His love for rap-rock fusion has been inspiring him since High School. He was the lead vocalist/rapper in a band called ‘Flint Eastwood’ —the bands ultimate breakup lead to bLAck pARty coming into existence, stylizing it with capital letters to single out “LA” for Los Angeles, where he lives, and “AR” for Arkansas where he was raised. In 2013 he began producing for Kari Faux. The two had met when both were in their mid-teens. Their collaboration, “No Small Talk,” caught the attention of Childish Gambino, who remixed it and featured it on his STN MTN/Kauai mixtape. Which only lead to bLAck pARty inking a deal with the Childish Gambino’s Royalty collective. bLack pARty contributed production to Gambino’s GRAMMY® Award-winning album Awaken, My Love! as well as scores a placement with TV series Dear White People, Insecure, and Atlanta.

His 2019 album Endless Summer is his first release through Wolf + Rothstein and RCA Records. The first single, “No Complaints,” features DMP Jefe, watch it below.

Out of his busy schedule bLack pARty took the time out to catch up with RESPECT MAG about everything from music to his future plans.

RESPECT.: Growing up, what were some of your biggest musical influences?

bLAck pARty: Growing up my biggest influences were Stevie Wonder, India Irie, Nirvana, MF Doom, Kanye West, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Bad Brains, Zro I came across a lot of music being around the different people in my life. I also grew up in the internet age when music became much easier to access.

RESPECT.: So congratulations on signing with Childish Gambino’s label! How did that happen?

bLAck pARty: Thank you! I actually connected to Childish Gambino back in 2014 when I was mostly doing production for Kari Faux, we had made this song & video “No Small Talk” that went viral and through that I ended up connecting with one of Gambino’s business partner’s Fam, Kari allowed Gambino to remix the record and we built a working relationship since.

RESPECT.: How did your first conversation with Childish Gambino go?

bLAck pARty: I don’t remember exactly, but I remember it was the day his Sway interview dropped so it was mostly conversations about that and conversations about rap music in general. I’m a huge supporter of underground rap, so I remember showing him some of the underground rap groups coming out of Atlanta at that time.

RESPECT.: You also produced on his Award-winning album, “Awaken, My Love!” how did that happen? What was that process like?

bLAck pARty: That actually came about because I had moved to Los Angeles around the same time he was working on “Awaken, My Love!” We always talk about music so it started off from me just being in the studio giving feedback to doing background vocals and some drum programming. It was an interesting experience that I feel I learned a lot from. It was actually the first major album I worked on and being able to be around some of the most talented musicians in the business was a blessing.

RESPECT.: So you write, produce, and engineer and do vocals? Which one is your favourite and why?

bLAck pARty: I’d say my favourite is probably producing because it’s the more creative and fun job. It allows you to think outside of the box and make something that resonates without actually using language.What I’ve learned from playing in places outside of the US is even if the people don’t necessarily speak my language they can still get with the rhythm of the beats and even catch on to the lyrics if they’re simple enough.

RESPECT.: Do you play any instruments? Regardless, what is your favourite instrument and why?

bLAck pARty: Yes, I play whatever I can figure out. If i were to pick a favourite I would say guitar. I always find it easy to write songs with just a guitar. Also a large majority of my favourite artists play guitar: Lauryn Hill, D’angelo, Prince, Kurt Cobain, India Irie, Amy Winehouse- all guitarists!

RESPECT.: Tell us about your song “Dancing”. What are some of the themes found in that Track?

bLAck pARty: Dancing for me was a record that originally was up as a demo, over time it was revamped to be more groovy. I wanted to make something that felt like a day party going into the night time. When it came to video the director [Dylan McGale] and I wanted to play off of one of my favourite movies, KIDS, and one of my favourite music videos, “Frontin” by the Neptunes. I’ve been skating since I was young, and skateboarding and music go hand in hand, so I had to show love to the skaters.

RESPECT.: How do you feel after having your music placed on Insecure?

bLAck pARty: Shout out’s to Issa ! It feels incredible. I have a lot of people tell me they found out about my music through watching Insecure. I actually watch the show so it’s kinda wild to hear my music on there.

RESPECT.: Complex described your sound as a retro sound that could fit nicely into rotation if it came out in the ’70s yet still feels fresh for 2019. Do you agree?

bLAck pARty: Yes. I think the 70’s was one of the more interesting times in music. I’m definitely inspired by that era in music and I listen to more older records than I listen to newer music. The thing though is taking that inspiration and bringing into the present or the future.

RESPECT.: What was that moment in your life that you realised you wanted to be a serious musician? Like this was it for you.

bLAck pARty: When I was 13 I knew for certain I was going to make music. I remember watching videos online of Kanye, Alchemist, The Neptunes, Madlib, making beats and rapping and I decided that’s what I wanted to do: make music and have fun.

RESPECT.: Who are you looking forward to working with the most in the industry?

bLAck pARty: It would be dope to work with legends like Al Green, Patrice Rushen, Erykah Badu…

Photo Credit: Manny Singh

RESPECT.: If I was to see your playlist right now what would I find?

bLAck pARty: You would find Fela Kuti, Amy Winehouse, Al Green, Sza, Khruangbin…I just like to hear something with a lil soul or funk in it

RESPECT.: Tell us about your 5 goals in 2020

bLAck pARty: My only goals are to continue to get better as a person and as a creative.

Follow bLAck pARty on instagram to keep up with all his updates.

All Photos by Manny Singh.

The post RESPECT. Interview: Childish Gambino’s signee bLAck pARty talks Future & Past appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Don-A-Matrix – who helps train several pro athletes/celebs, Kardashian Sisters, Kanye West, Trey Songz, Josh Duhamel and many more – will host a LIVE at-home workout session, where he’ll take guests through his signature “Don-A-Matrix Training Method,” which is designed like a four-quarter sports game to challenge the cardio and muscular-endurance system.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-h2DfAl_mR/

The training will take place LIVE on @drinkBODYARMOR’s Instagram handle on Tuesday, May 12^th at 12pm EST.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by If It’s Not DON, It’s Not DONe (@donamatrixtraining)

For more Don-A-Matrix and #TheAltWithMel news make sure to check RESPECT Magazine!

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The post Kardashian Trainer Don-A-Matrix to host IG Live Workout! | #TheAltWithMel appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: CalebDoee

Rising emcee CalebDoee returns to the music scene with a fire new EP titled Test Drive. With a high quality sound  he is ready to show the world how musically gifted he is. Coming off of the release of his Test Drive EP, he is gearing up to have his most successful year yet. I had the pleasure of catching up with him for candid interview below. As he lends more insight about his passion for creating music, it is clear he is a star in the making. Check it out!

Caleb Doee Interview 

Respect: What occurred in your life to make you want a career in music as an artist?

Caleb: One summer I was in Chicago, my cousins showed me some music videos they did. I wrote verses all the time but I figured you had to be famous to rap. When I saw that, it became something I’d try after graduation. I didn’t go all in til 2017 though. 

Respect: What was the inspiration behind your test drive project?

Caleb: The projects I’ve had before were dark, filled with emotion but was something I had to get off. So I used the EP to show the lanes I’m in before the tape drops. More so showing what’s to come. I was too eager to be myself on a song with a clear head space.

Respect: How would you best describe your original sound?

Caleb: Sample heavy, instrument heavy, calm, peaceful vibes with some game to it. I write about what it is, what it was and what it’s about to be. That with the type of beats I like makes my sound different from what mainstream is. To me that’s the best thing about my music.

Respect: Who are some of the people who inspire you musically?

Caleb: I’d say Jay, Kanye, Wayne, Biggie, Drake, Ross, those guys. Rhyme schemes, flows, beat selection and demeanor during their runs gave me a different perspective on music. They put out the blueprint I use with everything I do music. My pops too, he did Jazz and piano when I was younger.

Respect: What was the inspiration behind your cover art for Test Drive?

Caleb: Quarantine I picked up DJ’ing and got familiar with older cars. 2 doors, gold rims, it gets deep. The one on the cover is my favorite; 73’ Lancia Stratos. The car is where I got the concept for the EP actually.

Respect: What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

Caleb: People don’t know I’ve been rapping since elementary school. I used to write love letters to girls back then, started battling at lunch and football games in high school. Took some music classes my last two years but I put it down for a while.

Respect: Where do you see your career in five years?

Caleb: Hard to say, somewhere taking care of my family, still making music. Showing love, teaching what was taught to me. Honestly that’s all I can ask for. Putting everyone around me in the best position they can be in.

Be sure to press play below to stream CalebDoee’s Test Drive EP.

The post CalebDoee Talks New EP Test Drive, Musical Influences, & Ways He Is Staying Creative During Quarantine appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: Keeyen Martin

Rising vocalist and performer Keeyen Martin, is one of Atlanta’s most promising new songsters. As he prepares to break into the mainstream, his talent has led him to grace the stage with living legends such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, PJ Morton and Kanye West. With a soulful sound and relentless talent, he is preparing for his most successful year to date.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the Atlanta native for a candid interview to discuss his upcoming plans for the new year. Check it out below.

Keeyen Martin Interview 

Respect: What occurred in your life to make you want to pursue a career in music as an entertainer?

Keeyen: Being born into a musical family definitely. My mom and dad were singers and my dad is a pianist, organist, and songwriter. So being born into a musical family, doing music is one of the first things I remember doing and I was always around it. It became an immediate norm for me to go to the studio with my mom when she would record with gospel groups and perform, as my dad and uncle would be in the studio songwriting for a bunch of people.

I was in love with music before I knew what that meant. As I began to grow as a singer and performer I loved that energy and reaction you get from giving a good performance. Honestly I love being the center of attention and that came around the age of 4 or 5. I knew then I wanted to have a career in music as a famous singer. That was the start of it and I haven’t slowed down since.

Respect: When would you say you caught your big break or have you caught it yet?

Keeyen: That is interesting because a break is about prospective. I would say for me probably the transition into my under graduate is when I caught my big break being indicative of me getting a lot of professional work, from writing professionally to singing background. College is definitely where I caught my break. One of the first major opportunities I caught during undergrad was having the honor of singing background vocals for the late great Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. That was a huge moment for me because as a singer, everybody reveres Aretha Franklin.

That is when I started to see the difference between a professional level where you are in the settings with all of the people you have admired over the years, and are also getting compensated for what you do. It was an easy transition for me and doing it around campus was cool but I definitely appreciated being compensated for my talent for a change.  I would definitely have to say around my collegiate years and experiences are when I started to see the change.

Respect: What was the inspiration behind your “Girl I’m On The Way” Single as it has found much success?

Keeyen: Really that song came from a place per usual as I was sitting at my key board writing and playing some chords and I knew I wanted to tell a typical love story from the male prospective. Essentially like “hey you dropped the ball and messed up” and as I was writing it I wanted the lyrics to have a simple meaning and energy surrounding it. I was in conversation with myself asking myself “what would I say to a girl if I messed up with her? Man girl I’m on the way.”

So when I said it the way I said it, it made the record simple like I was having a conversation and talking like how we talk today. I really like that and wanted to put that phrase in the hook and then it became the title of the song. I think after that, it was just easy to build the record because I drew from a real life experience and felt like every guy specifically would be able to relate to my situation. That is essentially how Girl I’m On The way” came to life.

Respect: What was it like sharing the same stage as legends such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, PJ Morton, Kanye West and Common and have any of them inspired you or have been instrumental in your career?

Keeyen: Well first I would have to say that I loved working with all of them. But I would have to say that Stevie Wonder is u there. He was one of the earliest voices I remember hearing from my parents and he has always represented musical excellence to me. His career is self-explanatory as far as all of the amazing songs he has made that really have transcended time.

He has been a constant source of inspiration but I vividly remember when I got the chance to meet him after singing with him. It is interesting because you go into these gigs thinking you will be close friend with an artist or acquaintances with them but generally tha tis never the case. You get hired by their music director, you learn the artists’ music and the first time you see them is on that stage they say thank you very much and keep it moving. It really just depends on the person.

But yes I remember when I got invited to eat dinner with him and his family and he just took a great interest in me. To hear him talk about my personal music and singing while encouraging me to remain authentic, is something I vividly remember. He told me that I have something that is classy and authentic. After having a conversation like that, I knew that I no longer needed affirmation from anyone getting the approval from Stevie Wonder.

Also really enjoyed working with Teyana Taylor recently. She has been really sweet and offered me all kinds of insight on the industry and interest in hearing my music when it comes out. She also championed me to all of her friends and peers. By default I would have to say that Stevie Wonder and Teyana Taylor, are two people in particular that I gravitate towards more on a personal level simply because they both genuinely showed an interest in me beyond me serving them and singing background. Some artist are only interested in you playing your role and being of service to them as they are stars in their own right as well.

Respect: Where do you draw inspiration from when creating?

Keeyen: I often take moments and reflect on my personal life, the lives of my friends and the moments they have shared with me as well as the moments I share with ym family and honestly sometimes I will just watch tv or movies for inspiration. One of my favorite components of being an artist is the storytelling of it. I really take pride in words. Like everyone who knows me personally knows that I am a natural wordsmith.

I have always been kind of nerdy in that regard as I love words, poetry, speaking and the art of languages. I think that with all of those things, I draw inspiration from whether they are personal bulls or others and I like to craft up words that I know can tell those stories. For me it is kind of easy to tap into that space as I like to listen and observe as well as being in tune with what I am feeling day to day. I think from having the capacity of being an empath so to speak, you feel everything including people’s energy all day long and I really enjoy that.

Every time I have a studio session or feeling creative, I try to tap into what exactly it is that I am feeling, what have my friends been feeling, and like the whole mood of how like the culture of the people and ultimately I try to allow myself to create music that won’t just speak to me but other people as well. That is definitely one of the fun parts about being a songwriter. The inspiration for me is so easy when I am trying to create something.

Respect: Do you mind lending some more insight on the work that you do with the Atlanta Music Project?

Keeyen: It really is an organization that is centered around youth. I have the privilege of being their vocal coach, and music mentor in which I am able to teach them all kinds of music courses to a lot of underprivileged kids in the Atlanta community. They may come from low-income or schools that have disconnected or removed art and music programs frontier curriculum. We come and feel in the gaps!

For me it is beyond a joy and honor because every time I interact with them, it brings me back to when I was a their age. I was always involved in some type of organization especially musically. I remember when I started  my senior year of college and was baffled to discover they didn’t have any music programs in school which made me realize not every school has those which didn’t make since to me.

That immediately peeked my interest and I have always kind of been a natural leader since I was a kid. I Always loved volunteering and helping others, so for music it came easy for me to want to help others musically. Anytime I am able to teach or help another child or student hone in on their craft, that is joy to me. It has been such a large part of what I do because with being a teacher, it teaches you patience, and if you have a career in music patience is necessary.

Also in working with youth you have to have patience. Teachers do not receive the credit that they deserve for what they experience in the daily basis. Atlanta Music Project has been a joy to not only grow and develop as a professional singer, but to also be able to make the transition and give the kids first hand experience as I am learning myself, is super empowering and encouraging.

You know the song by Whitney Houston “Greatest Love Of All” where she sings “I believe that children are the future teach them well and let them lead the way”? That is very real to me. No matter what I do as a performer, I want to be able to have that connection to the next generation because if we don’t have that connection, who do they have to look to for guidance with their lives and careers.

Respect: What is up next for Keeyen Martin?

Keeyen: I just released my new single “Separated“ and will consistently be releasing music all throughout the year. I have some great visuals to accompany you relaxes as my EP is slated to release in April. I have a lot more performance, travels, and tours planned so you can definitely expect a huge impact to be made which is my intention.

Now that I have people’s attention and they are aware I Want to make an impact. We are excited about not only the process of making it happen, but knowing that we have some great music and content to roll out. Looking forward to getting this new music to the people.

Click here to checkout Keeyen Martin’s latest single “Separated” as he continues his rise to fame.

The post Keeyen Martin: Atlanta’s Next Big R&B Star appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: Robot Scott

Super Producer Scott “Robot Scott” Carter is one of music’s hardest working producers. From composing original music, to developing new artists and being the co-founder of the production group Triangle Park, he continues to leaving a last impact on the music business. Having worked with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Kehlani, Teyana Taylor and Bebe Rexha to name a few, Robot Scott is ready to take his musical gifts to new heights in the new year.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the hitmaker for an interview as he candidly discussed breaking into the industry, passion for creating music, and making hits for some of music’s biggest R&B and Pop acts. Checkout it out below.

Robot Scott Interview

Respect: When did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music and how did you get your start?

Scott: I realized I wanted to do music production around 16 but music I started around the age of 4 as a result of growing up in a musical family. Like my parents were not into music completely, like they did not do it constantly but my dad played the piano and flute and my mom played the piano. My dad was a lawyer so it wasn’t like he was a full time pianist. However, we did have a baby grand piano in the middle of our living room so as a kid I would hear my father practicing Autumn Leaves or another song, and would go sit by him. I used to think they were coming from him directly but obviously he was reading music. I would tinker on the piano and started making up my own songs that I called “Fallen Leaves”.

Once my mom heard me making my own songs, she decided it was time for me to take piano lessons. I took lessons from elementary school to junior high and would go every Wednesday after school. That was my first dive into music. My music dream came later of composing which I still do, but I wanted to compose like scores. I was really into the composition of Star Wars at the time, so me and my brothers got the record of the score and the official audio from the movie and we would play it over and over again as if we were watching the movie through music. That is what inspired me to want to start composing.

While I was taking piano lessons in elementary school, I started doing orchestra which is violin. My orchestra teacher in high school told me if I wanted to score he had these computers that can be used to create sheet music. After school I would watch him create since the s​chool couldn’t afford to buy the original it back then and he would print it off from an apple computer and show me how to do the same. That is when I became intrigued to want to compose. The Christmas of my freshman year, I received a Casio keyboard and at the same time best friend Brandon Jackson said he had a friend who had a beat maker machine. He thought it would be a good idea to start a rap group so we did.

That is when I made the transition from classical scoring to hip hop production. I remember the first time Rio (riotheyneedahit) said he saw me. He always tells me “when i first saw you scott i saw you playing some classical pieces on the piano in the auditorium. They opened up those curtains and there you were playing classical piano.” I got more into production and Hip Hop during my Sophomore year but was well known for classical music.

Respect: When did you catch your big break?

Scott: I got my first placement with my mentor Chris Henderson on a record for a Def Jam artist at the time named Kandice Love. I was actually in college at the time studying graphic design at Hampton University. I met my now line brother named Bryan Hawkins in my dorm in which I was carrying around my $2500 ASR 10 keyboard my dad bought me during my senior year of high school. So when I bought my keyboard to my dorm, people that rapped were around and Brian heard some of my beats which resulted in him telling his cousin who is my now mentor Grammy Award Winning producer Chris Henderson( Jamie Fox, T-Pain).

So basically, Chris and Delante Murphy (Trey Songz, K. Michelle)​ had this production company called Hung Low at Hampton and they would put on events as well as production for Teddy Riley’s artists at the time. That is how I kind of got with Chris through Bryan Hawkins and got my first placement with Def Jam, as I co-produced the Kandice Love song I mentioned earlier. I consider that to be my first break because it is when I realized I could make money off of this and live off of this. Some of the people that were in the collective Hung Low include DJ Envy, and ​Kris Haskins. Kris actually did the song “Wanksta” by 50 Cent. At ​Hampton​ we had a really good group of talented guys who are now ​today successfu​l.

Respect: What was the inspiration behind Triangle Park and who all is apart of it?

Scott: The idea started from when I was in Philadelphia working with another production company I had created at the time. I started developing a girl group (@wearegoodgirl) with a company called Walk The Sky with my good friend Dyshon Pen, Bizkit N Butta (John Legend). We were trying to create an original sound for the girls and process how that would work so Shon ended up introducing me to my now partner Ali, who is also a producer/music director.

Since we were going in a different direction than the original production company, me and my brother ​William A. Carter Es​q decided that we should start something new and truthful. Being that truthfulness  is something that was embedded in me as a child and something I promote everyday it just made sense.

I grew up in front of a Triangle Park, so the name “Triangle Park” comes from the Park I grew up in front of that inspired me to do music. That is a truth that is constantly with me. Once I understood my thought process I realized the truth. Growing up in front of this park it what inspired me when I used to compose so we named my production group after it. It made since because that is the truth going through. It was the perfect move to make and get behind good girl.

Ali’s upbringing was in the church and I was classical so that kind of pairing of r&b, urgent hip hop, gospel and classical brings a sound to Good Girl that people can attach to. I knew it would also catch the ear of the production company that we were trying to get ​them to (Starr Island) who eventually got the girls their deal at RCA,​ which they are still currently signed to. Starr Island is now our  management production company and we knew that the type of sound and the type of development is what was needed to capture their attention for the girls. We just finished working on half of their album with the production company.

Respect: As K. Michelle recently released her fifth studio album All Monsters Are Human, talk a little bit about what it was like being apart of her creative process and building a working relationship with one of R&B’s most known voices?

Scott: K is very passionate! She is one of the most passionate people I know from her story and the way she shares it through music. When she gets into the studio it is very much emoting like she wants to make sure that the records fit her as she is a very in depth song writer. I like the fact that she puts that much attention on her story and how it is told for her listeners to understand while remaining truthful to herself. She is very open about who she is and how she perceives things. She gets in there and pours her heart out.

I think that is what soul and Rhythm & Blues really is about. Soul music is truth to the soul and it is a reflection of a period of time that others have gone through. Simply showing that I have gone through some of the same stuff the next person is going through. The duty of an artist is to literally unveil themself in the truest form to the world, so that people can understand what that artist has gone through and know that they too can get through whatever hardship they are facing. Essentially being the soundtrack to people’s lives is their responsibility. I love K’s style to say the least as she is a TRUE R&B singer.

Respect: How would you best describe your sound as a producer as you have a very distinct sound?

Scott: I believe that our sound is urgent R&B Pop. The urgency comes from the Hip-Hop feel which can be heard on Ty Dolla $ign’s forthcoming album. It is an urgent R&B Pop sound because it gives you the feel of R&B which is like the base of what that would be. That is where the soul comes in. The drums are the urgency of hip hop and the writing behind it has a pop appeal. We try to get all of that together in one which is how our sound came to life. Urgent R&B Pop is definitely the best way to describe our sound.

Respect: What advice would you give an aspiring artist looking to break into the mainstream circuit?

Scott: First of all, if you have not started yet, drop everything and start now. Get yourself around people who are doing it at a higher level than you are. Get yourself in the room with people who are doing it at a higher level than you are even a mentor so you can see it in order to achieve it. As human beings we can map to other people so if you surround yourself with greatness you are going to be great no matter what. You automatically become a sponge to the greatness surrounding you.

I would also say trust the process and simply do not give up. When you get into that position where you have people around you that are at that high level, it seems as though you are not moving as fast as them. But in reality it probably is just not your time. Just stay there and stay in that uncomfortable state. Human beings, being thrown into an uncomfortable state will always figure it out and conquer because god is with us and god would not put us in a position to where we are not able to overcome. You’ll be in that spot but the timing is key.

You have to make sure you are disciplined enough to stay in that uncomfortable state. The fear that you may not be adequate enough occurs but if you are in front of someone showing you that they are that good, you will be able to learn how to get to the space that they are in. It just all takes time. Trusting the process is really important and understanding that you are in a process.

Respect: What are you most excited about in the new year?

Scott: I am excited about our girls Good Girls as well as my guy Anthony Clemons (@antclemons) who is like a little brother to me and someone I do a lot of music with. We found out at the same time that our record made it onto Kanye’s Ye album. I love his story which is a testimony completely. He is walking in his truth and I am very proud of him.

I am proud and also excited for the records I have on Noah Cyrus’ upcoming album. There are a bunch of songwriters such as ​Jozzy (@dopebyaccident)​ She is with Columbia Records. I cannot forget Ty Dolla $ign as I am definitely excited to see how the records we did for him roll out.

One more thing. I am looking to get an artist that we are developing signed to a major label. Me and my camp are developing artists now so I am currently working on developing the next act. It is important to me to be able to develop an artist who has that urgent R&B Pop sound that we can get behind who understands our process.

To stay up to date on the next hit Robot Scott  might be cooking up, be sure to follow him on social media @irobotscott .

The post Super Producer Robot Scott: Talks Breaking Into The Music Business, His Passion For Creating & Working With Some Of Music’s Brightest Stars appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

A few of the DJs celebrated that night will be Mustafa Rocks, Boi Jeanius, Jay Illa, DJ Word, MANO, DJ Pharris, O Zone along with special guest DJ’s will perform a tribute remembering Timbuck2’s legacy and contribution to the hip-hop culture.  Following the legacy of his contribution to the culture, Timothy Francis Jones Foundation and PUMA is releasing a signature collab sneaker in honor of Timbuck2 with a percentage of the proceeds donated to the foundation.

The Timothy Francis Jones Foundation was founded at the request of Timothy Jones who succumbed to renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) in 2015. Their mission is to promote self-health awareness amongst men and specifically men of color. With this in mind, Timothy Francis Jones Foundation helps shed the stigma of seeking health care, tackle gender and race – based barriers to accessing care while providing educational opportunities through online content, strategic partnerships and community based opportunities.

Described in Billboard as an amazing person and talent by Kanye West and “Awesome DJ,” according to Just Blaze, “even better human being.” DJ Timbuck2 was one of the most respected DJ’s to not only grace the city of Chicago but the hip-hop culture. Touching many lives through music, Timbuck2 was not your average DJ, with multiple influences of hip-hop his technique with the turntables, he always seen it as an opportunity to educate hip hop. Common recalled memorable evenings spent listening to the turntablist, concluding that he was “one of the most talented and gifted DJs ever!” Known for putting Chicago talent on the local radio, Timbuck2 was one of the biggest supporters of the Chicago music movement, working as a tour DJ for major artist including West, Common and Lupe Fiasco.

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I never really watched the show, but the premise behind the BET series Tales — turning a song’s subject matter into full-blown visual concepts — is a pretty dope idea. Anyways, the show that Irv Gotti built has now entered into its second season, and the new episode had a “surprise” in the form of a new Kanye West track titled “Brothers,” which features frequent collaborator Charlie Wilson.

When fans will hear the full track (and — the bigger question, in my opinion — if this will lead us to the long-awaited YANDHI project) is yet to be seen. In the meantime, you can check it out here (courtesy of KTT).

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The post Kanye West’s New Single “Brothers” Debuts on BET’s ‘Tales’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.