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When you think about London, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? The Royal Family? Big Ben? Topboy? The British accents you secretly wish you had? What about the rap game? British hip-hop or grime— as it’s commonly referred to in the U.K.— is often overlooked in the U.S. and we’re missing out big time. One of the U.K.’s biggest rap gems is Little Simz.

Though we were in Brooklyn, through Khalil’s set, opening acts and Little Simz rhymes, the A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons tour took us on an audio journey to London.

Khalil of Living Proof warmed up the budding crowd with an introduction into grime — which featured tracks like Skepta’s “Shutdown” and Shakka’s “She Nada”— while blending it into a few more familiar songs like “Antidote”. As Rough Trade began to fill in, DJ, musician, and curator, Melo-X hit the stage. The crowd got hype as the Brooklyn bred artist performed tracks from his latest EP, CURATE.  Melo’s presence is commendable, he took the party from the stage to the heart of the crowd as his tracks played. Before his set was up, Melo gave some shine to a new young collective that he’s working with named NXGN.cabnet.

In between sets, Khalil paid tribute to hip-hop legend, Phife Dawg, with an A Tribe Called Quest set.

Soon the King herself, Little Simz, blessed the stage. Simz opened up with the first 8 tracks of her debut album, A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons. The 22 year old rapper opened up with the crowd about being inconsiderate to her neighbor on “God Bless Mary”. By the time she finished the track, the entire venue was shouting “God bless Mary”.

As soon as the words “Have you guys ever seen a dead body,” left Simz’ mouth the crowd wild out. Moshpits and crowdsurfing from Melo-X ensued as she performed her hit “Dead Body”. Later into her set, Simz invited Bibi Bourelly — singer and songwriter of “Bitch Better Have My Money”—to the stage to perform their collab, “Interlude” from Age 101: Drop X. As Simz played the guitar, Bibi referred to her as Simbi Hendrix. All in all, Little Simz’ performance, stage presence, and inspiring moves as an independent artist with her own record label was enough to turn me from a first time listener into a new fan.

A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons is currently available on iTunes. Watch  Melo-X’s latest video for “FFFS” featuring Little Simz below:

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Excluding the ever-enigmatic RiFF RAFF, for most rappers, representing their city/town/region of origin is imperative. These songs are typically heartfelt and very important for the artists themselves and the communities they highlight, but for people outside of those communities, such songs can be too personal and subsequently alienating. Thus, when artists record such songs, they have to be careful to keep in mind the audience outside of the places they’re honoring. On Fat Tony‘s new remix to “BKNY,” this is the case.

Rapping over an ambient, nearly tropical instrumental courtesy of Tom Cruz, who also closes the track out with some peaceful singing, Mr. MFN eXquire, Melo-X and Fat Tony rip the track to sheds. The track is truly masterful because  the listeners familiar with Brooklyn get all the geographical and cultural references (and even some history, via Fat Tony) and the listeners beyond the Tri-State area get four riveting and complementary performances (also known as good ass music). What’s really interesting about the track is that Fat Tony is actually from Houston. When you can respectfully honor a place that you’re not even from, you’ve got talent. Listen below.

The post New Music: Fat Tony feat. Mr. MFN eXquire, Melo-X & Tom Cruz – “BKNY” (Remix) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

For years, we have followed the careers of both Melo-X and producer Abjo, so seeing them on a track together is a real treat. The song, which is perfect for the summer, is the first taste of what we can expect from Melo’s upcoming EP God:HiFi. The project will come out this June, serving as the follow up to God:LoFi.   

The post New Music: Melo-X – “Mojitos & Little Dragon” (Prod. Abjo) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Brooklyn rhymer/producer Melo-X gives us a taste of what’s to come from his GOD:LoFi EP with this new single.

On the spacey beats, Melo discusses some of life’s hardships, including his near-death experience as a child, bills, the 9-to-5 grind and lack of sex. Relatable, huh?

The post New Music: Melo-X – “God Magic” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Nearly a year ago, Brooklyn based emcee Fresh Daily released his project The Brooklyn Good Guy.  The project, which was presented by Converse, featured the likes of Mike Baker The Bike Maker, Melo-X, and more.  From that project, Daily is releasing his new track, “Cool Thoughts” featuring Om’mas Keith.  The space-synth track which was produced by BMB Spacekid is said to be a track to make you relax and unwind.

If you have not yet, make sure to download Fresh Daily’s latest installment The Brooklyn Good Guy, here.

The post New Music: Fresh Daily feat. Om’mas Keith – “Cool Thoughts” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

As a preclude to his upcoming collaborative album Zulu Guru, Jesse Boykins III, and his producing partner, MeLo-X, have leaked “Black Orpheus,” an exclusive (but free!) sneak peak at what his newest project has to offer. Zulu Guru is the first full-length collaboration from singer/songwriter Jesse Boykins III and producer/emcee MeLo-X. With the album they bring together a solid collection of songs that reflect and define a new direction in hip-hop and R&B, both lyrically and musically. This new sound is rooted in traditional soul music, adding elements from multiple genres to serve a purely unique and honest look at modern romance. The song “Black Orpheus” is the world’s first look at the upcoming compilation and it sets a precedent for sultry love songs underscored by African drumming and a cosmic synth serenade. With one part R&B, one part rap, and a tad bit of everything else, “Black Orpheus” is a great teaser to what should be an even greater album.

The post New Music: Jesse Boykins III and Melo-X — “Black Orpheus” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

One of the many traditions and past times of the Hip Hop culture is the cypher, a gathered group of rappers taking turns freestyling over top of a beat or instrumental. Recently, the likes of Serius Jones, MeLo-X, Naturel, Skyzoo, iCan, Local Khemistry, and Gilbert Forte were on the Hip Hop Shop show on Fuse TV to take part in continuing this tradition. All seven MC’s had a chance to showcase their lyrical abilities, with each delivering a solid 16 bars.

The post Video: Hip Hop Shop Cypher appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.