Photo by @Been __Illa

When it comes to music and the elements that surround it in it’s purest form, the Fillmore District in San Francisco, California is the furthest thing from a stranger. Known as a hot-spot for Jazz during the 1940’s and ’50s, even being dubbed as the “Harlem of the West,” Fillmore attracted many of the genres top stars around the time including Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and of course, the man of cool himself; John Coltrane. Now culminating in an annual Jazz festival that attracts people from all over the country, the city is still relevant as ever. Looking to keep that spirit alive, native Ari “Illa” Nicole drops off her souled-out new EP, The Favor.

The Favor EP, is Illa’s debut project, produced by Trackademicks. The songstress reflects on finding herself again after a turbulent relationship and discovering the beauty in it all. Her captivating vocals, tell the story of a lost lover, seeking salvation. Throughout her single, “I Remember“, Illa, showcases her vocal range on an uptempo track that’s reminiscent of classic Hip-Hop Soul, crooning over a love that’s playing games with her heart. In “Love Again“, Illa, flexes her range musically, incorporating a deep house rhythm to compliment her sultry vocals. “Coming Over“, a Jodeci-inspired track, also sheds light on some of her obvious influences, while giving Illa lane to shine.

Check out the brand new EP below and be sure to keep an eye out for Illa.

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The post #PeepTheTape: Illa – ‘Favor’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Off his highly acclaimed project that’s been making a lot of noise in New York, “Gods x Pimps,” (available for download here) History is back dropping the anticipated video for “EVIL!“. Featuring a stand-out verse from his fellow Mogul Club member, King Critical, the duo put together an impactful and extremely emotionally-driven lyrics over the thundering of the instrumental.
Produced by H. Illa (the alternate producer name History goes by), the extreme energy is filled with subject matter commenting on subjects such as negative cycles within their Brooklyn hoods, questioning true faith in religion, scandalous women, and overall staking claim of their place in Hip Hop while boasting their lyrical prowess.

The video was directed was also shot and edited by J-Emz, another up-and-coming New York based director that his been making a name for himself lately. This is what History had to say about the initial creation of the record:

Creating the record I didn’t care about anything and hated everything going on at that time in life so the only thing that could sum up the way I felt was saying “That’s Evil!”, everything followed after that. I felt like King Critical was the only person that could make the song better than it actually was so I put him on the song. Even though he didn’t want to hop on it at first, I convinced him that the beat and song was ahead of it time and he ended up doing the verse anyway and now we have a quote on quote hit.

Let us know what you think about the video and be sure to show up to their December 10th show at SOB’s (info).

The post New Video: History – “EVIL!” feat. King Critical appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

New York’s BLKHANDS put out a great project in Serbia a few months back. Now, we have some visuals to go along with one of the standout cuts on the project. “Majestic” finds the crew running the streets for the A$AP Ty Beats/ILLA co-produced cut. Check it out below.

The post New Video: THEBLKHANDS – “Majestic” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

NYC trio THEBLKHANDS come through with their long-awaited free LP, Serbia. If you’re unfamiliar, the group consists of rappers Cazzi Jetson and Dominic Serendip, backed by producer ILLA who handles all of the beats on the 18-track project.

Features include guest appearances by Big KRIT, Skyzoo, A$AP Ty Beats, Smoke DZA, Lola Monroe, Three Six Mafia and more.

Stream below or download here.

The post Album Download: THEBLKHANDS – <em>Serbia</em> appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.