Big Homie Stone by Isaac Styles

The climate of Hip-Hop in 2018 is vastly different than it was in let’s say… 2001. For example, Nas took almost 6 months to respond to Jay-Z’s chilling, “Takeover” diss and nobody faulted him for it. Instead, many — idiotic people — think Nas actually won the battle. Earlier this summer, when Pusha T let off his earth-shattering, “The Story of Adidon,” we weren’t willing to give Drake two weeks to answer. The moral of the story is, the attention span of the average Hip-Hop head in 2018 is fickle and it’s easy for an artist to be hot today and gone tomorrow, especially if they aren’t putting out consistent content.

Not Big Homie Stone. 

Despite everything I just described in the opening paragraph, Stone beat those odds. After staying dormant for more than a year — save for a few singles and guest appearances — following his highly acclaimed, PRMSLND debut, the Las Vegas general picks up exactly where he left off with his new EP, Don’t Know Don’t Kare.

Originally billed as BIGHOMIESTONE & said to be handled by one producer, Stone instead masterfully crafted a seven-track-EP handled by all Vegas producers that is sure to set him apart from the rest of the pack, both nationally and locally. With piercing lyricism to accommodate high octane melodic runs and action packed production, Don’t Know Don’t Kare is without a doubt Stone’s best work yet.

From the enigmatic intro, “Two Phone Stone” the Las Vegas native sets the tone for the rest of the project, creating a hard hitting, punch-line focused approach as opposed to the more groovy style he elected to go with on his debut. The project then perfectly bridges the gap between the first two tracks with a hilarious skit about buying weed, that’s so relatable, it’ll have you fuming that you didn’t think of the skit first. Standouts from this project include, “Like Me,” the ZOTiYAC assisted banger that’s sure to be a fan favorite, “Left Cheek,” a hook-heavy party anthem that gets straight to the point and “What Happened,” a cluster-fuck roller coaster ride that sees Stone leaving the melodies at home and instead spitting some of the best lyrics of his life, bar none.

Though the project virtually has no skips — an ode more to the strict track-listing than the content — without a doubt the best example of what’s to come from Big Homie Stone can be found in the single, “Private Show.” Released as the second single for the project, the song has no flaws. The confidence in which Stone exuberates over the Uli Cook Up production perfectly compliments his ever growing lyrical chamber as the IPMG member uses some of the best qualities he has to offer from his vast arsenal.

Check out, Don’t Know Don’t Kare below and be sure to keep an eye on Big Homie Stone, who has promised more content in the near future.

The post Rising North Las Vegas Star, Big Homie Stone Drops Off His Industrious New EP, ‘Don’t Know Don’t Kare’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Big Homie Stone, by Isaac Styles

Hip-Hop has many channels of communication, promotion and just overall song discovery, but perhaps most importantly is what comes from the strip clubs. Staples in cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles and Las Vegas have long been known to break records which makes sense why rappers would want to tap into that market. Never the one to miss an opportunity to showcase himself, Big Homie Stone (F.K.A. Kiari The Stone) delivers his new potential anthem, “Private Show.”

Set to the tone of ridiculous production by UliCookUp, “Private Show” sees Stone deviates from the Neo-Soul sounds of his debut album PRMSLND, & instead sees the Vegas native attempting to expand his horizons. “Man I’ve been in my bag with the strip club records lately,” Stone tells RESPECT. via text, “I’ve always told people I was gonna do a run of booty club music but I never did. I always made serious ‘Hip-Hop’ soulful shit, or whatever you wanna call it. But the 2007-2012 house party scene was so influential on everything I did, It’s like goin back to yo roots.” Stone continued, “Vegas don’t relate to everything but we relate to ratchet.”

The, “Wrong Reasons” rapper always explained his new name change from Kiari the Stone, which carried him thru his entire career, to Big Homie Stone, which represents the next chapter. “The new name is just a growth thing. I don’t even think of it as a ‘change’ it’s more like an evolution. Charizard to Charmeleon type shit. I ain’t even took my final form.”

Check out, “Private Show” below and be sure to keep up with Big Homie Stone, who’s currently in the middle of the IPMG Summer Tour with dates this month in Los Angeles on the 19th & 23rd.

https://soundcloud.com/bighomiestone/privateshow

The post Las Vegas Artist Big Homie Stone Announces New Name Change & Drops Off New Record, “Private Show” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Kiari the Stone by Isaac Styles

When it comes to being the top dog in today’s musical landscape, you’ve gotta be able to adjust. Sure, a certain flair or style of Hip-Hop might’ve been what you were into in that moment, but is that what your fans wanted? Sure, you went through that break up & made a beautiful R&B project, but what about that fan who aced his exams and finally bagged that shorty this week? Where’s his victory music?

After putting out a mildly successful debut album last year that focused on redemption, overcoming struggle and heart break, Las Vegas native Kiari the Stone cranks up the energy on his new single, “Thrilla.”

Produced by buzzing beatmaker Pgntllo, “Thrilla” is a high octane, incredibly enjoyable track that sees Stone taking on new melodies, lyrical cadences and topics. “Diamonds they dancing like Thrilla Manila, my main brown but my side bitch vanilla,” croons the Norf Town rep over Pigg’s entrancing synths and towering bass kicks.

Serving as the first single from Kiari’s upcoming EP, BIGHOMIESTONE, “Thrilla” is the perfect introduction into 2018 for Stone & plays as a nice welcome back after touring his album. Check out, “Thrilla” below and be sure to stay in tune with Kiari the Stone.

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The post North Las Vegas General Kiari the Stone Is Back With A Vengeance in New Single, “Thrilla” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo by Milton Amaya

Look, personally I’ve never seen the movie Vanilla Sky before. I’ve heard many things about it, both good and bad. To be completely honest, the closest tie I have to that movie is Kanye’s, “I felt like Tom Cruise on Vanilla Sky” shout-out on, “Through The Wire” and to be quite frank, I don’t rock with Tom Cruise. Something about 5’4, shaggy haired dudes defying the odds and doing bonkers shit doesn’t sit very well with me. So when Michigan City, Indiana native, and RESPECT. Favorite, Richie Bux announced his debut full length would be titled after the movie, I did some head scratching. Though the tape sounds nothing like what I imagine the movie to be — this is a good thing — Vanilla Sky provided a great look into the progression of one of Rap’s most exciting young guns.

Spread out among 13-tracks, Vanilla Sky (The Album) is a deep look into the ever-evolving mind of Richie Bux. One common criticism of the Indiana product was that he was on 10 24/7. Meaning that his aggression in his music could be seen as a turn off to the female demographic. Never the one to leave the ladies hanging, Bux improves on his Bedroom Music ability in real-time throughout the project. Songs like the buzzing single, “Closer” see him scratch the surface, albeit maybe a bit too obviously. The blatant Kush & Orange Juice theme speaks to the hungry passion Bux has to get better and he quickly realizes it on the standout tracks, “Love Letters” a BOOMIN’ jam about the limitations of your phone and “Addicted,” the Kiari The Stone and Todd Zack Jr. assisted joint that will most likely receive a bulk of the post roll-out love.

Photo by @thefuckerybruh

Though the tape has undisguised aspirations of connecting with women, the best love song probably won’t be received as such. On, “Runaway,” the Las Vegas transplant writes his chapter in the infinitely growing Bonnie & Clyde series; crafting clever tales about his girl being a ride or die to the fullest extent. Highlighting his creativity, Bux also demonstrates his ambitious wordplay on the Allen Iverson tribute, “Bubbachuck” as well as the dope-boy-anthem, “Get The Cake.” In short, Richie Bux demonstrates a potential on Vanilla Sky that is rarely seen among rappers in only their second year on the job. Personally, after this album, combined with the monster that was Early Infamy, which dropped during the 1st quarter of 2017; I believe that Richie Bux has had one of the best years out of any west coast underground artist, period.

Listen to the Audiomack stream of the album below and be sure to download it from MyMixtapez, which premiered it yesterday morning.

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RESPECT. The Track: Richie Bux – “Closer”

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The post Midwest Rep, Richie Bux Takes a Giant Step Forward on, ‘Vanilla Sky’. appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo by Milton Amaya for One Militia Records

Music has and will always be a facade. Especially Hip-Hop. Now, don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my genre with every piece of me; but it swallows up people whole without taking even the slightest of seconds to enjoy the taste. The music industry hardly eats for pleasure, instead constantly filling it’s belly up with naive hopefuls as if it were storing away food for some sort of musical hibernation. The game is fucked up and the constant marketing of this mythical “promise-land” that every rapper and their entourage consistently speaks about is playing right into the hands of, “the man.” But what if that promise-land isn’t mythical? What if, with enough drive, honesty, emotion and talent–we can reach this holy place. This is the notion that 20-year-old Las Vegas native, Kiari The Stone, seeks to explore on his fantastic debut album, PRMSLND.

Following the release of the Ish Himself proudced lead single, “Smile 4 Me,” Stone then followed up the jazzy track with, “Wrong Reasons,” a track that is already doing numbers on Audiomack, approaching the 12K mark, sounds as if Devon Miles from Drumline got cool with Redman and made a track with Miles Davis — yes, trumpeter, Fendi Sean, is that good. Although the singles were well chosen and cleverly calculated, the album cuts are what stands out heavily on this project. Stone showcases his stout versatility all throughout the album, simultaneously speaking on topics ranging from sunny Vegas days (“Summertime“), heritage (“Northside“), midget arms (“Anywhere“) and everything in between.

While the Norvis Junior produced, “In My Shoes” featuring an emotional cameo from Ali-47 is without a doubt one of my favorites; the two songs on the album that prove Stone is on to bigger and better things are, “Closer” and “No RZN“. “Closer,” the Cameron Love produced, groovy love-song; is a new look for Stone, but not for Love. Love, a respected producer in the Las Vegas area, shined on this beat, geniusly crafting wavy loops and hi-hat claps that had me feeling like I was listening to Kaytranada‘s eventual successor. (Side note: I was kidding Kay. Cam’s great, but we need you in the industry.) The song is so good, you find it hard not to play imaginary video-director, creating chic aesthetic visuals for the beautifully arranged track.

Photo by Milton Amaya for One Militia Records

“No RZN” is the one though.

In general, PRMSLND is an album that has no skippables and very little dull moments, but Stone knew what he was doing in saving this one for the end of the album. I haven’t heard this kind of blatant honesty from a rapper in a minute. Just read these lyrics to the chorus and try to tell me that a specific ex didn’t pop in your head:

I still think about the times you had my back and all the time we can’t get back,

Was it all for no reason? We got lost for no reason.

I be thinking ’bout the shit I put you through and all the love I gave to you,

Was it all for no reason? We got lost for no reason.

–  Kiari The Stone, “No RZN”

Quick, before you shed a tear and lose your train of thought, that shit was heavy right? It only gets deeper from there. Kiari bares all on this track, melodically switching from crooner to bonafide lyricist, touching on topics from pill addiction and empty promises, to finding yourself in a sea of confusion and mind-altering substances. In all, that seems to be the general theme of PRMSLND–an album that helps you realize all of your worst insecurities, only to help you overcome them.

Check out the Audiomack stream for, PRMSLND, below and be sure to buy a copy on Tidal, Spotify or iTunes.

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RESPECT. The Track: Kiari The Stone – “Wrong Reasons (Prod. By Blair Norf)”

RESPECT. Premiere: Kiari The Stone – “Smile 4 Me”

The post Las Vegas Native, Kiari The Stone Shines Bright on His Debut Album, ‘PRMSLND’. (Album Review) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo Credit: Milton Amaya

Motives and the people behind them are always a mystery. Now, there are for certain genuine, caring people out there who do selfless acts of kindness purely for the satisfaction–but for the vast majority, everybody has their motives. Especially in the music industry, where fame and the lure of cash often overshadow morality and self-awareness. Too many times have we seen artists come in, specifically in Hip-Hop, and be overwhelmingly more about the money, clothes and hoes than they are for the actual art. As of late, it’s something that’s not even being hidden anymore and artists — actually, people in general — are getting more and more boastful about doing it for the jewels and ignoring the rules. As 20-year-old Las Vegas native, Kiari The Stone puts it on his newest single, they do it for the, “Wrong Reasons.”

Produced by frequent Freddie Gibbs collaborator, Blair Norf — also a Vegas native — “Wrong Reasons” serves as the next single off of the highly anticipated debut album by Stone, PRMSLND, following the acclaimed, “Smile 4 Me,” which we premiered in April. Layered with thumping bass kicks that are perfectly complimented by One Militia rep Fendi Sean‘s ambitious live horn melodies, the track sounds like it could be also be the lead single for the Drumline remake — just playing, Nick. Leave that alone. Stone’s effortless imagery, “I watch him toast to God with a bottle of Hen/ He said that Jesus and Tupac died for our sins,” coupled with the stout production from Norf and live instrumentation from Sean, make “Wrong Reasons” an easy go-to for, “Next To Blow” lists and PRMSLND a must-listen for any doubters.

Listen to the new track below and keep your eyes peeled for, PRMSLND, out everywhere 7/7.

https://soundcloud.com/kiarithestone/wrongreasons

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The post RESPECT. The Track: Kiari The Stone – “Wrong Reasons (Prod. By Blair Norf)” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo by @miltonisbommb

If you’re still wondering if Las Vegas has a music scene outside of the glitz and glamor EDM lifestyle sold by The Strip, you haven’t been paying attention. Established cats like Dizzy Wright have made it normal to hear kids in other cities rapping about Sam’s Town & Budget Suites; while up and comers like Le$LaFlame, T.R@bb & Asaiah Ziv have all showcased flashes of the versatility in the cultural melting pot that is Sin City. Perhaps the most intriguing of the bunch is North Las Vegas native Kiari The Stone, who takes a more suave approach than usual in the new visual for, “Smile 4 Me.”

Originally titled, “Smile,” the song was featured on our With All Due RESPECT. list and received a bit of a regional buzz. Now revamped with auto-tuned ad-libs — that actually DON’T suck for once — and a new solo from featured Trumpeter Fendi Sean, the newly dubbed, “Smile 4 Me” boasts one of the more wavy videos to come out of the 702 in recent memory. Shot at, “the local neighborhood bodega” as Stone puts it, the video captures the Vegas essence down to a tee. From the slot machines at the front of the liquor store, to the “Welcome to Las Vegas” posters peeking out in the background, this video represents the city correctly.

“The idea was hella organic,” said the 20-year-old rapper to RESPECT., “I’m just always in that store to be real, so we had an idea to do a video where I was locked in there. The only thing better than being locked in a liquor store is to be in there with a lady. (laughs)”

When speaking on the feature, Stone had this to say, “The album, PRMSLND will be out before the summer. It’s definitely the most mature record that I’ve ever worked on. There’s a date out there if you can find it, but I’m not going to keep digging that hole, (laughs) but it’s coming within the next month.”

Check out the new CMDelux directed visual for, “Smile 4 Me” below. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for Stone, who’s slated to perform alongside Lil’ B, Xavier Wulf & Maxo Kream at JAMFest, May 13th, in Las Vegas.

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The post RESPECT. Premiere: Kiari The Stone – “Smile 4 Me” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.