Artwork by Dread Solo

“This is grown man rap”

Refreshing would be an understatement. Not just the music itself, but Shabaam Sahdeeq himself in 2016. In the midst of over-saturation, female clothing, and delusional trap lords, SS is a pure testament to remaining thorough as a recording artist. Remaining  humble. Remaining raw. You don’t need to sell your soul or ride the “in” wave to be respected.

The New York City native has a list of commendable stripes. You can read more about that below in our interview with him if you didn’t know. If not, do your research.

Today we present the video premiere for Shabaam Sahdeeq and J57‘s latest “GMR” single (directed by Rhugid Lee for Rhugid Productions – cuts by Dj Eclipse). It’s pointless to break down the video in writing form if you can just click and watch it about four inches below. But do know it’s the perfect creative overload – finding himself doing live painting on the busy streets of NYC. On that note, rest in peace Sean Price. Forever.

‘Timeless: of the Collection‘, a new full length LP from SS and company, is coming very soon. You can read more about that below also. Peace and love:

RESPECT: Before we get into it we want to thank you for your time. If you were to just gain a new fan of your music today, what would you want them to know about Shabaam Sahdeeq?

Shabaam Sahdeeq: I want them to know that I’m a forever-growing and learning embodiment of the hip-hop culture. I’m a father, husband, artist and black man. A very humble and cool individual, but don’t ever take my kindness for weakness. I was told in Africa that “paintings are frozen music“. So, I feel that I’m right in my lane. I’m an emcee, painter and a barber.

R:You’re ranked as a veteran emcee with multiple stripes. What is one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned over the years as a recording artist?

SS: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to never lose your love or passion for your music or whatever you do. Some people get so caught up in chasing money that they lose site of what made them love to create and express themselves with the arts in the first place.

R: Aside from recording music, you are a talented visual artist. Can you tell us a little bit about your artwork and how the two crafts echo one another?

SS: Well to start with – emcee’ing and graffiti are two of the four hip-hop elements. So me being a hip-hop head, it’s only right that I fell in love with those two. My visual art sometimes says things my words can’t articulate or vice versa. I think they go hand in hand well. My art work is urban, abstract, and experimental mixed media. I think a lot of music artists have the gift of being artistic in more ways than one. It’s up to them to embrace it and run with all of them.

You have a new record coming real soon titled Timeless: of the Collection and mentioned you were very proud of this body of work. Do you mind telling us a little bit about the project?

SS: Timeless: of the Collection is a four-part series of albums. Each will have a different beginning title but all of them are from the collection. And every single will have a piece of art that goes with it that I hand painted. The cover of each album will be from an artist that I respect or collaborate with like yourself (Dread Solo).

R: Its apparent that family is very important to you. You’re open about it on social media and in your records. What has it been like trying to balance the family man and the recording artist positions over the years?

SS: My family is very important to me. The balance is not hard because my family knows what my passion is. The music is therapy for whatever I’m going through. I work a day job that’s flexible for me to travel and do tours. I spend time with my kids. I go out with my wife. If your hear me talking about streets it’s from my time running them in the past. I spend most of my time these days in my man cave with my music equipment and art supplies – when I’m not at work or at shows. My family is my first priority over everything.

R: Can you give us a little background on the new “GMR” visual? It looks like it was a fun time.

SS: It’s a special video. I shot it right after Sean Price died, and right before I moved out of New York City to Atlanta with my family. It was a bitter sweet time. It was shot by my boy Rhugid Lee that I ran into in Manhattan years after being in prison together. We always said when we get out that we are going to pursue our dreams in different areas – his being film and mine being music and art. We combined the two and did something real special. I told him about the concept my manager Big P came up with to be painting as I moved through the city – even in the middle of traffic and Lee helped me pull it off. I was doing a Sean Price memorial painting that I finished by the end of the video – which was later gifted to Sean Price’s wife Bernadette. It’s probably not the illest one she received, but it came from the heart.

Thank you for the interview. One love!

Official Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Artwork

The post Video Premiere: Shabaam Sahdeeq – “GMR” + Interview appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

And this brings us back to honesty. It’s a broad term. Does the average listener today value an honest artist? True, transparent lyrics don’t necessarily come a dime a dozen. But when they do it is special. It’s crucial in fact, in the midst of illusion and hyper-fantasy that we hear often on the mainstream side.

With that comes New York emcee Danny Matos, here with the second leak off of his forthcoming ‘The Hangar EP’ (01/08). If you missed the RESPECT. Magazine premiere of his first “New Genre” release, you should probably do that now. Rusty Mack, handling the production on the entire EP, provides  incredible canvases for Danny to work on. Their chemistry is undeniable and the whole project was recorded together – yet another commendable note.

“I’m being open and holding a mirror to myself with this project..”

That’s enough out of us. Enjoy the new release and mark your calendar for the new EP. Peace and love.

Official Site | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

The post Danny Matos Drops Off His Latest “Let Go” (Audio) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Reks over a Superior beat? Count us in. Count yourself in for that matter.

The German producer/DJ had a hell of a run this year, with the release of his instrumental Scenes LP. If you’re not familiar with Superior, we heavily suggest you checking out his soundscapes and wrapping your head around this collaboration afterwards (via Below System Records). Peace and love.

The post New Music: Superior – “Superiority” Feat. Reks appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

This is the grit we all desire. The sound we miss. Or do we have to “miss” it if it’s available? Detroit is home base for some of hip-hop’s most notable names over the years and rather competitive for emcees like Nolan the Ninja. The oversaturated “now” sound coming out of Detroit and its surrounding areas, however, leaves a wide open lane for the true schoolers – away from the hype of the mainstream.

If you’re just now finding out about emcee/producer Nolan, good. It’s a breath a fresh air for the passionate hip-hop junkie. The amount of enthusiasm and passion is undeniably evident. Having released two records this year (Fuck the Hype and Lo-Fi Loops) and an appearance on DJ Soko‘s Domino Effect LP, it’s safe to say he had a great year on wax. Fuck the Hype, released under Left of Center, should be spun now if you have not done so yet. We’ve attached the full stream for you below, so splurge and purchase.

That’s enough out of us. Enjoy the new visual treatment and keep scrolling to check out our conversation with Nolan. Peace and love:

RESPECT. Magazine: Can you tell the world a little bit about Nolan the Ninja – for those who may just be discovering you today?

Nolan The Ninja: I’m a 23-year old emcee & producer from Detroit, Michigan.

RM: Over the years Detroit has been home of some of hip hop’s most notable artists. Who are some of your hometown favorites if you had to name a few?

NTN: Well, Elzhi is my favorite. I’d definitely love to collaborate with him in the future. Some of my other favorites include Clear Soul Forces, Red Pill, & Royce Da 5’9 just to name a few.

RM: If you could collaborate with one artist (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

NTN: It’s a tie between Nas & D’Angelo.

RM: Congratulations on the release of your latest Fuck the Hype album. It’s quite the body of work. Can you discuss the albums title a bit for us?

NTN: Essentially, it’s about understanding self. The title simply says, “Be yourself.” Fuck what else is going on because it doesn’t matter. Make the vibes that’s in your heart, you know? The organic shit is gonna last the longest, anyway. People are too stuck on fabricated trash. It’s to the point where people think that they have to be subjected to that certain standard of music to be accepted. It’s disgusting & I want to see change. Therefore, I’m acting as the change that I’d like to see.

RM: What should the world be expecting from Nolan the Ninja moving into 2016?

NTN: I’ll be going on a European tour with DJ Soko & Noveliss of Clear Soul Forces in a couple of months. I’m mad excited about that. My first official tour & my first official trip to Europe? Crazy. I also have an album releasing in the Spring on Fat Beats/Left Of Center. I’ll be doing some executive work on other LOC releases, as well. Other than that, who knows? This past year has been full of surprises so I’m excited to see what 2016 brings.

The post Detroit’s Nolan the Ninja Drops Off New “Gusto” Video + Interview appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Ambrosia For Heads recently exchanged some dialogue with Ace in reflection of the record and bonus tracks: “GMO” is a joint I started writing over a year ago. I got that beat from Brutal Artistry when I was in Leeds, England with eMC almost two years ago. I was just waiting for the right opportunity to finish the verse. Its a very simple 40 bar verse, just talking shit. I don’t do very many songs like that, so this is a special joint for that reason.”

Get your physical fixes at Below System Records or Underground Hip-Hop now.

The post Masta Ace Re-Releases “A Long Hot Summer” + Bonus Cut “GMO” 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.

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