By: Zigs

New York based singer/songwriter Zigs, is New York’s hidden gem. The 25-year-old artist is taking her career to new heights and using her influence from hip hop, alternative rock, r&b and blues to do so. Growing up listening to artists like The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queen, Eve, The Grateful Dead and 50 Cent, Zigs draws inspiration from music on multiple cylinders. On her latest EP Note To Self, the rising singer showcases her harmonious vocals in a melodically pleasing way.

Within 5 tracks Zigs serves up an impressive body of work like never before. The rawness of this project stands out the most as she does an excellent job of giving listeners something deep to think about. One notable record from this release is the intro track titled “Free”. On this song the songstress flows about being free with amazing acoustic guitar rifts that gives this song a unique vibe. In Note to Self, Zigs opens up and lets us in to a side the artist has yet the share with the public. Her ability to relay her personal thoughts in a way that a relatable to most is why she is New York’s hidden gem.

As she continues to hone in on her craft, the New York creative works to give back to her community outside of music. In 2018, she founded “We’ve Got You Covered,” a NYC-based campaign to help the homeless stay warm and feel loved. With great music, the spirit of giving back, and a steadfast sound, Zigs is on her way to becoming a superstar. Tap in with her below by streaming her latest project Note To Self. 

The post New York Singer/Songwriter Zigs Is NY’s Hidden Musical Gem appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo Credit: Walter Brady

In this new interview, rising artist, Veronica Cooper talks about how Slick Rick inspired her single, “Thug Story,” being compared to Lizzo, and her wanting to work with Eve.

“Currently, I am working on staying safe during this Covid-19 pandemic. I am spending time with family, working on my home studio, finishing off some features, and promoting “Thug Story” as well my other singles “Queens” and “About Last Night, You Were Great.”

Photo Credit: Walter Brady

The post Veronica Cooper Talks How Slick Rick Inspired Her Single ‘Thug Story,’ Being Compared To Lizzo, And Her Wanting To Work With Eve appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Image credit: On Pawns Inc./Liberator Music

Philly-to-London Rap veteran Eve is back. Below, check out her new single “Reload,” a Dancehall-inspired cut that features an assist from Jamaican star Konshens. She explains the new collaboration via press release:

“I love reggae so much… I’ve been going to Jamaica since 1999 and anyone that knows me knows that you’ll find me in a corner with my Reggae on, dancing. We wrote the line before [Konshens] was involved [‘f***ing up my conscience/listening to Konshens’] – I’m just glad he was feeling it!”

Also added below is a recent sit-down with Luc Belaire CEO Brett Berish, where she speaks more on the new album, women in Hip-Hop and more.

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The post Eve is Back with New Single, “Reload” (Feat. Konshens) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The 5^th installment of the Underworld franchise hit theaters January 6^th. Kate Beckinsale reprised her role as Selene in Blood Wars. Theo James and Charles Dance also reprised their roles as Thomas and David, two members of the Eastern Coven. New comers Tobias Menzies (Marius) and Lara Pulver (Semira) took on the role of antagonists this time around. Marius taking the crown as “the big bad” of the film.

Following her killing of vampire Elders in Underworld: Awakening, famed Death Dealer Selene has become a fugitive hunted by both factions (Lycans and Vampires) of a grueling war that rages on. The vampires are seeking revenge for Selene’s crimes, while the Lycans, armed with a new leader Marius, are seeking Selene’s daughter Eve, whose blood is the key to creating an army of vampire/Lycan hybrids that could end the conflict. Selene is rescued by David after she is attacked by a pack of Lycans and later the duo receives word that Selene has been granted clemency by the Eastern Coven in return for her training a new army of death dealers to defeat the growing Lycan army.

New director, Anna Foerster, chose to keep the classic blue/black tones the franchise is known for while attempting to introduce a new story line. However, Underworld: Blood Wars failed to deliver. Jump cuts and rough editing techniques in addition to the dark lighting made some of the movies bigger action sequences hard to follow. The pacing of the film also varied; at times it was painstakingly slow and at other times, especially toward the film act of the film, it felt rushed. The action of the film itself wasn’t that exciting compared to previous films and the script was almost solely reliant on exposition. The first half of the film had almost no action and was used primarily to set up the Sacred World; a new world that was briefly introduced but never fully divulged into. The same goes for the Nordic Coven, Marius’s background and why Eve’s blood is so magical.

There was so much Underworld: Blood Wars could have tapped into that would have made for a more interesting story plot/action wise. However, longtime fans of the franchise will be pleased with Selene’s plot line, action sequences and enhanced powers, along with another fan favorite’s true lineage revealed. Newcomers to the franchise may find this movie rather lax and leave with many questions. One question both longtime fans and newcomers alike will find themselves asking: will we see a 6^th Underworld movie? The ending of Blood Wars sure set us up for one.

What did you think of Underworld: Blood Wars? Sound off in the comments.

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The post RESPECT. Review – ‘Underworld: Blood Wars’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

We’ve all heard the stories of record labels and the ups and downs being contracted with one may cause.  Here and now BET network is taking us all behind the scenes of some of the greats.  Tonight, May 17th at 8:00 ET and 9:00 ET make sure to tune into the first part of the eight-episode-docs-series.  Uptown Records is the first up in the spotlight to dig into all the dirt, good and bad with a Part I and Part II episode of the journey.  Some of Hip Hop’s most iconic labels will be featured  in the eight-week series for one-hour long like, Grand Hustle, Loud Records, Slip-N-Slide, Terror Squad, Ruff Ryders, Disturbing Tha Peace (DTP), and Murder Inc.  

Founder, Andre Harrell will be among the industry insiders like, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and Guy’s Teddy Riley and Damion Hall giving they’re unique takes on Uptown’s success, legacy, and so much more.  We can expect to see some never-before-seen footage in an up close, first-person narrative kinda way.  The series is executive produced by A. Smith & Co. Productions and DTP co-founders Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Bridges’ manager Chaka Zulu, and Jeff Dixon.

“The dreams and visions; the successes and failures … we want young aspiring entrepreneurs to have a blueprint as to what really goes on in this business and understand how much work it takes,” says DTP’s Dixon of the inspiration behind the series. “We [as African-Americans] also want to document our own history, especially in this industry. This is like our natural resource. No one can tell these stories like us.”

According to Billboard, these are some of the other power players that will be “playing” in each episode of Inside the Label:

Uptown Records: Andre Harrell, Diddy, Jay Z, Mary J. Blige, Babyface, Teddy Riley, Damion Hall, Brett Ratner, Laurieann Gibson, Robin Thicke, Sanaa Lathan, Doug E. Fresh, Al B. Sure, Eddie F, Kim Porter, Father MC, Jeff Redd and Monifah.

Grand Hustle: T.I., Jason Geter, Young Dro, Kevin Liles, Lil Duval, Killer Mike, DJ Toomp and B.O.B.

Loud Records: Steve Rifkind, RZA, Xzibit and E-Swift.

Slip-N-Slide Records: Ted Lucas, Rick Ross, Trick Daddy, Trina and DJ Khaled.

Terror Squad: Fat Joe, DJ Khaled, Noreaga, Cool & Dre and Jesse Terrero.

Ruff Ryders: Joaquin Dean, Darren Dean, Chivon Dean, Swizz Beatz, Eve, The Lox, Irv Gotti, Drag On, DJ Clue, DJ Kool Herc, Lyor Cohen and Jimmy Iovine.

Disturbing Tha Peace: Ludacris, Chaka Zulu, Jeff Dixon, Chingy, Bobby Valentino, Shareefa, Lil Scrappy, Bangladesh, Lil Fate, I-20 and Poon Daddy.

Murder Inc.: Irv Gotti, Ashanti, Ja Rule, Jay-Z, Charlie Baltimore, Kevin Liles and Lyor Cohen.

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That’s right ladies and gentlemen. The final installments of Underworld & Resident Evil hit theaters in late 2016 and early 2017. Underworld: Blood Wars is set to release on October 14^th, 2016. The film is currently in post-production. No trailer or plot has been released yet.

The film is directed by Anna Foerster (Independence Day, Pitch Black, The Day After Tomorrow) and written by Cory Goodman (The Last Witch Hunter, Priest), Kevin Grevioux, Danny McBride, and Len Wiseman (Underworld, Underworld: Evolution). Kate Beckinsale will reprise her role as Selene, along with Theo James who will be back on screen as David and Charles Dance who plays Thomas. As of right now there is no mention of Scott Speedman’s (Michael) return to the saga. However, there is hope. In Underworld Awakening (2012) we left of with Selene going to find Michael but only finding an empty cryogenic cell with Eve sharing his vision and learning he is on the roof. Selene, Eve, and David run to the roof only to find Michael is gone. Selene narrates, concluding that she will find Michael and take back the world from the humans and lycans, so the vampires can rebuild themselves as the humans declared war. Also when looking at the cast list on IMDB, we can see Trent Garrett is playing the hybrid version of Michael. Keep your fingers crossed that we will see Speedman reprise this role!

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is set to release on January 27^th, 2017. This is film is also currently in post-production. No trailer has been released but we do have a plot summary. According to IMDB, a summary from Screen Gems/ Constantin states:

“Picking up immediately after the events in Resident Evil: Retribution, humanity is on its last legs after Alice is betrayed by Wesker in Washington D.C. As the only survivor of what was meant to be humanity’s final stand against the undead hordes, Alice must return to where the nightmare began – Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse. In a race against time Alice will join forces with old friends, and an unlikely ally, in an action packed battle with undead hordes and new mutant monsters. Between regaining her superhuman abilities at Wesker’s hand and Umbrella’s impending attack, this will be Alice’s most difficult adventure as she fights to save humanity, which is on the brink of oblivion.”

The film is directed and written by Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil, Resident Evil: Retribution). Milla Jovovich will star once again, as Alice, along with Ali Larter who plays Claire Redfield.

First photo of Resident Evil: The Final Chapter

Behind the Scenes photo of Resident Evil: The Final Chapter

Stay tuned to RESPECT. Mag for updates! In the meantime you can join me in re-watching all the movies in both series.

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The post Final Installments of ‘Underworld’ & ‘Resident Evil’ will Hit Theaters Soon appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

1. Numb – Cassie Ft. Rick Ross
This song is older than most and the only track on this list from 2013. Why? It’s surprising how many people still haven’t heard it yet. It’s smooth, infectious and the perfect song to ride into any new year with.

2. Chimes (Remix) – Mohawke Hudson Ft. Pusha T, Future, French Montana & Travi$ Scott
It’s often a real treat when hip-hop and techno based beats link up, and Chimes (Remix) is no exception. Best remix of 2014?

3. Turn Down For What (Remix) – DJ Snake Ft. Lil Jon, Juicy J, 2 Chainz & French Montana
Even though the official remix took almost a year to drop after the original, it might actually be impossible to turn down to this song, so give in and dance like it’s no ones business.

4. Hot N**** – Bobby Shmurda
Bobby’s still behind bars so there’s a good chance his New Year’s wasn’t as hype as he planned. However, that won’t stop most of North America from bumping this all day long. If you ain’t a heater get up out my playlist!

5. No Type – Rae Sremmurd
Rae Sremmurd is fairly new and still earning his credentials but there’s not dispute here, “No Type” couldn’t be more catchy. Throw it in.

6. F*** You Mean – Meek Mill Ft. Boosie Badazz
If this beast of a track doesn’t get your blood pumping, nothing will.

7. Can’t Stop – Theophilus London Ft. Kanye West
Slowing things down a bit, “Can’t Stop” is for anyone planning on a strictly chill day. Just relax and Listen.

8. 6. Tuesday – ILOVEMAKONNEN Ft. Drake
Even though the entire world went up on a Wednesday, “Tuesday” was almost certainly in every DJ’s playlist for New Years Eve. Even though this song is starting to get over-played, one more day won’t hurt.

9. Been Getting Money – Jeezy Ft. Akon
Jeezy’s Seen It All: The Autobiography is easily one of the best projects of 2014, and this collaboration with Akon who’s been quiet in the industry of late, makes it that much better. This is the type of song you’ll want to raise a glass to, and maybe throw up a rolly or two.

10. 2015 Flow – YG
What better way to close out 2014 than with YG’s “2015 Flow”? The beats nasty and YG gets even nastier.

The post Top 10 Songs For Your New Year’s Day Playlist appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.