UTK, being from the same neighborhood as Nipsey, frequently crossed paths with Nip growing up but it wasn’t until 2018 when UTK won the Craft Syndicate / Dutch Masters Music competition in Atlanta, Ga. that the two actually got in the studio together.

The contest provided an opportunity for him to work closely with Nipsey and Zaytoven where the song “Hierarchy” was created. For the next few months after, up until the untimely death of Nipsey Hussle, UTK would soak up the “marathon mindset” which would set him in motion to create his most recent project, FGTBD2 (an acronym for Feels Great To Be Dope 2).

The single “NH” is by far one of the most emotional songs on the entire project where he uses his lyrical and storytelling abilities to convey a message of positivity and truth. The songs’ stand out hook cries “Pray For My Neighborhood” and was written as a double-entendre highlighting parallels to the life of Neighborhood Nip Hussle and the “hustles” we have to perform just to survive in our neighborhood.

Peep the visual below and stay connected with UTK for upcoming announcements and releases here.

The post Peep The Visual: UTK – “NH” (Official Nipsey Hussle Tribute Music Video) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

​After coming with the soulful “Take My Soul” (No pun intended), the newest representer of Leimert Park 23 year old Jamal Cristopher releases his 4th project titled “Take Me To Maryland.” The 7 song tape features production from Droyd, False Ego, and more. With Take Me to Maryland, Cristopher proves that their is a new voice in Leimert Park, adding his take on what it means to come of age in Leimert Park, Los Angeles, California through tales of college, love, and more.

The post Premiere: Jamal Cristopher – Take Me To Maryland appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.