Legendary and highly influential hip-hop group, Main Source, are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their debut album, “Breaking Atoms,” with an exclusive vinyl reissue via Vinyl Me, Please, and the band’s first live performance in over a decade!

It has been nearly 25 years since Large Professor left Main Source, but 2017 has brought the Wild Pitch Records trio back together as they officially announced their first show since the early 1990s. On February 1, Main Source will reunite to perform a concert at New York City’s S.O.B.’s(Sounds of Brazil).

The concert coincides with a “Vinyl Me, Please” reissue of the trio’s 1991 debut, Breaking Atoms. That album is widely regarded as a Hip-Hop classic, thanks to single “Looking At The Front Door” and Nas‘ first recorded verse on the track “Live at the BBQ.”

The reissue will include color-in-color vinyl, a bonus 7″, gatefold packaging, a foreword from Pharoahe Monch, a 12-page lyric booklet, and an original art print.

“I was totally blown away by the album as a whole. At that moment in 1991, I knew immediately that I was listening to an instant classic,” Monch wrote in his forward for the album, while working with Large Professor via Organized Konfusion.

In addition to artwork, vinyl, and a turntable, Main Source is also blessing fans with limited edition ’47 CLEAN UP hats.

Despite the group’s massive success, Large Pro left the group to begin his prominent solo career and mentorship of groundbreaking artists including  Nas and Akinyele. Sir Scratch and K-Cut eventually replaced Pro with veteran battle MC, Mikey D. Together, that trio released F*ck What You Think in 1994, which featured an early appearance from none other than The L.O.X.

Check out the flyer and some pictures of the reissue collection below.

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The post Main Source Slated to Perform Together for the First Time in 25 Years appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

In preparation for his first album in four years, Torae exemplifies what it means to be a MC on “Get Down.” Shot at New York’s esteemed SOB’s, the Pete Rock produced “Get Down” acts as a visual homage to the seemingly disappearing art of rhyming and with cameos from Talib Kweli, Skyzoo, and others, Torae’s spot as one of Hip-Hop’s more prolific rhymers is that much more solidified. “Entitled” is set to drop 1/15/16. Gotta get up to get down.

The post Torae – “Get Down” (Official Video) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Hosted by Robin J and Jameer, the late night concert kicked off with sets from upcoming Brooklyn based rappers including, Lafayette Stokley, Wordsmiff, and Kris Kassanova.

Lafayette took the stage with all confidence during his powerful set.

First up is Lafayette Stokely #takeova@SOBspic.twitter.com/JFYzdBKH25

— RESPECT. MAGAZINE (@RESPECTMAG) December 18, 2015

While Wordsmiff brought the party ( and his best milly rock) to the stage during his energetic set.

The party is on stage right now. @_WordSmiff_ #takeova pic.twitter.com/YFN73EK4Gi

— RESPECT. MAGAZINE (@RESPECTMAG) December 18, 2015

 

Once Dave East hit the stage, it was over . The hype crowd and the Harlem rapper went bar for bar as he performed his hits including “Momma’s Working”.

Harlem’s in the building ! @DaveEast pic.twitter.com/FkyERDH3UP — RESPECT. MAGAZINE (@RESPECTMAG) December 18, 2015

With a cup full of Henny in hand, Raekwon took the stage to close out the show with a melody of his hits. He even gave a brief tribute to the late ODB by performing his hit, “Shimmy Shimmy Ya”. The chemistry between Rae and Scram Jones was dope as Jones played the samples to some of Raekwon’s hits during down time. Raekwon closed out the concert with “C.R.E.A.M”. All in all Thursday night’s Takeovah was one for the books.

“Y’all niggas got love for Wu-Tang?!” –@Raekwon has touched down and is not playing #takeova pic.twitter.com/PCrvI91EcR

— RESPECT. MAGAZINE (@RESPECTMAG) December 18, 2015

C.R.E.A.M @Raekwon #wutang #takeova pic.twitter.com/Nh5QtdqIzX — RESPECT. MAGAZINE (@RESPECTMAG) December 18, 2015

The post Raekwon Takes Over SOBs with Dave East for Classic Show appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

For Thanksgiving, TDE‘s Jay Rock gave his NYC fans a taste of the 90059 life at SOB’s.

Hosted by Lowkey of You Heard That New, the packed show kicked off with a DJ set from MekDot of 2Dopeboyz.

New York trio, Trial & Era, opened the show and got the mellow crowd hype while performing a slew of their tracks, including the anthem “Ra-Ta-Ta-Ta.”

After their set, it wasn’t long before the man of the hour hit the stage.

The crowd rapped right along with Jay Rock as he performed tracks off of 90059, including “Easy Bake”, “Gumbo”, and “The Ways.”

The Watts rapper closed out the show with his “Vice City” verse. Even TDE’s first lady, SZA stopped by to show Jay Rock some love.

All in all, the 90059 tour was the perfect way to kickoff the holiday and end Jay Rock’s mini tour run.

The post RECAP: Jay Rock Brings The ‘90059’ to NYC appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

T’Melle, the newly-minted “Bad Girl” of music, put on a pretty dope show in front of a packed house at her recent showcase at SOB’s in New York. The singer, songwriter and dancer performed her sexy new hit single “Drop It Down” for industry executives, tastemakers and celebs. The Atlanta-raised artist, who got her start as the protegè of TLC superstar Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, has arguably taken over the indie music scene with her undeniable talent and amazing story of survival.

In a recent interview, T’Melle unveiled how she suffered near death injuries as a passenger in the fatal crash that took Lopes’ life.  After over 10 years of recovery and rehab, the rising star denied the odds against her to learn how to walk, run and dance again. “I’m the girl that people told to quit and that this wasn’t going to happen for me. I’m the girl who’s been told ‘No’ way more than the word yes! I believed! I still believe!” T’Melle says.

Since reviving her solo career, T’Melle has worked with producers the likes of Usher Raymond, Tricky Stewart, Bryan Cox, and Rodney Jenkins. Now with her sultry new single and video for “Drop It Down” in rotation on Revolt TV and on VEVO, T’Melle appears to be back where she belongs. Keep up with what’s new with T’Melle on Instagram and Twitter: @ItsTMelle

The post T’Melle performs new single, “Drop It Down” at exclusive showcase in New York appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

As we all know Future‘s Dirty Sprite 2 is on its way and the #FutureHive is buzzing. Last night Hot 97 presented a listening event with the rapper at SOBs. Peep the photos above, check out the tracklist here.

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Spud Mac

Y Rome

Accompanied by a live band, two awesome background singers, and his piano, the Harlem native hit the stage decked out in an all black outfit.

He opened with a couple of new songs, which will hopefully be featured on his album, older hits including “Loser”, and even blessed us with a freestyle. In between each track, Hamilton would address the crowd and shoutout all his friends and family in the building. He even offered advice to those seeking fame in the music industry. “You can make music without a deal,” he said. But also warned budding rappers, “If you aren’t ready to give up a piece of yourself, don’t get in the game.”

Charles Hamilton was honest, open and vulnerable with the audience as he explained “why he left the game” through his lyrics. The 27 year old rapper closed out his packed out show with “Brooklyn Girls” and “New York Raining”. Last night, Charles Hamilton made a dope comeback which only leads us to wonder what he’ll do next.

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