Socially conscious rap artist on the rise, Evan Barlow, releases his highly anticipated new mixtape “FABRICS,” much to the delight of his ever-increasing fan base. The Richmond-bred rapper and recovering addict boldly wields his talents to shed light on the struggle, despair and ultimate victory over drug addiction, while advocating for everyone’s freedom of choice to live a better life and become the best version of themselves, despite what society may tell them.

“We named my upcoming project ‘FABRICS,’ because fabrics, distinct from textile materials are the basic structure of something, and for my project I chose not to be limited to an ideology that my music had to fit a certain format or sound,” Evan explains. “So music in general was the basic structure of this project, not the format of the music.”

The East Coast artist says his fans can expect an unexpected sound on this body of work. “What makes ‘FABRICS’ unique is the genre-crossing. We have straight up Hip-Hop tracks transitioning into alternative tracks, raw rapping, then melodic singing. The song ‘Left Hand Jump’ has an Alt-J, mixed with a House of Pain sample, underlined by Nirvana. That’s unique in itself,” the rising star explains.

Evan worked with an incredible group of artists to bring “FABRICS” to life, including the talented producer Bink (Kanye West, Jay Z), the phenomenal Pop Wansel Producers Some Randoms, Chally who is signed to Timbaland, Macklemore’shorn players Greg Kramer and Ouwor Arunga, as well as Andrew Hypes, Will Perry and more.

“A lot of key people here. Also, just the fact we did what we weren’t supposed to and risked being washed out with the people who have no image. The whole point of ‘Fabrics’ was to not have an image. We wanted to see how far we could run with not sticking to one genre,” Evan unveils.

The Richmond, Virginia native has creatively coined his unique sound “the music of the day after tomorrow” and is known for effortlessly blending genres such as Rock, Pop, Alternative and Hip-Hop for a signature result that resounds with a millennial age.

Suggested Articles:

#PeepTheVisual: Evan Barlow – “Triumphant”

Evan Barlow Urges Humanity to “Fight” in New Video

The post Evan Barlow Releases New Mixtape “FABRICS” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

“It felt good being nominated. Reminded me of the reason I do this, just the idea of finally getting recognized for the work is dope to me. Means they paying attention. And to bring home two awards says a lot in my eyes. At the end of the day it’s the people who choose. The fans and that’s the reason I do this. For the fans” Lucas says. The indie artist is receiving major blog coverage with his debut in the coveted BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher alongside Charles Hamilton, Jackie Spade and Tink. In case you missed his performance, watch it HERE. As he keeps new music coming with his single “Jumanji” featuring heavyweight vet Busta Rhymes, it seems that it’s all work for Mr. Lucas.

The post Joyner Lucas Wins “Best Video of the Year” & “Outstanding Artist of the Year” at UMA’s appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

T’Melle, the newly-minted “Bad Girl” of music, put on a pretty dope show in front of a packed house at her recent showcase at SOB’s in New York. The singer, songwriter and dancer performed her sexy new hit single “Drop It Down” for industry executives, tastemakers and celebs. The Atlanta-raised artist, who got her start as the protegè of TLC superstar Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, has arguably taken over the indie music scene with her undeniable talent and amazing story of survival.

In a recent interview, T’Melle unveiled how she suffered near death injuries as a passenger in the fatal crash that took Lopes’ life.  After over 10 years of recovery and rehab, the rising star denied the odds against her to learn how to walk, run and dance again. “I’m the girl that people told to quit and that this wasn’t going to happen for me. I’m the girl who’s been told ‘No’ way more than the word yes! I believed! I still believe!” T’Melle says.

Since reviving her solo career, T’Melle has worked with producers the likes of Usher Raymond, Tricky Stewart, Bryan Cox, and Rodney Jenkins. Now with her sultry new single and video for “Drop It Down” in rotation on Revolt TV and on VEVO, T’Melle appears to be back where she belongs. Keep up with what’s new with T’Melle on Instagram and Twitter: @ItsTMelle

The post T’Melle performs new single, “Drop It Down” at exclusive showcase in New York appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.