By: Teenear

The post Songstress Teenear Fights The Power With New “Free” Single appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: The DJ Grid

Driven by a warm and mutually supportive base of music fans, The DJ Grid has proved to be a blend of top notch creators, celebrity DJs, and music executives under one roof. With a network that produces millions of impressions monthly, The DJ Grid uses modern methods and cutting edge technology to distribute and promote each body of work. 

The DJ Grid is mostly known for their popular compilation series which has dominated the Billboard charts numerous times. They’ve broken records for stars like Missy Elliott, Cam’ron, Sean Kingston, Lil Baby, Ed Sheeran, Damian Marley, and Sean Paul just to mention a few. The DJ Grid has previously released three #1 Billboard albums – including Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica, Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica (Deluxe), and Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica (Reloaded). They’ve also had Top 25 Billboard charting success with their World Hip Hop Compilation series – World Hip Hop Unleashed Vol. 1 & Vol. 2.

The 50/50 album by The DJ Grid was released 4/20 on Walmart.com exclusively and sold out in 24 hours. The coalition linked up with various artists to drop this collaborative album, 50/50. The album was first announced in early 2020 and was distributed three months later. The 50/50 album consists mostly of Hip Hop and Rhythm & Blues songs and the 20-track project marks The DJ Grid’s return, following a short absence in terms of albums releases.

By: The DJ Grid

The 50/50 LP features headliners like Twista, Lauryn Hill, C-Murder, Cuttboy G-Dinero, JonBlaze, Chris Brown, Beadz, Quavo, Gunplay, RedrumSociety, Avatar Frost, Kali Ranks, Sunshine Blues, FLO, KC Da Beatmonster, and more. “This album is on track to be one of the industry’s most anticipated albums.” says the head A&R of Predicted Platinum Records, DJ Choice. The 50/50 compilation can currently be purchased in CD format at Wal-Mart, Kmart, and Sears. The star studded album was physically distributed by Predicted Platinum Records (A sub-label of Amada Records).

The post Hot New Album 50/50 by The DJ Grid Sells Out in 24 Hours appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

We all have our own ways of coping with the quarantine that our world is currently facing. For some people, it’s working out on a daily basis, it may be comfort cooking or trying a new hobby such as quilting. Others have turned to the latest dance craze on Tik Tok or finally putting together that business idea that’s been waiting in the wings.

For the creatives of the world, this has become an unprecedented time to work on their craft. Normally, we’d be deep into social events, album releases, day parties, studio sessions, filming, editing processes and so on but as of now, everything is on pause. Using this time to foster those creative ambitions for a new flow or to connect with other artists to work on features while getting the business side of things handled can all be taken care of now that everyone has the time.

To be more specific all of those things hold true for a bright young star that goes by the name TheHxliday. Born in PerryHall, Maryland, the Hip Hop crooner has garnered over 10 million streams following his latest release ‘Broken Halls’ and has worked with producers Twice As Nice, Danny Wolf, Internet Money, Sledgren and Young Kio.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-fZhyzlK40/

Currently quarantining in Chicago, I was able to catch up with him on “The Alternative Road Podcast” and discuss a swarm of topics starting off with his quarantine and what he’s been doing during this time:

Really I’ve just been listening to all my music…it’s just been a lot of music tho, I’m not even gonna lie to you it’s about like 500 songs in the vault I’ve been listening to.

Aside from listening to his 2pac vault level of music he’s been staying on top of keeping the essentials needed to last him the oncoming weeks inside:

I’m set (with Ramen Noodles) for the next couple of months…I’ve got some chiken, some chili, and some shrimp.

With enough Ramen to last him the entirety of quarantine, it seems TheHxliday’s fans may be in for a treat if and when he decides to release more songs from his vault. A song most of his fans may be familiar with now “Save Me”, had its own video snippet appear on his Instagram page not too long ago.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9m041wFa25/

The question was posed and TheHxliday was pretty tight-lipped as to not give away any of the details. Yet, we were able to pull from him a couple of things that pinpointed the inspiration behind the song, the same ex-girlfriend from his viral hit “Enemy”:

That was actually around the same time (as “Enemy”). Look, I promise you half the songs you’ll ever hear from is about the stories from us. I have about 3 main exes that I talk about in my music but she is most of them. Almost all of them. And “Save Me” was around that time where I felt like, I didn’t want to talk to anybody or trust anybody or anything. It just had me really isolated. So at that time I made that song I was sitting in my room and I was just in the moment. I wasn’t expecting it to be such a pop sounding song though which is crazy.

When pushed a tad more, I was able to get a time frame for when this video will be released:

Not a certain date yet but certainly in the next week, week in a half. Or possibly two, two because I have a Lyrical Lemonade interview coming out right before. Once that interview comes out, it’ll be right around the corner.

Again this quarantine time is ripe for artists to be able to connect with fans and specifically other artists to make collaborations that may have been impossible due to their busy schedules. In speaking about a few features he’ll release for his fans during 2020, TheHxliday had this to say about future collabs he has Cowboy and Lil Baby:

It’s definitely going to be for the summer. I promose you that. It’s gonna heat up the summer.

While it may seem as if TheHxliday has already given so much, and has even more stored away in his vault, he also touched upon ideas on a ‘Dead Life’ album that he’ll chip away at:

It’s funny in how I just explained, you know the problems of my ex I told you about and eveyrhting and this first album is gonna be like, that whole story and summing it up so that I can move on and talk about the next siuation. This album is like a story all together. I’m calling it ‘Dead Life’ it’s like a play on words…it’s funny because I dyed my hair specifically for the meaning behind it. I had like green and red dreads. I have one green dread and one red dread and the green dread symolizes life and the red dread symbolozies death and everything. What that means is a part inside of me is kinda dead and green symblizses a part of life coming back inside of me. I feel like I’m finally moving on and coming out of that situaion. But it’s going to be that one bit of memory and everything. So that’s what I’m feeling right now. I’m putting a lot of thought into it and I don’t really have a release date or anything for it. It’s funny because a lot of fans and eveyrhting they catch onto that without me even telling them, it’s crazy.

The Alternative Road Podcast

Make sure to keep checking back to RESPECT.Mag for more TheHxliday and #TheAltWithMel news!

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The post #TheAltWithMel: TheHxliday Talks “Save Me” Video, Dead Life Album, songs with Lil Baby & more! appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

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Brazilian Multi-platinum producer, João “JD On Tha Track” Duarte, is a hitmaker influencing the hip hop game in a major way. Backed by Sony Music Entertainment his distinct sound has afforded him the opportunity to collaborate with music hotshots such as Lil Tjay, Polo G, Gunna, Lil Baby, NBA Youngboy, and Rick Ross to name a few.

I caught up with the hitmaker for a candid interview, as he openly discussed transitioning to America, creating hits with Lil Tjay and having an original sound. Check it out below!

JD On Tha Track Interview 

Respect: Who is JD on the Track?

JD: Just a person that had a dream to become one of the greatest producers ever. I’ a person who made it out Brazil that wanted to change the world in a positive way, being a motivation to people and someone to help people through music. I want people to feel my beats in their hearts and souls and change their lives for the better.  I want to my music to make people’s day. I want to change the world. I want to be the best producer ever.

Respect: When did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music as a producer?

JD: I realized around 2011 when I was listening to Wiz Khalifa’s  “Cabin Fever” album or something like that and I told myself,  “I want to be apart of this” because when I saw the producing credits of the producers, I knew I wanted to make something like this. So that is when I first realized, I wanted to do that. 2012 was the year I actually started making beats. I always loved music.  Since I was a kid, I always listened to Eminem, 50 cent, Akon, The Game, everybody back in the day. I always had that passion for music especially Rap and Hip-Hop.”

Respect: How did you get your start in the music business? When did you catch your break?

JD: I think it was when TJAY dropped “Brothers” and that song started doing well. After “Pop Out”, everything was getting better.”

Respect: Do you mind giving some insight on what it’s been like working and creating with Lil Tjay?

JD: We the got chemistry. Since I met him, we just kept going hard. We have so many songs that are not even out yet and every song that we have could go platinum. Every song that we have a good response from the fans and everybody.

Respect: How does it feel like having a record charting on billboard at the number 11 as one of your major accomplishments?

JD: It feels amazing. Just a blessing.

Respect: How has being a multi-platinum producer changed your life?  

JD: It changed my life on how I see things. I have become so mature. I have learned so many new things.

Respect: As you are a producer who has found your way in the industry, how would you best describe your production style?

JD: I think my production style is melodic with some hard drums. It’s very unique. When people come to me, they want that “JD on the track” style. When they hear it, they will know it is me on the beat once my tag line drops on every song. That is really important for a producer. Producers need to have their own sound and style.

Respect: What prompted your move to America from Brazil as you have recently relocated?

JD: I have only been living in the US for 3 months. Music made me move to the US to pursue my dreams and goals. Respect: What is up next for JD on the Track as the new year is underway, and what are you most excited about in 2020?

JD: I have a lot of songs with a bunch of new people. I am not going to disclose any names but it is a lot of people and you all will see when it drops. You can expect so much more hard work, many more plaques, and an album. I want to drop an album with all my producing credits. You can expect a lot from me in 2020.

Respect: What prompted your move to America from Brazil?

JD: I have only been living in the US for 3 months. Music made me move to the US to pursue my dreams and goals.

Respect: How have things been since moving to America?

JD: It was tough in the beginning but after a while, I have definitely gotten used to it.

Respect: What advice would you give a person looking to break into the industry as a producer?

JD: Just keep going hard. Keep doing what you doing. Do not listen to what anyone has to say about it. Do not lose faith. Just keep going, no matter what.”

To learn more about JD On Tha Track and his future success, be sure to follow him one social media @jdonthatrack.  

The post JD On Tha Track Talks Being A Hitmaker, Working With Lil Tjay & Transitioning To America appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

It arrives fresh off his co-sign from rapper T.I and ahead of his forthcoming debut project. Personal Problems is slated to drop in February and Big Havi will be on tour with Lil Tjay very soon. Check out the remix below.

The post Lil Baby Hops On Big Havi’s “9 Times Out Of 10” Remix appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.