Yesterday Alicia Keys shared her new single, “Blended Family,” which features the seemingly ubiquitous A$AP Rocky. An ode to her both her husband, Swizz Beats, and their three children, the songstress addresses them directly: “I may not really be your mother… That don’t mean that I don’t really love ya / Even though I married your father / That’s not the only reason I’m here for ya.” In this particular case, she’s referring to Kasseem Deam Jr, Swizz Beat’s son from a previous marriage with R&B singer Mashonda Tifrere.

A$AP Rocky also fondly reminisces over spending time with his blended family during his youth, rapping “I remember having four stepmoms at nine/ Love Christmas time and birthday was fly” over the rolling boom-bap beat. The Harlem emcee has been featured on a slew of tracks in recent months, including Mura Masa‘s “Lovesick” remix and A$AP‘s own “Crazy Brazy”. 

“I’m so excited for you to hear this song,” Keys wrote on Instagram before the song’s release. “It means so much to me and our whole family. The understanding, compassion and support we’ve found is a powerful testament to the healing that comes when we choose love. Especially for the kids… the most important part of our lives. Celebrating Mashonda for our commitment to each other with support and true growth.”

“Blended Family” is the first single off of Alicia Key’s sixth studio album, Here, which will be the first since 2012’s Girl on Fire. Her other two most recent songs, “In Common” and “Hallelujah” will appear on the deluxe editions of the LP, scheduled to be released on November 4th. You can listen to her new song below.

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The post Alicia Keys Releases “Blended Family” Feat. A$AP Rocky appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Instagram/Young Thug

Thursday (August 25), Young Thug’s highly anticipated album No, My Name is Jeffery was officially released.

Originally slated to be released on his birthday (August 16), Thugger pushed it back and the album became available for streaming on Apple Music.

The 10 track album, features Thugger’s known to collaborators, Gucci Mane, Quavo and Offset of the Migos; but interestingly shows his admiration for his industry icons including Gucci Mane, Rihanna, Floyd Mayweather and Swizz Beats among others, through song titles such as “RiRi” and “Guwop.”

Despite his street alter ego throughout the Slime Season trilogy, Young Thug hopes to give fans a different perspective of him with the release of  No, My Name is Jeffery. In a recent interview with Travis Scott on his Beats 1 .wav radio show, he went into further detail about what the album’s expectations.

“I just want to get off of the Slime Season sh-t because I never had a street mentality. The message is to go back to who I really am. I really am Jeffery.”

Stream his new album below:

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The post [Listen] Stream Young Thug’s New Album ‘No, My Name Is Jeffery’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

You must be living under a rock if you did not know the 9th annual Roots Picnic took place this weekend in Philly. With a massive line-up of hip-hop favorites– past and present– this festival is Philly’s way of kicking off the summer season, and what better way than with a performance from Willow Smith along with her father Will Smith performing “Summertime” with his on stage partner, DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Little Willow Smith putting it down on stage with Will Smith. #lit #summertime #rootspicnic2016 #rootspicnic #epicness

A video posted by Calaya Reid – Grace Octavia (@blackwritergonerogue) on Jun 4, 2016 at 11:37am PDT

Later on in the evening, Future hit the stage to bless the crowd with his hits that are phenomenal for getting everyone going. 

#future was awesome but cut short … The crowd went crazy. #atthesamedamntime #rootspicnic2016 #rootspicnic #philadelphia

A photo posted by @scrillmedia on Jun 5, 2016 at 6:39pm PDT

A photo posted by New Jawn (@newjawndotcom) on Jun 5, 2016 at 6:22pm PDT

Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill & Lil Uzivert partaking in the festivities this weekend.

A video posted by UsherMiamiFan? (@gia_teamusher_8701) on Jun 5, 2016 at 8:16pm PDT

Usher blessing the crowd with his extraordinary dance moves!

A photo posted by Sean (@frame_1) on Jun 5, 2016 at 6:34pm PDT

Zoe Kravitz rocking out!

A photo posted by @phobymo on Jun 5, 2016 at 5:22pm PDT

Kehlani also hit the stage.

A photo posted by David Gensler™ (@davidgensler) on Jun 5, 2016 at 4:39pm PDT

All in all a good time was had by the many of festival goers this weekend.  It has also been announced that The Roots Picnic will be taking its talents to New York City for the first time this fall, blessing New Yorkers with the same musical vibe it has provided Philly for the past years!

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The post RESPECT. Recap: The 9th Annual Roots Picnic appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

In the big apple, songstress & activist, Alicia Keys is back with a new song titled “28 Thousand Days”. Keys, has been on a bit of a hiatus this past year, taking time off to build her family with husband & mogul Swizz Beats. The singer drops another anthem styled tune with a mellow dramatic chorus and soul filled verses. Trumpet samples accompany the piano & melody to create that familiar Alicia Keys sound. On her YouTube account she comments “I’ve been dyin’ to share this new music with you! And this is just the beginning believe me!! We have so much to talk about! Live everyday like its your last #28000days!  Check what has the concrete jungle’s leading lady so excited below:

The post Alicia Keys – “28 Thousand Days” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photography by: Ray Yau • www.rayyau.net

The post Photos: Carmelo Anthony’s 30th Birthday Bash (With Nas, Swizz Beatz, YG, JR Smith) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Swizz Beatz–known mostly for his record production in hip-hop circles–continues in his attempt to make his presence felt beyond the music realm.  The latest addition to Swizzy’s projects is the Vice Presidency of Creative Design and Global Marketing for England-based carmaker Lotus.  News of Swizz Beatz’s new gig came out early this morning, but it didn’t take long for footage of his first day to follow.  Be sure to check out the snippets below.

Read more on the story HERE

The post Swizz Beatz To Serve As Vice President For Lotus Cars appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.