THE LENS CRAFTER

Phil Knott Cuts Through The Smoke with Killa’ Cam

Celebrated RESPECT. photographer, Phil Knott, has been in the game for almost two decades. The Brit has captured pioneering images of the culture in a style that is distinctively his own. Color, light, depth, fucking around with digital experimentation of the image … and a one-on-one nature that is truly one-of-a-kind. His mark documenting Hip-Hop is undeniable.

Looking within the RESPECT. archive we dug up this gem from our premiere issue. Take note to this photo that won’t get you contact high, but is “on a higher level.”

Cam’Ron Photo Copyright Phil Knott

 

“He just smokes. You have no choice––it’s either that or you go home. This was a no–choicer, really.”

 

– Phil Knott

The post CAM’RON Classic! Veteran Rap Culture Photographer PHIL KNOTT Made it Go Up In Smoke! appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Location: New York City, NY

 

Photo Copyright Diana Levine

RESPECT.

The post RESPECT. Throwback: Harlem Legend JIM JONES documented by Photo Wiz DIANA LEVINE appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

If you hear by word-of-mouth that there’s a hot new website for the Culture, it’s likely met with skepticism.

Enter Level Mag, which will surely change that perception. One of the hottest channels on Medium now has its own platform. Run by veteran critically acclaimed journalists, Jermaine Hall and Jon Kennedy (yea you read that name correctly), Level Mag’s credo is to be “a community for Black Men offering the best in commentary on race, identity, culture, and everything you need to become the best version of you.”

Here’s a flavorful piece they just did as a tribute to the Greatest Day In Hip-Hop History featuring rare images that were unearthed from 1998 in Harlem, NY.

Check Level Mag on IG

Slick Rick Photo: Copyright J®

The post Level Mag Celebrates Greatest Day In Hip-Hop Revealing Rare Images Featuring Legend Slick Rick and More.. appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

“A$AP” serves as an acronym meaning Always Strive and Prosper; Accumulate Status and Power; Always Stackin’, Always Paper-chasin’; Assassinating Snitches and Police; or the catchall, Acronyms Symbolizing Any Purpose, depending on who you ask.

Artist:: A$AP Rocky
Photographer: Kareem Black
Date: Sunday, October 23, 2011
Location: Brooklyn, NY

Did you know that A$AP’s real name is Rakim Mayer … named after the New York’s original God MC?

RESPECT.

The post RESPECT. A$AP / Photos of The Day: Shot by Lens Genius Kareem Black appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Border Buck had a new project under his sleeves. After working with artists like Dave East and Neek Bucks, Buck decides that it’s his time to shine. “What Ya Life Like”, dropped January 24th, which is his debut EP and it includes tracks like “Hustler’s Dream” and “Stay in Life” featuring Bodega Bamz. “What Ya Like Like” tells the story of what happens in the everyday lives of people in urban communities. It’s a reminder to them that music or sports aren’t the only option of gaining success but having an entrepreneurial mentality and skill will allow them to go reach new levels.

Growing up between New York City and North Philly Badlands, Buck is no stranger to tough environments. The pain, struggle and determination it took to overcome his upbringing is reflected in “What Ya Life Like”. Over heavy boom bap beats and eerie melodies created by producers like Triple A, J Demers and TriForce, Border Buck uses his deep voice to weave harrowing tales of heavy losses, near misses, and ultimately the story of persevering through it all.

You can hear “What Ya Life Like” and other music by Border Buck on these platforms:

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/border-buck/1417092911

https://listen.tidal.com/artist/10132132

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1KsJFuRoA7ajN7wvhoJfGG

The post Border Buck Releases Debut EP, “What Ya Life Like” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

With the entire project produced by long-time collaborators and ​GRAMMY​-winners ​Brasstracks​, the Harlem spitter follows up a string of strong releases and features with a dynamic work of art.

Selling out shows in cities including New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco and performing at major festivals over the past year, S’natra performed tracks from ​“Subject to Change” nationwide and won over the hearts of fans from all over.

Now it’s finally available to the masses on all DSPs. With a premiere set with Okayplayer and features with DJBooth, Complex and others, ​STC comes after the release of his singles ‘Paper Straight’ and ‘Off Key’, which received support from Apple Music in their New, New York playlist and press coverage from the likes of ​DJ Booth​ and ​Saint Audio​.

As well as a feature alongside Made In TYO on Alexander Lewis’ trap banger ​‘Wassup’​, which gained S’natra attention from the likes of ​HighSnobiety​.

Check out the dope project below on all platforms:

http://smarturl.it/subject2change

Suggestions:

TRAILER: Ghetts Announces ‘Ghetto Gospel: The New Testament’

RESPECT. Interview: Jacquees Talks Current State Of R&B, Biggest Artist Influence Growing Up & More

The post Harlem’s Own S’natra Premiers His New Project ‘Subject to Change’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo cred. – Bryan Spitzer

Harlem’s own, singer, songwriter, recording artist, and producer, Lovel, returns to RESPECT. with the premiere of his latest Lee Al-Taquan produced project. 

Free Before 12 is a short prelude to his next full EP, Passenger, set to release at the top of the new year.  The forthcoming project is the second installment of a trilogy of EPs that Lovel has been religiously working on.  His previous release, Backseat Memories is the first of the trilogy, was also featured here on RESPECT. back in 2015, and happens to be one of our favorite indie projects that year.

In his short career as an artist, LoVel’s success has been prominent as he’s gained worldwide exposure and notched over 1.6 Million total plays on Soundcloud with his releases to date.

Listen to the dope melodies and reminiscent vibes below and be sure to check back with us at the top of 2018 for the release Passenger!

Suggested Articles:
Harlem’s LoVel Offers Up New Single – “Àndale” (prod. by Lee Al-Taquan)
Harlem’s Rising Star Lovel Debuts New Single “I Swear”
Listen to LoVel’s – “Backseat Memories” EP

The post RESPECT. Premiere: LoVel – “Free Before 12” (EP Stream) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.