Ugly God Archives - RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture https://respect-mag.com/tag/ugly-god/ The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture Thu, 19 Sep 2019 17:10:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/cropped-logologo.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Ugly God Archives - RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture https://respect-mag.com/tag/ugly-god/ 32 32 56491895 Mark Spratley Talks Influencing Hip Hop Culture For The Future Of Tomorrow https://respect-mag.com/2019/09/mark-spratley-talks-influencing-hip-hop-culture-for-the-future-of-tomorrow/ https://respect-mag.com/2019/09/mark-spratley-talks-influencing-hip-hop-culture-for-the-future-of-tomorrow/#respond Thu, 19 Sep 2019 17:10:05 +0000 https://respect-mag.com/?p=226919 Marketing specialist and Hip Hop influencer Mark “Sprat” Spratley is impacting the future of tomorrow’s music  through his genius marketing skills. I had the pleasure of catching up with the hot shot for candid interview. As he graciously discusses finding his […]

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Mark Spratley Interview

By: Mark Spratley

Marketing specialist and Hip Hop influencer Mark “Sprat” Spratley is impacting the future of tomorrow’s music  through his genius marketing skills. I had the pleasure of catching up with the hot shot for candid interview. As he graciously discusses finding his place in the music industry, working with SXSW and founding his own label, Sprat is becoming one of the hottest influencers in the game.
Checkout the interview below.

Mark Spratley Interview

Respect: How did you get your start in the entertainment business?
Sprat: I was at ECU, going for marketing/business and to be honest unsure of what I wanted to do career wise. School and the vision of a 9-5 job was never in the equation for me.
I never was the social media type. The kids I was actually living with at ECU (College) had me create a Twitter etc. for the first time. Fresh Moss had a project called New Jersey Drive that knocked back in high school. I tweeted out “What the hell happened to Fresh Moss?” or something of the sort. Fresh Moss seen that, saw my knowledge of music and sent a DM to get to work.
LVLYSL was just formed, and I came on board while still at school. I started putting my life into the music then. I did a lot of “intern” work for them, I suppose you would say, but without the “intern” label. I think they gave me some BS label like “Music Consigliere” lol.
I was doing any and everything to another level from blog work, beginning PR work, connecting new fans, growing all social media, growing the Soundcloud, connecting with artists, growing the Twitter and connecting dots on all ends. All this allowed me to learn many different facets that I still use to this day.
I knew my worth and it was time for me to move on, from there I branched out on my own. I tapped in with my own artists and started to open a lot of doors through that, started blogging for a lot of major platforms at the time, just started my PR wave, really started developing the brand, foundation and network.
My first ever event was Capital Steez last event ever smh, RIP!!! We had Underachievers, Joey BadA$$ and Steez out before they all officially blew up.
My first ever SXSW event (My 2nd show ever) was the inaugural Legally Loud event, I partnered with DJ Enuff x Hot 97 and brought out out Post Malone, G Pen and many other talented and popping artists + brands at the time.
 
Respect: What was the inspiration behind founding Starting Five?
Sprat: If you all were paying attention from the jump you know I use to be “Special Executive” and ran it up with that for the beginning of my career. I unfortunately came in and formed the company with a friend that turned out to be a bummy partner that didn’t take anything too serious. The guy basically ran off with the company, deleted my email, ran off with LoudPackLegion.com domain, hacked all my social media accounts and more. That was a HUGE wake up call for me, from there I created Starting Five and the marathon obviously still continues.
Starting Five is the elite. The work ethic and vision is championships. If you are comfortable playing off the bench or moving like you belong on the bench, we are not the same or here for you. Starting Five is an empire currently in creation mode. The foundation has been laid as you all can see, I’ve put in the work, I have accomplished a lot, learned a lot, and now it is go time! Starting Five is a full service in house label, offering distribution, marketing, everything you need in any means and so much more.
Starting Five is getting the attention of a lot of your favorite labels right now for imprints and the talks are starting to make sense. Be on the lookout for that!
More of the Starting Five vision and inspiration will lay out over time as everything else transpires. The vision is bigger than you think, something the public eye will see over time.
Respect: Who are some of the artists you are working with and trying to make a big push for?
Sprat: I refreshed my whole roster not too long ago. I had to re gain focus, the right people around me, motivation, positive energy and remove any that were becoming leeches.
Pre Kai Ro is one of the latest artists of Starting Five, he’s a superstar (Out of Egypt). pre is rising heavily right now, the sound speaks for itself, a lot of moves are in store and the wave is only getting larger. Recently charting on Apple Music’s “Hot Tracks” a few weeks ago, a record with 24HRS out, last single almost at 700K off Spotify, Youtube audio at 1.9 million off “Cold”, I also think I’m in the clear to announce that he will be on B Lou upcoming “BOW” project.
Beyond that I am finalizing up paperwork with a few other TALENTED artists that I am about to shake the game up with for sure. Keeping those names pretty low key right now. The machine is here, so I’m back in my bag for sure.
Working and connecting dots with Sonny Digital, DDG, B Lou and many more. My PR game is going crazier than ever so I’m always working campaigns with many others and helping to connect dots etc.
Respect: What advice would you give an up and coming artist looking to become a mainstream artist?
 
Sprat: Polish your sound (A good mix goes a long way), continue to learn and develop. I can’t stress enough for an artist to go hard for themselves, you should be one of your biggest promoters, managers, A&R’s, PR’s etc. If you won’t go hard for yourself, how can you ever expect another person to go even harder for you?
Just remember when you are reaching out to people within the industry or just in life, to always come correct, know what you want, bring something to the table and be on point. One of the MAJOR faults of an artist is that they love to waste peoples time. Time is valuable especially for someone who is truly working and busy! Your artistry and name is a business at the end of the day, move appropriately.
Respect: What’s your experience like having a showcase takeover SXSW?
 
Sprat: It’s been a blessing! People really think that I am from Texas because of how I takeover that whole week, but I am actually from New Jersey haha. It is even a greater feeling to know that what I’ve done is being respected, especially from people who are paving the way within Texas. From the major shows to the mansion parties its been pretty interesting!
I’ve experienced so many memorable moments in my brief time within the industry and on the event side. I’ve crossed paths and have got to work with so many iconic people and talented stars, many from the early stages of their career or rise through putting together these events.
To bring Post Malone, Russ, Lil Baby, Rich The Kid, PNB Rock, A Boogie, Lil Yachty, 2 Chainz, Sonny Digital, Mike Will, Metro Boomin, Moneybagg Yo, Lud Foe, Ralo, Shy Glizzy, K Camp, Lil Xan, Lil Mosey, Megan Thee Stallion, Ugly God, DDG, Comethazine, Quando Rondo, Maxo Kream and so many more out that I could keep going and going. The crowds energy and appreciation is what’s most special, the artists I bring out or the media that covers my events is just more validation for not only my ear but the fact that I really do this!
To bring out some of the legends who paved the way as well is epic to me (Artists that I grew up on during my childhood). That’s a great feeling! The fact that I even have that type of platform or access to these people that I grew up listening to or seen from afar is still crazy to me.
I am  really doing these events all by myself and fully involved with every aspect of the events, shows or parties. From the curation, major artists showing out, hosts, influencers involved, major sponsors, activations, the crowd, sound, equipment, locations, security, marketing, special guests, set up and everything you could think of, I’m involved fully. We have had same day venue changes, mansion changes and all types of foolery, but at the end of the day the job gets done and the people are happy!
I am  just having fun out there and during the whole curation process. The curation aspect is certainly the most exciting part about everything. I stay way too busy out there during the events to really enjoy myself and the events as much as I should. It’s a stressful week because each and every year I have done everything pretty much solo, but it’s all worth it at the end of the week!
I have created a staple out there with Legally Loud, LVLUP, the mansion parties etc. Obviously we created some legendary moments with the 40oz Bounce out there as well. I’ve started a lot of waves out there at SXSW and have given the template for many to follow suit. People that have worked my events are now branching out to do there thing and get in their bag, it’s dope.
What are you currently working on?
 
Sheesh! Starting Five, Pre kai ro, PR for many, a new roster, this empire, talking S5 imprints, loads of content, multiple new channels (Stay tuned), shopping records, expanding these events. I’ve got a few things about to drop in the next 1-3 weeks that I’m very excited for, expect a whole lot.
Right now you all can definitely tune into my New Day, New Wave playlists across all DSP’s. I run the Spotify playlist on a Times Square, NY billboard bi weekly.
As he continues to shake up the music business and push out high quality content, be sure to subscribe to his youtube channel here.

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]]> https://respect-mag.com/2019/09/mark-spratley-talks-influencing-hip-hop-culture-for-the-future-of-tomorrow/feed/ 0 226919 Lil Yachty & Ugly God Take It Back for “BOOM!” Visual https://respect-mag.com/2018/06/lil-yachty-ugly-god-boom-visual/ https://respect-mag.com/2018/06/lil-yachty-ugly-god-boom-visual/#respond Sun, 24 Jun 2018 05:33:56 +0000 http://respect-mag.com/?p=191187 Even though these guys are still kids (to me, anyway), Lil Yachty and Ugly God have decided to take it back to their “youth” days for their latest “BOOM!” visual, directed by Glassface and taken from Yachty’s Lil Boat 2 […]

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Even though these guys are still kids (to me, anyway), Lil Yachty and Ugly God have decided to take it back to their “youth” days for their latest “BOOM!” visual, directed by Glassface and taken from Yachty’s Lil Boat 2 project. Reminisce with the two stars above.

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]]> https://respect-mag.com/2018/06/lil-yachty-ugly-god-boom-visual/feed/ 0 191187 Ugly God Delivers New EP, ‘just a lil something before the album… ‘ https://respect-mag.com/2018/04/ugly-god-lil-something-before-the-album/ https://respect-mag.com/2018/04/ugly-god-lil-something-before-the-album/#respond Wed, 25 Apr 2018 15:22:48 +0000 http://respect-mag.com/?p=186803 Ugly God looks to make his big return soon, following a lengthy hiatus from music. Before the official follow-up to last year’s Booty Tape makes landfall, the Houston star/XXL Freshman alum delivers a four-track EP aptly-titled just a lil something […]

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Image credit: Ugly God

Ugly God looks to make his big return soon, following a lengthy hiatus from music. Before the official follow-up to last year’s Booty Tape makes landfall, the Houston star/XXL Freshman alum delivers a four-track EP aptly-titled just a lil something before the album. The release also sees appearances/production from Splash Drexler, Shoki, Nikko Bunkin and Red Drum.

Vibe to Ugly God’s latest below.

https://soundcloud.com/imrealugly/sets/justalilsomething

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]]> https://respect-mag.com/2018/04/ugly-god-lil-something-before-the-album/feed/ 0 186803 Ugly God Connects with Wiz Khalifa on “No Lies” https://respect-mag.com/2017/08/ugly-god-wiz-khalifa/ https://respect-mag.com/2017/08/ugly-god-wiz-khalifa/#respond Wed, 02 Aug 2017 14:35:50 +0000 http://respect-mag.com/?p=168245 Newly minted XXL Freshman Ugly God is ready to bless the masses with his official debut album The Booty Tape, which he mostly self-produced (other producers include Danny Wolf, PARISVVS and HM Surf). Following the well-received “Water,” “B***h!” and “F*** […]

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Image credit: Asylum

Newly minted XXL Freshman Ugly God is ready to bless the masses with his official debut album The Booty Tape, which he mostly self-produced (other producers include Danny Wolf, PARISVVS and HM Surf).

Following the well-received “Water,” “B***h!” and “F*** Ugly God,” the Houston-based emcee-producer delivers “No Lies,” which features assistance from Wiz Khalifa. Simply put, the track sees the two rapping to their significant others about honestly and loyalty (for the most part — much of their lyrics are based in the usual, materialistic fare too).

Check out the new single below and pre-order The Booty Tape via iTunes. You can also see the updated tracklist, which has been shortened since its initial announcement.

UGLY GOD – THE BOOTY TAPE (TRACKLISTING):
1. “Welcome to the Booty Tape” (prod. by Ugly God)
2. “Stop Smoking Black & Milds” (prod. by Ugly God)
3. “I’m a Nasty Hoe” (prod. by Ugly God)
4. “I’m Tryna Fuck” (prod. by Ugly God)
5. “Fuck Ugly God” (Ugly God Diss) [prod. by PARISVVS]
6. “No Lies” Feat. Wiz Khalifa
7. “Bitch!” (prod. by Ugly God)
8. “LDC (Little Dick Clique)” [prod. by Ugly God]
9. “Like a Maverick” (prod. by HM Surf)
10.“Water” (prod. by Ugly God & Danny Wolf)

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]]> https://respect-mag.com/2017/08/ugly-god-wiz-khalifa/feed/ 0 168245 XXL Freshmen 2017: Who Had The Best Freestyle? https://respect-mag.com/2017/07/xxl-freshmen-2017-best-freestyle/ https://respect-mag.com/2017/07/xxl-freshmen-2017-best-freestyle/#respond Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:55:25 +0000 http://respect-mag.com/?p=166105 Last month, XXL premiered this year’s Freshman list, which — as usual — set off a fiery debate about traditional, lyrical-driven Hip-Hop versus today’s merging of multiple styles and catchy lines. As expected, many were tuned in to each inductee’s […]

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Image credit: XXL

Last month, XXL premiered this year’s Freshman list, which — as usual — set off a fiery debate about traditional, lyrical-driven Hip-Hop versus today’s merging of multiple styles and catchy lines. As expected, many were tuned in to each inductee’s individual freestyles, which may or may not have proven them worthy of being in the discussion. You can check those out below (you can also see each person’s individual interview over at XXL).

[Personally, I wish Compton’s Boogie and D.C.’s Chaz French made this list. There’s always next year.]

Who had the best one?

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie

PnB Rock

Playboi Carti

Ugly God

Kyle

Madeintyo

Kamaiyah

Kap G

Aminé

XXXTentacion

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]]> https://respect-mag.com/2017/07/xxl-freshmen-2017-best-freestyle/feed/ 0 166105 Ugly God Drops New Single “F*** Ugly God” [LISTEN] https://respect-mag.com/2017/06/ugly-god-f-ugly-god/ https://respect-mag.com/2017/06/ugly-god-f-ugly-god/#respond Thu, 29 Jun 2017 11:03:29 +0000 http://respect-mag.com/?p=165810 Post-XXL Freshman reveal, this year’s class continues to maximize off the exposure with new music for the masses to enjoy. The next one up is from internet sensation Ugly God…on his latest single “F*** Ugly God,” he does exactly what […]

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Image credit: Soundcloud/Ugly God

Post-XXL Freshman reveal, this year’s class continues to maximize off the exposure with new music for the masses to enjoy. The next one up is from internet sensation Ugly God…on his latest single “F*** Ugly God,” he does exactly what the title suggests — he disses himself on wax a la Eminem in 8 Mile:

F*** Ugly God, Ugly God a hoe
Flexing like you got it, b***h, I know your ass is broke
Your net worth say you got a million, but your ass don’t
You a one-hit wonder, b***h, your whole career a joke
Back in 10th grade, your coach kicked you off the team
Every single day, you wear them same pair of jeans
Them same black pants, b***h, you know which ones I mean
Four years ago, you got jumped on Halloween

Stream the PARISVVS-produced cut below (along with Ugly God’s XXL Freshman freestyle) and purchase via iTunes. The Booty Tape is (hopefully) arriving soon.

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]]> https://respect-mag.com/2017/06/ugly-god-f-ugly-god/feed/ 0 165810 XXL Unveils 2017 Freshman List https://respect-mag.com/2017/06/xxl-unveils-2017-freshman-list/ https://respect-mag.com/2017/06/xxl-unveils-2017-freshman-list/#respond Wed, 14 Jun 2017 05:08:07 +0000 http://respect-mag.com/?p=164640 Every year XXL comes out with their much anticipated Freshman list, full of the newest and brightest young rap stars coming up. It’s usually in a swirl of controversy, seeing as though everyone always has an opinion on who should […]

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Every year XXL comes out with their much anticipated Freshman list, full of the newest and brightest young rap stars coming up. It’s usually in a swirl of controversy, seeing as though everyone always has an opinion on who should have made it, and who shouldn’t have. This year there’s a new 10, so the debating will begin soon.

They picked a handful of artists that they believe are the youngest and hottest out, but is it correct?

There’s Kamaiyah, who dropped the stellar A Good Night In The Ghetto project a year ago. A Boogie, who’s been holding down New York for quite some time. PNB Rock has been buzzing hard during Meek Mill‘s troubles and showing more promise out of Philly. Ugly God is somewhat a troll, but has a very loyal fanbase and drops music pretty often. There’s Kap G, who honestly got snubbed last year, but seeing him make it this year is sort of refreshing. Kyle is also a guy who should have made it a few years ago, but in 2017 he’s finally getting his shot led by his hit “I Spy.” Playboy Carti is easily one of the hottest on this list, with songs like “Magnolia” and “Woke Up Like This,” propelling his debut into most rap fans’ rotation. Madeintyo, Amine & XXXTenacion round out the rest of the list because of their appeal, popularity, and a hit song in Amine’s case.

Now let the debating once again. Who got snubbed? There are a few obvious answers that could have been on this list. Signed to 10 Summers records, RJ has been dropping tape after tape for years and his debut album rang out just as hard. YFN Lucci has everything you need to be an XXL Freshman, such as popularity, radio play, features and good music in general. XXL noticed A Boogie but forgot about Don Q? Crazy. He’s had some of the best bars out of New York for sometime now. G Perico just dropped his excellent All Blue mixtape, and if anything it should secure him a spot on next years list. The greatest snub of all has to be Detroit’s Tee Grizzley. He has a bigger song than arguably anybody on this list, and dropped a tape after that which only took his buzz further. Of course no one can get everything all the way right, but leaving Tee Grizzley off was a big mistake, hopefully he gets the green light next year.

Expect the Freshman rollout to take place soon — this includes the show in NYC, the cyphers, and interviews getting to know the new guys. It’s always exciting to see who’s going to do what, and who takes off from the list. Where does this list rank against some of the old ones? Sound off in the comments below and stay tuned for more from the new Freshmen.

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