I’m embarrassed that I almost let this gem get away from me. If you’re not hip, Jay-Z is following up his critically-acclaimed docu-series Time: The Kalief Browder Story by directing your attention to another: Rest In Power: The Trayvon Martin Story, which will premiere on the Paramount Network July 30th. Adding to that is Black Thought, who’s contributing the equally-powerful song “Rest In Power,” complete with a thought-provoking visual (courtesy of Rohan Blair-Mangat).

Check out “Rest In Power” and — if you haven’t seen it — the trailer for The Trayvon Martin Story below.

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FILE- In this June 28, 2013 file photo, Sanford police officer Timothy Smith holds up the gun that was used to kill Trayvon Martin, while testifying in the George Zimmerman trial, in Seminole circuit court in Sanford, Fla. The pistol former neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman used in the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin is going up for auction online. (AP Photo/Orlando Sentinel, Joe Burbank, Pool, File)

What a surprise, the gun the massacred the young, Trayvon Martin is sold in an auction. The buyer is unknown (a coward at that) but the action is sickening. Buying the gun that killed an innocent teenage boy who received no justice for himself or his family,  is d**n near equivalent to placing his head on your mantle in a living room. The man, George Zimmerman, who was acquitted of second degree murder in 2013 now dangles his weapon of choice above the masses and is set to claim ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY  THOUSAND DOLLARS for it?! This country is SICK.

To even twist the knife harder, Zimmerman says he will donate some of his proceeds. where you may ask? According to NBC, the jack a** is donating, “to groups that oppose the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as groups opposing Hillary Clinton.” And that’s facts people. I know I’ve seen the information swirling around social media and news but “why?” is my main question. Why is it OK to treat a 17 year old boy walking down the street like a full grown buck during hunting season? 

What’s so numbing is that this is the image that pops into millions of Americans heads when they hear of stories like this. Zimmerman proud of his killing, eager to show to the world, ready to devour and gorge into his new prize. I know this is a bit dramatic, but so is the action of murdering a boy, receiving no prosecution, and then selling the gun that did it. What a joke.

Im sure all the Martin family want’s is peace, but the justice system and Zimmerman keep re opening scars rather than tending to them. This goes for the family and supporters all over the world. Black Lives Do Matter and will continue to, regardless of how much pain and suffering that is inflicted upon them.

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With all of the tension going on in the country following grand jury verdicts based on murders by law enforcement in several cities, protests are following and Qu’ality is leading his pack. #YOUNGMARTIN is his ode to key figures in history who not only were murdered because they were discriminated against but innocent. Trayvon Martin was a child walking through his neighborhood. Martin Luther King Jr. strategically wanted to remain peaceful to receive equal right for his people that had suffered more than enough from a government that should have been built to protect them. In order to be granted change we have to change the way we do everything. It starts now, so use this time to hear Qu’ality’s suggestions.

The post NEW MUSIC: QU’ALITY RETURNS WITH POLITICALLY-CHARGED #YOUNGMARTIN appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Mick Jenkins & Supa Bwe are working on an EP called Hurt Everybody and here is a taste of what to expect. “Treat Me Caucasian” is a terrifying glimpse into the mind of racially-profile men who paint the stark differences between white and black treatment in certain situations. From hoodies and skittles to security clearances, the record is angry and powerful. Listen below.

The post New Music: Mick Jenkins & Supa Bwe – “Treat Me Caucasian” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Recently, we had the chance to chop it up with YOGY about a variety of topics including his past and current projects (Kings Wear Crowns and ’88 Hooligans), the many obstacles he’s faced in his life, and even the impact of Oscar Grant on him as both a person and an artist.

What’s the significance of your name? Is it an acronym? Short for something? 

YOGY is short for “You Only Got Yourself.” Deriving from life since my childhood. I represent every single-parent home urban kid. My father was locked up most of my life and my mom struggled with debt and alcoholism. It’s just a common feeling due to the circumstances that explains in a nutshell my foundation and now my mindset.

Growing up in the Bay Area, who were some of your biggest influences? 

Tupac is one of my biggest influences period. His All Eyez On Me album raised me. Yukmouth, E-40 , Too Short, San Quinn, Mac Dre, Hiero, Souls of Mischief…and this list goes on, from a musical standpoint. I’ve always been a fan, before anything [else], of the Bay Area music scene, which actually inspired me to create my own music.

Kings Wear Crowns is the current project that you released in April. What was the overall concept of this album? What goals did you want to achieve? 

Kings Wear Crowns in entirety is a mixtape that I wanted to show my abilities on…show that my potential is something special. An artist with ability to not only push in Cali but to stand out in other markets. The title is inspired by the belief that we are all born kings. As far as the concept with this project, I wanted to continue to build up my core fanbase, give them a few angles of how I viewed the world at the time I was recording. I want my fans to be able to grow with me. I hate putting expectations out because even that can limit growth. I’m just here trusting my struggle.

You didn’t have the easiest life coming up. If you could, go into some of the obstacles you faced and the effect that it has had on your music up to this point in your career.

I’ve had ups and downs. From the day I was born, I was diagnosed with VSD [Ventricular Septal Defect], basically having a hole in my heart. I was told early that I wouldn’t make it to eighteen if I hadn’t receive the surgery needed. I never had it. I was told I wouldn’t be able to do half the things that I’ve done so beat the odds of life in my mind. I’ve been homeless. I’ve had more than two handfuls of friends murdered, just by living to survive. We live to learn and learn to live, right? But on the flip I was also blessed to have sports as an escape. Football and boxing are probably why I’ve been able to manage my own demons. Those same demons I’m speaking of are leading into the next project I’m working on, where I’m not only speaking on the lifestyle but the emotion involved in my life since ’88, the year I was born.

How do you think you’ve grown musically and personally from your last project to the one you’re currently working on, ‘88 Hooligans?

I think with content, flow, delivery, subject matter. Each album I want to get deeper on the message I’m trying to deliver. As I get older, things change. I experience more, so the content will always continue to grow. I want this album to sound like a soundtrack to the person who had a troubled past. If you experienced what it’s like to be from an inner city, the feeling of struggle, pain and anger aren’t the feelings people talk about. I want to give that through my own material, my own experience and hopefully spark the mind of people who relate, to want more for themselves.

Do you think this upcoming project could potentially help a wayward child growing up in your area? If so, how do you think this can help?

Like I said, I want the things that I’ve experienced, the things that have hindered me to be a reality, not saying my life was any worse than the next person living theirs, but just for younger people from this area to connect with somebody that came from the same things they may have/are going through.

Being from the Bay, I’m sure you’re familiar with Oscar Grant. Have you seen the Fruitvale Station film and if so, what are your thoughts on it?

Fruitvale Station was powerful, I didn’t see a person leave the theater without tears or at least water in their eyes. I feel like the timing was perfect with the Trayvon Martin case also going on. Being from the Bay, living in the actual city where it took place made that movie feel that much more real. It made me feel like any one of my homies could have been Oscar Grant that night on the BART. The Oscar Grant story also puts it into perspective how the justice system is only meant to affect us but that’s a whole other topic.

Has Oscar’s story had any effect on your music, if so what kind?

Not only the Oscar Grant story, but all the problems stemming from growing up in the society filled with injustice from our own justice system, racism but most importantly the mindless black on black/brown on brown murders that take place in cities like this everyday have effected me more so as a man. It has inspired me musically to change my approach, for the fans that do listen to YOGY. We need the guidance because we grew up in an era without fathers, without leaders. I just want to represent the real reality of our culture. I can name way more people doing bad or living average then I could living like the videos & movies. All in all, prayers are with Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin and anybody that was taken away before their time.

What advice would you give to a kid growing up in Oakland and wants to be a recording artist?

Eliminate the word “CAN’T”.

You’ve been fortunate enough to open for some of the biggest acts in music. Have you learned any valuable lessons from them that you can apply to your own career?

Show sets are important. Stand out. The energy that you leave with the people in that building is everything. Connection and engagement are everything.

Adding on to that question, where do you see yourself in the next few years? Will you be expanding your reach into different areas or anything like that?

I have so many things I want to accomplish not only in music but in acting, fashion, even video game design. I’m ambitious. I’m always thinking of ways to change the scope of shit.

Tell me something that your listeners may not know about you.

I got a thing for Jhene Aiko….[laughs]

The post Interview: YOGY Speaks On His Struggles, Plans For The Future & Oscar Grant appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Jermaine Cole recently sat down with Lee Hawkins of the Wall Street Journal for an lengthy, in-depth interview. Cole discusses his rise to fame, Jay Z, the Illuminati (of course), Trayvon Martin and his controversial autism line from “Jodeci.” Watch below.

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The New Orleans emcee is quick on her feet creatively, which explains her mounting success in the digital music industry; 3D Na’Tee, will be joining forces with Russell Simmons to create content for Mr. Simmons’ new YouTube channel, All Def Digital.

SIGN THE NAACP PETITION HERE: http://www.NAACP.ORG

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