Ruben D. Sosa Jr. professionally known as Citoonthebeat is an award-winning music producer hailing from Jersey City, NJ. Cito’s father, a music director of a local church nurtured his interest in music at a very young age. By the age of 6 he had learned to play the drums, and by the age of 12 he had learned to play the piano. In 2007 Cito opened his first recording studio where he developed his talent for music production.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3nwAKityClInQ8k3GeynZB

Cito’s first major placement was in 2016 on Troy Ave’s single “Chuck Norris,” a successful record that occupied the airwaves of New York City during the summer of that same year. The following year he worked closely with DJ Mustard and YG on the studio album “Stay Dangerous,” which is now certified Gold by the RIAA. In 2019 Cito was recruited by label APG to produce a record titled “Case Closed” for Kevin Gate’s EP “Only the Generals Gon Understand.” That same year Cito debuted his first independent single “Familiar” featuring Tory Lanez, TJ Porter, and Suigeneris.

The post NJ’s CitoOnThebeat Is Locking It Down Behind The Boards | #TheAltWithMel appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Mysonne chatted with RESPECT Magazine’s Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson about the culture of hip hop on Scoop B Radio. Photo Credit: Eric Salvary

It could be said that 2017 has been the year of pure lyrics for hip hoppers. In short: out with the mumbling lyrics and autotune in with the honesty and conversation.

While many applaud Jay-Z’s candor and honesty in his recently released 4:44 album, (rightly so: Family Feud, The Story of O.J. 4:44 and Caught Their Eyes are my favorite) it is my estimation that Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN album and Mysonne’s honesty on instagram which then led to an appearance with Charlemagne, DJ Envy and Angela Yee on The Breakfast Club is what jumpstarted the Great Awakening of 2017 that is currently hip hop.

Mysonne went toe-to-toe with Troy Ave in April after the Brooklyn lyricist called himself the second coming of Tupac.

In an instagram post, Mysonne refuted that assesment stating:

“I wouldn’t be who I am if I didn’t come out and say Troy Ave is a fucking bozo. I’m just tired of the Bullshit, Us Real ni**as trying to get out the Streets and these clowns trying to stay in Em. I’m sorry but I can’t peacefully co-exist with Suckers. Stop making clowns Famous ..Ronald McDonald is enough.. #IworkForThePeople#ImRealInRealLife #ImNotUsedToThis #R.I.P.Banga.”

That was perfectly timed. Two months earlier, Mysonne dropped a seven-minute freestyle questioning eveything and everybody in the industry like Lil Uzi and even Future.

“Future said: ‘God blessin’ all the trap n——.’ I got a question for that: ‘Where u at n——?’ Trappers that I know is gettin’ arrested cause of rats n——. Sentenced to life and they ain’t never coming back n——.”

See the freestyle in it’s entirety here: 

Mysonne is not new. A Bronx representer, he reminds me of Dave East before Dave East. Why you ask? Well, Mysonne is the proficient hooper that can equally rhyme. That’s reminiscent of today’s NFL tight end that can hoop and haul in receptions for the New England Patriots or New Orleans Saints! Mysonne’s basketball games with Allen Iverson and Mase are urban legend, but all accounts lean on Mr. New Bronx City holding his own with The Answer and Mason Betha, but I digress! 

I first met Mysonne when he and I were both guest panelists on a Saturday morning discussion at the National Action Network, upon request from Ashley Sharpton, the youngest daughter of civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton.

What I didnt realize is that I had been rocking out to Mysonne’s music during my childhood and in college and didn’t even realize it? Do you remember Mase, Loon and Shyne’s If I Could Start My Life From Scratch? It was on Mases’s Double Album. Yup Mysonne had a verse or two.

If I could start from scratch, Id bring daddy back/And put five in the first cat that show mami crack/I sit back and listen to them drunks on the block/Tryin to school me with jewels, tellin me who to watch

Mysonne was in the NYC mixtape circuit and MC battles. In addition to appearing on Mase’s Double Up album, Mysonne appeared on the Ruff Ryders Ryde of Die Vol. 1 album and had signed with Busta Rhyme’s Violater Management along with Def Jam Records.Unfortunately, in 1999, Mysonne was convicted on two counts of armed robbery and was handed a seven-to-14-year sentence.

Released from prison July of 2006 after doing seven years, he got to work. His image and belief was solely focused on community advocacy and working  for the people. He gave a keynote speech at the 20th Anniversary of the Million Man March in Washington, D.C. in 2015.

The speech, “Justice or Else” was widely received. He even proposed taking Christmas from Santa Claus and giving it back to Christ.

Mysonne’s socially consciousness is admirable. On a recent episode of Scoop B Radio we talked about it. “I think in hip hop if you’re not socially aware then you’re really not of the culture,” Mysonne told me on Scoop B Radio.

For the first time in U.S. History, Hip-Hop is now the most popular genre in music, surpassing the previous title-holder of Rock & Roll.

Check out Mysonne and Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson discuss Mysonne’s approach to activism and why he fights for justice within the hip hop realm.

According to Nielsen Music’s mid-year report, which classifies Hip-Hop and R&B within the same category, both genres currently compose 25.1 percent of all music consumed in the United States.

While the digit seems low, it’s the highest, topping Rock & Roll’s value of 23 percent.

Mysonne added on hip hop and social justice advocacy:

“That’s what hip hop was for me it was being able to give our story, our culture so if you’re not in tune with what’s going on in the culture and you don’t see what’s going on in your streets and in your neighborhoods and utilizing your voice and your strength and your power to try to change and speak out against and notify the world about it then it’s like you’re wasting your time.”

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The post Mysonne: “In hip hop if you’re not socially aware then you’re really not of the culture” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

While many know Hovain Hylton as Troy Ave’s manager, the co-manager of Rich Hill and President of BSB Records, also has a buzz.

Garnering endorsement deals with brands like Adidas, Avion and Sean John, the Brooklyn representer has been successful because of his work ethic and consistency.

Hylton appeared on today’s episode of the Scoop B Radio Podcast. He accounts his humble beginnings while working with boxing promoter, Butch Lewis and throwing parties with business partner, Sickamore.

Check Out Hovain Hylton Chat With Brandon Scoop B Robinson On Scoop B Radio

Hylton says that he always knew that he’d be involved in hip hop in some capacity and is glad that he followed his dreams.  “I didn’t know what it was,” he told me on Scoop B Radio. “But I knew it was going to have something to do with music. It’s not like you go to college and say: ‘okay I want to get into the music business.’ I think my life and background prepared me for it.”

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The post Scoop B: Hovain Hylton Says Life Prepared Him For Hip Hop appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Boston native, Lou Armstrong, is back in a big way as he unleashes his latest single, with Brooklyn rapper, Troy Ave. The two cook up an instantly-infectious cut that is destined to take over the club the minute it starts spinning. Both Lou and Troy know what these women want and their new single showcases their knack for creating contagious music.

When you listen to Lou’s music, it’s almost like you are forced to become attached to his life story and live his experiences. Recently, he has split his time between Boston, Miami and NYC and has worked with the likes of Red Cafe, Vado, Fat Joe, Fred Da God Son, French Montana, Max B, Troy ave  and countless others. His mixtapes have been hosted by DJ Kay Slay and Big Mike and he has made numerous appearances on mixtapes all over the country. Alongside his fellow Hitmakerz artists, Blanco, Young World, Crookz Rossettie and Leek, Lou has the industry buzzing all over again, making his presence felt. He is currently hard at work preparing to drop his 2nd Studio Mixtape album entitled, Morals & Principles 2; the follow up to his 2014 street classic, dropping mid 2016.

Lou Armstrong is confident that his time is now and with his constant grind, determination, and sound that keeps you hooked, the sky is the limit.  Peep the joint below and let us know if you rock with it.

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The post #RESPECTTheCollab: Lou Armstrong – “She Want A” (Feat. Troy Ave) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Despite the ongoing drama that is surrounding his arrest after the shooting that took place at Irving Plaza in New York a few weeks ago, it is business as usual on the music front for Troy Ave. Yesterday he dropped a new track, “Chuck Norris (H**s & The Gangstas).”

On the new single, Troy Ave shows us exactly who he trusts whilst bragging about his Versace clothing and the action that he’s getting in his Benz. The Brooklyn rapper gives us insight into his life in the chorus:

‘I f***s with the h**s and the gangsters/I’m up with the dough yelling thank you’

Just a few days ago, Troy Ave’s lawyer, Scott Leemon had been making a plea to the public to help the rapper as he continued to testify his innocence in the incident that took place at T.I.’s concert. According to MTV, he said:

‘We’re going to ask anyone who was there, anyone who has any information or anyone who knows anyone who was in that VIP room that night — we have set up a special email address. We know some people have problems working and talking to NYPD. Help us. Help me defend Troy.’

Despite all that’s happening around this incident, it is clear to see that Troy Ave is determined keep his rap career flowing by releasing new music. A new mixtape from the rapper is also on its way, Real vs Fake. 

Check out the new track from Troy Ave below:

https://soundcloud.com/troyave/troy-ave-chuck-norris-hoes-gangstas

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The post New Music: Troy Ave – “Chuck Norris (H**s & The Gangstas)” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

As the New York City Hip Hop community continues its perpetual search for saviors, an artist from South Central Los Angeles stopped in at Sounds of Brazil Tuesday night to share his story. Cozz is a 22 year old MC with his eyes on the prize. Initially signed to his own imprint, Tha Committee Records, Cozz secured a deal with Dreamville/Interscope in 2014 and soon released his debut album, Cozz & Effect. He performed few songs from the debut in his first headlining set at SOB’s, instead powering through tracks from his new mixtape Nothin’ Personal, released at the top of 2016.

A dedicated legion of Cozz supporters filled SOBs on a Tuesday night, many decked in their freshest Dreamville garments. Cozz opted for a crisp white LeBron James jersey and provided the energy to match. During “All Eyes on Me” and “Who Said,” Cozz connected with his aggressive, often rapid-fire delivery; for “Grow,” “Grey Goose,” and “Choice Today,” he comfortably mellowed the vibes.

Cozz is stern on the mic, yet still wears a smile and carries a welcoming demeanor. We would not say the same about the man who preceded him on stage, Dave East. The Mass Appeal signee hopped straight into a well-received set of tunes from Hate Me Now, including “KD” and “Forbes List.” Dave towers at 6’5” and has a growling stoicism onstage that exudes confidence. Though some may have secretly held out hope for a Nas or J. Cole guest appearance, neither Cozz or Dave East brought any guests onto the stage. Judging by the crowd’s raucous energy, they didn’t need him.

Young Lito however, did bring family to the stage. After a few hard-hitting songs of his own, Lito was joined by his BSB Records teammate, Troy Ave for “All About the Money.” The show was opened by a Little Rock, Arkansas native with an amazing name: Rent Money. His set was backed by a live drummer and fused Christian themes with booming bass beats.

All in all, it was a thorough night in New York City. Nas was not let down.

The post Dreamville’s Cozz Takes SOBs with Dave East, Young Lito & More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

As hundreds of rappers across the country strived to step their bars up for the BET Hot 16 Bar Challenge, the pressure to deliver as profoundly as last year’s winner was monumental.

Blazing the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards cypher was Detroit Che, the charismatic underdog whose origins are repped in her name. Circling around known ‘lyrical punishers’ (Troy Ave, Dee-1, Logic and Lil Mama), Che held her own and proved that her wordplay can compete with some of the best in the game. To this day, people still talk about Detroit Che’s lyrical ability and how her metaphors left viewers speechless.

Click on the video below to see the portion of the 2014 BET Hip-Hop Cypher that featured Detroit Che.

[vsw id=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaqdVvgXqfA&ab_channel=CHEDDATV” source=”youtube” width=”640″ height=”344″ autoplay=”no”]

Since the cypher, Che has released a bundle of new music. Her recent release, “Answer,” showcases her ability to body an entire track with ease. Produced by Detroit Native ALI Keys, Che’s power-driven rhymes skated over the gritty instrumental. Like the influencer of the track, Allen Iverson, Detroit Che has the potential to wreak havoc in the game.

Click here to check out “Answer,” and be sure to look out for the next BET Hot 16 Challenge winner.

The post “All Hail Queen Che,” The Detroit Native That Destroyed the 2014 BET Cypher appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.