The same crowd of people who religiously chant that R&B is dead most often times isn’t searching hard enough to find new quality artists that can fill the void they’ve been searching for. If it isn’t on the radio or a part of your favorite music platform algorithm (which is an entire discussion), then it’s as good as a tree falling in the woods, nobody heard it. Yet, people are missing out on their new favorites developing right before their eyes as a new wave of Hip-Hop, R&B, and Neo-Soul is mixing and mastering their skills before the bandwagons begin piling up.

That’s what led me to Blakk Soul‘s debut album, ‘Take Your Time’. Blakk Soul is managed by Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother, and he’s been credited for his songwriting, background vocals, and co-production on work by industry heavyweights like Playboi Carti, Dr. Dre, Anderson .Paak, and Macklemore, Little Brother, and more. For this album, he was able to recruit features from Joell Ortiz of Slaughterhouse, Amaal, Cocoa Sarai, and Nana. Behind the boards he was able to bring on  Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producers such as Wyldfyer, J. LBS, DrewsThatDude, and Symbolyc One.

In an exclusive interview for “The Alternative Road Podcast” Blakk Soul and I discussed the time that went into creating his album, how his Mom was a big influence on him singing in the church, and what it was like being in Dr. Dre’s Hot Seat:

This interview has been edited and condensed. You can listen, in totality, via the podcast link below.

Blakk Soul’s ‘Take Your Time’ album

What led you to name the album ‘Take Your Time’?

Blakk Soul: “Take Your Time, it just made the most sense. I actually didn’t name it until the very end, very end. Throughout the process, I was trying to think of a cool name for all the records and I just couldn’t think of one that I liked or that stuck with me. Right at the end, I was having a conversation with a homegirl of mine and she said this is the type of music for people that like to take their time. And I was like aha! It was like that epiphany moment I had, then I thought that’s perfect. It took me about a year to get everything done. You know, living with records for a little bit, getting rid of records, playing with the sequencing of it all, I was very hands-on with the project.”

Tacoma, Washington’s Blakk Soul

How was it for you growing up and singing in the church?

“To be honest, my first time singing in the church was a horrific experience…so my mom man, my mom is one of the most God-fearing women I know. She just loves anything that involves praising the Lord. So we had just moved into a new town and started attending a new church. And obviously the kids up there have rehearsed and know these songs, all she saw was kids singing and said yeah yeah, gone head up there with the kids.

She set you up bro!

Blakk Soul: Right! I said I don’t think this is how this works…mind you, my mom is from Ghana as well, she’s like yeah gone head up there with the kids. I’m like I don’t think this is how this works. So I’m up there kind of looking around confused, and people are looking at me confused, and then you know as a child, I just started to get quiet. I don’t start to say anything, I’m just looking around like why am I here? You know, that was my first introduction to having to get up there. Then eventually, she did the due process thing and they let me into the children’s choir and I learned a few of their songs.

https://tidal.com/browse/album/132707697

Can you talk to the people about what it was like working with Dr. Dre?

Blakk Soul: “…They introduced me as a writer to him and he was like, oh you write? I’m like yeah yeah I do a little writing, he was like cool we’ll see tonight and he just walks off…I had heard of the infamous hot seat from Kendrick interviews and 50 cent interviews and Bilal and what not and they all talk about being thrown into the seat and create something impromptu. Who would’ve thought that would’ve been my same experience that night.”

I’m sure there are some people that don’t understand what you mean, we need to know this story. Let the people know what happened that night!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ocscS0S2bScPibf2dmpHH

For more Blakk Soul & #TheAltWithMel news make sure to check RESPECT Magazine!

Suggested Articles:

Blakk Soul Says ‘Take Your Time’ With Debut Album Release | #TheAltWithMel

RESPECT. Interview: DJ V.I.P. of All Money In Discusses His Start in Music, Becoming Nipsey Hussle’s DJ & The Aftermath of Nipsey’s Passing

The post Alternative Road Podcast: Blakk Soul Talks ‘Take Your Time’ Album, Working with Dr. Dre & more! appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Broner needed to show the world that he was not just “about billions” like his promotional company but rather “about boxing” and serious in his attempt to regain the title as next-up in boxing superstardom. Garcia wanted to show that he had not lost a step and is still ready, willing, and able to take on all comers after two and a half years.

12,804 people were in attendance at The Barclays Center to watch which was, has been, and quite possibly may be the best fight card of 2017.

Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

The initial fight to start the event was a Super Featherweight fight between Desmond Jarmon of Cincinnati, OH (3-0) and Darnell Pettis (1-4) of Cleveland, OH a few minutes past 5pm. After knocking Pettis down in the second round of the bout, Jarmon went on to win by a shutout decision and 40-35 on the cards.

Following them was a Welterweight match between Noel Murphy of Woodlawn, NY (10-0, 2KO’s) and Julio Cesar Chavez of the Dominican Republic (11-0, 6 KO’s). Murphy, who seemed in control throughout the fight, ultimately won 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74.

The next fight had Dan Murray (2-1, 0 KOs) of Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey going against Kenny Robles (2-1, 1 KO) of Staten Island, New York. Earlier in the week we were able to sit with Robles and have a brief conversation about the event and his preparation leading up to it:

In the end of a closely contested and hardfought match, Murray was decided to be the winner by majority decision. Two judges scored 39-37 Murray while one had it even at 38-38.

Around this time is when the electricity in the arena began to build. Katie Taylor (6-0, 4 KOs) an Irish lightweight fighter, made her US debut against Jasmine Clarkson (4-9, 0 KOs) from Cedar Hill, Texas.

Taylor, after landing 65 of a total of 143 punches, won the bout after Clarkson’s corner threw in the towel just before the fourth round. In her ensuing press conference Taylor stated:

“It was a fantastic experience being my first time competing here in the U.S. There were definitely some nerves before the fight. It was great to go in there and get a stoppage. I definitely hope that I made some fans. I loved hearing the Irish fans in the crowd. I hope that there will be even more next time I fight here. The more fights I have here in the U.S., the better.”

When asked about her performance she continued:

“I thought I performed pretty well. I definitely got caught with a few silly shots. I could have been cleaner but overall it was a good performance. I felt good and strong. I’ll be ready to get back in there as soon as possible.”

The next was a world title elimination bout. It had Rau’shee Warren (15-2, 4 KOs) a former bantamweight titleholder, who moved down in weight to junior bantamweight fought a former titlist by the name of McJoe Arroyo (17-2, 8 KOs). The fight ultimately went in favor of Warren in a decision, unanimous, which seemed all to apparent. The cards scored 118-110, 117-111 and 117-111.

Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

Afterwards Warren spoke to the press and stated that while he fought well he would only give himself a B+:

“I would give myself a B+ for that performance. I wanted to make sure to use my jab and I felt like it really helped me win the fight.

Continuing on he shed light on what may be next for him:

“I feel really good at this weight. Now it’s time for me to go get a strap. I haven’t been at this weight since the Olympics. I want to get these titles and then go down to 112 pounds for another title. First I want to take care of Jerwin Ancajas.”

Now is around the time when the electricity began to pickup even more so in the arena. Last Thursday at the event presser, both Gerald Washington (18-2-1, 12 KOs) and Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (19-0-1, 17 KOs) had their exchange of words toward one another at the podium:

Tense moments before the undercard event Saturday #BronerGarcia #BronervsGarica pic.twitter.com/Kl6lrO4qaV

— Melvin Taylor II 🏁🐍🙅🏾‍♂️ (@MelvinTaylorII) July 27, 2017

This only hyped the fight more as both fighters were prepared to go blow for blow as the first round began in this heavyweight showdown. Early on, Washington wanted to use his quickness and strength to throw off Miller and catch him on all sides. Yet it was Miller, while shaking off some rust, who walked Washington down the entire fight. This was Miller’s first fight in 11 months due to a former promoter dispute with Dmitriy Salita and Salita Promotions. Discussing the fight Miller said:

“I definitely felt the ring rust. Gerald was very tough. It was a very good fight that had me thinking. My power was there, but I couldn’t put it together the way I wanted to today. “I took the hard way back coming in off of a layoff. Gerald definitely pushed me and motivated me. I had to rely on my brain and my power.”

Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

The fight seemed it could go either way until 7 rounds in. You could see some of the drain Miller’s size had put on Washington and how he gave it all he had but that it wouldn’t be enough. After the 8th round Washington’s corner thew in the towel. At his press conference Miller stated:

“I knew there would be a give and take in this fight. It’s one thing to fight when you have stamina, it’s another to fight when you’re tired. I was trying to outthink him.”

Following this was the middleweight bout between former junior middleweight world titlist Jermall Charlo  (26-0, 20 KOs) and Jorge Sebastian Heiland (29-5-2, 16 KOs). While this fight was also highly anticipated it resulted in being very one-sided as Charlo went to work on Heiland from the moment the bell rung.

Just as Heiland began moving however, it became noticeable that he was not his normal self as he could not plant effectively on his left leg. Heiland stated:

“I turned my left knee in the first round, but I did not want to give up. I tried to give it my all, but it was not my night. I had bad luck but I am going to work harder than ever to get back and get another opportunity to achieve my dream and win a world title.”

Using the injury as no excuse he fought as hard, and for as long, as he could yet was no match for Charlo who landed 110 of 243 punches. Afterwards Charlo stated:

“Sometimes the injury can be a decoy, you never want to just jump in and think it’s part of his game plan. My coach told me to stay behind my job like I did; continue to work and it’s going to come.

Continuing on, he discussed how he felt overall about the fight:

“I felt good at the weight. I was in good shape all camp. I just had to keep my composure in the ring. That’s always something I have to work on and I was able to do it. After I dropped him the first time they said he fell on top of his ankle. That’s just part of the boxing game. I had to just stay consistent and get the work done.

Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

The fight was waived off after the fourth round when Charlo dropped Heiland with a mean right hook. Heiland was able to stand up and beat the count but in attempting to regain his footing referee Benjy Esteves called it a night.

Moving forward, Charlo believes he can do even better and is next in line for the title.

“I want the belt next. I’m thankful to my team for getting me ready physically. I did it for my city and my family. I’m ready for the next level….I’m ready, bring on the biggest names at 160… I’m the real Tommy Hearns… I feel like it’s my turn and I’m going to go get it.”

It’s a great attitude that Charlo will need as he now becomes the mandatory challenger for “Triple G” otherwise known as unified world champion Gennady Golovkin. Golovkin is set to face Canelo Alvarez on Sept. 16th in Las Vegas.

Last but certainly not least, came the headlining event of Adrien “The Problem’’ Broner boxing Mikey Garcia for the WBC Diamond Belt. This event had a great build up with the amount of storylines that were ongoing.

Broner very much wanted to prove to everyone that he still is the same boxer who was at one point a four-division world titleholder and can “about boxing” when the time comes. That he has traveled down his road of redemption to reclaim the moniker of next in line for boxing stardom.

On the other hand, Garcia wanted to show that despite his extended layoff he was still just as good as he previously had been. Between the two only one would walk out of the ring victorious and that was Mikey Garcia. The judges scored the bout 117-111, 116-112 and 116-112 in his favor.

Garcia throughout the fight took it to Broner as he walked him down, stayed fundamentally sound, and proved that he is pound-for-pound one of the best fighters in the world.

“This is definitely one of my best performances ever. I think I controlled the fight in the early rounds and I kept the activity up. [Broner] is a great fighter who has great skills. I was the superior fighter tonight.

Early it seemed as if both fighters were testing the waters to see who would take it to who first until Garcia began to out together solid jabs which had Broner on the ropes.

“It was the timing, I’ve always said I have very good timing. It is underestimated when you are outside the ring but once you get inside the ring with me, I’m a step ahead.”

It seemed as if Broner was not being as aggressive as he has been in previous bouts. Time and time again he stood, took Garcia’s punches, and came with a flurry of his own but not to the amount in which Garcia did. Garcia landed a total of 244 punches out of 783 while Broner’s total was 125 out of 400. Broner, who did not speak to the media afterwards, stated:

“It was a good fight. At the end of the day, I come to fight, I come to win and I put my heart on the line. I want to congratulate Mikey and his team.”

Yet he made sure everyone knew he is willing to face Garcia again:

“At the end of the day I’m still AB, I’m still about billions, I’m still the “can man,” if he wants to rematch in California, we can do it.”

Garcia, at his post fight press conference, did touch on what he believes is next for him and his career moving forward:

“Maybe I’ll go down to 135, stay at 140 or go up to 147. Anybody that wants to come join us on SHOWTIME, give us a call, we are ready for anybody.”

The post Mikey Garcia Outperforms Adrien Broner In Most Exciting Fight Card of the Summer appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

There are many areas that are making hip-hop proud currently – “DMV” being one on the list. For those unfamiliar, it’s the area where Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia mesh, which naturally developed the now-universal byname. With its rather central location along the east coast, it’s safe and evident to say that musicians by way of the DMV area draw influences from above and below – and it’s something beautiful. It’s a bit tough to pinpoint a sound or specific influence as a whole when you hear it.

To name a few from surrounding pinpoints, do recall Wale, Pharrell, Clipse, Oddisee (as well as a good portion of Mello Music Group recording artists), Missy Elliot, Skillz, D’Angelo and many more. We’d say that’s quite a beautiful hybrid of artists, right?

Tef Wesley gave us the original “Gametime” treatment last year (2015), having released a video for it as well. Fast forwarding a year later to now Tef decided to round up fellow partners in rhyme Jered Sanders and Cane to paint the triumphant, guitar riffed, heavy drummed Grussle canvas. Grussle is an electrifying beatsmith, always paying homage to the traditional, neck snapping and atmospheric boom-bap-esque sound that we all love and want more of. DMV’s Dj Ragz (of the Jazz Addixx) brought his sharpest Ginsu knives to the table, per-usual. Do be alarmed. This joint is potent.

Lets not turn this into a long, exhausting review. Enjoy the record and be sure to keep up with the fellas as 2016 unfolds. Peace and love.

Tef Wesley | Jered Sanders | Cane | Dj Ragz | Grussle

The post Tef Wesley Drops Off His Latest Remix Of “Gametime” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

“Whenever putting together a project I try to keep the grit of Raekwon’s ‘Only Built 4 Cuban Linx’ and Mobb Deep’s ‘The Infamous’ in mind” says 22 year old ChillxWill when discussing his new Almighty album with RESPECT. Mag’s Dread Solo. “When crafting the album I was trying to make sure you knew my story by the end. It is hand styles on trains at 2:00am. It is my story. Also, I recorded the whole album on 2″ tape to get that warmth, and vibration in the bass.” The album is critically acclaimed, and has been stirring up an ill buzz for the Tacoma, Washington emcee, and latest artist under Ill Adrenaline Records. He is apart of the BKR$CLB (Bakers Club) posse and works closely with Raz Fresco, who is simultaneously making big moves on the scene.

Almighty is now available on cd, cassette and digital download (two bonus records w/ purchase) with Underground Hip Hop and Fat Beats. Oh, but you’re a wax junkie? Place your vinyl order now at Chopped Herring Records.

Be prepared for a visual time machine taking you back to that grimy mid-90’s golden era we all miss – laced in vintage Fila, herb lit in Brooklyn project hallways and 40 ounces. With a drum pattern identical (or very similar) to Mobb Deep‘s 1996 classic Drop A Gem On ‘Em and a dusty bass line – it’s the perfect marriage. ChillxWill is taking you on a trip down memory lane in 2015. Though the original Warning record off this album is sharp, the remix by Mpadrum is raw and seemingly more suiting for this video. Below you can stream the whole album for free, with hopes that maybe it opens your eyes to a full purchase. Enjoy:

The post ChillxWill Returns W/ New Visual For “Warning (Mpadrum’$ Remix)” + ‘Almighty’ Lp Stream appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Jeremiah Maddock is a mysterious legend in the art world. His artistic process is appealing in its simplicity.,”The process in general is pretty organic-stream-of-conscious rants.”  Maddock ‘s use of repeated shapes and earthy palette shape a stories. His work resembles ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.  His art has a freeing and pure value merged with deadly images (cross, skull like characters) reminiscent of the Mayan culture. The artist works with the recurrent theme of nature. He inks stories into a realistic universe where life and death collide. His knowledge as an artist is displayed by the numerous cultures that influence his art. His representation of  never ending stories allows the viewer to picture the ending it wants to see.

The artist recently moved to Brooklyn, NY from the rural Washington woodlands.  Maddock is now establishing himself as one of New Yorks’ emerging creators. Lets’ hope that the city that never sleep will still give him time to meditate on his art and nature.

His narrative is never ending, almost like humanity which has no end  (well… 12/21/2012 is approaching… He is inspired by the Mayans after all.)

Read more: here

The post ART: Jeremiah Maddock, Mysterious Storyteller appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Fat Trel is gaining a lot of attention in the buildup to his latest project, Nightmare On E Street. First we interviewed and did an exclusive in-studio shoot with Trel back in December, and now we just did another interview with the Slutty Boyz head honcho this past week. However, the most comprehensive piece on Trel to date has come by way of The Washington City Paper. Ramon Ramirez spent a couple months researching and hanging out with the Slutty Boyz and now he drops this article on the front page of the paper. Check out the quote by RESPECT. contributor Peter Marrack at the bottom of Page 4.

Here’s an excerpt from the article:

It’s shortly after six, and Trel’s 26-year-old brother Kel and I keep the engine running outside a warehouse bearing the unlikely name Catwalk Studios. We’re waiting for someone to show up. Trel and his crew arrive after stopping for Wendy’s. He’s detailing the plot of Contagion, with spoilers.

To understand Trel, you have to know his posse. V is Vance McDonald, the president of Da Company 1135. Ricky B. is Ricardo Jones, Trel’s personal assistant and driver, who talks fast and wears sunglasses at night. They also call him “Hol Time,” because he’s always around. “I always supported him behind the scenes,” Ricky B. says. “Trel calls me his uncle. I offer life advice. I’m going to be by his side whether he succeeds or fails. Hol Time: Everything is present.” Killa’s just Killa. He makes vague references to underworld know-how.

The post <em>Washington City Paper</em> Covers Fat Trel appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.