The weekly series about passion, perseverance and the pursuit of dreams, features Chicago Artist, Hebru Brantley whose work delves into political and social issues with a conscious focus on playful insight and the optimism and possibilities of youth. Brantley’s raw talent has put the Chicago art scene on the map with celebrities like Jay-Z, Lenny Kravitz, and George Lucas, lining up to add a Brantley piece to their collection.

Much of Brantley’s work is aimed at children growing up amid Chicago’s South Side gang violence and poverty, just as he once did.  In this episode of Hear the Roses, Brantley shares the meaning behind the young superheroes, the Fly Boys and Fly Girls, reflects on his journey, and opens up about his creative process and his purpose.

Listen: https://soundcloud.com/heartheroses/hebru-brantley

Listen: Soundcloud.com/heartheroses

HEAR THE ROSES is also available on partner sites The Museum of Light, Fusicology, and RESPECT. Magazine

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“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.

Colombian street artist Stinkfish just finished his mural collaboration with Empty Boy and the results are stunning. Filled with vibrant colors and a striking image of a young boy, this piece of art can be seen in the city of Bogota, Colombia. Check out more images below of the mural in South America.

The post Street Art: New Mural Curated By Stinkfish & Empty Boy In Bogota, Colombia appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

In the heart of Bushwick, Brooklyn, lies this beautiful art piece curated by Australian painter Adnate. This piece, along with many others, is a part of The Bushwick Collective. Very impressed with the detailing in this piece and how the artist was able to incorporate the surrounding graffiti onto his painting. Adnate painted this just before he headed down to this year’s Art Basel event in Miami, Florida. We hope to see more work from him! Peep more images below.

The post Street Artist Adnate Curates A New Piece For The Bushwick Collective In New York City appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

In the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, lives this painting by Brazilian street artist Kobra. He just wrapped this masterpiece. You can find it on Bedford and North 9th Street.

As you can see, the artist painted images of legendary artists Basquiat and the father of pop-art Warhol. The piece, titled “Fight for Street Art,” creates a powerful message amidst the wide range of kaleidoscopic colors.

This raises a question: Is the street art culture dying in the city of New York?  With graffiti meccas such as 5 Pointz coming to an end nearly a year ago, it has concerned the community. We can only hope that one of the primary factors that makes New York culture what it has been for the past 30+ years doesn’t get stripped away.

The post Kobra Creates “Fight For Street Art” Piece In New York City appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Los Angeles-based duo Cyrcle recently spent some time in Europe, where they received an invitation to HRLN’s mural project happening in the streets of Heerlem, Netherlands. The two man collective spent a few days curating this masterpiece for locals to enjoy. They entitled the piece, “Struggle.”

In an interview, the duo had this to say about their latest contribution to Netherland’s street art:

The struggle that Heerlen has been going through for over twenty years battling the coal industries collapse and drug addiction. The wild colors and images visually translate that struggle and is meant to empower and inspire the community to keep fighting.

The post Street Art: Cyrcle Doesn’t “Struggle” With Creating Beautiful Murals appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

It’s no secret that the world around us inspires many artists of our time. But 2501 takes that revelation to new heights, as manifested in his latest projects along his most recent spiritual journey that kicked off in Mongolia. Inspired by the virtual actualization and time-displacement that comes along with the unsettled lifestyle as a mobile artist; 2501 has set out on a “Nomadic Experiment,” leaving his mark wherever and however he chooses.

This particular piece was set upon a wall in Montreal, Canada. According to 2501, he had begun to paint in the rain for the first day before finally deciding to wait for the sunshine. When he returned to his painting, the rain had just about deteriorated the progress he had made the day before. However, 2501 actually used the forces of nature to paint along the textures the rain had created – resulting in a tremendous, mind-bending work of art.

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