Jamo Gang is the trio of LA legend Ras Kass, NYC vet El Gant, and emcee/producer J57, and today they’re sharing the politically charged new video for “Francis Scott Key.” 

The track stems from their well received recently released full length LP, Walking With Lions, which shares its name with the American lawyer best known for writing the US national anthem—“The Star-Spangled Banner”—who composed the lyrics while watching as British forces bombarded Fort McHenry in 1814 (as part of the War Of 1812).

And with “Francis Scott Key,” Jamo Gang pulls from the fact that America’s anthem was forged from violence and oppression—and they put it on blast with major lyrical middle fingers. The track is an anthem in its own right, but more about protesting for what’s right and just, and Brian Sachsen embodies that spirit.

In addition to fired-up visuals of Ras, Gant, and J57 with the American flag as the backdrop, the video centers on America’s past and present issues with inequality and oppression. It’s a powerful reminder of where this nation came from, and what needs to be addressed if anything’s going to change.

Check out the visuals right here courtesy of RESPECT. and head over to your preferred digital retailer or streaming platform to support Walking With Lions, which is available now via Fat Beats Records. The 12 track LP, which includes guest appearances from DJ Premier, Slug (of Atmosphere), Sick Jacken, Slaine and more is also available on CD and Vinyl, and can be streamed below.

Smart URL: https://smarturl.it/WalkingWithLions

Twitter:
• Ras Kass: https://twitter.com/RasKass
• El Gant: https://twitter.com/ElGant
• J57: https://twitter.com/j57

Instagram:
• Ras Kass: https://www.instagram.com/ras_kass
• El Gant: https://www.instagram.com/elgant
• J57: https://www.instagram.com/j57music

Facebook:
• Ras Kass: https://www.facebook.com/RasKassCentral
• El Gant: https://www.facebook.com/elgantmusic
• J57: https://www.facebook.com/j57music

The post Jamo Gang (Ras Kass, El Gant, J57) Unveil Politically Charged Visuals for “Francis Scott Key” + Album Stream appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

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.

New York’s El Gant returns with “Raw”, off his forthcoming Spray Music EP. The record finds El Gant delivering one of his most rapid fire, technically sharpened darts of his career. Chi-town’s 42 Keez laid the groundwork here for Gant to brutalize, providing a rather “in” sound – suitable for the 2015 ears. Don’t let that fool you though. Gant is in the lab with Ras Kass, Shabaam Sahdeeq, El Da Sensei and other veteran emcees/new school staples – alongside his IV League camp. He keeps the hip-hop heads fed. Enjoy the track and keep your eyes peeled for the official release date of the upcoming EP. Peace and love.

The post New Music: El Gant – “Raw” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

After a few leaks, El Gant comes through with the full stream to his Beast Academy album. The project is produced entirely by JOAT and includes features from Torae, Ill Bill and more. Stream it below.

The post Album Stream: El Gant – Beast Academy appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

El Gant delivers the most aggressive record off his Beast Academy album we’ve hear to date. Along with Chris Webby and Ill Bill, Gant drops menacing bars over the JOAT beat. Stream it below.

The post El Gant feat. Chris Webby and Ill Bill – “Three Amigos” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

El Gant returns with the newest cut off his upcoming Beast Academy album. “Truth Hurts” features Torae, as well as some cuts courtesy of DJ Devastate. The Jack Of All Trades beat is hard-hitting and provides an aggressive backdrop for the two rhymers to flex and vent. Check it out below. Beast Academy is due out June 10.

The post New Music: El Gant Feat. Torae – “Truth Hurts” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

El Gant brings his ferocious delivery to the first single off his upcoming Beast Academy album. Produced by Jack of All Trades, the record is scratch-heavy and energetic, reminiscent of an old Jedi Mind Tricks song, which is not surprising given the fact that JOAT has produced for the likes of Vinny Paz and others. Listen to the hard-hitting cut below and look out for Beast Academy on June 10.

The post New Music: El Gant – “Five One Eight” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.