Fresh, vibrant and talented are just some of the things that can be said to sum up Brooklyn, New York artist Leaf, who is surely making her presence felt in a major way throughout the industry. Leaf gives off an unforgettable vibe that shines bright. She’s also heavily backed by fan favorite record label Fools Gold, headed by the influential DJ A-Trak. Leaf is a new age progressive rapper/singer who is definitely bringing the important message of empowerment to the forefront for all, making Leaf a true staple for the culture in the years to come.

The first time I heard Leaf, I was instantly drawn to her music, from the beat selection to the stories she told. I thought this artist was a true standout, so it was (and still is) an honor to catch up with the artist for an in-depth interview. During the connection, she discussing her Brooklyn background, her new album Trinity and her process throughout, along with a few other important topics. Let’s get to know Leaf.

RESPECT.: Hi Leaf, thank you for meeting with us. How’s your day going so far? What are you up to?
My day is going really great! I’ve just been rehearsing all day, working on my building and writing my amazing newsletter!

RESPECT.: Recently, you’ve released a new album titled Trinity that seems to be doing very well. What was the process like for you working on this project and ultimately what did you want your listeners to take in from this body of work?
The process was a long 2 years in the making –- really enjoyed making the project because of the opportunity to grow as an artist and grow as a woman. I got to learn a lot about myself and learn about the music that I was making.

I really wanted listeners to get another piece of me; I can be a little mysterious at times and not too vulnerable. I really wanted to open up and give my fans a moment of my story that they can connect to by showing them who I am a little bit more.

RESPECT.: What were some of your main influences while working on Trinity and what is the story behind the album’s title?
Hmm, main influences, not necessarily an artist…I was more inspired by surroundings. Coming from NYC to living in ATL then moving to LA, meeting the people through my journey, moving through the moments of my life and gaining perspective while becoming who I am today really inspired the project. I wouldn’t say it is anybody in music or any person who I idolize, because I like a lot of music that doesn’t specifically pertain to [my own].

The story behind the title Trinity: number of creation (3), there are 3 trimesters in the birth cycle, you could survive for 3 minutes without air before dying, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food and 3 months without shelter. I just wanted to play with that connection between life and death. 3 is symbolic for creation and women are creators. Wanted to embody female empowerment and what it means to be a creator or creative who puts their gift into the world.

RESPECT.: Sorry to be cliché but my two favorite tracks on Trinity is “FWM” and “The Weekend”; the tone of these songs — alongside the vibes and your voice on the track — are perfect standouts for me. What’s your favorite (or what are your favorites) from this project and why?

It’s really funny you say that! I don’t have a specific fave but those are definitely 2 of the records I love a lot. The songs that I’m most focused on right now are “FWM,” gimme some, & I really like the weekend, too. A lot of people like that song which is really dope. & I really like the feedback on that song because I don’t show that side of me often. It makes me feel pretty vulnerable – in that state with a guitar being raw like that. Something I don’t show a lot of people it’s a part of me that I try to keep secretive I’ve been doing it for so long now – playing guitar since 14 & singing since before that – that I’m just happy that people really like that piece it means a lot to me.

RESPECT.: As you grow as an artist making waves through the music industry, how important is it for you to keep embracing the NYC underground culture/sound that you grew up in and around?
Coming from New York — growing up in New York — that’s something I can’t really get rid of, no matter if I’m at the top of the world, Dubai, or Paris for months, I’m never gonna get rid of the New Yorker in me. I’ve been living in LA on and off now for like 3 years [and] I don’t really feel like [the New York in me is] gonna ever go anywhere. My accent isn’t all the way there (even though when I do go home it comes back immediately)…I just feel like for me, New York is who I am –- that’s not something that I can take out of me. To incorporate it in my music, I don’t think it’s something I think about its something that effortlessly happens.

RESPECT.: So I see you just did something with the major brand Forever 21. How did this come together for you and what was like working with them?
The most dope thing about my brand collaborations is that they are extremely organic. Forever 21 hit me up on Instagram, they liked my music and what I stood for. When they asked me to be a part of their campaign, for me, it was a dream come true. As a young girl, it was always a goal and a dream of mine to work with Forever 21 while being able to reach young girls simultaneously. I am just extremely proud and honored to be a part of something so major and it’s been exciting continuing to build my relationship with them.

RESPECT.: Lastly, what can we look forward to seeing from Leaf in the upcoming months?
What’s next? Definitely more campaigns –- Trinity just dropped so continuing to push that and work on that. Maybe some more videos, more performances and touring, my newsletter, new merch and much more to come soon!

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The post RESPECT. Interview: Brooklyn’s Own Leaf Talks About Her Debut Album, NYC & More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Brooklyn’s own, singer/songwriter and rapper, Leaf aka ItsMeLeaf is a breakout star who is quickly rising. Leaf is a strong female who is making her vibes felt while pushing forward with her powerful message of empowerment that can be heard throughout her addictive music. Leaf is backed by The Brooklyn based independent label, Fool’s Gold and she isn’t wasting any time adding her favor to the established label.

As of 2017, this young talented artist is working hard and making moves while putting the final touches on her upcoming album, Trinity.  From her empowered “Nada” single featuring Lil Yachty to her most recent single, “FWM,“ Leaf is proving her consistency with quality work.  Take a listen to “FWM” below and keep up to date with Leaf on her SoundCloud: ItsMeLeaf.

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The post Get to Know Brooklyn’s Very Own Leaf appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

*** Stop right here if you have not seen Sunday’s episode. MAJOR SPOILERS, OBVIOUSLY***

Sansa meets up with the traveling time wizard himself, Little Finger (does he have a G6 somewhere? how does he move so quickly?) and rips him a new one for handing her over to Ramsay. In hopes of keeping his head, Petyr offers up some news regarding The Blackfish aka Uncle Brynden Tully and his army. Just what the Starks need in order to regain Winterfell. Here’s hoping “The North Remembers.”

Arya Stark continues to get beaten with a stick for the 5^th straight episode. She may be suffering from severe neurological damage at this point along with the emotional damage she received this episode after having to watch her family’s tragic end turned into sport. Arya also does some re-con and discovers how to kill Lady Karen and gets some shade tossed her way courtesy of Jaqen H’ghar.

Speaking of shade throwers, Lord Varys was slaying Kinvara left and right. You know it’s bad if Tyrion is trying to reel it in to keep the peace. Kinvara takes a crack at Varys and quickly silences him when she mentions someone speaking to him after his member was thrown into the fire. What we all want to know is who spoke and what did they say? According to the priestess Daenerys is the one who was promised. What about Jon? Melisandre claims he is the one who was promised, although she was wrong before (R.I.P. Stannis). More evidence pointing toward the R+L=J theory. This can’t be just a coincidence. Sidebar — how many people are in this Lord of the Light cult?

Euron Greyjoy returns to claim the Salt Throne going up against his niece Yara. He wins the majority vote and is drowned and revived to become the Salt King. Continuing on his familial murder streak he asks where his niece and nephew are so that he can murder them. Luckily, Yara and Theon escape with a fleet and some back up. Euron then asks all the iron born to build him a fleet of 1,000 ships in hopes to woo Daenerys and make her his bride and simultaneously kill his kin along the way.

The Queen of Mereen finally welcomes back Jorah with open arms only to discover his grayscale. Jorah goes on to tell his Khalessi that he loves her and always will to which she demands he find a cure, heal himself and return to her as she will need him by her side when regains her kingdom.

While on the subject of unrequited love, Tormund’s quest to melt Brienne’s icy exterior continues. He’s got it bad and she knows it.

Damn you Bran! Damn you to hell! Didn’t you ever hear of the saying curiosity gets you marked and all of your friends killed? What in the name of The Seven Gods made you think that:

1. You could touch that tree and warg by yourself?
2. That you should walk toward the army of the dead?
3. That approaching The Night’s King would be smart?

The White Walkers have no chill. They murdered the very people that created them (Leaf & The Children). The Children’s exploding fireballs did not in the least bit phase them, even with Leaf’s I Am Legend style sacrifice. They walked through the flames like:

Not only did Bran get Leaf and all The Children killed, he also got the Three-Eyed Raven slaughtered by The Night’s King and his ice machete. Now Bran is the three-eyed raven. However, this was not the most depressing scene of the night. We now know what Willis was talking about. Hodor = Hold The Door.

Sacrificing himself in hopes to save Bran, Hodor uses his body to barricade the door whilst getting gnawed on by the undead. He died honorably and gracefully without gore. May he rest in peace.

Next time on Game of Thrones:

Bran and Meera are still running, very poorly might I add, from The Night’s King and his army

Samwell returns home

Margaery prepare to purge for her sins

Cersei and Jamie retaliate

Daenerys sets out to take back what is hers

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