By: Cwilltooill

Texas rapper Cwilltooill returns to the music scene with dope new C.B.D. (Calm But Dangerous) project. As his southern roots plays out in every melody on this EP, you will hear Cwill’s original vocals reach new heights. As he discusses some of his life lessons, in a melodically pleasing way, his courage to be honest and raw separates him from the rest of the rising emcees in the game.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the southern rapper for candid convo centered around his C.B.D. release. Check out a short interview below and get to know San Antonio’s next big star Cwilltooill.

Respect: What city are you from/ where are you based now?

Cwill: I’m from Wetumpka, Alabama but I am currently living in San Antonio, Tx.

Respect: At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?

Cwill: While I was in college I fell in love with expressing myself. I had always rapped and I come from a musical background because of my brother and my father. So around the age 20 I knew I wanted more from music than just to put a few hrs a week in.

Respect: Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound
today? If so, how?

Cwill: Very much so! I’m from the country! You can hear it my lingo and you can feel it when I Touch a mic. I come from beating on a table in a lunchroom remembering songs and performing at talent shows. My mom used to wake me up to Rafael Sadiq and my pops was in a blues band and loved Jodeci. Then just being from the south in general has influenced me to always strive for substance in my
music.

Respect: How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with
you?

Cwill: I’m a mixture of Soulful Rap , Southern Hip hop and a hint of R&B. I don’t like to stay in a box and my vocal range is growing everyday so in my head the ceiling is limitless. I don’t mind talking my shit but I also don’t go full cap season in my music either. I keep it real and relevant. I talk about my relationships, my family, and really whatever is on my mind. I have my own studio so I’m able to record at-will really.

Respect: What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?

Cwill: Football ending did it for me. I graduated on a full scholarship playing football all in south Georgia until I had to give it up because of concussions. I remember not being able to sleep at night and staying up writing rhymes and mixing vocals. I realized how good my music was getting and the feedback I was receiving on my music in 2017-2018 solidified it for me. I knew what I wanted at that moment.

Respect: What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?

Cwill: I love creating new sounds and I’ve fell in love with performing. Music pays my bills and I’m about to break generational curses with my craft. I wake up inspired. Not everyday, some days are harder than others as a black man in america but hustle stays in tact. The faith I have in myself is what keeps me going. Well that and God reminding me constantly that this is where I should be spending my time and energy.

Respect: Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

Cwill: I’m a new found photographer and videographer. I have a photo studio and I write poetry as well. I’m also all into network marketing and I have merchandise I’m working on designing and printing everyday just adding new streams of revenue. Going back to network marketing though, one of my main hobbies is selling CBD Detox tea and other health and wellness products.

Respect: Who are some of your main musical influences?

Cwill: J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Deante Hitchcock, Big K.R.I.T. , Smino, Lauryn Hill,
Andre 3000.

Respect: What are some of your music career goals for the future?

Cwill: Win a Grammy. Chart a single and album (multiple)! I also see an international tour in my future. I’m already setting it up as we speak. I also want to make music with all of my influences. Another huge goal is to own my own label. And owning all of my masters for life.

Be sure to press play below to stream Cwilltooill C.B.D. (Calm But Dangerous) and follow him on social media @cwilltooill.

The post Texas Artist Cwilltooill Uses Music to Heal With C.B.D. (Calm But Dangerous) Release appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

On Saturday, November 23rd, the Red Bull Music Festival in Chicago hosted one hell of an event featuring Smino and his collective, Zero Fatigue. A great pick for the festival, Smino’s blend of future funk and melodic rapping has brought him to the forefront of Chicago’s hip hop and R&B scene, blending warm, organic soul with cutting edge production.

Held at Thalia Hall, the show kicked off with opening acts DJ Nosidam, Schenay Mosley and Monte Booker. Lighting up the room, Smino’s performance lasted about 45 minutes to an hour long. Playing his favorites and top singles, Smino had the crowd lit. The energy was on point and I’m sure everyone that attended could agree. Thumbs up for this night with Smino and his talented set, Zero Fatigue.

The Red Bull Music Festival in Chicago continues until November 30th. Be sure to check out the website for more information.

Enjoy pictures below taken by Pooneh Ghana, brought to you by Red Bull Content Pool.

The post Smino brings Zero Fatigue to Red Bull Music Festival in Chicago appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Last month, Johnny Venus (one half of EARTHGANG) announced that his mother would be in the song’s visuals. The label flew her out on the one year anniversary of his father’s passing. “I couldn’t have done any of this without my family of friends who have stood by me throughout the entire time,” Venus states. Check the video out above.

The post Dreamville Unveils “Sacrifices” Visuals appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

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The post Smino Drops New Visual for “Klink” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Check out the HaitianEv and Henny-directed clip below.

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Smino Announces ‘The Hoopti’ Tour

The post Smino Drops New Visual for “Z4L” (Feat. Bari & Jay2) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Image credit: Pivot Gang

On April 19th, Chicago-based collective Pivot Gang will release their new project You Can’t Sit With Us, which will see thirteen new tracks (including “Jason Statham, Pt. 2” and “Studio Ground Rules”).

This week, members Saba, MfnMelo and Joseph Chilliams bring forth another single from the project titled “Bad Boys,” which contains some smooth production courtesy of ​​daedaePIVOT and sees hook duties handles by Smino. Check it out below.

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The post NEW MUSIC: Pivot Gang Feat. Smino – “Bad Boys” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Image credit: Zero Fatigue

This is dope: in lieu of his new album NOIR, St. Louis Smino has announced The Hoopti tour, which will see him kicking off dates in the UK this March before taking over North America. Check out the trailer and schedule below and pick up your tickets here.

3/16: Manchester, UK @ Academy 3
3/19: London, UK @ Brixton Electric
3/23: Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
3/27: Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre
3/28: Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity
3/30: Lawrence, KS @ Granada
4/01: Denver, CO @ Summit
4/02: Salt Lake City, UT @ Complex
4/04: Seattle, WA @ Showbox
4/05: Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theatre
4/09: San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
4/10: Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
4/13: Indio, CA @ Coachella
4/20: Indio, CA @ Coachella
4/22: Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent
4/23: Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
4/25: Dallas, TX @ Trees
4/26: Austin, TX @ Emo’s
4/29: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
4/30: New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
5/02: Nashville, TN @ Cannery
5/03: Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead
5/04: Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
5/06: Charlotte, NC @ Underground
5/07: Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
5/09: Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
5/10: New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
5/11: Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
5/13: Boston, MA @ Paradise
5/14: Montreal, QC @ L’Astral
5/16: Toronto, ON @ Phoenix
5/17: Detroit, MI @ St Andrews Hall

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The post Smino Announces ‘The Hoopti’ Tour appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.