Richie Bux (far right) pictured with Mikey PX (far left) & B.B. Knight (middle).

In Hip-Hop, there’s a thin line between paying homage and biting. This was probably the first thought that jumped into my brain when I first seen the cover for Indiana native Richie Bux’s new EP, Early Infamy 1.5: Salute Me or Shoot Me.

Initially, I thought it was an odd name… then I heard the music. Clocking in at 8 tracks long, Early Infamy 1.5 plays true to the sound that Waka Flocks introduced — with his Salute Me or Shoot Me tapes — & pays homage to a great time in rap. Sticking to heavily drawn out trap drums and hi-hats that sound like they’re coming straight from a machine gun, Bux tapped producer Dymon Beats to exclusively handle production on this tape.

… & we were not disappointed.

Following 2016’s fan favorite, Early Infamy, Bux finally finds his signature sound on 1.5. Executive produced by Industry Plant Management Group, 1.5 see’s Richie sounding as confident as ever, as he gasses through flows and cadences like his aresnal is never ending.

While all eight tracks go crazy & there’s virtually no room for skips on this project, the two standouts are without a doubt, “Lemme See,” the piercing first single from the project that shows Richie rapping like a man possessed, & “Ballout,” an infectiously, energetic and enjoyable song that is just short enough to make you want to run it back 10-15 times before you move on to the next track.

“I’m going to try and make the Early Infamy series a late summer thing every year,” Bux tells RESPECT. via email, “I think it fits perfectly with the fall weather.”

Check out, Early Infamy 1.5 & be sure to keep an eye on the IPMG star, who’s set to perform at the A3C Festival, this October in Atlanta.

The post Rising Midwest Star Richie Bux Drops Off His Newest EP, ‘Early Infamy 1.5: Salute Me Or Shoot Me’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Prince “Big Homie P” Eshan

Often in the music industry, we forget that the artists we see are a finished product of a team putting in a lot of hard work. From managers and stage crew, to publicists and nutritionists; your favorite artist is a corporation, not just an individual success. One of those jobs that’s probably one of the most important is security. As we know, some fans have a hard time differentiating reality from packaged product, and at times feel like they can do things they probably shouldn’t. There are also the people lurking in the shadows, just waiting for these celebs to slip up so they can seize the opportunity of a come up.

That’s where men like Prince “Big Homie P” Eshan come in.

Eshan (on the right) doing show security for Hood Rich Pablo Juan

Creating a name for himself by working security for models like Brittany Renner as well as a host of buzzing, up and coming artists, Eshan seized an opportunity of his own and started to branch out using the contacts he had made working security. In doing so, P came up with YouMade4It?, which is a national platform that gives rising artists the chance to perform alongside established ones, as well as the opportunity to play in front of new fans and industry insiders. The rotating event also pairs young creatives of all fields the chance to showcase their art and rub elbows with some of the city’s elite. In addition to this, Eshan also curates a carefully selected panel of experts who answer questions, give advice and do so much more.

With the next event happening June 23rd in Los Angeles in conjunction with BET Awards weekend, we got the chance to catch up with P to talk to him about his background, the origin of this amazing platform as well as other things. Read below.

YouMade4It? (Los Angeles) on June 23rd, 2018.

RESPECT. Magazine: How did the idea for this showcase come about?

P: The last five to six years I’ve been working security for artist and models but I’ve always knew what I wanted to do. Keeping every door open really set me up to be successful in this business. I’ve always wanted to create a platform for artists and other creators to showcase their talents and network with like minded people. Not only will artist have a platform to showcase their creativity but each event we will have panelists to speak to our audience. The plan is to help out as many artist as we can in each market.

Can you give a little bit more of an idea on what you guys do?

P: YouMade4It? is another platform for up and coming artists, creators and entrepreneurs to gain more exposure We don’t just give opportunities to recording artists, but all artists, even if you have a clothing line or create paintings. When doing these events we go into these different markets and seek the the best talent, as well as reaching out to media and Hip-Hop influencers.

Eshan (left) with Smooky Margielaa

We just want to give artists a chance to touch different avenues that wouldn’t normally be reachable. It’s not who about who is the best, it’s about doing the best and creating dope art and great music. If you would like to be a part of this tour, you would have to put in a submission and a representative will get back to you. We listen and take a look at each submission and hand pick our participants. We build our own platforms, we make our own situations. I see great talent, networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.

How many of these showcases have you done & what are some of the cities you’ve touched?

P: This is our first year doing the YouMade4It series in March we did #YouMade4ItATX in Austin featuring Hoodrich Pablo Juan, Zoey Dollaz, Rico Recklezz, Skippa Da Flippa, Johnny OZ and many more.

When you guys bring the show to a city, what are some of the things you look for with booking artists to perform?

P: When I’m in the process of setting up a event in a city my first question is who is the hottest DJ that has a relationship with artists, then we go from there to book the artist on the bill.

Los Angeles native Rucci has been making huge waves in the city as of late, how important was it for you to get somebody who’s so entrenched in the city’s scene to be apart of the show?

P: It was important for us to have Rucci on this show. I got in contact with Rucci through an producer/artist name Rob Two. Rob Two is very talented and has a relationship with a lot of creatives in the Los Angeles area.

Aside from performances, can you talk about the panel & what artists & fans can expect to walk away from it with?

P: I’m glad you asked about our #YouMade4ItLA panel because I believe this is very much needed and every event we attempt to educated our audience and the artists that attend. We will have a discussions on how artists can reach their full potential in this industry. We will touch on different topics such as branding, marketing, and more. After we will open the floor for the audience to ask questions.

Panel for YouMade4It? (Los Angeles)

What are the future plans for this showcase? Any festival aspirations?

P: Our future plans are to expand our brand and touch as many markets as possible. Becoming a well known festival is definitely part of the plan.

You can be sure to buy your tickets for YouMade4it? in Los Angeles, which is sponsored by Montgomery Law (cowboy car wreck.com) & will feature Rucci, Rob Two, Big Homie Stone, Richie Bux and Mikey PX, here. Stay tuned for more information as we will be covering the show.

The post RESPECT. My Hustle: Prince “Big Homie P” Eshan Talks YouMade4It? Concert Series appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Richie Bux + AK + ZOTiYAC, shot by Milton Amaya.

2018 has been quite the fruitful year for Indiana native, Richie Bux. After an eye-opening 2017, Bux has been on a warpath this year, consistently buzzing in all circles.

This could be credited to his collaborative tape with producer AK that dropped in January, or it could be the potent one-two punch the Vegas resident dropped last month with the visual for, “Cement Shoes” as well as the speaker-blowing single, “Tori Brixx,” although it’s probably a combination of the two. Never the one to spare lives or feelings, Bux keeps his foot on the industry’s neck with his new ZOTiYAC assisted single, “LOVE DEM GUN SOUNDS 2018.”

Sticking to the rugged, trap—almost anthemic sound that has made him an artist to watch, Richie Bux finds a terrifyingly comfortable pocket & just toys with his listeners the whole verse. It’s really a sound to hear. But if we’re being transparent… this was always Yac’s show to steal.

In what feels like a deliberate attempt to set the table by Bux, Missouri native ZOTiYAC then completely demolishes anything left of the Sauron beat.

Set to the tone of distorted bass-kicks and menacing hi-hats, “LOVE DEM GUN SOUNDS 2018” is the perfect soundtrack to your weekend activies. Listen below and get familiar with the rising stars.

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Midwest Soldier Richie Bux Enlists Rising Producer, AK for Collaborative EP, ‘To Hell Wit It.’

The post Richie Bux Continues His Assault on the Internet With New ZOTiYAC Assisted Single, “LOVE DEM GUN SOUNDS 2018” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Richie Bux by Kiari Cook

If you’ve been paying attention, then you’ve probably noticed the slow but noisy rise of a mouthy Midwest wordsmith named Richie Bux. After dominating our With All Due RESPECT. series in 2015 with sleeper after sleeper, the Indiana native is no longer being slighted. Whether it’s the Shade 45 co-signed, “Get Dough” which featured Rarri, or his O.J. Simpson-tribute, “Orenthal,” Bux has spent the last 6-7 months building a solid underground base that’s carried his momentum into 2018. Riding the wave, Bux enlists 18-year-old production prodigy, AK, for their high-octane, trap-heavy collaborative EP, To Hell Wit It.

AK by Geno

To put it plain and simple, this EP is like getting an Uber Pool to hell and realizing that your driver was Hunter S. Thompson only to come to grips with the fact that maybe this was your destiny. From the jump, AK’s chest-thumping 808s and mind-altering synths capture your attention, while Bux sticks to the high-pitched cadence that he flashed signs of on previous projects, Vanilla Sky & Early Infamy. While many of the tracks have the potential to be the one to blow the project out of the water, it’s obvious that the Jay Storm, Drayco McCoy-assisted, “Gang” is the one that the kids will be talking about for months on in, already at 30K plays on Audiomack. With a minimalistic chorus that calls for a tribal chant, Richie sets the table perfectly for Storm and McCoy to completely gas the opening verses. You almost forget it’s even Bux’s track until the veteran comes in at the end and totally cleans the whole song up, leaving no room for even another hook. Couple this track with complementary bangers like, “T-Shirt Me,” “No Home Training,” and especially the Lady Bux assisted, “M.P.D.C.D.”

‘To Hell Wit It’ tracklist.

We got a chance to catch up with Bux to discuss the making of the album, features and what’s next for the rapper. Check it out below.

RESPECT. Magazine: Where did the idea for ‘To Hell Wit It’ come about?

Richie Bux: “Hell” is always a concept that I wanted to dabble around and play with, because it’s so feared and frowned upon by American culture. I think my rebel nature compelled the concept, but the title came from me being drunk as fuck and watching Final Destination. It was originally titled, ‘No Home Training’ but I heard one of the actors say, “To hell with it” and I knew that was it. 

RESPECT.: Talk about connecting with AK & what made you want to do a full project with the young producer.

Bux: I feel like AK is a legend in the making, my dawg is one of the greats. He’s on a different wave length with this production shit and he is so slept on that I was like, “Let’s show these niggas what it is!!” He was with it, so we started running this project and it came together so naturally and fluently that It seems like It was meant to be.

RESPECT.: Compared to your last project, ‘Vanilla Sky’, this is a lot more energetic and trap sounding. What made you want to switch up and showcase that different style?

Bux: My goal with every project is to be left field as possible. Like soon as you think you might have my home genre figured out, here’s Bux with a Rock & Roll joint going silly. I want my fans and everyone out there to know that I can play ball in every park there is.

RESPECT.: How did the track, “Gang” with Jay Storm & Drayco McCoy come about? That shit is bananas.

Bux: I have to shoutout Honey on this one. She damn near crafted this record, bruh. Deadass. She literally hit me and told me who to throw on there and it worked perfectly. I was surprised.

RESPECT.: Now on the track, “M.P.D.C.D.” we hear a distinct, but unfamiliar famine voice by the name of Ladybux. Who the hell is Ladybux and when do we get a full tape? Where did that feature come from? Sheesh.

Bux: Ladybux is my shorty. Honestly, she’s low-key one of the best rappers I know and it’s crazy. Like the track she has on the project. It was the first song she ever recorded and It was so natural. She’s still in the beginning stages, but be prepared for videos, some big features and possibly a tape in the near future.

RESPECT.: What can we expect to hear from YOU in the future?

Bux: I’m going to chill on projects for a while. This makes three in a very short period of time. I’m just going to focus on releasing a lot of music videos and experimenting with different sounds for the rest of the year.

Check out, To Hell Wit It below and get familiar with Richie Bux.

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Midwest Rep Richie Bux Takes a Step Forward on, ‘Vanilla Sky.’

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The post Midwest Soldier Richie Bux Enlists Rising Producer, AK for Collaborative EP, ‘To Hell Wit It.’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo by Milton Amaya

Look, personally I’ve never seen the movie Vanilla Sky before. I’ve heard many things about it, both good and bad. To be completely honest, the closest tie I have to that movie is Kanye’s, “I felt like Tom Cruise on Vanilla Sky” shout-out on, “Through The Wire” and to be quite frank, I don’t rock with Tom Cruise. Something about 5’4, shaggy haired dudes defying the odds and doing bonkers shit doesn’t sit very well with me. So when Michigan City, Indiana native, and RESPECT. Favorite, Richie Bux announced his debut full length would be titled after the movie, I did some head scratching. Though the tape sounds nothing like what I imagine the movie to be — this is a good thing — Vanilla Sky provided a great look into the progression of one of Rap’s most exciting young guns.

Spread out among 13-tracks, Vanilla Sky (The Album) is a deep look into the ever-evolving mind of Richie Bux. One common criticism of the Indiana product was that he was on 10 24/7. Meaning that his aggression in his music could be seen as a turn off to the female demographic. Never the one to leave the ladies hanging, Bux improves on his Bedroom Music ability in real-time throughout the project. Songs like the buzzing single, “Closer” see him scratch the surface, albeit maybe a bit too obviously. The blatant Kush & Orange Juice theme speaks to the hungry passion Bux has to get better and he quickly realizes it on the standout tracks, “Love Letters” a BOOMIN’ jam about the limitations of your phone and “Addicted,” the Kiari The Stone and Todd Zack Jr. assisted joint that will most likely receive a bulk of the post roll-out love.

Photo by @thefuckerybruh

Though the tape has undisguised aspirations of connecting with women, the best love song probably won’t be received as such. On, “Runaway,” the Las Vegas transplant writes his chapter in the infinitely growing Bonnie & Clyde series; crafting clever tales about his girl being a ride or die to the fullest extent. Highlighting his creativity, Bux also demonstrates his ambitious wordplay on the Allen Iverson tribute, “Bubbachuck” as well as the dope-boy-anthem, “Get The Cake.” In short, Richie Bux demonstrates a potential on Vanilla Sky that is rarely seen among rappers in only their second year on the job. Personally, after this album, combined with the monster that was Early Infamy, which dropped during the 1st quarter of 2017; I believe that Richie Bux has had one of the best years out of any west coast underground artist, period.

Listen to the Audiomack stream of the album below and be sure to download it from MyMixtapez, which premiered it yesterday morning.

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RESPECT. The Track: Richie Bux – “Closer”

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The post Midwest Rep, Richie Bux Takes a Giant Step Forward on, ‘Vanilla Sky’. appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo Credit: Milton Amaya

Any fan of my writing at this point has to at least, to a certain extent, be a casual fan of Indiana to Las Vegas transplant, Richie Bux. The Gary — yes, the same Gary as Mike & Freddie Gibbs — native has been on a hot streak in 2017. After releasing one of the better EPs to come out of Las Vegas in some time, Early Infamy, Bux is now gearing up to release his debut solo album, Vanilla Sky. The first teaser from the album? A silky smooth single by the name of, “Closer” that showcases Mr. Bulletproof Shopping in a totally different light. To put it plain and simple, Bux trades in the AR for a bouquet of roses and the Air Force Ones for some dancing shoes in the new single, “Closer.”

Listen to the track below, and be sure to keep an eye out for Vanilla Sky, out everywhere July 11th.

https://soundcloud.com/richiebux/closer-cdq

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The post RESPECT. The Track: Richie Bux – “Closer” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Look, I’m nothing if not honest with you guys, the readers. I love you guys as if I knew each and every one of you personally, and I would never deceive you. That’s why right now, a week in advance, I’m letting you know there will be NO With All Due RESPECT. next week. The reason being? Well, if you have to ask then have yet to be “HUMBLE.d” and somehow let the news of King Kendrick’s new album fly by your head. But wait, there’s more! *Billy Mays Voice* (R.I.P.) Not only are we being blessed with the Compton Gospel, but the young legend Joey BADA$$ is slated to release his sophomore project which has features from SchoolBoy Q, Styles P – wtf?! – and perhaps most importantly, Jermaine Cole. Personally, I have been waiting years, since this picture actually, to hear Joey and Cole trade bars on a track, but probably not for the same reasons as you. See, I believe that Joey has the chops to be King around here, but at only 22-years-old and with only one studio album under his belt, it’s obvious he still has some things to prove. Despite this, I think he’s DIRECTLY under J. Cole and after a lackluster album release from Cole this past winter – yeah, I said it – if Joey can get the best of Cole on their track together, and deliver another classic project, it may be time to shake up the rankings. But let’s be honest here, they’re both fighting for number three – DRAKE IS 1B TO KENDRICK’S 1A, DON’T @ ME — at this point & Cornroll Kenny is sure to be the talk of the town Friday night. Friday is still a couple days away, though, and you may need some kill to bridge the gap between now and 4/7. Don’t trip, we got you. Check out this week’s With All Due RESPECT. featuring a late night jam from Kaleb Mitchell, a super banger from Richie Bux and more.

DaShawn Watson – You Are (Not) Alone

Checking in first on the list is So. Florida native DaShawn Watson and his introspective track, “You Are (Not) Alone”. A couple weeks ago, we premiered the video for this track, and ever since I can’t stop listening. Watson has slowly become one of my favorite emcees from Florida over the past year with tracks like “[SLIDE]” and again delivers with this one. In Watson’s own words, he describes the track as, “Basically it’s inspired by the movie Evangelion 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone because I’m tying in my past situations with a girl and the general theme for the movie about being alone.” The track exhibits everything there is to like about the Broward County spitter, which is highlighted by his ability to pace his words throughout his flow. Despite rapping at a machine gun like speed at times, Watson always does a great job at winding it back down towards the punchlines. Check out the track for, “You Are (Not) Alone” below and be sure to check out our interview with Watson about the making of the video, here.

https://soundcloud.com/wyx-watson/you-are-not-alone

Kaleb Mitchell – “Right Now (Feat. Asaiah Ziv & Caleb Cruise)”

In an era dominated by social media and “networking” in general, we’ve seen collaborations happen in Hip-Hop at a rate never seen before. Not only that, thanks to Twitter, we’re seeing artists on completely separate coasts, bring their fan bases together to create a special moment for both artists, and a way to gather more fans. In theory, it’s genius, and the latest duo to use this tactic were Wharton, PA native Kaleb Mitchell and Las Vegas rep Asaiah Ziv for the infectious single, “Right Now”. Self-produced by Mitchell – somehow the drum kicks are both chilling AND soothing, “Right Now” is a wavy ode to not taking any more bullsh*t. How many times have you told people you were on to something and they laughed at you, only to come right back around when the success is visible? That’s the feeling captured by Mitchell and Ziv in this down-tempo, yet easy to groove with track. “You ain’t hit me till I started getting poppin’/ got you thinking that I’m just another option,” croons Mitchell while Ziv adds on with the easily relatable bridge, “Don’t hit my line if you don’t know my name/ don’t hit my line if you want me for the fame/ don’t hit my line if you need another favor/ don’t hit my line, don’t hit my line.” Check out the vibe heavy track below and be sure to keep your eyes and ears on Mitchell & Ziv, who are two of the hottest underground acts out right now.

MaZhe. – “Sh*t Talk”

Making his second appearance on the list is San Diego native MaZhe. and his bar-heavy new single, “Sh*t Talk“. This is MaZhe.’s second appearance on the WADR column after last year’s inclusion of, “Gettin’ Real” a self-reflective track about finding yourself amidst the journey to your dreams. “Sh*t Talk” on the other hand, is exactly what the title suggests, flexing to the max. “I’m hunting for you better hold you ground,” raps the 20-year-old over a nostalgic sounding boom-bap beat with a twist – the synths that accompany the dusty drums is something Dilla must’ve dreamed about happening. While “Gettin’ Real” saw a young emcee attempting to find his voice and his path, “Sh*t Talk” serves as the evolution of the Daygo rep, adding a more confident and assertive sounding cadence to his repertoire. MaZhe. has good reason to feel that way also, as the budding wordsmith has been lighting up the blogesphere. Check out the new single below, and be sure to check out the SD native sooner rather than later.

https://soundcloud.com/mazhethegod/shit-talk-prod-teddy-walton-1

Saucalini – “Ball Cap (Feat. SEBBYOG)”

Keeping it in San Diego, next up on the list is Saucalini & his SebbyOG assisted ode to SD, “Ball Cap”. What at first listen sounds like a duo pledging their allegiance to the sound that Yachty – ehh Burberry Perry — built (xylophones, juvenile synths, etc.) quickly manifests itself as something way more substantial, a city-wide anthem. “I got SD on my ball cap, tell these old hoes they can fall back,” croons Saucalini throughout the intro and the chorus, which makes you wish you had a Padres cap in reach sooooo badly. An underrated feat of the soon-to-be-viral track will definitely be its focus on positivity. Because of the auto tune drenched testimonials about all black Nike SBs, Michelada tall cans, & spiteful chicks; it could be real easy to miss gems like, “Tell me why the fu*k you mad for, bit*h you actin’ like an a*shole,” or “All of you wanna be sad, I’m too happy for all of that bullsh*t you talkin’,” ringing throughout the infectious track. With the track at 9K plays and counting, combined with their announcement as the newest members of Rossi Rock’s Suav City collective, Sebby and Saucalini are on the fast track to regional or even national success. When it comes to the city though, the track is already a Daygo spiritual. Check out the track below and join the bandwagon now before it’s too late.

Richie Bux – “Make it Out (Feat. Chuck Brilliant & Silent)”

Rounding out this week’s list, coming in last but not least, is Richie Bux and the menacing track, “Make it Out” featuring Chuck Brilliant and Silent. A standout track from Bux’s, Early Infamy tape, “Make it Out” reunites the former NWO members one track for the first time this year. Bux kicks off the track with chilling keys that constantly wander in the back of your mind for the rest of the song, while setting the tone and letting you know, “We got real cookies for your sweet tooth.” Despite Bux’s impressive opening verse, the man of the hour has to be Chuck Brilliant. “I get my hands dirty, my intuition is camouflage,” starts of Brilliant with his verse, creating a tone for the rest of the 16. Chuck is no stranger to this list, or killing tracks, as he himself had a spot on this list with last year’s, “House Party”. The Chuck we get on this track is a lot different, though. While he focused more on party raps and tweet worthy bars on, “House Party”, the Vegas native showcases a pain in his voice that’s reminiscent of 50 post shooting. Expect for Chuck to be a breakout artist this year on the streets. While Chuck may have lyrically commanded the track, it was Silent who steals the show by the end of the track. Opting for a more nasally sounding cadence that makes him sound like the child from hell with a vengeance on the producer, Silent completely takes over the song with his last verse, climaxing in the mimicking of his semi-auto letting off on the competition, literally and figuratively. Check out the track below and be sure to give Early Infamy – which is easily one of the best EPs released in the first quarter of 2017 – a deep listen.

https://soundcloud.com/richiebux/make-it-out-feat-chuck-brilliant-silent

There you have it! Let us know how we did, did we get it right? Are we still sleeping on your favorite local artist? Let us know in the comment section below!

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The post With All Due RESPECT.: 5 Songs You’ve Been Sleeping On (4/5) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.