Hip hop culture influencer Afrika Bambaataa, widely known for his classic “Planet Rock” track, sat down with VladTV to discuss the cultural force known as Zulu Nation, which he formed back in 1977. During the quick 5 minute sit-down, he discusses the desire to make Zulu Nation a “United Nation of the streets,” Lil’ Wayne’s involvement with the group and prominent members such as Ice-T, Ice Cube, Immortal Technique and Tupac. This led to a discussion of how the untimely deaths of Tupac and Biggie could have been avoided through unity and bi-coastal love. Check it out below.

The post Afrika Bambaataa Talks Zulu Nation, Influential Members & Memories of Tupac and Biggie appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

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.

The post Premiere: Constant Flow feat. Swave Sevah and Akir – “Dog Tags” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

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As we embark on the War And Peace Tour with my brother, Immortal Technique, I’m excited to release a new musical project. “Left In The Deck” is a collection of 10 raw, grimy recordings made in basements and hotel rooms around the world. This demo-tape style release was produced entirely by Jake One. It hasn’t been polished up for the market or cleaned for the radio. These songs were left in their original demo form and are intended only for my family of direct supporters. The beats are grimy and I feel like this is some of the best rhyming I’ve ever captured on tape. I want to release this directly to you.

The post Album Stream: Brother Ali & Jake One – <em>Left in the Deck</em> appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

YouTube is a treasure trove. When you’re not searching for cats, people blending iPhones or old stand-up clips, you can find some extremely dope throwback rap battles.

Here we find Aesop, Slug, Immortal Technique and Poison Pen trading bars. Later, El-P gets involved in the street action. Enjoy.

The post Throwback Video: Aesop Rock, Slug, El-P and Immortal Technique Cypher appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

It’s been a little while since we last heard from Immortal Technique at Occupy Wall Street. If there’s any artist that can fill time with educational rhetoric and political commentary, it’s Immortal Technique. His last project, The Martyr, was really dope and had incredible content, as he never fails to do.

In this interview, he discusses his upcoming project (The Middle Passage), his run-ins with the police, marijuana legalization and artist and producers he wants to collaborate with.

via Montreality

The post Video: Immortal Technique’s 40 Minute Interview with Montreality appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.