Newark, New Jersey recording artist Tsu Surf, a highly regarded battle rap sensation best known for his collaborations with Mozzy and Benny The Butcher, follows recent hits, “Quarantine Tales” and “5’7” with a highly-anticipated new album, entitled, MSYKM.

After leaving an endless trail of bodies in the battlefield, with equally deadly bars and gritty street anthems, Tsu Surf transition into the latest crossover success on the 13-track collection that introduces new fan-favorites “Nana Crib,” “Go Up” and “Blacc Cream.” MSYKM is the perfect jump-on point for newfound fans while the established star seizes the moment he has been patiently waiting for since his battle rap infancy.

Aiding Surf on his latest project is an all-star cast of East Coast greats like Dave East, Jim Jones, Benny The Butcher, Bby Hndrxx, Earthquake Jones, Lady London, Justin Love, Guordan Banks and many more. MSYKM follows Tsu Surf 2019 collaboration album Blood Cuzzins, with the Bay Area superstar Mozzy.

Executive produced by Sharke and Clicqout. MSYKM is streaming everywhere on Raw Bunch Records. After the listen, for more Tsu Surf, follow the rising star on Instagram for daily updates and more.

The post G HERBO, DAVE EAST, JIM JONES & MORE CONNECT WITH TSU SURF ON NEW ALBUM – ‘MSYKM’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Here to shed light on a up and coming clothing line known as Ethik, is Matt Garrett  who is better known to be the “Overseer” for the brand. Ethik is ascending and for those who aren’t hip need to start paying attention; this is the type of brand that is slept on but ends up coming on top. RESPECT. linked with Matt and was able to break down the brand and the ins and outs of the industry. Check out the interview below.

RESPECT.: Where did the idea of Ethik originate from? How did you come up with the name for the brand come about?

The name “Ethik” was originated by a couple of kids who attended PACE university I actually was not on board at the company at the time, essentially the name represents strong work Ethik, persevering , never taking no for an answer, which he haven’t.

RESPECT.: With the rise of Ethik, have you guys been able to collaborate with any other brands?

We have been able to collaborate with other brands, as our name gets a bit more established we are able to tackle these collaborations, one in specific we have worked on recently was “ANIMAL BIKES” definitely the largest BMX company out to date, was super fun to work with them, we hold a strong presence in the BMX scene as well.

RESPECT.: How about artists and athletes to represent the brand?

That’s where I come into play, I handle all artist relations and PR. Most likely if you fit our style and are super supportive of the brand we tend to work with you, ultimately you reflect the brand. Our SXSW presence every year solidifies these connections.

RESPECT.: As a brand what is your goal?

Our goal is to prosper and grow however stay focused and do not step away from the vision never step away from the vision, ultimately to have longevity as a brand, you know your Stussy, Supreme, LRG. Within street wear most tend to see brands watered down towards the end of their run we are trying to stay clear of this.

RESPECT.: With all the different types of brands and clothing being released, what separates you guys from the rest and makes this product a must to cop?

I feel our style is different than most, we have a few core pieces that really stand out from the others, the culture and vibe of our brand as well makes a difference, our store events, heavy hip-hop influence really makes a difference.

RESPECT.: As for marketing strategies, which method works the best to spread the word of the Ethik brand?

Guerilla Marketing, usually events like SXSW as well as in-store events really work well, I hold a ton of in-store album releases, video releases, art galleries etc.

RESPECT.: What role do you play exactly for Ethik that makes your job such an importance to the brand?

I handle all Artist Relations and Public Relations for the brand as well as oversee events and marketing, it is a crucial position here because I essentially oversee how the brand “looks” to the public eye, picking and choosing how we should release information/visuals are extremely important.

RESPECT.: What made you guys set up shop in Toronto, Philly, Boston and New York? Are those locations the most profitable?

We decided to go the brick and mortar route, open up shop… make a name for yourself, make an imprint, which we have. We have a lot of love in Philadelphia I would say we have definitely started a nice little ripple in the pond out in the city of brotherly love. After Philly comes Toronto, great staff and an on-site recording studio from our friends over at KarmaXWave. After Toronto came Boston.

RESPECT.: What are some thoughts of change for the brand and what do you see for the future of Ethik?

Change for Ethik in my opinion is great, constant switch is needed, change is needed for a street wear brand, pushing the same garments, same material, same events gets a bit old.

RESPECT.: Talk to us about your input in the music industry?

On a side-note I am heavily involved in the industry as I run my own booking/consulting agency on the side @mgbooking, I incorporate my Ethik events with my agency and kind of piggy back off each, it’s a nice system and I have gained great relationships over the past years.

RESPECT.: Which artists are you working with?

Currently I am working with “Frank Castle” out of Staten Island, “History” from MogulClub from out in Brooklyn, “BuddhaGxD” from the East Side of Harlem , and Produce/MC “Eprosounds” from Rockland County just to name a few. I have curated meet and greets for artists such as PnB Rock, Private Club Records, Tsu Surf, Jimi Tents, The Doppelgangaz, J57 and Koncept from the Brownbag Allstars and more…

RESPECT.: How would you like to combine fashion with music?

Fashion with music go hand and hand in my opinion, we associate ourselves mostly with the hip-hop community, fashion is extremely crucial in that world, and I feel they are closely related.

RESPECT.: What does respect mean to you?

To “Respect” means to show and receive love mutually in my opinion, if you know me you know I am here for the culture, not for the bread that comes later.

The post RESPECT. Interview: Matt Garrett Represents Ethik & Breaks Down How the Business Works appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The post Tsu Surf Releases ‘Newark’ Artwork & Vlog Ft. Joe Budden appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

New Jersey’s own Tsu Surf stopped by Hot 97’s Ebro In The Morning to discuss both his position in battle rap as well as his reasoning for not doing Summer Madness with Smack/URL this year. He also calls out fellow battle rap star, Murda Mook, and provides insight on why their battle hasn’t happened yet. Tsu Surf shares his opinion on the quickly declining Drake vs. Meek Mill beef, and speaks with Ebro about his forthcoming Newark project that is set to drop this month. Watch the candid interview below!

The post Tsu Surf Calls Out Murda Mook & Talks ‘Newark’ Album On “Ebro In The Morning” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Famed battle rapper Tsu Surf is grinding to be a noteworthy artist in the music industry, and is currently gearing up for his upcoming Newark album. Tsu Surf connects with fellow New Jersey native, Albee Al for the first raw freestyle of his #TSUesday series, titled Trapped. A passionate spitter, Tsu Surf delivers this unforgettable line: “My momma shake every time her phone ring after 2.” Albee Al definitely makes his emotion felt as well throughout his verse, and may be someone we want to keep our eyes on. Enjoy the heart felt, Sharke-produced cut below!

The post New Music: Tsu Surf – “Trapped” ft. Albee Al appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Tsu Surf continues his epic storytelling record, with the third installment of “House In Virginia.” This one is over 10 minutes long and follows up where part 2 left off. Things get even more dramatic this time around, over a dark backdrop. Stream it below.

The post New Music: Tsu Surf – “House in Virginia 3” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Joe Budden kindly drops off his new mixtape a few days earlier than expected. Stream or download below. Be sure to look out for his new album, No Love Lost, in stores January 22.

The post New Mixtape: Joe Budden – <em>A Loose Quarter</em> appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.