By: Kene Esomeju

After six months of recouping, strategizing, and taking a break from the music scene, Canadian rapper Kordoroy Floyd has returned with a new single “Free”. As this is his first coming of the year, it is the perfect follow up to his 2018 self-titled debut album, Kordoroy Floyd. This release a perfect offering of his raw talent, unique story telling, and creativity which is felt throughout.

Produced by up and coming beat maker Zlender, this song is a straight bop. The ethereal, harmonious melody, is a perfect fit over Floyd’s raw and authentic bars. The original sound you will hear, is an ode to his Canadian roots with a hip hop undertone.

Some notable lyrics from this song are “Don’t say you bout it, when you ain’t bout it, yea really it get on my nerves, n****s be weirdos they tossin a pillow, when they gon learn”. He does a good job of firing off punchline after punchline as the chorus melts into his verses.

One of the most unique things about Canadian artists is their diverse upbringing. This is the same for Floyd. As an African growing up in Vancouver, he discovered early on the power in using your voice to breakdown barriers. His confident tone of voice showcases his desire to be great way beyond securing a bag. When asked what this record meant to him, the MC said it reminded him to never settle for fame over fortune.

“This record is my Audio coffee! Wakes me up. It’s really about killing all the doubt and fear in my mind and reminding myself I’m literally the best kept secret with this music, unapologetically African and I’ll never settle for clout over dollars. Ain’t shit Free!” The strong message he is sending through this material, is something many music enthusiasts can relate to.

As he has already received praise from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Kid Ink, Onyx and Kaskade, this talented artist is ready for the big leagues. He is currently working on his forthcoming EP Chasing Ghost scheduled for release later this year. Until then, press play below to stream Kordoroy Floyd’s “Free” single.

Related Article:

https://respect-mag.com/2018/12/on-the-radar-kordoroy-floyd/

The post Canadian Rapper Kordoroy Floyd Is “Free” On New Single appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Talk about refreshing news. This year (2016) Ras Kass and the hip-hop community celebrate the 20 year anniversary of Soul On Ice. Now, if you’re tuned into this article and you’re not familiar with the 1996 classic, perhaps you’re a bit late. But it’s okay – better late than never right? Ras now reaches out to every supporter and fan in hopes to back the project(s) via IndieGoGo – the announcement consisting of two releases to come.

The first, a precursor to Soul On Ice II titled Intellectual Property, is due out in June. Following that will be SOI2, which is set to be released in October. It’s one package deal but they’re going to be released seperately. It’s no surprise that California’s veteran lyricist linked with some of you and your fathers favorite emcees/producers for the new releases, ranging from KRS-1, Bun B, Statik Selektah, Apollo Brown, O.C., A.F.R.O., Kurupt, Snow Goons, Killah Priest, Apathy, and others. Come on, how exciting is that?

Not only are we thrilled about the new music to come, but Ras also mentions SOI2 is “partly consisting of previously unreleased vintage 1995 recordings and audio, rare remixes, some remixes from legendary hip hop producers.” 

In a recent interview with his longtime brother Sway, his aura is illuminating and gratitude is shown – the recent press runs once again reminding us why Ras Kass is still one of our favorite west coast frontrunners. A lot has changed since 1996. A lot has materialized (for the worse) in hip-hop that could leave an independent veteran with a bitter attitude and foul perspective. But he always offers an abundance of positivity on and off of the camera, and is a walking text book of experience, knowledge, and progression. Did we mention the continuous hunger? Maybe that’s the secret ingredient – new jacks take note.

To get a taste at what’s to come from the trilogy, Ras shares the booth with Freddie Foxx and Onyx in their new “Downward Spiral“. The direct flushing of a toilet followed by Ras’ “It’s all f*cked up now, the f*ck you supposed to do?” paves the few-minute trail for the four veteran lyricists, who quite directly are flushing all bullsh*t down the toilet. All of the corny, non-due-paying rappers should once again take notes and jot down the message here. It may be you they’re flushing. Make room – these four are bullies on the microphone (Freddie Foxxx being the largest to be exact). This record is what we would love to see, and quite frankly need to see, more of in 2016.

Before we shut it down, please feel free to support the project. The goal is to reach $35,000, which goes towards artist and producer feature fees, mixing and mastering, three video shoots (including”Nature of the Threat” retro), manufacturing, and online promotions. Do this one for hip-hop! Now go enjoy the record. Peace and love.

Real Dope 2014 Freestyle at Sway In The Morning (Video)

When Ras Kass Lit Medium On Fire With His Article About “How To Kill God”

Dj Premier & Ras Kass’ Bars In The Booth (Video)

The post Ras Kass Announces ‘Soul On Ice II’ Album & Drops Off A New Headbanger appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Artwork: Adri Cakes

For those who’ve been following Brown Bag AllStars since the Fat Beats days you should have a clear understanding that these cats work their asses off. Audible Doctor (having produced for the likes of 50 Cent, John Legend, Sadat X, Onyx, Astro and more) is predominately known for his carefully crafted, soulful production. We’ve heard him step away from the hardware in the past and bless the mic, but since the 2014 release of Can’t Keep The People Waiting there has been a wave of new fans supporting him as a consistent lyricist. Is Audible Doctor equally as successful on the mic as he is on the boards? You can draw your own opinions. In a recent sit down with RESPECT. Magazine‘s Dread Solo he stated:

“I’ve been rapping for longer than I’ve been producing but my production has kind of always overshadowed my rapping. In the last 2-3 years I’ve put an emphasis on releasing more solo material where I’m rapping and really focused on getting my bars up so I think lyrically I’m in a good place at the moment. I’m never going to stop producing but I’m definitely going to be focusing on the rapping aspect more moving forward.”

Can’t Keep The People Waiting made multiple headlines and nudged its way into a handful of notable media figures’ “top of 2014” lists. With that being said – if you missed the release you should probably catch up and have this in your collection now. The physical/vinyl releases are now available as well. Take a trip on this beautifully dark, dramatic journey while the Doctor battles his demons on the acclaimed “The Burial Plot”:

Just in case you are in doubt about the release, we’ve attached the full stream below. If you’re a real hip-hop junkie we are one hundred percent certain you will love this. Peace and love:

The post The Audible Doctor Returns With New Visual For “The Burial Plot” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Every once in a while, a collaboration sounds like a good idea to a rapper. It may help broadened exposure, steal some fans, or simply create a memorable record. More often than not, that’s exactly what happens. But every once in a while, the idea backfires and the rapper will get murdered on their own shit. This was infamously the case with Eminem on “Renegade,” Nas on “Live At the BBQ,” AZ on “Life’s a Bitch” and numerous other times. Other times, an artist will simply be looking to fill the verses on a song. Back in 2000, a two-verse rap record was simply blasphemous. You needed three or four and, in Eminem’s case, you were more than likely the soak up four verses every time. However, you need help every once in a while. On his seminal Marshall Mathers LP, Em was posse-cut happy, giving us three (“Remember Me?,” “Bitch Please II” and “Under the Influence”). As was the case for Shady in his prime, he bested pretty much everyone. Except when it came to track 9.

Onyx’s Sticky Fingaz came in on the second verse of “Remember Me?” and delivered a show-stealing 16 that even managed to out-misogyny and out-shock value Em himself. Kicking things off with, “Niggas that take no for an answer get told no/ Yeah, I’ve been told no, but it was more like, No! No! No!” the listener immediately knew they were in for something special. Fingaz’s wild, aggressive flow made for a much-needed change up from Eminem’s in-pocket structure.

Fingaz went on to go slant rhyme heavy for the next few bars: “This vet is ahead of the shit is all redder, you deader and deader/ A medic instead of the cheddars and credda/ Settle vendetta with metal beretta from ghetto to ghetto/ Evidence? nope, never leave a shred-of.”

Proving to be just as self-aware of his content as Marshall was, Sticky renames himself, “Can’t-Believe-That-Nigga-Said-That-Shit.” The verse gets grimier, with the most unappealing kitchen sex scene since Walt and Skyler.

Where most top-heavy verses tend to fade off in the final couplet, Sticky — pardon the pun — sticks the landing with, “I’m getting wires, niggas wanting me dead, wanting my head/ You think it could be something I said?” The line itself is dope enough, but the echo of the final bar leaves fans just enough breathing room to regain their composure and prepare themselves for the next nine tracks of gay slurs, drugs and spousal murder the second half of MMLP had to offer.

Eminem has had more than his fair share of highlight reel verses, and he has certainly never been one to hold his pen back (“Fuck no, go for broke”), but even the best can’t bat 1.000. Every dog has his day and on “Remember Me?” it was Sticky Fingaz’s time to shine. Take a few minutes and travel back to 2000 for one of the most memorable guest verses ever.

The post RESPECT. The Verse: Sticky Fingaz on “Remember Me?” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

WAKEDAFUCUP, Onyx‘s first LP since early 2012, is scheduled to drop next Tuesday, bringing forth the hardcore rap stylings of a group that has been around for over 20 years. Today, the veterans from Queens tossed out a sneak peak from the Snowgoons-produced collaborative project in the form of the icy track “Whut Whut.” The eerie, synth-filled beat is prime real estate for the aggressive rhymes of Sticky Fingaz and Co. Keep your ears open for WAKEDAFUCUP early next week and check out “Whut Whut” below.

The post New Music: Onyx – “Whut Whut” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Vhvl and Bae Bro. Photo by: Eric Slyfield

It was a cool autumn day when we caught up with New York producers Vhvl and Bae Bro. We explored nature, dug for records, talked technology and got to hear what it’s like being a woman in a game crowded by dudes (which is a story we always need to be listening to). After Vhé confessed that she had been feeling a bit cooped up in the city, we ventured upstate to stretch our legs in the great outdoors. Away from the tourist attractions and dog urine we found tranquility and zen. We also happened to see a ninja-like DJ with a magic crate outside the local ShopRite and ended up copping a grip of sample material for only 7 bucks. And then we met a dj-turned-monk-turned-DJ, making it a truly special day. Peep the interview below.

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RESPECT: You got a haul today, man. What did you get?

Vhvl: [Thumbing through Bae Bro‘s new finds] Boys II Men? Oh God, I’m done with you… Oh. DMX. I love this joint!

Bae Bro: Tropical rainforest, enhanced with celtic harp and pan flute.

Still the best CD in that stack. So, Vhé, you started making beats because you were playing the guitar?

Vhvl: I was in this band with my friend, Chase. He used to sing and I used to just play guitar. Originally I picked up acoustic guitar because I was really depressed and I used to write these songs that were really depressing, all day. I couldn’t get anyone to do drums so I had to start doing drums digitally. It was kind of crappy, actually.

So, when did you start?

Bae Bro: I started making beats rapping. My uncle actually produced for Onyx so I always used to kick it in his studio. That’s how I came to understand how turntables worked and about gear. I moved to Jamaica, Queens and I linked up with some dude in the neighborhood and we always used to talk about music. He was like, “man, you should make beats.” My birthday was rolling around and he showed up with a cracked copy of Fruity Loops. But the crack didn’t work so I had to learn to make these songs in shorter time. Just verse; chorus; copy; paste; bounce. Then he got me a copy of Reason that worked. Now I’m on the Ableton thing.

Vhvl: I love Ableton.

Bae Bro: Yeah, we’re both Ableton users. Software was the only thing I had. Because I didn’t have any other gear I always dive into the new shit.

How important is that to the both of you?

Bae Bro: Software? We have a different standpoint on this. She’s on like Reason 3.

Vhvl: I like what I like and I think that’s because I’m a little bit old school in my use of almost anything. I kinda came up as an engineer. I came up around dudes who were old, like, if it works and works for you then you use it. I’m still learning the program I have. I keep finding cool things I can do. And I’m cheap so it’s like hey why not. I just now started performing using Ableton because I broke my 404 during a show.

Bae Bro: And I did a lot of sound design and to do that I had to be up on the latest stuff. I actually learned Reason in the past three years having to remake sounds and stuff.

Bae Bro beaming over his new records.

It’s funny . With the old charts you could just sit by the radio and hear good songs. Now everybody claims to hate the radio so it’s like, “Who’s buying this music then?”

Bae Bro: Well, it’s like if you found out what Burger King’s whopper secret sauce was. It’s like, “oh, this isn’t so special anymore.” Everybody knows what the formula is. It’s so formulaic that people can design these marketing schemes to further their brand and that’s why pop music is so terrible. And I play pop music on a daily basis. I’m happy to be playing gigs that I like where pop music isn’t as terrible as what’s number one in the charts. But I love pop music. I kind of like the fact that it’s shitty.

Everybody seems to.

Bae Bro: It takes the piss out of serious music. Which you need sometimes. You’ve gotta be able to enjoy — laugh!

So, why do you create and what do you hope it does for people? I know you can make a sad song and people will be getting buck to it, y’know?

Vhvl: That’s me. I know you can make it and hearing it back you remember how you felt when you made it.

Bae Bro: Man that’s a tough question. Her and I talk about this all the time. We actually used to fight about this. I wouldn’t tease her but I’d make remarks that didn’t make her feel so comfortable about her process. Like Erykah Badu says, “[she’s] an artist and [she’s] sensitive about [her] shit.” I’m not a sensitive person. I’m trying to be but through my experiences with Vhvl I’ve learned it’s a gift and you’ve got to give it back to the people. My personal reason for making music? For me I look at music like science. I like science but I wasn’t always the best in it so I look at music like its the science of sound. Now I’m trying to make art but still have fun with it. But if they hear a synth that makes ’em want to go buck, go buck. If you hear some chords that make you want to cry, cry. I don’t know what people are going to take from it.

So you’re like a door with a window in it then. It’s like you’re trying to show people something new with the sound design and open them up to the idea that music can be different.

Bae Bro: Yeah!

Vhvl: I’m a mirror. What I do is I expose the darkest corners of a person. People come up to me all the time like, ” I was listening to this song over and over ’cause shorty dumped me.” And I’m like, “Well y’know that’s where I was when I made it so peace to you.” A lot of my music comes from a terrible place. I’m a pretty sad person. I’m a happy person, but I’m sad more.

You seem pleasant overall.

Vhvl: Give it, like, two days I’ll be making something pretty sad.

Vhvl and Bae Bro.

Oh word? So, I wanted to ask about chptooth. What’s happening there?

Vhvl: We’re all the same person in five different people. It pretty much started in a Starbucks. We like the low-key thing. We keep it pretty quiet. We’re moving kinda slow and it’s good. We have some really cool artists. The two that are moving the most would have to be Selfles. Jennifer and Willy. Willy is actually from here, Jennifer is from Florida. We’re working on releasing some stuff. Everyone is too scared to drop first. It might be Simara. His project is pretty much done. [Simara], does a lot of visual art and video editing; things of that nature. And Foryei our next artist should be going soon after that. I’m supposed to drop soon after that I don’t know when. I’m reluctant to do so because —

Bae Bro: She doesn’t want to drop first.

Vhvl: I don’t. I’m a little nervous.

Well, I think where chptooth started is a good place to end the day. Before we get out of here; what are three sounds and three places you’re fond of?

Bae Bro: Sounds: wind; water; lasers.

Vhvl: Why do you like lasers?

Bae Bro: Lasers are awesome! It was one of the first sounds I learned to make with a synthesizer.

Starbucks Customer:  You make wind sounds?

Bae Bro: No – lasers sounds. Well, wind sounds, yeah.

[For the next few minutes the interview get’s hijacked by a Starbucks patron who turned out to be a pretty chill DJ-turned-monk turned born-again DJ. Psaul, hit us up if you see this.]

Bae Bro: Places? Jamaica, Queens; the moon; and I have a thing for low lit places. I really like the dark. I think the lack of that sense really makes your ears alert.

Vhvl:  Sounds: I like water… and water and water. and places…

Bae Bro: We went to the beach today!

Vhvl: Yeah, the beach! Mountains and rocks. I like to be on mountains and rocks. And the middle of nowhere. I like to be lost.

If you’re still not hip to these sound tinkerers you can download Vhvl’s new album Myrrh from her Bandcamp. Be sure to check the elusive producer on her Soundcloud as well. Also be sure to check out Bae Bro on his Soundcloud. The track “Don’t Even Be Knowin'” should be played at very high volume.

The post Interview: Vhvl and Bae Bro on Software and Process. appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.