With an older brother who was ever present in the streets, Jay saw things that made him street smart and taught him things that no classroom or teacher ever could. However, the desire to pursue higher learning would land him at the University of Kentucky, a move that would eventually require some reevaluation, as battles within himself, would result in him turning to drugs for a release, or escape, if you will. Instead of the drugs being a gateway to other toxins, it opened up a portal for Jay to create musically.

Today, we at RESPECT. are granted with the privilege of premiering Jay Elly’s highly anticipated debut album, DREAM$. Strap up and brace yourself for impact, as Jay invites listeners on a musical journey, by way of an 11-track effort, that also features guest appearances from fellow Kentucky natives and Hoodstock Records artists Nemo Achida, DesignerFlow and J. Cannon.

https://soundcloud.com/jayelly/sets/dreams/s-JKscJ

The post RESPECT. Premiere: Jay Elly – ‘DREAM$’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

When an artist hops on another artist’s song, one of two things happens. You either wish they never did, or the artist completely makes the song their own. The latter is the case with Canadian crooner, The Weeknd. Listen as he obliterates Bryson Tiller’s “Rambo”

https://soundcloud.com/theweeknd/rambo-the-weeknd-remix

Sir Michael Rocks – “How Are You So Calm?”

With just a few days until he releases the second and final installment of his Populair EP series (April 8th), Sir Michael Rocks unleashes his new single, “How Are You So Calm”, which ironically is anything but. Mikey, who is generally pretty chill, turns all the way up on this super uptempo and highly energetic record.

EV Zeppelin featuring A$ton Matthews – “Chemdream”

The other half of The Cool Kids, Chuck Inglish, has teamed up with Blended Babies to form EV Zeppelin. As the group gears up to drop their self-titled debut, we get a sample of what’s to come on “Chemdream”, which features A$ton Matthews, who is making waves of his own on the West Coast.

Elliot Trent – “Passcode”

Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, singer Elliot Trent drops off his latest single, “Passcode”, which should resonate with all of us, because at some point we have either gone through our significant others’ phones or vice versa; or at least unsuccessfully tried to because, yeah, passcode. Press play.

https://soundcloud.com/elliotttrent-cloudnine/elliott-trent-passcode-produced-by-808-h-x-elliott-trent

Jay Elly – “To Die For” (Video)

Things get really trippy in Jay Elly’s new clip for “To Die For”. With imagery that makes you feel like your on drugs, and solid wordplay by the Kentucky product, “To Die For” is definitely worth checking out.

Chaz French – “IDK” (Video)

While he’s currently making his case to be a member of the 2016 XXL Freshman class, DC wordsmith Chaz French liberated a brand new video for “IDK”, taken from his latest project, These Things Take Time. Peep the video, and if you dig it, make sure you cast that XXL vote here.

Young Thug featuring Meek Mill – “Digits”

While the whispers of a Mystikal and Kanye West-assisted version of this song are still unconfirmed, and likely untrue, the real version with Meek Mill is a sure thing. Peep as Thugger and Meek link on “Digits”, a collab not found on Slime Season 3.

The post 7 Songs You Should’ve Had In Rotation, This Week featuring The Weeknd appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.