Brooklyn’s promising Saga dropped off his latest visual demonstration for “Eye”. If you’ve been keeping up with our posts or have heard his latest From Out of the Shadows debut release you will notice, in just a handful of cuts, that he’s a flexible emcee. From gritty street tales to brutally honest every-day obstacles, he’s really gaining true hip-hop heads’ trust. Producer Marco Polo wasn’t playing around here either, as expected. Does he ever disappoint? Take a walk through Chinatown with Saga and enjoy yourself.

Don’t forget to grab/stream the Out of the Shadows release here – courtesy of AudioMack. Yeah, it’s free. If this is not apart of your digital collection you must re-evaluate your standards as a hip-hop fan. Just in case you missed the video for “The Strong” we’ve attached it below for you. Peace and love.

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Photo: Jeff Otero

There’s no denying that Black Rob has experienced almost every high and low possible– on and off of the mic. From early successes alongside Bad Boy Records to multiple prison sentences, the New York native is far from done. Of course “Whoa!” still gets necks snapping and crowds moving, yes, but Rob is back with all new material and seemingly more focused then ever. With the new Genuine Article record set to be released this coming Tuesday (4/21) fans should expect nothing short of honesty, gritty lyrics and that signature east coast sound we all love. Do expect refreshing production from a solid line-up and features from the likes of Sean Price, Tek and more. Be sure to keep up with him on Twitter and place your pre-order now. Catch our interview with Black Rob below!

Just the other day you stopped up at Sway In The Morning and discussed your latest health issues in detail. It’s great to see you back on your feet and doing what’s necessary to battle this. After the stroke and series of unfortunate events how would you say you’ve been dealing with this?

It’s been hell, man. I beat it already, but you know – I’m maintaining. It’s a good thing to keep this in check, man, because you know I got work to do. We got this album coming out and I have to be ready you know what I mean?

Let’s get right into that. The title of the record, Genuine Article, strikes a few questions. Can you discuss the title a little bit for us?

Yeah man, basically I titled it that because that’s who I am. Everything I say is true. You know, I try to keep it fair and let people know what’s going on. This game ain’t what you think it is. Brothers are out here telling lies. People want to know what truth is. I don’t have time for that lying stuff. I’m always trying to bring the truth, and that’s it.

Fans certainly know Black Rob for always keeping it real on records, dating back to your debut in ’99. There’s no arguing that one.

And that’s it man. The first two albums really banged out. Some people were out there cranking it up, and some apparently missed it. It’s all good. I just try to capitalize off of the truth.

Some heads might forget the stripes you’ve earned throughout your career. You’ve been doing this hip-hop thing for some time now, and have some thick history with Puff and other amazing milestones.

For sure – I definitely feel like I have some stripes. All the other brothers before me were really nice, man. I’m grateful for all of that.

You mention all the others before you. While we’re on the subject, who were some of Black Rob’s biggest influences coming onto the scene as far as music goes?

Awe man, so many to name. Most definitely B.I.G. and Tupac. They were a big influence to get it done for sure. L.O.X. are another one for sure, you know. They’ve helped me out a lot – big up to them. There’s a lot more too that helped me get started.

On the new album you have a joint called “You Need That Real Ish” alongside Sean Price and Tek. We were real excited to see this collaboration. The track has a crazy 90’s vibe, which is refreshing for the real hip-hop heads.

Yeah man, that’s the family. They’ve been really good to me and put me down when I couldn’t find a deal. They put me down and let me go off, so I big them up for that too. We are good friends and we all still come off with the same type of music. They’re real, too, you know what I mean? That’s really all I’m trying to do now – deal with the real people and keep my career going.

What are your thoughts on the current state of hip-hop?

There’s a lot of fruity dudes out here now, man. I don’t want to name any specifics, but we know. On the flip side there are a lot of young brothers coming out and really trying to do something for themselves – like Troy Ave for example. It’s really all about rapping and just telling the truth, you know? And keeping the crowd amplified. That fake shit don’t last too long.

I’m sure fans are curious what you listen to on your own time. What is Black Rob listening to right now?

I listen to the real cats that get it on, man. Sadat X right now – Brand Nubian always kept it real. Shout out to Sadat X. And Busta Rhymes. You know, dudes like that.

On a closing note, what should fans be expecting from you after this album drops? Do you have any tours lined up, spot dates, dope features, etc.?

We have the album release show on Tuesday night, which should be real live (see flyer below). Also, we have the reality series The Come Back Kings alongside Ed Lover, Mr. Cheeks and more coming soon, so be sure to keep up with all of that as well. We are looking forward to this album and the worlds response. Thank you for your time and God Bless.

Peace and love. Extra thanks to Jackie O.

The post Black Rob On New ‘Genuine Article’ Lp, Recent Health Issues, Brand Nubian & More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

For those unfamiliar, Dell-P is an acclaimed Philadelphia artist and skilled lyricist who has been swaying under the radar for a few years now. He returns with “Iceman” to kick off the new year properly, with a 44 bar, golden-era excursion. The track’s title is derived from the late great NBA pioneer George ” The Iceman” Gervin (#44), which refers to the fact that he is in this for the long haul. Dell-P is certainly here to stay and the amount of moves he’s making in Philadelphia are quite admirable.  This record is one for all the real hip-hop junkies who miss that pure, uncut 90’s sound. Be on the lookout for his upcoming album A New Beginning, set to be released this year.

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Smooth, sporadic and stylish are the three words I would use to depict the work of art that Brooklyn lyricist Naj, aka “God, Neptune“, chooses to decorate your imaginations with his new album: Cave To Canvas. From the abstract cover artwork to the tricky sounds and instrumentals that lay in the backgrounds of his lyrics that he delivers with no hesitation. Cave To Canvas is not your ordinary Hip-Hop album, Naj is spilling his acrylic painted emotions and observations in a single package. The album opens up with a jazzy and R&B joint titled “Golden” featuring singer Jae Soul who takes us back in time with a dash of Jill Scott. Now ladies there is something for us, Naj gives us a peak on what the average man goes through in an addicting relationship in his hypnotizing piece “Dope Dealer“. He makes the similarities clear between being addicted to the one you are growing closer to intimately and the love you may have for your other addictions.

“First hit shit was lit though, couple strokes stop asked her if she high to get low. To be honest she ain’t know what she was in for. Automatic bond on time more than the Kin’folk…”

Naj turns it up with his more upbeat tempo “Juice” featuring Snubbs. The track opens with a snippet from hood movie classic Juice . Naj’s attitude is very supportive but also declarative that he is an individual and he will win with you or without you.

“I ain’t gotta f*** with you if you don’t f***with me, big dreams. All I want to see a n**** breathe…”

In the times we live in Cave To Canvas does reveal the darkness our society is going through with the hollow and “echoey” beats and even a spoken-word peace by Freestyle poet and social activist Parlay on “Culture Vulture“. The project also features R&B sensation Kola Rai, and emcees, VIVA La Burns, Chase Dollars and Hollywood YSA.

BE SURE TO FOLLOW NAJ: @najisdope (TWITTER, Instagram)

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