THE LENS CRAFTER

Phil Knott Cuts Through The Smoke with Killa’ Cam

Celebrated RESPECT. photographer, Phil Knott, has been in the game for almost two decades. The Brit has captured pioneering images of the culture in a style that is distinctively his own. Color, light, depth, fucking around with digital experimentation of the image … and a one-on-one nature that is truly one-of-a-kind. His mark documenting Hip-Hop is undeniable.

Looking within the RESPECT. archive we dug up this gem from our premiere issue. Take note to this photo that won’t get you contact high, but is “on a higher level.”

Cam’Ron Photo Copyright Phil Knott

 

“He just smokes. You have no choice––it’s either that or you go home. This was a no–choicer, really.”

 

– Phil Knott

The post CAM’RON Classic! Veteran Rap Culture Photographer PHIL KNOTT Made it Go Up In Smoke! appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Location: New York City, NY

 

Photo Copyright Diana Levine

RESPECT.

The post RESPECT. Throwback: Harlem Legend JIM JONES documented by Photo Wiz DIANA LEVINE appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Check it out below.

Suggested Articles:

Swizz Beatz Recruits Jim Jones for “Preach”

Jim Jones & Celebrity New Yorkers Fight Over Best Pizza in NYC & How Long it Takes to Become a New Yorker

The post Jim Jones Teams Up with Maino & Drama in “My Era” Visual appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Jim Jones – El Capo

Image credit: Vamplife/Heatmakerz/EMPIRE

Truth be told, last year’s Wasted Talent was crazy slept-on, so it’s dope that legendary Harlem rapper Jim Jones is back with a new project this year. Titled El Capo, the Dipset don delivers 16 new tracks with assistance from Jadakiss, Maino, Curren$y, Cam’ron (who makes a few appearances for his fellow group member) and more. Press play on Jimmy’s latest below.

Kevin Gates – Only The Generals Gon Understand

Image credit: Bread Winners’ Association

Following some hard-hitting singles, Louisiana star Kevin Gates delivers a new EP titled Only The Generals Gon Understand, which features six powerful new tracks from the BWA head honcho. You already know what kind of subject matter Gates is bringing, so open your minds and press play on Luca Brasi’s latest below.

P Money – Money Over Everyone 3

Image credit: P Money

P Money — one of Grime’s finest lyricists, ever — has delivered the third installment of his Money Over Everyone series, which sees 15 new tracks and features from Giggs, Lioness, Blacks, Manga, Jme, Splurgeboys, Izzie Gibbs and more. Press play on the Londoner’s latest below.

Denzel Curry – ZUU

Image credit: Loma Vista

Denzel Curry delivers a pretty quick turnaround with his latest. Following last year’s conceptual masterpiece TA13OO comes a new album titled ZUU, which takes us straight to the Miami frontlines where Denzel is from. Features on the 12-track project include Rick Ross, Sam Sneak, Tay Keith, Kiddo Marv and more.

Skepta – Ignorance Is Bliss

Image credit: Boy Better Know

Following the groundbreaking album Konnichiwa, Skepta returns with a new body of work titled Ignorance Is Bliss, a vivid look into the newly-minted father’s life over the past three years. The project sees 13 tracks and appearances from J Hus, WizKid, the entire Boy Better Know clan and more. In addition to a full stream of the album, fans can also check out his latest video from the project for the Nafe Smallz-assisted “Greaze Mode” and an Apple Music sit-down with (his sister) Julie Adenuga below.

Miley Cyrus – She Is Coming

Image credit: RCA/Sony

Genre-bending Pop star Miley Cyrus returns with a new EP titled She Is Coming, which sees six new tracks and features from RuPaul (!), Swae Lee and Mike WiLL Made-It. The big standout on this project (without having heard it first) has to be “D.R.E.A.M.,” which stands for “Drugs Rule Everything Around Me” and features a guest verse from Wu-Tang legend Ghostface Killah. Wide-eyed emoji.

Suggested Articles:

NEW ALBUM FRIDAY: DJ Khaled, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyler, The Creator & slowthai

NEW ALBUM FRIDAY: Ciara, Logic & Smokepurpp

The post NEW ALBUM FRIDAY: Skepta, Denzel Curry, Jim Jones & More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Suggested Articles:

Swizz Beatz & Young Thug Join Forces on “Soldiers”

Swizz Beatz Delivers New Visual for “Pistol On My Side” (Feat. Lil Wayne)

The post Swizz Beatz Recruits Jim Jones for “Preach” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Jim Jones and Nicole “Hoopz” Alexander star in First Lady film releasing this summer. Photo Credit: Eric Salvary, Get Fit Radio TV

Nancy Mama Jones dropped by Scoop B Radio with Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson. Press Play Below To Listen!

Harlem is rich in rags to riches stories. Dennis Reed II and Love Logan’s “First Lady” film fits the bill with quite a recognizable Harlem diplomat: Jim Jones.

With hit songs like Baby Girl, We Fly High, Certified Gangstas, Reppin’ Time and Summer With Miami, Jones is one-fourth of the Harlem-incepted, The Diplomats.

The swagtastic Jones, plays the role of Mike, a big time drug dealer who ran one of the biggest drug empires in the nation.

When Mike dies, he leaves the business to the love of his life, Maria. Maria, whose role is played by actress Nicole “Hoopz” Alexander, is met with resistance as she fights to earn her respect among the industry elite. But her discovery behind the people responsible for Mike’s death threatens to unravel everything.

“First Lady” also stars Royce Reed of VH1’s Basketball Wives Miami, Drive Angry’s Julius Washington, comedian Mike Bonner, Love & Hip Hop ATL’s “Bambi” Benson and model Kendra Kouture are also in the film.

“I’m excited to be a part of First Lady,” Nicole “Hoopz” Alexander told RESPECT Magazine.

“First Lady has a lot of depth and I really think you guys are going to like it.”

About the production crew:

Dennis Reed II directed First Lady and Eric “Prime Prodigy” De La Cruz shot the production. Photo Credit: Eric Salvary, Get Fit Radio TV

Detroit made, author, playwright, and producer Dennis Reed II, director of the film is a rising star.  With bestselling novels under his belt, sold out stage plays, a few feature films and a scripted series on Amazon Prime, he’s well on his way.

Not only are his artistic endeavors making an impact, his restaurants: Mighty Wing Shop and night club, 311 have become a staple on the Motown scene.

Producer, Love Logan has close to 20 years of entertainment history behind her having worked in public relations, television, radio, and at large record labels.

First Lady is currently in production and expected to be released this summer.

For more information on First Lady. Follow them on Twitter: @FirstLadyDRII , Instagram: @FirstLadyTheMovie and Facebook: FirstLadyMovie.

E-mail firstladythemovie@gmail.com for more information.

Suggested Articles:

The Next Big Showcase’s Cliff Po & DJ Tarzan Making Dreams Reality in NYC & NJ

Scoop B Radio: Turner Sports’ Steve Smith Talks Career & More

The post Scoop B: Harlem’s Jim Jones stars in Dennis Reed II directed, Nicole “Hoopz” Alexander starred “First Lady” film appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Philthy Rich invaded Manhattan to celebrate the release of his album, “SEM GOD”. Rah Ali, who runs Suite 36 on Tuesday’s for Tender Tuesday’s, shared the night with Philthy Rich to show her support. Angela Yee was the hostess with the mostest for a room full of familiar faces, one including Jim Jones. Based on the outcome of this function, Philithy Rich and the Bay areans are welcomed to Manhattan anytime.

Check out the photos from the party below. Photo credit: Echoing Soundz

The post Jim Jones, Angela Yee and More Celebrate With Philthy Rich For The Release of His Album “SEM GOD” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.