December 4th, 2007 marks the day legendary rapper Pimp C passed on to greater pastures and left the hip hop game hurting with his absence. Before making his heavenly transition, the UGK emcee left behind a collection of his work not only including that of which we’ve already heard, but enough unreleased material to keep his legacy alive for years after his passing. To celebrate the 8th anniversary of his departure, Pimp C’s Wife Chinara Butler teamed up with long-time friend/producer of Pimp’s Mr. Lee and rapper Juicy J to compile a project that allows the southern artist to breathe some new life into hip hop titled, Long Live The Pimp. Featuring such artists as Nas, Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, Ty Dolla $ign, T.I., 8Ball and MJG, and more, Pimp C is definitely delivering a posthumous mixing of some old with a little bit of new on this album. Giving RESPECT. Magazine an exclusive look into the late Chad Butler‘s life and work, Mrs. Butler and Mr. Lee recently took the time to speak on the upcoming project.

RESPECT. Magazine: Long Live The Pimp comes out on December 4th. What was the importance of releasing the project on the 8th anniversary of Pimp C’s death?

Chinara Butler: Well, normally every year recently after Chad passed, I started doing Chad ‘Pimp C’ Butler Hip Hop, Health & Wellness event. Me and him had a daughter together, and…her birthday is also on the 15th (of December). When he died, her birthday was a day after the funeral. After that, I felt like we should honor him and it should be–I didn’t want it to be a sad situation. We still do the Chad Hip Hop Health event, but I thought this would be the perfect time to celebrate him as an artist and why not do it on the day he passed?

RM: What was the significance of the artists you chose to feature?

CB: The whole process was basically to broaden Chad’s audience to keep his legacy alive so I wanted to mix a little old with a little new so, I feel like, what UGK and Chad had already done in his career. We have a little A$AP, 8Ball and MJG, got a little Nas; I probably went different directions people wouldn’t expect Chad to, but I’ve always been through the process so this wouldn’t be foreign for him.  

RM: Mr. Lee, being one of the co-executive producers, what was your vision behind putting this project together?

Mr. Lee: The biggest agenda I had was making sure that it was something that Pimp C would have wanted to do. Also, having the mindframe of kind of seeing the future a little bit to being able to move into the future of what Pimp C would have wanted and not stay where he was…He didn’t believe in doing things that he did yesterday. He always thought ahead. That’s why his verses and the music that he’s done during the years before he passed is still relevant because he was out the box and he always thought ahead. So, I had to stay in the mindframe of that. We use to always talk on the phone all the time about music…It was really a blessing for me to even be a part of the project. Also, even being an executive producer is an honor for me and it’s a pleasure working with his wife because I feel like Pimp C was reborn in her again because of the way she talks; she’s just like Pimp C to me. It was a real good thing for me. I enjoyed every moment of it.

RM: Mrs. Butler, everyone has their own view on Pimp C being the legend he is. How would you describe him?

CB: Oh god. The truth. Trill. Also, I don’t feel ‘trill’ is just a word, it’s a lifestyle. To wrap it up, the truth, trill, trill shit (laughs). Yeah, that’s the best way I can wrap it up all the way. The real definition of trill.

RM:  In spite of Pimp C’s passing, the use of codeine (for recreational use) has seemed to increase in popularity. Do you have any message for those out there who use lean being that you’ve dealt with losing a loved one using it first hand?

CB: I try to talk about stuff that’s relevant. I really do a lot of research. I educate myself on anything I’m about to do or even say and they don’t even make drank anymore so it shouldn’t be affecting anybody because it doesn’t exist.

RM: A lot of artists cite Pimp C as being a legendary influence when it comes to rhyming. How do you feel about Pimp C still having an influence on current artists in hip hop and just hip hop in general today years after his passing?

CB: It’s funny you ask that because I see it in a lot of different artists. I still see it in [Lil] Wayne. That’s probably the last part of the process for me in picking people, unbeknownst to myself. I see it in A$AP. I think it’s a beautiful thing. I think Chad really stood for, he always said, “Fuck the clone,” and it’s not to say, “Fuck somebody that’s trying to be like me.” It’s really saying God created everybody different. We all have something else to bring to the game so do you. I think that’s a beautiful thing to do. If you’re gay, be gay. If you’re straight, be straight. Whatever, just do you. Be proud of you and go in for you.

RM: What is the importance of keeping Pimp C’s brand relevant in the genre for you?

CB: It’s vital for his legacy. Just doing this project it means a couple of things. I, also, want to inspire other widows and wives to actually take control of their families and their late husbands or loved ones’ legacy. I’d like to think I’ve created another lane for myself and, like I said, other widows. I don’t think widows and wives get any credit in this business. I definitely feel like that’s what I’m doing, as well. Definitely inspire (widows) to be resilient. I think it’s super important to understand everybody has their strengths, everybody’s here for a reason and really, you should inspire other people. I think Chad’s whole story is inspiring. You know, we’re coming from Port Arthur, TX; there’s not even 100,000 people in the city. From everybody in the world knowing your name to going to jail to coming out; as soon as you get out of jail, going in, working hard, and grinding hard. I think just doing this whole project and keeping Chad’s legacy alive is to inspire people.

RM: What’s coming up next?

CB: What’s next is the new single featuring Nas and Juicy. The video [for it] is next. We’re going to be shooting a few videos. We have such a cool concept that we’re about to run with, as well. We’re going to do Player’s Ball album release party, which is going to be really dope. We also have an exhibit with Rice University, which will be doing archives of some of Chad’s stuff. Also, we have the Chad ‘Pimp C’ Hip Hop Health event in Houston that’s coming up. We have a short film special with Complex, as well. More music. This not the last project either! Also, I’ll be doing a book too on how to boss up.

Official Long Live The Pimp Track List:

1.  Long Live The Pimp
2.  3 Way Freak (feat. Lil Wayne)
3.  Ain’t Said Shit (feat. Ty Dolla Sign and Devin The Dude)
4.  Wavybone (feat. A$AP Rocky, Juicy J and Bun B)
5.  Spittin’ Game (Interlude)
6.  Trill (feat. A’Doni, Slim Thug, ESG and Lil KeKe)
7.  Bitch Get Down (feat. Bun B, 8 Ball and MJG)
8.  PayDay  (feat. Juicy J)
9.  Slab Music (feat. Lil KeKe)
10.  True To The Game (feat. David Banner)
11.  Triflin’ Hoe (Interlude)
12.  To Lose A Whore
13.  Friends (feat. Juicy J and Nas)
14.  Southside
15.  Butta Cookies
16.  Country Thang (Outro)
17.  Twerk Something (feat. TI) [iTunes Exclusive]

Long Live The Pimp releases December 4th via Mass Appeal Records.

Listen to Pimp C’s new track, featuring Nas and Juicy J, “Friends” below:

The post Trill & True: RESPECT. Talks with Pimp C’s Wife Chinara Butler and Producer Mr. Lee About New Project, ‘Long Live The Pimp’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Vashtie’s personal style clearly has a huge impact on the collection from soccer dresses, to gold Trinomics to, white and leather slides. Whether you’re like me and own at least one pair of suede Pumas, or just could never get into Pumas before, it’s possible that this collection could bring some change of heart and even change of style to everyone. The collection is definitely dope and a highly recommended purchase if you’re aiming to be team exclusive this season. Get ready, set, cop!

The post A Celebration of Steez : PUMA X Vashtie Collab Release appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

OGG also known as Originality Gain Greatness was been making noise ever since OG Maco’s “You Guessed It” became a sensation. Since then, we have seen OGG come with more & more talent. Theo Ferragamo comes out of the camp with his own style. Theo provides us with high-energy, trap-influenced records but also adds his own clever wordplay.

Give me the story on how you got down with OGG.

I’ve been rapping for a minute. I got like 5 tapes out. I had my own thing called 3rd Eye Vision but I’ve always known Mac. When I was making music with 3rd Eye Vision I knew Mac. When 3rd Eye Vision broke up Mac approached me about him starting some shit & he wanted me to be a part of it. It all just came together the more we kept making music. We were in competition & now we’re still in competition but just as better friends.

Tell me about the moment you decided to be rapper.

I was 14. I went to my friend’s & he had Garage Band on his auntie’s computer. We started playing around & I started writing some shit & I was like I can really do this. Then me, Tommy Swisher, NicX, &  KasFlow starting posting videos of us recording in the closet on Facebook & I decided to make a mixtape.

What’s your biggest goal for 2015?

My biggest goal is I want to do a show in Japan. Sometime before December 31st.

Why Japan?

I’m a big fan of Anime.

Tell me how you would describe your sound.

I would describe my sound as soulful & unique. You would have to really listen to understand it. It’s something you can’t catch the first time listening to it. You would have to listen to it more than once.

Tell me about the message you hope to give out with your music.

I just want everybody to feel comfortable doing what they want to do. There’s a lot of people that rap that are good at it & some that aren’t as good as it, but they have fans because of how they do it. If you feel like you’re good at something then I want you to be comfortable doing it. I’m black, I have dreads, & I skateboard but I’m fye at it so I do it anyways. Surprise somebody doing something they think you can’t do.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since doing music?

Listen to your own opinion.

Tell me about your creative process when you’re in the studio.

I like a positive vibe. You gotta have the drugs but that’s for everybody. I like to have women around me. I like to hear the beat loud as fuck  & I like the studio completely dark & I just love writing in my phone. I hate writing on paper.

Do you have a preference when it comes to recording & performing?

I love both. I can’t even lie. I think I might like performing more. Performing just makes you feel like a fucking rockstar. My dreads be swinging & shit; the girls be throwing their hands up & shit. It’s life.

Tell me about your upcoming releases.

I’m not going to give an exact date but I have a project coming called Salvatore. The OGG tape is on the way.

Take a listen to Theo Ferragamo’s exclusive new track “Fortune” here:

The post Interview: A Conversation w/ OGG’s Theo Ferragamo appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

by Phoenix Vazquez

HOA Bossman has been making waves as of late, especially with the release of his introspective L.I.F.E. project, which details life growing up in Brooklyn with gritty imagery and finesse that will make you think you’re back in ’93 again. His unique style, coupled with an effortless flow is reminiscent of East Coast hood classics, such as Juice, New Jersey Drive and Above the Rim. With a Bobby Shmurda co-sign and features on major media outlets, HOA Bossman is well on his way to carving out his own lane.

After a crazy week with the release of his “Trust,” featuring Theo Ferragamo, HOA Bossman gave us a few minutes of his time to discuss the impact growing up in Bed Stuy,Brooklyn had on his childhood, social media and that special when he fell in love with hip-hop. Check it out below.

RESPECT: What’s the story behind your stage name, HOA Bossman?

HOA Bossman: Well, the HOA part comes from a media website called House of Aura I started with a few of my close friends. Bossman comes mainly from my mom because I was a stubborn child and that was her nickname for me, but it also comes from the moves I’ve made in the streets and in my life, and the way I carry myself and make decisions.

RESPECT: Your music has a surprisingly nostalgic sound, who were your major influences while growing up?

HOA Bossman: Well, being lucky enough to be born in Brooklyn in 1991 & living in Bed Stuy has been a huge influence, so it goes without saying that my favorite rapper is Biggie. I am also blessed to be in love with sounds; I’ve always had an open ear to music. I try to hear everything I can, going from Toro Y Moi to Wu Tang to ‘N Sync in 5 minutes. I’m always wanting to hear more, which helps as well.

RESPECT: When did you know you wanted to pursue a career as a hip-hop artist?

HOA Bossman: I’ve always wanted to make music, since I was a kid. When I was around 10 years old, I would remix lyrics to songs on the radio and throw my own words into it, or blend songs together. I took music more seriously when my grandmother passed away in front of me a few years back, so I was able to express how I felt about all of my life situations at that moment. Since she was one of my closest friends, I decided to just write about it all, and that’s how I ended up writing my first song, “Long Days, Longer Nights”

RESPECT: How did you come up with the concept for your deeply personal, latest project, L.I.F.E.?

HOA Bossman: It sounds really cliche but life is why I made L.I.F.E. I didn’t want to go crazy by bottling up emotions, and plus I really just rap about my life 24/7. I don’t believe in speaking about experiences that I never had. I don’t fear expressing myself or sharing my life because we’re all human and I know that I’m not the only person who deals with these problems. I think people need to put down their phones and hold more real-life, genuine conversations, because we all have more in common then we’d ever know.

RESPECT: What was it like growing up in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn and how did is shape your outlook on life?

HOA Bossman: Seeing the sh*t I saw in Bed Stuy and all over Brooklyn helped me grow up fast, and made me a man before my time. It was bittersweet because it prepared me for life but kinda robbed me from my childhood.

RESPECT: You’ve been buzzing as of late, with features in The Source, MTV and Vice. Has social media played a big part in building your fan base or do you take the more grassroots approach?

HOA Bossman: The internet is everything nowadays. You can’t really name any new artists who blew up without it. However I look at every performance and interaction with people in real life as opportunities to gain new fans and supporters.

RESPECT: Describe that exact moment when you fell in love with hip-hop.

HOA Bossman: It’s hard to say. It might have been when I first heard “Suicidal Thoughts” by Biggie in like 1994 or 1995. That sh*t was crazy. I never knew you could express or talk about such deep emotion in songs like that. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to die because no one really dies, but I feel that a lot of people have had the thought that if they weren’t here, maybe it wouldn’t be as bad. I guess this was why I wrote “My Escape.”

RESPECT: What do you define as success?

HOA Bossman: I view success as being able to make music, tour the world, and live off of music while providing for my family and friends, and also helping the world. I want to help everyone, from children to students to the elderly & everyone in between: better housing complexes, schools, policing, everything that needs improvement worldwide. I want to be a part of fixing everything if it’s possible.

The post Exclusive: HOA Bossman Talks Brooklyn, Success and Social Media appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Roscoe Dash is starting the year off right with consistent material and today we get a new exclusive track with “Cruisin.” This DJ A MADD Decent produced record comes with a techno influenced production as Roscoe applies his hypnotizing flow to the beat. Once again providing us with a solid record, Roscoe Dash plans on keeping the music flowing. Take a listen.

The post Exclusive: Roscoe Dash Is Back With “Cruisin'” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Many were introduced to Nikko London as he appeared on the second season of VH1’s hit reality show, Love & Hip Hop Atlanta. Now the actor is back with his new single titled, “Exclusive.” The single is a smooth, slowly-winding R&B anthem dedicated to making that special woman feel like she’s a queen by giving her the most exclusive romance of her life. Check it out and stay tuned for more.

The post Listen To “Exclusive” From Nikko London appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Brooklyn’s own Fabolous announced recently that he will be added to Roc Nation’s management roster along with fellow superstars Rihanna, Big Sean and Meek Mill. This announcement came immediately after the reveal of his upcoming Album (digital release), set for Christmas Day (12/25/14), titled The Young OG PROJECT. It will mark exactly one year since his 2013 Christmas day release of The S.O.U.L. Tape 2 . Just like this year, it’s looking like a Happy New Year for this NYC rapper.

THE YOUNG OG PROJECT TRAILER PREMIERE

The post EXCLUSIVE: FABOLOUS ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM AND NEW ROC NATION DEAL! appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.