By: Richie Valentino

New York rapper Richie Valentino returns to the scene with a fire new EP titled Multiple Personality. As he carries that east coast swag like most New York emcee’s do, this release is by far his most impressive body of work to date. He does an excellent job of creating a project that his thriving fanbase can enjoy any day of the week. I had the pleasure of catching up with Richie for a candid interview centered around his new Multiple Personality release. Check it out below.

Richie Valentino Interview

Respect: What city are you from and where are you based now?

Richie: I represent Long Island, New York. I moved out here to attend Stony Brook University and I never left. I felt like I could contribute a lot to the area with my Queens mentality. NYC in general is super competitive. I feel like it made who I am. Super competitive be daring enough to move my own direction and take my own risks.

Respect: At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?

Richie: I been deejaying since I was 13. I took those talents to college with me then eventually got into club and concert promotion. I was always freestyle rapping as a kid. “Ready To Die” by Biggie is when I can say I really feel in love with rap. But the moment I decided to take music seriously is when Chinx passed. I felt connected to his music, and I took the pain of his loss and took turned into courage.

Respect: Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your
sound today? If so, how?

Richie: Growing up in Queens, New York made me tough. There was no such thing as crying. No such thing as complaining. You dealt with the cards God gave you. You can hear it in my rap voice, its full of determination and power.

Respect: How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with
you?

Richie: I would like to think I’m two artists in one. That’s why I called my first project “Multiple Personality.” I rap and I sing. I’d describe my rap voice as powerful with a lot of vibrato. My singing voice is calm and soulful. If you didn’t know me or you weren’t a fan of me, you would say that I sound like two completely different people. On my track “Blow My High,” for example, I rap the verses and sing the hooks.

Respect: What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?

Richie: Like I mentioned before, I’ve been surrounded by music my whole life. My pops was a DJ. I became a DJ and then a nightclub and concert promoter. I guess you can say it was just a matter of time until I built up the courage to show the world my talent.

Respect: What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?

Richie: What I would consider to be good music is hard to find on the radio these days. Often times I find myself listening to old school R&B and Hip Hop. So my goal is to make new- style hip hop infused with real lyrics that make sense with solid metaphors and plenty of soul.

Respect: Who are some of your main musical influences?

Richie: I respect a lot of artists. Kanye, Nas, Jodeci, and Biggie to name a few, but personally I don’t think I sound like anyone. I really tried to build my own sound.

Respect: What are some of your music career goals for the future?

Richie: I would like to win a Grammy and give it to my parents.

Respect: Tell us about the latest project that you’ve released? What is it about?

Richie: My debut album is called “Multiple Personality.” I can best describe it as a collection of
one of voices in my head. It has seven tracks which basically serves as an introduction to my talent.

Respect: What has the response been like to that project?

Richie: The response has been incredible, it has gotten about 30,000 streams in the first month. Over 100 people reposted my album cover on social media. I was actually shocked how many people showed me love on it without me even having to ask.

Respect: What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on
the lookout for?

Richie: Soon as outside opens back up, I plan on throwing a huge album release party. I am
also dropping a Latin project Mid-Summer 2020.

Respect: What message do you hope fans take away from your music?

Richie: I want my fans to know all my music is from the heart and I take it very seriously. I hope
they can feel my love my energy and dedication in every word I say.

Be sure to follow Richie Valentino @kingoflongisland_ to stay up to date on his music journey.

The post New York Rapper Richie Valentino Releases New “Multiple Personality” EP appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: Cwilltooill

Texas rapper Cwilltooill returns to the music scene with dope new C.B.D. (Calm But Dangerous) project. As his southern roots plays out in every melody on this EP, you will hear Cwill’s original vocals reach new heights. As he discusses some of his life lessons, in a melodically pleasing way, his courage to be honest and raw separates him from the rest of the rising emcees in the game.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the southern rapper for candid convo centered around his C.B.D. release. Check out a short interview below and get to know San Antonio’s next big star Cwilltooill.

Respect: What city are you from/ where are you based now?

Cwill: I’m from Wetumpka, Alabama but I am currently living in San Antonio, Tx.

Respect: At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?

Cwill: While I was in college I fell in love with expressing myself. I had always rapped and I come from a musical background because of my brother and my father. So around the age 20 I knew I wanted more from music than just to put a few hrs a week in.

Respect: Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound
today? If so, how?

Cwill: Very much so! I’m from the country! You can hear it my lingo and you can feel it when I Touch a mic. I come from beating on a table in a lunchroom remembering songs and performing at talent shows. My mom used to wake me up to Rafael Sadiq and my pops was in a blues band and loved Jodeci. Then just being from the south in general has influenced me to always strive for substance in my
music.

Respect: How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with
you?

Cwill: I’m a mixture of Soulful Rap , Southern Hip hop and a hint of R&B. I don’t like to stay in a box and my vocal range is growing everyday so in my head the ceiling is limitless. I don’t mind talking my shit but I also don’t go full cap season in my music either. I keep it real and relevant. I talk about my relationships, my family, and really whatever is on my mind. I have my own studio so I’m able to record at-will really.

Respect: What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?

Cwill: Football ending did it for me. I graduated on a full scholarship playing football all in south Georgia until I had to give it up because of concussions. I remember not being able to sleep at night and staying up writing rhymes and mixing vocals. I realized how good my music was getting and the feedback I was receiving on my music in 2017-2018 solidified it for me. I knew what I wanted at that moment.

Respect: What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?

Cwill: I love creating new sounds and I’ve fell in love with performing. Music pays my bills and I’m about to break generational curses with my craft. I wake up inspired. Not everyday, some days are harder than others as a black man in america but hustle stays in tact. The faith I have in myself is what keeps me going. Well that and God reminding me constantly that this is where I should be spending my time and energy.

Respect: Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

Cwill: I’m a new found photographer and videographer. I have a photo studio and I write poetry as well. I’m also all into network marketing and I have merchandise I’m working on designing and printing everyday just adding new streams of revenue. Going back to network marketing though, one of my main hobbies is selling CBD Detox tea and other health and wellness products.

Respect: Who are some of your main musical influences?

Cwill: J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Deante Hitchcock, Big K.R.I.T. , Smino, Lauryn Hill,
Andre 3000.

Respect: What are some of your music career goals for the future?

Cwill: Win a Grammy. Chart a single and album (multiple)! I also see an international tour in my future. I’m already setting it up as we speak. I also want to make music with all of my influences. Another huge goal is to own my own label. And owning all of my masters for life.

Be sure to press play below to stream Cwilltooill C.B.D. (Calm But Dangerous) and follow him on social media @cwilltooill.

The post Texas Artist Cwilltooill Uses Music to Heal With C.B.D. (Calm But Dangerous) Release appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Vonte. Photo Courtesy of Swank PR

From start to finish this track is one for “cuffing season”. The sonic sound of the guitar and electric tones glide under Vonte’s lyrics while paying homage to the 90’s classic “Freakin You” by Jodeci. Producer Gold Haze captures the essence of a real “slow jam” and catches the listener off guard with the intense sound that leads to immense pleasure.

Prepping for his upcoming mixtape ‘NIGGA! Vonte emphasizes a strong message through his music while gaining the hearts of the ladies with this single.

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The post Scoop B Selects: Chicago’s Vonte Tributes Jodeci with “Freekn U” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

KeilyN is back today with an introspective new single, “Late Night.” The rapper is highly relatable on the reflective track, speaking on real life issues we all deal with and how we cope – many of us are kept up by our thoughts long after the sun’s gone down, whether we’re thinking happy thoughts or negative ones. Some of us turn to weed and liquor to help get the feelings out or get our minds going even more. Listen as the rapper gets real on the Jodeci-sampling single, co-produced by KeilyN himself and ACG.

The post New Music: KeilyN – “Late Night” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The post New Music: CyHi The Prynce-“Forever” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

via MTV

While some folks are just recovering from being snowed in, Jodeci decided to encourage some babymaking by releasing a sexy, surprise record last night entitled “Every Moment”. The touching ballad has been released in anticipation of an album which has been rumored to be on the way.

You can listen to the full track via YouTube below:

The post 90s group Jodeci back with another love-making ballad appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The post Watch Jodeci’s Lyric Video For Their New Single “Nobody Wins” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.