Coming up as a shorty, I used to always listen to Jay-Z talk about the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, New York. Being from the west coast, to me, it was a fairytale like place that I wasn’t honestly too sure existed in real life. Not so much fairytale in the sense of a utopian like location, but fairytale in way that Hansel and Gretle described the witch’s house, or how Little Red Riding Hood described the woods surrounding her wolf’s Grandmother’s cottage. In short, it seemed too crazy to be real. For Brooklyn native Eli Sostre; my woes were his reality.

Hailing from Marcy himself, Sostre has splashed on to the scene this year as somebody to be familiar with. After collaborating with Amir Obe as part of the NEIGHBORHOOD PHCK$ collective, Sostre released one of the most well put together projects of 2016 in, Still Up All Night. Sostre’s wavy falsettos and well written tales of infidelity, weed smoking and making it happen for the night have made him a fan favorite and has gained him favorable comparisons to industry darlings The Weeknd and Bryson Tiller. But don’t mistake Sostre for a copy cat, he’s far from it. The singer/rapper writes all of his own lyrics, produces many of his tracks and even produces for others, all while creating a sound that while reminiscent of those before him, is all his own. Whether it’s groovy Saxophone solos like on “Ain’t Love Strange“, or the chilling wind chime sample on “Birds Chirping“, Eli Sostre is putting the industry on notice. We had a chance to chop it up with Sostre about everything from buying his first Hip-Hop album and life on the road, to the new music that’s being prepped for takeoff. Check it out below.

RESPECT.: Hey what’s up Eli? How are you?

Eli Sostre: Things are good, I’m in a good creative space. Living & learning everyday.

RESPECT.: How’s life been since the project dropped?

Sostre: Life is good, I’m just keeping busy recording new music/shooting visuals. No change really, just surrounded by the same people I’ve always been surrounded by. I’m working with a lot of the people I’ve been wanting to work with for a while.

RESPECT.: How did growing up in Brooklyn inspire your sound?

Sostre: I think it molded me as a person mostly, the conditions inspired me to stay out of trouble and put my focus on my craft.

RESPECT.: How did you start making music?

Sostre: I think the music I grew up around inspired me. My mom listened to a lot of R&B & Latin ballads while cleaning around the house so subconsciously I think that molded the melodic side of me. I always wanted to make beats, I met my best friend Soriano in high school and we started making beats at the same time. That’s where it all started.

I’m glad I learned how to produce first because I can create around my mood for the day, whatever that may be.

RESPECT.: What’s the first hip hop album you bought on your own?

Sostre: I’m not sure but it had to be Late Registration by Kanye West or In My Mind by Pharrell. Those two albums changed my life.

RESPECT.: What were you doing before music?

Sostre: Playing sports, basketball & baseball mostly during my childhood. Other than that I was always working on developing the sound, that’s all I can remember.

RESPECT.: You talk a lot about broken hearts on Still Up All Night, both yours and there’s. Was that all inspired by one woman or just a collection of stories?

Sostre: It’s inspired by all the things I’ve been through, going through, or put someone through. The tape was inspired by my life itself.

RESPECT.: I see that you handled a lot of the production yourself, how did you get into producing?

Sostre: My brother had brought FL Studio home one day, & I used YouTube videos to learn all the things I wanted to know. I’m glad I learned how to produce first because I can create around my mood for the day, whatever that may be.

RESPECT.: “Ain’t Love Strange” is probably my favorite record on there sonically, especially with the flip at the end. Can you talk more about the making of that record?

Sostre: My producer and I are interested in creating memorable moments. We finalized the record the same night we had a show. The record didn’t feel complete so Soriano switched the bassline on the hook & I performed it that night. Before the album dropped, my team & I all mutually decided to keep the saxophone on the record. I thought it sounded like some Bill Cosby shit at first but it grew on me quick, it’s really soulful. One of the records I’m most proud of thus far. 

RESPECT.: I got a chance to see you in L.A. with Amir Obe and Jimi Tents, how was it being on the road with those guys?

Sostre: It was tight, we had a good time. My favorite part about being on the road is connecting with my real fans & making new ones, so it was a dope experience.

RESPECT.: Will you be doing more features in the near future?

Sostre: I look forward to working more producers, building a team of producers and connecting them to create something great. On the music tip, I would like how to work with artist I enjoy listening too and people I have personal relationships with.

RESPECT.: When can fans are expect some new music?

Sostre: Possibly on my birthday, no sure thing we’re just cooking up new records & getting visuals done for Still Up All Night. New content coming very soon regardless, got to give my people what they want.

Check out, Still Up All Night, below and be sure to get familiar with the New York crooner.

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Brooklyn native Eli Sostre has been on fire lately. After releasing his debut project, Still Up All Night, last week as well as a loose single to accompany it, the singer/rapper is back with the infectious new track, “Still Up in LA“, an ode to a late night in the city of angels.

Produced by frequent collaborators Soriano and Blair Norf, the latter of which is known for his contributions to Freddie Gibbs, “Still Up in LA” is a wavy, synth heavy track that’s perfect for midnight car rides through the city. The track is in the same sonic realm as Sostre’s project was, but just further solidifies his choke hold on that sound.

Sostre’s status has been rising, as evidenced by the crowd knowing his songs word for word during his opening performing at fellow Neighborhood PhCK$ member Amir Obe‘s show in L.A. — presumably where he made the track — in which RESPECT. attended. The sky’s the limit for the Brooklyn native and we’re excited to see what comes next.

Check out, “Still Up in LA” below and be sure to listen to Sostre’s debut project, Still Up All Night, out now.

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Can you believe it’s almost been 3 months since this segment premiered? We at RESPECT. Mag just wanted to take the time to thank everybody that’s been rocking with not only the segment, but the magazine for so long. We’ve seen tracks from heavy hitters such as Mick Jenkins and new names such as Malik Burgers. We’ve also witnessed the complete evolution of alumni Rob $tones‘ career, going from promising prospect, to a bonafide rising star. We hope to keep you guys coming with the finest of the slept on music. Now enough of the sappy sh*t, let’s get to these bars *Ebro Darden voice*.

Dezmond MF – “Deez Xanax”

Anime and Hip-Hop have always had a love affair. From RZA putting his own creative spin on the series Afro Samurai, to The Underachievers’ AK creating his own full blown Anime series, Hip-Hop has always shown love. Las Vegas native Dezmond MF looks to be the next in that mold. Whether it be him utilizing Anime for music videos, or for cover art, Dez gets it. Oh and he can rap his a** off too. This is proven in the energetic track, “Deez Xanax” which features Dez showcasing his aggressive cadence and rap style. If you are a fan of Pouya or Denzel Curry, then this is the guy for you. Check out the track below.

Khary – “Find Me”

Combining wavy hi-hats with soothing trumpet horns and introspective lyrics, Rhode Island native Khary delivers a fantastic track in “Find Me“. “In high school I wouldn’t listen to Lil’ Wayne/ Money over bitches just seemed a little profane/ Till I realized all the girls that I liked was really bitches/Ever since that moment, I’ve been rapping a little different” raps Khary in his best Kendrick Lamar impression over the uplifting Lege Kale produced track. Check out “Find Me” below and be sure to keep an eye on the Rhode Island product.

Eli Sostre – “New Pirelli”

Remember the first time you ever heard, “Don’t” by Bryson Tiller? Do you remember that cool wavy feeling you got at the pit of your stomach? Okay now get ready for that again once you press play on Brooklyn native Eli Sostre‘s infectious track, “New Pirelli“. Combining his surprisingly on key vocal abilities with a respectable flow, Sostre will be playing everywhere sooner than later. Stop sleeping now before it’s too late! Oh and did I mention he’s from Marcy son? *Jigga voice* If you’re not sold yet — which c’mon, MARCY — then check out his fantastic new mixtape Still Up All Night, which features “New Pirelli“.

Moonchild – “Ocean Deep”

Before you read the rest of this description, I challenge you to first press play on the track below, and then create a visual of the artist in your head… Did you do it??? Sounds like a neo-soul revival right? Well you can thank the soul trio Moonchild for that nirvana like feeling in your body right now. Comprised of horn/reed players, Andris Mattson and Max Byrk, as well as amazing vocalist Amber Navran, Moonchild has been making waves in the soul scene. Their last two albums Be Free and Please Rewind, have garnered acclaim from legends like Jill Scott, Stevie Wonder and more. Check out their soothing track, “Ocean Deep” below and light a few incense, or something a bit more festive — if you catch my drift.

Dae Dae – “What u Mean (Remix) Feat. Lil’ Yachty”

The South is definitely in the building with Atlanta native Dae Dae‘s exuberant track, “What u Mean“. After picking up some steam with the original version, Dae Dae did the right move and picked up Hip-Hop enigma Lil’ Yachty for the remix. Though Dae Dae murks this beat, it’s Yachty’s verse that is sure to turn some heads. After garnering PLENTY of criticism for his perceived lack of lyrical ability, Lil’ Boat absolutely rips this track to pieces. “Ball like free-throw I’m the Don Dada/ All my hipster bit*hes call me Big Papa/ Shoutout Zeus that’s my top shotta/ Sell out every show cause I’m a show stopper.” raps Yachty with the best cadence I’ve heard him use to date. Check out the track below, which is starting to bubble up fast in Atlanta.

There you have it! Let us know how we did, did we get it right? Are we still sleeping on your favorite local artist? Let us know in the comment section below!

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New York native Eli Sostre has been creating quite the buzz for himself lately. After appearing on multiple tracks with Amir Obe and the Neighborhood PHCK$ collective, Sostre unleashes his own debut EP, Still Up All Night, which is one of the most complete releases thus far in 2016.

Boasting 11 tracks and only one feature from Ashton Mills, Still Up All Night is an ultra personal project in which Sostre dives into many different topics, with a heavy emphasis on relationships and drug use.  Songs like “Pick It Up“, “Vibe With Me” showcase Sostre’s choppy falsettos and surprisingly strong vocal range. “See I ain’t made love in a while/ I ain’t do without the drugs in a while” Sostre croons on the track “Call Up“, while other tracks like, “New Perelli” and “Birds Chirping” highlight Sostre’s ability to switch to a qualified rhyme slinger at the drop of a hat.

Though Sostre is still relatively slept on, after releasing this project that sounds straight from the OVO faults — and will surely garner many Bryson Tiller comparisons — expect for the New York native to catch some waves, or create one of his own.

Check out, Still Up All Night, below and be sure to keep an eye on Eli Sostre.

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