His love for rap-rock fusion has been inspiring him since High School. He was the lead vocalist/rapper in a band called ‘Flint Eastwood’ —the bands ultimate breakup lead to bLAck pARty coming into existence, stylizing it with capital letters to single out “LA” for Los Angeles, where he lives, and “AR” for Arkansas where he was raised. In 2013 he began producing for Kari Faux. The two had met when both were in their mid-teens. Their collaboration, “No Small Talk,” caught the attention of Childish Gambino, who remixed it and featured it on his STN MTN/Kauai mixtape. Which only lead to bLAck pARty inking a deal with the Childish Gambino’s Royalty collective. bLack pARty contributed production to Gambino’s GRAMMY® Award-winning album Awaken, My Love! as well as scores a placement with TV series Dear White People, Insecure, and Atlanta.

His 2019 album Endless Summer is his first release through Wolf + Rothstein and RCA Records. The first single, “No Complaints,” features DMP Jefe, watch it below.

Out of his busy schedule bLack pARty took the time out to catch up with RESPECT MAG about everything from music to his future plans.

RESPECT.: Growing up, what were some of your biggest musical influences?

bLAck pARty: Growing up my biggest influences were Stevie Wonder, India Irie, Nirvana, MF Doom, Kanye West, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Bad Brains, Zro I came across a lot of music being around the different people in my life. I also grew up in the internet age when music became much easier to access.

RESPECT.: So congratulations on signing with Childish Gambino’s label! How did that happen?

bLAck pARty: Thank you! I actually connected to Childish Gambino back in 2014 when I was mostly doing production for Kari Faux, we had made this song & video “No Small Talk” that went viral and through that I ended up connecting with one of Gambino’s business partner’s Fam, Kari allowed Gambino to remix the record and we built a working relationship since.

RESPECT.: How did your first conversation with Childish Gambino go?

bLAck pARty: I don’t remember exactly, but I remember it was the day his Sway interview dropped so it was mostly conversations about that and conversations about rap music in general. I’m a huge supporter of underground rap, so I remember showing him some of the underground rap groups coming out of Atlanta at that time.

RESPECT.: You also produced on his Award-winning album, “Awaken, My Love!” how did that happen? What was that process like?

bLAck pARty: That actually came about because I had moved to Los Angeles around the same time he was working on “Awaken, My Love!” We always talk about music so it started off from me just being in the studio giving feedback to doing background vocals and some drum programming. It was an interesting experience that I feel I learned a lot from. It was actually the first major album I worked on and being able to be around some of the most talented musicians in the business was a blessing.

RESPECT.: So you write, produce, and engineer and do vocals? Which one is your favourite and why?

bLAck pARty: I’d say my favourite is probably producing because it’s the more creative and fun job. It allows you to think outside of the box and make something that resonates without actually using language.What I’ve learned from playing in places outside of the US is even if the people don’t necessarily speak my language they can still get with the rhythm of the beats and even catch on to the lyrics if they’re simple enough.

RESPECT.: Do you play any instruments? Regardless, what is your favourite instrument and why?

bLAck pARty: Yes, I play whatever I can figure out. If i were to pick a favourite I would say guitar. I always find it easy to write songs with just a guitar. Also a large majority of my favourite artists play guitar: Lauryn Hill, D’angelo, Prince, Kurt Cobain, India Irie, Amy Winehouse- all guitarists!

RESPECT.: Tell us about your song “Dancing”. What are some of the themes found in that Track?

bLAck pARty: Dancing for me was a record that originally was up as a demo, over time it was revamped to be more groovy. I wanted to make something that felt like a day party going into the night time. When it came to video the director [Dylan McGale] and I wanted to play off of one of my favourite movies, KIDS, and one of my favourite music videos, “Frontin” by the Neptunes. I’ve been skating since I was young, and skateboarding and music go hand in hand, so I had to show love to the skaters.

RESPECT.: How do you feel after having your music placed on Insecure?

bLAck pARty: Shout out’s to Issa ! It feels incredible. I have a lot of people tell me they found out about my music through watching Insecure. I actually watch the show so it’s kinda wild to hear my music on there.

RESPECT.: Complex described your sound as a retro sound that could fit nicely into rotation if it came out in the ’70s yet still feels fresh for 2019. Do you agree?

bLAck pARty: Yes. I think the 70’s was one of the more interesting times in music. I’m definitely inspired by that era in music and I listen to more older records than I listen to newer music. The thing though is taking that inspiration and bringing into the present or the future.

RESPECT.: What was that moment in your life that you realised you wanted to be a serious musician? Like this was it for you.

bLAck pARty: When I was 13 I knew for certain I was going to make music. I remember watching videos online of Kanye, Alchemist, The Neptunes, Madlib, making beats and rapping and I decided that’s what I wanted to do: make music and have fun.

RESPECT.: Who are you looking forward to working with the most in the industry?

bLAck pARty: It would be dope to work with legends like Al Green, Patrice Rushen, Erykah Badu…

Photo Credit: Manny Singh

RESPECT.: If I was to see your playlist right now what would I find?

bLAck pARty: You would find Fela Kuti, Amy Winehouse, Al Green, Sza, Khruangbin…I just like to hear something with a lil soul or funk in it

RESPECT.: Tell us about your 5 goals in 2020

bLAck pARty: My only goals are to continue to get better as a person and as a creative.

Follow bLAck pARty on instagram to keep up with all his updates.

All Photos by Manny Singh.

The post RESPECT. Interview: Childish Gambino’s signee bLAck pARty talks Future & Past appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: Isaiah Smithsonian

No stranger to bright lights, multi talented singer, actor and model Isaiah Smithsonian known as Yotta on BET’s series Tales is gradually carving out his lane in the entertainment industry, and isn’t showing signs of letting up any time soon. Favoring the likes of Chris Brown, Khalid and Babyface the sultry voice singer gives credit to music pioneers like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Sam Cooke for providing stylistic inspiration behind his uniquely crafted sound.

His latest visual “Blessings” has gained nearly 250k views on Youtube and is on heavy rotation on BET’s Soul and R&B music network. As it showcases Soul, R&B and Neo Soul music from various decades this release is right on time for the songster. He does an excellent job of creating a song that displays his deep musical talent and his desire to remain humble throughout his success. You will see him on camera consoling an on camera love interest in a gentlemen like fashion. As the beautiful woman goes from crying to smiling it is clear that Smithsonian has a way with the ladies.

With great music, and budding acting career, and rising fanbase Isaiah Smithsonian is one his way to becoming a certified superstar! Be sure to check out his “Blessings” video below and tap into some dope vibes today.

The post Artist And Rising Actor Isaiah Smithsonian Is Humble In “Blessings” Visual appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: Keeyen Martin

Rising vocalist and performer Keeyen Martin, is one of Atlanta’s most promising new songsters. As he prepares to break into the mainstream, his talent has led him to grace the stage with living legends such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, PJ Morton and Kanye West. With a soulful sound and relentless talent, he is preparing for his most successful year to date.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the Atlanta native for a candid interview to discuss his upcoming plans for the new year. Check it out below.

Keeyen Martin Interview 

Respect: What occurred in your life to make you want to pursue a career in music as an entertainer?

Keeyen: Being born into a musical family definitely. My mom and dad were singers and my dad is a pianist, organist, and songwriter. So being born into a musical family, doing music is one of the first things I remember doing and I was always around it. It became an immediate norm for me to go to the studio with my mom when she would record with gospel groups and perform, as my dad and uncle would be in the studio songwriting for a bunch of people.

I was in love with music before I knew what that meant. As I began to grow as a singer and performer I loved that energy and reaction you get from giving a good performance. Honestly I love being the center of attention and that came around the age of 4 or 5. I knew then I wanted to have a career in music as a famous singer. That was the start of it and I haven’t slowed down since.

Respect: When would you say you caught your big break or have you caught it yet?

Keeyen: That is interesting because a break is about prospective. I would say for me probably the transition into my under graduate is when I caught my big break being indicative of me getting a lot of professional work, from writing professionally to singing background. College is definitely where I caught my break. One of the first major opportunities I caught during undergrad was having the honor of singing background vocals for the late great Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. That was a huge moment for me because as a singer, everybody reveres Aretha Franklin.

That is when I started to see the difference between a professional level where you are in the settings with all of the people you have admired over the years, and are also getting compensated for what you do. It was an easy transition for me and doing it around campus was cool but I definitely appreciated being compensated for my talent for a change.  I would definitely have to say around my collegiate years and experiences are when I started to see the change.

Respect: What was the inspiration behind your “Girl I’m On The Way” Single as it has found much success?

Keeyen: Really that song came from a place per usual as I was sitting at my key board writing and playing some chords and I knew I wanted to tell a typical love story from the male prospective. Essentially like “hey you dropped the ball and messed up” and as I was writing it I wanted the lyrics to have a simple meaning and energy surrounding it. I was in conversation with myself asking myself “what would I say to a girl if I messed up with her? Man girl I’m on the way.”

So when I said it the way I said it, it made the record simple like I was having a conversation and talking like how we talk today. I really like that and wanted to put that phrase in the hook and then it became the title of the song. I think after that, it was just easy to build the record because I drew from a real life experience and felt like every guy specifically would be able to relate to my situation. That is essentially how Girl I’m On The way” came to life.

Respect: What was it like sharing the same stage as legends such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, PJ Morton, Kanye West and Common and have any of them inspired you or have been instrumental in your career?

Keeyen: Well first I would have to say that I loved working with all of them. But I would have to say that Stevie Wonder is u there. He was one of the earliest voices I remember hearing from my parents and he has always represented musical excellence to me. His career is self-explanatory as far as all of the amazing songs he has made that really have transcended time.

He has been a constant source of inspiration but I vividly remember when I got the chance to meet him after singing with him. It is interesting because you go into these gigs thinking you will be close friend with an artist or acquaintances with them but generally tha tis never the case. You get hired by their music director, you learn the artists’ music and the first time you see them is on that stage they say thank you very much and keep it moving. It really just depends on the person.

But yes I remember when I got invited to eat dinner with him and his family and he just took a great interest in me. To hear him talk about my personal music and singing while encouraging me to remain authentic, is something I vividly remember. He told me that I have something that is classy and authentic. After having a conversation like that, I knew that I no longer needed affirmation from anyone getting the approval from Stevie Wonder.

Also really enjoyed working with Teyana Taylor recently. She has been really sweet and offered me all kinds of insight on the industry and interest in hearing my music when it comes out. She also championed me to all of her friends and peers. By default I would have to say that Stevie Wonder and Teyana Taylor, are two people in particular that I gravitate towards more on a personal level simply because they both genuinely showed an interest in me beyond me serving them and singing background. Some artist are only interested in you playing your role and being of service to them as they are stars in their own right as well.

Respect: Where do you draw inspiration from when creating?

Keeyen: I often take moments and reflect on my personal life, the lives of my friends and the moments they have shared with me as well as the moments I share with ym family and honestly sometimes I will just watch tv or movies for inspiration. One of my favorite components of being an artist is the storytelling of it. I really take pride in words. Like everyone who knows me personally knows that I am a natural wordsmith.

I have always been kind of nerdy in that regard as I love words, poetry, speaking and the art of languages. I think that with all of those things, I draw inspiration from whether they are personal bulls or others and I like to craft up words that I know can tell those stories. For me it is kind of easy to tap into that space as I like to listen and observe as well as being in tune with what I am feeling day to day. I think from having the capacity of being an empath so to speak, you feel everything including people’s energy all day long and I really enjoy that.

Every time I have a studio session or feeling creative, I try to tap into what exactly it is that I am feeling, what have my friends been feeling, and like the whole mood of how like the culture of the people and ultimately I try to allow myself to create music that won’t just speak to me but other people as well. That is definitely one of the fun parts about being a songwriter. The inspiration for me is so easy when I am trying to create something.

Respect: Do you mind lending some more insight on the work that you do with the Atlanta Music Project?

Keeyen: It really is an organization that is centered around youth. I have the privilege of being their vocal coach, and music mentor in which I am able to teach them all kinds of music courses to a lot of underprivileged kids in the Atlanta community. They may come from low-income or schools that have disconnected or removed art and music programs frontier curriculum. We come and feel in the gaps!

For me it is beyond a joy and honor because every time I interact with them, it brings me back to when I was a their age. I was always involved in some type of organization especially musically. I remember when I started  my senior year of college and was baffled to discover they didn’t have any music programs in school which made me realize not every school has those which didn’t make since to me.

That immediately peeked my interest and I have always kind of been a natural leader since I was a kid. I Always loved volunteering and helping others, so for music it came easy for me to want to help others musically. Anytime I am able to teach or help another child or student hone in on their craft, that is joy to me. It has been such a large part of what I do because with being a teacher, it teaches you patience, and if you have a career in music patience is necessary.

Also in working with youth you have to have patience. Teachers do not receive the credit that they deserve for what they experience in the daily basis. Atlanta Music Project has been a joy to not only grow and develop as a professional singer, but to also be able to make the transition and give the kids first hand experience as I am learning myself, is super empowering and encouraging.

You know the song by Whitney Houston “Greatest Love Of All” where she sings “I believe that children are the future teach them well and let them lead the way”? That is very real to me. No matter what I do as a performer, I want to be able to have that connection to the next generation because if we don’t have that connection, who do they have to look to for guidance with their lives and careers.

Respect: What is up next for Keeyen Martin?

Keeyen: I just released my new single “Separated“ and will consistently be releasing music all throughout the year. I have some great visuals to accompany you relaxes as my EP is slated to release in April. I have a lot more performance, travels, and tours planned so you can definitely expect a huge impact to be made which is my intention.

Now that I have people’s attention and they are aware I Want to make an impact. We are excited about not only the process of making it happen, but knowing that we have some great music and content to roll out. Looking forward to getting this new music to the people.

Click here to checkout Keeyen Martin’s latest single “Separated” as he continues his rise to fame.

The post Keeyen Martin: Atlanta’s Next Big R&B Star appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By: Troy Taylor TTU

Grammy Award winning producer Troy Taylor is bringing back authentic R&B in a major way. Having recently worked on Jacquees‘ new King Of R&B album, and Elijah Blake’s Holiday Love EP, this hitmaker is imprinting his original sound on the careers of some of music’s brightest rising stars. In February of 2020, he will celebrate being in the music business for 30 years, as he continues to elevate his career for new heights.

I had the pleasure of catching up with Troy Taylor for a candid interview below to see what life is like as a hitmaker. As he openly discusses reviving REAL R&B, having a friendship with Aretha Franklin and finding longevity in the music business, it becomes clear that his passion for creating music will never die. Check it out below.

Troy Taylor Interview 

Respect: As you were signed to Motown Records as an artist when you first started off in the industry, what prompted your transition to focusing more on the production/writing side of music?

Troy Taylor: While I was working on my album for Motown, I started working with these kids who were ages 15 to 17, I was around 22. When I started working with them to make a long story short, a year later they come out and blew up all the way up around the world. I started thinking do I really want to be an artist because I really enjoyed the success that these kids had and I knew I didn’t want to be super political and feed into the politics of being an artist. I am too real for that. When I say real, I mean if you want me to be politically correct I am not that guy. I am not going to do all that shucking and jiving and all of the stuff it takes to be an artist and I knew that.

So I went to the A&R Timmy Regisford and Jheryl Busby the president and I told them I didn’t want to be an artist anymore and that I wanted to be a producer and writer. I had done some work with their artists, but these kids went on to be Boyz II Men so after that I was done. I was like I would rather be behind the scenes because I could still sing, I could still write and I could still do all of the things I love without doing the front stuff. So that is why I decided not to become an artist.

Respect: What does it mean to be a Grammy Award winning hitmaker having won grammy awards for your work with Aretha Franklin and Boyz II Men?

Troy Taylor: Of course you know a Grammy award is the most major award you can win as a musician, arranger, producer, writer and artist, so for me it was really surreal to be part of that academy. It also makes me feel like I need to do more. Some people may be satisfied but not me because I can do more and have too. I can’t get comfortable. It kind of pushed me at the same time, as well as being happy and excited for it it. It truly  made me feel like I have to go harder.

Respect: What sparked you founding your Songbook Ent production company?

Troy Taylor: When I first started off in the industry, my first 12 years of my career I was apart of a production collective. I decided to leave in 2002 and that is when I created Songbook. The concept is coming from Talking Book which is one of Stevie Wonder’s albums. I feel like it displays songs and production all in one.

Respect: How did you go about signing Trey Songz and how did that change your life/career?

Troy Taylor: Ironically Trey was with this collective first and when I left, he had to stay with them even though I wasn’t there. That is until he got kicked out. He got kicked out of the company and he was excited because that meant that he could work more with me and that’s what he did. Trey Songz became more so the artist I never ended up being in the sense of great R&B music. That is what I wanted, simply to create great R&B music. It is one thing to make hits for people, but it is another story to create a star from scratch. It is not easy at all.

Respect: As you have worked with many legends such as Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston and The Isley Brothers, what are some of your fondest memories from working with the greats?

Troy Taylor: With Aretha Franklin since she has such big personality and known to be very diva, I think what made us work well together is the fact that I studied her career and her music. I knew that she was a musician, a dope writer and dope singer. So it was like I knew she had an idea of what she wanted to do, so I would set it up to let her do what she does and then I would go in after that. Most producers try to produce her when you cannot do that. You simply have to just let her do what she does.

Then you critique it, fix it, and do everything that needs to be done. She liked the fact that I did that with her. Upon doing 1 song it ended up being 3, and for the first time I asked her to listen to Trey Songz’ album because he was about to come out soon and I asked her for her advice on the music. The founder of Atlantic Records who signed her blessed Trey and told him that he was a star early. He then told Aretha Franklin, which helped her to listen to Trey’s music. When she listened to him I asked her if she could give him some advice. At the beginning of his album you can hear her giving Trey some advice and that was huge.

But that showed how cool Aretha and I were. Every now and then she would call me running ideas that she had in mind. It was really shocking because Its like is Aretha Franklin really calling me like what? I had no idea. I didn’t even want to work with Aretha Franklin because some people are so big I just like to let them be them and stay a fan. So working with her was amazing. I have one particular interview that she did in 2003 and she mentioned me. I didn’t even know about it. Years later someone said I like the interview when Aretha Franklin mentioned your name. I was like what interview?? They sent it to me and I was like wow. The queen Aretha Franklin has spoken, you all can’t tell me nothing.

Respect: How have you been able to find longevity in this music business?

Troy Taylor: God. It is always good to remember the giver more so than the gift. People focus so much on the gift that they forget the giver. Me, I always remember the giver and why he gave me the gift. It has never been about me. It has always been about other people and me helping other people to understand their gift. I help them learn how to work their gift and use their gift musically. I have been blessed to be able to continue to go no matter how hard, wicked, deceitful, or evil this industry can be. I have always been able to maintain and focus my energy mentally and not get caught up in the other stuff.

Thinking about before social media and now with social media, you can really get lost in why you want to do it or why you are doing it. I never got wrapped up in that. I stayed with the love of music and never let anybody, anything, any situation or hard time make me not love it anymore. Really I was able to stay on it and in it and going, just from the love of why I wanted to do it in the first place. I cannot let anyone change that thought you know what I mean.

Respect: As you have been in the game for 20 years, what do you find my rewarding about the line of work that you do?

Troy Taylor: It will be 30 years on February 11th 2020

Respect: As you have co-executive produced  Elijah Blake’s new Holiday Love album, what in the nature. Of you all relationship?

I met him when he was 14 going on 15. We are both Geminis and just clicked really well. But talent is one thing and learning how to use it is another thing. He came to visit me in Atlanta after I had moved there from Texas, and that is when I was able to figure him out and see what his need was and where he needed to be. At that time he was Red Styles he wasn’t Elijah Blake yet. He was an artist that wrote and knew how to record himself, which is one of the requirements at TTU.

You have to know how to record yourself. He knew how to record himself, write, arrange and do harmonies so upon him graduating and moving to LA, we just kept in touch. He is a great person outside of being a great artist. His personality and my personality work really well together, so we always stayed close no matter what he was doing.

He always knew he had my support and would get me whenever. This project was an honor to do because he came to Atlanta and stayed at the house. We actually worked on it in 2017. He didn’t put it out then and I tried to get him to put it out in 18, and he wouldn’t put it out. Now we finally have it out! It is really dope to have a body of work attached to our relationship.

Respect: What was it like working with Jacquees on his latest R&b album King Of R&B?

Troy Taylor: My goal for Troy Taylor as the 0G in the music game, is to get myself into the new era of R&B. That way I am able to change it, without standing on the outside and talking and being bitter. I knew I had to get up with the young up and coming R&B artists and insert my OGism. With Jacquees being the most active consistent young R&B artist, I knew I had to get to him. Once I got to him, I knew I could do the R&B those kids grew up on, if I had someone young doing it. I knew that if I could get that same music on Jacquees it would spark a whole new generate to R&B again. And since not to many of the producers that are out can actually do real R&B, it would put me back on top so to speak.

Respect: What are you currently working on/what is up for next?

Troy Taylor: I am currently working on music with Trey Songz for his forthcoming Trey Songz album. We have some really amazing music on the way. I am also working with a group called Next Town Down and in that group is one of my proteges Trevon Waters. Some of the songs I did for Trey, he co-wrote along with Daniel Breland. Breland (@thepenpointguard) does a lot of the things that I am doing now. He also co-wrote Jacquees songs “Fact Or Fiction” and “Good Lovin” and worked on YK Osiris latest project.

I also did some work on K. Michelle upcoming R&B album and executive produced my little brother Johnta Austin’s album Love, Sex and Religion. His most recent material is the definition of true R&B as it has been in the making for 10 years. He has finally released a body of work as recording artist, making this release his most impressive material to date. This move has allowing me to be fresh, up to date and current while at the same time fixing and bringing back the essence of Real R&B.

Stay up to date with this living legend by following him on social media @troytaylorttu.

The post Grammy Award Winning Producer Troy Taylor: Talks Reviving Real R&B, Friendship With Aretha Franklin & Finding Longevity In The Music Business appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

2-time Grammy Award Winner LL Cool J and RESPECT Magazine managing editor and columnist Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson courtside at BIG 3 Basketball tournament in Brooklyn, New York. Photo Courtesy of Eric Salvary/Scoop Vision Media

LL Cool J and Stevie Wonder have something in common! At 49, LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith is tied with Wonder as the youngest musical artist to be recognized by the Kennedy Center Honors for his contribution to music.

That’s significant.

LL Cool J, a two-time Grammy winner was one of the first artists to sign with Def Jam Records. He changed the game for hip hop and also holds the distinction of releasing ten consecutive platinum-selling albums.

This is significant for hip hop and LL as he’ll be the first rap musician to be recognized at the Kennedy Center Honors on its 40th anniversary. Others honored include: TV writer/producer Norman Lear, singer Gloria Estefan, dancer Carmen de Lavallade and musician Lionel Richie.

“I am blown away,” LL Cool J told The Washington Post.

“This is the biggest musical award you can receive. To be recognized by your country, and to be able to represent hip-hop as an art form is amazing. I’m surprised, grateful, humbled and honored.”

I’m just glad to say I’ve interviewed the man a few times and that my aunt used to babysit him in Elmhurst, Queens. But on the real, congrats to @llcoolj who will become the first solo rapper to receive the Kennedy Center’s presidential honor. #Major? . . . Respect The Shooter: ?? @boomtownfm #LLCoolJ #TheBig3 #Big3 @thebig3 #Queens

A post shared by ? Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson (@scoop_b) on Aug 3, 2017 at 6:35pm PDT

The Kennedy Center Honors commences on December 3 at the Kennedy Center Opera House. The awards, the first under United States President Donald Trump is a weekend that houses a dinner at the State Department and a White House reception. The awards show will be broadcast at 9 p.m. Dec. 26 on CBS.

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The post Scoop B: LL Cool J First Solo Rapper To Receive Kennedy Center’s Presidential Honor appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Thursday’s are prime time, little did you know! It’s the Friday before Friday, the breath before the break, the eye of the storm. Here are some tunes that will roll you over into the end of your busy work week, or get that 4-day weekend started.

1. Rihanna – Consideration (ft. SZA)

2. Miguel – Coffee

3. The Notorious B.I.G – Party and Bullsh*t

4. WZRD – Teleport 2 Me, Jamie

5. LION BABE – Rockets

6. Jesse Boykins III – Prototype (COVER)

7. Kendrick Lamar – Night of the Living Junkies

8. De La Soul – Buddy (ft. A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers, Monie Love, and Queen Latifah) 

9. Stevie Wonder – Jungle Fever

10. Frank Ocean – Songs for Women 

11. Chance the Rapper – Juice

12. Soul II Soul – Back to Life (Acapella)

13. Stwo – Fill the Void (ft. Amir Obe and Daniel Caesar)

14. Tyler, the Creator – She (ft. Frank Ocean)

15. LL Cool J – Hey Lover (ft. Boyz II Men)

Listen and comment what you think below. Stay thirsty, and finish off strong readers!

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The post RESPECT.’s Thirsty Thursday Playlist [LISTEN] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The 2016 BET Awards was nothing more but spectacular, soul rendering, dramatic and remarkable. Worthy of a standing ovation and recognition for not only attributing a few of the performances to the late musician Prince but also for the outstanding performances performed by a few of today’s popular artist such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monae, Usher, Future, French Montana, Fat Joe, Remy Ma and so many others.

Sunday night’s BET Awards show began with a performance by none other than the Queen Bee herself, Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, performing a rendition to one of her tracks “Freedom.” The 10^th recorded song from Beyoncé’s platinum selling album, Lemonade. Following their performances, the shows two host for the night, Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson did not disappoint. Attributing their opening act to the Broadway musical act, Hamilton.

Every performance casted the raw talent of each musician, but the tribute to Prince by Erykah Badu and soul band, The Roots, performing “The Ballad of Dorothy Parker” and “The Beautiful Ones” was followed by other great tributes such as Stevie Wonder and Tory Kelly, performing “Take Me With You.” Jennifer Hudson performing the soundtrack of the 1980’s most recognized son “Purple Rain.” Janelle Monae with “I get Delirious, Kiss, Pop Life and I Would Die 4 U,” and lastly Sheila E., performing “Housequake” and “Bay I’m A Star.”

Yet the show could not have concluded without Jesse Williams powerful humanitarian speech. In which he talked about the unjust treatment of black people and the ongoing efforts that needs to continue to happen for things to change.

“Just because we’re magic doesn’t mean we’re not real. Thank you,” has been a trending topic on twitter since his powerful speech. If you missed it please watch it below.

Here’s the list of 2016 BET Award winners:

• Best Male R&B/Pop Artist — Bryson Tiller
• Best Female R&B/Pop Artist — Beyoncé
• Best Actor — Michael B. Jordan
• Best Actress — Taraji P. Henson
• Best Movie — “Straight Outta Compton”
• Best New Artist — Bryson Tiller
• Video of the Year — Beyoncé, “Formation”
• Best Male Hip-Hop Artist — Drake
• Best Female Hip-Hop Artist — Nicki Minaj
• Best Collaboration — Rihanna ft. Drake, “Work”
• Best Group — Drake and Future
• Best Gospel — Kirk Franklin
• Youngsters Award — Amandla Stenberg
• Centric Award — Beyoncé, “Formation”
• Video Director of the Year — Director X
• Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel Inspirational Award — Kirk Franklin
• Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award — Beyoncé, “Formation”
• Sportsman of the Year — Stephen Curry
• Sportswoman of the Year — Serena Williams
• Best International Act Africa — Wizkid (Nigeria)
• Best International Act U.K. — Skepta
• Humanitarian Award — Jesse Williams
• Lifetime Achievement Award — Samuel L. Jackson

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