While the film received flack, the soundtrack itself has also been overlooked by most.

‘The Birth of a Nation: The Inspired by Album’ features 16 tracks with our favorite industry artists such as Nas, Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane and more — while also allowing upcoming artists a chance to shine. Honestly, this artist line up itself is enough to get someone hype, whether they see the movie or not.

Vic Mensa sets the soundtrack tone with , “Go Tell ‘Em.” Opening up with a hard-hitting beat and chain clanking in the background, Mensa goes on about the struggle to escape oppression— a theme reflected by the black struggle in America.

Next up Meek Mill and Pusha T feature newcomer Priscilla Renea on “Black Moses.” The trio delivered  messages of captivity and rebellion witnessed in the film and with the biblical story of Moses. Pusha T says,

“Leave ’em sittin’ at death’s door, proper way to send ’em off
They’ll just beat me ’til the sin is off or my skin is off.”

2 Chainz “Whip & A Chain” deviates from the soundtrack’s general theme, yet still finds a good fit on the album.

Furthermore, listeners find themselves turning up to Gucci Mane and Lil Wayne‘s “Oh Lord.” Despite the turn-up vibe, listeners are purposefully drawn to Gucci’s words when he raps, “I’d rather die for my freedom than live like a peasant/Depressions, recessions, the past and the present/ Slavery to segregation, I still rob with my brethren.”

“On My Own,“ “Raise Hell,” and “Bloodline,“ continue to shift the soundscape of the album bringing forth a pop vibe to it. Each track discusses specific issues plaguing black America including police brutality and personal frustration within the community.

Trey Songz and Ne-Yo dish out “Stand,” and “Queen,” two tracks with usual R&B flair.

“Live Forever,” “The Icarus,” and “Sins of Our Fathers,“ extend the sociopolitical problems Blacks have faced for centuries and how they’ve became permanent fixtures in African-American lives.

“Firebird,” and “Forward,”  bring the resurgence and drive to move forward regardless of the past.

Always holding his own, Nas delivers a heavy hitter protest song with  “War,“ featuring Raye.

Last but not least is “Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray,” by the Wiley College Choir. As a modern rendition of the original Negro Spiritual, this track speaks on the feeling of being unheard or unwanted.

Overall, the soundtrack follow the footsteps of the film with various hits and misses.  The Inspired by Album was great for messages delivered via historic context; however certain songs were unnecessary.

Surprisingly, Gucci and Wayne shatter expectations outside their usual content. Songs like, “On My Own,“ “Raise Hell,” and “Bloodline,” were lackluster in every sense, yet they fit the movie’s theme pretty well.

Stream The Birth of a Nation soundtrack below on Spotify and purchase it on iTunes.

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Fox’s smash hit, “Empire” soundtrack tops the Billboard 200 Albums chart. Whether you’ve been avidly watching, not watching, or just completely oblivious to social media, “Empire’s” success is hard to ignore. While the show’s been busy making people tune in, sparking debate, and growing an enormous fan base, it seems as if Lucious, Cookie, and Co. have reached yet another milestone. The “Empire” soundtrack debuted at No.1 (ahead of Madonna’s “Rebel Heart”) on the prestigious Billboard 200 chart. What does this mean for the shows longevity? It seems as if the cameras will be rolling for seasons to come.

Download “Empire” (Season 1) Soundtrack on iTunes – HERE

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We think it’s a great fit for the upcoming film. What do YOU think? Watch & Comment Below:

The post New Lyric Video: The Weeknd – “Earned It” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Last night, MMG/Atlantic’s own Stalley returned to his old stomping grounds at the Alife Rivington where he hosted a special listening of his upcoming project, Honest Cowboy. The Ohio native extended the invite to his biggest fans via Twitter because he wanted to treat listeners to a sneak peak of the all the cuts that made it onto the final Honest Cowboy track list.

Honest Cowboy drops August 8th, and Alife, along with Nice Kicks, hosted the celebration. Stalley previewed his fan’s favorite tracks. Joints like “Samson“, “Swangin“, “Nineteeneighty7“, and “Feel the Bass“, were some tracks that particularly showcased how the rapper’s talents have grown since signing with Rick Ross’ Maybach Music label. Honest Cowboy is Stalley’s 5th mixtape in six years and artists like Schoolboy Q, Scarface, and Crystal Torres threw down ill guest verses for the project. Beats were supplied by Block Beataz and Rashad, among others.

Also in the house last night were Atlantic Records up-and-comers Justine Skye & Dusty McFly, who showed up to support their label mate. The excited fans and A Life staff definitely turned the event into a party, proving that Stalley‘s Ohio sound is well-respected in NYC. Check out photos from the event in our slide show above and the album art below. We also have an interview with Stalley coming soon, so stay tuned.

The post RECAP: Stalley @ Alife NYC: <em>Honest Cowboy </em> Listening Party appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

“If you’re built for this ish, then you must survive.”

This newness comes off of RZA‘s masterful creation that is The Man With The Iron Fists Soundtrack, which is out October 23. It’s been a while since we’ve seen Method Man, but he looks healthy with his new appearance. The music vid is brought to us courtesy of DanTheMan. RZA’s star-filled soundtrack includes features from Kanye West, Danny Brown and Flatbush Zombies among other emcees. Be sure to check out the Quentin Tarantino-assisted film, which hit theaters November 2.

The post Video: Method Man, Freddie Gibbs & StreetLife – “Built For This” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.