1. Vinyls

Vinyls, vinyls, vinyls. The once taboo way to listen to music has made a comeback over the past couple of years. And guess what? Thanks to places like Urban Outfitters to your local record stores, basically any album that you would want (unless it’s limited edition) is available on vinyl. That anything means from Kanye’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” to EMPD’s classic “Strictly Business” can be copped for your for loved one.

If you’re lucky, you’ll even find some hidden gems at the thrift store. So, browse the internet or take a day off and do some crate digging for your Christmas gifts.

2. Rapper’s Delight The Hip-Hop Cookbook

Know a hip-hop head who loves to cook like Raekwon the Chef? How about someone who always holds you down with plate? Make sure you cop them the Rapper’s Delight Cookbook. The cookbook is filled with 30 tasty rap inspired recipes with some dope artwork to match. “Wu-Tang Clam Chowder,” “Busta Key Lime Pie” and  “Run DM Sea Bass”? Yeah, this cookbook is a must have!

The Rappers Delight Hip-Hop Cookbook is available here.

3. J. Dilla Figurine

Yes, yes, and more yes. The once sold-out figurine, designed by Korean artist P2PL, is available for pre-order once again! This time around, there will be 3,000 J. Dilla figures available. The Stussy x Rappcats collaboration stands at 7.5″ tall and features all of Dilla’s classic staples including a removable Detroit MLB hat, an MPC and (of course) a donut chain.

The J. Dilla figurine will not be available again after 5,000 mark. So, stop sleeping and gift someone the limited edition Stussy x Rappcats collaboration here.

4. Ted Draws T-Shirts

Tired of seeing your homie in that same old Yeezus tee that everyone has? Well, illustrator Ted Pearce puts a unique spin on hip-hop inspired tees with his hand drawn collection.  The collection features sweatshirts and tees with artists like Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, Outkast, and even Snoop Dogg printed on the front. The pieces from Ted’s first collection, which featured Prince and a vogueing Madonna, were limited edition and sold out from word of mouth alone! It’s safe to say that the current collection will sell out just as fast.

Treat your friend , or yourself, to some Ted Draws apparel here.

5. Iconic Walls Decals

There’s nothing like some cool wall decals to help spice up a friend’s new apartment. Iconic Wall Decals, an online shop that focuses on unique wall decals and art prints, features a variety of rappers including Jay-Z, Action Bronson, Joey Bada$$, and even MF DOOM. The shop even has some dope decals available for MacBooks.

Iconic Wall Decals are available for purchase here.

The post Five Holiday Gifts for the Hip Hop Lover appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Big Bank Hank of The Sugarhill Gang has passed away at the age of 57 due to cancer. The rapper had been in the game since the 70’s and had been rapping alongside Master Gee  and Wonder Mike for quite some time. The trio lit up the rap game with their track, “Rapper’s Delight,” and really made a name for themselves and hip-hop. RIP Big Bank Hank!

The post The Sugarhill Gang’s Big Bank Hank Has Passed Away appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Eric B & Rakim‘s Paid In Full is still one of hip-hop’s most treasured albums, and the God MC, as he’s often called, is still heralded as one of the art’s biggest innovators, in terms of wit and rhythm. Now, you can hear it directly from the man himself–he kicks off the interview by blatantly stating that the way he shaped his flow on Paid In Full, (which was the only way hip-hop got from the rigidity of flows like “Rapper’s Delight” to all of the complex rhyming that we have today) is modeled directly after John Coltrane‘s solos. Keep listening to learn how a skeptical young Ra met Eric B at a time when he would have rather played football than make a rap album amidst other remembered gems. Check out RBMAradio.com for more dope interviews.

The post Paid In Full Turns 27 Today, Here’s A Great Rakim Interview appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.