Following last week’s release, “Fire,” Rhapsody is back, but this week she’s letting haters and challengers alike know that she’s going to have them all in their feelings with her new single,“Mad.” Produced by the Soul Council’s Eric G., the fiery track addresses the folks that aren’t so thrilled about the explosive and long overdue rise of Rapsody, taking for granted that the rise didn’t come easy. After almost a decade of hard work and grinding, Rapsody notices that people are beginning to treat her differently and lets them know she’s on to the game of deceit.

Rapsody lets loose as she spits venom to her peers mad at her moves, saying:

“Jamla is the squad and Roc Nation’s still the family, man / You mad you just a family guy, watchin’ real families, mad / The First Family love me, the President say he a fan / They mad that a Black President is the best President we ever had / Tell ’em why you mad, son.”

Although Rapsody came with the heat, she’s definitely not done yet. Less than 9 hours later she’s returned with the Ab-Soul-featured “2AM” produced by Khrysis and 9th Wonder. The soulful beat blares as two trade verses for nearly five minutes of the beat switching instrumental.

As if dropping two amazing singles weren’t enough, Rapsody’s website is showcasing a countdown indicating we are in for something big in less than 24 hours.

Listen to “2 AM” (via 2DopeBoyz) and “Mad” below:

https://soundcloud.com/jamlaarmy/rapsody-mad-produced-by-eric-g

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The post Rapsody Gets Vicious with “Mad”, Drops “2 AM” Featuring Ab-Soul [Listen] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

A lot of us were introduced to New York City emcee Pearl Gates from his records alongside Masta Ace, Wordsworth and Stricklin (collectively known as eMC for those asleep). This music thing comes more then natural to him, from nostalgic hooks and to just raw bars. Now Pearl announces his debut EP Diamond Mind, with featured artists ranging from Boldy James to Masta Ace. On the production side, Pearl canvases work from Khrysis, M. Stacks and other notable beat smiths.

Below is the new video for the EP’s title track, produced by Sirplus and directed by Damijin’ Myndz. “Diamond Mind” finds Pearl Gates‘ third eye vision sharper than it has ever been – reflecting hope, maturity, and tribulations used as hope darts in under three minutes over a beautiful backdrop. After you check the video out, be sure to get your hands on the free download of the track right below it.

Now would be a good time to remind you of his European tour alongside eMC’s The Tonite Show run overseas. Pearl Gates will be the opening act on the whole tour (11/20-12/05). He recently stated, “My debut EP release and first overseas tour happening in the same month. This is unreal. Can’t wait to put on for my city!” We can vouch that the amount of gratitude and appreciation he shows for his current standing in hip-hop is very much sharp. Perspective.

You can pre-order your digital copy now via iTunes and Amazon. Or for all of you physical junkies, the cd fixing can be ordered via Below System Records.

Peace and love.

The post Pearl Gates Announces Forthcoming ‘Diamond Mind’ EP appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The post New Music: Talib Kweli, Elzhi, and Phonte – “No Competition” (prod. Khrysis) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

In preparation for her upcoming EP hosted by DJ Drama, Rapsody dropped She Got Game‘s first single: “Everlasting.” The North Carolina MC comes correct as always but someone needs to turn the production by Khrysis up. The mellow boom-bap takes a back seat to thoughtful lines like “the idea of a genre doing more, bridging the continent / in concert, whether ign’ant shit or consciousness, they all feeling our confidence.” Listen below.

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

The Brooklyn-bred emcee Kil Ripkin got together with producer Khrysis on this track “Question.” It’s always a pleasure to get an offering from Khrysis–the production side of The Away Team–and this beat doesn’t disappoint. The North Carolina-New York connection is key on this record, but it doesn’t even touch that Khrysis feature on The Wonder Years. Nevertheless, this beat bangs hard. Be sure to check out the video below.

The post New Video: Kil Ripkin – Question appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The Away Team, AKA emcee Sean Boog and producer Khrysis, dropped a new record over the weekend titled, “What Is This.”  The duo is set to drop their album Scars & Stripes this Tuesday (10/11), but for now we’ll have to make due with this dope track.  Evidence hits up this smooth beat with Boog, and they take turns going in on Khrysis’ offering.  Only time will tell how the album goes, but we’ll keep listening if they’re dropping hot joints like this.  Check out the track below.

The Away Team feat. Evidence “What Is This” by duckdown

The post New Music: The Away Team ft. Evidence – What Is This appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.