BADBADNOTGOOD – Lavender ft. Kaytranada
Now, we’re not saying that Dungeons and Dragons was the reason Will Byers ended up in The Upsidedown in Stranger Things, but the video for BADBADNOTGOOD‘s collab with Kaytranada isn’t exactly helping the case. Lavender is the second video to come off the back of this year’s album IV and centres around a D&D campaign gone horribly wrong. Seemingly all hope is lost after a shady as hell Dungeon Master shackles the band to their chairs and even a holographic Kaytranada can’t rescue them when they’re forced into a game of Russian Roulette.
Thankfully, when the pizza (food of Gods and basement nerds alike) arrives, they have time to poison his drink, leading him to a gruesome and bloody death. Honestly, all the kidnapping and death could have been avoided if they’d just gone with John Dempsey -a far more legit-seeming Dungeon Master 4 Hire whose infomercial runs at the end of the clip- instead of some dude whose ad was stapled to an electrical pole.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AJOqx6_UKQ
Emeli Sandé – Garden
The video for Scottish singer Emeli Sandé utterly dreamy track Garden is, as expected following the track’s October release, exquisite and ethereal. Set on the grounds of a resplendent estate in the country-side, the clip has Sandé, along with an entourage that includes featured artists Áine Zion and Jay Electronica surrounded by greenery and shrouded in mist and smoke as Sandé distinct, hypnotic, haunting vocal refrain echoes throughout. Speaking about the song, which she says is her favourite on the album, Sandé said it was “an expression of freedom and passion, two important parts of life, which I hadn’t really explored until a few years ago.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqlf9FAKPRc&feature=youtu.be
All Our Exes Live In Texas – Tell Me (Live)
Heartache personified is a song called Tell Me by Sydney’s All Our Exes Live In Texas. So poignant is the song –a one-sided conversation between two former lovers– that the folk quartet didn’t need to make use of an overly conceptual music video. Instead, the live clip consists of a stage, beautiful soft lighting and places all the focus on the raw emotions of rejection and longing brought to life through the swaying group harmonies and poignant instrumentation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xTyQu6iz68
Alicia Keys, Blended Family (What You Do For Love) ft. A$AP Rocky
Following the release of her latest album Here, Alicia Keys has returned to her heartfelt sound with second single, the beautiful Blended Family. With a laid-back guitar driven beat, Keys’ tone glides beautifully over the track, only to be contrasted by a similarly sincere verse from A$AP Rocky. The video too continues this genuine feel, exhibiting people and families as they laugh and interact, not to mention the chemistry that Alicia Keys and Rocky show in the video; feel good is an understatement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbGm5f5PR2o
A Tribe Called Quest, We The People…
After releasing their final album just two weeks ago following the passing of the legendary Phife Dawg, A Tribe Called Quest have now continued their incredible takeover with visuals for We The People… It couldn’t have come at a more better time; with America split in two ahead of the recent presidential election, Tribe’s empowering track has been given an equally powerful clip. Fronted by the group’s surviving members, along with collaborator Busta Rhymes, the pioneers broadcast their conscious message to a sea of supporters. Of course there is a touching tribute to Phife, which showcases through the video, proving while they may be one man down, Tribe’s spirit will continue to break down barriers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO2Su3erRIA
Spring King, City
The sequel to their incredible last clip Detroit, Manchester’s own Spring King are back with an equally hilarious video for City. The clip follows characters Roderick and Penelope in an 80s inspired European dating show, as they stumble through a number of hilarious dating scenarios and situations, from bumper carts to roller-skating. As funny as it is, in the end it’s the explosive tune that keeps you watching, with jangly riffs and throat scorching sing-alongs, Spring King know how to rock.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgwm9wrbL7Y
Bassnectar, TKO ft. Rye Rye & Zion I
After releasing his tenth studio album back in June, Cali’s dance king Bassnectar has returned with a powerful clip for this heavy single TKO. A genre defying mix of glitch, electronic and hip-hop, the gritty synth driven banger features both rap verses alongside a smooth hook from collaborators Rye Rye and Zion I. Bassnectar has always been known for pushing the boundaries with his music videos, and this was no different. An incredible mix of lo-fi and futuristic twangs, the clip is a testament to modern visual effects and editing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kekmipvfZ2I
Washington, Saint Lo
After releasing her last album back in 2014, there’s been quite a wait for fans of Megan Washington, but luckily, her newest video lives up to expectations. Written in LA, the track builds upon her relaxed electronic style, with her voice soaring smoothly over the wavy instrumental beneath. Playing along an equally powerful, experimental video, no doubt we can’t wait to see what Washington has next up her sleeves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40S9VeTrYA0
Words by Ruby-Rose Pivet-Marsh and Martin McConnell
Image: ATCQ
It’s that time of the week again where we your humble servants save you countless hours and compile only the best videos which have surfaced to the interwebs. Enjoy this week’s video roundup!
ScHoolboy Q – Dope Dealer ft. E-40
Matching the other seven next-level visuals from his Blank Face LP, this latest masterpiece is an incredible POV filmed clip which as you assume, follows the life of dope dealer, but with an interesting twist in perspective. From the plant’s growth, all the way to ScHoolboy’s studio, this video is perfectly tailored to the gritty soundtrack lying beneath. From the banging beat by Metro Boomin’, the nostalgic verse from Cali king E-40 and simply on point verses from Q, it’s hard to not pay attention to this tune.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OdDmC1-p4E
Mura Masa – Love$ick ft. A$AP Rocky
UK producer Mura Masa has been making waves lately with the remix of his 2015 instrumental, featuring none other than A$AP Rocky. Following the hugely successful Love$ick, the pair have now dropped the video, a harshly realistic portrayal of British teen life. Mura’s clips always have a brilliant aesthetic, and this is no different, following a group of friends as they hangout and party, it’s impossible not to get some good vibes from this video and track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJM4AQSbZDk
Lance Skiiiwalker – The Toaster ft. ScHoolboy Q
One of the more obscure tracks from his debut album now has an even stranger video. TDE’s latest signee has enlisted label-mate ScHoolboy Q for a smokers anthem, accompanied by an extremely strange and surreal animated video. The pair exchange slick and sultry croons over an addictive synth-heavy funk beat, all in all a catchy as hell combination. While we’ve certainly seen a lot of Lance recently, he definitely isn’t outstaying his welcome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx-dAGiQyUo
bLAck pARty – Best View
Emerging from Childish Gambino’s ROYALTY collective, the mysterious bLAck pARty has dropped this incredibly smooth track Best View, a glance into his debut EP. Showcasing entirely wondrous vocals gliding over a wavy, laid back instrumental, there’s no doubt this will be a name to watch in the coming years. Thanks Gambino!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXtSHrEpvdQ
Yeo – Frost
Melbourne’s ethereal singer and producer Yeo has dropped an amazing video for his tune Frost, turning down the conventional music video styles for a more creative and down to earth video. Featuring footage of his travels through Japan and Korea on his latest tour, the clip gives you an amazing perspective into the artist’s life. Combine this with a moving love inspired message, along with sultry hooks, funky riffs and jaw-dropping synths, it’s well worth the listen!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh6vMMhKvcM&feature=youtu.be
Aanysa & Snakehips – Burn Break Crash
UK production duo Snakehips have quickly branded themselves as one of the most powerful electronic teams around, and setting out to propel this even further is their new collaboration with singer Aanysa. A perfect blend of pop with Snakehips’ trap and dance influenced sound, along with a captivating choreographed clip, the result is a banger that, although very different from what many may have expected, is nevertheless as much an earworm as any.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-AqEJzEXYQ
Billy Davis – No Longer Lovers
Branded as Australia’s answer to the incredible Anderson .Paak, the bar has already been set high for Melbourne group Billy Davis. The 11-piece are funking their way to greatness with their latest single No Longer Lovers, with boppy instrumentation, insatiable rhythms and even sharp rap verse which accompanies, it’s clear that these lads and lasses are on their way to greatness. As if the track couldn’t get any better, the clip fulfils one of our greatest dreams, to roller-skate through the supermarket, creating a work that is feel good and good vibes entirely.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0p-QbuLdzI
Mary J. Blige – Thick Of It
This bold new single sees legendary New York singer Mary J. Blige returning with an even sharper new sound. With her sultry vocals soaring over a wonderfully soulful and fresh booming beat, Blige calls out her partner for wronging her over the years. With a flashy and bold clip to accompany, it’s exciting to see Mary J. Blige still dropping hits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KcdZZnBfRA
AJ Tracey – Buster Cannon
London’s finest newcomer, AJ Tracey is back at it again, this time invading Japanese shores with his bold, adrenaline packed sound. Bodying another new wave grime instrumental, AJ’s verses are sharper than ever, not to mention the catchy hook, which is sure to get the raves going wild. Visually he really excelled on this one too, traversing through the concrete jungle, the opening branded it a “motion picture”, and it really is nothing short. Next level cinematography, next level bars, what more could you ask for – oh, an EP? Well, he’s got that coming too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9-9GWFuS5w
Danny Brown – Really Doe ft. Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Earl Sweatshirt
Following the release of his latest studio album, Danny’s back, and he’s better than ever. Now with the release of a lyric video for his cypher like single Really Doe, the chosen visuals are ironic to say the least. Sure while the concept of a lyric video is to, well, read lyrics, it seems like that was something that was quickly ignored in favour of aesthetics. Despite this it still comes in hard, reflecting Danny Brown’s psychedelic madness brilliantly with a mix of live footage and videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR_yo8wAgJ4
Clipping – Shooter
Experimental LA trio Clipping returned this year with the heavy Wriggle EP, but luckily for us we have yet another visual from the project. Clipping have always been praised for their unique music videos, and this certainly fits that category. Brilliantly simplistic, yet so entrancing to watch, Shooter is a wonderfully choreographed dance and rhythm-orientated video, which builds upon those themes of violence mentioned within the track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm65PCbUMZI
Kid Cudi – Surfin’ ft. Pharell Williams
One of his best collaborations in a minute, Kid Cudi’s Surfin, with the prestigious Pharrell William, is a seriously catchy dance-floor banger, with nods to African and Latin grooves throughout; it’s easy to see how Travi$ Scott looks up to Kid Cudi with this rather similar sound. The video, meanwhile, is just as entrancing, showcasing one big party. With A-class cameos from A$AP Rocky and Jaden Smith, it looks like one hell of a party.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5KgsubkMCA
Vic Mensa – 16 Shots
After the release of his incredible EP earlier this year, Vic Mensa has absolutely risen to become one of the strongest voices within the hip-hop community. Now, he’s reinforced this with a video for his powerful single 16 Shots. Vic’s visual accompaniment to the bold track includes some truly incredible cinematography and imagery, which sees him go one on one against the police. Ending with a shocking statement regarding police brutality, the clip closes with real world footage of Laquan McDonald, murdered in the streets.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPWXOAYlgOc
Anderson .Paak – Come Down
It’s hard to talk about 2016’s music and not mention Paak, from his endless stream of collaborations, to releasing two albums, one solo and one group (NxWorries with producer Knxwledge), the man is definitely a workaholic. And as if he couldn’t stop there, the man himself has gone and laid down the visuals for one of Malibu’s standouts Come Down. Good vibes and grooves are definitely on offer, with the clip showcasing Paak performing in a smokey club coincidentally referencing Marvin Gaye’s classic I Want You album artwork.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OqrcUvrbRY
Gabriella Cohen – Downtown
After releasing her incredible debut album Full Closure No Details, the similarly marvellous Gabriella Cohen has returned with the visuals one of her standout tracks Downtown. A beautifully melancholic, tangy, guitar driven track, Cohen is one of the most talented Australian artists around right now. The music clip works as a great counterpart to Gabriella’s touching wails, providing a romantic yet sorrowful storyline for the track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR_SF2wiGMY
Desiigner – Zombie Walk ft. King Savage
Just in time for the Halloween celebrations, G.O.O.D. music signee Desiigner is keeping his name in circulation with the video release of his EP track Zombie Walk. It’s almost like a short film, where we follow the dabbing king into a zombie apocalypse like scenario. Shifting back and forth between real footage, and anime inspired animation, the track features King Savage, friend and fellow rapper who the track is actually dedicated too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLeMssD0R3Y
Polish Club – Beat Up
Self-directed and full of fuzzed out, low-fi after effects to match, the video for Sydney two-piece Polish Club’s Beat Up is the result of slapping around your mate in front of a green screen and then slapping some effects over the top. Highly textured, the clip embraces technical difficulties and terrible internet connections and is -much like the song- a lot of fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHhysr6q1Qo&feature=youtu.be
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Magneto
An excerpt from Andrew Dominik’s (Chopper, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford)’s One More Time With Feeling , the clip for Magneto is haunting and immersive. Shot entirely in stark black and white, the flickering lights project the 3D elements to new heights and create a mesmeric, enveloping sensation as the song unfolds across the five minute insight into the documentary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4aF-MDumFg&feature=youtu.be
Illy – Catch 22
The follow up to Illy’s hit single Papercut, Catch 22 is such an upbeat track that there was no doubt the video for it needed to be just as vibrant. Enter: a Los Angeles warehouse location, a bunch of old arcade games, some break dancing and a DeLorean. Anne-Marie features both on the track and in the clip as the pair battle it out with friends in the arcade before driving off – presumably into the Downtown L.A nightlife.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8laCbHBOrw&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmPdWiSpiJw&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueTUboa56V0&feature=youtu.be
Wishes – Settle
This week, Sydney indie-dance artist Wishes brings us the video for his sophomore single, the bright, colourful Settle. The video is Auslan inspired and combines quirky dance choreography with Australian Sign Language as dancers perform in various creative spaces. Conceptualised and filmed in Melbourne, the video much like the song, is a joy to behold.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTOD4HNvv64&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do98dd12NKM&feature=youtu.be
Image: Polish Club / Supplied
Well this is weird. Like, really weird. SpaceGhostPurrp has teamed up with A$AP Rocky to deliver a pretty dope track. Yes, the same SGP who has had a year-long beef with the A$AP Mob. What’s even weirder is that the title is seemingly lamenting the death of A$AP Yams, despite the song not mentioning Yams anywhere else.
Earlier this year, (early January to be exact), SPG reignited his beef with the Mob in spectacular fashion, Tweeting (in a now-deleted Tweet) “Fuck lil b, fuck Rocky, fuck yams, fuck ya’ll dead family members if you mad, and if you mad fight me one on one be quiet.” So I think it’s pretty clear that Purrp and A$AP weren’t on great terms.
But now this track emerges, and it feels like 2011 again. What happened? The obvious answer is that this was the product of two great rappers putting aside their issues to mourn the loss of a mutual friend. But Yams died in January 2015, almost a year before SpaceGhostPurrp went on his Twitter tirade against the Mob. I mean, SGP mocks Yams’ death frequently on Periscope, so it seems unlikely that he would have suddenly grown a remorseful side.
The other (and far more likely) scenario is that this is in fact an old track, back from a time where A$AP Rocky and SpaceGhostPurrp were on better terms. Or at least not at each other’s throats. Rocky’s verse certainly sounds older, with his flow closer to 2011 than his more recent stuff. And it would be very much like SGP to release a five-year-old Rocky verse from the vault.
In terms of the track itself, it’s really fuckin’ good. The audio quality is rubbish, sounding like it was played in the background while someone taped it on their phone. There’s even a part where it drops out completely at the end of Rocky’s verse. But if you can get past that, you’ll find a track that’s straight fire. It’s got a pretty crazy beat, and the bars are solid. Check this shit out, even if only to catch a glimpse of a time long past.
https://soundcloud.com/1spaceghostpurrp/spaceghostpurrp-ft-asaprocky-rip-yams-new-2016
Image: Soundcloud
The festival announcements just keep coming, and today, one of them just got even bigger. Perth’s Origin NYE Festival is celebrating its tenth birthday this year, and A$AP Rocky has just been announced to join the all-star lineup, which already includes killer names like Chance the Rapper, Die Antwoord, Ryan Hemsworth, Goldlink and What So Not.
A$AP Rocky last visited Australia on a full headline tour back in February in support of his 2015 album At.Long.Last.A$AP. Mega-fans better make plans to head to Perth, though, as his Origin NYE appearance is slated to be his one and only performance in Australia. Sorry, everyone else!
This is turning out to be one of, if not the most exciting New Years festival lineups of 2016-2017, and they haven’t even announced their final headliners yet!
The event takes place (obviously) on December 31, 2016. General public tickets are on sale now – click here.
More information can be found at Origin NYE’s official website.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfVIRigPyws
Origin 2016-2017 lineup:
CHANCE THE RAPPER
DIE ANTWOORD
CHASE & STATUS (DJ SET)
JME
NOISIA
WHAT SO NOT
DENZEL CURRY
GETTER
GOLDLINK
LUNICE
NETSKY (DJ SET)
RYAN HEMSWORTH
SHOCKONE
WILKINSON (DJ SET)
ALEX PEREZ B2B IVY LAB
BARELY ALIVE
CALYX & TEEBEE
CULTURE SHOCK
EKKO & SIDETRACK
GEORGE MAPLE
GIRAFFAGE
HABSTRAKT
NEWHAM GENERALS
P0GMAN
SKISM B2B MUST DIE!
More to be announced.
Image: Danielle Hansen for Howl & Echoes. Check out our full gallery of A$AP Rocky live in Sydney, with support from Raury.
Over the last year, there’s no bigger bromance than the one brewing between A$AP Rocky and Tyler, The Creator. A friendship between East and West, the rappers have been getting up to some hilarious shenanigans, whether it be their freestyle earlier in the year, their link up on Tyler’s What The Fuck Now, or Rocky’s almost perfect impression of Tyler, the pair have certainly demonstrated an extremely amusing charisma together.
Returning with even more hysterically reckless behaviour, the pair prove that nowhere is safe from their whacky adventures, this time venturing to Target and wreaking absolute havoc. Posted in a series of Snapchat videos, Tyler is seen climbing in and out of the shopping trolley, narrowly avoiding bystanders as he trolley-surfs and tricks through the shop. Ending with Tyler with his leg stuck to the trolley and almost falling over, Rocky is losing his mind, infectiously laughing all through the background of the clip as Tyler goes about with his mayhem.
It’s certainly awesome to see artists outside of their music and their performances, especially if they’re as funny as this one. It’s videos like this these that remind you that despite the fame, they really are just normal people who like to do stupid shit at the shops, and all we want is to be a part of their shenanigans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMSlvrbl6Dc
Image: HypeTrak
ASAP Rocky‘s apparent trail of self destruction has continued this week, following a new interview in response to controversial statements he made about the #BlackLivesMatter movement. The issue began when a 2015 interview resurfaced, in which he complained about the fact that people seem to expect him to comment on the movement because he’s black. “I’m A$AP Rocky. I did not sign up to be no political activist.” He recently responded to the criticism in a series of tweets, including the comments, “All this social injustice makes me fukin sick, tho Im still no politician,” “… [you’re saying] Im dumb n dont care about blacks” and “fuk all these cops killin the urban youth dem, n fuk all talh niggas for dick ridin on bash rocky day, LMAO.”
Rocky took to The Breakfast Club yesterday for a new interview, but his comments about the topic didn’t exactly clear the air.
“I wanna clear the air,” he begins. “I feel like that whole interview was taken out of context… I feel terrible as a black man, as an American. This Donald Trump… is… I just don’t understand how they saying a dark skinned n**ga don’t like black people.” He goes on to criticise the journalist, and to explain that other big artists like Drake and Future aren’t necessarily writing political rap songs. “Why put me on a pedestal?”
“I want to inspire. I want promote peace, because at a time like this, I don’t have all the answers. I’m not trying to run for Congress. I’m not trying to run for office. I don’t have all the answers, you know what I’m saying?”
In response to a comment about how celebrities are looked up to, hence why he gets asked to comment, he then says, “That’s why I’m here today. When it comes to stuff like this I usually try to save it for the music, or try to speak about it when I’m asked about it, but I need to speak out.”
It’s kind of clear that he doesn’t really have his ear to the ground when it comes to politics and the recent events happening around us all. And you know what? Nobody is forcing him to know. He’s right. Just because he’s black and famous doesn’t mean that he needs to be a spokesman for the #BlackLivesMatter movement. But that’s not really the point. We aren’t saying he needs to be informed and vocal because he’s a celebrity, we’re asking for his opinion because, well, these events happened and they’re important and terrifying. Being informed goes far beyond fame and celebrity. It’s one thing to not be a spokesman, it’s another to ignore it entirely.
In addition, the comments are a little confusing because he doesn’t address these issues in music or when asked – that’s the whole point.
“How come black lives only matter when a police officer takes it? It should matter when a black life takes it… It should always matter. All lives matter.”
Once again, he’s missed the point in the same way that others who say #AllLivesMatter have missed the point. We know all lives matter. We’re not saying other lives don’t matter. But right now, in the wake of these terrible incidents, incidents which highlight horrifyingly prevalent racism and racial profiling at a time when these issues really should not exist anymore, it’s important to focus on black lives. Black lives don’t only matter when footage surfaces of a police shooting. But when a black person is shot by an officer, that adds context and puts it in headlines, making it especially important to talk about at that particular point in time. Charlemagne compares the issue to ISIS to try and explain the issue.
Then he talks about how he doesn’t want to comment on the issue if he’s not physically there, in the country and that exact time.
“If I’m in London and something’s going on in LA and you asking me about it, I don’t wanna speak on that cos I wasn’t there. How can I speak on that? How can I contribute?”
Well, by this token, us here in Australia shouldn’t be talking about it because we’re not there. This just doesn’t make sense. That he feels that one can only comment on an issue if they were physically there to experience the atmosphere and that racism directly, is a confusing sentiment.
A$AP Rocky, nobody is saying you have to stand on a soapbox and have an opinion. But to retort with something like, “I’m no politician, I’m A$AP Rocky” is unnecessary and besides the point. I’m a white Australian and I have commented on #BlackLivesMatter, as have the many other white Australians around me who want to raise awareness, discuss the topic and protest in the streets.
Further down the interview it gets even stranger. After minute 17, ASAP Rocky decides to bring up none other than serial rapist Bill Cosby. “He did so much positive things leading up to one thing, which he was convicted of being innocent for, by the way, people don’t even speak about that, all you remember is the 56 women… he’s a powerful man. I’m not his lawyer, but I do know that he’s innocent – in the eyes of the law.”
In the eyes of the law. Because that’s the truth. Right?
Watch the full interview below.
https://youtu.be/J_SGu9Y7Q-0
Image: Danielle Hansen/ Howl & Echoes
In February this year, we photographed A$AP Rocky live on stage at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney. We’re longtime A$AP Mob fans and the gig was great – you can see the whole gallery here.
On March 5, A$AP Rocky posted an image on Facebook, teasing a freestyle over a Phantogram track:
https://www.facebook.com/asaprocky/photos/a.124072727682115.27256.118907304865324/990213931067986/?type=3&theater
The photo looked a little familiar, so we checked our gallery.
Hmmmmmph.
We’re no strangers to artists stealing our photos. I can’t count the amount of times that we have had to contact a publicist or a label about an artist posting a Howl & Echoes photo to Instagram or Facebook without crediting the photographer or website. It’s happened twice in the past 72 hours alone.
It’s frustrating as hell, on a number of levels.
Firstly, expecting credit for a photo is hardly selfish or harsh. It’s a simple professional courtesy. We work hard (and without pay) to write about, and take photos of the artists that we love. Writing and photography is every bit as much a creative art as music. Our photographers work their asses off to produce phenomenal images of the artists we adore. It’s not okay for people to steal songs or a sample, and it is not okay to steal a photo.
Secondly, it’s not exactly difficult. We all know how to use Instagram and Facebook, we all know it takes approximately one second to tag a photographer, and for management or the artist to come back claiming that it can’t be edited, or that their social media manager doesn’t want any credits or tags in their caption, is bullshit. Much like you add production and feature credits to a song, or you credit a sampled beat, a photo is the creative property of the the photographer, and they need to be acknowledged.
Thirdly, it is copyright infringement and there are legal consequences. Unless a contract has been signed giving up rights, a photographer always retains copyright ownership over the image, much like a musician and their song. This is no secret, but the problem within online music photography is that most of us get paid zilch, and couldn’t afford lawyer or court fees, which many artists and managements undoubtedly know, allowing them to exploit our creative property without caring much about the consequences.
Image: DesignSponge
There’s been a number of cases of late which have blown up like this. Just last week, Young Thug was caught stealing his Slime Season 3 artwork from a young artist. Taylor Swift was called out once over stealing an artist’s design to promote 1989, ironically after she very publicly slammed most streaming services for music piracy. Drake straight up ripped someone’s Instagram artwork last year, and Diplo stole an artist’s GIF last year – which he responded to with appalling misogyny, but that’s another story for another day.
So why is a photo any different? Why is it okay to use a photo that you didn’t ask for or pay for, and to use it for promotion, without asking, acknowledging or compensating? If I stole one of a beat without crediting the producer, would that be fine?
Most of the time, an artist or their team contact us to request reposting a photo with credit. When photos are used without asking first, the issue is almost always resolved with a quick email to an artist’s PR or management. We’re proud of our photography and we’re always excited when people not only check it out, but love it so much that they want to share it with their fans.
Back to A$AP Rocky. As soon as we discovered the photo – which, to reiterate, has been edited and used for promotional purposes on social media and Soundcloud – we contacted his label, who have been really helpful and apologetic on their behalf. Yet almost a full month later, we haven’t heard anything back and the image is still on social media.
To be clear, in this particular instance we’re legally prohibited from being compensated, as our photographer signed a release form which stated that none of the photos can be used for promotional purposes, or essentially anything other than on-site editorial. What this means is that A$AP’s team are currently violating that contract, and if we were compensated then we’d be violating it too. So this specific photo needs to be completely removed. But this is rare; 90% of the gigs we shoot do not have any release forms or legal stipulations, and we’ve never been asked to give up copyright ownership of a photo.
Howl & Echoes is a small website. We earn practically nothing, we can’t pay our writers, photographers or ourselves. A photo is no different to art – especially when there’s a signed contract involved. It is not okay to steal music or art, and it’s not okay to steal a photo.
Image: Danielle Hansen / Howl & Echoes
Awwwwhhhhhhh shit could these dudes get any cooler?
A new freestyle session has surfaced from dream team A$AP Rocky and Tyler, the Creator that was recorded during A$AP’s recent appearance on Tyler’s Golf Radio. Previously only available on the Golf Media App, the cruisy vibes on this recording demonstrate Rocky and Tyler’s chemistry as they seamlessly swap verses over a mellow beat.
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“Fuck you mean I’m high as shit? Fuck you mean you fly as this?”
The majority of their conversation was posted on YouTube earlier in March including A$AP’s impressively accurate imitation of Tyler’s deep voice.
A$AP also recently featured in the video for Tyler’s hectic What The Fuck Right Now where he goes completely nuts over Kanye West‘s Freestyle 4 from The Life of Pablo. Supposedly the product of boredom, the song and video are both wild and hilarious and the whole time we’re thinking we wish they would get bored more often.
Highlights include everyone screaming at 1:15 and Jasper doing a back flip.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCd6SQ67k-Y]
We’re hoping (and praying) this partnership might lead to them releasing some songs together or even a whole album for us to lose our collective shit over.
Wolf Haley x Pretty Flacko in 2017?
Image: Okay Player
Danny Brown and A$AP Rocky are both set to appear on Rapper Warrior Ninja, a skit from the upcoming fourth season of The Eric Andre Show.
Over in Austin, SXSW is currently taking place, and among the many musical showcases, films, interactive media, conferences and more, a sneak peak of the upcoming segment was premiered by Andre and Hannibal Buress.
Rapper Warrior Ninja, which is a loose spoof of the popular show American Ninja Warrior, shows A$AP Rocky and Danny Brown blindfolded, and told to freestyle rap while they attempt to navigate a range of obstacles. The two rappers face the perils of trying to balance across a plank suspended above mousetraps, while having balls thrown at them and then attempting to somehow get around “The Snake Pit”, which is a kiddie pool filled with water and one very real looking snake. Oh and at some point a random guy in an American Gladiator costume comes out and smacks them with a foam lance, all the while Andre and Hannibal yell at them to keep rapping.
Needless to say, the two rappers don’t fair very well, both predictably stacking it fairly hard, with Danny Brown absolutely finding himself in the pool with the snake.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HogPNdDHbm4]