Respect (Joel Turner song)

"Respect" is the fourth single from Joel Turner and the Modern Day Poets' self-titled debut album. The verses are performed by the Modern Day Poets (MDP), with Turner contributing the chorus, bass and beatbox backing. A piano riff was supplied by Mefi Puni and Brian Bouro.

The song is essentially a social comment on the lack of respect that exists within the hip-hop community. It also alludes to the gang wars that have claimed the lives of several American rappers, and is a warning and a plea that the Australian hip-hop scene does not follow suit.

On release, the single's video caused a slight controversy, as some people criticized the use of images of murdered rapper Tupac Shakur, which were interspersed with old footage of Turner and the Modern Day Poets. Additionally, ABC video show Rage censored the lyric "When peeps knock on your door / And force you to the floor / Put a gun in your mouth / Blow your brains out all over the wall". Shortly after, a second clip for the song emerged in which Shakur’s likeness was replaced with current footage of MDP performing the lyrics.

"Respect" was released in Australia on October 17, 2005. It debuted in the top 40 of the ARIA singles chart, peaking at #29 and reaching #2 on the Queensland charts.

[edit] Track listing

1. "Respect" (Radio Edit)
Writers: J. Turner, T. Turner, C. Turner, M. Puni, B. Bouro
Producers: Joel Turner, Craig Porteils

2. "Respect" (Live Freo's West Coast Blues and Roots Festival)
Writers: J. Turner, T. Turner, C. Turner, M. Puni, B. Bouro
Producers: Joel Turner, Craig Porteils

3. "Respect" (Video)

4. DVD Trailer