West Coast legend, voice of the streets and RESPECT. wall-of-fame cover subject,  YG, has done it again—unleashing his sixth studio album, I got issues via Def Jam Recordings. I Got Issues blasts YG’s smooth, raw and powerful speak in his signature unorthodox style … and while rocking’ a red tux only he can drip in the visual for his new song “I Dance” — featuring Duki and Coco.

Having blown past the 12 billion career streams and over 2 billion YouTube views only few can be blessed with L.A.’s finest comes correct with this highly personal new album which features fellow luminaries J. Cole, Post Malone, Nas, Roddy Rich and more.

Most recently in the run-up to the album release, YG released an in-studio performance for “Alone” as well as “Maniac” ft. Hit-Boy.

I got Issues is YG’s first studio album since My Life 4Hunnid (October 2020).

The album debuted at the top of the Rap Albums charts and top 5 on the Billboard 200 albums. It featured the riveting record “FTP,” which was released during the height of the Black Lives Matter protests and became a social justice anthem for the movement.

Now get your headphones on and put your seatbelt on …

Straight Outta … RESPECT.Archive Issue #19. Cover shot by Justin Borucki. Image Copyright Musinart LLC

YG Photo shot Sunday, April 27, 2014 in NY, NY for RESPECT. Image is Copyright Justin Borucki

I GOT ISSUES TRACKLIST (PHYSICAL – CD + VINYL) 

1. Issues

2. Baby Momma

3. Toxic

4. Maniac ft. Hit-Boy

5. How To Rob A Rapper ft. Mozzy, D3szn

6. I Dance ft. Duki & Cuco

7. Sign Language

8. Scared Money ft. J. Cole, Moneybagg Yo

9. Run ft. Tyga, 21 Savage, BIA

10. Go Dumb ft. H.E.R.

11. No Love

12. Sober ft. Roddy Ricch & Post Malone

13. Drink To This

14. No Weapon ft. NAS

15. Alone

16. Killa Cali

DIGITAL VERSION (DIGITAL) 

1. Issues

2. Baby Momma

3. Toxic

4. Maniac ft. Hit-Boy

5. How To Rob A Rapper ft. Mozzy, D3szn

6. I Dance ft. Duki & Cuco

7. Scared Money ft. J. Cole, Moneybagg Yo

8. Go Dumb ft. H.E.R.

9. No Love

10. Sober ft. Roddy Ricch & Post Malone

11. Drink To This

12. No Weapon ft. NAS

13. Alone

14. Killa Cali

Dope fact: YG and RESPECT. magazine both emerged in 2009! 

RESPECT.

The post YG Turns It Up with New Studio Album appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Earlier this year, PUMA and Hip Hop titan J. Cole announced their official partnership with a TV spot that aired during All Star Weekend. The theme of that spot, which inspired J. Cole’s new signature product line, is about never abandoning one’s dream, despite the obstacles faced or time passed.

“When said out loud, all the best dreams sound crazy. Dreamer was created with the belief that, still, we must follow ours, no matter how unachievable they may seem to others.” – J. Cole

J. Cole was intimately involved in the new franchise, from initial inspiration to the final design. This first signature basketball sneaker is intended to be worn both on and off the court – equipped with the latest technology while having a fashion-forward and disruptive design. The RS-Dreamer will be worn on the court by PUMA Hoops athletes and has already been spotted on several NBA and WNBA athletes as they ramp up for their respective returns to play this summer.

PUMA & J. Cole’s collaboration, The RS-Dreamer

The RS-Dreamer is a new silhouette that leverages PUMA’s running system “RS foam” and innovative RS technology for superior on-court mobility. The debut sneaker also includes a J. Cole “DREAMER” logo. This RS-Dreamer is the first of several signature styles with J. Cole and is inspired by his ongoing commitment to follow his dreams.

“Over the years, basketball shoes have progressed greatly in their level of technology and comfort but have strayed too far away from designs stylish enough for cultural relevancy. The Dreamer hopes to change that reality. The highest level of on-court performance meets the highest level of aesthetic design for daily wear. Once again, you can hoop in the same shoes you wore outside.” – J. Cole

The RS-Dreamer will be available exclusively in store and online at the Foot Looker Inc. Family of Brands (including Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs, Footaction and Eastbay), PUMA.com, and PUMA stores starting this Friday, July 31 for $125. A limited apparel collection to compliment the RS-Dreamer will also be available for purchase.

Five-Star Hooper Makur Maker Commits to Howard University

The post PUMA and J. Cole Officially Debut First Basketball Sneaker ‘The RS-Dreamer’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: Cwilltooill

Texas rapper Cwilltooill returns to the music scene with dope new C.B.D. (Calm But Dangerous) project. As his southern roots plays out in every melody on this EP, you will hear Cwill’s original vocals reach new heights. As he discusses some of his life lessons, in a melodically pleasing way, his courage to be honest and raw separates him from the rest of the rising emcees in the game.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the southern rapper for candid convo centered around his C.B.D. release. Check out a short interview below and get to know San Antonio’s next big star Cwilltooill.

Respect: What city are you from/ where are you based now?

Cwill: I’m from Wetumpka, Alabama but I am currently living in San Antonio, Tx.

Respect: At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?

Cwill: While I was in college I fell in love with expressing myself. I had always rapped and I come from a musical background because of my brother and my father. So around the age 20 I knew I wanted more from music than just to put a few hrs a week in.

Respect: Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound
today? If so, how?

Cwill: Very much so! I’m from the country! You can hear it my lingo and you can feel it when I Touch a mic. I come from beating on a table in a lunchroom remembering songs and performing at talent shows. My mom used to wake me up to Rafael Sadiq and my pops was in a blues band and loved Jodeci. Then just being from the south in general has influenced me to always strive for substance in my
music.

Respect: How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with
you?

Cwill: I’m a mixture of Soulful Rap , Southern Hip hop and a hint of R&B. I don’t like to stay in a box and my vocal range is growing everyday so in my head the ceiling is limitless. I don’t mind talking my shit but I also don’t go full cap season in my music either. I keep it real and relevant. I talk about my relationships, my family, and really whatever is on my mind. I have my own studio so I’m able to record at-will really.

Respect: What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?

Cwill: Football ending did it for me. I graduated on a full scholarship playing football all in south Georgia until I had to give it up because of concussions. I remember not being able to sleep at night and staying up writing rhymes and mixing vocals. I realized how good my music was getting and the feedback I was receiving on my music in 2017-2018 solidified it for me. I knew what I wanted at that moment.

Respect: What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?

Cwill: I love creating new sounds and I’ve fell in love with performing. Music pays my bills and I’m about to break generational curses with my craft. I wake up inspired. Not everyday, some days are harder than others as a black man in america but hustle stays in tact. The faith I have in myself is what keeps me going. Well that and God reminding me constantly that this is where I should be spending my time and energy.

Respect: Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

Cwill: I’m a new found photographer and videographer. I have a photo studio and I write poetry as well. I’m also all into network marketing and I have merchandise I’m working on designing and printing everyday just adding new streams of revenue. Going back to network marketing though, one of my main hobbies is selling CBD Detox tea and other health and wellness products.

Respect: Who are some of your main musical influences?

Cwill: J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Deante Hitchcock, Big K.R.I.T. , Smino, Lauryn Hill,
Andre 3000.

Respect: What are some of your music career goals for the future?

Cwill: Win a Grammy. Chart a single and album (multiple)! I also see an international tour in my future. I’m already setting it up as we speak. I also want to make music with all of my influences. Another huge goal is to own my own label. And owning all of my masters for life.

Be sure to press play below to stream Cwilltooill C.B.D. (Calm But Dangerous) and follow him on social media @cwilltooill.

The post Texas Artist Cwilltooill Uses Music to Heal With C.B.D. (Calm But Dangerous) Release appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

California rapper Dough The Freshkid is one of the premiere artists coming out of west coast. As he rolled out his latest project Tals Cafe today, It is clear that his talent is unmatched and superb. I had the pleasure of catching up with the hotshot for a quick interview to discuss his new project and inspiration.

Check it out below.

Dough The Freshkid Interview

Respect: What city do you rep?

Dough: I am from Crenshaw District Arlington of California.

Respect: At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?

Dough: I was around 13 years old when my homeboy asked me to write a rap for him for the school talent show and he ended up winning.

Respect: Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?

Dough: Absolutely. I was born back east and raised a G on the West which, gave me an open range on sounds and culture.

Respect: How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?

Dough: I consider myself a street-conscious MC. I have a classic 90s Hip-Hop sound mixed with some of today’s sound. Most of my music production includes heavy bass instruments, classic pianos and soul samples.

Respect: What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?

Dough: I live music on a daily, I am music, it’s not a career to me it’s a lifestyle. So, I said, “Why not get paid for it?” and show the whole world how gifted I am.

Respect: What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?

Dough: I was born in Gary, Indiana on Jackson street where the great Michael Jackson lived. That played a major part of it. I am inspired by the outcome of the music I create; I love to continue to challenge myself each project. I’m actually a big fan of myself.

Respect: Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

Dough: I love watching old movies from the ‘60s and ‘70s. I’m a big kid so I’m looking for that PS5 to drop, and I love working out staying healthy.

Respect: Who are some of your main musical influences?

Dough: My influences are some of the veterans like Ice Cube, Nas, Jay-Z , Biggie, Pac, 50 Cent, and Redman. I also pay attention to Kendrick Lamar, J.Cole, the late great Hussle and all my brothers from the Crenshaw District and my brothers in NY.

Respect: What are some of your music career goals for the future?

Dough: Continue to build my brand where I’m respected as a major and hopefully connected with a major on a Distribution partnership.

Respect: Tell us about the latest project that you’ve released? What is it about?

Dough: Tal’s Café is my latest project (album) that is out today. It’s simply about bringing the hustle aspect back into the game. We got way too many people glorifying junkies in Hip-Hop these days. Never get high on yo own supplies.

Respect: What are some projects you’ve done that you are most proud of and why?

Dough: I’m proud of all three of my projects that I’ve released through stores. I have a few mixtapes that are on DatPiff that you can’t sleep on either. Arlington Avenue, Black Rome and Tal’s Café demonstrates and shows my supporters the range I have when it comes to composing albums. Each of these albums speak of times that we currently live in. I write movies!

Respect: What’s next for you?

Dough: I’m writing in my head as we speak. I also have a title idea but, I am going to hold on to it for a while. I don’t want nobody biting my style lol.

Respect: What message do you hope fans take away from your music?

Dough: That I’m original and that I’m not concerned about what people thing about me. I’ll put my message out there regardless if it’s mainstream or not. I don’t play by the rules; I create my own rules. As Frank Sinatra said “I did it my way.”

Respect: Where can we find you on social media?

Dough: You can find me on Instagram @doughthefreshkid, and on twitter @doughfreshkid. You can also find me on Spotify, Youtube and Apple music by typing in Dough The Freshkid.

Be sure to press play below to stream his latest EP Tals Cafe.

The post RESPECT. Interview: Dough The Freshkid Talks New EP “Tals Cafe” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: Iso Zah

Charlotte Transplant, by way of Philadelphia Iso Zah, is reaching new heights in 2020. Fresh off the release of his “Honda” single he is ready to show the world that J. Cole and Da Baby are not the only rappers in North Carolina putting on for their city. His first full length project The Let Out is what put the young emcee on the map, and forced people to take him serious as a rapper. He quickly followed up with his summer EP Everybody Loves Summer that set the streets ablaze in the Carolina’s. What has allowed Iso Zah to generate so much buzz, is his dynamic and spirited stage presence that feeds right into his superstar demeanor.

His hard work is paying off in many ways in 2020. By staying consistent and honing in on his sound, he caught the attention of music hotshot Blac Youngsta. Youngsta who is currently on his Church On Sunday Tour, tapped Iso to join him for a couple of tour stops as he prepares for the southern leg of the tour. When asked about his experience being on the road with Youngsta the Charlotte native responded “My experience on this tour has been one I will never forget! It is my first tour and every show people like my music and I gain more fans. I’ve already met a lot of new people in the music industry. It is fun traveling to different places with my team. Performing is what I love to do, so the tour has been a time for me to shine and showcase my talent and energy.”

With a rapidly growing fanbase, Iso’s southern prowess is capturing the ears of people all over the world. What stands out the most about this rising rapper is his authentic sound. His southern prowess mixed with his conscious bars, creates a unique sound reminiscent of the new aged millennial rap sweeping the nation. He exclaimed to me that he loves to create different types of music. “I make a variety of music. I have songs for whatever mood you are in. Overall my original sound is unique and incomparable. It connects you with how I am feeling and makes people want to repeat what I am saying, exactly how I say it. Even the way I say my name “Iso”, people love to repeat it.”

As Iso Zah continues his rise to the top, be sure to tap in with him and press play on his latest single “Honda“. Follow his journey through music as he prepares for his set at SXSW next month.

The post Iso Zah: Charlotte’s Next Big Rap Sensation appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: Lil Richye

Rapper and author Lil Richye has returned with the visual for his hit single “I Want The Bag“.  At just age 15-years-old, the Charlotte, NC native is already a performance veteran with over a decade of experience under his belt, having been an entertainer since the age of 3. As an artist, songwriter, entertainer, author, influencer and fashion trendsetter, he has taking his level of creativity to new heights.

Produced by mega hit producer Zaytoven, this release is his biggest and best to date. Being heavily rooted in church and singing in the choir, he and the hit maker connect on many levels outside of rap music. In January of 2019, Lil Richye starred in Lifetime’s The Rap Game hosted by Jermaine Dupri, who dubbed his little brother’s PB3 collective as “the next Kris Kross” when they met. This experience led to him working with Zatytoven, and the rest is history.

On this video you will see the North Carolina native hard at work. One moment he is cutting hair in the barbershop, and the next he is washing the tires on a Mercedes Benz. As he goes hard in the booth to prove his worth and determination to make it big, he links up with Zaytoven and they prepare to take the music world by storm.With authentic storytelling and raw swagger, he draws musical influence from Tupac, Slick Rick and KRS ONE, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. Lil Richye is on his way to becoming the hottest millennial rapper in the game.

Be sure to press play below to stream his newest visual “I Want The Bag” produces by Zaytoven.

The post Lil Richye & Zaytoven Link Up For The “I Want The Bag” Video appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Preme is a Black-owned magazine, featuring big (and little) names within the music industry. Each issue features not only one artists, but several different acts amongst many genres. “Having 3-4 covers each month bridges the gap with the people on the cover with different audiences bases. Mixing the fans and our readers up to discover something new,” Anthony details. Peep the interview below.

What was the decision behind you moving from North Carolina to California?

I’m originally from Monroe, North Carolina. I lost my mother in 2015 from complications with sarcoidosis my mom had for over 10 years and just over those years got weaker and weaker from it. I think I was at a point in my life where my father and sister were all doing good in there life’s. My sister got married and I was still trying to figure out my life. At the time I just got out of the army and also was in school but I was also discovering a newfound talent of photography and Directing. Which was becoming something I enjoyed the most of. While in North Carolina I started to create music videos for all the local talent in Charlotte but started realizing it was going nowhere. I met a few friends who all moved from NC to CA. I kept debating about it for months and how I was going to do it all

I sold a bunch of my stuff brought a Honda element a drover across the country to LA. Where I would sleep in the car and wake up every day to hustle and do emails. It was rough at first trying to find work but I had little to no overhead for income. I would live off EBT and shower at the local gyms when I can.

Then just stay focus on the goals I had set. Do free work and learn from the opportunity’s I had in front of me. Shit was fun and exciting at times because it was a sense of freedom. But I always knew LA was where I needed to be to grow as a photographer and director. Just so I could watch a learn from people who I have always looked up to. I would intern for free just to learn, watch and listen. Then take that and apply to my growth having that I grew extremely fast in my craft. I knew then this is why I needed to be here.

What are the conversations like when it comes to photography?

Photography I honestly picked up one day while living in my car in LA. I never really focused on it to much but knew it was another way to make income given my circumstances. I would just hit people at random and just shoot with them for free just to learn more about my talent. Meet up with other successful photographers and just watch and learn their craft. Again, this was the benefit of living in LA compared to living in NC. Photography is something I self-taught myself and just keep learning and learn more about it. I helped me with my directing and knowing how I want things to look.

Like now “I can see light “ which most photographers would say when they can see the image before it’s taken and create what they see. Photography can be very peaceful to me and there’s a power in capturing real moments for people to see and enjoy. There’s also a responsibility in being a photographer as well.

You can show people bad and good sides of them. You can change how a person feels about themselves as well. We as humans never see our selves in this world as other people see us. We don’t know what our own emotions look like to others or smile etcetera, it’s all pretty scary when you think about. The only way to truly see yourself in the world is if someone has a camera. Photography changed my life for real!

Do you recall your favorite memory, whether it be editing a film or shooting with an artist?

I think shooting the content for J. Cole’s 4 Your Eyez Only was pretty life-changing to me. It was my first time working with Cole. Getting to know a part of his personality. Along with the things that were changing in my life with the death of my mother. Living my life in a different way and actually struggling.

There was this part at the end of the documentary where we met this woman who had like two jobs and a bunch of her children have died senselessly. But she managed to still be happy. It’s was very powerful to share that moment with Cole. Let along he also, later on, shared her story with a bunch of teenagers who were in college. Which then I knew he was affected by her story the same as I. This changed my perspective on my life forever.

Capturing those moments where special to me and I had complete control over what I was capturing. The images for it that album mean the world to me because it’s so me. It’s how I saw him in that world at that time of his life. How I felt about my life at that time. It’s crazy. Which I fucking love so much!

Is there any type of pressure when working with big artists like J. Cole or Young Thug?

Yes and no. Cole and Thug of both pretty private people. I work with Cole mostly but he’s a private person. Most celebrities of his caliber are as well. So it’s always hard learning where to be in it all. Like you know great moments but everything isn’t worth the share. At the end of the day he’s a client of mines and I have to make sure he is happy with my performance. Which is very extremely important to me because I respect him as a human being.

Give me a bit of background on how you came along with the PREME Magazine concept.

Preme, took me a while to understand what and how to do it. Took me forever to figure out the name because of the Supreme brand everyone knows. That was issue No. 1 then let alone my photographer name is that. Even when I made that I wasn’t a fan of supreme. I just liked how it sounds but I’ve had the name for about 10 years now. Issue No. 2 was that there’s a rapper name “Preme” which is amazing by the way!

It was one day when while LA again crashing at my friends Phora’s mansion in LA. I was coming up with merch ideas. Jesus is the co-founder of Yours Truly brand and just being around him and Phora I realized how important it is to create a brand when you have a platform to do so. Jesus was the one who told me to run with the name “PREME” I absolutely love what Phora, Jesus, and Anthro are doing. They’re like young talented guys who are making millions doing it how they wanna do it. I created a zine a while before which sold over 300 copies but average readers were like what is this there are no words. Haha. I was like really? Their suggestion wasn’t to make it like a reader digest but something to let someone who didn’t know who this person was, give more information about them. I took those ideas as good advice.

I also realized by working with Cole and Dreamville they allow me to have some type of following. With that, I would try and pitch my images around to find placements in other people’s magazine. I chase down creative directors for magazines and never get an answer. I would get upset, then, in conclusion, I realize I could just do this myself. I have a strong following and I represent a community of photographers. Plus I’ve been in the music world for over 10 years so knew how it all works. My father had a major stroke last September which also made me have to figure out ways to still be active but not move and hustle as much to help with him with his recovery.

So I started Preme Magazine with the concept of doing what the fuck I wanted to do. Giving people opportunities to bridge a gap in there careers with amazing opportunities. Giving everyday creators the opportunity to express there selfs, however. At first like all things it was hard. Creating something I’ve never done before. Finding who would be involved at this point. Lucky Jinx & JMSN wanted to be involved. Which was crazy because I’ve been a fan of both of them for years! The cover was something else!

Since the start in January, Preme Magazine has grown a lot. Now having over 16,000 readers over ten million impressions and the features just keep getting bigger and bigger. Have about 5-6 contributing writers. 15-20 different photographers and stylist around the world. So it’s a bunch to maintaining and keep it all under control at times. Being a manager of the brand. Creative directing it all and running social media. But it’s super fun to me because I’m doing what I wanna do! Plus, it helping people grow in their careers.

Preme magazine is Independently Black-owned Magazine but, I don’t like that to be at the forefront of everything because I want it to Appeal to everyone. Thus why our covers feature artist from all around the world, not just America. I want the magazine to have a world audience. Having 3-4 covers each month bridges the gap with the people on the cover with different audiences bases. Mixing the fans and our readers up to discover something new.

How long did you hold onto it before putting it together?

Not too long. I’m the type of person where if I have an idea and I feel like it will work. I just try and put out the energy/idea out. Especially, if I’m the only person or thing controlling the idea/energy. I know with everything you do in life it just takes fucking time to get it right. So you have to keep doing it over and over to you figure out what works best for you. So I had to start this magazine and learn and grow with it.

That’s everything in life I feel. You just have to start. Don’t overthink it. It’s never going to be perfect. But if it works then you got something. Something for yourself. Something you don’t have to run around a chase to be apart of or fight for it to want you. You create something you can have for yourself. That’s extremely important to me at this point in my life.

The magazine will be releasing its very first physical cover pretty soon, how does it feel?

Correct! Super excited about it! We currently do print of demand but nothing at newsstands at this point. There’s a whole process of being on newsstands. Which I’ve had several conversations with distributors about but have been on a hold. It cost more to print than to distribute it I’ve learned. I’m self-teaching myself about all this stuff.

I want to grow more brand awareness around the magazine. Work on the story of the magazine and then slowly work my way into the newsstand print world. Get people to understand when you buy Preme you buying this story of my life and the individuals who are apart of it. Young new creators who just want to showcase their talents to the world. But no one will give them the opportunity. Preme magazine is creators doing what the fuck they wanna do! It’s not a bunch of ads and stuff. It’s great images that represent the culture today! People say it’s like the old Source & XXL magazines back when they first started. Which is awesome!

There’s this amazing collaboration we plan to do with one of my favorite brands. Where we do our first print for our 10th issue in September/October to be distributed around the country. We have some amazing things set up for Preme Magazine for that. Something all the artist, photographers and people help get to this point can be apart of. Reana who does styling for J .Cole came up with the idea of doing this collaboration with the magazine. Which she has been helping me put this all together over the last weeks. Which is extremely important!

Where do you see PREME going in a few years?

Preme Magazine will be on newsstand starting more next year. Which will feature bigger talented artists. Growing our podcast and YouTube content. Becoming an agency for photographers, directors, stylist & music artist to grow.

The post Meet Anthony Supreme, Photographer & Owner Of Preme Magazine appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.