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The duo released “Call on Me” ahead of the album’s debut. The two haven’t collaborated on any prior releases, but that changes today. Tracks like “Murder on My Mind” and “Big Smoke” serve as standout tracks from the project.

E Mozzy and Teejay3k are currently on tour as a part of Mozzy‘s Internal Affairs run. Teejay assisted Mozzy on “Pot To Piss” while E Mozzy joins him on “Slide” alongside Celly Ru. Check the project out below.

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Florida native, Baby E., is rumoured to be the latest addition to the label Young Money.  In a recent interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, they broke down Baby E’s journey with Dr. Luke, who signed Katy Perry, and label Young Money.

Baby E.’s story differs from other potential Young Money signees. He’s been working behind the scenes learning the rules of today’s pop landscape with the help of songwriting savant Dr. Luke, who signed E to a publishing deal several years ago. And if E’s artist deal is made official — over the phone, Luke says, “we’re actually finalizing that deal right now” — he will be signed by both Young Money and Luke. (Representatives of Young Money did not respond to requests for comment.)

Rolling Stone spoke with E about his musical background, his smart decision to keep “Finessin” for himself and his connection with Young Money.

As the story develops more, check out the Finessin Remix with Kevin Gates & Lil Bibby below.

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In the midst of overnight stardom and trendy waves we real hip-hop fans yearn for a refreshing, authentic sound that offers longevity, and most importantly trust. Niko Is may just have what you’re looking for. Though born in Rio de Janeiro and currently grounded in Orlando, Florida, pin pointing his sound is impossible. Respectable [versatility] is an understatement when discussing his music, which we’ve been able to observe for the past few years since he hit the scene.

2012’s Chill Cosby release was seemingly Niko’s take off, with an acclaimed response and help from Talib Kweli‘s Javotti Media. Action Bronson made a guest appearance on “Steffi Graf”, which certainly excelled our attention to the forefront. This release was absolutely album quality. Multiple renowned media platforms took notice, and soon after it was merely impossible not to see something about Niko Is featured with online hip-hop publications. With that being said, he was just dipping his feet in the water, and nationwide fans would begin to flock.

It’s only right that we highlight Niko Is’ producer-of-choice, and friend, Thanks Joey. They’ve been rocking records together since their early high-school years, and the chemistry is undeniably bold. There really is no arguing that they compliment one another. Close, consistent work as an emcee-producer duo, or a few man production team, is something that we don’t see enough of in 2015. This is not to put him in a box with just his Colours Of The Culture team, because Niko has done records with a handful of other producers and the quality is just as dope.

During the recording of Chill Cosby and Good Blood, Niko Is was simultaneously working on his long awaited, acclaimed Brutus album. Keeping it brief, the Lp is released alongside Javotti Media and some of the features include Talib Kweli and Kool A.D. Production credit goes to Thanks Joey, who definitely destroyed the boards and gave his all to this collection. Despite his loose, free spirited approach on the mic, a track like “Nobody’s Watching” reminds you he can display much deeper content, where staying honest and true to yourself surrounds the message. Other tracks like “Vamoose” and “We Know” pull you back to the feel-good, left to right head swaying side, while still offering relevant content. Niko Is solely reflects his everyday life in a poetic, loose and energetic manner. In an interview with Straight Fresh, Niko states:

My name, being called NIKO IS, is pretty much an ongoing invitation to discover who I am.

Talib Kweli took notice a while back and it has been a wrap since, with Niko now being Javotti Media’s staple artist more or less. Kweli’s vision and inspiration for Javotti is amazingly, “A platform for independent thinkers and doers. A home for those who are driven by passion and vision. A place for us and those like us.” He continues to give back to this culture any way he can, and this movement is one to be reckoned with. You get nothing but quality from Javotti Media, with a roster also consisting of Res and Corymo. Keep up with everything they’re putting out and be sure to support such a beautiful movement. This is much deeper than music, and very necessary.

Okay, so we got the point across and hopefully opened you up a bit to Niko Is and his music. But what about live performances? How’s his stage presence? Do know he does not come up short for the crowd. The reviews from his live performance are beautiful, as he is currently on tour with Talib Kweli, Immortal Technique, Constant Flow and Hasan Salaam. The tour will end mid-April, but be sure to catch them in a city near you if you live on the east coast as they head north from now til then.

Be sure to visit the official Niko Is website for purchase links and more album information. Peace and love.

The post Niko Is: Gaining Hip-Hop’s Trust Alongside Talib Kweli’s Promising Javotti Media appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Billy Danze (M.O.P.) is arguably rocking with some of the hottest up-and-coming and lasting emcees on his We Build Hits roster; state to state and out of the country. We Build Hits artists are setting it off properly with the legendary Dj DooWop on this eight minute old school hip-hop excursion. Short introductions to each verse emulating the Ruff Ryders’ 2000 classic “WW3” was a good twist here, as we can all reflect how much we loved that record.

One thing we can all admire about Billy Danze‘s movement here is the artistic freedom in which he allows each artist to obtain and work with. In a more recent interview with Dread Solo he specifically noted the freedom aspect and how important that was to him, and the artists.

Getting into description on each artists verse is unnecessary, as the track speaks on its own. Nonetheless, Los Angeles’ Reign Major sets it off over BDP‘s “The Bridge is Over“, jumping into Tona‘s verse which canvases Black Moon’s 1993 classic “How Many MC’S”. By this point if you are not convinced, or sold, on We Build Hits as a movement, you may consider re-evaluating your standards. Philadelphia’s promising emcee Lucci Loner closes out over Pete Rock‘s “T.R.O.Y.”. Be sure to keep up with each artist on an individual basis, as they are all making pretty major moves separately as well as a collective with Billy Danze’s blueprint in effect.

Reign Major | Tona | Money Mark | Demorne Warren (D-Dub) | Eyeznpowa | Ronve | Caktuz | Lucci Loner

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