Given what she put into writing Last Call, namely the emotional realness that permeates the record, it’s no surprise that Victoria was influenced by a range of artists including Rihanna, James Brown, and J. Cole. You can hear a similar range of styles and complexity on opening track “Honey,” a sticky-sweet tune produced by frequent collaborator LCS. They provided the production for several other standout cuts, including the confident “Airplane Mode (No Worries)” and raw “Tell Me That You Need Me.”

The remainder of Last Call boasts production from Movidos Por Games, Yonas-K, and Kevin Katana, the last of whom provided the beat for the superbly-gripping “Missed Call.” This track showcases Victoria at her best as she flaunts both her vocals and her rapping skills over a stunning instrumental. And like the rest of the EP, “Missed Call” is just that real sh*t.

After all, as Victoria tells it, her music is shaped by the life she lives. “I try never to do anything that isn’t right with my soul,” she says when describing her creative process. The world could use more artists who share that sentiment, but until that happens, we’re lucky to have Last Call to hold on to. Last Call is available now through all major digital retailers and streaming platforms via Supreme Regime, and can be streamed right here in its entirety, courtesy of RESPECT.

Smart URL: https://smarturl.it/lastcallep

Victoria Elizabeth:
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevictoriaelizabeth
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/thevictoriae
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevictoriaelizabeth
• Spotify: http://bit.ly/VictoriaElizabethOnSpotify

The post Victoria Elizabeth Delivers Intoxicating Debut Effort – ‘Last Call’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: Question

Toronto based Filipino rapper Question, has released a new visual for his “Last Call” single. As he is currently working on his forthcoming debut EP, this video could not have come at a better time.  This is the follow up to his “White Maserati” and “Alone” songs that have surpassed well over half a million plays.

On this release you will see Question changing beautiful sceneries as he raps about dripping so hard with swag. His amazing fashion sense and color scheme for this release, are some notable elements that stand out. This Toronto native does an excellent job bridging his creativity, talent and originality for his most popping release to date.

If you enjoy fresh, raw talent, you will love Question’s sound. “Last Call” is the perfect record to turn up to, and throw into a spring mix.

Press play below to stream the latest material from Toronto’s brightest rising stars.

Related Articles:

Toronto Artist Speng Drops Visual For “On God”

The post Toronto Rapper Question Releases “Last Call” Video appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo by Matt Salacuse

With all of the Kanye talk out there in response to Yeezus, it’s easy to lose track of history, especially as it relates to Kanye’s ego. Both fans and critics alike have claimed that Kanye has radically changed since the days of popped collars, teddy bears and backpacks. Those claims certainly have some merit, especially musically and stylistically, but in regard to Kanye’s ego, things have been relatively stable. Back in 2010, we interviewed photographer Matt Salacuse (RESPECT. Vol. 1 Issue 4) and referring to this photograph, he told us of his experience shooting Kanye back in 2004 during the promotion for College Dropout:

“This was for promotion of his first album, and even then he was egotistical. I shot this in seven frames, and this was the first frame. After I took it he was like, ‘What are you doing? I wasn’t ready!’ And unfortunately, during the other six frames, he wasn’t doing anything. They were just bland. And the record company used this one.”

And there you have it.  Kanye’s undergone a lot of change in 10 years, but his huge ego has been there since the beginning. Hell, on “Last Call,” Kanye brings it up himself: “They say you bougie, you big-headed/ Would you please stop talking’ bout how big my dickhead is.”

If you’re still not convinced, read the late Donda West’s book, Raising Kanye: Life Lessons From the Mother of a Hip-Hop Superstar. She dedicates an entire chapter to Kanye’s ego! So the next time someone laments (or praises) Kanye’s allegedly growing ego, tell them, “Shut the fuck up when you talk to me before Matt Salacuse embarrass you.”

P.S.

Read our Yeezus review.

And look out for our app. It’s coming soon to an iPad near you.

The post RESPECT. The Archive: College Dropout Era Kanye Gets Contextualized appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.