By: Stix Jams

Grammy Award winning producer, Stix Jams has officially released the visual for his “Any Other Way” single. Hailing from the historic Midwestern city of Chicago, Illinois, this hitmaker shows the world that his rap flows are just as impressive as his production skills. His experience creating music alongside SZA, Frank Ocean, and Chance The Rapper, as seen on SNL, Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Kimmel has prepared him to have a successful career as a recording artist.

In this visual, you will see Stix paying homage to his late grandmother, who is near and dear to his heart. The images of his grandma reels you in immediately as he raps “My granny passed man I ain’t been the same since, better love them while they here and that’s my two cents”. These touching lyrics set the tone for the rest of “Any Other Way” showcasing a softer side to his music.

As images from his childhood flashes across the screen, it is clear that he was born a superstar. Riding around in a black SVU, Stix’ high energy on camera makes this one of his most impressive visuals to date. As he candidly cruises the windy Chicago streets, his love for creating music and his hometown come full circle.

One thing that is for certain is that this songwriter, producer, and percussionist will continue to spread his musical gifts with the world, one day at a time. Be sure to tap in with Stix Jams and stream his new “Any Other Way” video. Chicago’s finest has done it again!

The post Grammy Award Winning Producer Stix Jams Releases New “Any Other Way” Visual appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson publicity portrait for the film ‘Good Burger’, 1997. (Photo by Paramount/Getty Images)

Kel Mitchell chatted with Scoop B Radio’s Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson about Kenan Thompson 

Last month, Nickelodeon royalty, Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell made a cameo on MTV’s TRL.

While on, Kenan rang Kel’s line and during their segment, TRL’s host, DC Young Fly asked the duo to reveal something about each other that no one knew.

Easy pitch for Kel! 

“People don’t really know that Kel really loves orange soda, for real,” Kenan informed TRL.

Say it ain’t so!!

Those guys are missed on prime time Saturday Night! Could you ever imagine the two making a comeback?

Last year, the two did a reunion segment of Good Burger on the Jimmy Fallon Show.

“That was definitely fun,” Kel Mitchell told me. “Jimmy got Keenan and I together and it was just an awesome moment.”

Added Mitchell:

“I remember putting on the Good Burger wig which I hadn’t done in a while and I remember seeing those Milli Vanilli-style wigs on the mannequin head. And it was like I put it on and it was a great moment. And also seeing Keenan walk by with the construction worker outfit on, it was a great moment on the Tonight Show. So shout out to Jimmy Fallon for that and we had a blast and now everybody, of course now is talking about a Good Burger 2 or us doing something cool like a Bad Boys type of film.”

Hey, there are always good Star Wars films out. Why not a Good Burger trilogy?

“Me and Keenan have definitely been talking about it,” said Kel. “So you definitely might see something coming out with me and him.”

Stand by!

Suggested Articles:

The Next Big Showcase’s Cliff Po & DJ Tarzan Making Dreams Reality in NYC & NJ

Scoop B Radio: Turner Sports’ Steve Smith Talks Career & More

The post Scoop B: Star Wars makes tons of films. Can’t Kenan Thompson & Kel Mitchell make multiple Good Burger’s? appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Despite the show kicking off by avoiding the usual direct criticism of now President-elect, Donald Trump, Dave Chappelle opened his initial monologue more pointed with criticism of the election result reactions saying, “It seemed like Hillary [Clinton] was up in the polls, but I know the whites.”

While most of the media seemed shocked by Trump’s win, Chappelle wasn’t surprised at all, a reaction that he channeled into his first skit, with an appearance by none other than fellow legendary political comedian Chris Rock, titled “Election Night.”

As if the night couldn’t get any more epic, A Tribe Called Quest hit the stage with their first performance, performing the song, “We The People,” a politically charged song that excoriates complacency in the face of xenophobia, racism, and homophobia. The performance, which noticeably was missing the charisma of Phife, ended up as an on-air tribute to the Hip Hop legend as the group unfurled a banner featuring the rapper’s face among a piece of art.

For those of us who missed the Chappelle Show, Dave did his own tribute to the show and beloved characters during his “Walking Dead Chappelle’s Show” skit, which featured characters Tyrone Biggums, Chuck Taylor, Clayton Bigsby, the Time Travelling Haters and Lil Jon facing death as Negan decides who he’s going to off. Eventually, Chappelle’s Negan chooses to kill Tyrone Biggums. After the baseball bat decapitates him, however, Tyrone’s head comes rolling back, and does, in fact, have its own political message to declare:

“Even though our country seems irrevocably severed, like a man from his head, let my example prove that we should continue to move forward.” In some ways, the bizarre, genre-bursting sequence seemed like a proper response to such an insane week. Tyrone notes, “I’ve only got two weeks until they take away my health care.”

The final performance of the night featured ATCQ performing “The Space Program” with special appearances by Busta Rhymes and Consequence, which was the best way to end an amazing show. Still paying tribute to Phife, the group performs the second track off of their final album, We Got it From Here… Thank You 4 Your Service.

During an interview with the New York Times, Q-Tip spoke on him and Phife Dawg mending their often-fractious relationship, stating that he was unaware that things were that critical with Phife’s health.

“I had no idea that his days was numbered,” Q-Tip told the New York Times. “I just want to celebrate him, you know.”

We Got It From Here, Thank You 4 Your Service features appearances by Andre 3000, Jack White, Kendrick Lamar and Elton John and is available now.

Suggested Articles:

Trailer for Tyler, the Creator’s New Documentary [WATCH]

TDE CEO Blames Ab-Soul for Super Delayed Album

The post Dave Chappelle Brings Chappelle Show to SNL in Epic Episode appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

It has been announced that Solange Knowles will feature as one of the next musical guests on Saturday Night Live, appearing alongside actor Benedict Cumberbatch in two weeks’ time.

The news appeared in the promotions during last night’s episode and was confirmed today on Solange’s own Twitter. The episode featuring the performer will be aired on November 5. Fans took to Twitter immediately after the news was dropped, ecstatic about the wonderful opportunity for their idol. There is speculation on what she will perform, and if there will be funny parodies in addition to two of her own songs from her album A Seat at the Table which dropped earlier this year. We’re hoping to at least hear her single “A Crane in the Sky.”

SNL has many times in the past referenced Solange’s sister Beyoncé through parodies of her own music (such as Lemonade, used for political commentary purposes). That being the case, we wonder if performers will decide to take advantage of the family connection to slip in some more Bey in November. In any case, the episode will be looked forward to eagerly by Solange fans for what will no doubt be a stellar performance.

Mark your calendars! #SNL pic.twitter.com/gmjpStrNDT

— Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl) October 23, 2016

Suggested Articles:

Kanye West Says He Won’t Attend Grammys Without Frank Ocean

Howard University’s Legendary Yardfest Makes a Comeback (Photo Recap)

The post Solange Knowles to be Next Talent on SNL appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Taran Killam (left) and Jay Pharoah will not be returning for another season of NBC’s long-running comedy sketch show “Saturday Night Live.”
Dana Edelson |NBC

Jay Pharoah and Taran Killam, two long-time cast members of NBC’s long-running sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live will not be returning for its 42nd season this fall.

Pharoah and Killam, both six-year veterans, originally began their SNL roots as featured players in 2010, and then gained the honor as main cast members in 2012. The reason they’ve decided to part ways is due to a non-renewal of their contracts.

Uproxx was briefed by Taran Killam about his departure with Killam claiming, “I was never given a reason why, really. I can assume until the cows come home.”

While on SNL, Killam made some extremely memorable celebrity impersonations such as Michael Cera, Brad Pitt, and Matthew McConaughey while also mocking political figure heads like Senator Ted Cruz or Speaker Paul Ryan. Killam also made a dent on SNL impersonating the current Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. If that wasn’t enough, Killam also made a splash as an early cast member for both MTV’s “Wild’n Out” and FOX’s defunct comedy sketch show “Mad TV.”

Jay Pharoah has also been recognized for impersonating some of the most elite people brought to the public eye. Peep his Kanye West, Jay Z, Eddie Murphy, Kevin Hart, and former Republican presidential nominee, Ben Carson impressions and you’ll understand why Pharoah gained his tenure with SNL. Pharoah’s biggest accomplish to date was speaking on behalf of fellow SNL alum Eddie Murphy winning an award for the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for humor.

Best of luck to Pharoah and Killam in their future endeavors!

Suggested Articles:

Drake Calls His Last Show in NYC The Real Summer Jam

With All Due RESPECT.: 5 Songs You’ve Been Sleeping On (8/8)

The post Jay Pharoah and Taran Killam Set to Leave SNL appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Kendrick Lamar was last night’s musical guest on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and he made sure to put on a great performance.

The Compton native performed a high-energy rendition of “i.” With his simple attire of a white shirt and jeans, and his untamed hair Lamar brought a great level of vigor to the performance. The live instrumentals made each bar even more intense.

 Jay Rock and a hat joined Kendrick Lamar on stage shortly after “i” to perform “Pay For It.”  Kendrick serves as feature on this one but that doesn’t mean he brought it any less. Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock’s bars flowed effortlessly on stage. The same cannot be said about the track’s vocal feature Chantal. Her voice appeared to be strained and a bit out of place. Despite this, K. Dot’s musical appearance is one that will be buzzed about for awhile.

Peep his dope performance above.

The post Kendrick Lamar Shuts It Down On Saturday Night Live appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Kendrick Lamar is set to hit the SNL stage next week (November 15th). This will be K. Dot’s second performance on the skit-driven show. He first performed in January 2013 when Adam Levine was hosting. This time his hosting counterpart will be Woody Harelson.

It’s likely that the TDE rapper will perform “i” but the other tracks are hard to guess. Maybe he’ll premiere a new single? To find out be sure to watch! Kendrick may even be in a skit or two.

The post Kendrick Lamar to Perform on SNL appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.