Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean festival season is. After a crazy three months that saw festivals like Day N’ Night, Rolling Loud (Bay Area) and many more command the attention of the culture, a new festival in Arizona looks to join the ranks of the elite. Standing its first year ever, Chandler, Arizona’s Goldrush Festival is a unique event. Taking cue from mainstays like Hard Summer and others, Goldrush founder Thomas Turner decided to mesh his two loves of Electronic Dance Music and high-octane Hip-Hop under one roof, bringing out acts like Marshmello, Dillion Francis, Migos, Lil’ Uzi Vert, Ugly God and of course… Lil’ Pump.

*drops the “LIL’ PUMP” ad-lib with an air-horn*

With such a diverse line-up on tap, we’re exciting to be on hand covering the festival, which takes place next weekend, November 18^th & 19^th. Take a look at the seven acts, we’re most excited to see below.

Photo by Ryan Jay

Injury Reserve

Having spent a little time in The Grand Canyon state in High School, I’ve been aware of Valley natives Injury Reserve for quite some time now. Despite that, it wasn’t until this year when the trio went on a hot streak with the release of the single, “North Pole” as well as Google Translate Lady’s scene-stealing verse on fellow AZ native Lil’ Qwerty’s, “Hits For Days,” that I truly took notice to the group. With braggadocio frat raps that are complimented by high energy and stout lyricism, Injury Reserve should fit perfectly into the setting of the festival—and with the home-court advantage on their side, it could be one for the books for the trio.

Photo courtesy, Aziz Gibson.

Azizi Gibson

German-born, Los Angeles product, Azizi Gibson has been in and around the game for quite some time now. I first became hip to the energetic rapper with the single, “Smoking With the Gods,” a ridiculously in-depth and creative song disguised as a SoundCloud hit which see’s Gibson rhyme about a day in Heaven smoking with Zeus, Jesus and the rest of the gang — Gibson even throws a sly little dis at Judas, “Don’t you dare pass the blunt to Judas, he a traitor muthafucka. Are you stupid?” —  and instantly became a fan. Similar to Injury Reserve, Gibson’s underrated ability to make bars sound cool will set in well with the restless crowd.

Photo courtesy, Underachievers

The Underachievers

After exploding onto the scene with 2013’s Inigoism, The Underachievers have carved out a nice career since their days back in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Signing to Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder Records, the eccentric duo is one of the most refreshing acts in Hip-Hop’s recent years. Members Issa Gold and AK bounce off of one another perfectly, despite the numerous amount of solo projects between the two, highlighting a chemistry that is not often sustained in the genre. Older tracks like, “Gold Soul Theory” and fan-favorite, “Herb Shuttles” capture the UA craze at its’ height, while newer records like, “Gotham Nights” and “Cobra Clutch” showcase Issa and AK at a polished, more mature lyrical state. As the kids would say, they’re now in their bag. Having already seen the Beast-Coast duo a couple times before, I anticipate them put on a show for the sure-to-be sedated crowd of college kids.

Photo courtesy, Roger Kisby/Getty

Flatbush Zombies

I’m partially convinced that the Flatbush Zombies and UA had to be the first rap acts that festival founder Thomas Turner had in mind when he struck up the idea for this festival. Sure, UA is electric and the Brooklyn natives ooze stage presence, but post-apocalyptic trio the Flatbush Zombies take rowdy to another level. Maybe it’s due to the break-neck nature of their music, or maybe it’s just the fact that front-man Meechy Darko is one of the most sinister, yet underrated emcees in all of Hip-Hop–but whatever it is, the Zombies have a legitimate chance at having the most wild set of the whole festival. Couple that energy with the fact that Arizona is one of the most FBZ crazed cities in the country and you’ve got yourself a recipe for destruction. This is one set you will not want to miss.

Photo courtesy, David Rams

Migos

Please, tell me—who’s had a better year than the Migos? After releasing an early candidate for album of the year in January’s Culture, the Atlanta trio never slowed down not one step. Instead, they put their foot on the gas and never relinquished, releasing hits by the dozens both together, “Too Hotty” and on their own. Actually, it’s separately where the Migos have probably done most of their brand-building. While Quavo hopped on every pop record that had a spot for an urban crooner, Off-Set decided to slash every single feature he was commissioned for and dropped a solid collaborative tape with 21 Savage and Metro Boomin’.

It’s TakeOff, though, who has taken the group to new heights. After an awkward encounter on Complex’s Everyday Struggle, TakeOff not having a verse on the group’s magnum opus, “Bad & Boujee” became more glaring than ever. Instead of falling into obscurity, the youngest member of the group upped the ante and started torching everything he touched, silencing anybody that labeled him the weak link and giving the group a third legitimate star. With Culture 2 on the horizon as well as the highly anticipated collab-tape from Quavo and Travis Scott, it doesn’t seem like the Migos show any signs of stopping. Be sure to catch them headlining at Goldrush Festival.

Photo courtesy, Kiari Cook.

Lil’ Uzi Vert

When it comes to Philadelphia native Lil’ Uzi Vert, it took me a while to join the club. While I always respected his notion that he was indeed a rock-star and not a rap one, he still rapped—and to me, he wasn’t very good at it. As a writer in this cesspool we call the culture, though, it is a sin to write off an obvious star too early just because his music failed to comfort your ears.

So instead of denouncing the man, I just shelved him and decided to hold judgement until I was able to see him live. One day, that chance came. Since that day, I’ve bumped every single Uzi album and since the release of his newest project, LUV is Rage 2, I’ve played a song off of that album every day. That’s how great of a performer he is, no exaggeration. His energy and overall execution of his records live could turn even the biggest of doubters into a Supreme satchel-wearing, hype-beast for a few songs. Hell, he did it to me. Try showing 2015 me, “The Way Life Goes,” and watch him laugh and then bark at you to get out of his face. If you’re already an Uzi fan, then you know what I’m talking about, but if you’re not? Come join us. It’s a lot more lit over here.

Photo courtesy, Justin Staple

Lil’ Pump

One day when they make the inevitable internet bible, I pray that they don’t forget the innovative shit that South Florida native Lil’ Pump has done and rightfully place him among the Samson-like figures. At one point, Pump really had me trying to confirm if he went to Harvard Medical School or not. That’s how crazy his fan-base is—and while you make think it stems solely from ignorant social media acts, you’re wrong. The boy has bangers. After forcing his way into the homes of mainstream America with his first Billboard single, “Flex” a lo-fi, bass-heavy track that says, “Bitch I flex, Rick Ross” easily over 40 times, Pump followed that success up with his self-titled debut and it’s lead single, “Gucci Gang” which just recently burst into the Top 10 of Billboard’s Hot 100 list and blew every mind in Hip-Hop away, including mine.

Pump turned a so-so SoundCloud career that was beginning to be overshadowed by best-friend Smokepurpp, and leveled the fuck up like never seen before—and it all came from the internet. One can argue that Cardi B had the biggest come-up of 2017, and would be completely in the green for doing so—but let’s be real. Cardi had Love & Hip-Hop and few other mainstream plays to bolster her entry. Not Pump. For those that are old enough to remember – if you are, you’re probably not a Pump fan – I would argue that Twitter has done for Lil’ Pump what MySpace did for Drake—and we see where that ended up. Don’t miss Lil’ Pump, probably the hottest rapper in the game right now, only at Goldrush Festival.

You can purchase your tickets to the festival here, which is set to take place in Chandler, Arizona on November 18th & 19th.

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Photo by @THEUALIFEATYLE

As you all may of noticed – or not – we chose not to put out a rendition of With All Due RESPECT. last week. The reason, you ask? Within the past two weeks, we’ve received not one, not two, but three phenomenal albums from Brooklyn torch bearers Stro and Joey Badass, and of course King Kendrick Lamar. Recently, Joey hopped on Twitter to talk about his disgust with this generation’s attention span when it comes to music. Now, I’m well aware that the attention span of this – my – generation is shorter than Isaiah Thomas, but c’mon guys. There’s no way on God’s green earth that you all have fully digested and accurately assessed these three projects. Stro’s Grade A Frequencies is a debut album filled with trial, tribulation and the realization of dreams coming true. Joey’s, ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$ is simultaneously a politically charged middle finger to the government, as well as a testimonial from the those who are underrepresented, & Kenny’s DAMN. – surprisingly – may be the least “woke” of the three, but without a doubt offers up the best music. Whether you’re looking to turn up – “DNA”— wind down – “From Me” – or figure out the world’s issues – “Land of the Free”; there’s no DAMN. reason why you shouldn’t be enjoying the Grade A Frequencies put forth by these poets and feel like an ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$. Okay… That was corny. Before I ruin my cool, check out this week’s With All Due RESPECT. featuring The Underachievers, Las Vegas newcomer Rob Falco and more.

Photo by @noahwoodsmusic

Noah Wood$ – “Roaches (Feat. MadeinTYO)”

Checking in first on our list today is Los Angeles native Noah Wood$ and his soon-to-be-viral hit, “Roaches” off of his most recent project, The Hot Box. Featuring fellow Private Club Records signee — & noted Uber denouncer – MadeinTYO, it’s hard not to envision, “Roaches” being Private Clubs post “Uber Everywhere” hit and Wood$ becoming the next up in the crew. The track is carried by heavily tropical synths and drum patterns that instantly make you think of palm trees, Backwoods & California. Mesh the Venice Beach vibes with some hashtag worthy lines – “Can’t hold me back, say that I’m whack but I ain’t going,” & “Diamonds hitting them folks, aye” – and you get what could possibly be a Soundcloud summer smash. If recent history tells us anything about Soundcloud smashes – ahem, Mr. Tokyo – Wood$ should be in for some newfound fame. Check out, “Roaches” below and be sure to keep an eye on Wood$, as well as Private Club, who is killing it right now.

Photo by @JohnGivez

John Givez – “Cookout”

Sticking with the California theme, we head out to Oceanside, but on a much darker tip, for Southern California John Givez‘ sobering track, “Cookout.” Right off the bat, I thought it was brilliant how Givez let the Hispanic cats bring in the song. If you grew up in California, particularly anywhere near beach weather, then you know how crucial cookouts are to the culture. The Cookout, also a C L A S S I C  movie – don’t @ me – is where all politicking goes down. Whether you’re grubbing, hollering at some hunnies, or settling a confrontation; the cookout is where it happens, and Givez captures this essence perfectly. When the cats at the beginning talk about how they’re mad for not receiving an invite, you can almost feel the tension rising before Givez takes over with his offbeat cadence and dark testimonies such as, “Niggas cheffin’ up real beef, niggas never gon’ realize/ Killin’ niggas that are healin’ niggas, it’s the main reason that we still die,” to the tune of distorted drum breaks and a chillingly looped vocal sample. Although, I’m not 100% sure that, “Cookout” will be the song to propel Givez to the masses, it’s the track the best captures all of the qualities and talents of an artist that I am 100% will be celebrated on a national level, with or without this track blowing. Peep the song below and be sure to get hip to John Givez.

Rob Falco – “One997”

Have you ever wondered what it would sound like if Tyler, The Creator, Eminem & Danny Brown babysat a young white kid for years and in that time nurtured him into becoming an emcee? If somehow those clusterf*ck of events occurred, they’d most certainly come out the lab with Las Vegas native Rob Falco. Now, I’m not saying Falco is currently on par with any of those greats, but if his newest track, “One997” – an ode to a more simple time, with better fits — is any indication, he may not be as far off as we thought. Coming in off of his recently released, Takis EP, the WADR veteran showcases his ability as a wordsmith, and then some. Whether it’s the quirky wordplay, “Dark man baby, no light/ tryna get the whole pizza no slice,” or his woes disguised as boasts, “All I do is smoke weed, I don’t make no friends,” Falco leaves you with many expamples why his Takis EP should be played at high levels. Check out the track, highlighted by a onslaught of crazy bars draped in an even wilder cadence from 1:16-1:27, below and be sure to give his EP a listen.

Photo by @DonKrez_

Don Krez – “FRONTLINE (Feat. Pouya, Issa Gold & Getter)”

Look, unless you’ve been under a rock lately, you’ve heard about the scene bubbling out of Florida, particuluarly the south. Granted, you might’ve been put on to the area due to some negative news surrounding it’s biggest star, XXXTENTACION, but he’s far from the only attraction down south. Miami DJ/Producer Don Krez, who is firmly apart of this movement, seems to have his ear to the streets though as he recruits South FLA staple, Pouya as well as Issa Gold and Getter for the action packed, “FRONTLINE.” Set to the backdrop of HEEEEEEAVY synths and explosive sounds, Issa & Pouya effortlessly trade bars with one another on this track in a way that can make you forget they’re both part of groups in hopes that they start their own. “This fame started with fake/ no conversation less niggas eating like 30k over date/ no Grammy nomination but nigga my hotline ringing like Drake,” rhymes UA’s Issa Gold on the final verse while Pouya opens it up with his signature cadence, firing off bars like, “Don’t need no one to defend me, my soul is feeling real empty/ these hoes don’t make me too happy/ but I’ll f*ck ’em anyway.” With productions like this under his belt, expect for Don Krez to enter the upper echelon of the DJ pyramid sooner rather than later. The Miami native is already getting set to headline a Las Vegas festival. Check out the track below and remember where you heard it first.

The Underachievers – “Cobra Clutch”

You know, listening to “FRONTLINE” got me to thinking. “Wow, Issa is killing this sh*t. Wait! What’s up with UA?” After releasing last year’s, It Happened in Flatbush, The Underachievers stayed relatively quiet for most of late 2016 and early 2017. Or so I thought. A quick visit to the Beastcoast duo’s Twitter page led me to the release of two singles, “Gotham Nights” and “Cobra Clutch“, both in preparation of their new album, Renissance coming later in 2017. The latter, is a scathing yet easily enjoyable song that feels like authentic New York. This track sounds like if Fast & Furious made another movie in New York, but made The Rock wear Timberlands and let Joey Bada$$ replace Ludacris. AK & Issa go tic for tac, with AK showcasing a more progressed and in pocket flow than in previous works, while Issa plays the role of verbal acrobat, kicking off bar after bar. The underground legends followed up the two singles with the recent released, “Head Right,” keeping the momentum going in anticipation for the album. Check out the ode to the classic wrestling move below and be sure to pre order Renissance, which is slated to be out May 19th.

There you have it! Did we miss anything? Did we forget your favorite underground artist? Let us know in the comment section!

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After establishing themselves as bona fide underground forces with their tapes Indigosim and Lords of Flatbush, Brooklyn bred duo The Underachievers are back with a new mixtape titled It Happened In Flatbush. Released Monday afternoon, the tape comes after last years release of their incredible studio album: Evermore: The Art of Duality, which was quietly one of the more underrated releases of 2015.

Though it’s their first release of 2016, The Underachievers have been anything but taking break as they toured the country with Pouya and The Suicide Boys which sold out at nearly every stop. Also recently, 1/2 of the UA duo AK released his own anime series named Naka Miru which is accompanied with original music from the artist.

The 10 song project includes zero features which has become a badge of honor for the young group. Featuring artwork inspired by the 1942 sports flick with the same title, the project shows the duo flexing their signature flows over banging production. Stream the project above and let us know what you think. Also, check out UA as they head out on the Smoker’s Club tour which also features Nyck Caution, Cam’Ron, Smoke DZA and more. Details on that can be found here.

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The post The Underachievers Unleash New Mixtape, ‘It Happened In Flatbush’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The Underachievers  have announced the title of their second album and an upcoming tour. AK The Savior and Issa Gold‘s second studio effort will be titled Evermore – The Art of Duality, and will contain 15 tracks. One track of the 15 will be in our ears on July 10th, the day that they plan to release “Take Your Place.” In addition to the new music the duo is also set to head on tour come October. They will embark on The Forevermore Express World Tour on October 1st in California and will end on December 12th in Paris unless more dates are added. Peep the tour dates below.

US TOUR DATES (* indicates to include Pouya, The Buffet Boys, Kirk Knight, & Bodega Bamz):

October:

The post The Underachievers Announce Album Title and Tour appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

One of Flatbush’s youngest monsters coming into the hip hop scene is 22Love. Known for their extremely high energy on wax, visually, and at their performances, the young collective are paying their dues and earning their stripes musically. Their most recent release is the new visual, “Rollin Wit’ Me,” directed by Pro Era‘s head visual director Dee Frosted. Featuring the three MC’s, watch below as they takeover the NYC streets in a roofless Jeep showcasing their high energy and youthful vibes. Stay tuned to the group’s future moves including their sold out performance slot for Pro Era’s annual “Steez Day” event honoring the legendary deceased Brooklyn MC.

The post Flatbush’s 22Love Are Back With Their Latest Visual “Rollin Wit’ Me” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

via trendytron

The Underachievers are back with a new video for their emotionally charged single, “Amorphous”. Directed by Yash Xana aand the Brooklyn-bred duo themselves, the visuals depict the rappers and a large group of fans peacefully protesting in the heart of New York City.

The pair currently working on their sophomore album, The Evermore Project, which is expected to be released in late 2015.

“Amorphous” can be found on The Underachiever’s debut album, Cellar Door: Terminus Et Exordium, available for purchase here.  You can check out the visuals for below:

The post New Video: The Underachievers “Amorphous (Feat. Portugal the Man)” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The Underachievers and The Flatbush Zombies have teamed up to bring their fans the Clockwork Indigo EP. The release of the EP is a kick off to their Electric Koolade Experience tour which started today in Madison, WI. Check out the EP below and tell us what you think of Clockwork Indigo.

The post New EP: Clockwork Indigo – “Clockwork Indigo” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.