Photo Credit: @CharlieMurphy

April 12, 2017 will forever go down as a day of sadness for me and I’m sure for most of America over the age of 22. Normally, I take this time to crack jokes and recap the week in Hip-Hop but not today. Today, we lost a legend. Not just any legend, but the man known as Charlie Murphy. Growing up, the Chappelle Show was a staple in my household. Sketches about black white supremacists and player-haters constantly blared through my TV set but they all paled in comparison to Charlie’s True Hollywood Stories. Throughout these sketches, Charlie hilariously recapped – probably – highly exaggerated stories about encounters with superstars like Rick James and Prince. Although Charlie never played the stars in either sketch – Dave cemented his status as GOAT with these – his commentary about Prince serving pancakes, Rick James digging his dirty boots in Eddie Murphy’s coked out couch and much more captivated me as a kid and carried me throughout my adolescent years where Charlie was prevalent in my favorite TV shows and movies like Roll Bounce, The Boondocks, embarrassingly my favorite, Norbit. Long story short, Charlie was way more than just Eddie’s brother and he should be remembered as such. Maybe he wasn’t as popular in the mainstream as say Kevin Hart, Katt Williams or even his mega-star brother, but that shouldn’t determine his worth as a person, nor his talents as a comedian/actor. I can go poll 10,000 Hip-Hop fans right now and ask them if their more familiar with Flo Rida or somebody like Shyne and I guarantee you that Flo Rida garners more, “Oh yeah, I know that guy!” answers than the man who took the rap for Puffy. What I’m trying to say is popularity doesn’t determine talent, nor should it determine respect. Sharing a similar sentiment, it’s with heavy hearts that we present you this week’s With All Due RESPECT. featuring buzzing Chicago artist Smino, Brooklyn native Stro and more. Rest in peace Charlie Murphy and may your legend forever live on. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Photo Credit: @iamjmsn

JMSN – “Drinkin'”

Soul music as a genre is greatly underappreciated, especially to this Millennial generation. No, I’m not talking about Bryson Tiller’s “trapsoul” ambient style of music that’s defining new age R&B. I’m talking about whiskey-infused, gut-wrenching, good ol’ genuine soul music, sh*t that comes from the heart.  Sure, there are nostalgic, 90’s obsessed 20-somethings who still go back and revisit old Luther Vandross tracks for kicks, but is there a new torch bearer for the new school? One name that comes to mind is Memphis native Leon Bridges who, in 2015, released one of the best vocal albums in recent years, but he’s been pretty dormant since then and didn’t quite reach the masses like I thought he would. Enter in Michigan native JMSN, who writes, produces, and engineers his own music. He is also the man behind one of the most soulful, buzzing songs on the internet in, “Drinkin’”. Staying true to the title, JMSN sticks to the topic with lyrics like, “I’ve been drinking, thinking about that high, like a warm slice of apple pie,” & “Just cause you’ve got a preconceived notion of what I should do, don’t mean it’s the truth./ I’ll keep drinking all the time,” draped in an emotionally fervent falsettos, and at times, a smooth baritone approach that diverts from his normal range. To put it plain and simple, JMSN has the potential to impact the soul genre on the mainstream level. At first listen, artists like Sam Smith, Justin Timberlake and even Robin Thicke warrant a quick comparison to the East Coast native, but diving in deeper, it’s obvious that JMSN is in a creative realm that’s all his own. Check out, “Drinkin’” below and be sure to keep an ear on JMSN

Photo Credit: @loU_pHELPs

Lou Phelps – “Last Call (Feat. Bishop Nehru)”

Unless you’ve been under a rock for the past 12 months, you’re aware of who Kaytranada is. Kaytranada, aka the Canadian-born producer/DJ who is behind some of last year’s BEST production – Mick Jenkins, Anderson .Paak, etc. – and is the mad scientist responsible for, in my opinion, the best album of 2016 in, 99.9%. Yeah, that Kaytranada. Well it seems that the, “Lite Spots” producer might have some competition… In his own family! Checking in next on the list is Kay’s younger brother Lou Phelps, who establishes himself as more than just a family affiliate with the hard hitting track, “Last Call”. Coming in off of his recently released, 001: Experiments mixtape, “Last Call” is a melodic, funky self-produced banger who’s chorus – and the aesthetic in general – seems to be inspired by the Kanye West classic by the same title. While Phelps makes his mark on this track, he takes a backseat – almost intentionally – to the show-stealing verse put forth by New York native Bishop Nehru. Nehru, known for having some of the best lyrical 16s in the world, fails to disappoint and lives up to his hype, and then some. Nehru uses the power of alliteration with stanzas like, “They’re irrelevant and out of my element,” while flexing his word play and sports knowledge with lyrics like, “Like Kansas City, I’m Royal.” I’m not sure who thought combine Phelp’s industrial, drum heavy production with Nehru’s sniper-like precision on his rhymes deserves an underground Grammy. Check out, “Last Call” below and be sure to give Phelp’s new tape a listen.

https://soundcloud.com/lou-phelps-266335871/last-call-featuring-bishop

Photo Credit: @Elujay

Elujay – “Mrs. Jackson (Feat. Rexx Life Raj)”

Coming in next, we check in with Oakland native Elujay and his Rexx Life Raj assisted track, “Mrs. Jackson”. An album cut from his impressive debut project, Jentrify – which, by the way, boasts the best cover art in recent memory, sorry Kenny – “Mrs. Jackson” is a groovy play on the Outkast classic but instead of Mrs. Jackson playing the mom of an unknown – okay Erykah Badu – hunny, Elujay switches it up and speaks to Mrs. Jackson, the lover. “By far you the coldest, copastetic, perfect picture, part it like I’m Moses,” rhymes the Bay Area native to his elusive sweetheart. While wordplay is definitely an attribute highlighted by the track – see Raj’s “click-it-or-ticket” like bars with, “Pull it over when I’m .09, swear the legal limit the only limit of mine,” – the way the two wordsmiths float over the tropical production is probably most impressive. The beat has dancehall-like riddims and would serve as a challenge for even the most polished emcee to conquer, which makes Euljay a force to be reckoned with. Check out, “Mrs. Jackson” below and catch a glimpse of, Jentrify, which is one of the more refreshingly sound projects released in the past 8 months.

https://soundcloud.com/elujayimprl/mrs-jackson-w-rexxliferaj

Photo Credit: @Stro

Stro – “From Me (Feat. Marco Mckinnis)”

Ever since the early 2000s when I watched my first episode of American Idol, I’ve salivated over the idea of a Hip-Hop version of the phenomenon. I mean sure, we’ve had things like The Rap Olympics and countless freestyle shows on various outlets, but what about the artists who don’t want to be known for freestyling or battle rap, and instead would like to showcase their talents as a song-maker? Sadly, I’m still waiting for that show to materialize, but we got a glimpse of what it could look like when Brooklyn native Stro took the X-Factor audience by storm in 2011 with his adolescent charm coupled with his ability to rock the mic, which was obviously went way beyond his years. Fast forward to 2017 and Stro is no longer the child darling of a gimmick TV show, instead establishing himself as an artist to be taken seriously with his constant release of quality music. His debut album, Grade A Frequencies, is slated to be released 4/21 but his introspective new single, “From Me” is worth the listen RIGHT NOW. The NYC rep showcases his knack for kicking a meaningful 16, highlighted by lyrics like, “Stress is ample, souls burning like a candle/ Mother suffer Father setting bad examples/ And nah, I wouldn’t do it but my camp will/ I’m different only one on the block not, aiming the Glock,” displaying a level of comprehension that would be assumed to go beyond his years. The soulful, warm vocal support from Marco Mckinnis is what puts the cherry on top of this jazzy sundae. If this is anything like Grade A Frequencies is set to sound like, sign me up for the bandwagon now. Check out, “From Me” below and be on the lookout for the album next Friday.

https://soundcloud.com/strothemc/from-me-feat-marco-mckinnis

Photo Credit: @SminoBrown

Smino – “Blkoscars (Feat. Jay2)”

Alright, look. I’m well aware that Smino isn’t slept on. I’m also well aware that he is in fact regarded as one of the brightest up and comers in a stacked Chicago scene. I GET IT! But this list isn’t always about finding slept on talent, sometimes it’s about finding a song that isn’t reaching its full potential to the masses. Was Rob $tone’s “Chill Bill” slept on to the kids when we placed in last year’s list? Five million plays would say it wasn’t, but it had 0 radio play, which is something that I predicted it would achieve and it went platinum. Smino has the opportunity to be this year’s $tone in regards to this list, but with a longer lasting potential – his debut album has charted in the Apple Music’s Top 10 Hip-Hop albums list. His “Chill Bill”? It could probably be the buzzing track, “blkswn” but that’s far from his best work, instead highlighting the mainstream appeal that has labels tripping over themselves to sign Smino. No, I’m looking for the one that showcases it ALL. Enter in the Sango produced track, “Blkoscars”. Carried by heavy synths and funky adlibs, Smeety Pablo and special guest Jay2 absolutely destroy this track. I’m honestly having a tough time narrowing down my favorite bars so, I’m just going to list a few: “She sending nudes on the snap with the doggie filter cause nowadays I make up rules like I’m Adam Silver/ Couple pretty freaks when I visit Houston, I had to Lillard/ Game 6 on you hoes/ She feel clingy I’m outta pocket, Mike Vick on you hoes,”; “My eyes chingy the jackpot, I’m outta reach on my soul/ that sh*t is deceased, here I go, told ya I’m on a roll,” & “If you trapped in this life You’d be better off tellin’ yourself to get a grip/ Suicides on the Beamer, I’m with the squad like Will Smith.” Oh yeah, those were all in the first verse, thank you Jay2, sheesh. I have no more words, the Smino Di Grigio has my head swimming. Check out the track below and go listen to Blkswn, NOW!

There you have it! Let us know how we did, did we get it right? Are we still sleeping on your favorite local artist? Let us know in the comment section below!

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The post With All Due RESPECT.: 5 Songs You’re Sleeping On (4/12) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

All around the country, men and women in their early 20s are attempting to find themselves. Some are in college trying to figure out careers and lifestyle preferences, some are working full time already to support growing families. One thing that they all have in common, confusion and uncertainty. While there has been plenty of confusion and uncertainty throughout the life of 23-year-old super producer/DJ Kaytranada, one things for sure, he’s no ordinary 23-year-old. The Canadian born artist has already sold out shows across Europe and America, worked with of the moment favorites Vic Mensa and Anderson .Paak and released his debut album to great acclaim from critics and fans alike. While getting ready to cover his San Diego show, I conducted a quick google search of some of his interviews to provide insight to the man behind some of my favorite electronic music right now. The one that caught my eye was a wonderful piece by The FADER in which they conducted an interview with Kay and delved into his background and personal life. The article showed, while touring the world and grabbing the electronic world by it’s throat may be a dream, 23 is still 23 and uncertainty and confusion has no omissions. Taking the insight that I received from my research, I attended Kaytranada’s 99.9% Tour during it’s stop in San Diego on May 24th with an open mind and a different perspective.

River Tiber

Arriving to the beautiful North Park Observatory venue early, I was fortunate enough to catch openers River Tiber and Lou Phelps, both fellow Canadians. River Tiber was the first to come out, setting the tone for the night with somber themed music that sounded straight out of the XO team vault. I was instantly impressed by the the fact that he was alone and that he was playing the guitar, singing, and mixing at the same time. Pure artistry is lost and under appreciated a lot nowadays but it was definitely noticed this night. The crowd reacted very well to the North native, getting particularly excited for his first performance of his conveniently titled slow jam, “West” which he told the crowd he had written in the midst of his first trip to California. Next to open up was Montreal native Lou Phelps, DJ/Rapper. Phelps came out and instantly started hyping the crowd up by mixing mainstream favorites; “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1” by Kanye West and “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar, as well as many other crowd pleasers. Phelps played an extended DJ set, slyly mixing in his own track followed by him jumping in on the mic to perform his own vocals in what was one of the more lit parts of the night, period. Impressed by his lyrical ability as well as his mixing skills, a quick google search showed that Lou Phelps is the younger brother of Kaytranada, giving the night even more context. Phelps closed his set out with an applause that would’ve made an unknowing fan believe he was the main attraction, but the night was just getting started.

Once Lou Phelps live DJ set ended, I turned around to view how the crowd was starting to shape up. While in no way was it empty during the opening sets, it seemed as if once Kay was getting ready to come out, the whole venue changed. The lights were a little brighter, the sonics were a litter sharper, the vibes were a lot stronger, and the crowd was significantly bigger. What looked like a gathering of local hipsters and curious Hip-Hop heads during the opening sets, the venue had transformed magnificently into a packed house that resembled something similar to a house show in Las Vegas. There were people screaming, there were people shuffling, there were people shouting, and this was all while he was setting up his equipment. Being under the impression that Kaytranada was an “unknown” or an “unsung” talent, I was immediately taken back by the amount of excitement for this man’s upcoming set.

Lit! pic.twitter.com/OIGqItqa7V

— AshariX (@A20H) May 25, 2016

Kicking the night off with a personal as well as crowd favorite off his 99.9% album, “Track Uno”, Kaytranada instantly had the crowd in a trance from the jump. From that moment on, he dove into a menacing arsenal of hit after hit, seamlessly mixing transitions from track to track. Dishing out songs that he produced for others, as well as personal mixes, the most impressive part about Kaytranada’s live DJ set was that he mixed everything on the fly. Hiding in the dark shadows, and keeping the lights on the crowd as opposed to himself, you could faintly see him dancing and mixing on his board, moving his hands in motion like a mad scientist with a goal to rule the world. Only this world was a crowd full of sweaty college hipsters and 20 somethings who were tripping off drugs, vibes, and beats. And he had them right where he wanted them. Aiding to the drug infused atmosphere, Kay had trippy images circulating behind him on a screen that at times would match the mix he was doing – Janet Jackson home videos during his remix of her smash “If” – but mostly keeping wavy images of chronic leaves, sun rays, body building chicks, and moving images of his album cover.

Playing an extended hour plus set, Kaytranada had the crowd eating out of the palms of his hands throughout the whole time. One of the more rambunctious scenes of the night was when he dropped an exclusive remix of Rihanna‘s “Kiss it Better” which sent the crowd into a complete frenzy. Taking her racy vocals and matching them to a more uptempo, and easier to groove to beat, Kaytranada was completely clowning at this point. He had already stole the show and proven enough with crazy drops into crowd favorites “Together“, “One Too Many“, and “Glowed Up” but this flex of a remix solidified his presence as an artist to be reckoned with. After unleashing his repertoire on the willing crowd, Kaytranada fittingly closed the night with the track that pushed him into the mainstream consciousness of electronic fans, his remix of Jackson’s “If” which had everybody in attendance singing the lyrics in unison to the internationally known Jackson hit, vibing together as one.

Crowd went nuts when @KAYTRANADA dropped his @rihanna remix! pic.twitter.com/3fQCJxT0ZP

— AshariX (@A20H) May 25, 2016

In all, I was pleasantly surprised by Kaytranada’s set. Not only was it my first time seeing him live, it was my first time going to a concert where a DJ was the headliner and honestly, I was unsure what to expect. Ditching the “push play” style that I had believed most DJ’s run their sets by (and a lot of them do let’s not front), Kaytranada completely flipped the script and showed an artistry that is unparalleled. To see more videos and exclusive coverage of the event, check out our Snapchat (respectmag). Also, keep up with Kaytranada on Twitter (@Kaytranada) and give a listen to his debut album 99.9% which is on Apple Music and every other music retailer. Additionally, check out the tour dates below to catch a glimpse of Kaytranada’s groovy show in a city near you.

The boy @KAYTRANADA kill San Diego! pic.twitter.com/VhROswf9yg

— AshariX (@A20H) May 25, 2016

 

05-25 Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre
05-26 Orange County, CA – The Observatory
05-27 San Francisco, CA – Mezzanine
05-28 Seattle, WA – Showbox
05-29 Portland, OR – Euphoria
05-31 Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre
06-01 New York, NY – Highline Ballroom
06-03 Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
06-04 Philadelphia, PA – The Roots Picnic
06-11 Manchester, England – Parklife Festival
06-12 Brighton, England – Wild Life Festival
06-18 Barcelona, Spain – Sónar Festival
07-03 Vancouver, British Columbia – FVDED
07-23 New York, NY – Panorama Festival
07-29 Montreal, Quebec – Osheaga Festival
08-13 Marseille, France – Positiv Festival
08-18 Hasselt, Belgium – Pukkelpop
08-20 St. Poelten, Austria – Frequency Festival
08-21 Biddinghuizen, Netherlands – Lowlands

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The post RESPECT. Recap: Kaytranada’s ‘99.9%’ Tour appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.