The 2016 Full Moon Music Festival lineup has been announced and this is going to be a festival to remember! The headliners are Pusha T, Allah-Las, SBTRKT and Santigold. But wait, it doesn’t end there! The festival will also include performances by artists such as but not limited to Black Coffee, Julio Bashmore, LolaWolf and a DJ set by Dave Harrington. We can see why there are over 10K people attending!

According to the Full Moon website:

 “The Fest will give a boutique approach to a NYC music festival, conveying a world like culture sensibility with a NYC swagger. Celebrating its sixth year this August, the Fest will be a two-day Oasis of music, art and culinary experiences.”

If you have never been to Full Moon Fest, this would be a great time to experience something new. Known annually for their amazing line up of artists, performers/DJ’s, gourmet food vendors, captivating location, energetic crowd and 24-hour party vibe, it’s worth a visit.

The Full Moon Fest will take place Saturday, August 20, and Sunday August 21 on Governors Island, NYC. Full Moon Fest has partnered up with Heineken, Yelp, Stoli and Sixty Hotels to bring an awesome experience to their attendees.

Here is a recap of a past Full Moon Festival:

For more information visit the website Here.

Though the Early Bird Tickets are now SOLD OUT you can still purchase your tickets Here. Trust us, this is an experience you don’t want to miss out on!

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art by @cepenwhy

SmooVth, pronounced how you probably just read it to yourself, is quite literally what you experience with his pallet. A calm aura, consistently maturing, that is respectively reminiscent of an Evidence or Ka in terms of delivery. It’s refreshing – something like a deep inhale-exhale or the satisfaction from your first whiskey shot of the night. You know, that quiet inner relief? That’s SmooVth.

For background’s sake, if you missed his previous releases you can handle that now and thank us later. As of recently, the New York City native has been under The Winners umbrella, an exquisite collection of emcees, singers, and producers. No, we don’t use the word “exquisite” to fill in this paragraph mindlessly – they’re special. This is fly, luxurious hip-hop that strays rather far away from the in, mainstream sound of today. With elastic content and unpredictable lyrics, SmooVth and The Winners are easily one of the most exciting collective’s making noise in the underground. Do note that SmooVth also recently made his production debut alongside Hus Kingpin and yU, which you should check out and will certainly be hearing more of.

“Road Warriorz” features Milano and Sean Rosati on guest verses and Vic Grimes on the boards. We could go on for hours about these artists, but for now we will let the record do the talking if you’ve never heard them rhyme before. SmooVth is currently wrapping up his forthcoming ‘SS96J‘ (Smoothest Since ’96 Jay-Z) full length album, which is set to be released this spring. It is very much his most anticipated release to date, and features quite a few notable emcees – from Planet Asia to Hus Kingpin. Be prepared and enjoy this new leak while you wait. Peace and love.

SmooVth at Band Camp

Statik Selektah x SmooVth (Showoff Radio – Shade 45)

Rap Is Outta Control (interview) w/ SmooVth and Marvelous Mag

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The amount of talented artists in New York City in the past few years can be a rather overwhelming list. But who’s complaining? It’s an amazing thing – Radamiz being one among the extensive list. “Sumner” is the final released cut off of his forthcoming ‘Writeous’ LP – which is set for April of this year (2016).

RESPECT. Magazine staff have had the pleasure of getting to know Radamiz on a few different occasions. The first word that comes to mind is gratitude. It’s one thing to get on records and paint an image for the public’s sake – it’s another to actually live it. He’s beyond grateful for every blessing at stake and it’s genuine. Needless to say, this reflects in all areas of his life. The life perspective is refreshing and the music industry could always use more of that.

“Rather than reflect on the negatives of the current, this record focuses on the types of necessary switches I’ve made to my perspective and applying them to create that better life.” via Vibe

It’s gritty, it’s real, it’s honest and it’s dope. We don’t need to get into a long review – let the record speak. Enjoy yourself. Peace and love!

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud

The post Brooklyn’s Radamiz Drops Off His Latest ‘Sumner’ and Gears Up For April Release appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Surpassing the expectations of a standard “remix” in 2016, Brooklyn’s Dj Skizz offers an oversized fixing for all hip-hop heads with this one. Let’s take a moment and reflect on how potent Cormega & Large Professor‘s ‘Mega Philosophy’ LP was in 2014. If you missed it, we highly recommend you getting your hands on it today. Anyway, “Industry” was a stand out record for many off of the album.

With a healthy list of commendable production credits, rock solid releases and an evident, pure work ethic, it’s no surprise Skizz would go above and beyond with this one – or anything he touches for that matter. As you can see above, he brought along some seasoned veterans and staples to paint his refined canvas. Could we ask for a better line-up of emcees to discuss such a heavy topic? Probably not.

That’s enough out of us. Enjoy the record – we are sure you will. Peace and love!

Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud

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It’s safe to say New York City is bubbling right now, “Park Avenue” adding yet another promising cut to the endless list of east coast talent. Long time collaborators Action Bronson and Roc Marciano share grounds on Park Ave. with AG Da Coroner. Canvasing Polo Pirate’s handsome guitar riff and drum display, the three stay true to their sound – as expected.

You may recall the announcement that AG is now under the Man Bites Dog Records umbrella, Roc Marciano fully responsibile for the effortless, warm welcome. Roc states, “I wanted to sign [AG Da] Coroner because he’s one of my new favorite artists. Coroner is just ill, I like his voice, his demeanor and him as a person. A real serious talent.” 

This is simply a taste of what’s to come this February, as AG and Man Bites Dog gather up their armor for the forthcoming ‘Sip The Nectar’ Lp – AG’s full length debut. It’s promising. It’s real. It’s hip-hop. That’s why we’re here right? Enough yap – enjoy the record. Peace and love:

Twitter | Instagram

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Artwork by Dread Solo

“This is grown man rap”

Refreshing would be an understatement. Not just the music itself, but Shabaam Sahdeeq himself in 2016. In the midst of over-saturation, female clothing, and delusional trap lords, SS is a pure testament to remaining thorough as a recording artist. Remaining  humble. Remaining raw. You don’t need to sell your soul or ride the “in” wave to be respected.

The New York City native has a list of commendable stripes. You can read more about that below in our interview with him if you didn’t know. If not, do your research.

Today we present the video premiere for Shabaam Sahdeeq and J57‘s latest “GMR” single (directed by Rhugid Lee for Rhugid Productions – cuts by Dj Eclipse). It’s pointless to break down the video in writing form if you can just click and watch it about four inches below. But do know it’s the perfect creative overload – finding himself doing live painting on the busy streets of NYC. On that note, rest in peace Sean Price. Forever.

‘Timeless: of the Collection‘, a new full length LP from SS and company, is coming very soon. You can read more about that below also. Peace and love:

RESPECT: Before we get into it we want to thank you for your time. If you were to just gain a new fan of your music today, what would you want them to know about Shabaam Sahdeeq?

Shabaam Sahdeeq: I want them to know that I’m a forever-growing and learning embodiment of the hip-hop culture. I’m a father, husband, artist and black man. A very humble and cool individual, but don’t ever take my kindness for weakness. I was told in Africa that “paintings are frozen music“. So, I feel that I’m right in my lane. I’m an emcee, painter and a barber.

R:You’re ranked as a veteran emcee with multiple stripes. What is one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned over the years as a recording artist?

SS: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to never lose your love or passion for your music or whatever you do. Some people get so caught up in chasing money that they lose site of what made them love to create and express themselves with the arts in the first place.

R: Aside from recording music, you are a talented visual artist. Can you tell us a little bit about your artwork and how the two crafts echo one another?

SS: Well to start with – emcee’ing and graffiti are two of the four hip-hop elements. So me being a hip-hop head, it’s only right that I fell in love with those two. My visual art sometimes says things my words can’t articulate or vice versa. I think they go hand in hand well. My art work is urban, abstract, and experimental mixed media. I think a lot of music artists have the gift of being artistic in more ways than one. It’s up to them to embrace it and run with all of them.

You have a new record coming real soon titled Timeless: of the Collection and mentioned you were very proud of this body of work. Do you mind telling us a little bit about the project?

SS: Timeless: of the Collection is a four-part series of albums. Each will have a different beginning title but all of them are from the collection. And every single will have a piece of art that goes with it that I hand painted. The cover of each album will be from an artist that I respect or collaborate with like yourself (Dread Solo).

R: Its apparent that family is very important to you. You’re open about it on social media and in your records. What has it been like trying to balance the family man and the recording artist positions over the years?

SS: My family is very important to me. The balance is not hard because my family knows what my passion is. The music is therapy for whatever I’m going through. I work a day job that’s flexible for me to travel and do tours. I spend time with my kids. I go out with my wife. If your hear me talking about streets it’s from my time running them in the past. I spend most of my time these days in my man cave with my music equipment and art supplies – when I’m not at work or at shows. My family is my first priority over everything.

R: Can you give us a little background on the new “GMR” visual? It looks like it was a fun time.

SS: It’s a special video. I shot it right after Sean Price died, and right before I moved out of New York City to Atlanta with my family. It was a bitter sweet time. It was shot by my boy Rhugid Lee that I ran into in Manhattan years after being in prison together. We always said when we get out that we are going to pursue our dreams in different areas – his being film and mine being music and art. We combined the two and did something real special. I told him about the concept my manager Big P came up with to be painting as I moved through the city – even in the middle of traffic and Lee helped me pull it off. I was doing a Sean Price memorial painting that I finished by the end of the video – which was later gifted to Sean Price’s wife Bernadette. It’s probably not the illest one she received, but it came from the heart.

Thank you for the interview. One love!

Official Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Artwork

The post Video Premiere: Shabaam Sahdeeq – “GMR” + Interview appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Underway for quite some time now, we finally have March of this year to mark on our calendar for Infamous N the Hood! After the release of the official album art and a few videos to hold us over (see below) heads are eager. What will the full length offer? If it’s anything like the few records we’ve heard already, it will certainly be one for all hip-hop heads’ collection.

There’s no denying New York City natives J-Hood and Big Twins‘ refreshing energy together on a record. Can you agree? If not, hopefully after this article we will have changed your mind a bit.

J-Hood, Yonkers representative and co-founder of D-Block Records, still holds his spot firmly as an emcee – with over a dozen years on the hip-hop scene. He entered young. He has studied more then you probably think, seen a lot (both personal and business) and still has a lot to offer moving forward. ODG is the clique, a collective of dedicated artists who pride themselves in unity and moving as an equal. It’s deeper than rap.

Now let’s take it to Queens for a moment. Having first heard Big Twins on early Mobb Deep records and becoming a Queensbridge staple to all hip-hop heads it’s safe to say he has taken quite a few notes over the years as well. Though currently basking in the west coast sun, his east coast grit is still very apparent and represented. Actually, he’s probably not basking a whole lot. He’s busy making moves out there – with multiple projects underway for the ’16 and cooking up marvelous dishes. Yes, Twins is an incredible chef – flexing his culinary muscles just as much as his emceeing.

Long story short, be prepared for a busy year from Hood and Twins. ‘Infamous N the Hood‘ is going to be an incredible Lp, period. It’s almost here. In the meantime, J-Hood’s forthcoming ‘Uncrowned King‘ will be available on 1/22 via DatPiff! Save the date. Big Twins and producer Twiz the Beat Pro will be releasing their ‘TNT‘ project this coming February. Keep it locked and most importantly enjoy the music. Peace and love.

J-Hood Instagram | J-Hood Twitter | Big Twins Instagram | Big Twins Twitter

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