Just as unique as he is talented this upcoming California-based rapper, dyIAn is truly a fresh and new talent that you should definitely get to know.

1234 Creations and clothing brand, MSFTS are just some of the people backing this unorthodox new age artist who is already making big waves with his sound. Along the way with help from producer, Daniel D’artiste, dylAn’s first song “Moon In My Room”  ended up in the hands of Willow Smith who took to feature on the song and eventually boosted dylAn forward.

Moving forward, dylAn is working on his upcoming full release, Kids Keep Secrets. But in the meantime, we have a new track from him to check out. “Lemons” is a track that tackles the issues of artist anxiety and is produced by Wonderlust Beats and Daniel D’artiste; making this track the perfect while Miles Cables brings the vibes to life with his work behind the lens.

Tell us what you think of this artist and the visual for “Lemons.”

Suggested Articles:
RESPECT. Premiere: Emalia is Fighting for Respect in “On Your Own” [WATCH]
Almost a Year Later: Police Release Video of Slain Rapper Bankroll Fresh Shooting

The post Get to Know LA Rapper dylAn appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

You must be living under a rock if you did not know the 9th annual Roots Picnic took place this weekend in Philly. With a massive line-up of hip-hop favorites– past and present– this festival is Philly’s way of kicking off the summer season, and what better way than with a performance from Willow Smith along with her father Will Smith performing “Summertime” with his on stage partner, DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Little Willow Smith putting it down on stage with Will Smith. #lit #summertime #rootspicnic2016 #rootspicnic #epicness

A video posted by Calaya Reid – Grace Octavia (@blackwritergonerogue) on Jun 4, 2016 at 11:37am PDT

Later on in the evening, Future hit the stage to bless the crowd with his hits that are phenomenal for getting everyone going. 

#future was awesome but cut short … The crowd went crazy. #atthesamedamntime #rootspicnic2016 #rootspicnic #philadelphia

A photo posted by @scrillmedia on Jun 5, 2016 at 6:39pm PDT

A photo posted by New Jawn (@newjawndotcom) on Jun 5, 2016 at 6:22pm PDT

Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill & Lil Uzivert partaking in the festivities this weekend.

A video posted by UsherMiamiFan? (@gia_teamusher_8701) on Jun 5, 2016 at 8:16pm PDT

Usher blessing the crowd with his extraordinary dance moves!

A photo posted by Sean (@frame_1) on Jun 5, 2016 at 6:34pm PDT

Zoe Kravitz rocking out!

A photo posted by @phobymo on Jun 5, 2016 at 5:22pm PDT

Kehlani also hit the stage.

A photo posted by David Gensler™ (@davidgensler) on Jun 5, 2016 at 4:39pm PDT

All in all a good time was had by the many of festival goers this weekend.  It has also been announced that The Roots Picnic will be taking its talents to New York City for the first time this fall, blessing New Yorkers with the same musical vibe it has provided Philly for the past years!

Suggested Articles:

Governors Ball Day 3 Cancelled Due to Weather

Listen to the New “All The Way Up” Megamix

The post RESPECT. Recap: The 9th Annual Roots Picnic appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Anna Wintour attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

The annual Met Gala is known to be a night of fashion and last night did not disappoint.  The big event is always star-studded and a night to remember.  From Rihanna‘s 2015 canary-yellow Guo Pei couture gown, that trended for days to Beyonce leaving everyone breathless with her 2015 all sheer Givenchy Haute couture by Riccardo Tisci that slayed for days.  This past Monday, May 2nd was no different; there was some of best to some of not so best fashion that hit the red carpet.  The fellas were out, the couples were out, and the ladies were definitely ready to get the night turned up with the year’s theme “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.  Check out some of the electrifying moments of the night:

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Beyonce attends “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Kylie Jenner attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Amy Schumer attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Taylor Swift attends “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02:  Zoe Kravitz attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Zoe Saldana attends “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Lupita Nyong’o attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Wiz Khalifa attends “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City.

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Recording artist Rita Ora attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Idris Elba attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Kerry Washington attends “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Demi Lovato attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Actor Colin Farrell attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Ciara attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Zendaya attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Kris Jenner attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Adriana Lima attends “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Willow Smith attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic)

Aside from the fellas looking dapper and the ladies killing the carpet, the couples were in the building rocking the best:

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Kim Kardashian West (L) and Kanye West attend the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: The Weeknd (L) and Bella Hadid attend the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Gigi Hadid (L) and Zayn Malik attend the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Carmelo Anthony (L) and La La Anthony attend the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic)

Last, but not least some of the not so best fashion of the night:

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Solange Knowles attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Ashley Olsen (L) and Mary-Kate Olsen attend the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Lady Gaga attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Madonna attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Katy Perry attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images)

Overall, the 2016 Met Gala was another successful year of fashion that will be talked about years to come!

Suggested Articles:

Check Out Beyonce’s Fashion From ‘The Formation Tour’ [Photos]

#RECAP 2016 Grammy Awards Red Carpet

The post Met Gala 2016 Fashion: Best and Worst Dressed appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Becoming an actor/actress requires two qualities: hard work and dedication. Within the boundaries of the performing arts industry, individuals are fighting for the limelight, running towards the goal of recognition, and acknowledgement for their composed work(s) of art. Putting the cherry on top of this milkshake, black creatives have received no accolades for their publications, no “good job”, no “keep up the great work!” none of that positive energy. It seems as if today’s award shows, for instance, The Grammy’s seem to pass over the underground artists who have brought to the table stellar mediums of communication through motion pictures and dialogue.

When it comes to artistry, it dwindles down to the base of the artist creating new and innovative mediums that grow and manifest into something that’ll put a dent into modern culture. Artists, whether it’s in the field of movies or music have come from circumstances that only gave them three options: keep pursuing your dreams, give up everything or stop altogether. So, in saying that, multiple celebrities and/or artists who have done the sacrificing, giving all they got to put their hearts wholeheartedly into what they do are being jipped of their proper “exposure” or subjection. Not only is it hard for a creative to survive in such a dog-eating, cult following class of human beings but is also tough to stay true to yourself and stand out amongst millions of others competing for the same spot you’re after.

However, not all famous actors/actresses go unnoticed; most people pay attention to the one who is “quiet” and “reserved” or in this case, less appreciated. Those certain types of people tend to become the underdogs who will always prevail. Will Smith, husband of Jada Pinkett, and a father to his kids Jaden, Willow, and Trey Smith, has grown from a successful rapper to a Hollywood hit, who stared in independent productions such as Men In Black, Ali, Hancock, and the most infamous show, Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Ever since the age of 12 Smith has done nothing but devote his time and energy to the arts, chiming in on the different cultures he was surrounded by as a young boy. He not only deserves this award for his long-term commitment to such a slim industry, who gives POC’s no room for their talents to shine, but because of his humility and versatile persona. According to an article published on December 17th, 2008, Fox News sheds light to the Smith family by acknowledging his donation of $1.3 million given to religious, civic, and art groups by the Smith family. One big contribution given that year was $250k to Yesha Ministries of Philadelphia, a Christian based organization ran by Reverend James Robinson.

The MTV Generations Award should be given to a person who has sacrificed at wits end, believing in themselves when no one else did.  His/her actions speak volumes to the world around them, striking and moving the hearts of many through their talents whether its politics, religion, acting, music, etc.  A “generation” references a class of adolescents who are still progressing in life, trying to find ways to succeed and prosper. Therefore, Will Smith is a prime candidate for representing a generation; he inspires the youth through his measures of how he came to be hoping to illuminate the paths of aspiring kids, telling them that through surrendering, persistence and constant grind, your dreams and/or aspirations will come to light in due time.

The post Why Will Smith Deserves The MTV Generation Award appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Limitless creative artist Willow Smith is mashing up genre’s with her new video for her song, “F Q-C #7.” Don’t hurt your brain too much trying to decipher the title; the song is pronounced “Frequency Number Seven.” In the video co-directed by the teen herself, the youngest Smith reps for her chakras with the color-coordinated ‘fits and utilizes the video to spiritually express herself.

Check out Willow Smith’s video for “F Q-C #7” below:

The post New Video: Willow Smith – “F Q-C #7” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

All photos by Jourdan Ash

Despite rain and cold weather, D.C.’s Broccoli City Fest was on fire!  The festival’s objective is to promote healthier and more environmentally friendly lifestyles in cool and relevant ways. With healthy food truck alternatives, on-site spinning and yoga classes, and a strict recycling policy, Broccoli City Fest did just that.

The festival featured an amazing lineup on its big stage. Virginia songstress, Abir used her soulful sound to bring good vibes to the crowd, while Chicago’s Tink got the crowd turned up, despite the rain. Later, Willow and Jaden Smith brought their energy (and dance moves) to the stage as they performed. Joey BadA$$ started a moshpit as he performed hits from B4.DA.$$ with Kirk Knight and Statik Selektah.

Headliner Erykah Badu closed out the show with Thundercat on the bass. During her set, the songstress transformed into her alter ego DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown and played a plethora of tracks including Tyler, The Creator’s, “Fucking Young/Perfect” and some Outkast to which she shouted over the mic “My baby daddy, Y’all!” Before she left the stage, Erykah gave an awesome DC tribute!

Checkout some photos from Broccoli City Festival below:

The post The Recap: Broccoli City Fest appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Broccoli City has announced their final line up for Broccoli City Festival, with three new additions to the Earth Day celebration, Jaden & Willow Smith, and Tiara Thomas.

DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown AKA Erykah Badu, will be the headliner for the event, with supporting performances by Joey Bada$$, Kaytranada, Tink, Kali Uchis, Lightshow, Sunny & Gabe and more. BC Fest will be held in Washington, DC, offering nothing but great vibes, fitness, outstanding food trucks and beautiful art.

This will be an event you don’t want to miss, as it caters to the music-going fans while still combining the education of living a healthier lifestyle.

The inaugural festival will be held this year on April 25^th, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Gateway DC Pavilion, 1100 Alabama Ave S.E., Washington, D.C. 20032. If you’re looking for tickets, head to Broccoli City Festival’s official site and grab em’ before it’s too late!

Check out the recap from last year’s festivities below:

The post Broccoli City Festival Reveals Final Lineup appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.