By: Mark Spratley

Mark Spratley Interview

The post Mark Spratley Talks Influencing Hip Hop Culture For The Future Of Tomorrow appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The Hip-Hop scene in Boston has been gradually growing over the years and with that being said Boston will be a competitor in the near future. G-Eyez has been in the game for sometime and is locked and loaded to drop new material. 2018 is going to be G-Eyez’s year starting it off with his screening event that took place last month for his record “Sacrifice.”

The screening event was held at Mass Apparel in Cambridge, MA. Anybody that’s anybody was there to support!

Continuing his journey through the music game, G-Eyez also is landing in Texas for his appearance at SXSW. It’s only a matter of time until G-Eyez’s time comes and a label grabs him. G-Eyez is one of many up and coming talents coming out of Boston but he stands out by making sure he goes hard every day. Putting all his efforts into his craft, G-Eyez is only ascending further as an artist surrounded by people he trust.

What drink is better to toast to when you’ve noticed that things are in the right direction? The answer to that question the beverage of choice is Belair. Toasting to his journey and many more great opportunities to come, G-Eyez is setting his eyes on the future. The ambiance in the room was perfect and personalities came together for one thing: which was to show support.

Everyone in the room had a job and it was simple: remember that one point in time where you reflect on your life for one second and think about all the sacrifices. Everyone can relate to this record because we’ve all faced decisions that in the end have ended up in taking loss.

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The post Making His Way to the Top: G-Eyez is Rising to the Top with his New Visual for “Sacrifice” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Here to shed light on a up and coming clothing line known as Ethik, is Matt Garrett  who is better known to be the “Overseer” for the brand. Ethik is ascending and for those who aren’t hip need to start paying attention; this is the type of brand that is slept on but ends up coming on top. RESPECT. linked with Matt and was able to break down the brand and the ins and outs of the industry. Check out the interview below.

RESPECT.: Where did the idea of Ethik originate from? How did you come up with the name for the brand come about?

The name “Ethik” was originated by a couple of kids who attended PACE university I actually was not on board at the company at the time, essentially the name represents strong work Ethik, persevering , never taking no for an answer, which he haven’t.

RESPECT.: With the rise of Ethik, have you guys been able to collaborate with any other brands?

We have been able to collaborate with other brands, as our name gets a bit more established we are able to tackle these collaborations, one in specific we have worked on recently was “ANIMAL BIKES” definitely the largest BMX company out to date, was super fun to work with them, we hold a strong presence in the BMX scene as well.

RESPECT.: How about artists and athletes to represent the brand?

That’s where I come into play, I handle all artist relations and PR. Most likely if you fit our style and are super supportive of the brand we tend to work with you, ultimately you reflect the brand. Our SXSW presence every year solidifies these connections.

RESPECT.: As a brand what is your goal?

Our goal is to prosper and grow however stay focused and do not step away from the vision never step away from the vision, ultimately to have longevity as a brand, you know your Stussy, Supreme, LRG. Within street wear most tend to see brands watered down towards the end of their run we are trying to stay clear of this.

RESPECT.: With all the different types of brands and clothing being released, what separates you guys from the rest and makes this product a must to cop?

I feel our style is different than most, we have a few core pieces that really stand out from the others, the culture and vibe of our brand as well makes a difference, our store events, heavy hip-hop influence really makes a difference.

RESPECT.: As for marketing strategies, which method works the best to spread the word of the Ethik brand?

Guerilla Marketing, usually events like SXSW as well as in-store events really work well, I hold a ton of in-store album releases, video releases, art galleries etc.

RESPECT.: What role do you play exactly for Ethik that makes your job such an importance to the brand?

I handle all Artist Relations and Public Relations for the brand as well as oversee events and marketing, it is a crucial position here because I essentially oversee how the brand “looks” to the public eye, picking and choosing how we should release information/visuals are extremely important.

RESPECT.: What made you guys set up shop in Toronto, Philly, Boston and New York? Are those locations the most profitable?

We decided to go the brick and mortar route, open up shop… make a name for yourself, make an imprint, which we have. We have a lot of love in Philadelphia I would say we have definitely started a nice little ripple in the pond out in the city of brotherly love. After Philly comes Toronto, great staff and an on-site recording studio from our friends over at KarmaXWave. After Toronto came Boston.

RESPECT.: What are some thoughts of change for the brand and what do you see for the future of Ethik?

Change for Ethik in my opinion is great, constant switch is needed, change is needed for a street wear brand, pushing the same garments, same material, same events gets a bit old.

RESPECT.: Talk to us about your input in the music industry?

On a side-note I am heavily involved in the industry as I run my own booking/consulting agency on the side @mgbooking, I incorporate my Ethik events with my agency and kind of piggy back off each, it’s a nice system and I have gained great relationships over the past years.

RESPECT.: Which artists are you working with?

Currently I am working with “Frank Castle” out of Staten Island, “History” from MogulClub from out in Brooklyn, “BuddhaGxD” from the East Side of Harlem , and Produce/MC “Eprosounds” from Rockland County just to name a few. I have curated meet and greets for artists such as PnB Rock, Private Club Records, Tsu Surf, Jimi Tents, The Doppelgangaz, J57 and Koncept from the Brownbag Allstars and more…

RESPECT.: How would you like to combine fashion with music?

Fashion with music go hand and hand in my opinion, we associate ourselves mostly with the hip-hop community, fashion is extremely crucial in that world, and I feel they are closely related.

RESPECT.: What does respect mean to you?

To “Respect” means to show and receive love mutually in my opinion, if you know me you know I am here for the culture, not for the bread that comes later.

The post RESPECT. Interview: Matt Garrett Represents Ethik & Breaks Down How the Business Works appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

With the release of his new EP, Perfectly,Tragically, Flawed, OnCue has pushed to new heights hitting the #12 spot on iTunes. The 6-track EP was executively produced by veteran producer, Just Blaze alongside Maki & OnCue. Coming freshly off his performances at SXSW and the release of his hot single “Rent Money,” OnCue is really taking no breaks. But all his other projects don’t take the shine away from his EP:

“When I set out to make this project, I just let go of everything. The past, the present and the what might-be’s of the future. I’ve messed up, I’ve fallen down and I’ve gotten back up countless times now. Over the course of time making PTF, I learned I’m just myself, for better or for worse. This is what these six songs are all about – self-acceptance.  I think you can hear the confidence in my voice. I know who I am now.”

The BK artist is known for his effortless genre blending style mixed with his honest lyrics and that is all included on Perfectly, Tragically, Flawed. He applies a hands-on approach by directing his vision as a musician, down to every font and drop shadow.

Check out Perfectly, Tragically, Flawed below.

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The post OnCue’s New EP ‘Perfectly, Tragically, Flawed’ is Topping the iTunes Charts appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas is famous for being a mecca for new music talents across the nation. One of their 2017 performers known as RobV is taking the necessary strides to make a name for himself to get his music out there for more to hear.

Fresh off the announcement of his performance spot at SXSW this March, 21-year-old music artist, RobV releases his first single of 2017 titled “Have You?” The single– which features fun and upbeat production from VA based producer, $ummertimeRice—  is a record about RobV’s true feelings towards a first love which turned out not so great.

“Should I stay or should I go/ should I say yes or should I say no/cus I be thinking that we move too fast and move too slow/what went wrong? I just don’t know,” RobV raps.

The release of “Have You?” is only the beginning of what’s to come from the 21-year-old rapper. He’s starting off on the right foot with this tune which is a single that everyone can feel. Listen to “Have You?” below.

https://soundcloud.com/robinsenvy/have-you-prod-ummertimerice

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The post RobV Asks “Have You?” Fallen in Love with New Track [LISTEN] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

By now, artists, publicists, managers and other industry insiders are just getting back to normal after their annual trek to Austin for SXSW. The festival took place from March 11 to March 15 and was nothing but non-stop action. With countless music showcases, music industry panels and (presumably) lots of alcohol, SXSW is one of the year’s most anticipated events. It does, however, lead to inevitable exhaustion. Jewish rapper extraordinaire, Kosha Dillz, was among the many who took the journey. In an effort to help others, he came up with 10 ways emcees (and other types of artists) can bounce back after six days of mayhem.

1. Go into your notes and email them to yourself—before you lose them.

I just did this and now I am all set to email all these random people.

2. Scan all my business cards and drop a email to them without links.

Just refresh their memories and ask if they got home ok .Leave it open for them to hit you back. Something short and quick like, “Yo man! Great meeting you outside the taco spot. Thanks for letting me borrow your phone charger for two-minutes. I would love to send you my music, but wanted to see if you are still alive post-SXSW. Hit me back!” This helps open it up for more conversation.

3. Call your parents (or significant other) and tell them you are alive and well.
I always go through post-SXSW depression, so this really helps me get it together.

4. Work out extra hard this week.

As I said, I go through a post-SXSW depression so I need to be in the gym more often after eating bad all week with so much carbs and lack of sleep. I need to sweat as much as I can to get my body back in full swing. If you don’t work out, get a gym membership.

5. Get in the studio even if you don’t want to. If not the studio, the office.
After all that hustling, you might really need to chill and get some time back in the booth, so you can be productive despite your exhaustion, even if it isn’t the best stuff. Don’t worry about making a hit. Just get in there.

6. Ask how you might be able to help them?
Basically don’t think about yourself. You will be a breath of fresh air to an A&R, who gets 50 million struggling rapper emails. You stand out to anyone who is “a plug.”  Write them something that isn’t about yourself.

7. Buy a bunch of healthy food.
The music game is mind, body and soul. Why don’t you treat yourself to healthy food even though it cost more? You will make more in the long run. What is one thing you can change in your diet to make yourself healthier? I took out sugar from my coffee, which I drink twice a day.

8. Go to sleep early this week.
If you are anything like me, you passed out a gazillion cards and were on your feet for 12-15 hours a day for five to seven days in the sun. Treat yourself by not being on your phone until you fall asleep

9. Show love to people you met or saw perform via social media.
Believe it or not, the entire world is going through the same thing. Many people are on a high horse and some people are getting signed, but many people are still on the road and hoping to get signed. Pick a bunch of bands you liked or missed and buy their stuff. Helping others is a great way to pick yourself up.

10. Gratitude list
I know that sounds “kum-ba-ya-esque,” but please believe me—this can help you greatly after a week of SXSW. Let’s try it. I am grateful to be alive. The entire world is in limbo from a terrorist attack and I am at a table on a MacBook, drinking coffee. I had an amazing time and met random people I would have never met. I didn’t crash your car. I made a lot of new friends. I curated my second annual official “OY VEY” showcase and got three paid shows, and was even able to pay my friends and co-workers. All my sponsorships came through and didn’t screw me last minute. I helped people all week, and reconnected with old friends and fans. There are so many things to be grateful for in life. It is a way better thing to do than look at how many people are getting more press than you, more business and more shows of higher caliber.

Maybe you have some other things you are doing to bounce back, as well. I think there is much more to add but this is good enough for now. If you really wanna go crazy, check out my new music video with Murs called “We Are Different.“

The post Kosha Dillz Talks with RESPECT. on How to Recover From SXSW appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Nardwuar has been running wild the past week, engaging with the artists located in Austin, TX for SXSW. Previously going into an interview with Kehlani and DJ Khaled, Nardwuar now interviews Metro Boomin.

If you’ve been watching Metro Boomin’s progress over the years, he’s humbled, hungry, and just wants to work hard at his craft. His journey has taken him out of the Morehouse College atmosphere and put him in the studio with some of hip-hop and pop culture’s biggest names. Ultimately, it has led him to brand himself beyond the producer standpoint; becoming apart of pop-culture itself.

His producer tags are a huge part of it all. “This beat is so-so Metro” began the run, then to “Metro Boomin want some more ni**a.” From there, it went to “Young Metro (x3)” and into “If Young Metro don’t trust ya, i’m gon’ shoot you.” Now everyone is questioning if Metro trusts them or not.

During his interview with Nardwuar, Metro was gifted a Tupac Shakur doll, the size of his hand. “Pac was real, and he put everything into his music, the passion and the drive,” Metro Boomin said on Tupac.

In authentic Nardwuar-fashion, he pulled out some old pictures and some old records to catch a nostalgic moment for Metro. Nardwuar even pulled out an old J-Kwon record.

“Does Young Metro trust Trump,” Nardwuar asked. Metro responded “Who can trust that ni**a?”

Check out the full interview with Nardwuar and Metro Boomin below :

The post Watch Nardwuar’s Interview With Metro Boomin At SXSW appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.