By: Savage 5ive

New York emcee Savage 5ive has truly made a name for himself in the underground Hip Hop world.

But his desire to not put limitations on his success has afforded him opportunities in fashion, acting and creating in a very unique way.

Hailing from the well known Brooklyn and Harlem streets, this rapper’s unique flair thrives in his music.

His east coast swag finally paid off, after receiving airplay on New York’s Power 105 Sirius XM’s Hip Hop Nation and Shade 45. 5ive has done a good job establishing himself as a respected artist.

But rapping isn’t the only thing he has found success in. 5ive currently serves as the CEO of the clothing line “Savage Nation”, in which he gets to use his dope perspective to influence the fashion world.

His grind and hustle eventually caught the attention of Method Man, as he was afforded the opportunity to appear alongside him in the Hulu series Difficult People.

As he continues to push his dreams into full throttle, his creative brilliance will propel him to new heights. Press play below to dive into the musical sounds of Savage 5ive.

The post Savage 5ive: The Underground Rap Genius appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Image credit: G.O.O.D.

UPDATE: The official visual for the “Wu-Mix” has been added below.

While Teyana Taylor’s latest album K.T.S.E. was considered a failure by most because of Kanye West (NOTE: I don’t agree with this notion, nor do I think that album was bad in any sense), there were universally agreed upon standouts. One of those highly-touted cuts, “Gonna Love Me,” just got a super-remix with the assistance of Wu-Tang giants Method Man, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah. You can stream the upgraded version below.

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The post NEW VIDEO: Teyana Taylor Recruits Method Man, Raekwon & Ghostface Killah for “Gonna Love Me (Remix)” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Despite taking a hiatus to focus on his acting career, Method Man has released his new single, “Grand Prix”, to prep fans for the release of his new album, Meth Lab II: The Lithium. The single, which features Mef flexing his signature style features a refreshing twist on the beat choice he’s known for.

Serving as the first solo track he’s released in three years, “Grand Prix” showcases Tical’s ability to utilize slick wordplay over a dramatic and characteristic beat, while staying in pocket giving the listener that classic head bob.

The effortless flow and trancelike beat serve as a perfect combination as Mef delivers quotable bars that remind you exactly why he’s considered an exceptional emcee.

“I ain’t a minor teen spirit, ain’t Nirvana/ Call me Pro-Meth, it’s clear this kind of syrup ain’t Jemima/ Baby momma drama, tryna act like she Madonna/ Like a virgin but I’m certain this person a piranah”

During an interview with Billboard, Method Man addressed the disappointment with his 2015 release, that many deemed as a compilation due to only one solo song being on the project.

“People were upset,” Method Man recalls. “Every song on there had somebody else on it with the exception of one song that I did by myself.”

Mef also revealed that an old partnership helped ignite the fire to create new music.

“I can rhyme my ass off, that ain’t nothin’ new,” Mef said. “People already knew that, but they just tend to forget. Every now and then you’ve gotta remind them.”

Meth Lab II: The Lithium features Mef collaborating with former Wu-Tang affiliate Anthony “Hanz On” Messado of Hanz On Music, a partnership that almost didn’t happen according to Mef stating that he was skeptical until a cosign from Streetlife made him a believer.

“It made it fun for me again,” Mef continued.  “I should have done this a long time ago,” he admits, “but everything comes in its due time and this wasn’t my idea. It was Hanz’s project. It’s still Hanz’s project. I do music because I want to now; not because I have to.”

Listen to “Grand Prix” below.

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The post [Listen] Method Man Flexes His Verbal Muscles With New Single ‘Grand Prix’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Wu-Tang Clan. Photo Credit: Hip Hop Golden Age

Being aroung RZA, GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, UGod, Masta Killa and Cappadonna has its perks and life lessons. Just ask Chris McKee.

McKee has been a booking agent for 20 years and has represented some of the biggest names in music. His soon to be released book focuses on his time as the booking agent and tour manager for one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all-time; The Wu-Tang Clan.  

A Staten Island hip-hop group, since 1992, The Wu-Tang Clan has released seven gold and platinum albums with worldwide sales of more than 40 million. Their 1993 debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), is considered to be one of the greatest albums in hip-hop history.   

Rolling Stone Magazine called Wu-Tang Clan “the best rap group ever.”

There are very few outsiders who have been allowed access into the world of the Wu-Tang Clan until now.  

McKee worked with various members of the Wu-Tang for over 10 years and is ready to let people see what really goes on behind the curtain while on tour with members of the Wu-Tang Clan.  

The book is both a window into the world of the Wu-Tang Clan as well as a teaching tool to understanding the ins and outs of the music business. The book will feature stories about sex, drugs, rock n’ roll (or hip-hop) and murder.

McKee has released excerpts from his book which include the story of how of how a concert promoter (Matt ‘Dutch’ Garner) who was involved with producing a concert for Ghostface Killah in Montreal was murdered a week before the show.

“The thing about Montreal is that the line is blurred between certain parts of the entertainment industry and criminals and gangsters; more so than any other city in Canada.  In Montreal you have to tread very carefully when you go about your business if you want to stay out of trouble.

I guess Dutch missed that memo.

Dutch was murdered two weeks before the Ghostface show in Montreal.

According to various news reports, assailants broke into his apartment on St. Henri and taped Dutch and an associate to their chairs and set to the two of them on fire. Dutch was found dead in his apartment on the chair but the second victim had tried to escape and made his way down a flight of stairs onto the street while still ablaze where he eventually succumb to his injuries and died on a neighboring lawn.

Chris McKee. Photo Credit: Herosports

They have yet to arrest any suspects in the murder and the case remains open.”

The book also features a window into the absurdity of having to do business with various members of Wu-Tang. McKee tells the story of a breakfast meeting with Ghostface in Montreal the morning after a concert.

“Before our breakfast meeting ended, Ghost had one other interesting request to ask of me.

He said, “Don’t be putting me in any more hotels with French TV channels.”

He continued, “I was trying to watch some TV last night and relax and whatever and every channel was in French.”

Ghostface added, “I can’t have that in any of these other cities, so no more hotels with these French TVs.”

I stared back blank not knowing how to answer.

The thought occurred to me that this was a man who has travelled the world over at least a dozen times. He has performed concerts as Ghostface and as a member of the Wu-Tang Clan on probably every continent on the planet.  Yet he hasn’t figured out that when you’re in a city or country that speaks a different language that it is highly likely that the TV channels will probably be in that very same language. “

The yet to be titled book is set to be released in early 2018.

Some of the artists that McKee has produced concerts for include: Rihanna, Black Eyed Peas, The Roots, Akon, Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent and G-Unit, Slaughterhouse, Flo-Rida, D12 and hundreds more.  

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The post Scoop B Selects: Former Wu-Tang Clan Booking Agent, Chris McKee To Release Book Chronicling Life On The Road appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Because each artist is from a different coast–The Alchemist from California and Havoc from New York– the combination between them ties in quaint sounds from their cities. The sound is oddly still very grimy with a New York style. There is a theme in the LP easily reminiscent of an early Jay-Z or Nas with Havoc’s rap style and his hustler mentality. A daunting New York State of mind is found throughout a majority of lyrics in songs including “Seize Power,” “Maintain (F**k How You Feel),” and “The Gun Holds A Drum” feat. Prodigy. The production even seems to have a bit of Dr.Dre‘s production senses just slowed down a bit. Both artist’s do an A1 job at representing different sounds from their upbringing.

There are only a few features on the album including Method Man, Cormega, and Prodigy as mentioned above. Prodigy and Havoc have good chemistry together on songs considering they were in Mobb Deep together. Method Man and Cormega are also from New York and have a similar flow to Havoc. These few features give a couple different sparks throughout the LP which is nice, but Havoc’s flow rides well on its own for the majority of the album.

Make sure to listen to the new LP and catch up on previous works from Havoc and The Alchemist to compare how they work together vs. apart!

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The post The Alchemist and Havoc’s New LP ‘The Silent Partner’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The origin for the stoner holiday of 4/20 has been widely debated for years. With theories such as police codes and chemical compounds nobody really knows the exact truth, but we do know one thing: its awesome. April 20th has been a day for decades for stoners and prudes alike to come together in unison and celebrate their hidden or public love for the tree. With the wide popularity of the holiday, there will sure to be many ganja related playlists that will mostly feature similar songs. This is not that list. With hidden gems such as Azizi Gibson to stoner staples like Wiz Khalifa, check out this hazy playlist we put together for you to sit back, relax and enjoy your smoke sesh to. Light it up.

1. “Let’s Get Blown” – Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell 

 What better way to kick off the holiday than with a silky banger from the Doggfather himself? While other well known Snoop hits like “Gin and Juice” and “Drop it Like its Hot” are certainly classics, it’s this funky album cut off of Rhythm & Gangsta that sets the spark off right like no other. With a funky baseline accompanied by offkey melodies from Snoop and Neptunes front man, Pharrell, this track provides the grooves to get the vibe going. Plus, you can never go wrong with a Snoop and Neptunes collab.

     2. “Smoking With the Gods” – Azizi Gibson

Anybody who’s ever been around stoners knows that when you’re on cloud 9, you tend to think a little deeper into situations than others. Pothead conversation topics usually can range from anything from conspiracy theories to debates about politics. But the number one hotly debated ganja topic has always been and will always be about religion. Trainwreck psychologists have always had crazy and fairly rational theories on our origin and our creator. Maryland hotspitter, Azizi Gibson did his own freethinking on his 2014 track “Smoking With the Gods” in which he explores religion and religious tales with lines like, “Don’t you dare pass the blunt to Judas// He a traitor motherf*****, are you stupid?” The song is paired with a catchy hook and banging production that will get your mind thinking and your head bobbing.

     3. “How High (Remix)” – Method Man & Redman

Longtime collaborators and known weed connoisseurs Method Man & Redman are a must on any hazy playlist you might throw together today. After helping bring weed to a more popular mainstream mass with their stoner cult classic, How High, they must be acknowledged as legends in the toking business. Meth & Red spit over a hard hitting dusty, Erick Sermon track while trying to reach the top of stoner mountain. Coming off of the duo’s 1999 classic Blackout, this track is a mainstay on many smokey playlists.

   4. “High All the Time” – 50 Cent

While Queen’s emcee 50 Cent has said on many occasions that he doesn’t smoke weed himself, he sure does know how to make a record for the smokers. A hungry young Fif spits over a hard hitting Sha Money XL track about how he’s getting ready to take over the industry, and like it or not he’s doing it stoned. Lyrics such as “You don’t want me to be your kid’s role model// I’ll teach them how to buck them 380s and load up them hollows,” give you the overall gist of his mind state doing the recording of his Freshman classic Get Rich Or Die Tryin’.  The chorus itself could be a ceremonial chant for any weed advocated group. It’ll be the perfect sing along for you and your blunted friends.

   5. “Herb Shuttles” – The Underachievers

The Flatbush based duo features Issa Gold & AK and have been a fan favorite in the underground scene for a few years now. Their forward thinking rhymes and far out theories about many topics have grasped the attentions of stoners across the country. A big reason for that is this wavy cut from their 2013 mixtape, Indigoism which along with the video, drew acclaim from critics and fans alike. Make sure to bump this to help energize you in the middle of a crucial sesh.

   6. “Herban Legend” – Capital STEEZ

Keeping the vibe in the Beastcoast, the next track in the 4/20 playlist comes from the late Pro Era co-founder Capital STEEZ off of his 2012 classic tape Amerikkkan Korruption. The short two minute track shows Steelo going into a lyrical presentation of a day in life of Steez, the weed head. Going in on topics from slangin’ eighths to copping beats from a young Kirk Knight, the “Free The Robots” rapper takes you into his mind for a brief moment. RIP King Steelo.

  7. “Acid Lake” – Jay Bel

Brooklyn upstart, Jay Bel turned some heads in 2015 with the release of his hazy and accurate dive into the mind of a struggling artist with the track “Kate.” He failed to disappoint with a 2016 follow up with the faded and new age sounding “Acid Lake.” With crazy keyboard melodies and nice blends of singing and rapping, the song captures your head and will help ascend your already blunted mind. Keep an eye on the 19-year-old emcee.

  8. “Still Blazin” – Wiz Khalifa

 28-year-old Pittsburgh native, Wiz Khalifa made his way on to the scene as the heir to Snoop Dogg’s stoner throne with his mega hazy 2010 mixtape Kush & Orange Juice which is widely regarded as one of the best new aged mixtapes. The reggae themed track shows Wiz spitting bars about how the weed is making him feel with lyrics like, “You might go to sleep// Your throat might ache// You off that good weed// you need a nice break.” While the flow is simple, any seasoned stoner with many bong hits under their belt will be able to easily relate.

  9. “Crumblin’ Herb” – Outkast

While some people love to use grinders as a means of breaking down their weed because of things like the convenience and the opportunity for kief, any classic smoker will tell you themselves, there’s nothing better than breaking down a good nug by hand. Nobody captured this feeling better than Atlanta natives Big Boi and Andre 3000 with the classic joint off of their 1994 album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. With smooth bars about how all of their troubles are temporary, this is the perfect track to help get you out of your worries and into the sky.

  10. “Mary Jane” – Rick James 

Words don’t do this justice, throw this on to close out your playlist and then check out Rick bully Charlie Murphy. Happy 4/20 y’all!

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The post RESPECT. 4/20: 10 Songs to Celebrate this Wavy Day appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Based on journalist Dan Charnas’ book The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop, VH1‘s original movie The Breaks will depict the early days of hip hop industry in NYC in the 90s. Featuring such actors as Tristan Mack Wilds, Method Man, and Wood Harris, familiar faces are sure to help pull the story together and bring in viewership. The Breaks will air January 4 on VH1.

Watch the super trailer for The Breaks below:

The post Watch the Super Trailer for VH1’s, ‘The Breaks’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.