Image credit: OPM/Interscope

In the Rap industry, it’s easy to have a hit record for a few months, but its difficult trying to maintain it. That feeling of knowing you worked hard for something, and just like that its taken from you. But instead of letting life get you down, you roll with the punches and keep grinding. L.A.’s own Jay 305 is a true example of how to bounce back — he went from recording the hit single “Youzza Flip” to having life go upside down in a matter of months. From having issues with the law to today (3 years later), Jay 305’s story is nothing short of amazing. If that doesn’t inspire you to chase your dreams, then I don’t know what will.

After releasing his latest single titled “All Around the World” featuring YG, Jay 305 is officially back with his new album Taking All Bets. Recently, RESPECT. was able to sit down with the West Coast emcee to speak on the music, fellow peers/collaborations and more.

RESPECT: It’s been a year since the release of your last project titled Inner City Hero, how does it feel to have your debut album finally drop? 

It’s a real blessing, it feels like I’m in the playoffs and I’m about to win it all!

RESPECT: What was the inspiration behind Taking All Bets?

The inspiration behind the album was all the gambles in life I’ve taken. I’ve always had to gamble with my life and take chances. Some legal and some illegal but they were a gamble to say the least. I live life based on the principle of no risk, no reward.

RESPECT: You and Dom Kennedy have been cool for years, can we expect any features from him on the album?

Most definitely, we got this real nice record titled “Pretty Girls,” produced by the great Mike And Keys, the best to ever do it!

RESPECT: From the looks of your Instagram, it seems as if you’re into fashion. What has been your influence behind your style over the years?

I’m not new to this, here at OPM, we been fly. I like to describe my style as streetwear couture. I’m hit you with the Dickies, mixed with the Balmain jacket, off the Raf’s, Van’s or Air Jordan’s. It’s easy.

RESPECT: What else can we expect from you this year?

You can expect to see me on tour hopefully, touring up and living life, more music videos and more beautiful women than you could imagine!

Jay 305′ debut album Taking All Bets is available for purchase and streaming on all platforms, enjoy!

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The post RESPECT. Interview: Jay 305’s Time Has Come appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

by Sabrina Vaz-Holder

The West connects perfectly for this tour. Dom Kennedy, Casey Veggies, and Jay 305 will be hitting the road for the By Dom Kennedy Tour. The tour will support both artists projects, which respectively each artist put together with no intent on making a “radio hit”. Dom Kennedy released his album, By Dom Kennedy in June, while Casey Veggies’ Live & Grow will be released this Friday. Jay 305 dropped a video for his track “Thuggin” back in late July as well. The tour will run through October til’ mid December. Will you be attending any of the dates shown below?

https://twitter.com/DOPEITSDOM/status/646410110588207104/photo/1

The post Dom Kennedy Announces “By Dom Kennedy” Tour With Casey Veggies appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Opm’s Jay305 and AoB’s Joe Moses team up to show you they thuggin. Thugs get money too so Thuggin, the single, is available on iTunes for purchase.

The post New Video – Jay 305 x Joe Moses – Thuggin appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

From pool parties to cookouts, Dom Kennedy is known for his summertime anthems. However, to the dismay of his loyal fans, he has been quite dormant.
Until now.
In a surprise announcement, Dom Kennedy announced that his self-titled, third album will be hitting the streets June 2nd, and if you know Dom, you know that’s right on time.

The post Dom Kennedy Announces New Album appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Niko G4 continues to prove that the West Side gets the money with a new video off his recent project, Roll The Dice. He is assisted by his fellow OpM members, Dom Kennedy and Jay 305. In the video, they express their love for the finer things in life—cars, clothes, money, and jewels. “Shoppin” was directed by CalMatic. Check it out below.

The post New Video: Niko G4 Feat. Dom Kennedy & Jay 305 – “Shoppin” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

With summer officially beginning today, it was only right that Dom Kennedy dropped a track to give us a little preview of his upcoming album, Get Home Safely. This is his type of weather, after all. Plus, he seems to always release his projects during the summer. Maybe he just wants to capture that “feel good” type of vibe. Shout out to The Futuristiks for the smooth production. Stream “Never” below.

The post New Music: Dom Kennedy – “Never” (Prod. The Futuristiks) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Readying for the release of his fourth album, POP, Polyester the Saint enlists Gangsta Gibbs on his latest single, “I Win.” The West Coast rapper has been known to bring the funk, but he may have outdone himself on this one. His California flow was nicely complimented by a very cloudy beat, which he produced himself. Freddie Gibbs’ verse elevates the track even more, sealing the deal. Stream “I Win” below.

The post New Music: Polyester The Saint Feat. Freddie Gibbs – “I Win” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.