Dontae iNTeLL Hawkins is dripping with legacy. There’s no doubt about that. The Staten Island-born & raised rapper is the eldest son of U-God – from the iconic, Wu-Tang Clan. As you can imagine, his upbringing was far from normal. And even more so when a young Dontae Hawkins lived through a near-death experience. On March 13, 1994, while being escorted to a birthday party, Hawkins was shot through the abdomen. Caught in the crossfire, a nearby shooting almost took his life.

After several operations & years of physical therapy, Donate learned how to walk again. It was around this time he also decided to pick up a pen – which was right around his high school years. It was then that iNTeLL was born. Filled with determination and a passion for the arts, he went on to graduate from film school around the time he decided to also pursue music.

Perfecting his craft, iNTeLL has established himself as an artist – rightfully so and earning respect based on talent, not because of who his father is. In the midst of a pandemic, heading into Summer 2020, the young god readies his new single, “Legacy Drip.” released via Tommy Boy Records, iNTeLL delivers a solo record produced by KHRIMZ.

Dubbing the sound “backpack trap,” iNTeLL delivers conscious bars over Trap-inspired production.

Peep the visual above and be sure to drop us your thoughts in the comments.

The post #PeepTheVisual: iNTeLL (Son of U-God) Unleashes “Legacy Drip” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

After taking a short break from the spotlight following his viral release of the “My Way” remix, Staten Island’s own Chise made his return yesterday with a new single for his birthday. “Stayed Down” finds Chise introspective yet still playful, reminiscing on the old days and how much has changed, yet at the same time, not much has changed at all. With assistance from frequent collaborator & fellow S.I. native Delly on the hook and production, the two deliver a smooth & upbeat track.

Chise is currently working on his third project, which will be executive produced by EFF.DOPE. Be on the lookout for the successor to Chisemelo, set to drop early 2016.

The post New Music: Chise – “Stayed Down” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The post New Music: Kritikal – “All Over” (feat. The Addixs) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Staten Island native, Hue Hef, links up with rising music mogul, YRS Jerzy, for “Brick For Breakfast”. In this track Hue Hef raps about how his life will never again be the same after his recent come ups. Check it out below.

Follow Hue Hef on Twitter. Follow YRS Jerzy on Twitter.

The post New Music: Hue Hef & YRS Jerzy – “Brick For Breakfast” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The post New Video: Tyrone Briggs – “Cold” (prod. Sean Nathaniel) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The ultimate appeal of the EP is Briggs’  unrestricted willingness to explore different sounds. This openness isn’t equally rewarding on all songs, but when it works, it’s powerful. “Somebody,” for example, features  a heavy sample of Gotye‘s hit “Somebody That I Used to Know.” It’s surprising to hear a rapper appendaged to the poppy ballad, but after experiencing Briggs’ intervention, it feels perfectly natural. “Loser,” which samples Beck‘s “Loser,” isn’t as successful, but Briggs makes up for it on “Cold,” a menacing Sean Nathaniel-produced song that features Briggs at his most vitriolic and technically proficient.

Stream and/or download the EP below.

The post New EP: Tyrone Briggs – Scattered Thoughts appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The post New Music: Tyrone Briggs – “Cold” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.