By: Stini

Iggy Azalea signee Stini, has dropped a fire new visual for her single “Proud“. What makes this release so special is that hotspot Playboi Carti makes his directorial debut, taking a different approach to creating musically. Stini showcases her raw talent and desire for stardom like never before. As she serves up her fans an impressive body of work, it is clear that she is a superstar in the making.

In this visual, you will see the songstress bridging her true passion for modeling and singing as she melodically tell her truth over a harmonious beat. Looking flyer than ever with her original style and infectious swag, the Denmark native conscious lyrics standout the most on this release. You will hear her saying things like “get money all the time you can’t hit my line, I get off on crime, I ain’t never did no time”. These bars are one of many reasons why “Proud” is a must watch!

Playboi Carti does an excellent job of showing Stini in a mature and thriving light. The different angles of this visual gives you a very raw and ethereal vibe, helping to better understand the songstress’ creative vision. The raw scenery in the beginning of this video, gives you real New York City vibes, as the darker colored shots create a more serious undertone.

Within 1:34 it becomes clear that making her mother proud and grinding to the top, are two things Stini will never compromise. Iggy Azalea discovered Indiana’s best kept secret, and now she is ready to take over the music business!

Press play below to stream Stini’s newest visual for her “Proud” single.

The post RESPECT. Premiere: Iggy Azalea Signee Stini Releases New “Proud” Video appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Made in America has been everyone’s Labor Day weekend plan since 2012 when Jay Z and Steve Stoute partnered up with Budweiser to put it together. The ultimate music mashup, Made in America fulfills every music head’s needs all in one place, at the same damn time. And this year won’t be any different. It will actually be ten times better since it will be taking place in LA and Philly. And the lineup?! Oh man, just take a look for yourself below.

Most of you may already know about this awesome weekend but for those of you who don’t, we advise you to go pick up your tickets ASAP; this event will be sold out very soon folks. You know very damn well you want to be partying just like all these people you see below.

The post Who’s Got ‘Made in America’ Fever? appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

“Who you callin’ a bitch,” once asked female rapper Queen Latifah, on her 1994 hit single, “U.N.I.T.Y.” The question embodied Latifah’s dissatisfaction with hip-hop’s mistreatment of female rappers. Treading their way through misogyny and hetero-normative mentalities, most female rappers have had to rely on a male counterpart, in order to receive support and mainstream success.

18 years later, and such a problem still remains. Independent female rappers are still somewhat unprecedented. Nicki Minaj follows the orders of Lil Wayne; and Iggy Azalea, T.I. Female rappers still rely on co-signs from male rappers, in order to attain success. But that may no longer be necessary–just ask Azealia Banks.

The argumentative Harlem rapper has achieved moderate success, without a male co-sign. And although Banks has recently gained the attention of hip-hop icon Kanye West, she is adamant about dismantling hip-hop’s patriarchy. “You rap game rap ni**as, you stupid like, close-minded not-ready-to-progress-with-culture people can stay where you are, because I don’t do this for y’all,” stated Banks in a recent interview withNME. Earlier this year the rapper even took to her Twitter to address how she wanted either a female or gay manager, having become disillusioned with male managers. And how could we forget Banks’ beef with Jim Jones, a Twitter-born battle of words, that resulted in Banks making a diss track about the fellow Harlem native? 

Banks may be the foreshadowing of many independent female rappers to come, but she is not the only one. Up-and-comer Angel Haze is also contributing to this progression. “I don’t want a male behind me every step of the way,” said Haze in an interview with HipHopDX, earlier this month. “I want to stand alone. It was important to me that I have that–no co-signs.” And the lack of co-signs from male rappers, has obviously not affected her at all. The artist recently signed with record label Universal, due to her impressive EP, Reservation.

Nowadays, it seems more feasible to be a moderately successful female rapper, without a male rapper leading every step of the way. Sure, the argument could be made that male artists are only there to help. Lil Wayne pulling Minaj from Hot 97’s Summer Jam concert, after radio host Peter Rosenberg called “Starships” “bullshit;” and T.I. coming to Azalea’s aid during her beef with Banks, are prominent examples.

But is it really helpful? By adhering to the orders of their male bosses, Minaj and Azalea are only contributing to hip-hop’s patriarchy. Imagine if Minaj had called the shots, and performed regardless of Rosenberg’s remarks? The self-proclaimed “boss bitch” would have truly represented what she claims to be.

Ultimately, female rappers’ allegiance to their male leaders, hinders them from ever truly being accepted, or considered equal. This is why artists like Banks and Haze (but especially Banks) are a breath of fresh air. Banks’ outspoken and fearless attitude, along with her independence, contribute to that. Granted, a filter would be nice (Banks can sometimes be too abrasive in her candidness), but Banks’ fearlessness in the face of men and women alike, is refreshing.

Independent female rappers are proof of co-signs’ dwindling importance. If the independent female rapper may become a movement, is still unforeseeable right now. But, as of right now, such small steps may result in big changes, in the years to come.

The post Indie Girls: Female Rappers Shine and Thrive On Their Own appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.