Anyone that remotely keeps up with independent or “underground” Hip-Hop has an appreciation for this man. Five releases later, Beneficence is locked and loaded with his sixth official release via Ill Adrenaline Records.

“Anyway It Goes” (produced by MindsOne’s KON Sci) is the third leak off of Basement Chemistry, set for January 29th. We are positive the LP will stay true to his origins – raw boom-bap production with witty samples and razor sharp cuts throughout. In fact, we know this to be true by looking at the production credits – Confidence, Da Beatminerz, L’Orange, P Original and more. Those names alone should incline you to save the date.

Guest artists include Chubb Rock, Masta Ace, Inspectah Deck, A.G., Dres (Black Sheep), El Da Sensei and other notable staples. To make a long story short, this is one for your collection. Enjoy the latest leak below and mark your calendars. Peace and love:

iTunes | FatBeats | UGHH | Ill Adrenaline Records Facebook

The post New Music: Beneficence ft. MC Eiht – “Anyway It Goes” (prod. Kon Sci) 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.

Long-Island wordsmith, and United States Army Veteran Typ-Ill embodies the word honesty. And dignity for that matter. Why do we set it off with honesty and dignity? Because they seem to be rather distorted, lost characteristics in today’s rap scene.

Around this time last year we had the pleasure of seeing Typ-Ill alongside a few other performances here in Philadelphia. Without question he had the most captivating set, to the point that we almost forgot who the other opening acts where. The amount of confidence and the level of humility he showed, and continues to show, on face to face basis alone is admirable. So, if you get the chance to see him bless the stage, please do so.

Aesthetically speaking, Veterans Day (produced by Statik Selektah in its entirety) is for anyone who enjoys pure hip-hop, and will appease to any boom-bap junkies. Their chemistry goes beyond your typical e-mail to e-mail orchestrated records and is very much undeniable. Though his prior work is notable, this may easily be his most developed. Static plays a huge role in this development.

Perhaps a lot of listeners are not Veterans and cannot relate to serving in the Army – in combat at that. But after listening to this bumper to bumper you will feel like you were right there with Typ, whether directly or indirectly. In fact, if you are left without some form of goosebumps you may be inhumane. That’s how heartfelt and honest this record is. Enjoy the stream and purchase it if you are diggin’ it! Peace and love:

Additional purchase links below:

CD (Fat Beats)

Amazon

Google Play

The post New Music: Typ-Ill & Statik Selektah’s “Veterans Day” (LP Stream) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

This is not to take focus off of Kanye West‘s recent moves and successes, but to shed light on an old sound he used to offer from 1996 to 2000. If you study Kanye’s production over the years you will certainly notice a development in sound, as expected from any artist with longevity in this hip-hop game. We will be breaking down strictly production in this article, while also take note of his early emceeing days as well. In the summer of 1996 Fat Beats made a big store-front shift, and during their grand opening night Kanye could be found alongside Al Tariq, Butter Lee and Black Attack on some raw, smooth 90’s tip. There is a good chance you will learn something new from at least one or two of these audio clips below. If not, take it as a refreshing reminder or something that you can talk to your brother or co-worker about later on today. Enjoy:

Chicago emcee Grav released his heavily slept on Down To Earth in 1996 under Correct Records. Kanye West produced a total of eight records on this album, making it his debut appearance on wax. Notice the raw boom-bap sound he was rocking here. Aside from Grav’s lyrical debauchery, the album’s production alone was given a lot of credit. “Sick Thoughts” is a standout record. So much so, that all hip-hop heads should have it in their stash.

In 1998 Jermaine Dupri released his debut Life in 1472 LP, with “Turn It Out” featuring Nas serving as the introduction track. This is a straight up party record, really highlighting those early So-So Def days we all remember all too well. Kanye West had some fun with this joint, tastefully utilizing some Willie Hutch and Davy DMX on the samples.

After Foxy Brown‘s successful 1996 Ill Na Na, she returned in 1999 with her sophomore release China Doll. The album is loaded with concrete features and production, with Kanye being the producer on “My Life.” Kick back with this dreamy, relaxing hook while scratching your head in shock if you didn’t already know Ye was on the boards.

Harlem World was a short lived collective, with only one album release titled The Movement, also from 1999. “You Made Me” appears near the beginning of the album, and features Carl Thomas and Nas. Kanye West appeared to keep this one pretty simple, allowing the emcees to do what they do.

Do you remember the voice on the introduction to Biggie‘s “Kick In The Door?” How about Black Rob‘s “Whoa!?” That is producer/emcee D-Dot (The Madd Rapper) who released his debut LP in 2000 titled Tell ‘Em Why U Madd, with Kanye West on the science. This is a real zone-out, mellow cut from Kanye’s super early catalogue.

With all that being said, we hope you learned at least one thing from this article about Ye and his early production. If you didn’t learn anything, maybe this was simply a refreshing reminder for you hip-hop junkies that he has been doing his thing for quite some time, and not just some overnight pop star that the younger generation may view him as.

Wait, here goes that bonus footage from 1996 at Fat Beats, as mentioned in our introduction. You’re welcome:

The post Vintage Kanye West: Pre-College Dropout (1996-2000) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

“Whenever putting together a project I try to keep the grit of Raekwon’s ‘Only Built 4 Cuban Linx’ and Mobb Deep’s ‘The Infamous’ in mind” says 22 year old ChillxWill when discussing his new Almighty album with RESPECT. Mag’s Dread Solo. “When crafting the album I was trying to make sure you knew my story by the end. It is hand styles on trains at 2:00am. It is my story. Also, I recorded the whole album on 2″ tape to get that warmth, and vibration in the bass.” The album is critically acclaimed, and has been stirring up an ill buzz for the Tacoma, Washington emcee, and latest artist under Ill Adrenaline Records. He is apart of the BKR$CLB (Bakers Club) posse and works closely with Raz Fresco, who is simultaneously making big moves on the scene.

Almighty is now available on cd, cassette and digital download (two bonus records w/ purchase) with Underground Hip Hop and Fat Beats. Oh, but you’re a wax junkie? Place your vinyl order now at Chopped Herring Records.

Be prepared for a visual time machine taking you back to that grimy mid-90’s golden era we all miss – laced in vintage Fila, herb lit in Brooklyn project hallways and 40 ounces. With a drum pattern identical (or very similar) to Mobb Deep‘s 1996 classic Drop A Gem On ‘Em and a dusty bass line – it’s the perfect marriage. ChillxWill is taking you on a trip down memory lane in 2015. Though the original Warning record off this album is sharp, the remix by Mpadrum is raw and seemingly more suiting for this video. Below you can stream the whole album for free, with hopes that maybe it opens your eyes to a full purchase. Enjoy:

The post ChillxWill Returns W/ New Visual For “Warning (Mpadrum’$ Remix)” + ‘Almighty’ Lp Stream appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

To hip-hop fan, February is known as “Dilla Month” to pay respect to the legendary producer  J.Dilla who was born February 7th and passed away February 10th. With parties popping up all around the world celebrating his music, Fat Beats pays respect to Dilla by releasing a new project in the form of The Last Scrolls Vol. 1. The four-track project was put together by Frank Nitt of Frank N Dank.   For “Dewitt to It,” some new production is laid down under vocals from Dilla’s “Shake It Down” from Welcome to Detroit. Purchase The Last Scrolls Vol. 1 here.

The post New Music: J.Dilla – “Dewitt To It” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Dag Savage, comprised of Exile and Johaz, are preparing to drop their first EP on January 15th via Dirty Science / Fat Beats. The EP features 4 brand new tracks featuring guest appearances from Aloe Blacc, Murs, and Co$$ in addition to a couple of remixes. Of course, the duo had to give fans a taste of what to expect on their project, and leaked their preliminary track “Twilight”.  Look out for the  music video coming soon, but until then check out the tracklist for the upcoming Dag Savage EP.

Dag Savage EP Tracklisting:

A Side
1. Twilight
2. Drugs – featuring Coss & Makeshift
3. When It Rains – featuring Aloe Blacc

B Side
1. That’s Just Life featuring. Aloe Blacc & Murs
2. Drugs – Mr Brady mix – featuring Coss &
3. Twilight – Fat Albert Einstein Version
4. Twilight – Instrumental

The post New Music: Exile and Johaz – “Twilight” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.