that’s the case, it’s all good, because DJ F.A.T.E. is here to get you together, with a brand new mix titled, Welcome to the Midwest V.

Teaming with well-known producer and emcee, Drumma Boy, F.A.T.E. introduces us to some Midwest talent that we might need to pay attention to, if we haven’t been already, with seventeen brand new tracks. Although is tape is Ohio-heavy, bouncing from Cleveland (Tezo, KiD CuDi, Ray Jr.), to Cincinnati (Lantana Easy) to Columbus (Tae Fresh, Jerreau, iyeball), F.A.T.E. and Drumma managed to throw some DeJ Loaf in there, along with southern acts like Chase N Cashe, and Scotty ATL.

Welcome to the Midwest V is a go, so press play.

For more from DJ F.A.T.E. be sure to catch him on the road, as he is the official DJ for King Chip.

The post RESPECT. Premiere: DJ F.A.T.E. & Drumma Boy – ‘Welcome to the Midwest V’ (Mixtape) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.