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At this point if you’re plugged into relevant underground rap music you understand how sure we all are going into a single from Nolan the Ninja, Quelle Chris and Denmark Vessey. Nolan, in a short amount of time, gained our trust. Chris and Vessey a while ago. It feels right to note their fearlessness and experimentation, so them three coming together is cool. And exciting for listeners. It’s safe to say that Nolan sticks to what he’s good at – lyrical, timely machine gun like bars and tipping the scale on the rather lo-fi, 90’s side. But collaborations like these show glimpses of an early passionate emcee who is barely just getting started. He’s young. Watching him mature via music should be eye opening (young artists take note).

“Modesty”, the second leak from Nolan’s forthcoming YEN lp, encourages being more like the three of them – modest. Having worked with Nolan on a few occasions we can comfortably say that his aura is indeed modest for a rather larger guy with large talent. He does carry himself humbly and is respectful. The confidence in his artistry, however, isn’t hard to find – both here and the first leak “14K“. Denmark Vessey held the production down. A humble head nodder. I’m not sure how much Vessey production you’ll find out here recently – his last Mello Music Group effort entirely prodcued by Gensu Dean (do the Whole Food lp now if you haven’t and thank us later).

Quelle Chris is his usual self – pretty care-free but actually always very in tune no matter how far in space tripping he may seem. That dude is a damn genius. And cares about the damn art – all facets. It’s beyond welcomed and cool to hear next to Nolan’s straight forward, direct darts. Score, gentlemen.

Play the single 200 times below and tell your aunts, uncles, moms and neighborhoods to do the same. Maybe you’re a notch more excited for the YEN lp now. Good. You honestly should be. The pre-order links are at the bottom of this feature if you’re into pre-ordering stuff. Peace and love.

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YEN (LP)

9 | 22 | 17 (Left Of Center / Fat Beats)

Pre-order DIGITAL

Pre-order VINYL

Pre-order CASSETTE

The post Nolan the Ninja Invites Quelle Chris & Denmark Vessey for A Lesson in Modesty appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

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And we’re back in Detroit. It’s refreshing to visit on a proud contemporary note. To be blunt, this is anti-bubblegum. This is anti-colorful braids. This is anti-incoherancy. This is what some, or most, may consider much closer to raw hip-hop‘s purest contemporary form. You know, that Onyx meets MOP meets Lord Finesse meets Nujabes type of sound. That’s quite the pot to stir but a damn welcomed sound in 2017.

If you’re new to Nolan the Ninja, he is in his early twenties. He’s pretty hard to ignore, as his presence is quite literally demanded on record. In the past year life has been kind to him. Linking up with the promising imprint Left of Center and releasing multiple projects last year, one being his official debut, was a success. Keeping up with him on social media has been invigorating – quick to update his followers which seasoned veteran he has met or larger stages he’s rocked. That being said, you should keep your eye on the young shooter. The work ethic, authenticity and professionalism alone was impressive for such a young artist. Oh, and range.

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Nolan isn’t coming up short on the hardware either, dropping off his self-produced “14K” here at RESPECT. Mag. It’s not too far off from what we’d expect Nolan to produce – simple head nodder, evident lo-fi boom-bap influence. The first half of 14K may be a bit jazzier than we’re used to (see previous releases). Opening the record with vulnerable lyrics is a home run. The widespread and shared struggle of young 20-something’s looking for financial security, consistency and a smile on their grandma’s face. More than a smile, a hypothetical 14 carat trophy of sorts. Nolan recently sat down with HuffPost and added:

When I started working on YEN, “14K” was the first song that I made. It helped lay the foundation for the direction that I wanted to go in. After releasing my debut album last year, I’ve been blessed to be a part of things that was just a mere dream not too long ago. Because of that, my goals have become bigger. On the track, I said “I’m trying to get a Grammy to Granny before she transcends”. I wasn’t thinking like that before. It’s all about progression and going for yours. Gold is associated with the idea of high achievement. As kids, we all wanted a gold star in school. So that’s what it’s about. Executing for what you seek. I want the “gold” for not only me but my people.

Stream the single a million times and do be prepared for Nolan’s sophomore effort ‘YEN’. It’s due out in the second half of September via Left of Center/Fat Beats (the 22nd to be exact). You have our full co-sign and stamp of approval for the record. If you’re on the fence but easily influenced by bomb features, let’s look at a few of the guest artists – Royce Da 5’9″, Blu, Quelle Chris. I shouldn’t have to keep going. The pre-order links are right below this sentence. Peace and love.

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iTunes Preorder | Fat Beats Preorder

Twitter | Instagram

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The post Nolan The Ninja Is Out For Gold With New “14K” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

This is the grit we all desire. The sound we miss. Or do we have to “miss” it if it’s available? Detroit is home base for some of hip-hop’s most notable names over the years and rather competitive for emcees like Nolan the Ninja. The oversaturated “now” sound coming out of Detroit and its surrounding areas, however, leaves a wide open lane for the true schoolers – away from the hype of the mainstream.

If you’re just now finding out about emcee/producer Nolan, good. It’s a breath a fresh air for the passionate hip-hop junkie. The amount of enthusiasm and passion is undeniably evident. Having released two records this year (Fuck the Hype and Lo-Fi Loops) and an appearance on DJ Soko‘s Domino Effect LP, it’s safe to say he had a great year on wax. Fuck the Hype, released under Left of Center, should be spun now if you have not done so yet. We’ve attached the full stream for you below, so splurge and purchase.

That’s enough out of us. Enjoy the new visual treatment and keep scrolling to check out our conversation with Nolan. Peace and love:

RESPECT. Magazine: Can you tell the world a little bit about Nolan the Ninja – for those who may just be discovering you today?

Nolan The Ninja: I’m a 23-year old emcee & producer from Detroit, Michigan.

RM: Over the years Detroit has been home of some of hip hop’s most notable artists. Who are some of your hometown favorites if you had to name a few?

NTN: Well, Elzhi is my favorite. I’d definitely love to collaborate with him in the future. Some of my other favorites include Clear Soul Forces, Red Pill, & Royce Da 5’9 just to name a few.

RM: If you could collaborate with one artist (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

NTN: It’s a tie between Nas & D’Angelo.

RM: Congratulations on the release of your latest Fuck the Hype album. It’s quite the body of work. Can you discuss the albums title a bit for us?

NTN: Essentially, it’s about understanding self. The title simply says, “Be yourself.” Fuck what else is going on because it doesn’t matter. Make the vibes that’s in your heart, you know? The organic shit is gonna last the longest, anyway. People are too stuck on fabricated trash. It’s to the point where people think that they have to be subjected to that certain standard of music to be accepted. It’s disgusting & I want to see change. Therefore, I’m acting as the change that I’d like to see.

RM: What should the world be expecting from Nolan the Ninja moving into 2016?

NTN: I’ll be going on a European tour with DJ Soko & Noveliss of Clear Soul Forces in a couple of months. I’m mad excited about that. My first official tour & my first official trip to Europe? Crazy. I also have an album releasing in the Spring on Fat Beats/Left Of Center. I’ll be doing some executive work on other LOC releases, as well. Other than that, who knows? This past year has been full of surprises so I’m excited to see what 2016 brings.

The post Detroit’s Nolan the Ninja Drops Off New “Gusto” Video + Interview appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.