megan thee stallion Archives - RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture

1501 Certified Ent. Founder Carl Crawford Talks Discovering Meg Thee Stallion, Working With J. Prince & Bringing Houston to ATL

Brittany Burton — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 20:23:16 +0000

Carl Crawford Talks Meghan Thee Stallion, Leaving MLB, Taking Over ATL

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By: 1501 Certified Ent

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By: 1501 Certified Ent

1501 Certified Records founder and CEO Carl Crawford, has transitioned from Major League Baseball to the music business in a major way. His love for music and the city of Houston, Texas prompted him to found his own label providing new opportunities for local acts in town. Having discovered and signed Meghan Thee Stallion, his raw passion for discovering and breaking new artist is unmatched. To show the city of Atlanta what type of talent is coming out of Houston, Crawford and his roster of artists including HOT GIRL Meg, Railey Rose, D Raww, and Kona Lisa, are taking over the city this week!

I caught up with the music tycoon for a candid interview, as he openly discusses transitioning from the MLB to the music business. Check it out below.

Carl Crawford Interview

RESPECT: What prompted your transition from the MLB to the music industry?

Carl Crawford: It wasn’t that smooth but you know I came up with people who were in a place where they had a blueprints out of Houston to kind of look from already. So I called someone that I knew an we followed some of the same ingredients from the old people and it was able to make the transition a little bit smoother but it was still rocky at times.

RESPECT: Why did you feel like creating 1501 Ent was necessary for the city of Houston?

Carl Crawford: I thought it was important to have it in the city on Houston because that is where all the talent I knew was there. Our city was kind of in a slump going down a little bit and I know the history of our culture in Houston and I wanted to bring it back to the forefront. I knew that putting a label in Houston would help thing move quicker and faster. Being that I am from Houston I feel like it would pretty dope to start something in Houston and put Houstonians on and so for and so for.

RESPECT: How did you go about signing Meghan Thee Stallion and what has life been like ever since?

Carl Crawford: We just you know had a blueprint of artist we wanted to sign, rappers and r&b singers so we just had a list of things we wanted for the company before we even started it. A girl rapper was one of them. We tried a few people out and looked at a few people and then one day I was scrolling on instagram and saw her. I thought she was dope so I told one of my employees to go out and get her. He ended up knowing a person that was close to her and they brought her to us and we met. Things clicked well from the first day.

It is more like people believe more in me now versus when I was just starting. It was like another athlete trying to do music again. You always hear those horror stories about how things went wrong but now I have access to certain people I never had access to before so I get to learn something new outside of baseball. It really is a good feeling to be able to do something different that you want to do and be good at it

RESPECT: As you have signed other new artists to your label, what do you look for when scouting new talent?

Carl Crawford: The numbers is always the first thing and kind of like that it factor and whether or not they can rap good is what I look for. I also look for a certain look some times but not all of the time and whether or not that person has that superstar quality that gives you goosebumps when you hear them rapping.

RESPECT: What is the nature of you and J. Prince’s relationship and the consulting venture you all have partnered on?

Carl Crawford: He is there to help me get through and teach me how to move a certain way in the music business. As I am new to the music business easily things can happen to where I can end up doing the wrong thing so he is there to help me get better from a distance I can be in this business without dealing with all the crazy stuff that sometimes comes along.

RESPECT: What does it mean for you to bring the city of Houston to Atl for the 1501 Ent Atl takeover?

Carl Crawford: Everybody knows that Atlanta is the spot for everybody that is trying to make it in the music business. If you can make Atlanta like it, it seems like the other places seem to catch on and follow. We understand the market here and it has a big influence on the culture and we just want to bring people here so they can get familiar with my artists faces and their music. We just want to plant a few seeds to grow and that was pretty much that was our strategy behind us coming here. You have to come to Atlanta that is what everyone knows

RESPECT: How do you plan to continue spreading your influence in the music business?

Carl Crawford: Just doing well and setting a good example. Doing whatever it takes to just be positive because that feeds off on everybody. Of course I do the Houston stuff with kids but for the most part we just want to set a good example, do well, be successful and show people that we make a difference and go from there. We definitely want to have huge impact on our community. I understand how influential this music stuff is so it is very important to set the right example and people will notice.

Be sure to follow the official Instagram page for 1501 Certified Entertainment to see how Houston plans to take over the music business!

The post 1501 Certified Ent. Founder Carl Crawford Talks Discovering Meg Thee Stallion, Working With J. Prince & Bringing Houston to ATL appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Mark Spratley Talks Influencing Hip Hop Culture For The Future Of Tomorrow

Brittany Burton — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 17:10:05 +0000

Mark Spratley Talk Impacting Hip Hop Culture

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By: Mark Spratley

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/940575F3-1FB1-4241-AB33-D4FF5895F371.jpeg?fit=596%2C561&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/940575F3-1FB1-4241-AB33-D4FF5895F371.jpeg?fit=596%2C561&ssl=1" class="size-full wp-image-226928" src="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/940575F3-1FB1-4241-AB33-D4FF5895F371.jpeg?resize=596%2C561&ssl=1" alt="Mark Spratley Interview" width="596" height="561" data-recalc-dims="1" />

By: Mark Spratley

Marketing specialist and Hip Hop influencer Mark “Sprat” Spratley is impacting the future of tomorrow’s music through his genius marketing skills. I had the pleasure of catching up with the hot shot for candid interview. As he graciously discusses finding his place in the music industry, working with SXSW and founding his own label, Sprat is becoming one of the hottest influencers in the game.

Checkout the interview below.

Mark Spratley Interview

Respect: How did you get your start in the entertainment business?

Sprat: I was at ECU, going for marketing/business and to be honest unsure of what I wanted to do career wise. School and the vision of a 9-5 job was never in the equation for me.

I never was the social media type. The kids I was actually living with at ECU (College) had me create a Twitter etc. for the first time. Fresh Moss had a project called New Jersey Drive that knocked back in high school. I tweeted out “What the hell happened to Fresh Moss?” or something of the sort. Fresh Moss seen that, saw my knowledge of music and sent a DM to get to work.

LVLYSL was just formed, and I came on board while still at school. I started putting my life into the music then. I did a lot of “intern” work for them, I suppose you would say, but without the “intern” label. I think they gave me some BS label like “Music Consigliere” lol.

I was doing any and everything to another level from blog work, beginning PR work, connecting new fans, growing all social media, growing the Soundcloud, connecting with artists, growing the Twitter and connecting dots on all ends. All this allowed me to learn many different facets that I still use to this day.

I knew my worth and it was time for me to move on, from there I branched out on my own. I tapped in with my own artists and started to open a lot of doors through that, started blogging for a lot of major platforms at the time, just started my PR wave, really started developing the brand, foundation and network.

My first ever event was Capital Steez last event ever smh, RIP!!! We had Underachievers, Joey BadA$$ and Steez out before they all officially blew up.

My first ever SXSW event (My 2nd show ever) was the inaugural Legally Loud event, I partnered with DJ Enuff x Hot 97 and brought out out Post Malone, G Pen and many other talented and popping artists + brands at the time.

Respect: What was the inspiration behind founding Starting Five?

Sprat: If you all were paying attention from the jump you know I use to be “Special Executive” and ran it up with that for the beginning of my career. I unfortunately came in and formed the company with a friend that turned out to be a bummy partner that didn’t take anything too serious. The guy basically ran off with the company, deleted my email, ran off with LoudPackLegion.com domain, hacked all my social media accounts and more. That was a HUGE wake up call for me, from there I created Starting Five and the marathon obviously still continues.

Starting Five is the elite. The work ethic and vision is championships. If you are comfortable playing off the bench or moving like you belong on the bench, we are not the same or here for you. Starting Five is an empire currently in creation mode. The foundation has been laid as you all can see, I’ve put in the work, I have accomplished a lot, learned a lot, and now it is go time! Starting Five is a full service in house label, offering distribution, marketing, everything you need in any means and so much more.

Starting Five is getting the attention of a lot of your favorite labels right now for imprints and the talks are starting to make sense. Be on the lookout for that!

More of the Starting Five vision and inspiration will lay out over time as everything else transpires. The vision is bigger than you think, something the public eye will see over time.

Respect: Who are some of the artists you are working with and trying to make a big push for?

Sprat: I refreshed my whole roster not too long ago. I had to re gain focus, the right people around me, motivation, positive energy and remove any that were becoming leeches.

Pre Kai Ro is one of the latest artists of Starting Five, he’s a superstar (Out of Egypt). pre is rising heavily right now, the sound speaks for itself, a lot of moves are in store and the wave is only getting larger. Recently charting on Apple Music’s “Hot Tracks” a few weeks ago, a record with 24HRS out, last single almost at 700K off Spotify, Youtube audio at 1.9 million off “Cold”, I also think I’m in the clear to announce that he will be on B Lou upcoming “BOW” project.

Beyond that I am finalizing up paperwork with a few other TALENTED artists that I am about to shake the game up with for sure. Keeping those names pretty low key right now. The machine is here, so I’m back in my bag for sure.

Working and connecting dots with Sonny Digital, DDG, B Lou and many more. My PR game is going crazier than ever so I’m always working campaigns with many others and helping to connect dots etc.

Respect: What advice would you give an up and coming artist looking to become a mainstream artist?

Sprat: Polish your sound (A good mix goes a long way), continue to learn and develop. I can’t stress enough for an artist to go hard for themselves, you should be one of your biggest promoters, managers, A&R’s, PR’s etc. If you won’t go hard for yourself, how can you ever expect another person to go even harder for you?

Just remember when you are reaching out to people within the industry or just in life, to always come correct, know what you want, bring something to the table and be on point. One of the MAJOR faults of an artist is that they love to waste peoples time. Time is valuable especially for someone who is truly working and busy! Your artistry and name is a business at the end of the day, move appropriately.

Respect: What’s your experience like having a showcase takeover SXSW?

Sprat: It’s been a blessing! People really think that I am from Texas because of how I takeover that whole week, but I am actually from New Jersey haha. It is even a greater feeling to know that what I’ve done is being respected, especially from people who are paving the way within Texas. From the major shows to the mansion parties its been pretty interesting!

I’ve experienced so many memorable moments in my brief time within the industry and on the event side. I’ve crossed paths and have got to work with so many iconic people and talented stars, many from the early stages of their career or rise through putting together these events.

To bring Post Malone, Russ, Lil Baby, Rich The Kid, PNB Rock, A Boogie, Lil Yachty, 2 Chainz, Sonny Digital, Mike Will, Metro Boomin, Moneybagg Yo, Lud Foe, Ralo, Shy Glizzy, K Camp, Lil Xan, Lil Mosey, Megan Thee Stallion, Ugly God, DDG, Comethazine, Quando Rondo, Maxo Kream and so many more out that I could keep going and going. The crowds energy and appreciation is what’s most special, the artists I bring out or the media that covers my events is just more validation for not only my ear but the fact that I really do this!

To bring out some of the legends who paved the way as well is epic to me (Artists that I grew up on during my childhood). That’s a great feeling! The fact that I even have that type of platform or access to these people that I grew up listening to or seen from afar is still crazy to me.

I am really doing these events all by myself and fully involved with every aspect of the events, shows or parties. From the curation, major artists showing out, hosts, influencers involved, major sponsors, activations, the crowd, sound, equipment, locations, security, marketing, special guests, set up and everything you could think of, I’m involved fully. We have had same day venue changes, mansion changes and all types of foolery, but at the end of the day the job gets done and the people are happy!

I am just having fun out there and during the whole curation process. The curation aspect is certainly the most exciting part about everything. I stay way too busy out there during the events to really enjoy myself and the events as much as I should. It’s a stressful week because each and every year I have done everything pretty much solo, but it’s all worth it at the end of the week!

I have created a staple out there with Legally Loud, LVLUP, the mansion parties etc. Obviously we created some legendary moments with the 40oz Bounce out there as well. I’ve started a lot of waves out there at SXSW and have given the template for many to follow suit. People that have worked my events are now branching out to do there thing and get in their bag, it’s dope.

What are you currently working on?

Sheesh! Starting Five, Pre kai ro, PR for many, a new roster, this empire, talking S5 imprints, loads of content, multiple new channels (Stay tuned), shopping records, expanding these events. I’ve got a few things about to drop in the next 1-3 weeks that I’m very excited for, expect a whole lot.

Right now you all can definitely tune into my New Day, New Wave playlists across all DSP’s. I run the Spotify playlist on a Times Square, NY billboard bi weekly.

As he continues to shake up the music business and push out high quality content, be sure to subscribe to his youtube channel here.

The post Mark Spratley Talks Influencing Hip Hop Culture For The Future Of Tomorrow appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Juicy J, City Girls & Megan Thee Stallion Add to Your Summer Soundtrack with “Three Point Stance”

Jon Powell — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:07:48 +0000

I think most of us can agree when I say that any song with City Girls and/or Megan Thee Stallion is going to be a hit this Summer. With that said, Juicy J decided to follow this formula with his latest, the addictive twerk-ready cut “Three Point Stance,” which does not disappoint. Added to the Crazy Mike and Juicy J-produced cut is the fact that a Teyana Taylor-directed visual is on the way soon. Yep.

Turn up below.

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The post Juicy J, City Girls & Megan Thee Stallion Add to Your Summer Soundtrack with “Three Point Stance” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The XXL Freshman 2019 Cover Has Arrived

Jon Powell — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 20:27:09 +0000

After much deliberation (as it probably is every year), Vanessa Satten and the gang over at XXL have finally revealed this year’s Freshman class….and it’s probably one of the best overall groups they’ve had in a while.

Congrats goes out to Comethazine, Tierra Whack, DaBaby, Lil Mosey, Roddy Ricch, YBN Cordae, YK Osiris, Rico Nasty, Gunna, Megan Thee Stallion and Blueface, all artists who have been making big strides toward permanent stardom before this cover came to light. You can also expect a slew of freestyles, cyphers and interviews to come from this class soon.

Check out the cover and announcement video below.

XXL Freshman 2019

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Image credit: XXL

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Image credit: XXL

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The post The XXL Freshman 2019 Cover Has Arrived appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Meek Mill & Future Announce Legendary Nights Tour w/ YG, Mustard & Megan Thee Stallion

Jon Powell — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 18:45:39 +0000

Hip-Hop heavyweights and frequent collaborators Meek Mill and Future have announced the Legendary Nights tour, which kicks off in August and will see the two hitting up various U.S. cities alongside YG, (DJ) Mustard and Megan Thee Stallion. TIDAL users get presale access from 3PM EST today (June 18th); full sales hit this Friday.

Check out the dates below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Meek Mill (@meekmill) on Jun 18, 2019 at 9:46am PDT

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The post Meek Mill & Future Announce Legendary Nights Tour w/ YG, Mustard & Megan Thee Stallion appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Hot Girl Megan Thee Stallion Heats Things Up With Her Official Visual for “Realer”

Portia Terrae — Wed, 22 May 2019 00:21:38 +0000

Self-proclaimed “hot girl” Megan Thee Stallion and her team of hotties band together in her newest video, “Realer.”

The girls are on the lookout for Houston’s biggest hater as they try to eliminate as much negativity in the city as possible.

Megan continues to make her own lane amongst the many rappers in the game, while simultaneously becoming a dominating voice in the small, but growing circle of female rappers.

Now fresh off the release of her debut album, Fever, her new visual for “Realer” is just the beginning of hot new releases we’ll be sure to be getting all Summer long.

Watch the official video for “Realer” below!

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The post Hot Girl Megan Thee Stallion Heats Things Up With Her Official Visual for “Realer” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

NEW ALBUM FRIDAY: DJ Khaled, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyler, The Creator & slowthai

Jon Powell — Fri, 17 May 2019 17:16:31 +0000

Probably one of the most fulfilling album release days for Hip-Hop this year. No time to waste:

Tyler, The Creator – IGOR

Tyler, The Creator

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Image credit: Columbia

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ttc.jpg?fit=939%2C939&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ttc.jpg?fit=640%2C640&ssl=1" src="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ttc.jpg?resize=939%2C939&ssl=1" alt="Tyler, The Creator" width="939" height="939" class="size-full wp-image-216140" data-recalc-dims="1" />

Image credit: Columbia

We’ve seen the beautiful evolution of artist-producer Tyler, The Creator over the course of five releases, beginning with 2009’s Bastard. Now, ten years later, the Cali star pushes the envelope even further with his sixth album IGOR, which sees 12 new tracks and some low-key assistance from Kanye West (who actually appears on a track uncredited), Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti and more. Check it out below, along with an explanation of the genre-bending project straight from the source:

pic.twitter.com/JP8u961Kjd

— Tyler, The Creator (@tylerthecreator) May 17, 2019

DJ Khaled – Father Of Asahd

DJ Khaled

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Image credit: We The Best/Epic

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/D6oD2pqWsAApO-L.jpg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/D6oD2pqWsAApO-L.jpg?fit=640%2C640&ssl=1" src="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/D6oD2pqWsAApO-L.jpg?resize=1200%2C1200&ssl=1" alt="DJ Khaled" width="1200" height="1200" class="size-full wp-image-216141" data-recalc-dims="1" />

Image credit: We The Best/Epic

Something that deserves the utmost respect: the fact that, prior to this day, DJ Khaled has already delivered ten studio albums to the masses. Now, he brings forth his eleventh: Father Of Asahd, which sees 15 new tracks and appearances from all of the usual suspects and some that may have been collaborated with Khaled as much in the past — Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, SZA, the newly-freed Buju Banton, Big Sean, Cardi B, 21 Savage, the late Nipsey Hussle (the visual for this collaboration is also out now), Nas, Meek Mill, Lil Baby and more. DJ Khaled’s formula has been gold since 2006’s Listennn… the Album…don’t expect Khaled’s reign to take a backseat anytime soon.

Slowthai – Nothing Great About Britain

Image credit: True Panther/Method

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/56209795_632952180499587_9012207892494959453_n.jpg?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/56209795_632952180499587_9012207892494959453_n.jpg?fit=640%2C640&ssl=1" src="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/56209795_632952180499587_9012207892494959453_n.jpg?resize=1080%2C1080&ssl=1" alt="Slowthai" width="1080" height="1080" class="size-full wp-image-212236" data-recalc-dims="1" />

Image credit: Method

After some dope visual drops (including one featuring Skepta), Northampton emcee Slowthai delivers his official debut Nothing Great About Britain, which sees 11 (as of the album’s official release, 17) new tracks and — in addition to the aforementioned — additional appearances from JayKae and Mura Masa. The album as a whole is definitely aimed as the racism and prejudice that currently exists in his hometown (and much of the western world).

Check it out in full below.

Megan Thee Stallion – Fever

Megan Thee Stallion

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Image credit: 300

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Megan-Thee-Stallion-Fever-1558102714-compressed.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Megan-Thee-Stallion-Fever-1558102714-compressed.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1" src="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Megan-Thee-Stallion-Fever-1558102714-compressed.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1" alt="Megan Thee Stallion" width="600" height="600" class="size-full wp-image-216157" data-recalc-dims="1" />

Image credit: 300

The hottest female artist on the planet not named Cardi B delivers her major-label debut Fever, which sees 14 tracks and features from equally hot rapper Da Baby and veteran Juicy J. Needless to say, the Houston star continues to hold her own over hard-hitting, catchy production this side of “Big Ole Freak” (and you can expect more hits to spawn from this project during the Summer).

Press play on Meg’s new heat below.

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The post NEW ALBUM FRIDAY: DJ Khaled, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyler, The Creator & slowthai appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.