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.

Idle Warship, the collaboration between singer Res and rapper Talib Kweli has been a few years in the making, but glimpses of the album are finally starting to filter out. “Laser Beams”, posted below, should give us a good idea what the album will sound like; Res brings goes beyond the hook and sings verses of her own, and Kweli brings a faster more melodic flow than what we’re used to. This one could go either way, but Habits of the Heart is set to release October 24th, and we’ll know a lot more then.

Via HipHopSite

The post New Music: Idle Warship (Res and Talib Kweli) “Laser Beams” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Talib Kweli announced on Twitter Sunday evening that he will be going for four albums in two years, with a little help from his friends. Kweli plans to follow up on his prolific 2010, which gave us the second Reflection Eternal album as well as November’s solo joint Gutter Rainbows, with two new albums in the fall.

First up is the long-awaited debut LP of Idle Warship, Kweli’s collaboration with R&B singer Res, due to release in September. Just two months later, though, comes Prisoner of Conscious, a new solo album that Kweli has been tinkering with for years. The new album will feature appearances by Mos Def, Nelly, Jean Grae, Kendrick Lamar, Maino and Curren$y, and production from Hi-Tek, Madlib and more.

With the two albums and a book on the way, Kweli seems to be working at a breakneck pace. Yet something still tells me it’s Mos Def that’s holding up the second Black Star album.

Via HipHop DX

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The night after Brooklyn’s finest Talib Kweli blew up Red Hook with a free concert he crossed the bridge into Manhattan to perform on the Colbert Report. Kweli performed “Cold Rain” with Res off his recent Gutter Rainbows album, as well as the always classic “Get By” in a web exclusive.

Via Colbert Nation

The post Talib Kweli On The Colbert Report appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.