We Speak Hip-Hop

Big Dese & Mike Martinez drop “Just Passin’ By”

Published

6 months ago

October 17, 2025

Big Dese & Mike Martinez return with a new single. Two weeks after the release of their new collaborative release No Respect 2 LP, the duo drop “Just Passin’ By.” Always potent with the grown man rap, Mike comes with a dusty psychedelic soundscape for Dese to get reflective over. As Dese reveals, “It’s basically my perspective of current events going on in the country. Kind of fed up with the way things are going, but also accepting that’s the way things are going to be. My grandfather used to always say it’s not my world, I’m just passing by.”

Stream “Just Passin’ By”: https://mikemartinez.bandcamp.com/track/just-passin-by

A video for previous single “Meteor” also dropped recently and retains that cynical worldview and dark humor that Dese excels at.

Watch the official video for “Meteor” here: https://youtu.be/yub1GhBt9Yw?si=9C5DFrpBRknwd_jA

With a strong chemistry and work ethic, No Respect 2 is actually the tenth collaborative project that Big Dese and Mike Martinez have dropped within the last two years. That’s also in between Dese’s recent full-length with Producer Confidence and Martinez also releasing projects with G Fam Black, Jezus Martinez and his own solo material.

Speaking on the link-up Martinez said “I think the reason me and Dese click so well is that we have both have over twenty years invested in hip-hop and not a lot to show for it (outside of our skills). One of the first songs we did was called “Love/Hate Relationship” and that sums it up.”

Taking its title and interludes from the late/great stand-up icon, Rodney Dangerfield the album is a lot of punchlines, unfiltered opinions and disrespectful bars over a variety of musical moods from a creator inspired by 90’s sample-based boom-bap.
No Respect 2 is out now via digital platforms and the duo revealed that they currently have three projects cued up and ready to go in the near future as well.

More Info: https://www.instagram.com/dese100/
https://www.instagram.com/beatsbymikemartinez/

We Speak Hip-Hop

NY Rapper Kendu 718 Defines “Gritty” (Single & Exclusive Interview)

Published

4 days ago

April 14, 2026

MJ Savino

Kendu 718 is taking over the scene with his latest single “Gritty,” produced by Juxx Diamondz of Back Block Music Group LLC. The NY rapper shows off his signature blend of storytelling and lyricism woven with slick metaphors. He’s simply writing bars and putting out heat; his deliverance though is aggressive and slightly intimidating; true NY style. Stream “Gritty” and get to know Kendu 718 in the interview below.

MJ: Before we jump into your new single “Gritty,” take a moment to let the world know who Kendu 718 is.

Kendu 718: Kendu 718 is someone who really lives what he talks about. I come from the pain of the ghetto—both my mother and father struggled with drug addiction, and growing up, all I saw was crime, poverty, and hardship. That was my environment. But through God’s grace, I was able to change my life. I left the streets behind 17 years ago, and I’ve been clean and abstinent from drugs and alcohol ever since.

MJ: When I think of gritty New York Hip Hop, you fit the mark. Define your lane in Hip Hop.

Kendu 718: I’m part of the culture, this isn’t something I picked up, it’s something I’ve lived. Hip-hop is a lifestyle, not just something you do in the studio. I’m not chasing trends or trying to fit into what’s popular. I represent authenticity, experience, and real New York energy. I’ve been doing this for years, and my lane is staying true to the essence of the culture.

MJ: Let’s talk about the new single “Gritty.” What can listeners expect once they hit play?

Kendu 718: The truth. Straight up. Real-life stories that reflect what I’ve been through and what I’ve seen in the streets. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it shows survival. When you hit play, you’re stepping into reality—no gimmicks, no filters. “Gritty” is my story. It’s everything I lived and everything I witnessed. But more importantly, it’s a message—just because we come from struggle doesn’t mean we have to stay there. We can grow, change, and build responsible, productive lives.

MJ: How did you link up with Juxx Diamondz and Back Block Music Group LLC?

Kendu 718: That connection goes back. I met Juxx through a mutual friend—rest in peace to the OG Benny Hill from Harlem, who managed both of us around 2011–2012. That foundation built real chemistry, and from there, everything developed naturally.

MJ: Can audiences anticipate a visual to “Gritty?”

Kendu 718: Definitely. Me and Juxx Diamondz are currently putting the treatment together now. The visual is going to match the energy of the track—raw, authentic, and true to the story.

MJ: What is next for Kendu 718? What are you currently working on?

Kendu 718: Right now, I’m working on my EP titled From God’s Mouth to Y’all Ears: The Sermon. It’s produced by myself and Juxx Diamondz, with additional production from SaulyOBeats, SkullzAngels, and my guy Dreadful Krueger. Everybody brought heat to the project. We also have some dope features on it.

MJ: Give audiences a little more insight into the sound and movement behind the project.

Kendu 718: We’re putting this out independently through Back Block Music Group, with distribution through Roc Nation. The project is a combination of strong lyricism, real-life storytelling, and powerful features. We represent that golden era sound—we’re keeping that foundation alive. And we’re always boots on the ground, staying connected to the people and the culture.

MJ: Let everyone know where they can find your music and stay connected.

Kendu 718: You can find my music on all digital streaming platforms. Follow me @Kendu_718 on Instagram to stay locked in. This is just the beginning—it’s going to be a hot summer. Peace.