“We did not want to make this a record label because most record labels have a similar sound. Once a record label flops and the sound is over – the artists flop. So, we went and found everything from traditional hip-hop to pop music. Basically any playlist in the world we want to have music on each and everyone. These artists with We Build Hits are actually talented and I am in direct connection with them everyday, so I see the talent daily. We believe in each and every artist here.”

There’s no arguing Billy Danze‘s stripes, patented sound and most importantly [RESPECT.] when mentioning hip-hop. 2000’s “Ante Up” still gets senior citizens and toddlers riled up. What do you get when the veteran handpicks a wide collection of artists to represent a movement? You guessed right – fire. ‘We Got It All Vol. 1’ is one for your digital collection – trust. “I have not heard any record from these cats that I didn’t like” Billy confidently states over Dj Spot‘s murderous, and almost addictive, intro cut. To avoid a confusingly fluffy review that we see published left and right, lets allow the music draw your own review:

‘We Got It All Vol. 1’ is as blunt and truthful as its title; they have it all. From Reign Major‘s roll-up-to, laid back “Best Thing Yet” to Tona‘s brutally honest “Lost”, this mix covers a lot of ground. How can you be mad at that? It’s more or less equivalent to throwing your iPod on shuffle, with trust that all 16 records will satisfy. Dj Spot did what he does best on the wheels, and blessed us with smooth transitions and quality mixing. We Got It All sort of echoes and gives an early Dj Clue or J-Love vibe when first listening front to back. We all love Clue and J-Love, come on. Billy Danze stated:

“Spot is one of those dudes that’s serious about hip-hop and knows how important it is to help spread it out. I’ve heard about him through the years and wanted to work with him a some level. So with both of our passions for the music of yesterday and today I felt it was only right to hook up and together start setting up the artists of tomorrow.”

Predominantly based in the states, We Build Hits has had success with their previous collaborative releases and moves. But what makes the “record company” special is the access of material per artist. They all do their own thing under this loose, respectful umbrella that Billy has crafted carefully. The freedom is profound, and it’s refreshing to see this small army do what they love while remaining drama/scheme free. After speaking with Billy on a few occasions about the company we can start to wrap our heads around the vision and the expectations moving forward. On a closing note, we hope all you real hip-hop junkies and good music fans enjoy the release. Be sure to download the project and support the team. Peace and love.

Reign Major | Tona | Money Mark | Demorne Warren (D-Dub) | Eyeznpowa | Ronve | Caktuz | Lucci Loner

(All interview segments with RESPECT. Magazine’s Dread Solo – special thanks and many blessings to Devron from We Build Hits and Russia’s own Dj Spot)

The post M.O.P.’s Billy Danze Is Back Alongside His Relentless Team Of Emcees With ‘We Got It All Vol. 1’ (Free Stream/Download) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

If Lorde‘s smash hit, “Royals,” is too pop-tastic for your taste, maybe you’ll appreciate this hip hop and r&B inspired remix by Russian producer Sop-Gradius. Enjoy the track below.

The post New Music: Lorde – “Royals” (Dub Remix) (prod. Sop Gradius) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Street art lost one of its great artists earlier this week. Young P183, also known as Pacha 183, died at age 29. Light was shone on the activist’s works particularly during the 2012 Russian presidential elections. He worked with both installations and street art, viewing them both as “highly informative” mediums.  P183’s works were heavily political and notably anti-Putin.

“The Russian Banksy” often resisted the comparison, claiming to not “draw any [his] inspiration from his work.” To honor his memory, enjoy out some of his most intriguing works. Rest in peace.

The post STREET ART: RIP P183 appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

For more pictures click here.

The post Graffiti: The Quirky Street Art of Nomerz appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.