By: Kris J

Atlanta rapper Kris J has released a frre new single titled “Ya Dig“. Having opened up for the likes of Akon, Trinidad James, Kap G, Rob $tone and Starlitto, this rising star is ready for the big leagues. This release will appear on his forthcoming project “7 Days A Week” set be released later this week.

“Ya Dig” is the perfect summer record. Produced by Atlanta influencer and Shade 45’s DJIceberg, the smooth melody flows well with J’s confident bars. You will hear him talking about rolling dice and placing bets as the popping beat propels your ears to musical bliss. Some notable lyrics from this release are “roll the dice on her had to place all the bets, I know some n****s from my city who ain’t wish they the best”.

His clever lyricism and stacked word play comes full circle on this single. This is by far J’s best work together. As he and DJ Iceberg have teamed up to release their first ever collaborative effort, this is simply a taste of what is yet to come. Press play below to stream Kris J’s “Ya Dig“.

The post Kris J Releases New Single “Ya Dig” Single appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Image credit: XXL

Last month, XXL premiered this year’s Freshman list, which — as usual — set off a fiery debate about traditional, lyrical-driven Hip-Hop versus today’s merging of multiple styles and catchy lines. As expected, many were tuned in to each inductee’s individual freestyles, which may or may not have proven them worthy of being in the discussion. You can check those out below (you can also see each person’s individual interview over at XXL).

[Personally, I wish Compton’s Boogie and D.C.’s Chaz French made this list. There’s always next year.]

Who had the best one?

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie

PnB Rock

Playboi Carti

Ugly God

Kyle

Madeintyo

Kamaiyah

Kap G

Aminé

XXXTentacion

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Grabbing attention as the lead effort off Pierre’s forthcoming project, Kap and O.T. showcase an effortless chemistry as they trade bounce-inducing verses. From Kap G’s melodic rhymer schemes to O.T.’s clear-cut, concise flow, “Bando” is an irrefutable track that will be playing well through the summer. Additional collaborations on Pierre’s upcoming project will include the likes of French Montana, PooBear, TK Kravitz, Eric Bellinger, 1500 or Nothin’, and more.

“Working with Kap and O.T. was effortless from the jump because they’re so talented at what they do,” Pierre described when asked about working on his new single. He then went on to say, “Their approach and energy fit my production like a glove, so it was a win-win for everyone.”

Stream the audio at the very top of the post and feel free to leave us your thoughts in the comments section.

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The post Pierre Connects with O.T. Genasis & Kap G on”Bando” (Audio) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Every year XXL comes out with their much anticipated Freshman list, full of the newest and brightest young rap stars coming up. It’s usually in a swirl of controversy, seeing as though everyone always has an opinion on who should have made it, and who shouldn’t have. This year there’s a new 10, so the debating will begin soon.

They picked a handful of artists that they believe are the youngest and hottest out, but is it correct?

There’s Kamaiyah, who dropped the stellar A Good Night In The Ghetto project a year ago. A Boogie, who’s been holding down New York for quite some time. PNB Rock has been buzzing hard during Meek Mill‘s troubles and showing more promise out of Philly. Ugly God is somewhat a troll, but has a very loyal fanbase and drops music pretty often. There’s Kap G, who honestly got snubbed last year, but seeing him make it this year is sort of refreshing. Kyle is also a guy who should have made it a few years ago, but in 2017 he’s finally getting his shot led by his hit “I Spy.” Playboy Carti is easily one of the hottest on this list, with songs like “Magnolia” and “Woke Up Like This,” propelling his debut into most rap fans’ rotation. Madeintyo, Amine & XXXTenacion round out the rest of the list because of their appeal, popularity, and a hit song in Amine’s case.

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Now let the debating once again. Who got snubbed? There are a few obvious answers that could have been on this list. Signed to 10 Summers records, RJ has been dropping tape after tape for years and his debut album rang out just as hard. YFN Lucci has everything you need to be an XXL Freshman, such as popularity, radio play, features and good music in general. XXL noticed A Boogie but forgot about Don Q? Crazy. He’s had some of the best bars out of New York for sometime now. G Perico just dropped his excellent All Blue mixtape, and if anything it should secure him a spot on next years list. The greatest snub of all has to be Detroit’s Tee Grizzley. He has a bigger song than arguably anybody on this list, and dropped a tape after that which only took his buzz further. Of course no one can get everything all the way right, but leaving Tee Grizzley off was a big mistake, hopefully he gets the green light next year.

Expect the Freshman rollout to take place soon — this includes the show in NYC, the cyphers, and interviews getting to know the new guys. It’s always exciting to see who’s going to do what, and who takes off from the list. Where does this list rank against some of the old ones? Sound off in the comments below and stay tuned for more from the new Freshmen.

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The post XXL Unveils 2017 Freshman List appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Fabolous and Lil Uzi Vert link to bring us the visuals to “Goyard Bag” from Fabo’s 2016 Summertime Shootout 2 mixtape. Gerard Victor and Spike Jordan bring this Lyle Leduff, Keef Boyd, DJ Don Cannon production to life.

As of recent, Fabolous is gearing up to take his show on the road, kicking off March 2nd in Fort Lauderdale and then Fab joins Jadakiss, for their Freddy Vs Jason joined concert hosted by Dope Shows and then finally Fabo connects with 50 Cent, O.T. Genasis, Kap G, and Chris Brown for the Party tour.

This Brooklyn artist starting 2017 on the right foot and is staying busy, from new teeth to deli chips, it seems like this artist is having the time of his life. Look for this talented artist as he continues to push forward in 2017.

Check Out Fabolous’ “Goyard Bag” featuring Lil Uzi Vert.

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Atlanta’s own Kap G returns to the e-streets with his new mixtape, Real Migo Sh*t 3. Hosted by DJ Dynamite, the third installment in his successful mixtape series features a dozen tracks including the previously released “La Policia (Remix),” which led to an appearance on CNN to speak to Don Lemon about police brutality. Guest appearances and production come from a strong group featuring Ca$h Out, T.I., David Banner, Paul Wall, Young Chop, Trailer Park Legend, Go Grizzly, and others. “La Policia (Remix),” “El Chapo,” “Feeling Like The Sh*t,” and “St. Patricks Day” are essential listens that showcase the Atlantic Records signee’s skill at crafting catchy anthems with replay value. With a nice cameo in the summer hit movie DOPE and a new strong collection of music, 2015 has been a strong year for Kap and will likely get better.

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Georgia rappers Kap G and T.I. recently made an appearance on CNN to speak with anchor Don Lemon about the lyrics to their song, “La Policia.” The remixed track, also featuring rapper David Banner, speaks on the current national problem of the many deaths of blacks by the hands of police officers. The Mexican artist along with the Hustle Gang rapper defended their lyrics as not being ‘angry’, but serving the purpose of attempting to change the devastatingly unjust current events occurring today.

Check out the video of Kap G and T.I. speaking with Don Lemon below:

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