Yung Martez

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By: Jdagr8

Houston rapper Jdagr8 is Houston’s next big star. His raw talent and hustle like mentality, has propelled his career to new heights. Having worked with one of music’s biggest stars NBA Youngboy, he already has a hit record and plans to continue this momentum. But the one thing that separates him from the rest of the pack, is his community work as a public figure. No matter where he goes, and how much money he makes, he always bring the city of Houston with him.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the emcee for a candid interview. As he discusses working with NBA Youngboy, giving back and putting on for his city, it is clear that he was born a star. Check it out below.

Respect: What does it feel like being a hometown hero in Houston?

Jdagr8: I never really thought about it. But most heroes never look at themselves as heroes. I like to give back especially because I come from scraps. Growing up my mom had a bunch of kids at a young age so I never really got what I want. So when I give back to my community and kids I try to give them the opportunities I never had. I see myself in kids. It truly is a blessing to be able to give back to my community.

Respect: How did the record with NBA Young Boy come about?

Jdagr8: We recorded it a year ago from today. We did a concert right when he was going through a lot of heat in the press. I actually opened up for him. But it was my concert. I had a promo company to book artists and we would chop it up with the artists and then usually record music together. We booked him for a show and organically start talking. I sent him over the “Can I Trust You” record and he recorded his verse immediately. I felt like I wrote that for him so it was a perfect fit.

Respect: Why is it important for you to give back to your community?

Jdagr8: It is important because of the effort it takes for us to make money and sustain it once we get it. I did not have to work too hard for the money I have so it was only the natural thing to do. That is the way universe works. You have to give back in order to keep receiving blessings. My mentor told me to treat everyone like they are somebody. It forced me to give versus acting like I am better than people. I see everyone as an equal.

Respect: Describe the experience in working with Paul Wall and & Johnny Dang & Co?

Jdagr8: It was organic. A lot of people in the greater Houston area do not get enough press for the community work that they do. Paul Wall and Slim Thug give back so much. I kind of followed in their footsteps. It truly was an honor and being that I am kind of new artist in Houston, it was dope for us to come together. It was actually my event. I reached out to Paul Wall and he got on board right away. It felt natural working with him. He and Slim Thug both donated 200 backpacks. He assured me that if I ever needed anything including music, that all I had to do was reach out and it would be handled. Special shout out to Johnny Dang & Co.

Respect: What are you currently working on?

Jdagr8: I am currently working on some new music. My “Can I Trust You” song is on my 50 track project titled Till We All Rich. This is my breakout album. So many people said my album is too long, and that I would ruin my career before I started it. But I wanted to do it because it had never been done. Chris brown inspired me, when he dropped his 46 song project out of nowhere. I was going to do 42, I seen he had 46 and that’s how I got to 50. I had to out do him.

Respect: If you could work with any artist in the world who would it be?

Jdagr8: Meek Mill hands down because we have the same story. He got in all that trouble the same way I did. We literally have the exact same story bar for bar. I just did more time than him. He is like a brother.

His independent indie label and album namesake Till We All Rich, are two reasons why he will leave a lasting impact on the music business. Press play below to stream Jdagr8’s “Can I Trust You” single featuring NBA Youngboy.

The post Jdagr8 Talks NBA Youngboy, Giving Back and Being Houston’s Finest appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

H-Town Swagg. Photo Credit: Instagram

Up and coming Houston favorite Gorgeous George The Pimp God calls on H-Town vets Slim Thugg and Kirko Bangz for this new “H-Town Swagg” anthem that definitely puts on for the Lone Star State’s largest metropolis.

Check out the visual below

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The post Gorgeous George Recruits Kirko Bangz, Slim Thug & Z-Ro For “H-Town Swagg” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

H-Town’s finest came out for “Drink Fridays” to join in the highly-anticipated Birthday Celebration for Iceman Nick, the elite go-to jeweler for your favorite celebs. The star-studded event, held at Drink Houston, featured special live performances by rap stars Boosie Badazz and Plies, along with Southern favorite Rich Boy, and celebrity guests Slim Thug and actor/comedian King Keraun, were spotted in attendance. Iceman Nick, who built his thriving reputation based on the motto “If you can imagine it, he can create it,” is one of the best jewelers in the game and crafts custom designs for his loyal A-list clientele made up of today’s hottest rappers, celebs and athletes.

Plies and Iceman Nick

Iceman Nick’s Birthday Cake

Slim Thug in attendance

The international jeweler teamed up with Boosie Badazz and surprise guests Plies and Rich Boy, solely off of his strong relationships with the trio, who are all his clients. “I wanted everyone in the city to come have a good time with me. It’s more than just about business or money; it’s about building trust and relationships. When you find good people in this industry, you hold on to them and just live the good life. That’s what it’s all about,” Iceman Nick explains.

Rich Boy

The highly sought after jeweler and his crew “Team Done Right,” continue to make his annual Birthday Bash one of the hottest events of the summer and say they have some more tricks up their sleeves for next year.

Drink Houston

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The post Boosie Badazz, Plies, Rich Boy, Slim Thug & King Keraun Celebrate Iceman Nick’s Birthday in Houston appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Houston’s own living legend, Slim Thug began the Hog Life series last year and he made big noise by dropping 3 volumes all in one year. Now, 10 months later, he’s back with the 4 installment, American King. The 19-track album includes his two released singles “King” & “IDKY,”  and only three features, Lil Boosie, Nikki Lactson and fellow Houstonian D.J X.O.

The song “IDKY” tackles issues of police brutality, racism and inequality. Recently, Sim Thug and other notable Houston rappers took a proactive step in hopes of making change in America.  They all met with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and all opened up accounts at Unity Bank, a black-owned bank in Houston’s Third Ward area.

Slim Thug has been doing this for almost two decades and is clearly recognized for his longevity. His release of Hog Life 4: American King is already top five on the iTunes charts, trailing only DJ Khaled – Major Key, Drake – Views, and G-Eazy – When It’s Dark Out.  See why Houston veteran Slim Thug lasted this long in the rap game by checking out his new album below.

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The post Slim Thug Releases ‘American King’ – 4th Vol. of Hogg Life Album Series appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

One way was to suppport Black financial institutions and businesses. The united rappers and entertainers individually opened accounts at Unity Bank, the only black-owned bank in the state of Texas located in Houston’s Third Ward area. Houston’s big names such as Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Lil Ke Ke, Willie D and many more all participated in this cautious action.

“We don’t want to wait until there are riots in the streets ’til we do this,” said White rapper and business owner Paul Wall. “Let’s do this now. Let’s be proactive about it.”

Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner knows how impactful the actions of a united celebrity driven group could be on the people. As a result, he intensively listened to the artists’ concerns, including the urgent call for more economic opportunity and the controversial request for cops to racially reflect the communities of color they patrol.

“There a lot of people in our city that have lost hope,” Mayor Turner said. “And people are feeling helpless. People in many ways are feeling disrespected, and these individuals here- these artists- they have collectively more power than I do.”

The rappers plan on using their influence heavily. Putting money in Black-owed bank was a move inspired by Atlanta activist and hip-hop star Killer Mike after he was responsible for Citizens Trust, a black-owned bank in Atlanta, gaining more than 8,000 members, including ATL rapper T.I,Usher and Jermaine Dupri after he urged them to open up accounts.  Houston native, singer and record company owner Solange Knowles also has her money in a Black-owned bank.

That’s just the first step in the making change. Not only is the goal of the unified Houston emcees goal to end racial injustices, police brutality, and violence but to also educate people on the what the movement is about.

At the meeting, Houston hip-hop legend Willie D said this group’s mission is to “create an atmosphere of respect instead of discontent with our law enforcement. You know, it’s very important that people understand that when we say Black Lives matter, we’re not saying that Blue Lives do not matter.”

Pictures from the meeting:

#UDIGG

A photo posted by TIP (@troubleman31) on Jul 20, 2016 at 5:47am PDT

While some folks complaining about rappers My Bros in H Town #bankblackbanksmallbanklocal! Salutes Slim Thug, Trea, Willie D and all the H Town Leaders that are leading! What rappers and Town are next!!!

A photo posted by Killer Mike (@killermike) on Jul 19, 2016 at 7:37pm PDT

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The post Houston Rappers Unite To Pledge Allegiance To Black-Owned Businesses appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The mixtape is a blend of freestyles and original songs. Slim Thug did Houston a huge favor; his feature list only includes hot Houston natives from fresh new talent in Trill Sammy, Dice SoHo Propain, and DJ XO. He didn’t forget the H-Town O.G’s. He has Lil Keke and G.T Graza on the tape. And he even debuted two artists, J.Smith and Tiaramy.

Thug Thursday 3 is just something to hold us until he releases his album on August 4. Check out Thug Thursday 3 below and tell us what you think.

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The post Slim Thug Keeps it Texas Made on ‘Thug Thursday 3’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.