All this talk about hip-hop isn’t worth much right now is insane. I even heard a music studio engineer say this wasn’t a good year for hip-hop, he’s buggin’… It’s been a great year for the music, regardless of the poppycock mainstream hits that flood radio, especially when cats like Open Mike Eagle is out here putting in work. After seeing him perform last year at NYC’s Gramercy Theater, I was converted into a believer that the new school has some shining students of the movement.

OME is one of the few that are all about witty lyrics with a wealth of knowledge nudged within them. Plus he makes beats on stage and rhymes to them, but on “Late Show” he enlists the services of dope producer Exile (of Blu and Fashawn fame). Get his Dark Comedy album on iTunes and follow his schedule as he gears up for his first Euro tour in the coming months.

The post New Music: Open Mike Eagle “Late Show” prod. Exile appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo by Lexi Tannenholtz/RESPECT.

After multiple world tours, Theophilus London performed in his most intimate venue yet this Wednesday, celebrating The Blue Note Jazz Festival at The Blue Note Jazz Club. As a crowd of older audience members drank beer and ate steaks, London, backed by the up-and-comers Phony PPL, played a tamer set, adjusting the live show to fit the setting. Still, in true TL concert fashion, there was one rowdy table of some “day one fans” who just couldn’t help but dance. We caught the later, 11:30pm, show (because we’re cool like that) and snapped some pics so you could pretend like you were there too.

Photo by Lexi Tannenholtz/RESPECT.

Photo by Lexi Tannenholtz/RESPECT.

Photo by Lexi Tannenholtz/RESPECT.

Photo by Lexi Tannenholtz/RESPECT.

Photo by Lexi Tannenholtz/RESPECT.

Photo by Lexi Tannenholtz/RESPECT.

The post Exclusive Photos: Theophilus London at The Blue Note Jazz Club appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.