Most importantly, NLE gives an exclusive look into his No Love Entertainment jewelry line – in collaboration with King Ice! Ahead of Valentines Day, NLE   released the Limited Edition No Love Pendants – exclusively sold on King Ice.

Check out the video below and hit us up on the comments!

The post NLE Choppa: Perfect Valentine’s Day + Exclusive Feature For Upcoming Album + King Ice appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

With January coming to a close, the pressure to come up with a great Valentine’s gift for your current lover or prospect boo is on the rise. With so many chances to choose a terrible gift (i.e. socks, cheap jewelry, a gift card to a basic store), UK-based company Pantyhoe$ has come to the rescue to save you from the wrath of your bae.

Offering hip hop-themed items featuring some of the top rap icons, you can now add a bit of humor to your gifts this year. From Future-themed cards to Nicki Minaj & Drake lingerie, you’re sure to find something that will put a smile on your date’s face. Be sure to check out the novelty shop here to accompany the Valentine’s basics of chocolates, flowers, and dinner (you didn’t think you were going to get away with just a card and some draws, did you?).

Check out some more of Pantyhoe$’s V-Day gifts below:

The post Have a ‘Sensational’ V-Day with These Hip Hop-Themed Gifts appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

This is not to take focus off of Kanye West‘s recent moves and successes, but to shed light on an old sound he used to offer from 1996 to 2000. If you study Kanye’s production over the years you will certainly notice a development in sound, as expected from any artist with longevity in this hip-hop game. We will be breaking down strictly production in this article, while also take note of his early emceeing days as well. In the summer of 1996 Fat Beats made a big store-front shift, and during their grand opening night Kanye could be found alongside Al Tariq, Butter Lee and Black Attack on some raw, smooth 90’s tip. There is a good chance you will learn something new from at least one or two of these audio clips below. If not, take it as a refreshing reminder or something that you can talk to your brother or co-worker about later on today. Enjoy:

Chicago emcee Grav released his heavily slept on Down To Earth in 1996 under Correct Records. Kanye West produced a total of eight records on this album, making it his debut appearance on wax. Notice the raw boom-bap sound he was rocking here. Aside from Grav’s lyrical debauchery, the album’s production alone was given a lot of credit. “Sick Thoughts” is a standout record. So much so, that all hip-hop heads should have it in their stash.

In 1998 Jermaine Dupri released his debut Life in 1472 LP, with “Turn It Out” featuring Nas serving as the introduction track. This is a straight up party record, really highlighting those early So-So Def days we all remember all too well. Kanye West had some fun with this joint, tastefully utilizing some Willie Hutch and Davy DMX on the samples.

After Foxy Brown‘s successful 1996 Ill Na Na, she returned in 1999 with her sophomore release China Doll. The album is loaded with concrete features and production, with Kanye being the producer on “My Life.” Kick back with this dreamy, relaxing hook while scratching your head in shock if you didn’t already know Ye was on the boards.

Harlem World was a short lived collective, with only one album release titled The Movement, also from 1999. “You Made Me” appears near the beginning of the album, and features Carl Thomas and Nas. Kanye West appeared to keep this one pretty simple, allowing the emcees to do what they do.

Do you remember the voice on the introduction to Biggie‘s “Kick In The Door?” How about Black Rob‘s “Whoa!?” That is producer/emcee D-Dot (The Madd Rapper) who released his debut LP in 2000 titled Tell ‘Em Why U Madd, with Kanye West on the science. This is a real zone-out, mellow cut from Kanye’s super early catalogue.

With all that being said, we hope you learned at least one thing from this article about Ye and his early production. If you didn’t learn anything, maybe this was simply a refreshing reminder for you hip-hop junkies that he has been doing his thing for quite some time, and not just some overnight pop star that the younger generation may view him as.

Wait, here goes that bonus footage from 1996 at Fat Beats, as mentioned in our introduction. You’re welcome:

The post Vintage Kanye West: Pre-College Dropout (1996-2000) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

via MONTREALITY

If you’re still at a loss for what to get your boo thang this Valentine’s Day, listen the advice of these rappers. Ab-Soul, ScHoolboy Q, Machine Gun Kelly, Freddie Gibbs, Joey Bada$$, Kid Ink, Ty Dolla $ign and Bun B have each shared his romantic V-Day stories, giving words of wisdom…and caution.

And if you’re one of the many who is boycotting Valentine’s Day altogether, peep at this video simply for entertainment purposes. It may leave you pretty content seeing as some of these stories ended quite disastrously.

The post Rappers Share Valentine’s Day Stories and Advice appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Ottawa-based fashion brand Babes & Gents released a new visual this week. Set to Toronto crooner The Weekend’s track “Earned It”, the video promotes their Valentine’s Day themed look-book. You’ll see some fun throwbacks to grade school days, complete with candy grams and chalk boards. As a project by designer Amir Zargari and other Canadian creatives, the Valentine’s Day collection is unique, flirty, and totally wearable. Check out the new video and get a taste of what’s going on north of the USA.

The post Canadian brand Babes & Gents releases Valentine’s Day look book video appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Right in time for Valentine’s Day, punk rap group Ninjasonik provide the perfect track to get you in the spirit. Teaming up with U.K. based producer Switch, the duo created “Luvin”. It’s an eclectic track that features a unique mashup of jazz, dance, and hip-hop. It’s feel good music at it’s finest. The pair, fresh off a hiatus, are planning to make their mark with their upcoming album Peter Pan Syndrome,  is due out this spring. Enjoy the smooth grooves that Ninjasonik has bestowed upon us on this romantic, lovey-dovey day.

The post New Music: Ninjasonik – “Luvin” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

If you’re a little bitter lonely this Valentine’s Day, Nino Bless has you covered. Nino forgoes the love song for this day and addresses getting over a bad break-up.

The post New Music: Nino Bless – “Goodbye Bitch” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.