Image credit: Roc Marciano

Some come into this game and fade away, while others fight to stay relevant through personal trials and tribulations…the best come out on top. Roc Marciano embodies the very meaning of struggle, and through that struggle he arose to be one of Hip-Hop’s most underrated. With a more than impressive catalog backing him, its safe to say that he’s earned his stripes as the grittiest MC in the game. Presenting his new body of work Rosebudd’s Revenge, RESPECT. had the opportunity to link up with him to talk about the album and to get to know him better.

RESPECT.: Now let’s talk about your new album Rosebudd’s Revenge a little bit. So this is your third album since the release of your second album Marci Beaucoup, Did you find that you brought something new to the table with this album? With the release of Rosebudd’s Revenge do you plan on going ghost again anytime soon?
I just felt like I pressed update on the formula, that was the difference between this and anything else that I have done in the past, it’s like it’s more sophisticated than anything that I’ve done pretty much.

RESPECT.: A lot of the production on the album was done by you, Can you talk a little bit about how you narrowed down which samples to use? And Who are some of the artist that you featured on the album? Favor of genre of samples jazz, latin and rock?
It’s just an accumulation of all of beats that I’ve done, I dig through everything when I’m making a track or when I’m making an album that’s why you get the diversity because it’s a part of the process of making an album and getting inspiration from other music, you just soak in the aura.

RESPECT.: On your track “Gunsense,” you present lyricism at its finest, pretty much being verbally abusive. We’re you in a aggressive mind state when you made this track?

I just felt like it was something new. The track was weird, like how it “starts and stops, starts and stops,” I just felt like I had to approach it the way that I did was because it was strange and I felt like I had to do what I did on this track. All my music is gritty, from the beginning I’ve been making gritty music. I’m known for gritty tracks and I think this wasn’t anything out of my element. Now thinking about it, I probably have some of the grittiest tracks ever, just check my catalog.

RESPECT.: I’m aware that you had a very good relationship with Sean price prior to his death, you guys had teamed up to make the remix for “Snow” and also had the chance to do a couple shows with him a few years back, what type of influence did he have one you? What were some things that you picked up that helped you better yourself as an artist?
Big influence, great dude he helped pulled me up. When people were saying they weren’t fucking with me he was one of the people who stood up for me. Rest in peace it’s painful to know that we aren’t going to have anymore of P’s music it’s painful. I picked up a lot from him especially when it came to performing, P was electrifying on stage you know what i’m saying? P Helped me incorporate more humor into my own shit so you know if you’re an artist you know you can take something from him to make you greater He had all the ingredients and he was like Ol’ Dirty Bastard and real funky he had a little bit of everything. He was like the last real rockstar. So yea you could take a lot from P, he’s one of them n****s.

RESPECT.: In the past you’ve collaborated with Action Bronson on a number of records which have always been fire… my personal favorite has to be between “Modern Day Revelations” and “Sincere Antique.” When will be seeing another record with the two of you again? Have you guys thought about doing a joint project?
We recorded something not long ago, we went to the lab had some tracks and some things in mind. We killed a joint recently, I don’t know when it’s going to make the light of day but I have some things I want him on and vice versa. Shoutout to Action, we’ve made some classic records.

RESPECT.: Growing up who’d you listen to the most that influenced you to become an emcee? Aside from spitting how’d you get into producing?
Rakim, Kool Keith, MC Eiht, Nas, Wu-Tang, Slick Rick, Kool G Rap…by the time Nas and the Wu were out, I was already rapping but these guys are the ones that got me started. The first crop of dudes that was my era. They turned rap into a science class, it go scientific at that time. They took something entertaining and upgraded it to rocketship status. If you can rap like Kool G Rap you will make money.

RESPECT.: What is it about rap that has kept you in the game for so long and continuously dropping music? Where does the love for bars come from?
I still love making music and that’s why I do it. There’s really no more to it. The love for rap comes from the era that I come from and to get to inspire others is precious, and that’s something that I would never wanna leave behind. Bar-for-bar, I’m getting better and I’m inspired, and to keep inspiring others and being able to make money and take care of my family through this, I’m just blessed.

RESPECT.: Have you been keeping your ear to the streets with this new generation of music coming in? Who are some artist that have caught your eye that you would say have bars?
I don’t really listen to what’s being dropped nowadays…if I listen to it, it’s because someone close to me puts me onto it. I wouldn’t be able to name 10 new artists off the top of my head. I’m mainly familiar with what I hear on the radio and A-Boogie and Don Q, they’re making good music. Dave East, he got good joints out there and I haven’t sat down and listen to the projects but the tracks that I have heard I would say are good. There are joints on the radio that I do like, and for the most part I like what i’m hearing…I don’t hate on the young boys because I was one of them. Getting money doing what you love to do is a beautiful thing. N****s is actually killing the game with the melodies and now that I was thinking about it, I was listening to a A-Boogie track — I think it was “Drowning” — and it was wavy. I f***s with that, word up!

RESPECT.: Are you into politics at all? If so, what is your perspective on our new President of the United States? What is your perspective on him firing the director of the FBI?
No I’m not political and I don’t like to play the diversion game, “look over here while we’re doing this.” They are telling you to look to put all your attention to the right and I’m going to look to the left. That’s how I feel about politics, it’s just another form of entertainment. The plan does not change: we gotta take care of our families and do the best we can do out here…the plan does not change. We’re supposed to be running in fear because Trump’s in office? It’s simple, if he doesn’t want you there he can replace you, he’s the boss so he has the last say. It’s just business, straight up.

RESPECT.: Finally, I’m going to conclude this interview with my final question, which is: what does respect mean to you?
Respect means let people do their thing, if you respect me, I respect you. Show love until there is hate and to live peacefully amongst each other until we can.

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The post RESPECT. Interview: Roc Marciano Talks New Album, friendship With Sean Price + More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Cover Art: Andre Deck

This may be your introduction to Dj Skizz. Maybe you’ve been familiar with his music over the past few years. Maybe you’ve been an avid listener to The Halftime Show and have been familiar with his name for over a decade. Either way, hip-hop gladly welcomes artists like Skizz. Good producers with a generous range of sound, whether released or willing to, are hard to come by. Or, if they do have range they usually just suck and no one wants to hear their range (see your nearest radio for examples). Skizz is refreshing. Like an overdue exhale – the exhale you let out when you know it’s going to be okay and there’s still hope.

Skizz’s 2013 B.Q.E. (Brooklyn-Queens Experience) full length is a good time hop, let’s go there for a second. A seasoned boom-bap palette, a buttery confirmation that he is indeed a focused swordsman on the hardware. If a list of emcees like Masta Ace, Nature, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Roc Marciano, Torae and say, O.C. doesn’t appeal to you, perhaps you have some homework to do. While you’re at it we’d suggest you checking out Kings from Queens (2012). Or you’re in the wrong place.

Fast forward to today. There’s a ridiculous amount of quality independent releases already this year. Cruise Control, Skizz’s second official producer LP, is a day shy of being one to add to your list of top shelf  “underground” releases. You may have heard the few singles released via the internets. If those are any indication to what the new full length will offer, done deal. Guest artists include Conway, Planet Asia, Your Old Droog, Evidence and more. We’ll leave the rest a pleasant mystery and not bore you with an in-depth review. Below we had the pleasure of talking briefly with Dj Skizz to discuss the release and a few other goodies. Check the interview out, learn something cool, and be sure to cop/stream the entire record tomorrow (7/29). Peace and love:

RESPECT.: Before we set it off, thank you for your time. If you could give a new fan some backround about yourself what would you tell them?

RESPECT.: You have some pretty rich history and involvement in hip-hop aside from producing records. Can you tell everyone a bit about the Halftime Show days and its importance leading up to where you’re at currently?

RESPECT.: Lets talk about your ‘Cruise Control’ album. The packaging is top notch! And from what you’ve released already off of the LP the featured artists are just as potent. What should heads be expecting with this body of work?

RESPECT.: What’s your most memorable moment throughout the creation of ‘Cruise Control’? Any cool stories or pinnacle moments?

RESPECT.: Though your catalogue is already stacked with a boatload of elite recording artists – if you could work with one artist dead or alive today who would it be, and why?

RESPECT.: To close this out, if you had to give some advice to a new jack looking to produce what would you recommend him/her?

Dj Skizz: Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud | iTunes

Cruise Control: BandCamp | FatBeats (cd)

The post Dj Skizz Sets The Ride In ‘Cruise Control’ (Interview) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

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.

It’s safe to say New York City is bubbling right now, “Park Avenue” adding yet another promising cut to the endless list of east coast talent. Long time collaborators Action Bronson and Roc Marciano share grounds on Park Ave. with AG Da Coroner. Canvasing Polo Pirate’s handsome guitar riff and drum display, the three stay true to their sound – as expected.

You may recall the announcement that AG is now under the Man Bites Dog Records umbrella, Roc Marciano fully responsibile for the effortless, warm welcome. Roc states, “I wanted to sign [AG Da] Coroner because he’s one of my new favorite artists. Coroner is just ill, I like his voice, his demeanor and him as a person. A real serious talent.” 

This is simply a taste of what’s to come this February, as AG and Man Bites Dog gather up their armor for the forthcoming ‘Sip The Nectar’ Lp – AG’s full length debut. It’s promising. It’s real. It’s hip-hop. That’s why we’re here right? Enough yap – enjoy the record. Peace and love:

Twitter | Instagram

The post Take A Walk On “Park Avenue” With AG Da Coroner, Action Bronson & Roc Marciano appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Cover Art: @cepenwhy

You can ride waves in any weather with Hus Kingpin’s bodies of work. Not just ride the wave, but feel the cool breeze and euphoric undertones. They’re rich lyrics – which should leave you with a new found respect for emcees who can handle their wordplay. Did we mention the amount of co-signs and green lights he has received over the years from some of our pioneers and current staples? (see interview below)

Aside from the aesthetics, let’s note his consistency these past few years. On the independent scene, we all know that’s beyond crucial. Hus never leaves his fans to run for dry – always releasing random, sporadic singles with little warning. This is commendable and appreciated. Rookie emcees – take notes.

But forget all the fly words here – listen for yourself and catch up on his previous releases if you haven’t yet. Peace and love:

If someone is just now getting familiar with Hus Kingpin, how would you describe yourself in a few short words?

I’m a Brooklyn born MC representing Hempstead NY – half trini, half Bajan – wavy rhyme lord influenced by Nas, Noreaga, Dj Premier, Roc Marciano, Jay Z, Trap Music (laughs) – strip clubs in Atlanta – warm cognac and LA weed.

You live on the west coast now but still represent your hometown Hempstead in a lot of your records. Can you talk a little bit about your experience on the west coast and how the relocation has improved your craft, if so?

The first person I met when I moved to LA was Planet Asia. He came and scooped me and we copped some jerk chicken. Asia then took me around to meet everyone from Krondon, to Evidence, to Alchemist, to his GCM crew. Planet Asia also introduced me to Raekwon for the first time. I love PA. Everything in LA is glorious. Good weed always helps me with writers block. There are also great shows out here. Shout out to Fashawn as well, he’s a good genuine young shooter.

One thing listeners may notice is your open ended, free flowing content and your ability to allow us to paint our own pictures with your lyrics. What’s your writing process look like?

Writing process is all about energy for me, the perfect time is usually fresh out of the weed dispensary or when I’m with Rozewood who also lives in LA now. I usually go to the studio and smoke, chill, then I’ll probably fall asleep, I hate writing in the studio, but I’ll do it with the right energy

You really excercise the moniker “Lord Wavy”. It goes beyond the typical rapper’s nickname – so much that your rhymes often feel like we are riding a sonic wave. Was the Lord Wavy stamp a natural development? How did it come to frution?

“Lord Wavy” came from listening to Max B in NYC. I liked his style. It’s unfortunate about his situation. And yes it was pretty natural to form into Lord Wavy after meeting Big Daddy Kane in Queens when I was 18. He told me he’s leaving the torch for me. That was a bugged out moment in time.

The Winners is a powerful team of recording artists with some of the most natural chemistry we’ve heard in a while. Can you discuss how the team operates? And is longevity instores for The Winners?

The Winners is like TDE meets Wu-Tang. We’re all rhyme lords but not mega conscious with it – it’s all about the style and saying things that people have never said before. We have SmooVth from NY, Rozewood from NY, Sean Rosati from Boston, JuneLyfe from Boston, Sage Infinite from New Jersey, Marvelous Mag from NY, Giallo Point from UK, and singer El AY from UK. We’re going to wave up this year. Mega longevity – be on the look out!

To close this out, what does Hus Kingpin have planned for 2016? Any live shows, projects, collaborations etc.?

I’m dropping my debut in-studio full length album finally with some fly guests. Planet Asia is executive producing one of my LP’s coming. Roze and myself are finishing the Snowgoons album. Audible Doctor and myself have a project coming. SmooVth is going to break the Internet with his new ‘SS96J’ release. I got some beats from A$ap Ty from A$ap Mob. I got some new material with Marco Polo and a few other secrets underway.

Do you have any shoutouts? If so, shoot, shooter.

Shoutout Tommy Boy Records, Planet Asia, Evidence, Alchemist, Big Twins, Jazz and anyone else I forgot! Thank you.

Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud

The post Hus Kingpin – “House of Kingpin: The Revamp Edition” + Interview 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.

One of the highlights from Detroit producer Apollo Brown’s Thirty Eight album was the Roc Marciano-assisted “Lonely & Cold.” While we don’t get Roc in the video, we have Apollo taking a journey through the streets in gritty black and white.

The post New Video: Apollo Brown feat. Roc Marciano – “Lonely & Cold” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.