Rocawear named none other than the great DJ Khaled to rep the name as their Brand Ambassador. Already a top contender, many believe that this move makes him a virtual lock for “Sexiest Man Alive 2017.”

In an interview with WWD, Khaled explains, “I’m a superfan of fashion. My family always taught me to be fly.” So this move by Damon Dash and Jay Z should come as no surprise to anyone in the fashion industry. However, this honor is really just another notch on the belt for the music and social media mogul, who for years has been dominating the airwaves and snapchat screens with his constant message of success and inspiration. With his ninth album, Major Key in the works, it seems that the sky truly is the limit for the South Florida native.

This is shaping up to be a big year for Khaled, and we’re all excited to see and hear more from him as he maintains his unprecedented level of success and greatness.  And remember these wise words, “When you’re rocking Rocawear, you’re rocking greatness.”

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The post DJ Khaled Considered Front Runner For Sexiest Man Alive 2017 appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

If Nicki Minaj topless wasn’t enough of a beautiful thing today, Hov and Dame were seen together for the first time in a very long time. While partying with Chaka (an original Roc-A-Fella staffer) at her birthday, the two chopped it up and a few flicks were snapped.

Last month, Dame was seen playing and praising Jay’s Magna Carta Holy Grail and Hov told Angie Martinez he had “nothing but love” for Dame. It’s always great to see old friends bury any animosity. Dare we hope for a Jay and Cam’ron reunion now?

The post Photo of the Day: Jay Z and Dame Dash Reunite at Chaka’s Birthday Party appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Elliott Wilson, editor-in-chief of RESPECT., meets with Jigga to discuss myriad topics from the rapper’s lengthy and loaded career. With Magna Carta Holy Grail as a starting point, Jay Z addresses everything from collaborating with Justin Timberlake and collecting art, to shooting the Samsung commercial without a script, counting digital sales, and having bigger things to worry about than paparazzi. A man who wears many hats, Hov contends that this spectrum of roles reflects his individuality, asking “What’s the sense of being successful if you can’t still be yourself?”

Watch the first part of the interview below, and stay tuned for part two, scheduled to be released later today.

Update: Part two is now available as well. Continue on. 

The post Interview: Jay Z Sits Down With Elliott Wilson for a #FACTSONLY Interview appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Lamont Coleman, better known as Big L, was gunned down 14 years ago today at the age of 24. He was shot nine times in the face and chest in Harlem. Just weeks prior to his death, L was in the process of signing to Jay-Z and Dame Dash’s Roc-A-Fella imprint.

Big L left a legacy one of the most gifted lyricists  of his time, although his body of work was nowhere near as expansive as anyone would have liked it to be. In remembrance of his talent, you can check out a few classic freestyles of his, including the legendary 10 minute freestyle on Stretch and Bobbito’s show in 1995 along with Jay-Z.

98 Freestyle

“You ain’t a leader, nobody followed you, you was never shit, your mother should’ve swallowed you”

All Black

“I was taught wise, I’m known to extort guys , this ain’t Cali, it’s Harlem n*gga we do walk-bys”

The post Remembering Big L appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.