By: R. City

Hitmaker Theron “Uptown” Thomas is one half of the brother duo R. City, who is responsible for some of Pop music’s biggest records to date. Having worked with the likes of Rihanna, Lizzo, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Levine, The Pussy Cat Dolls and Akon to name a few, this living legend plans to impact the careers of many more hotshots in the new year.

I had the pleasure of catching up with this hotshot for a candid interview to discuss finding longevity, creating music with his brother and working with some of Pop music’s most notable acts. Check it out below.

Theron Thomas Interview 

Respect: How did you get your start in the music business?

Theron: I officially started in the business in 2007. My brother and I were in a big group in the Caribbean especially the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. We got famous over there and then moved to the states in 2000 to try to make it. It took us 7 years to finally get in. We got in as songwriters but we were trying to make it as artists. A song we wrote in the 7th grade called “The Rain” got us that foot in the door. We didn’t even know that people wrote songs for other people.

So my best friend who was and is still Akon’s DJ let me know that Akon was working on his next album. So he played a few songs for me, and me being young and arrogant I said I can write a better song than the ones he had played. He then asked me to play the song I had in mind. I played “The Rain” and he loved it. My friend called me and told me Akon wanted the song but I was like “why would he sing a song we wrote?”

He then said people write songs for people over here in the states and Akon bought our song for $5000. That was the most money we had ever received at that time. I had a daughter catching the bus so for me I could not believe people paid that much money for a song. After working with Akon people started hitting us up asking us if we wrote songs and it just went on from there.

Respect: What is it like creating music with your brother and how R. City came about?

Theron: Making music with my brother is fun. We both respect each other’s talent and allow each other to lead in the areas that we are experts at. The good part is that sometimes we clash and the music is better because of that. Sometimes I want to do this and he wants to do something else and that friction creates this unique sound.

How we got our name R. City is because we are from St. Thomas, which is known as “Rock City”. We couldn’t legally release music under the moniker “Rock City” so we dropped the Rock and called ourselves R. City, which stands for Rock City.

Respect: When did you catch your big break? 

Theron: I would say linking with Akon is when I caught my big break for sure because it opened up a door that never closed. It was a small opening and once it opened we kicked the door down and bum-rushed our way in. The door never closed on us after that point.

Respect: Can you describe the relationship between R. City & Adam Levine of Maroon 5?

Theron: It is good! Adam Levine embraced us and Maroon 5 took us on tour with them. They are the nicest guys. I feel like I am in their debt for life if you ask me. He did not have to do a song with us, he did not have to take us on tour, nor did the band have to agree with him to allow us to come along. Our relationship is good and will remain that way.

Respect: How did working with the Pussy Cat Dolls on their “I Want To Grow Up” release come about and how did it impact you career?

Theron: That was our first hit record. We did it with Rodney Jerkins and it was originally for Britney Spears but it did not fit the space she was in musically at that time. We were signed to Interscope and my A&R at the time Erica Grayson knew we wrote songs so we sent it to her and she loved it. She sent it to Jimmy Lovine and the rest is history. We had a hit “When I Grow Up” and that was the first time people gave us our respect for charting. That led to us getting more big opportunities, so that was a big deal for us. 

Respect: As you have worked with some of pop music’s biggest stars, who are some artist’s career you have heavily influenced?

Theron: I would say people who we have worked with since the beginning of their careers such as Jennifer Hudson who’s This Isn’t Love Album we worked on. It was a Grammy-winning album. Ne-Yo did “Spotlight” and we did “This Isn’t Love “ the single. Lizzo I would have to say as well. I worked on her current album that is out. She was nominated for 8 Grammy Awards.

Out of the 8, she walked away with 3 awards. She is amazing and a really good person. I knew she was special and a star from the day I met her. At the time I was working with Rihanna on her new album, flying back and forth to Paris and London for 2 and a half years not working on anything else. But at the same time, I knew I wanted to work with her because she was so dope and did.

Respect: How has being from the Virgin Islands influenced your music career and taste in music?

Theron: We do not have segregated radio in the islands. Like in America you all have urban radio, pop radio, rhythmic radio meaning that you all have separate genres. In the Virgin Islands, we don’t. If there is a Bob Marley, Aerosmith or Little Keed song they all play on the same radio station. Growing up as kids we never really saw genres because the lines were blurry. It influenced us in a way where we would put hip hop, r&b, soul, pop and rock all in one like gumbo.

Obviously, people thought it was weird at first but then they realized that is what makes R. City unique. One time we were writing a song for Gwen Stefani and she told me that she loved the R&B melody. I didn’t even know that it was an R&B melody. I just liked it because it sounded cool.

Respect: How important is it as an artist and songwriter to have creative freedom? 

Theron: It is very important because with your art you want to make sure people see your vision. I write songs for other artists that I won’t sing so my vision is important. I might write the most gangster hood song for DJ Khaled’s album and then for my album take a completely different direction because that is simply just not who I am. Feel like in the music I want to make sure people are getting to know me as much as I can as well as my brother. We just want people to see what we stand for and what we are into and rock with it.

Respect: What Advice would you give any creative looking to break into the industry as a songwriter?

Theron: Practice makes perfect. Keep on writing and learn how to accept advice. But do not let the advice control you because everybody’s story is different. Like no one no matter what will have my story I don’t care how they try. Nobody is going to move from the Islands with $35 in their pocket. No matter what advice I give you, you have to walk your path. As cliché as it sounds, the best advice anyone can tell you is to never give up. The only people that actually who lose are the people that quit and that is for real.

Respect: What are you currently working on? 

Theron: A kid named 11:11, my good friend Dr. Luke, Mario, Usher, Lordes, A1 LaFlare (singer/songwriter) and I’m currently in the studio with Saweetie. So much love for her and her drive and work ethic. I have a different level of respect for her being in the studio with her seeing her create.

I am also working with Doja Cat on her new album. I did her records “Rules” and “Like It” Feat. Gucci Mane. I am in a space where I want to work with new people and be responsible for ushering in a new wave of talent. Kim Petras is one of the best pop voices in the world. I am super excited about her. That is where I am mentally. It is all about working with new artists.

My son Sumo and I did a kid’s album that we will release this year. He is 7 years old and I am truly excited about that. It’s called Sumo World. I am just in a great space. When I first started music I did it because I had a daughter, I was broke and wanted to take care of her my way. Now money is not an issue, and I’m making music that I love and that I want to hear.

I am ecstatic to also announce that new R. City music is coming soon!! 2020 will be a crazy year!!! 

 Be sure to follow Theron on IG @therontheron_ as he continues his reign over the music business. .

The post Theron “Uptown” Thomas: Pop Hitmaker You Need To Know appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The 2016 BET Awards was nothing more but spectacular, soul rendering, dramatic and remarkable. Worthy of a standing ovation and recognition for not only attributing a few of the performances to the late musician Prince but also for the outstanding performances performed by a few of today’s popular artist such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monae, Usher, Future, French Montana, Fat Joe, Remy Ma and so many others.

Sunday night’s BET Awards show began with a performance by none other than the Queen Bee herself, Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, performing a rendition to one of her tracks “Freedom.” The 10^th recorded song from Beyoncé’s platinum selling album, Lemonade. Following their performances, the shows two host for the night, Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson did not disappoint. Attributing their opening act to the Broadway musical act, Hamilton.

Every performance casted the raw talent of each musician, but the tribute to Prince by Erykah Badu and soul band, The Roots, performing “The Ballad of Dorothy Parker” and “The Beautiful Ones” was followed by other great tributes such as Stevie Wonder and Tory Kelly, performing “Take Me With You.” Jennifer Hudson performing the soundtrack of the 1980’s most recognized son “Purple Rain.” Janelle Monae with “I get Delirious, Kiss, Pop Life and I Would Die 4 U,” and lastly Sheila E., performing “Housequake” and “Bay I’m A Star.”

Yet the show could not have concluded without Jesse Williams powerful humanitarian speech. In which he talked about the unjust treatment of black people and the ongoing efforts that needs to continue to happen for things to change.

“Just because we’re magic doesn’t mean we’re not real. Thank you,” has been a trending topic on twitter since his powerful speech. If you missed it please watch it below.

Here’s the list of 2016 BET Award winners:

• Best Male R&B/Pop Artist — Bryson Tiller
• Best Female R&B/Pop Artist — Beyoncé
• Best Actor — Michael B. Jordan
• Best Actress — Taraji P. Henson
• Best Movie — “Straight Outta Compton”
• Best New Artist — Bryson Tiller
• Video of the Year — Beyoncé, “Formation”
• Best Male Hip-Hop Artist — Drake
• Best Female Hip-Hop Artist — Nicki Minaj
• Best Collaboration — Rihanna ft. Drake, “Work”
• Best Group — Drake and Future
• Best Gospel — Kirk Franklin
• Youngsters Award — Amandla Stenberg
• Centric Award — Beyoncé, “Formation”
• Video Director of the Year — Director X
• Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel Inspirational Award — Kirk Franklin
• Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award — Beyoncé, “Formation”
• Sportsman of the Year — Stephen Curry
• Sportswoman of the Year — Serena Williams
• Best International Act Africa — Wizkid (Nigeria)
• Best International Act U.K. — Skepta
• Humanitarian Award — Jesse Williams
• Lifetime Achievement Award — Samuel L. Jackson

Suggested Articles:

Desiigner Releases New English (Mixtape)

Kanye West – “Famous” (Video)

The post RESPECT. Recap: 2016 BET Awards appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

For many, she is known as ‘Snoop’ from the infamous HBO show, The Wire. While actress Felicia Pearson shared her name and Baltimore roots with her character, she definitely has done more good for her city than bad and plans to spread that love with her talents. From candidly writing a book about her life and experiences to popping up on A&E giving Alicia Keys and America a tour around her city, Pearson is utilizing her voice and platform to spread knowledge of injustices and fight for human equality. Recently, Pearson took the time out to talk with RESPECT. about her controversial upcoming movie Chi-Raq, giving back to her city, and the importance of living your truth.

RESPECT. Magazine: For someone who fell into acting, you definitely take your craft seriously. You’ve taken diction classes, acting classes, and have gone out of your way to portray a character that’s the complete opposite of yourself in an effort to perfect your craft. Steven King has even attributed to your talent as he has stated you portrayed the, “most terrifying female villain to ever appear in a television series.” Which actors do you look to or which resources do you utilize for inspiration and methodology when it comes to your approach to acting?

Felicia “Snoop” Pearson: First, I go to my brother Michael K. Williams, who played ‘Omar’ on The Wire, because he’s been doing this longer than me. [For] this role that I had got for Da Sweet Blood of Jesus when I played a prostitute, I had to look at Wesley Snipes when he played that drag queen because I never played a…I’ve never been a girl, per se, like heels, makeup, and all that type of stuff. It was easy for me to see and practice off of Wesley Snipes for a role like that because he’s a man trying to become a female so I’m a female trying to become a female (laughs). It’s hard to say, but I’m an aggressive female. Everybody knows that I don’t dress up like that on no everyday stuff or nothing like that, but for me to prepare for that role, that’s what I looked at.

RM: You’re starring in French Montana’s upcoming movie, Respect The Shooter alongside your co-star from The Wire, Michael K Williams. Tell me about your role in that movie and what the movie is about.

FSP: They don’t really want me to speak about it for real because everything ain’t ironed out on that so they just said, “Hold out.”

Felicia “Snoop” Pearson while shooting Spike Lee’s ‘Chi-Raq’ with La La Anthony.

RM: You’re also starring in Spike Lee’s latest upcoming movie Chi-Raq alongside Angela Bassett, John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, and more. What’s it like to get casted to be in a Spike Lee movie not once, but twice? I feel like that would be his way of saying, “You’re a valued talent and I trust you to portray my vision.”

FSP: I feel honored. Spike Lee’s a legend, you know what I mean? He’s a genius. Chi-Raq…that movie has a message. Everything that Spike does always has a message to it. I was just blessed for him to even think about me like, “Come on, let’s do this.” (laughs) I was just blessed, not once, but twice. I was like, “Wow!”  

RM: What do you have to say to the Chicagoans who are in an uproar over the depiction of their city in the trailer?

FSP: If I wasn’t in the movie and I would have heard the title of it, I would think it’s like some wild wild west type stuff. A lot of people said, “How you gonna get this person to play a gangsta?” I’m like, that’s just Spike. The movie–there’s a strong message behind it, first of all. Some people know how Spike Lee works, so if you said, “Oh, that’s a Spike Lee Joint,” you’re going to think of Do The Right Thing, School Daze…he got a few of them that brings a strong message to it. A lot of older people in Chicago know how Spike Lee works. It’s not that gangsta or nothing. How can I put it? Some people say it’s funny and you making a joke about what’s going on in Chicago. He’s not. You know it’s not. It’s just, it’s a movie; it’s supposed to get you entertained and interested in what’s going on. At the same time, do you think Jennifer Hudson would be in the movie? You know what happened to her family [out there]. You know what she went through. It’s a message. Do you think Angela Bassett would be a part of the movie if it was on some dumb stuff? You understand what I’m saying? It’s a message. It’s a message. All I’m saying is, I just hope people give him a chance, you know. Just give him a chance. Give the movie a chance.

RM: Yeah, I feel like once the movie comes out and people see it, it’ll be a little different because I feel like the people who are in a uproar are just being close-minded and taking it at face-value.

FSP: Yeah, because once you hear Chi-Raq, you’ll think it’s some real hardcore gangbanging, you know what I mean? Spike’s old school, man.

RM: Yeah. Like you were saying, it’s not like people don’t know what his work is about. Alright, so one fact about you that I don’t believe a lot of people know is that you’re a published author and you’ve already signed on for a second book deal. In your first book Grace After Midnight, you told the story of your life. What do you have planned for the second book?

FSP: Just life after The Wire up until now what’s going on in my life. There’s a lot of things like, my books be real life struggles. That’s why people really relate to me. Part one is still selling in Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com, whatever your bookstore is. Tell everybody out there; let them know part two is on the way so you have to get part one. If you don’t have part one, you’ll want to catch up. You’ll want to understand (part two), but you’re not going to understand if you ain’t got part one.

RM: While you’ve alway been candid about your personal stances, you seem to be transitioning into this position as a humanitarian as you’ve been vocal publicly a lot more more, as of late, about your beliefs and stances. You’re associated with the The Same Difference documentary dealing with the struggles of the LGBT community,  you’re a part of the Akoo 11xHUMAN campaign detailing corruption in inner cities, and a lot more. What made you feel like it was necessary for you to make more of an effort to be more vocal and take a stronger stance on your beliefs and speaking your truth?

FSP: Because somebody gotta speak up. It’s like a lot of people be afraid to speak up whether it’s…sexuality or being out on these streets dealing with the police with police brutality type of stuff. Just me personally, I’m still trying to find my purpose in this world. I do have a strong background as far as my testimony; I have a strong testimony that I have to let the world know what I’ve been through. Even [with] my sexuality, I don’t care what you talking about; if you see me in a dress, you know it’s about some money.

Me and Alicia Keys was just talking about my past and how I did get harassed on the streets. How the Freddie Gray situation can happen to anybody and it is happening to every and anybody in every state or city. If people look up to me, that’s a blessing because I never expected myself to be a role model, but since I’m turning this new leaf…Yeah, I could help a couple of people if they could listen…if they ain’t afraid to say what’s on their minds. Be blunt. Sometimes when you’re being blunt and outspoken, people will listen. They love that shit because you’re real. You know why? Because they know you ain’t portraying something else or somebody else, you’re just you all the time.

RM: Yeah, that’s when you become trustworthy because people know there’s no bullshit associated. Also, I want to talk about how you seem to be able to weave in and out of the realm of hip hop without even really being a rapper. It seems like it’s really an association thing. I remember recently when the Chi-Raq trailer came out and I was like, “Oh, she’s acting now,” completely forgetting that you were on The Wire! (laughs) And I use to watch The Wire! That’s the main thing I know you from so it’s like, “Damn, why did I think she was a rapper for a second?”

FSP: Wow!

RM: I hope you’re not offended by that! (laughs)

FSP: Nah! That means that if you seen me in Chi-Raq, then my character or whatever on Chi-Raq was very strong. You just forgot all about The Wire. It’s just like, “Wow, she’s a rapper or something. Oh nah, that’s Snoop!” (laughs)

RM: Yeah, because I had to check myself right after like, “What is wrong with you?” But you were on the Out in Hip Hop special on VH1 talking about homosexuality in hip hop. What kind of impact do you think that special had or could potentially have in hip hop?

FSP: Hopefully, everybody will be equal, but like they said, your talent gotta speak for itself. If you’re talented, no one can ignore it. If no one can ignore it, then you’re a beast. Just have talent because [in] hip hop, they’re very, I won’t say judgemental, but they’re very… I don’t know. If you’re a gay rapper, just have your talent speak for itself.

RM: You recently filmed a special for ABC News and A&E where you showed Alicia Keys around your hometown of Baltimore and talked about the issues affecting the city that also reflect the issues of the nation. Why do you think it was important to have such a mainstream media outlet as ABC follow you two around your city as a native and broadcast it to the nation?

FSP: I mean, I was honored especially in my hood. Everything I can do as far as bringing attention to my neighborhood, my city, I always do. They probably wanted to go somewhere else and do the interview, but I was like, “Well, why do we have to go there when I got a whole neighborhood and we can go here?” I always try to give back. Not to glorify what happened down there, but it brought attention back to the city. Then, Alicia Keys, she’s in the hood walking through the alley. I mean, she got down gritty. She’s a very sweet, humble person and everybody was just like, “Oh my God! Wow!” They were just so shocked. Just to see people’s faces, that shit meant a lot to me…I mean I give back, I always give cookouts or stop the violence block parties and all that type of stuff. I just had recently done that, but for a megastar like Alicia Keys [to be] in the heart of Baltimore, East Baltimore in an alley somewhere? Come on, that’s huge! She’s taking pictures with everybody: kids, grown folks, it don’t matter! She was out there really in the streets and I respect that and I love that!

RM: Do you understand the importance of you describing Freddie Gray as a ‘wonderful person’ on national television on a media outlet when there are so many depicting outlets trying to depict him as anything but that?

FSP: That’s what they do because the lies and the negativity is more entertaining than the truth. You understand what I’m saying? You see how you just said, “Oh, you just went on there saying he’s a fun-loving person and they’re trying to describe him as an animal or something.” People pay attention to that. You know why? Because he’s a Black man and he was getting arrested. Come on, man. You have to add negativity to that story. No, let’s get to the nitty-gritty! Alright, he was this, that, and the third, but what happened to him? Don’t escape the real reason why we’re discussing this right now. Let’s get down to the truth.

RM: It’s always just like, “Oh, this person got arrested and…,” it could be, “Oh, this person was jaywalking so the police have every right to do whatever they did!”

FSP: Yeah! It don’t matter, he got locked up!

RM: You’ve got your hand in so many pots; you’re an actress, writer, humanitarian, and probably more things than I even realize. What are you trying to accomplish with all these titles?

FSP: Yeah, I’m an actress and an author or whatever, but I don’t even look at myself as all that. I really still think I’m just a regular person. I just follow my heart. Look how you just said, “You speaking means this, that, and the third.” That means people are paying attention. I must be doing something right. It’s not so I can get in this lane and get in this lane. Nah, I’m just speaking what I feel and what I’ve been through. That’s all.

RM: So, is this your way of telling your testimony?

FSP: Exactly. This probably is why I’m still on this Earth. This is probably the reason because I do want to get a foster care [house], first of all because I’m adopted. I’m ready to get that together because I want to give back. I want each [one] of these kids out here in these streets to feel love. It starts at home. You gotta find some type of love; somebody has to show you some type of love. My foster care’s going to be about love.

RM: Yeah because when you don’t get the right type of love, you look for it in the wrong places.

FSP: Yeah! We go out into the streets and for real, the streets don’t love nobody! Once you go then, somebody’s going to take your place. It’s over.

Watch Felicia “Snoop” Pearson in the A&E special focused on tackling race in America, Shining a Light tonight (11/20) at  10 p.m. EST.

The post RESPECT. Talks with Actress Felicia “Snoop” Pearson About ‘Chi-Raq’, Her Latest Book, and Being an Eclectic Humanitarian appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.