Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. (W.I./UK/US black teen) a phr. used to accord the subject the respect they have earned on the basis of earlier positive or praiseworthy actions; also used as a greeting.

1991		Reeves & Mortimer Vic Reeves Big Night Out n.p.: Yo! Respect, Dennis!
1997		C. Newland Scholar 46: Respec’ cuz, for that ironin’ lick.
2003		Eble Campus Sl. Nov. 6: respect – one-word affirmation.
2008		posting at http://postbourgie.com 20 Oct. 🌐 Respect due? To whom? To the perfectly normal McCain supporters we all know exist? To the McCain campaign for sending out their token Muslim to attack the nut?
2016		A. Wheatle Crongton Knights 258: ‘You saved my behind and your crew [...] Nuff respect due’.

2. (W.I./UK black teen) used as a greeting.

1992		V. Headley Yardie 39: ‘Respect, me breddah,’ he said simply.
1999		J. Cameron Brown Bread in Wengen [ebook] ‘Dean I got to get in there. Respect man, and you take care’.
2003		N. Hopkinson Salt Roads (2004) 12: ‘Honour, ma tant!’ she called out. [...] ‘Respect!’ Mer cried, returning Tipingee’s greeting.