By: Sean2 Miles

LA based producer, songwriter and artist Sean2 Miles is the hidden musical gem the world deserves to know. Coming off the release of his highly anticipated Farmhaven album, he is proving to the world that he is musical gifted in many ways. His Mississippi upbringing has kept him grounded and humble allowing him to create timeless music that is influencing the masses.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the hotshot for a candid interview below. As he openly discusses working with Snoop Dogg, the inspiration behind Farmhaven and the importance of having creative freedom as a producer and artist, it is clear that he is destined to have a long lasting impact on the music business.

Sean2 Miles Interview

Respect: Who is Sean2 Miles and where did the name originate from?

Sean 2: Sean2 Miles is a country kid from the south, Mississippi to be exact. Sean 2 actually comes from my father as I am the second Sean. Growing up in Mississippi they always called me Sean2 Miles so I just kept my real name Sean2 Miles. 

Respect: As you previously stated that you are from Mississippi, how hard was it for you to make that transition into the mainstream music circuit being from such a rural area as MS is not known for music?

Sean2: Music in Mississippi to me is kind of like blues as it is home to American music. I feel like I had a clutch by knowing where I come from so when I got in the city, I just made sure that I worked harder than my opponents/colleagues. My work ethic is what got me in the mainstream music circuit.

Respect: When did you make the realization that you wanted to pursue a career in music?

Sean2: So I actually love Michael Jackson. Growing up I used to dance and wanted to be just like Micheal and I was also in the band. I grew up in the church with my mom playing a lot of instruments, so I always knew that music is something I wanted to do seriously as I have a real core passion for it.

Respect: As you have an impressive new album called Farmhaven, that came out recently, do you mind giving some more details on the unique sound you were able to create on this release?

Sean2: Yes. Shoutout to Jarius Mozee and Frank Knuckles from the Roots. I think what made this album so special is the fact that I kept it genuine to Hip Hop. I love Hip Hop and still wanted to groove having an aggressive feel, yet pleasurous all at the same time. Like adding elements of blues and jazz in the production was important as it is what I grew up on and what real music is all about. 

Respect: Why did you feel like it was important to pay homage to your hometown of Farmhaven as it is the name of your album?

Sean2: Because now I feel like it is a breaking point for me. I am at a breaking point in my career and in my life so this is what it is. I just wanted to let it be known where I’m from because it is history from here.

Respect: How important is it to you as an artist and producer to have creative freedom in the music business?

Sean2: It is very important to me to have creative freedom especially as a producer. I spent many years catering to artists and critiquing their sound. I understand the systematic side of it. Once I started producing for myself that is when the challenges started arising because I would be like “oh no I don’t like this” and delete what I was working on just like that. But I can produce someone else very easily. I finally got comfort with myself and that is where I am currently in life which plays out in my music. 

Respect: Someone else who has creative freedom over their music is West Coast legend Snoop Dogg. What was your experience working with Snoop Dogg as I know you had the pleasure of going on a mini tour with him?

Sean2: The experience working with Snoop Dogg was so real. I think Snoop is like one of my main idols growing up. He was always so smooth. So to actually be in the room with him, I knew I was supposed to be there. I was excited for a moment and then I got over it and said “look I’m here”. So I might as well play along with the game and bring excellence along with him and learn as much as I can, but truthfully it’s been good.   

Respect: Do you mind talking about the record you and Snoop have together came about?  

Sean2: So Poppa, CEO of Doggy Style and Snoop’s cousin, came into the studio with Kurupt, Krit and I and he just told me “hey maybe you should try and do a verse”. So I put my verse at the very tail end of the record we were working on. Then I got a call from Snoop, Poppa called me with Snoop on the phone saying “look cus yo shit is tight, put that s**t second verse”. So it was like for him to pay homage to my creativity was mind blowing. I didn’t even think much of it so when it happened I was grateful. Then we followed up with a video, then a tour and most recently a radio tour with Power 106 and 92.3. 

Respect: What is up next for Sean 2 Miles as you are a producer and artist?

Sean2: One thing that is for certain is that I will never quit my day job which is what I call producing. I will always be doing that no matter what! I will also be making a couple more appearances on Vanderpump Rules on Bravo. I made my first appearance on the new season in January, and am very excited about this season as it will highlight all of me. I do videos and a lot of other things that creativity will play out on the show. I am like a chameleon. I am all about ownership, so I own all of my own cameras and equipment and I am coming through with my brand 2 Miles Hit.  

Respect: What exactly will be your role on Vanderpump Rules?

Sean2: On the show I am producing three of the cast members. I am also showing off my video production on there. 

Respect: As you have been able to find success in the music industry, is there any advice you would offer to anyone looking to break into the mainstream music circuit?

Sean2: Yes definitely. Be very relentless. Don’t let anyone tell you what you cannot do and trust your gut and just do it! Never give yourself excuses. Me, I am a Gemini so I get in my own head and am my worst enemy. I’ll be damned if I let anyone else stop me.

Respect: How has it been for you living in LA and feeling the shifting of energy since Nipsey Hussle’s passing?

Sean2: So I actually worked with Nipsey back in 2010 as a producer. I actually got the chance to be with him in the studio and talk to him and Black Sam. Thanks to my father who put me in the room with them, as he is also from L.A. I am honored that Nipsey is still doing his thing and snagged his first ever Grammy Awards this year. I just hate it that he is not here to see how his music is shifting the culture.   

Be sure to tap all the way in with Sean2 Miles by following him on Instagram @Sean2miles ad streaming his Farmhaven album below.

The post Sean2 Miles Talks Farmhaven Album, Creating Music With Snoop Dogg & Creative Freedom In The Music Industry appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The legendary  Snoop Dogg kicked off his Birthday festivities with an exclusive show in Hollywood over the weekend. The “Doggfather” performed a medley of his greatest hits from his first iconic album Doggystyle through his current critically acclaimed album Coolaid. He delivered a high-energy show with live Hip-Hop band 1500 or Nothin, to a packed house at the famous SIR Studios on Sunset Boulevard.

Snoop, Ray J, Jackie Long & Friends

Kurupt, The Doggfather & Daz Dillinger

A bevy of industry tastemakers and celebrity guests including Kurupt, Chris Brown, Ray J, Omar Gooding, Anthony Anderson, LT Hutton, Big Percy and more were spotted partying it up.

Anthony Anderson and Omar Gooding

Big Percy, LT Hutton, Snoop, DJ Fink & Big Fred

The event was exclusively live streamed on AMAZON’s FireTV and marked the official launch of the new AMAZON-partnered network DECTV.TV with DJ FINK.

Ray J

Daz Dillinger, Ray J, Jackie Long & Lady of Rage

Actor/Comedian Anthony Anderson

The post Snoop Dogg Performs Greatest Hits at His Exclusive Birthday Show appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Vince Staples has returned with the follow-up project to his 2015 critically acclaimed debut, Summertime 06. The latest offering from the Long Beach native is the seven track EP, Prima Donna. Staples went on Zane Lowe‘s program on Apple Music’s Beats 1.  Check out a snippet of the conversation.

Prima Donna, from a first listen, is Staples continuing to develop his G-Funk inspired sound. On his new single “Smile,” Staples channels a more melodic flow than we have heard from him before.

“That money comes and go’s so money not my motive no more
I made enough to know I never make enough for my soul” – Vince Staples “Smile”

The one feature from this project  comes  from the Harlem prodigy A$AP Rocky on the EP’s title track.  Vince performance is exceptional on this record. Staples bars are t-shirt worthy, while A$AP lends his talents to the song’s bridge.

“I just want to be DaVinci baby
Why they wanna kill me baby?” – Vince Staples “Prima Donna“

“Pimp Hand” reeks of LBC influence that Snoop Dogg and Kurupt made famous. Coupled with the sinister production and Staples witty lyricism, it’s one of the best Staples tracks this year.

Prima Donna is a project that continues to keep fans of Staples happy while enticing new listeners at the same time.

Listen to Prima Donna here.

For more news on Vince Staples. Keep it locked on RESPECT.

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The post Vince Staples Releases New EP ‘Prima Donna’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

In his video for “NWA” Miguel links with Kurupt for a simple clip. The visual for the Wildheart cut follows Miguel as he travels to a location. The location proves to be the least important though, because the mystique he embodies becomes the main focus.

Watch the video below.

The post New Video: Miguel- “NWA” ft. Kurupt appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

After letting us know facades are a no go with “Something That You’re Not“, west coast legend, Kurupt drops his latest project Moon Rock. The Julio G hosted mixtape features AVLMKR, Wiz Khalifa, and a few others like Knotch and Too $hort. The mixtape also has a throwback Kendrick Lamar track “Kurupted” that has an authentic west coast sound. Catch the stream below.

The post New Music: Kurupt- Moon Rock Mixtape appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

 Polyester the Saint dropped his album P.O.P. earlier this summer and it was a true treat. Polyester has all the trappings of the classical Southern pimp persona – silky rhymes, smooth delivery, confidence – but without [most of] the characteristic misogyny. Plus he has an excellent ear for beats, especially if you like listening to music while driving.

A deluxe version of P.O.P. is dropping on August 20 with new songs, including “Late Night Dippin’ ” (Dam-Funk Remix) which features a new verse from Kurupt and a new, funky instrumental courtesy of Dam-Funk.  Listen to “Late Night Dippin’ ” below and stream P.O.P in full if you like what you hear (you will).

The post New Music: Polyester the Saint feat. Kurupt x Dam-Funk – “Late Night Dippin’ “ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Words by Ryan Reyes

Nowadays Tha Dogg Pound duo Daz Dillinger and Kurupt are much more likely to figuratively rat-a-tat-tat some raps on that ass than blast Gats. Kushtal Records had the opportunity to book Tha Dogg Pound for a show in Winnipeg. This was great news for rap fans. Especially for us older heads who grew up in the heyday of Gangsta Rap and the subsequent prominence of the popular West Coast rap movement that brought us N.W.A., Ice-T, Too Short, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Tupac.

We followed a couple ladies with legs-for-days (or should we say mini-mini-skirts?) into Stereo Nightclub. As we settled in we caught energetic sets from local rap crew Unity Sound Crew and Van City wordsmith Dilemma. Daz and Kurupt’s first few tracks paid homage to one-time Deathrow labelmate and D.P.G. affiliate Nate Dogg.

“Nobody Does It Better” and “Regulate” set the tone for the night. The crowd was already eagerly reciting lyrics word for word as G-Funk dripped from the speakers and the energy only heightened as popular tracks “Cali Iz Active” and “Let’s Play House” got a spin. These two are Tha Dogg Pound’s highest charting singles; #4 & #5 respectively, on the Billboard Rap Charts. Halfway through the set DJ Salam abruptly stopped the music for a memorable crowd-response question asked by Daz: “Do y’all smoke weed in Winnipeg?! We do in Cali every day!” The crowd roared in agreement, then Kurupt c-walked quite effortlessly to everyone’s amusement. Then “Ain’t No Fun” came on and once again West Coast rap karaoke was in session.

At one point Kurupt stopped the music to educate everyone about Daz’s underappreciated production prowess. He was responsible for production on several tracks off of Tupac’s acclaimed album All Eyez On Me: “Ambitionz Az a Ridah” and “I Ain’t Mad at Cha,” to name a couple. Let’s not forget that Kurupt was considered one of the most lyrical emcees from the West Coast. Their set concluded with snippets from the many tracks that they’ve been individually featured on, like “Got My Mind Made Up” by Tupac featuring Daz and “Housewife” by Dr. Dre featuring Kurupt. All in all, Tha Dogg Pound put on a solid rap show filled with familiarity and funk and explosive energy. Appropriately, they ended the night with a bang… “Xxplosive.”

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