Out of his busy schedule, Jmak took the time to speak to us about executive producing the 6ixbuzz “Northern Sound” tape, working with Baka, spending his time between Sauce Familia and producing future slappers. As is obvious, the “Dope Game” producer really does have the juice and can’t wait to share it with the world. 

RESPECT MAG: First of all, congratulations on the release of Northern Sound tape with 6ixbuzz! Now that the project is out just in time for the holiday season, how does it feel?

JMAK: Thank you so much for having me, also thank you so much for recognising the work. It most definitely feels great to finally have it all wrapped up and released. We definitely had some crazy things happen unexpectedly last minute, but they do say God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle right?

RESPECT MAG: But that’s far from all the heat you’re packing musically right? Your production for Baka is a work of art! How was it like working with him?

JMAK: Oh absolutely, 10 years of mistakes and ammunition locked and loaded. I remember OVO Sound, 40 and Drake putting Baka and I in the studio for 3 weeks. Baka’s first project, 4Milli, was then created and the rest is history. Working with Baka is probably where I learned most about being an Executive Producer today. Baka is like the big brother I never had. He’s hard on me, and I love that. We’ve been a team since day one, so our chemistry is CRAZY in the studio.

RESPECT MAG: You executively produced Northern Sound. How was it working with 6ixbuzz? How did that come about? There’s a lot of artists on there, NorthSideBenji, Houdini, Full Circle moment was epic, Puffy L’z, Loco City, Bizz Loc, French, Archee, and well a LOT more. What was the process like?

JMAK: I’ve been working with 6ixbuzz since 2013, before it was even called “6ixbuzz”. The process was very smooth because of the solid relationships I’ve created with these artists over time. It was nothing different for us this time around, just a bigger platform to work with and a bigger cause by bringing the city together through music.

RESPECT MAG: Which are some of favourite tracks on the tape? We like “Too Soft”, “TikTok”, “Bandz” and the outro “World Is Yours”, “Make It Happen” is hot too.

JMAK: My personal favourite songs on the tape were Fifth, TikTok, Facts & Real Spill.

RESPECT MAG: Tell us what you think the proudest moment of your professional career is.

JMAK: The best moment of my career would have to be seeing my team (Sauce Familia) come together how it has. Every person on the team plays a crucial role to our success, and I am truly grateful to be able to supply opportunities for the family and keep securing more wins to continue pushing the culture forward.

RESPECT MAG: The worse memorable session you been in?

JMAK: Definitely a session I had when someone spilled their drink on my brand new Universal Audio Apollo 8 just as it came out!

RESPECT MAG: Your funniest celebrity moment was?

JMAK: Definitely meeting Drake for the first time than somehow ending up outside playing basketball with him and some of the guys. Great time, lots of laughs.

RESPECT MAG: What’s your favourite instrument to play? and why?

JMAK: FL Studio! In my generation of production, FL Studio is an instrument, a tool, a sonic paint brush. I can do the same things with an instrument on FL Studio easier actually! I’m actually not trained nor understand scales as well as I should but with the power of technology possibilities are endless! Thank You Image-Line!

RESPECT MAG: What’s your idea of a perfect studio session?

JMAK: If a man is not pulling up with food, gas, or grabba… it’s a terrible session.

RESPECT MAG: If you’re not in the studio what are up to?

JMAK: If you know me, you know that I STAY in the studio. No time to relax yet. I live in a city full of HUNGRY people. I always have to remain grounded.

RESPECT MAG: Who are some of your favourite artists coming up in the city?

JMAK: There are so many talented artists doing there thing inside and outside the city, way too many to list. I’m so proud of the work we’re doing as a city.

RESPECT MAG: If I was to check your iPhone right now what unreleased heat I would find?

JMAK: You would find a whole lot of heat, that the world isn’t ready for just yet.

RESPECT MAG: Something you’re cheffing up that your fans can look forward to in the 2020?

JMAK: In 2020, you can expect a whole lot of music produced by Sauce Familia & myself… worldwide.

Follow Jmak on instagram to keep up with his latest updates.

The post HOT ON THE BLOCK: Toronto Production Giant Jmak Speaks on Latest Projects appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo Credit: J French

Rapper, multi-instrumentalist and producer J French is gearing up for his first album release with his lead single “Different Ain’t Different”.

“Different ain’t Different’ is about artistry not being as respected as it should. It’s about artists not being able to be artists without someone either completely biting them or duplicating their style, which depreciates the value of true artistry. This song is made from pure observation and you can tell by the lyrics.” 

The Oklahoma City based artist is ready to take the game by storm and believes he will do so with his forthcoming album ‘OGB‘. French comes from a musical background with his father being Brother Num, a two-time Grammy Award-winning musician.

Follow J French on Facebook and  Instagram

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The post RESPECT. Premiere: J French Releases Lead Single “Different Ain’t Different” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Joslyn Rose Lyons

I knew, from a very early age, that I wanted to make movies. I didn’t know how I would do it, I just followed my passion and it’s continued to lead me on this path.

Documenting the creative process has always inspired my work. I created The Museum of Light, where artists such as Robert Glasper, Rafael Casal & Daveed Diggs, and Pharoahe Monch talk being alchemists and the courage to create. My first documentary, “Soundz of Spirit,” (Common, Saul Williams, Andre 3000, CeeLo Green) similarly explored the creative process and spiritual connection. Seeing artists in their element, along with my passion for music, is often the spark or light, that guides the direction of my work. It led me to produce the first Music Matters Grammy Showcase with PJ Morton, and Mack Wilds at the Creative Artists Agency, and content for HBO, OWN, and Vh1.

I’ve learned that it’s important to exercise different creative muscles. Earlier this summer, I produced the BET Experience Celebrity Basketball Game with Nick Cannon, The Game, and Chris Brown and I’m currently producing two documentary films; “Tale of the Tape” (history of the mixtape in hip hop w/ Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar) and “Tale of Four Cities” on gentrification in Inglewood, Oakland, Brooklyn, and New Orleans. I’m producing these films with my long time collaborators Malik K. Buie at Red Summer Photoplays Inc., and Theron Smith at Kings County Cinema Company.

Joslyn Rose Lyons on set with Mali Music and Billy Johnson Jr.

Joslyn Rose Lyons. photo credit: Lauren Crew

One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced in my field, whether it’s hip-hop content, sports shows or music videos, has been wanting to be seen as a Director or Producer first, and as a woman second, when it’s so often seen the other way around. The way I’ve learned to overcome this is by allowing the passion that I have for my work– that same passion that has motivated me to create and inspires all of the projects I’ve been a part of – to be the driving force behind my work. When you are seen as a woman first, and not for your talent first, your creative abilities are often shelved. I’ve had to prove my artistic abilities, my skills, even at times my intentions, just because I’m a woman, in order to be seen as a professional. When someone is truly passionate about what they’re doing, it’s undeniable and that shows. My colleague Saul Williams once posted this quote and it really resonated: 

“An artist, if he’s unselfish and passionate, is always a living protest.” -Pier Paolo Pasolini

Women in Film & Video (WIFV): Source

Check out her website IMDB page and Instagram

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The post WIFV: Filmmaker Joslyn Rose Lyons Reflects on Following Passion to Find Success appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

CC: Myles Harris

The post New Year, New Single: Charlotte’s Brio releases “Paint” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Reks over a Superior beat? Count us in. Count yourself in for that matter.

The German producer/DJ had a hell of a run this year, with the release of his instrumental Scenes LP. If you’re not familiar with Superior, we heavily suggest you checking out his soundscapes and wrapping your head around this collaboration afterwards (via Below System Records). Peace and love.

The post New Music: Superior – “Superiority” Feat. Reks 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.

Image via Twitter

We recently sat down with OHNO, a talented and unique pair hailing from Los Angeles, who have been making promising moves since the release of their debut digital EP, The Burgendy, in March of 2014. This surprisingly close duo consists of Anaheim, California native, REL$ and Infameezy who calls Los Angeles home, despite being born North of the border in Kitchener, Ontario Canada. Rel$ is an eccentric and strong lyricist who discovered he had bars at an early age, while Infameezy is the man behind the boards who had the vision to see the potential from the beginning. Social media ultimately brought these two together and after discovering an instant and irreplaceable chemistry, OHNO was given life.

RESPCT.: What was the inspiration for the name OHNO? Does it stand for anything?

Rel$: OHNO came from what we thought was going to be the reaction from out fans when we went from our underground group Atlas to the mainstream transition of OHNO. We thought our fans would say OH-NO go back to the old sound…. So it was perfect to reintroduce ourselves as OHNO because we invite the haters to listen.

RESPECT.: Most artists don’t tend to brand themselves as a package with their producers. Why go in this direction?

Rel$: Infameezy is a genius, and it was a real privilege for him to take me under his wing. Infammezy and I have developed this Chemistry in the studio that I can’t duplicate no where else. Having someone dedicated to your sound, is the reason why we are successful. It feels like he is a conductor in a big orchestra and I play the instruments, we can’t do this with out one another.

RESPECT.: A question for both REL$ and Infameezy, why a career in music? Why was this your chosen path?

REL$: I have always had passion for music, I have a natural gift in it. When I know I can actually make a living doing what I love, then why not?  Waking up knowing that I am in control of my own destiny and if I put time and love in what I want to do sky is the limit.

Infameezy: This is all I know, I love making music and visuals and everything that belongs to this art. I feel that I was put on this earth to bless peoples ear drums…make money and do what I love… how many people can say that do that?

Trynna Eat – OHNO

RESPECT.: Is there anything fans would not be able to guess about OHNO?

Rel$: We are actually very humble and approachable people.  We kinda are the nice guys of the industry. We get along with everyone and all we want to do is make good music.  So if you see us in the street don’t hesitate to approach us, Infameezy don’t take pictures but I will take one with you.

RESPECT.: How would you describe your sound to someone unfamiliar with Hip-Hop?

Rel$: We have a little bit of all types of hip-hop in our music.  We make love songs… WE make booty shakin songs… Motivational songs… Overall we make happy music… Get your day going in the right direction.

RESPECT.: Whats one thing fans wouldn’t be able to guess about OHNO?

Rel$: That we are a group of 2.. Rel$ and infameezy… People always think im OHNO…. *Face palm*

Me & My Bitch – OHNO

RESPECT.: As fans patiently wait on your upcoming clothing line, SWAVCLUB, can you give us any details on the look your designing?

Rel$: SWAVYCLUB.COM is where it is at… We try to make designs that will look good on video, so we always have that in mind when Infameezy makes the clothes.  We always are trying to look Urban, but fitted. Something you will like and your parents wont yell at you about [haha].

RESPECT.: How important are social media sites like Twitter, and Instagram to your career? Would OHNO be possible without it?

Rel$: INTERNET IS BIGGG!!!!! We couldn’t do any of this without it. Nobody would give time to two Latino kids with nothing in their pockets. So just doing it ourselves and letting the people see us through the internet and let the people decide if they want to get Swavy.

RESPECT.: What’s next for OHNO?

Rel$: Now we are working on the album and some music videos are about to hit. So watch out for the team.

Bill Clinton – OHNO

RESPECT.: Are you trying to achieve anything with your music? Or are you riding the wave wherever it takes you?

Rel$: We want to be the next big thing… We are not riding waves we have plans and goals.. I want Swavy Club to be a household name.

RESPECT.: Congrats on finishing up your recent tour. As your schedule gets busier, whats your strategy for battling stress?

Rel$: Smoking weed [haha]…. Also keeping a level head and finding balance… Balance is the key to life.

RESPECT.: Whose style and sound do you admire most in the game right now?

Rel$: J.Cole and Big Sean… The punch lines and flow is crazy.

Special thanks & shout-outs:

Rel$: Thanks to my Manager Ardi. And the BMG team for making everything come true.

Since their fruition, OHNO has enjoyed a steady wave of exposure and success, especially through social media and online streaming which has been paying off in a big way. Rel$ and Infameezy bring the right of energy and ambition to the table and it shows through their increasing fan base. OHNO is unapologetic, and a solid choice for anyone trying to strengthen their party-playist game. Follow on Instagram @ohnofromla, and on Twitter @OHNOfromLA for future news and material. 

The post Interview: Introducing OHNO appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.