Video screenshot

GoldLink is having one hell of a Summer. Following his earning a Gold plaque for the Shy Glizzy-assisted “Crew,” the D.C. artist delivers a club-themed visual for the At What Cost single “Meditation,” which features Jazmine Sullivan and KAYTRANADA. The groovy cut is definitely more in the vein of the genre-bending sound that GoldLink has always been known for, and can certainly help keep his momentum going well into the Fall season.

Video screenshot: Jazmine Sullivan makes an appearance.

The clip itself centers around a party that seems to be going well until Gold ruffles some feathers (he connects/dances with a beautiful girl…who has a boyfriend). As things heat up on the dancefloor, shots start flying.

Watch it all unfold below; also included is the recently-released Crew EP, which sees new contributions from Gucci Mane, Lido and Richie Souf. GoldLink even pays homage to his city’s cultural sound with two Go-Go versions of the track featuring Backyard Band and New Impressionz.

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The post Watch GoldLink’s New Visual for the KAYTRANADA & Jazmine Sullivan-Assisted “Meditation” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The Atlanta One Music Festival that began in 2010 and gives you such a big mix of performers. It’s known to be one of the most anticipated festivals in the A and voted one of the top three festivals “Not to be Missed” by Ebony Magazine. It provides you with amazing artist, good food, a little liquor if you’re of age and VIP sections. You can also see beautiful art, charitable giving, local and worldwide vendors. It’s definitely an event to bring the ATL together and people from all over the world.

As my partner for media, Jalan Burton, we walked up, we easily received our media wristbands and photo passes to start a travel-worthy day.

First we entered the media patio with press from outlets such as  BET, Huffington Post, Bossip, CNN and more waiting for artist to step foot in front of the One Music Fest backdrop.

Artists were performing at two different stages, one called Hercules and one called Zeus. It was a troop back and forth, but we made it happen!

There was a good amount of black businesses out hustling. Selling shirts about being black and beautiful, paying homage to black activist and even $1 jewelry for the ladies.

First up were artist Tulani and Nick Grant. They were the first acts to start-up the festival. Around 2:30 the soulful and angelic beauty Andra Day hit the stage. Fans stood from the front row to the lawn as she sang some of her hits such as the hit “Rise Up.” Vibing and dancing on stage as if the song was moving her as much as it was moving the crowd.

Anderson Paak was performing next at Hercules, which was the outside stage. Walking towards the stage, fans were already going insane! Paak’s energy will be something never forgetten. There’s artists who really have a passion for their music and fans, Paak is definitely that artist! He went from performing with the mic to running to the drums and playing his heart out. Shouting out his mom while she was in the crowd with the rest of the fans. It was great to have a new profound respect for Anderson Paak and he certainly can add a new person to his fan base, me.

This festival was certainly a success and people got what they paid for. If you missed this year’s epic festival make sure you make your way to the Atlanta One Fest next year.

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There aren’t enough words to describe the artist known as Prince. The man has provided the world with countless songs that transcend generations.  With that comes his influence.  There is no doubt that he has influenced generations of musicians with his unique one of a kind sound.  If it were possible any and every artist would have that man make a contribution to their music one way or another.  However, that’s not how Prince rolls.  He’s an artist who he his own rules.  He rarely ever works with other artist, and that’s the reason why we have artist who try to emulate his sound.  Although we’re sure more will come; here are a few songs that you can’t help but to think of Prince when you hear them.

Beyonce– “1+1“: Originally recorded and written by singer/songwriter The Dream.  The song that was formally titled “Nothing But Love” found itself a new owner and home as the opening track on Beyonce’s fourth studio album 4.  It was suppose to be on The Dream’s 2009 album Love vs. Money, but didn’t make the final cut.  The slow seductive song sounds as though Prince had his hands on it, but it was all due to The Dream and his partner Tricky Stewart.  Beyonce later changed the songs title to “1+1.”

Brian McKnight– “Love of My Life”:  As Brian introduced himself to the new millennium; he did it with a new sound that have everyone buzzing.  Singing the song in his falsetto, it sounded like something straight out of Prince’s songbook.  However, that wasn’t the case. “Love of My Life” was written and produced by Brian only, and became a celebrated love song in 2001.

Miguel– “FLESH”: If there is any other artist who has mirrored their career after Prince’s it has to be Miguel. Exuding everything that Prince is, he definitely channeled “the purple one” on his album Wildheart. “FLESH” contains all the elements that make a great Prince song.  Guitars strumming, sexual lyrics, sung in a perfect falsetto while oozing through your speakers.  The track is perfect for adult variety that takes place in the bedroom.

The Dream– “Fast Car”: It’s no secret that The Dream’s muse is Prince.  His personal music style is extremely similar to Prince, but he mimic’s it so well you tend to forget. On his debut album Love/Hate his track “Fast Car” is basically his version of Prince’s “Little Red Corvette.” The same car analogy, but instead, he’s not looking for a good girl.  He wants his girl candy coated red and fast. The album’s trailing song is “Nikki,” in which Prince also has a song of the same title, and tells a tale of a young lady as well.

D’Angelo– “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”: There’s no doubt that D’Angelo is a musician in his own right, with an original sound. However, Prince heavily influences his leading single for his sophomore album. The song’s groove, accompanied by overly sexual lyrics and his falsetto makes it the proper blend and music tribute to Prince. Not to mention that it’s album version is all of seven minutes long, Prince style.  The song also has producing credit from Raphael Saadiq.

Ne-Yo– “Sex with My Ex”: The singer and songwriter has cited Prince as an influence and one person he wishes to work with. Although he hasn’t, he did tackle his music style for a track on his sophomore album Because of You. “Sex with My Ex” sounds like something from the Purple Rain era that Prince threw away. Bragging about his bedroom performance to an ex who had a relapse and found herself back in bed with him.  He reminds her that although she has moved on, he’s her best lover.

Jazmine Sullivan– “Don’t Make Me Wait”: Now the song may contain a sample from Aretha Franklin’s song “Jump to It,” but there’s no denying that this was indeed her musical tribute to Prince. On the up-tempo bouncy track she sings about not wanting to waste anytime on dates and conversation as men do with other girls.  She wants to get straight to the point.  As the chorus goes “Don’t make me wait to long, just play my favorite song, I’ll get my Vanity 6 on.” Vanity 6 being the group Prince founded, who’s hit song was titled “Nasty Girl.”

Beyonce– “Blow”: With production from Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake writing the lyrics, Beyonce was guaranteed to get a song describing the tactics of oral sex.  The mid-tempo track off her fifth album Beyonce is where Prince meets Janet Jackson, but Vanity 6 would have end up getting the song.  And its video helped seal the Prince deal. 80’s hair, neon colors, latex dresses, electric guitars, and a smoke machine.

Honorable Mention:

Alicia Keys– “Like You’ll Never See Me Again”: Alicia might be one artist that Prince will give his approval stamp on.  She has paid homage to him a time or another, and covered his “How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore” on her debut album.  So when she returned with her third album As I Am, Keys’ second single “Like You’ll Never See Me Again” heavily resembled Prince’s “Purple Rain.” Although the song was written and produced by both Keys and partner Kerry Brothers, it was known as a “distant cousin” to “Purple Rain.”

Beyonce– “Rocket”: Many argued that the song was very similar to D’Angelo’s “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and it was according to Beyonce who later revealed so.  Singer Miguel conceived the songs concept, and also helped pen it with Justin Timberlake. Timbaland lent his production talents to the project and “Rocket” was born.

BONUS: The Dream- Yamaha

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Watch Out for the Curvy Girls!

Ebony Magazine hasn’t been holding back any punches with their covers as of lately. The 70-year-old publication has been pushing the envelop a lot recently with their chosen covers.  Tackling racial injustice with celebrities on the last issue, and prior slamming Bill Cosby for his alleged rape allegations, and now letting all the melanin ooze all over the March issue.

Titled “The Body Brigade” you have Orange Is The New Black star Danielle Brooks, style blogger. Gabby Gregg also known as “Gabi Fresh” and singers, Chrisette Michelle and Jazmine Sullivan perched front and center flaunting all of their voluptuous curves. The plus-size, black beauties make a stance with the unapologetic cover.  Most covers will have ladies of their size in a elegant gown of some sort covering up, but instead these ladies are dressed like seductive militant bombshells ready to take on the war of body shaming.

“Inside every overweight woman is a woman she knows she can be.” – Oprah Winfrey

The March “Women Up” issue is guaranteed to empower all women, especially with the cover story “The Curvy Confessionals.” The article written by staff writer, Tomika Anderson, who takes a stab and stance through conversation, on body image, body shaming, along with self-acceptance.  The issue hits newsstands soon, but you can read an excerpt from the cover story by clicking here.

The post Ebony Magazine Reveals Their ‘Body Brigade’ Cover & We Love it! appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Female hip-hop icon Missy Elliott drops by FUSE TV to talk about her return to music. Missy speaks with host Matte Babel about her musical likes and dislikes during the period of her short absence as an individual recording artist. During her off period, Missy worked as a music producer for many other artists, such as R&B singers Monica, Keyshia Cole, Fantasia and Jazmine Sullivan. Missy goes onto discuss the battles she had to face against friend/producer Timbaland, as she tried to recreate the current state of hip hop. Now that Missy‘s back in her comfort zone, she’s ready to conquer the world with her music and to prove anyone that doubts her wrong: she is a true lyricist.

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