According to Artnet News, Yasiin Bey is launching a new Hip-Hop inspired art gallery in the Port Morris neighborhood of the South Bronx, in New York.  Yasiin Bey and advertising executive Free Richardson have announced the opening of an art gallery next month dubbed, The Compound. The idea for the gallery emerged out of another Bronx-based space called The Compound, a studio and workshop facility that Richardson opened in 2008. The move reportedly comes in an attempt to keep Hip-Hop and art of all kinds in an area known for its rich history in the grander art community.

“The gallery will serve as a space for all mediums of art,” Yasiin Bey said. “Free will run day-to-day operations alongside staff and I will bring in curatorial and special projects.”

“For me everything is art. What often happens is that certain artists don’t get a fair chance, and a lot of galleries don’t accept certain artists. The whole blue-chip world isn’t fair because certain artists that are just as good will never be accepted,” Richardson adds.

The first show at The Compound will feature the work of Jonathan Mannion, a career photographer in Hip-Hop who has photographed genre icons including The Notorious B.I.G., Aaliyah, OutKast, Lauryn Hill, and of course Yasiin Bey himself.

Outkast by Jonathan Mannion courtesy of The Compound

There is no doubt that the launch of The Compound is Bey’s attempt to combat the issue of gentrification that many Bronx natives have been combating and stemming from the Brooklyn natives interview on The Ed Lover Podcast last weekend (Jul 13), where he spoke about childhood trips to the Bronx and affirming his love for the culture.

Details for the new gallery’s exhibition schedule are still being finalized.

Suggested Articles:

Drake Delivers Amazing “Fire In The Booth” Freestyle [WATCH]

RESPECT. Interview: Busta Rhymes Talks Partnership With Doritos for #BlazeBeat

The post Yasiin Bey To Open An Art Gallery In the South Bronx appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Image credit: Javotti Media/3D

Talib Kweli continues to deliver dope Hip-Hop to the masses. This weekend sees the release of Radio Silence, Kweli’s follow-up to 2015’s F*** The Money (not counting his collaborative drop with Styles P). The project sees 11 tracks with appearances from Jay Electronica, BJ The Chicago Kid, Waka Flocka Flame, Robert Glasper, Yummy Bingham, Bilal and more. Added to that, Talib also liberated a visual for the album cut “Traveling Light,” which features Anderson .Paak…the clip — directed by Narcy — is pretty cameo-heavy as well.

Enjoy it all below.

Suggested Articles:

RESPECT. Interview: Dubai-Based Trio The Recipe Discuss Working With Talib Kweli, Car Accidents & More

Vice Souletric Brings In Talib Kweli, G. Huff & Will Blaze On “Return Of The Black Man”

The post Talib Kweli Drops New Album ‘Radio Silence’, “Traveling Light” Visual appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Image credit: Javotti Media/3D

In between the many social media battles, Talib Kweli has been cooking up a new album in the studio for the fans. This week, the New York Rap legend announces Radio Silence, which is set to drop November 17th…the project comes with 11 tracks and features from Anderson .Paak, Jay Electronica (!), Waka Flocka Flame, Rick Ross, Bilal, BJ The Chicago Kid and more. The artwork (above) is an oil painting by Jerome Lagarrique — the same artist who created the iconic Reflection Eternal cover.

Check out the tracklisting below. You can also hear a single from the project titled “Let It Roll” (available by pre-ordering the album).

TALIB KWELI – RADIO SILENCE (TRACKLISTING)
1. The Magic Hour
2. Traveling Light Feat. Anderson .Paak
3. All of Us Feat. Jay Electronica & Yummy Bingham
4. She’s My Hero
5. Chips Feat. Waka Flocka Flame
6. Knockturnal
7. Radio Silence Feat. Amber Coffman& Myka 9
8. The One I Love Feat. BJ the Chicago Kid
9. Heads Up Eyes Open Feat. Rick Ross & Yummy Bingham
10. Let It Roll
11. Write at Home Feat. Datcha, Bilal & Robert Glasper

The post Talib Kweli Reveals New Album, Drops “Let It Roll” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Raheem DeVaughn and Wes Felton. Photo Credit: Syreta J. Oglesby of SJO Public Relations

 BMG US is proud to announce the reunion of The CrossRhodes, the activist hip-hop/r&b group featuring three-time Grammy Nominated Recording Artist, Raheem DeVaughn, and his longtime collaborator, Wes Felton. The group is set to release their new album Footprints On The Moon on September 22, 2017.

Back in 2004, the group helped usher in a socio-political revolution with songs such as “Dreamin” and “I Woke Up” from their self-titled debut ‘The CrossRhodes‘. The duo blends the gifts of soulful crooner Raheem Devaughn with the multifaceted wordsmith and actor Wes Felton. In the 12 years following their hiatus, The CrossRhodes has achieved individual success in arts and music. Raheem has cultivated an image as the “Love King” and become of one of music’s most respected artists, earning two BET Awards and three Grammy Nominations. Wes would continue his ascent as a notable actor and a wordsmith collaborating with notable artists such as Eric Roberson, Sy Smith, and Prince Paul.

The current climate of political and social unrest has invigorated the artistic prowess of DeVaughnand Felton. Empowered by the burgeoning passion fueled in support of leaders within the Black Lives Matter and Immigration Reform movements, The CrossRhodes reunited to break their silence and reactivate the masses.

Raheem DeVaughn and Wes Felton’s The Crossrhodes.
Photo Credit: Syreta J. Oglesby of SJO Public Relations

Music has always been interwoven within social and political movements. Footprints On The Moonis providing the soundtrack for the movement towards social progress. Listeners can expect special appearances and production from notable artists and producers such as Scarface, Talib Kweli, 9th Wonder, Rapsody, Chaz French, Phil Ade, The Colleagues, The Fr3shmen, and many more.

“With the current state of political uncertainty, creatives have a responsibility to be the voice and reflection of the people,”  says Devaughn.

“Music with a message is a much needed and welcomed disruption. Footprints On The Moon plans to inspire and incite positive and catalytic change.”

“We come from a rich legacy of black artists who created music to wake the consciousness of the masses, said Felton.

“Music is supposed to inspire. We do not promote escapism or a fantasy. We have created reality music. Footprints On The Moon will expose racial and social injustices, economic disparities, and issues that affect real people. It is our hope that the people will support artists and movements that reflect the changes needed for our communities.” 

Fans can connect with The CrossRhodes via www.thecrossrhodesmusic.com.

Check them out on social media as well: Instagram: @crossrhodes368 and Twitter: @crossrhodes368.

Suggested Articles:

The Next Big Showcase’s Cliff Po & DJ Tarzan Making Dreams Reality in NYC & NJ

Scoop B Radio: Turner Sports’ Steve Smith Talks Career & More

The post Scoop B Selects: Raheem DeVaughn & Wes Felton To Release Footprints appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Beatnick and K-Salaam drop Movin’ It. Photo Courtesy of: Meccahnism Consulting

We’ve got a banger on our hands! From the crew that brought you the sounds behind Lauryn Hill’s live show and the first production team in history to score music for the Olympics, comes the Mass Appeal premiere of “Movin It” featuring Midwest legend Tech N9NE & his Strange Music artist, Wrekonize.

Beatnick, K-Salaam, Tech N9ne and Wrekonize built 2003-2005 neo-soul and hip nostalgia back with their latest “Movin It” track.

No lies!! 

Man it legitimately sounds like a combination of Outkast’s Bomb’s Over Baghdad coupled with the feel of Talib Kweli’s Just To Get By! 

According to a press release sent over to RESPECT Magazine, the first single off the upcoming album The Bluest Flame, finds Tech and Wrek skating over the high octane track that combines Trap with Rock and R&B, accompany that with some bangin drums and a unique musical style that is both innovative and vintage at the same time.

Adding words to the stellar production are the likes of Talib Kweli, Bun-B, Blu, Joell Ortiz and more. The scene has officially been for the kind of hip-hop and real music that the game has been missing.

“We make all of our beats from scratch,”  K-Salaam, tells RESPECT Magazine.

He added:

“We design our own sounds, our own drums, we come up with new chord progressions. We don’t need to sample, but people are already sampling us.”

The Bluest Flame drops August 25^th worldwide. Worth noting, the duo is also releasing their Reggae EP “Give Love” w/ Junior Reid on the same day.

While you’re a it, go ahead and follow these gentlemen on all social media and content providing platforms: 

Twitter – Beatnick & K-Salaam
YouTube – Beatnick & K-Salaam
Website – Beatnick & K-Salaam
Facebook – Beatnick & K-Salaam

Suggested Articles:

The Next Big Showcase’s Cliff Po & DJ Tarzan Making Dreams Reality in NYC & NJ

Scoop B Radio: Turner Sports’ Steve Smith Talks Career & More

The post Scoop B Selects: Beatnick, K-Salaam, Tech N9NE & Wrekonize Drop “Movin It” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Following last week’s release, “Fire,” Rhapsody is back, but this week she’s letting haters and challengers alike know that she’s going to have them all in their feelings with her new single,“Mad.” Produced by the Soul Council’s Eric G., the fiery track addresses the folks that aren’t so thrilled about the explosive and long overdue rise of Rapsody, taking for granted that the rise didn’t come easy. After almost a decade of hard work and grinding, Rapsody notices that people are beginning to treat her differently and lets them know she’s on to the game of deceit.

Rapsody lets loose as she spits venom to her peers mad at her moves, saying:

“Jamla is the squad and Roc Nation’s still the family, man / You mad you just a family guy, watchin’ real families, mad / The First Family love me, the President say he a fan / They mad that a Black President is the best President we ever had / Tell ’em why you mad, son.”

Although Rapsody came with the heat, she’s definitely not done yet. Less than 9 hours later she’s returned with the Ab-Soul-featured “2AM” produced by Khrysis and 9th Wonder. The soulful beat blares as two trade verses for nearly five minutes of the beat switching instrumental.

As if dropping two amazing singles weren’t enough, Rapsody’s website is showcasing a countdown indicating we are in for something big in less than 24 hours.

Listen to “2 AM” (via 2DopeBoyz) and “Mad” below:

https://soundcloud.com/jamlaarmy/rapsody-mad-produced-by-eric-g

Suggested Articles:

Lil Yachty Talks Soulja Boy Beef, Criticism and Nautica Campaign [Watch]

Joe Budden Shows Softer Side With ‘I Wanna Know’ [Watch]

The post Rapsody Gets Vicious with “Mad”, Drops “2 AM” Featuring Ab-Soul [Listen] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Beginning as a project in hopes to bring Hip Hop artists together in the United Arab Emirates, The Recipe has evolved and transitioned into something even greater. The Dubai based rap trio (which consists of Kaz Money, Swerte and Perfect Storm) has without a doubt made a name for themselves by working with Hip Hop greats such as the legendary DJ Hurricane and most recently Talib Kweli. RESPECT. Mag caught up with The Recipe to talk about their new single “Place to Rest” and a few other things.

RESPECT.: How did you guys come up with the name “The Recipe”?

Swerte: The Recipe stands for everything we believe in…and everything we believe in is a combination of smaller things (ingredients) that ultimately form the big picture. The Recipe to success, The Recipe to failure, The Recipe to dreaming, believing, passion, courage, uniqueness and so on.

RESPECT.: How has being a Dubai based collective affected your musical influences?

Kaz Money: Dubai is a transitional place where most of us come from somewhere else in the world so we draw on a wide range of musical influences as a result.

RESPECT.: What is one characteristic that each of you bring forward to the music?

Kaz: Energy

P.Storm: Bars

Swerte: Intelligence

RESPECT.: Your last mixtape “Throwback to The Future” was hosted by the legendary DJ Hurricane, how did it feel to have such a household name in hip hop support your project?

Kaz Money: It was an honor and privilege to work with a legend like DJ Hurricane and it’s a project we take a lot of pride in as it shows our respect for those that have paved the way for us to do this hip hop sh*t.

Swerte: For me it was the feeling that ‘dreams you didn’t think possible could happen’

P.Storm: It’s always an honour and there’s a lot of respect for those that came before us, but at the same time it let me know that we were on the right path and we could really achieve anything we put our minds to… And we got some motherf**kin bars! lol…

RESPECT.: What is the recording process like for you guys? Is it very structured or more of a “going with the flow” type of situation?

Kaz Money: The recording process has evolved over time and differs depending on the track, but generally we decide on a concept and a direction for a track before the writing process begins. Sometimes we start with the hook but sometimes one of us would take the lead and initiate the process solo.

Swerte: Other times something in our lives could inspire one of us to just start writing and then share it with the others.

RESPECT.: Are you very particular when it comes to choosing beats?

Swerte: Selecting beats is always an interesting process because we each have different taste in music, however we have learned to select beats that play to each of our strengths.

Kaz Money: Ideally, we are always looking for new sounds that challenge us as artists while trying to find that balance between classic and new hip hop.

Perfect Storm: I’m pretty particular about choosing beats, we’ve had some tough sessions where we’ve disagreed on beats but we always come to some form of compromise. End of the day though a rapper should really be able to rap over anything and as team players sometimes we just gotta let ego go and say ok I’ll rock to this.

RESPECT.: Your latest single “Place to Rest” featuring Talib Kweli and Spark Master Tape has done extremely well. What exactly is the message behind this song?

P. Storm: The track and video is about finding a place to rest, fighting to be accepted and the sacrifices we made in order to do so – as people (as 3rd culture kids who are all mixed race and live out of their countries, a home, a place to be buried) and in music ( as rappers that grew up in the golden era of hiphop but live in today’s world of hiphop).

Swerte: The track means alot to us, not just because it features a legend we grew up listening to and an inspiring up and coming rapper, but also because it represents why this art means so much to us. Bringing people of different cultures, from different parts of the world together because of their passion for music. It’s a celebration of our individuality and our connection as humans.

RESPECT.: How does it feel to have the legendary Talib Kweli featured on such a popular single?

Kaz Money: Another huge milestone for us as a group and an honor to work with one of our idols. It’s almost still hasn’t sunk in that we have a track and video with a guy like Talib.

Swerte: Growing up and listening to his music from different corners of the world, some of us thought we wouldn’t even get a chance to see him perform live. Recording the video was technically our first time seeing him “perform” and it was our song we did together. How dope is that?!

P. Storm: It’s definitely amazing. It’s what dreams are made of. The first time my homie copped the Kweli – Quality album, we put the CD on in the whip and had the craziest car crash where we flipped a few times and etc. We were lucky to get out alive but all I remember hearing after as we scrambled out was the CD skipping. Who would have thought like 14 years ago I almost died listening to this guy and now I’m on a track with him.

RESPECT.: Do you guys plan on releasing a full length album in the near future?

Kaz Money: The album ‘Funerals & Purgatory’ is ready and should hopefully be out sometime later this year.

Swerte: We have another single and video called ‘Bandana’ coming real soon before that drops.

RESPECT.: What’s next for “The Recipe”? (Any shows, upcoming singles?) 

Swerte: Before the album drops we have another single called ‘Bandana’ that should be dropping soon with a video.

P. Storm: We got a few things lined up in the next coming months with album promos and shows etc.

Check out The Recipe’s “Place to Rest” video featuring Talib Kweli & Spark Master Tape below

Suggested Articles:

New Music : Ayron Michael & Kemar McGregor’s “Blessing in Disguise”

Big Boi to Collaborate with Killer Mike on Upcoming EP

The post RESPECT. Interview: Dubai-Based Trio The Recipe Discuss Working With Talib Kweli, Car Accidents & More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.