By: Condido Verona

Established director/content producer Condido Verona, has impacted the careers of some of music and media’s biggest stars. His unique formula for storytelling and capturing the raw essence of a person, has afforded him the opportunity to work with the likes of P. Diddy, Chris Brown, Kevin Hart, Netflix and Sony Music Entertainment to name a few. Growing up in a poverty stricken community, Verona refused to let his environment determine his future. As a result he is the proud founder of Cornerstone Multimedia Group, in which he is able to change lives on his own terms everyday.

I caught up with Condido for a candid interview to discuss his journey toward success. As he openly discusses escaping poverty, finding his calling and being apart of K. Michelle’s creative process as of lately, it is easy to determine that his raw talent is undeniable.

Check it out below!

Condido Verona Interview 

RESPECT: Who is Condido Verona?

Condido: I am really a fan of art, creativity, entrepreneurship and authentic growth amongst other things. I guess as a man I am a product of those interests.

RESPECT: What sparked your interest to pursue a career in production/creative directing?

Condido: My interest in production was revealed to me over time. It kept showing up in my life in different ways and I payed attention to that. I remember being about 7 and watching a show on TV, and something in my young mind wouldn’t let me enjoy it. Something said “this is fake” these people are acting and I lost interest. When I was in high school I created PowerPoint presentations with transitions, sound and video elements to support my assignments.

The first time I did it my teacher bought it for $5 to use as an example in other classes. I just felt like writing a paper was boring. Years later I picked up a camera and started recording my friends with musical talent. That decision lead me down the rabbit whole of learning about the process of digital media. I spent hours in bookstores getting information about how it is done then I would go practice it. After much trial and error, I created a product of all of the raw moments I had captured and that was the start of me making a business of the art.

RESPECT: When did you catch your big break?

Condido: My perspective is a bit different, I see every opportunity as big. I feel success is cumulative so the “big things” are a result of consistently doing the small things well. I have had many milestone moments like.. starting a business and getting a label check in that business name and creating content for fun that ends up going viral and leading to a deal with Kevin Hart and Lionsgate. Both significant and provided more insight and access but I never hit the lottery so my wins are justified by me really putting the work in and always striving to deliver at my highest level.

RESPECT: How important is it to you to be living out your dream while owning your own business?

Condido: I grew up with little access to resources in a really depressed and impoverished place. I could not ask anyone for anything because no one had anything to spare. You know the ghetto drug abuse, mental illness, alcoholism etc. This is what I seen as a kid and I couldn’t get comfortable with that. I looked at who was doing well in my community and seen mostly drug dealers. I wasn’t comfortable with that either but I had to make money somehow.

So I sold candy and got a paper route. I saved and bought school clothes and bike. I used to go to this store that sold music and clothes it was a lot of dope shit in there and it was owned by a black man. That sparked something in me that I couldn’t shake. I had a lot of questions after that and I’ve been on a journey finding the answers. In the process I’ve become that black man business owner that didn’t compromise.

RESPECT: Who are some of the people and brands that your work has afforded you the opportunity to work with?

Condido: I have worked with Kevin Hart, Jillian Michaels, Sean Combs, Chris Brown, Timbaland, Marsha Ambrosius, Jidenna, Sony Music Entertainment, RCA Records, AmericanHeartAssociation, Epic Records, Netflix, Lionsgate Entertainment, RevoltTV, HeartBeatProductions, L.L. Bean, LaughOutLoud, AquaHydrate, Studio71, Essentia, Essence, UniversalMusicGroup, DefJam Recordings, AllDefDigital and many others.

RESPECT: How do you use your gift to overcome adversity that may occur in your life?

Condido: Well the fact that I can get paid from it helps a lot lol being broke is a huge adversity. Seriously, my biggest adversity is becoming successful without compromising authenticity or integrity. I admire the Dave Chapelle(s) and Ermias Asghedom(s) of the world. In short, I strive to only commit to projects that are right for me. You know.. working on things you believe in.. This ensures I’m able to share my authentic perspective in my work and move the needle through the influence of my clients.

RESPECT: Can you elaborate on the importance of getting credited for your work as a creative in the entertainment business?

Condido: I think it’s important to be recognized and highlighted for your creative contributions. It’s social currency and adds value to your brand in various ways. However, I’m often indifferent about it because I’m not looking for followers or anything like that. I’ve been more interested in doing my best work, the people you want to find you will in my opinion.

RESPECT: What has it been like documenting K. Michelle’s creative process as she is preparing for her fifth studio album?

Condido: As you know, K is a powerful woman with many layers. She’s pure energy and I love that. My role on the visual side is fairly simple as a result. When doing documentary style content with her I don’t capture every moment, but I allow the energy to dictate. K is very entertaining overall, often times it’s something provocative or controversial.

However, I’m not interested in that. I’m looking for the moments that clearly express truth and add value to her brand. The moments I can see her passion, intention and pain. Those are what I appreciate the most and I think she gets that I get that. The music is phenomenal, her energy is great and I’m excited to be a part of this process.

RESPECT: What do you hope to accomplish by the end of the year?

Condido: I just want to grow.

As he continues to leave his influence on the world, Condido Verona will be a name that will carry on for centuries. To learn more about his journey, creative process and who he has his lens on next, follow him on instagram @condidoverona.

The post Condido Verona: Seeing The Invisible Through An Authentic Lens appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The surprise drop comes after his debut album titled The Chief was released in February. Two of the songs from that album get a retouch on this EP as “Bambi Too” has Maleek Berry, Quavo, and Sarkodie while “Little Bit More (Remix)” is a remix of the original dance song.

Give Boomerang a listen and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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The post Classic Man Jidenna Drops New EP ‘Boomerang’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Future – FUTURE

Here was one hell of a Valentine’s Day present: earlier this week, Future literally announced his new, self-titled album from out of nowhere. Somewhat keeping with last year’s release (EVOL), FUTURE sees the Atlanta veteran keeping the ball to himself, with no features (EVOL only had The Weeknd) and production from the usual suspects — TM88, Southside, DJ Spinz and more contribute to the 17-track effort (surprisingly, there’s no appearance from Metro Boomin). Upon first listen (and aside from the usual Future fare), many are already noticing some interesting topics mentioned throughout the album — most notably, his ex Ciara (and, by association, Russell Wilson) and Scottie and Larsa Pippen, the latter of which he was rumored to be having an affair. Even Donald Trump gets a nod in what’s sure to be Future’s most controversial line to date.

Jidenna – The Chief

The self-proclaimed “Classic Man” of Nigerian ancestry finally reveals his new album to the masses. Ever since the release of that single (and “Yoga”), everyone has been watching Wonderland’s new artist (and Janelle Monáe‘s frequent collaborator) Jidenna, just to see when he’d cook up what is now The Chief, which sees 14 tracks and appearances from lesser-known (yet equally-important) talent — this includes Ghanian-American songwriter-producer Nana Kwabena Tuffuor and labelmate Roman GianArthur. Of course, Monáe contributes to the project as well, which is about an genre-bending as you’d imagine (while still very much within the Hip-Hop spectrum).

Fat Joe & Remy Ma – Plata O Plomo

After you’ve enjoyed some Atlanta Trap followed by a more worldly combination of melodies, here’s come some hard-hitting New York Rap: Fat Joe and Remy Ma have released their long-awaited album Plata O Plomo (“silver or lead”, or if you’d prefer the artists’ interpretation over Pablo Escobar’s, “money or bullets”). Expect to hear these bangers throughout the Summer — in addition to the already proven cuts “All The Way Up” with French Montana and the Ty Dolla $ign-assisted “Money Showers”, Plata O Plomo sees additional heat alongside the likes of Kent Jones, BJ The Chicago Kid, Sevyn Streeter and Kat Dahlia. With all of the R&B assistance, you already know what to expect from Joe and Remy: pure, unadulterated bars. The only thing missing on this is Papoose.

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Featured image: James Farrell (via Billboard)

The post New Album Friday: Remy Ma & Fat Joe, Future And Jidenna [STREAM] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Complete debauchery manifests itself in a “Classic Man,” as everyone needs their nights of drinking and pirouetting on classic cars to live a fulfilled life. Jidenna dropped his visual for “The Let Out” recently, the title being a reference to a gathering where everyone, figuratively speaking, “lets out” all the weighted despondency and anxiety of a work day- or socially straining day- by means of turning up.

The visual’s wobbly angles is recurrent throughout the whole video and it sets the decadent tone the video has- even when the focus is on Jidenna and his peoples sitting around a table eating food. Wondaland Records’ name appears on the screen, right before trap-inspired wordplay and flows slither off Jidenna’s tongue. The label has a diverse cast of artistry and clearly isn’t afraid to depart from any trajectory.

Despite the wave he’s been waltzing on for years now, Jidenna’s first studio album, The Chief, is scheduled to drop tomorrow, February 17th, and will feature the aforementioned track, as well as singles “Long Live the Chief,” “Chief Don’t Run,” and “Little Bit More.” Keep up with the debonair artist on Twitter and Instagram.

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The post Jidenna Gets Loose on “The Let Out” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

For those of you who missed out on the early Vevo performance of this cocky track, you’re running late to the party. Luckily for you, Wondaland artist Jidenna has created a formal introduction to his song “Long Live the Chief.” Leading a pack of gentlemen carrying a casket, it seems the Chief himself is partaking in a funeral procession for killing the game with quality content and his unique musical style. Following up his successful hit “Classic Man,” Jidenna is unveiling pure bars on this track for anyone who doubted their existence.

Watch Jidenna’s video for “Long Live the Chief” below:

The post Jidenna Stays Funeral Fresh in New Visual, “Long Live the Chief” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Blowing all previous All Hallow’s Eve outfits out of the water, the creativity behind the array of costumes worn made this year’s Halloween one for the books. From Jay-Z to Travis $cott, it seems like everyone in hip hop was in the holiday spirit. Even while everyone’s favorite artists were busy being someone (or something else), fans held it down and represented for the culture. With everyone from children to adults going all out for their costumes, it just goes to show that you’re never too old to have fun and dress up.

The post Halloween Turn Up: Recap of the Hottest Costumes in Hip Hop appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Due to the steam of the success of “Classic Man” and its remix, Jidenna and label boss Janelle Monáe are going to join the mega international superstar Stromae at his show at Madison Square Garden in New York City (October 1). Best-dressed and clean to the nines, seeing what all three of these artists wear that night will be a treat. In addition, the incredible Jidenna will join Stromae as direct support for the tour (except for the 9/12 show in Miami). For a full list of tour dates, see below.

This Fall, one of the most truly unique and loved performers of our time, will be returning to North American shores for a headlining tour in continued support of “Racine Carrée.” A full list of dates can be found below. Tickets are available at this link.

North American Tour Dates:

09/12 – James L Knight Center – Miami, FL^
09/16 – Echostage – Washington, DC*
09/18 – House of Blue – Boston, MA*
09/21 – Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL*
09/22 – Myth – Minneapolis, MN*
09/25 – Royal Oak Music Theatre – Detroit, MI*
09/26 – Echo Beach – Toronto, ON*
09/28 – Centre Bell – Montreal, QC*
09/29 – Centre Bell – Montreal, QC*
10/01 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY**
For tickets and more information, go to: www.stromae.net
*Jidenna supporting
** Special guest Janelle Monáe
^Freedom Fry supporting

The post Jidenna & Janelle Monáe to Join Stromae at Madison Square Garden appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.