Black Fortune began pushing out music in 2016, but it wasn’t until 2018 when he caught a buzz from his breakout record “OsshWop.” Noticing that, he released his debut mixtape OsshRock later that year. The 12-track offering includes standout cuts like “Katrina” and “Gorillaz,” which has garnered half-a-million Youtube views since its release. Earlier this month, he re-released the project with three new tracks. When asked why he didn’t just drop a new one, “[artists] drop a hundred more [projects] and by the time they get discovered by the label, they’re washed out,” Fortune responds.

The Maryland-native is just getting started, but already has support from the likes of SZA, Travis Scott, and Diddy, who he met through his sons, Justin and Christian Combs. “They hit me up ’cause they fuck with my music and we linked up at Rolling Loud. We have been like family ever since then.” Black Fortune also reminisces on Christian’s album release party among other things. Peep the interview below.

Photo Credits: Claire Marie Vogel

Tell me about the moments leading up to you rapping.

I didn’t have a job or anything like that. I was doing home invasions and doing whatever I could to get money. I lived with my mother and I have eleven brothers and sisters, but I only lived with eight of them. We all shared a house together. I was getting the little money I got and I’d take it to use for studio time. That’s about it I guess.

Black Fortune, what’s the story behind the name?

Black comes from a couple of different things. I’m Black of course. My father’s nickname was Black, my uncle who passed away was nicknamed Black as well. The Fortune part comes from me just wanting to be fortunate. It sounds like money. My father would tell me about this dude named Tony Fortune and that kind of reminded me of my self.

Tell me about your upbringings, did you always want to make music? Were your friends and family supportive of it?

Yeah, definitely. My parents supported me when I started making music.

Being from the DMV, do you feel like it’s easier to get your music across different audiences?

No, it’s not easy at all actually. Everybody just hearing the same thing. You kind of have to dumb your raps down for people to understand it.

Maryland has rappers like Logic and IDK, were you able to watch them develop in the moments leading up to their success?

No, I knew about them after they blew up actually.

So a few months back, you posted a video with Diddy. How did that relationship develop?

From his sons. I’m cool with Justin Combs and Christian Combs. They hit me up ’cause they fuck with my music and we linked up at Rolling Loud. We have been like family ever since then. Christian Combs had a release party one time. His father had a cipher and it was really for the Meek Mils and high-profile artists, but Diddy’s sons vouched for me. He would tell me to keep going. Keep my creativity level to a high like it already it is. Just keep my foot on these artists necks.

Why did you decide to re-release OsshRock as opposed to delivering a new project?

I look at it like this: these artists drop a hundred mixtapes and make no money. Then they drop a hundred more and by the time they get discovered by the label, they’re washed out. Also, OsshRock did good out hear and different cities, but I wanted to drop it internationally. Originally, it had two million views. I had to re-release it so the rest of the world can hear so when I drop new music, the world isn’t lost. I released the deluxe with three new songs and for my fans that have been there, it’s something to hold them.

Can we expect new material from you this year and if so, what direction are you heading with your sound?

Definitely. You can expect new material from me in like a week. You know, same hype energy with different vibes. I’m also very lyrical, but it’s going to get real spicy in this motherfucker. It’s about to get crazy because I level up every time I go to the studio. You’ll hear a lot of different sounds and cadences. It’s a lot more Ossh.

What exactly “Ossh”?

“Ossh” is a language that I created. It can be described as jibberish or pig Latin, but it’s my own language. Only me and my friends will understand it.

The post Meet Black Fortune, The Maryland Rapper With His Own Language appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Many people may have never heard of Landover, Maryland, but that is soon to change with this breakout rap & R&B star. The 22-year-old gained significant attention with his 2018 single “DMV Anthem” and already has co-signs from hip-hop legends like Diddy. Check the project out and view the visuals below.

The post DMV Rapper Black Fortune Updates ‘OsshRock’ With Three New Songs appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

“On Chill” serves as the second official collaboration between Wale and Jeremih. They previously worked together on “The Body” from Wale’s 2014 album The Album About Nothing. Check the track out below.

The post Wale Recruits Jeremih For “On Chill” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo Credit: Ras Nebyu TP

D.C. has been on a run in 2017 thanks to their ever-growing stable of artists, and Ras Nebyu is more than happy to add mileage. His newest single — titled “Thirsty Packman” — is here and it features rising artist Rico Nasty.

For those who’ve slept, Ras Nebyu is a buzzing DMV hip-hop artist who stands out due to his socially conscious music and unique style. Not only that, but he’s even got the stamp of approval from fellow D.C. artists including Wale. He’s also the head of the Washington Slizzards movement in D.C. It’s a collective of artists and creators in D.C. that, since conception, has snowballed into merchandise, clothing and more.

Ras also spoke on how the track came together:

When I initially recorded it, it was one of my favorite songs to date because it was super effortless & that helped me not take myself too seriously but at the same time saying something of substance. The contrast between the hook & verses turned out to be the perfect balance, plus it cranked so hard to me. A few months later after hearing Rico’s “Poppin” on Issa Rae’s “Insecure” show, I thought it would be tight to have her on the record. Wasn’t sure how realistic it was but the next morning my manager told me he was working on it & about 2 days later she sent it back with her verse on.

This single is very upfront like his earlier releases, but groovy and is perfect for riding through the city with your friends and vibing out to.

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The post RESPECT. Premiere: Ras Nebyu Feat. Rico Nasty – Thirsty Packman appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

DMV native Courtney B is surely a natural vocalist, having her knack for singing allow her to perform at such venues as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, The Howard Theater and more. Aside from singing background vocals for the great Lalah Hathaway, the R&B songstress also released her debut single “I’ve Been Waiting” in December of 2015 and her EP #Boss in April of 2016. Today, she unveils the Champion Studio directed visual for her single “Boss.”

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The post New Music: CourtneyB Drops “Boss” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

If your familiar with DMV area, then your no stranger to rapper Topdolla Sweizy.

From having his city go crazy over his single “I Got Ice”, to selling out shows, and even collaborating with Young Thug for “Hundos”. This past November he dropped his album Hi 5 To The Plug and now he’s back on another wave. Recently, the DC artist dropped a new single titled “All In”. It seems like DC is creating major buzz at the moment so it definitely wouldn’t be a surprise if there were more tracks to come. For now, check out the single here and stay tuned for DC’s next.

The post Topdolla Sweizy Goes ‘All In’ with New Track [LISTEN] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

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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