From the pages of RESPECT. magazine. Issue #5. Derick G archive feature. 2011

Artists: Lil Wayne & Nicki Minaj

Date: February 2010

Location: On the set of “Knock Out,” Miami

 

“I’ve never even shot on film,” he says, laughing. “I’m the new breed. The last time I shot with film was in middle school.”

– Derick G

The post RESPECT. Photo of The Day: No WAYNE … No Gain. Photographer DERICK G is Cash Money appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

RESPECT. looks back at an excerpt  from Pamela Littky’s extraordinary work featuring Mr. Carter, that was showcased in RESPECT. in 2013.

Here’s a piece of Hip-Hop history!

LIL WAYNE

Los Angeles, 2007

“That was my second time working with him, and I honestly just love the shit out of him. He’s such a sweet guy, and super willing, and really fun. I really enjoyed that shoot. I went back and I was looking at all the proofs, and it’s so much…he’s just laughing, and you can tell we were having this really fun exchange.”

– Pamela Littky

Lil Wayne photos Copyright Pamela Littky. RESPECT. Archive, issue #15, published 2013

 

RESPECT.

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When FWA dropped, it was only available to stream on TIDAL. Now it’s up on both Spotify and Apple Music for the first time, but it’s arrived with a somewhat different tracklist. “He’s Dead,” the James Brown-sampling “I Feel Good,” “Without You” featuring Bibi Bourelly, and “Thinking Bout You” are missing. Originally released in 2015, the 15-song FWA — Wayne’s 11th studio effort — featured guest appearances by Wiz Khalifa, Young Jeezy, Cory Gunz, Black Uhuru’s Junior Reid and singer/songwriter Jake Troth. The re-release, which dropped today via Young Money Records/Republic Records, includes 13 of the original tracks, along with the bonus song “We Livin’ Like That.”

Stream Free Weezy Album below; it’s got appearances from Jeezy, Wiz Khalifa, Cory Gunz, Capito, Hoodybaby, and more, plus production from London on da Track, Infamous, Cool & Dre, and others.

https://open.spotify.com/album/2wVTLpA19kpk5qmkTASir0?si=ySg484igQHakhBVfs1wRbQ

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By: Cwilltooill

Texas rapper Cwilltooill returns to the music scene with dope new C.B.D. (Calm But Dangerous) project. As his southern roots plays out in every melody on this EP, you will hear Cwill’s original vocals reach new heights. As he discusses some of his life lessons, in a melodically pleasing way, his courage to be honest and raw separates him from the rest of the rising emcees in the game.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the southern rapper for candid convo centered around his C.B.D. release. Check out a short interview below and get to know San Antonio’s next big star Cwilltooill.

Respect: What city are you from/ where are you based now?

Cwill: I’m from Wetumpka, Alabama but I am currently living in San Antonio, Tx.

Respect: At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?

Cwill: While I was in college I fell in love with expressing myself. I had always rapped and I come from a musical background because of my brother and my father. So around the age 20 I knew I wanted more from music than just to put a few hrs a week in.

Respect: Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound
today? If so, how?

Cwill: Very much so! I’m from the country! You can hear it my lingo and you can feel it when I Touch a mic. I come from beating on a table in a lunchroom remembering songs and performing at talent shows. My mom used to wake me up to Rafael Sadiq and my pops was in a blues band and loved Jodeci. Then just being from the south in general has influenced me to always strive for substance in my
music.

Respect: How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with
you?

Cwill: I’m a mixture of Soulful Rap , Southern Hip hop and a hint of R&B. I don’t like to stay in a box and my vocal range is growing everyday so in my head the ceiling is limitless. I don’t mind talking my shit but I also don’t go full cap season in my music either. I keep it real and relevant. I talk about my relationships, my family, and really whatever is on my mind. I have my own studio so I’m able to record at-will really.

Respect: What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?

Cwill: Football ending did it for me. I graduated on a full scholarship playing football all in south Georgia until I had to give it up because of concussions. I remember not being able to sleep at night and staying up writing rhymes and mixing vocals. I realized how good my music was getting and the feedback I was receiving on my music in 2017-2018 solidified it for me. I knew what I wanted at that moment.

Respect: What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?

Cwill: I love creating new sounds and I’ve fell in love with performing. Music pays my bills and I’m about to break generational curses with my craft. I wake up inspired. Not everyday, some days are harder than others as a black man in america but hustle stays in tact. The faith I have in myself is what keeps me going. Well that and God reminding me constantly that this is where I should be spending my time and energy.

Respect: Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

Cwill: I’m a new found photographer and videographer. I have a photo studio and I write poetry as well. I’m also all into network marketing and I have merchandise I’m working on designing and printing everyday just adding new streams of revenue. Going back to network marketing though, one of my main hobbies is selling CBD Detox tea and other health and wellness products.

Respect: Who are some of your main musical influences?

Cwill: J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Deante Hitchcock, Big K.R.I.T. , Smino, Lauryn Hill,
Andre 3000.

Respect: What are some of your music career goals for the future?

Cwill: Win a Grammy. Chart a single and album (multiple)! I also see an international tour in my future. I’m already setting it up as we speak. I also want to make music with all of my influences. Another huge goal is to own my own label. And owning all of my masters for life.

Be sure to press play below to stream Cwilltooill C.B.D. (Calm But Dangerous) and follow him on social media @cwilltooill.

The post Texas Artist Cwilltooill Uses Music to Heal With C.B.D. (Calm But Dangerous) Release appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: CalebDoee

Rising emcee CalebDoee returns to the music scene with a fire new EP titled Test Drive. With a high quality sound  he is ready to show the world how musically gifted he is. Coming off of the release of his Test Drive EP, he is gearing up to have his most successful year yet. I had the pleasure of catching up with him for candid interview below. As he lends more insight about his passion for creating music, it is clear he is a star in the making. Check it out!

Caleb Doee Interview 

Respect: What occurred in your life to make you want a career in music as an artist?

Caleb: One summer I was in Chicago, my cousins showed me some music videos they did. I wrote verses all the time but I figured you had to be famous to rap. When I saw that, it became something I’d try after graduation. I didn’t go all in til 2017 though. 

Respect: What was the inspiration behind your test drive project?

Caleb: The projects I’ve had before were dark, filled with emotion but was something I had to get off. So I used the EP to show the lanes I’m in before the tape drops. More so showing what’s to come. I was too eager to be myself on a song with a clear head space.

Respect: How would you best describe your original sound?

Caleb: Sample heavy, instrument heavy, calm, peaceful vibes with some game to it. I write about what it is, what it was and what it’s about to be. That with the type of beats I like makes my sound different from what mainstream is. To me that’s the best thing about my music.

Respect: Who are some of the people who inspire you musically?

Caleb: I’d say Jay, Kanye, Wayne, Biggie, Drake, Ross, those guys. Rhyme schemes, flows, beat selection and demeanor during their runs gave me a different perspective on music. They put out the blueprint I use with everything I do music. My pops too, he did Jazz and piano when I was younger.

Respect: What was the inspiration behind your cover art for Test Drive?

Caleb: Quarantine I picked up DJ’ing and got familiar with older cars. 2 doors, gold rims, it gets deep. The one on the cover is my favorite; 73’ Lancia Stratos. The car is where I got the concept for the EP actually.

Respect: What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

Caleb: People don’t know I’ve been rapping since elementary school. I used to write love letters to girls back then, started battling at lunch and football games in high school. Took some music classes my last two years but I put it down for a while.

Respect: Where do you see your career in five years?

Caleb: Hard to say, somewhere taking care of my family, still making music. Showing love, teaching what was taught to me. Honestly that’s all I can ask for. Putting everyone around me in the best position they can be in.

Be sure to press play below to stream CalebDoee’s Test Drive EP.

The post CalebDoee Talks New EP Test Drive, Musical Influences, & Ways He Is Staying Creative During Quarantine appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: Yung Zu

Atlanta rapper Yung Zu returns to the scene with his new single titled “Fire“. As he has captured the attention of his whole city, his authentic sound reaches new heights like never before. With the support of Atlanta music legends such as Usher, T.I., 2 Chainz, and Hip Hop super producer Jermaine Dupri, Zu has put in the work to be respected as a contender in the Hip Hop game.

Produced by June James(June The Jenius) and LilJuMadeTheBeat, this record solidifies Zu as one of the hottest newcomers in the game. His Atlanta upbringing and southern roots play out in his raw lyrical prowess. In the video, you will see this young rapper partying in a warehouse surrounding by beautiful woman playing with fire. One element of this release that is most notable is the shot of Zu walking out of a house burning and grass burning. That scene gave the song a more authentic feel.

You will hear this emcee say things such as “I’m lit you better not play with me I keep the K on me, cook a n***a  a** up like hibachi, I swear I’m on fire be hot like an arson”. His conscious tongue over trap beats, is a big part of why is original sound is reaching new heights in 2020.

Being heavily influenced by Hip Hop icons Jay Z, Lil Wayne, and Master P, Zu is on path to one day join the ranks of some of his favorite musical artists. “Fire” is proof that he has what it takes to make it big time in the music business.

Press play below to view Yung Zu’s newest video for his “Fire” single.

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Image credit: Multi Alumni

Come July 12th, the world will finally get their hands on Big K.R.I.T.‘s forthcoming album K.R.I.T. IZ HERE, which is set to feature 19 new tracks and features from J. Cole, Rico Love, Yella Beezy and more. Today, we get to check out another cut from the project titled “Addiction,” which features assistance from Lil Wayne and Saweetie. The song was premiered via Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 radio show, where K.R.I.T. explains its creation:

“We were actually in L.A. last year. I got in the studio to work with Rico Love. He executive produced the album along with my manager, Dutch. And so Don Corleon did the beat, Rico was vibing and came up with the hook concept. And then it was like a challenge for me, just the different groove, you know what I’m saying, different vibe with the record… We was able to get Wayne on the song, right? And then Rico was in the studio with Sweetie, and then we was able to get her on the record, and then it just became this monster that it is now. And I’m still being my country self, you know what I’m saying? But experimenting with different cadences and ways just come off that people might not be used to, but I’m excited about that.”

Enjoy “Addiction” below and pre-order K.R.I.T. IZ HERE…here.

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The post Big K.R.I.T. Delivers New Single, “Addiction” (Feat. Lil Wayne & Saweetie) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.