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RESPECT The Track: NapsNdreds – “They Wanna Know (feat. Vinnie Paz)” [prod. by Nottz]

Evie — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 02:13:21 +0000

NapsNdreds is on some boss-level sh*t on his new single, “They Wanna Know,” a raw banger with a guest appearance from the seldom featured Vinnie Paz, and gripping production courtesy of Nottz Raw.

Among other qualities, there’s an undeniable confidence permeating through Naps’ verses on “They Wanna Know.” The gifted emcee, who hails from Jamaica and resides in Florida, sounds like he’s delivering his verses from a throne as he looks down on everyone trying to figure out exactly what he’s got going on.

And then there’s Paz, the always-fiery Jedi Mind Tricks’ emcee who couldn’t spit a weak verse if he tried. The way he injects various lingo into his rhymes is as impressive as ever, and it makes you hope we get to hear him over more of Nottz’ production in the future.

Speaking of Nottz, the VA-based super producer supplied all of the beats featured on Naps’ forthcoming LP, Trouble & A Pair of Dice. And in addition to Paz, the record includes a stand out roster of guest features from the likes of Cormega, Fred the Godson, and DJ Eclipse, among others.

“They Wanna Know” is available now through all digital retailers and streaming platforms, and can be streamed right here courtesy of RESPECT. Stay tuned for more updates with regards to the release of Trouble & A Pair of Dice, which is being released through Naps’ own Innercity Legends imprint!

Smart URL: http://smarturl.it/NapsWannaKnow

Twitter:
• NapsNdreds: https://twitter.com/NapsNdreds
• Vinnie Paz: https://twitter.com/vinnie_paz
• Nottz: https://twitter.com/NottzRaw

NapsNdreds Online:
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NapsNdreds
• Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/napsndreds
• Bandcamp: https://napsndreds.bandcamp.com

The post RESPECT The Track: NapsNdreds – “They Wanna Know (feat. Vinnie Paz)” [prod. by Nottz] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

RESPECT. Interview: Blu On New ‘Titans in the Flesh’, Working With Nottz & More

Dread Solo — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 00:03:44 +0000

[TI-TAN] one that is gigantic in size or power | one that stands out for greatness of achievement

Tough, titan-like exteriors, we see it often. Perhaps more so in hip-hop than any other genre. Figuratively speaking, does a tough exterior hold weight if your internal wiring isn’t Godly, or atleast leveled? Blu & Nottz embody holy spirits. A Godly force, who overall have payed endlessly and have demonstrated such through their joint craft(s) since 2013. If you’re not familiar with either of their catalogues, you may be questioning our use of words here or thinking it’s just over-hyped nonsense for the sake of another publishing. That, ladies and gentleman, would be far from the truth. Roll one up and do your research if necessary.

Blu, one of the left coasts sharpest “underground” emcees (yeah, we said that), has a God-given nack for aligning himself with a producers canvas – and not just aligning for the sake of another half ass release. It will be in full effort and carefully chosen. To be specific, his releases, say with Exile, are truly flawless. They leveled the lane for fans to understand what he can do with one producer, in focus. Not many emcees can release entire bodies of work with Exile, Nottz, Ray West, Bombay and MED – all the while displaying flexability, refreshing versatility and most importantly levels of chemistry.

Three years ago hip-hop graciously welcomed ‘God’s in the Flesh‘, Blu & Nottz’ debut EP. It was short. It was left open-ended. It was beautiful. Hip-hop heads wanted more. They made us wait three years, but man was it worth it.

We’re not looking to exhaust you with another boring, run of the mill album review. With that being said, you can listen to it yourself and draw your own opinion. The Coalmine Records release invites guests from Torae and TriState to J57 and Dj Revolution. Considering the follow-up is short in length, the features could overwhelm a die-hard Blu fan – wishing to hear nothing but Blu over Nottz production. But, they’re tasteful and fit right in. To counter that point, a die-hard Blu head will understand this is not a new formula throughout his discography. He packs in features, which almost always seem right.

When does Nottz not come correct? This man gives his all to every damn piece of art he’s ever created since the late 90’s. He bleeds a true definition of an iconic, seasoned beatsmith (new jacks: please take note of his work ethic – we don’t think this man sleeps). Nottz has a perfect batch ready for almost any relevant emcee, and it will make sense. Him and Blu’s chemistry is more than noteworthy, and seems to have an even stronger connection this time around with TITF. We think he’s a scientist of sorts.

Interestingly enough, Blu just sat with HipHopDX to discuss his favorite collaborative hip-hop records. Gang Starr, Pete Rock & CL Smooth and Madvillian were mentioned. We reference this list for various reasons, one being the evident influence that was drawn from these hip-hop giants. Not so much to compare, but to note the underlying push and influence on his music today. Do you new school cats get it yet? We pray so. Throw Blu & Nottz’ collaborative efforts in the mix of contemporary excellence. TITF and GITS are going down in hip-hop history, whether you like it or not.

That’s enough out of us. We hope you enjoy the new record and share the good vibes with your uncles and friends. Let’s get into this interview – peace and love:

RESPECT.: Before we set it off, thank you for your time. You and Nottz did it again. The good responses have been rolling in already. Are you personally satisfied with the body of work?

I love this follow up piece. It’s the completion of the series, and to me it turns both EP’s into a hard hitting, classic LP. We actually did much more for this EP but we churned it down to the most action packed jams to properly fit the title, Titans In The Flesh.

RESPECT.: Gods in the Spirit, Titans in the Flesh. Do you mind talking about the concept of the records and what that concept means to you? We’d love to hear your interpretation.

This is our version of modern mythology. Just as the Greeks and Romans did, we blended stories from reality to help properly tell stories of our supernatural talents that get us through day by day. That’s why the title fits. It’s all about being Gods and Titans, instead of human beings sometimes.

RESPECT.: Nottz provides the canvas, you provide the paint. It’s no secret that your chemistry together is top tier. What has your experience been like working with Nottz?

Working with Nottz is a dream come true man. Since I was in high school banging the shit out the Busta Rhymes songs he produced I would have never thought I would make it far enough into the game to actually make music with this OG. But the creation process we have is all natural, supernatural at this point. Not many people can say they have two EP’s produced by Nottz.

RESPECT.: The question of all questions, and probably the most annoying: will there be a third installment or any future work with Nottz? Heads do want to know.

We have been trying to convince each other to start a new record, but since this last EP is the completion, we are kind of kicking back letting the music create a staple. Don’t get it twisted tho, we do think about cracking them over the head again, and again, and again.

RESPECT.: You recently listed your favorite collaborative hip-hop records with HHDX. Now RESPECT. wants to know, if Blu was trapped on an island with two albums of any genre what would they be and why?

Nas “Illmatic”, to get my lord of the flies on, and Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto’s first record together, so I can cry over “Girl from Ipanema” everyday.

Blu: Twitter | Instagram

Nottz: Twitter | Instagram

Coalmine Records: Twitter | Instagram | Official Site

Titans in the Flesh: iTunes | Amazon | Google Play | Fat Beats (Vinyl)

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#ListenUp: Blu & Nottz – “Atlantis”

Evie — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 05:03:02 +0000

Nearly three years after releasing their collaborative Gods in the Spirit EP, the Ca-Va duo of Blu & Nottz are back with their sophomore effort, Titans in the Flesh. On the project’s debut leak, “Atlantis,” they’ve crafted a track overflowing with lyrical gems and neck-snapping production.

Whether he’s talking his sh*t or waxing poetic, Blu’s knack for matching his producer’s approach is nothing short of impressive. Nottz’ instrumental on “Atlantis” is equally nostalgic and innovative, as he flips a Doo-wop sample amidst his crunchy, trademark drums. With that as his canvas, Blu delivers spirituality-fueled bars that are just as insightful as they are technically impressive.

At one turn, he’s reminding listeners that we need to “be grateful for eggs and mother’s milk,” while later on he dazzles with the crazy wordplay of “The Django with the star-spangled/ My chain dangles.” As you’ll no doubt gather through repeated listens, Blu’s point is as crisp as Nottz’ production: you need to find your own utopia (or “Atlantis”) here on Earth.

Titans in the Flesh drops July 15 through iTunes and all major digital retailers, via Coalmine Records. Easter-yellow vinyl copies will also be available in limited supply through Fat Beats, and will be equipped with the instrumental and acapella passes of “The Man,” and the instrumental for “Heaven on Earth.” Stream “Atlantis” below, courtesy of RESPECT.

https://soundcloud.com/diamondmedia360/blu-nottz-atlantis

Tracklist:
01. The Truth (feat. Shateish)
02. Heaven on Earth
03. Giant Steps (feat. Bishop Lamont, Torae, Skyzoo & DJ Revolution)
04. To the East (feat. Definite Mass, TriState, Mickey Factz & Johaz)
05. The Man (feat. Exile & Nottz)
06. Atlantis
07. Atlantis (feat. Akie Bermiss) [J57 Remix]

Pre-Order:
• iTunes: bit.ly/TITFiTunes
• Amazon: bit.ly/TitansAmazon
• Google Play: bit.ly/TitansGooglePlay
• FatBeats (Vinyl): bit.ly/TitansVinyl

Twitter:
• Blu: https://twitter.com/HerFavColor
• Nottz: https://twitter.com/NottzRaw
• Coalmine Records: https://twitter.com/coalminerecords

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Nottz, Asher Roth, and Travis Barker Link Up for “Rawther”

RESPECT. Staff — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 15:33:10 +0000

If you want a video that’ll shake up your chakras, then this is it. This heavy hitting track is pure genius. The music video(below) for ‘Rawther’ will take you back to the days of the highly animated Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliot era of music video art direction. MC/Producer Nottz Raw, alongside MC, Asher Roth, and drummer Travis Barker present music in raw form and sounds. If you appreciate hip-hop, even, with a jazzy-thrash flair, you’ll love this breakthrough project.

From the bright colors to hard sounds to psychedlic movements, this video is a feast for the senses!

Check out the entire project below:

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New Music: Koache – “Karma”

RESPECT. Staff — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 16:01:21 +0000

Rejection is never an easy pill to swallow. California rapper Koache shows just how cruel fate can be with his new Nottz-produced single, “Karma”. Time isn’t always kind, and it certainly hasn’t been kind to the women Koache makes reference to on the track, who were apparently struck by the ugly stick years later. He’s not bitter though…

“Karma” is off Koache’s upcoming album, Game Point, dropping later this summer.

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New Music: Slaughterhouse – “SayDatThen”

RESPECT. Staff — Fri, 09 May 2014 16:00:53 +0000

Shady’s House Gang is gearing up for a new mixtape and here goes the first taste. Nottz handles the punishing production while the Slaughterhouse gang get extremely introspective and dark. These themes are present throughout much of their upcoming album and will most likely find a place on the mixtape, as well. The House Rules mixtape is coming soon.

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New Music: Jesse Medina & NOTTZ – “Get Money”

RESPECT. Staff — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 16:34:45 +0000

Never underestimate the power of a church organ. On “Get Money” Nottz craftily wields a pipe organ, pairing it with a pleasant guitar, hard-hitting live drums, a nice sample of Kanye‘s “Good Life” and some expertly-coordinated record scratches. Nottz really knows how to stitch sounds together.

Bay Area rapper Jessy Medina fits in nicely, casually musing money’s importance. His verses have the tone of a mission statement, but the pleasant instrumental renders the statement somewhat playful. This doesn’t mean that Jessy Medina isn’t dedicated to getting money; he just wants to make money the fun way. Overall the song, is both inventive and simple. This is a song you listen to while you’re enjoying your paid vacation. Listen below.

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