Socially conscious rap artist on the rise, Evan Barlow, releases his highly anticipated new mixtape “FABRICS,” much to the delight of his ever-increasing fan base. The Richmond-bred rapper and recovering addict boldly wields his talents to shed light on the struggle, despair and ultimate victory over drug addiction, while advocating for everyone’s freedom of choice to live a better life and become the best version of themselves, despite what society may tell them.

“We named my upcoming project ‘FABRICS,’ because fabrics, distinct from textile materials are the basic structure of something, and for my project I chose not to be limited to an ideology that my music had to fit a certain format or sound,” Evan explains. “So music in general was the basic structure of this project, not the format of the music.”

The East Coast artist says his fans can expect an unexpected sound on this body of work. “What makes ‘FABRICS’ unique is the genre-crossing. We have straight up Hip-Hop tracks transitioning into alternative tracks, raw rapping, then melodic singing. The song ‘Left Hand Jump’ has an Alt-J, mixed with a House of Pain sample, underlined by Nirvana. That’s unique in itself,” the rising star explains.

Evan worked with an incredible group of artists to bring “FABRICS” to life, including the talented producer Bink (Kanye West, Jay Z), the phenomenal Pop Wansel Producers Some Randoms, Chally who is signed to Timbaland, Macklemore’shorn players Greg Kramer and Ouwor Arunga, as well as Andrew Hypes, Will Perry and more.

“A lot of key people here. Also, just the fact we did what we weren’t supposed to and risked being washed out with the people who have no image. The whole point of ‘Fabrics’ was to not have an image. We wanted to see how far we could run with not sticking to one genre,” Evan unveils.

The Richmond, Virginia native has creatively coined his unique sound “the music of the day after tomorrow” and is known for effortlessly blending genres such as Rock, Pop, Alternative and Hip-Hop for a signature result that resounds with a millennial age.

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The post Evan Barlow Releases New Mixtape “FABRICS” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

It’s fair to say that between his controversial videos and breakout performance at the 2015 BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher, Joyner Lucas has the industry asking what’s next for the increasingly popular rap star. Although success could inherently be around the corner, Joyner Lucas holds no punches as he questions “Who Got The Yayo” to kick off the new year.

“I’m not saying I’m not confident or I don’t believe in myself, but in a world of a billion rappers and an independent situation, dealing with industry snakes who disguise themselves as people who want to help you and have absolutely no major backing…yeah sometimes I worry this music sh*t may not work out the way I planned to,” Joyner Lucas explains. “I already had every job you can think of before anyone ever knew who Joyner Lucas was. CVS, Burger King, Friendly’s, a barbershop, a dishwasher at a Japanese restaurant and even a painter. I hated working a 9 to 5 because I knew it wasn’t my calling and I don’t have patience to work for someone else’s company when I should be the CEO of my own business. All I know is the moment I feel like I’m running in circles with this rap shit and I stop elevating and never really pop off the way I want to then…well…. who got the yayo??”

Joyner Lucas apparently made a few people uncomfortable with his convincing expression of anger directed toward his actor son in the video for his single “Happy Birthday,” but continues to turn heads and garner fans with his undeniable talent and no-holds barred approach to his music and visuals. The East Coast rap artist was one of the hottest stars in last year’s BET Hip Hop Awards Cyphers, garnering acknowledgement from industry greats such as Snoop Dogg, T-Pain, Busta Rhymes in addition to winning Best Video of the Year and Outstanding Artist of the Year  at the UMA’s. To round out the year Joyner found himself sitting next to Angela Yee, Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy for a  jaw-dropping hilarious interview on The Breakfast Club.

The post New Music: Joyner Lucas – “Who Got The Yayo” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Underway for quite some time now, we finally have March of this year to mark on our calendar for Infamous N the Hood! After the release of the official album art and a few videos to hold us over (see below) heads are eager. What will the full length offer? If it’s anything like the few records we’ve heard already, it will certainly be one for all hip-hop heads’ collection.

There’s no denying New York City natives J-Hood and Big Twins‘ refreshing energy together on a record. Can you agree? If not, hopefully after this article we will have changed your mind a bit.

J-Hood, Yonkers representative and co-founder of D-Block Records, still holds his spot firmly as an emcee – with over a dozen years on the hip-hop scene. He entered young. He has studied more then you probably think, seen a lot (both personal and business) and still has a lot to offer moving forward. ODG is the clique, a collective of dedicated artists who pride themselves in unity and moving as an equal. It’s deeper than rap.

Now let’s take it to Queens for a moment. Having first heard Big Twins on early Mobb Deep records and becoming a Queensbridge staple to all hip-hop heads it’s safe to say he has taken quite a few notes over the years as well. Though currently basking in the west coast sun, his east coast grit is still very apparent and represented. Actually, he’s probably not basking a whole lot. He’s busy making moves out there – with multiple projects underway for the ’16 and cooking up marvelous dishes. Yes, Twins is an incredible chef – flexing his culinary muscles just as much as his emceeing.

Long story short, be prepared for a busy year from Hood and Twins. ‘Infamous N the Hood‘ is going to be an incredible Lp, period. It’s almost here. In the meantime, J-Hood’s forthcoming ‘Uncrowned King‘ will be available on 1/22 via DatPiff! Save the date. Big Twins and producer Twiz the Beat Pro will be releasing their ‘TNT‘ project this coming February. Keep it locked and most importantly enjoy the music. Peace and love.

J-Hood Instagram | J-Hood Twitter | Big Twins Instagram | Big Twins Twitter

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“I think Supreme Aftermath is our best work yet, production-wise. It’s soulful music with a good message.”

This is nothing new to Boston’s venomous duo Blak Madeen – who dropped off the second release, “Guerrilla Soliders” from their forthcoming Supreme Aftermath LP. The song features Planet Asia on the introduction verse, with his usual wizard-like braggadocio and signature left coast sound. The production credit is given to The Arcitype, offering a brutal hospital trip. Get your insurance cards out.

If you’re just now hearing about Blak Madeen, it’s okay – we will let you slide this time. Consider taking a look at Islamic hatred in our country for a moment, and how we may not hear enough about the issue on this side of the fence. This is one of many reasons to explore their music. They fearlessly, and openly, discuss issues of this type, with pride and chins up. You will hear a lot this and related content throughout their forthcoming Supreme Aftermath LP, set for a January 15th release.

Just trust us here and save the date. You won’t regret the decision.

Enjoy the new single and check out the track list below! Peace and love:

01. Supreme Aftermath (prod. by Skin Ced)
02. Mic Divine (feat. Blacastan) [prod. by Teddy Roxpin]
03. Main Attraction (prod. by Sicknature)
04. Long Way To Go (feat. Gift of Gab and Cyrus Deshield) [prod. by The Arcitype]
05. Devil’s Shadow (feat. Divine Styler and Rite Hook) [prod. by Skin Ced]
06. Guerrilla Soldiers (feat. Planet Asia) [prod. by The Arcitype]
07. Energetic Darts (prod. by Skin Ced)
08. The Procedure (feat. G. Dot & Born) [prod. by Divine Styler]
09. Blood Of Our Brothers (prod. by Skin Ced)
10. Words In Red (feat. Shabazz the Disciple) [prod. by Skin Ced]
11. The Worst Part (feat. Red Baren) [prod. by Skin Ced]
12. No Surrender (prod. by Skin Ced)
13. Experience the Struggle (prod. by Skin Ced)
14. Where’s Justice? (feat. Krumbsnatcha) [prod. by Skin Ced]

Twitter | iTunes Pre-Order | Facebook

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If you’re just now getting familiar with The I V League, welcome. Those of you who keep up with the scene most likely have that one dream-team of artists that you would love to see join forces. This is where the League comes in, specifically stamped and served as an “international fraternity of extraordinary emcee’s, producers and deejays”.

Veteran emcees Ras Kass, Shabaam Sahdeeq and El Da Sensei have been in the mix for quite some time now, but still publicly unfold their craft every year offering something refreshing and equally satisfying. These gentlemen and their abilities do not age. So what happens when you get them in the studio with some of hip-hop’s more recently promising talent? Well, it’s the perfect mesh. That isn’t always the case, but with The I V League it sure is. New York wordsmith El Gant offers his expected, unapologetically piercing lyrics throughout the album. Sam Solo, 4rAx and thekeenone step up to the plate and necessarily deliver in the same playing field as the vets.

After a handful of released singles under The I V League’s umbrella and a busy year for each artist, the full length album is here. It’s versatile. It covers quite a few sounds – for you easily bored folk. It’s blunt. And it’s raw. Today it is not uncommon to hear your average social media surfer complaining that there are no good hip-hop albums out anymore. The League is here with a solution to that frequent complaint with an 11 track solution.

Snowgoons, Jake Palumbo, Poetiq Beetz and P Original are a few names handling the soundscapes throughout the album. The production is carefully selected to best suit the artists blessing the canvases. It would take hours to break down each artists current moves and what they’ve accomplished in 2015 alone. The League has quite the busy roster of recording artists. We hope you enjoy the project! Peace and love.

Official Site | Facebook | BandCamp 

The post The I V League Releases Their Debut LP (Full Album Stream) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Paying homage to Large Professor‘s “151 Excuses“, Aye Wun takes us on a coast to coast walk in his shoes in his new visual demonstration for “It’s All A Re-Run”(directed and filmed by Lester Burnem). Footage was taken from California and New York City, providing a little bit of flavor for all of us. Aye paints a typical braggadocios picture; staying true to his influential roots and evidently a student of our favorite 90’s east coast emcees. Also, rest in peace Sean Price – forever.

So what part is the re-run that he refers to? Perhaps the “latter” of followers in todays rap game, stepping unoriginal – which he has no interest in tailing. The overload of “fakes” that seem to be on repeat everyday? Life’s redundant qualities? Or the music industry? Maybe all of it, who knows. Meanwhile, try not to snap your neck listening to the record – it’s not that deep. This is the grit us real hip-hop fiends yearn for. That sound we love and cherish.

We had the pleasure of picking Aye Wun’s brain a bit (see interview below). Also, If you missed his latest ‘Groceries’ release alongside Incredible Cutts check it out here, it’s very raw.

For those just getting familiar with Aye Wun, what should listeners know about you other than your rhyming abilities?

They should know I’m a fan first and foremost. I also make beats. I love tacos and women from California (apologies to my NY women) haha. I’m just a normal regular degular kid from the neighborhood.

You’re from Queens, right? Who are some of your favorite artists from your hometown? And have any specifically impacted your craft more than others?

I was actually born in Kansas, but long story short I got on a plane straight to New York City the same week I was born. Some of my favorite emcees from Queens would be the the ones that I run with – like Spit Gemz, Eff Yoo, Gs Advance, Starvin B, Gob Goblin, and of course Nas and Kool G Rap. All of the legends that made their mark. Really there’s too many to name. Queens is the galaxy. Oh yeah, I mess with Action Bronson and my dude Meyhem Lauren hardbody. I think Kool G Rap may have impacted my craft more than others – the way he gets right with the hardcore multi’s and all of that.

If you could collaborate with one artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Big Pun – hands down. I feel like we’re both jokesters but mean business when we get infront of that pop filter.

Moving forward, what should fans be expecting from Aye Wun?

Just mad music – whether it be looseys or full projects. Keep your eyes peeled and sure you take your ADHD medicine.

The post Aye Wun “It’s All A Re-Run” Video & Interview appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Fresh off the BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher, Joyner Lucas takes fans on a journey of life in his new video based upon real life incidents, “Champagne For Everybody.”  Written by Joyner Lucas and directed by Ben Proulx, “Champagne For Everybody” is a video that demonstrates that old saying of, “Forgive, but don’t forget,” says Joyner.

“It’s basically me talking about forgiving those who have done wrong to me and even taking the extra step and treating them to some champagne as a peace treaty,” the East Coast rap artist explains. “I actually wrote the video concept before I wrote the song. It’s based on the idea of ‘what goes around comes around’ — here I am watching everyone who’s done wrong to me fall off, as I sit in my limo and reflect on life. I’m inviting them into my limo as we pop champagne and eat together remembering what they did to me in the past. This video means a lot to me because it is very relevant to my life. I always struggled with the idea of forgiving my enemies. This video is a example of a ‘WWJD?’ moment. As we grow we learn to handle situations differently than we normally would.”

Joyner Lucas recently won Outstanding Artist of the Year and Best Video of the Year for his breakout video, “Ross Capicchioni,” at this year’s Underground Music Awards (UMAs) in New York City. Prepping for the release of his EP, Hollywood (slated to drop this month), Joyner Lucas continues to put out thought-provoking, double-take visuals that evoke emotion from his fans.

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