Surpassing the expectations of a standard “remix” in 2016, Brooklyn’s Dj Skizz offers an oversized fixing for all hip-hop heads with this one. Let’s take a moment and reflect on how potent Cormega & Large Professor‘s ‘Mega Philosophy’ LP was in 2014. If you missed it, we highly recommend you getting your hands on it today. Anyway, “Industry” was a stand out record for many off of the album.

With a healthy list of commendable production credits, rock solid releases and an evident, pure work ethic, it’s no surprise Skizz would go above and beyond with this one – or anything he touches for that matter. As you can see above, he brought along some seasoned veterans and staples to paint his refined canvas. Could we ask for a better line-up of emcees to discuss such a heavy topic? Probably not.

That’s enough out of us. Enjoy the record – we are sure you will. Peace and love!

Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud

The post Dj Skizz Remixes Cormega’s “Industry” And Brought Along A Few Seasoned Veterans appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

“This cassette was made with dust, vinyl, drum machines, breaks, kicks, snares, chops, kicks, loops, and soul.”

We witnessed this entire project unfold. Ologist, by way of Virgina and a proud Better Beat Bureau member, reached out to “some of the dopest producers” he knew via Instagram in the summer of 2015. The project’s original title, or concept rather, was The IG Beat Collective – which is self explanatory and simply amazing if done properly. But that is no issue for Ologist and producer Analog Burners, who both formulated the project now known and available as ‘When Crates Create‘.

Toggling back and forth on the which physical format to release the 18-track collaboration, they chose cassette. Oh yes, a good old classic beat tape. Boy how we miss those, huh? Perhaps this doesn’t tickle the fancies of the average radio listener or trap star, and that is totally okay. This predominately caters to an audience of true school, and old school, hip-hop heads – but not limited to. Your grandmother or country ass brother in-law could easily ride out to the wide, yet cohesive body of work.

There are too many names to list for you, but check the track list out as you stream it. If you’re not familiar with a lot of the beat smiths throughout the tape, do know they all take this craft very seriously and give eternal praise to the culture – as you should too. Yeah you. Enjoy the stream and keep up with the lords. Peace and love:

If you missed Analog Burners & Starvin B‘s ‘Starvicide‘ release feel free to splurge. It’s something you should probably be familiar with. One love.

Ologist | Analog Burners | When Crates Create

The post When Crates Create Is The Ultimate Instrumental Tape (Stream) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Visual Directed by: Fred Focus

Brooklyn emcee Saga dropped off his second visual demonstration for “The Strong”, off his upcoming Out of the Shadows release. The title is nothing short of what the content holds; strength. From all angles this displays what a respectable true school artist should obtain. He’s far from falling short on the mechanical side, with razor sharp delivery that’s [respectably] reminiscent of an early Terror Squad. The record is produced by himself, as well. Saga takes us through his daily encounters, strongly painting us a vivid scene of how Brooklyn is perceived through his lenses and how he maintains strength. This isn’t one for the weak hearts or closed minds.

Check out the first visual release below for “City Streets”, featuring the ever-promising Roc Marciano. Staple beat smith Marco Polo is on the boards here, as well as the majority of Out of the Shadows – one more thing to be excited about. If this is your introduction to Saga, you can thank us later. Peace and love:

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

Original/Layout Credit: Rich Quick

Carrying the weight of the world “on your shoulders” is a repeated phrase we’ve all heard. How does one deal with the stress from life’s curve balls? What do we do with this weight when it’s on our shoulders? By principle it’s engrained in us to have some form of release to either tip this weight off or express what it feels like to carry this metaphorical collection of issues.

Following the recent success of their latest “No1” record, “On My Shoulderz” paints Rich Quick‘s trials and tribulations as a recording artist; honing in on the fake hand shakes at live performances and folks forgetting their primary purpose as artists. Rich finds his release through crafting lyrics with such direct, blunt delivery. Many artists will mention writing lyrics as a form of therapy or release, but only some you can actually feel as a listener. Honesty and remaining humble on records is few and far between these days, in a game flooded with boasted egos and gimmicks. Rich stays far from any of that, in and out of the booth. RESPECT. Magazine‘s Dread Solo had the chance to see him perform live multiple times, and he reportedly stands out from the bills line-up. The confidence and energy that’s displayed is something everyone should probably take note of, considering this is one of many important factors in hip-hop.

“I’m looking for a joint that I can bring my speech to life” was delivered in reference to him and (producer) Stankfoot‘s chemistry as a emcee-producer duo. Take note of the production. Rich, over the past few years, has rocked a range of production, but these last few releases have a heavy boom-bap, jazz influence. We know all you stuck-in-the-90’s heads can appreciate that. Stankfoot, also a steady member under Exponent Entertainment, is undeniably one of the better record producers in Philadelphia currently. He’s a true student of this culture, and evidently knows what he’s doing in the studio. There’s no arguing that.

Before we close out, mentioning Rich Quick’s upcoming European tour is only right. As Exponent’s Ccelli Riccelli wraps up the finishing touches they’re prepping to flee the country on a full on, overseas hip-hop excursion. Europe, are you ready?

That’s enough out of us. We’ve attached “No1” (as mentioned above) for your listening pleasure. But be caution- it’s a neck breaker. Peace and love:

The post Rich Quick Carries The Weight Of This Industry On His Shoulders Confidently appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

In the midst of overnight stardom and trendy waves we real hip-hop fans yearn for a refreshing, authentic sound that offers longevity, and most importantly trust. Niko Is may just have what you’re looking for. Though born in Rio de Janeiro and currently grounded in Orlando, Florida, pin pointing his sound is impossible. Respectable [versatility] is an understatement when discussing his music, which we’ve been able to observe for the past few years since he hit the scene.

2012’s Chill Cosby release was seemingly Niko’s take off, with an acclaimed response and help from Talib Kweli‘s Javotti Media. Action Bronson made a guest appearance on “Steffi Graf”, which certainly excelled our attention to the forefront. This release was absolutely album quality. Multiple renowned media platforms took notice, and soon after it was merely impossible not to see something about Niko Is featured with online hip-hop publications. With that being said, he was just dipping his feet in the water, and nationwide fans would begin to flock.

It’s only right that we highlight Niko Is’ producer-of-choice, and friend, Thanks Joey. They’ve been rocking records together since their early high-school years, and the chemistry is undeniably bold. There really is no arguing that they compliment one another. Close, consistent work as an emcee-producer duo, or a few man production team, is something that we don’t see enough of in 2015. This is not to put him in a box with just his Colours Of The Culture team, because Niko has done records with a handful of other producers and the quality is just as dope.

During the recording of Chill Cosby and Good Blood, Niko Is was simultaneously working on his long awaited, acclaimed Brutus album. Keeping it brief, the Lp is released alongside Javotti Media and some of the features include Talib Kweli and Kool A.D. Production credit goes to Thanks Joey, who definitely destroyed the boards and gave his all to this collection. Despite his loose, free spirited approach on the mic, a track like “Nobody’s Watching” reminds you he can display much deeper content, where staying honest and true to yourself surrounds the message. Other tracks like “Vamoose” and “We Know” pull you back to the feel-good, left to right head swaying side, while still offering relevant content. Niko Is solely reflects his everyday life in a poetic, loose and energetic manner. In an interview with Straight Fresh, Niko states:

My name, being called NIKO IS, is pretty much an ongoing invitation to discover who I am.

Talib Kweli took notice a while back and it has been a wrap since, with Niko now being Javotti Media’s staple artist more or less. Kweli’s vision and inspiration for Javotti is amazingly, “A platform for independent thinkers and doers. A home for those who are driven by passion and vision. A place for us and those like us.” He continues to give back to this culture any way he can, and this movement is one to be reckoned with. You get nothing but quality from Javotti Media, with a roster also consisting of Res and Corymo. Keep up with everything they’re putting out and be sure to support such a beautiful movement. This is much deeper than music, and very necessary.

Okay, so we got the point across and hopefully opened you up a bit to Niko Is and his music. But what about live performances? How’s his stage presence? Do know he does not come up short for the crowd. The reviews from his live performance are beautiful, as he is currently on tour with Talib Kweli, Immortal Technique, Constant Flow and Hasan Salaam. The tour will end mid-April, but be sure to catch them in a city near you if you live on the east coast as they head north from now til then.

Be sure to visit the official Niko Is website for purchase links and more album information. Peace and love.

The post Niko Is: Gaining Hip-Hop’s Trust Alongside Talib Kweli’s Promising Javotti Media appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

www.stillproudclothing.com

J57 dropped off his latest record “Soarin’ Like Jordan” featuring Audible Doctor and Archie Bang. For those who’ve been residing under a rock, J57 hails from the acclaimed underground collective Brown Bag Allstars as well as Audible Doctor. Both are predominately known for their production over the years, but they never half step or come up short on the mic. Revisit J57’s “Wax Aesthetic“ for your reassurance, and Audible Doctor’s “Can’t Keep The People Waiting.“

The two Brown Bag veterans brought along Brooklyn’s promising Archie Bang to blow off some steam, opening up the record with some heavy content. Don’t let the playful title fool you here; the three guns mean business and deliver brutal honesty over J57’s stern, sample-free soundscape. Yeah, we said sample-free. This is only a taste of what’s to come as an EP was just announced and is expected soon titled “I’m The J57.” That’s enough out of us. Enjoy the record below and be sure to keep up with J57. He does not sleep, all for your listening pleasure and the preservation of this culture we call hip-hop. Peace and love.

The post Premiere: J57 Returns With “Soarin’ Like Jordan” Ft. Audible Doctor & Archie Bang appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

“This sh*t might be too real for the untrained ear.” – Chuuwee

JR & PH7 and Chuuwee‘s collaborative record The South Sac Mack is finally available to the public. For those who’ve been trailing our posts at RESPECT. Mag leading up to this release we know you’ve been waiting for this. Just getting on board? It’s all good. Let’s briefly take a look at the album and walk through the details together before you tune in to this jewel.

If you’ve been living in the dark, German production duo JR & PH7 are two beat smiths who have an extensive resume and an acclaimed reputation on the hip-hop scene. This is not the first go-around for a collaboration with Sacramento’s Chuuwee, but the first full length effort and certainly their most crafted, complete body of work. There’s no denying that the three of them have ridiculous amounts of chemistry.

This may be the closest you get to a ride through Sacramento streets without actually visiting, while Chuuwee displays solid story telling and situational endeavors over JR & PH7’s convincing soundscapes. Aside the locational execution, relatable subjects were addressed – growing up, family ties, relationships and the power of a dollar. The features are tasteful, but don’t overwhelm the lp, with help from the wests own Blu, St3wart KooL, Bueno and Sean LaMarr. In total the record is an amazing release for 2015, as there is still a lot of phony “hip-hop” being released. This is one for your collection, so be sure to grab the digital copy, physical copy, or your 2LP vinyl version in a few weeks. Peace and love.

Below System Records

JR & PH7 on Twitter | Chuuwee on Twitter

JR & PH7 on Facebook | Chuuwee on Facebook

The post JR & PH7 x Chuuwee – “The South Sac Mack” (Album Stream) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.