Hip-Hop, at its core, has always been about truth-telling—and few artists embody that more wholly than Devine Carama. On “Respect Due,” the second single from his upcoming album Guardians of the Boom Bap (produced entirely by Amadeus360), the Kentucky-based MC locks arms with Hip-Hop veteran Sadat X to deliver a meditation on aging, authenticity, and earned reverence.
Released May 16 via Soulspazm, “Respect Due” isn’t just a track—it’s a moment. Devine, a seasoned lyricist with 15 albums under his belt and an Emmy nomination for his community work, taps into a reservoir of lived experience. Whether he’s organizing coat drives in sub-zero temperatures or teaching young boys the value of emotional intelligence, Carama has built his legacy both inside and beyond the booth. This song feels like a natural extension of that ethos.
Sadat X, of Brand Nubian fame, slides in effortlessly with his signature voice and perspective, adding generational weight to the track. Together, the two rappers bridge eras with an easy chemistry that reinforces the song’s central message: respect isn’t given, it’s earned—through resilience, consistency, and community stewardship.
Producer Amadeus360 crafts a backdrop that nods to the golden age of Boom Bap while keeping things crisp and current. Known for his dusty sample flips and scratch arrangements, the Brooklyn-based beatmaker threads a nostalgic needle without ever sounding dated. It’s a perfect match for the lyrical heavyweights he’s supporting here.
“Respect Due” is more than just a nod to the past—it’s a reminder that the pillars of Hip-Hop are still standing tall, still building, and still teaching. If this single is any indication, Guardians of the Boom Bap is shaping up to be both a history lesson and a call to action.
