On behalf of RESPECT., I caught up with Miami native Sylvan LaCue, who released his album Apologies in Advance this past January. With his Kendrick Lamar-type vibe, he discussed the new release, his most influential song off of the album, when he will be on tour and much more.

RESPECT.: What does the title name of the album name mean? How did you come up with it?

‘Apologies in Advance’ is honestly a warning to myself and the listener. It’s a “hey, we’re gonna get into some very real confrontation of our inner selves when it comes to our emotions.”

RESPECT.: What can you say is the most influential song to your fans is your favorite off the album? Why?

I think the most influential song on the album to my fans is probably “Best Me.” It’s a self- reassuring anthem towards being a better version of yourself, and I think that resonates deeply with people. My favorite track off of the album is “Empathy” currently, but it always changes.

RESPECT.: I can hear you have a Kendrick Lamar type vibe, who is your favorite rapper who influenced you in being in music? Why?

Nas, Jay-Z, and Lupe Fiasco are the big three, who influenced on my craft, as far as their skill set, capabilities and quintessential, as great artists and emcees.

RESPECT.: How did you get into music?

When I was seven is when I started, I was watching The Box, The Roots and  Erykah Badu. I started writing super early just jotting things down by figuring out my craft and honing to it.

RESPECT.: Who are you looking forward to working with this year? Why?

I’m not too sure, to be honest. It all comes down to who I cross paths within the long run.

RESPECT.: Did you think that your album will become this big?

Never. I knew it would make a splash, but not to this degree.

RESPECT.: I saw that you will be on tour, two cities, with Jay Electronica, will there be a tour of you that represents the album this year?

ABSOLUTELY! It’s what I’m looking forward to the most.

RESPECT.: What is your definition of RESPECT.?

I think RESPECT. is being able to do what you love freely. Whether you like it or not, there’s a level of appreciation that never waivers. No matter what.

RESPECT.: Any new music that will come out this year?

Definitely! I don’t want to slow down anytime soon.

Peep his album, Apologies in Advance, and the visual for “Coffee Break” below.

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The post RESPECT. Interview: Sylvan LaCue appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Some of you may not recognize the name Sylvan LaCue at first, but may be more familiar with his name former moniker, QuEST. Sylvan has gone through a lot of changes since the release of his Searching Sylvan project last year. He’s left Visionary Music Group to form his own label entitled WiseUp Co. He left his longtime girlfriend. Moved from Los Angeles to be closer to home back in Miami and more. During our interview, Sylvan and I dove into topics ranging from his origins, the creative process of Far From Familiar, the state of the Miami rap scene and Prince vs. Michael Jackson. Check out our interview with Sylvan LaCue below to get more acquainted with the Miami emcee.

RESPECT.: When did you start making music?

Sylvan: I started writing when I was 7. Trying to get my feet wet. I started recording and composing records at age 15 in high school because they allowed us to have free equipment for recording and we had a music program.

RESPECT.: What kind of music was being played in your household growing up?

Sylvan: My family, especially my mother, played old soul and a lot of funk, Isaac Hayes and Al Green. My father was a big jazz head and was big on 80’s pop as well. He loved Prince, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. Growing up around my parents that’s what I was surrounded by, but around my peers I was introduced to hip-hop and popular music outside my family. That’s what became influential to me.

RESPECT.: Why the name change? I noticed in the skit “Hollywood Identity Crisis” you addressed this situation.

Sylvan: Absolutely I addressed it on “Hollywood Identity Crisis.” Essentially I was growing out of it. Quest was an idea that I was trying to fulfil to try to become the best rapper I couple become. The generation I come from is the best rapper alive generation which is the Lil’ Wayne’s, T.I.’s, the Young Jeezy’s. This was in the early 2000’s and mid 2000’s where everyone was trying to claim their territory, whether that was the best rapper alive or the king of the south. Quest was my attempt at that or fulfilling that role. As things progressed and I became a different person I wanted to start embracing myself as much as humanly possible. There was no better way to embrace myself than to embrace my name which is my government name. I can move a lot better and feel way more comfortable under that name. I feel like I’m not trying to sell something but I’m trying to be myself.

RESPECT.: Are you still cool with everyone at Visionary Music?

Sylvan: I haven’t spoken with those guys since I left to be honest.

RESPECT.:  Where are you trying to go with WiseUp & Co. and who’s on the label?

Sylvan: Right now WiseUp it’s self is an idea. We’re focused on spreading the idea of WiseUp to the masses. That idea represents spreading wisdom between people in order to reach the goals that you want to reach in life. As of right now we are focused on making it a label and a media platform. Right now, we have myself, Fortune, Linzi Jai and Venus Amor who are featured on the EP.

RESPECT.: Did your early success with Jermaine Dupree shape your perspective and outlook on the industry today?

Sylvan: I think when everything happened with Jermaine Dupree, I was 17 or 18 years old. I was right on the cusp of the internet revolution and I learned your success is going to come from how hard you work and not from who you know. There’s no love lost with Jermaine Dupree. I just learned that you’re going to have to get out here yourself and learn things your own way. I’m glad that I learned that early on and I didn’t have the conception of someone coming to take me to the next level.

RESPECT.: Why did you decide to go with the name, Far From Familiar, with this project?

Sylvan: It described everything I was going through after my previous project. I was no longer living at home, I moved to California and I left the label I was with. I left the longtime girlfriend I was with so that was a different environment and I was experiencing different things. Everything was unfamiliar and I wanted to document those experiences as much as possible. The irony of it is that I found myself within the midst of all of those experiences. It’s great irony within the title because all of those experiences were things I’ve never gone through in my life. But in the process I was able to find who I was as a person and stay true to my character.

RESPECT.: What was your favorite song to record on Far From Familiar?

Sylvan: It would definitely have to be “Emeryville.” “Emeryville” just came natural and there was no thought put into making this track. I feel the best records come from where there isn’t much thought put into the song. You just have to get in there and make it happen. It started early on a Monday or Tuesday and we finished the record before the day was over. It was effortless and I had the most fun creating that record.

RESPECT.: How do you feel about the Miami rap scene currently with names like Denzel Curry, Kodak Black, Rick Ross, Pitbull, Trick Daddy, etc.?

Sylvan: I think it’s pretty dope man. I feel as if Miami has always been manufactured as what you see is what you get. I feel as if we are telling the stories from different perspectives based on our generations. Everything from the beginning, the renaissance with Uncle Luke to transitioning to Trick Daddy. Then to transitioning to some of our legends, Pitbull, Flo-Rida, etc. The transition from that to the new generation now with the Denzel Curry, Kodak Black, Pouya, Fat Nics, Yung Simmie and others that are making waves. We all stick true to the narrative that is Miami which shows that you are a product of the environment. There’s slightly different sections and different stories which is this is where I’m from and this is what I represent. So I think of it as just carrying on tradition and taking things to a new level.

RESPECT.: I noticed that Nas was an influence on you. What other artist do you find influential to your sound or that you look up to?

Sylvan: Nas was the first rapper that influenced me to take my lyricism, content and artistry seriously. After him, I kind of went everywhere but the artists I really studied were Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Jay-Z and Nas. Outside of that I studied Mos Def, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Coldplay, Eminem and more. I felt like I took notes from every emcee I needed to. From Wu-Tang Clan, to Cannabis, to Chino XL and more. These days I try to listen to either myself or genres outside of hip-hop just simply for the sake of originality. While trying to stay true to myself and also improve, I’m not afraid to say that I listen to myself because I want to improve. I want to get so sick of my music that I know how to move forward from it.

RESPECT.: If you could take anybody to your favorite spot to eat around Miami where would it be?

Sylvan: I’d probably have to take them to Panther Coffee because it’s a staple. It’s right in the heart of Wynwood. I’m a coffee enthusiast and I feel like they have great coffee. There’s a few other spots out there that I would go to in Miami. But the first place we’re going to go to if you are hanging with me is Panther Coffee.

RESPECT.: Do you gravitate to Prince or Michael Jackson more 

Sylvan: Definitely Michael. I love Prince and feel like his boundaries were limitless and felt like there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do. But, Michael was iconic, and not to say that Prince wasn’t iconic but there were things in Michael’s music that went to a place that he couldn’t go. The way Prince stayed true to himself sometimes content wise or sometimes his artistry didn’t allow himself to do things that were against things that were great and what he felt wasn’t great. I felt like Michael wasn’t that vain and that allowed him to see the bigger picture. I felt as if Prince was more focused on being great in general and I felt like Michael was more focused on that while touching as many people as possible. Not saying that Prince didn’t do because of his own personal feelings towards certain music that Michael didn’t have. In which my opinion allowed Michael to touch a few more hearts.

RESPECT.: What’s on the horizon for you and what’s next in 2016?

Sylvan: At What Cost will probably be my debut album but I’m not really sure when that’s going to drop. We’re looking at some time in 2017 but there’s a bunch of things I want to do music wise before then. I think we might do an EP sometime later this year as well. I have a couple videos coming and I’m planning an independent summer tour that will start somewhere between early to mid-summer. We’ve been working to build up WiseUp Co. and spreading our message and growing even more. We have a lot on our plate but I feel as if I can consistent with my artistry and with what I’m trying to do that’s all you can really ask for at this point you know.

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The post RESPECT. Interview: Sylvan LaCue Talks Rebirth, ‘Far From Familiar’ and More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Sylvan LaCue Releases ‘Far From Familiar’

Meet Sylvan LaCue. There is so much to know about this new artist. Where shall we begin? Well, that’s simple. First, he is a Miami-based rapper. He is also the 2008 winner of Jermaine Dupri’s “Tag Records Survival of the Freshest MC Battle” Competition. Sylvan LaCue is also a XXL Freshman 2015 Nominee.

Sylvan LaCue just released his new album Far From Familiar. There are 16 tracks on this  album. This body of work is highly anticipated.Sylvan LaCue’s music is refreshing. His overall message is about self-discovery; which is honest. This album is amazing. This artist is true to himself. He masters the art of engagement. His musical dexterity is definitely enticing for listeners. Far From Familiar is hit-heavy. Sylvan LaCue articulates a noticeable vulnerability to his music. He has earned an honorary place with other rappers and definitely belongs with the pantheon of lyricists in introspective hip-hop. His LP takes listeners on a surreal journey through his mind and it’s definitely appreciated.

His sound is eclectic, yet entrancing.  “Far From Familiar” is very self-reflective. “Loner” and “Lisa Bonet” definitely stand out on this piece.  The FADER referred to Sylvan LaCue’s album as “heavily layered, introspective, and totally engrossing.” As of late, Sylvan LaCue keeps track of his self-realizations through journal entries and the Sincerely Sylvan vlog series; which are incredibly awesome.

Buy Far From Familiar on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1099497606

Far From Familiar tracklist:
1) Loner ft. Linzi Jai
2) Cruel World
3) Heavenly
4) Hollywood Identity Crisis (Skit)
5) Fall From Grace
6) The Uber (Skit)
7) Studio City
8) Lit Off Your Love (Interlude)
9) Emeryville
10) Caravan 04
11) Lisa Bonet
12) (farley’s)
13) Back to the City
14) Crosswinds
15) Give Me The World
16) At What Cost

Sylvan LaCue Official Links

official site

twitter

facebook

instagram

youtube

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“Back to the City” is the latest single from Sylvan LaCue‘s Far From Familiar album, which releases April 8th. “I’m from the city of gold teeth and mangos,” the 25-year-old Miami artist shouts, as the track delves into his roots in the sunny city while also examining a 2015 decision to escape the spiraling madness of Los Angeles for a return to his hometown. Produced by Wishlade and Linzi Jai, the song debuts alongside an interview via Okayplayer’s First Look Friday feature. “I have never heard anyone outside of Miami really display a sense of hunger the way that Miami artists do,” Sylvan LaCue tells Okayplayer. “I believe that our authenticity and hunger are what keep us more interesting than anything else. In the next five years, those in Miami will be moving more towards consistency and unity. I see a bunch of artists evolving into their own fully, plus I see us beginning to push our sound even further and redefining that Miami feel.”

Anticipation is nearing its pinnacle for next Friday’s album release, as Sylvan LaCue has unveiled several singles in addition to his Sincerely Sylvan video journal series, engaging fans in the journey. Prior to “Back to the City,” LaCue shared “Heavenly,” which was recorded at HotNewHipHop‘s New York City studio. Preceding “Heavenly” was a painstaking visual for “Fall From Grace,” which debuted via Mass Appeal. One of the best examples of LaCue’s range as an artist came with the R&B-tinged single “Emeryville.” “‘Emeryville’ displays a softer side to Sylvan LaCue,” Pigeons & Planes acknowledged. “The sweet melody wrapped around the chorus can’t help but find its way into your heart and mind—each repetition this song only makes it feel that much sweeter.” Additional promo leading into the album release, Sylvan LaCue was featured in the Footaction’s Family Cypher during SXSW, which debuted via VIBE. Sylvan LaCue’s Far From Familiar release next Friday, April 8th.

The post Sylvan LaCue – ‘Back to the City’ (Prod. by Wishlade & Linzi Jai) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Footaction’s Family Cypher made a memorable and remarkable debut in Austin Texas for 2016 at SXSW. At their annual music festival, Rotimi, Taylor Bennett, Sylvan Lacue, and L.A. VanGogh all performed. It was epic, to say the least. They did freestyles all day and got the crowd going with their enormous talent.

This happens every March. The music industry comes together to put on riveting performances. While performing, all the artists came together to wear the latest in Footaction. This was Footzction’s first ever ” Family Cypher.” DJ Austin Millz spinning the tracks. This was definitely a great success.

Who knew Footaction could create something so magical?  The performances were raw and authentic. This video of freestyle rap is epic for the times. The video starts out with everyone meeting underground in a basement. Then, each member does a freestyle rap and song. Flashes of light can be seen in the background.  There is a DJ in the background of this clip. There is a heavy piano melody played over hip-hop beats. This was a great marketing strategy with merging tennis shoes and hip-hop. This was the best example of transitions between flows, which is pretty impressive. L.A’s wordplay is bananas. In a way, L.A. kind of raps like Andre 3000.  Fans are clearly spazzed to see this. Check out the video below and tell us which artist’s freestyle you enjoyed the most!

The flow is as follows:

0:10 – Rotimi
1:00 – Sylvan LaCue
1:43 – L.A. VanGogh
2:34 – Taylor Bennett
3:23 – Rotimi

The post Footaction Family Cypher at SXSW Recap [WATCH] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Sylvan LaCue is back with new single titled “Emeryville” off of fourth-coming album Far From Familiar. Teaming up with a very familiar Linzi Jai, Sylvan delievers another melodic and soothing tune where he bares his heart on his sleeve once again, his life is always reflected in his music.

“Emeryville” is a strong effort since Sylvan’s latest track “Fall From Grace,” which he shared with us a couple of weeks ago. From these two singles alone, we are very excited to be able to hear is upcoming album. Thanks Sylvan!

The post New Music: Sylvan LaCue – “Emeryville” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Done in collaboration with producer, Fortune, Evangeline is “a postlude to my upcoming project Far From Familiar“, according to Sylvan. “I wanted to give my fans something to hold onto before the year was out.”

https://soundcloud.com/sylvanlacue/sets/sylvan-lacue-x-fortune

The post While you wait on “Far From Familiar”, enjoy Sylvan Lacue’s “Evangeline” EP appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.