MP3: Sole and The Skyrider Band – “Shipwreckers” http://www.anticon.com/pr/Shipwreckers.mp3

Anticon artist Sole, known to his parents as Tim Holland, will release Sole and the Skyrider Band, his first album recorded entirely with a live band (and fourth official full-length overall), on Oct. 23.

Though Sole’s last album, Live From Rome, came out only two and a half years ago, and Sole has been busy in the meantime, recently releasing a solo instrumental LP, under the moniker mansbestfriend, and twice touring the U.S. and Europe, he nonetheless refers to the self-titled Sole & The Skyrider Band record as a “comeback.” It’s a curious term; what is a comeback exactly? Simply a return with a vengeance?

In some ways, it is a record of return—a return to rhyming, for one, particularly the complicated rhyme schemes that marked Sole’s early work, a return driven by his seemingly, but not actually, discordant love of both Lord Byron and Lil’ Wayne. Sole & The Skyrider Band also represents a return to the musical consistency and coherence that made the Alias-produced Selling Live Water a critical triumph.

It is also, though, more than a mere return. Even before he’d finished Live From Rome, Sole had become disenchanted with the process by which he’d been making music: get a beat, spit a rap, mix it down. Experiments with half of Twelve, an acclaimed improv outfit from Barcelona, and a detour into solo instrumental work followed, until a fortuitous series of events led him into the arms of the Orlando three-piece, Skyrider. Skyrider soon relocated to Flagstaff, Arizona, where Sole’s been living since his return from living abroad, and all of a sudden, music-making became a warmer, richer thing. And you can hear it in the music: these songs feel lived-in, composed but not cold or calculated, and fierce but not angsty.

Each song grew out of an organic process: they’d improvise; Bud Berning, Skyrider’s bassist and sampler conductor, would then comb the tapes for promising material; Sole would isolate moments in Berning’s selection and start to incorporate vocals; drummer John Wagner and omni-instrumentalist William Ryan Fritch would stitch in new sections; finally, all four would pound out the shape of the song; Berning’s keen editorial ear and perfectionist twitch dealt with the details; and anticon’s Alias
accomplished the mixing.

This process produced a musicality new to Sole’s discography, and also furnished a number of stunning juxtapositions. Witness Sole and Fritch’s interaction on “100 Light Years and Running,” which bridges the gap between chamber music and N.W.A. while serenading the glittering beauty of Arizona’s night sky, or the play of buzzing guitar, turntable accents, and liquid drums in “On Paradise,” where Sole riffs on a passage from Werner Herzog’s Fata Morgana. It’s a record where the lovely analog of “Shipwreckers” (where Sole jacks the hook from the Guy Debord film, Refutation of All Judgements) comfortably cohabits with the grinding, anthemic opening track, where Sole promises, “when the last buzzard eats the last candy bar from the last body on the San Andreas, it’ll be a sad day for investors.”

Superbad: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Are You Ready For Some McLovin Music For Your Superbad Funky Self?
Soundtrack Features The Roots, Bootsy Collins, Clyde Stubblefield, John “Jab’o” Starks, Phelps “Catfish” Collins, and Bernie Worrell.

Soundtrack release: August 7th, 2007
Film opens: August 17th, 2007

At Superbad’s infancy the combination of 60’s-70’s Funk, R&B, and even Blaxploitation, had already been established for the film’s musical makeup as written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. The producer and director, Judd Apatow and Greg Motolla loved the juxtaposition of these two white high school kids and this funky music; it just worked on a myriad of levels. The composer, Lyle Workman and music supervisor, Jonathan Karp agreed that the original music be as authentic as possible in order to sound as soulful and greasy as the songs and score music that had been temped in as inspiration. This path toward authenticity dictated that the musicians were the originators and innovators — the most influential names synonymous with Funk. With sights set on soul royalty, the team set out going after the alumni of James Brown’s band. Bootsy Collins, Mr. Brown’s groundbreaking bassist before joining George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, was the first on board. Nabbed next was the funkiest of funky drummers, Clyde Stubblefield and John “Jab’o” Starks, both heard on Mr. Brown’s most popular songs. Adding Phelps “Catfish” Collins on guitar and keyboard genius Bernie Worrell, the dream band had been assembled. Because they had not seen each other in years, the spirit in the studio was very much a family reunion and something to behold. In the end, what was achieved from this joyous congregation far exceeded the expectations. Enjoy…

Listen to music here… http://www.myspace.com/superbadsoundtrack

Tracklisting

01. Super What? – Lyle Workman
02. Too Hot To Stop – The Bar-Kays
03. Seth Pulls Into Lot – Lyle Workman
04. Cops See Fogel’s ID/ Seth Saves Evan – Lyle Workman
05. Do Me – Jean Knight
06. Flashback Party Weekend – Lyle Workman
07. P.S. I Love You – Curtis Mayfield
08. Evan Runs – Lyle Workman
09. Sleeping Bags – Lyle Workman
10. Like A Pimp – Lyle Workman
11. Here I Come – The Roots f/ Malik B. & Dice Raw
12. Seth Runs On Track – Lyle Workman
13. Bustin’ Out (On Funk) – Rick James
14. Evan’s Basement Jam – Lyle Workman
15. Roda – Sergio Mendes & Brasil ‘66
16. Goldslick/Seth Fantasy – Lyle Workman
17. Soul Finger – The Bar-Kays
18. Funk McLovin – Lyle Workman

Halftooth Records Presents:

MEDIAN – MEDIAN’S RELIEF

DEBUT ALBUM FROM JUSTUS LEAGUE’S MEDIAN DUE OUT ON SEPTEMBER 25TH ON HALFTOOTH RECORDS!!

Every so often a musician comes along who uniquely captures the attention of the listener in a personal, heart-felt manner. MEDIAN, born James Livingston, has done just that. MEDIAN is part of the North Carolina based Hip-Hop crew The JUSTUS LEAGUE, which also consists of members Little Brother, The Away Team, Cesar Comanche, L.E.G.A.C.Y., Edgar Allen Flow, Chaundon and more.

MEDIAN first received a tremendous amount of attention and critical acclaim in 2003 when he emerged on the Hip-Hop scene with his memorable guest appearance on Little Brother’s certified-classic debut album, The Listening. MEDIAN made an even stronger impression on the Hip-Hop community with his classic 2005 single “Comfortable” (produced by 9th Wonder) b/w “2 Sided Coin (Remix)” (produced by Khrysis), as well as his outstanding songs such as “Visionary” and “MEDIAN Alleviates the Drama (M.A.D.)” from his critically acclaimed independently-released debut EP entitled The Path to Relief EP (2005). MEDIAN has since received even more recognition from his stand-out performances and quotable verses on albums including The Foreign Exchange’s Connected, Rapper Big Pooh’s Sleepers, Kenn Starr’s Starr Status and Cesar Comanche’s Squirrel And The Aces, leaving fans yearning for more material from the gifted lyricist. Now, with the recent release of his new chart-topping single “Rize” (produced by Khrysis) b/w “Love Again” (produced by Koen) & “How Big Is Your World?” (produced by 9th Wonder), as well as the forthcoming release of his debut full-length album MEDIAN’s Relief, MEDIAN is well on his way to proving himself as one of Hip-Hop’s brightest talents and one of Hip-Hop’s future stars.

MEDIAN’s Relief features outstanding production from 9th Wonder, Khrysis, Nicolay, Ant B, and more, as well as guest appearances from the likes of Joe Scudda, Chaundon, L.E.G.A.C.Y. and Spectac. From thought-provoking tracks like “Powershift,” “How Big Is Your World?” and “What Would You Do?” to uplifting songs like “Rize” and “Strides,” to captivating storytelling songs like “Brenda’s Baby” and “Personified,” MEDIAN’s Relief covers a wide-range of emotions and subject-matter that is sure to engage and connect with the listener in a distinctive and electrifying way.

According to MEDIAN, “MEDIAN’s Relief is a journey through some of my life’s experiences thus far. Some of the songs are like excerpts from my personal journal. Other songs are just feel good records; sometimes I even touch on political and philosophical concepts, but always with the goal of making dope music.” MEDIAN’s Relief is a genuinely special and unique work of art that is sure to secure a place as one of the most notable, original and influential Hip-Hop albums of its time.

Tracklisting and credits for MEDIAN’s Relief:

1.) Love Again f/Real Love (produced by Koen)
2.) Simile (produced by Zo!)
3.) Collage (produced by 9th Wonder)
4.) Personified (produced by 9th Wonder)
5.) Rize f/LaDehra (produced by Khrysis)
6.) What Would You Do? (produced by Ant B)
7.) Powershift (produced by Nicolay)
8.) Brenda’s Baby (produced by Nicolay)
9.) Right Or Wrong? (produced by Centric)
10.) Choices f/Joe Scudda & Chaundon (produced by 9th Wonder)
11.) How Big Is Your World? (produced by 9th Wonder)
12.) Strides f/Mark Wells (produced by Nicolay)
13.) Pardon Me Dude f/Louisha (produced by C.Keen)
14.) 2 Sided Coin Remix f/Spectac & L.E.G.A.C.Y. (produced by Khrysis)
15.) Personified (Super Charged Remix) (produced by Khrysis)
16.) Comfortable (Midnight Remix) (produced by Koen)

Rema Ma turned herself in yesterday (July 14) for attempted murder.

The 26-year-old rapper was out celebrating a friend’s birthday on Friday, when she noticed money missing from her wallet. She accused her friend, Makeda Barnes-Joseph, of taking it, and the dispute escalated, resulting in Ma allegedly shooting Barnes-Joseph twice in the abdomen at close range. The Terror Squad member then peeled out in her Escalade, only to crash it a few blocks down and flee in a taxi.

”I ask everyone to keep an open mind,” said Ma’s attorney Scott Leemon. ”Things are not always as they seem.”

She is being charged with attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Barnes-Joseph is said to be in stable condition.

Update: Concrete Loop posted this collage of (clockwise from left): 1.) Ma and Barnes-Joseph, 2.) The blue Escalade Ma crashed shortly after the shooting, and 3.) the pizza place where the party was.

The site also reports, via the NY Daily News, that the spat was over $2,000, and that Barnes-Joseph screamed, “Please don’t let me die!” as she lay bleeding on the ground next to her car.

WEST COAST HIP-HOP CREW, Strong Arm Steady, PREPS DEBUT STUDIO LP, DEEP HEARTED, PLUS EXCLUSIVE MIXTAPE TO SUPPORT IT

DEEP HEARTED TO BE RELEASED

ON AUGUST 28TH, 2007

LA, CA—– Strong Arm Steady is a West Coast super-group, consisting of the cream of California’s underground hip-hop scene, namely Phil the Agony, Mitchy Slick and Krondon. Over the years, Strong Arm Steady has toured relentlessly and pounded the mixtape circuit for years, independently distributing over 200,000 mixtapes worldwide. SAS has become the staple sound of the new West Coast movement.

Strong Arm Steady’s debut album, Deep Hearted, (featuring Chamillionaire, Juvenile, Black Thought of The Roots, Xzibit, Talib Kweli, Dilated Peoples, Ras Kass and more) is the culmination of years of hard work. Their never ending grind and consistent track record of creating great music shows why Strong Arm Steady is a force to be reckoned with.

As fans eagerly await the release of Deep Hearted (IN STORES AUG. 28th, 2007, ON NATURE SOUNDS), DJs Truly OdD and Babu prepared a 30 minute taste of what to expect from the trio. This soon to be classic mix contains a variety of never-heard-before joints and exclusives from their debut offering. The late great J Dilla, DJ Babu, and DJ Khalil, among others, handle production on this mix with features from Planet Asia, Dilated Peoples, Chace Infinite, Talib Kweli, and more.

Download the mixtape (AS ONE CONTINUOUS MIX) here: www.nature-sounds.net/sasmix.mp3

Tracklisting and credits for Strong Arm Steady’s Deep Hearted:

1.) Intro f/jack Nicholson & The Game (produced by Dubb Knox)
2.) The Movement f/Planet Asia (produced by Thayod Ausar)
3.) You Ain’t Me f/Chamillionaire & Rass Kass (produced by Da Riffs)
4.) Bloody Money f/PNB (Pop ‘n Bullets) and Jelly Roll (produced by DJ Khalil)
5.) Co-Operation f/Dilated Peoples (produced by DJ Babu)
6.) Clean Up f/Black Thought & Saukrates (produced by Madlib)
7.) One Step f/Talib Kweli (produced by Blaqtoven)
8.) I Can’t Wait f/Tha Liks & Stylistic Jones (produced by Thayod Ausar)
9.) Kings Of The Deck f/Planet Asia (produced by Da Riffs)
10.) Come N Get Me f/Ina Williams (produced by DJ Khalil)
11.) Homies f/Blaqtoven (produced by J Thrill)
12.) Streetlights f/Talib Kweli (produced by Evidence)
13.) On The Grind (produced by J Thrill)
14.) Wreckless Words (produced by DJ Khalil)
15.) Dirty Dirty f/Juvenile (produced by J Macc)

Dead Letter Perfect: The Perfect Hip Hop Album

Chicago, IL–To say that SoulStice spits knowledge would be an understatement; after all, he does have a Masters Degree in Electrical Computer Engineering and holds down a position with the Department of Defense! Yet, SoulStice iterates that the challenge of balancing his high-powered “day job” and his passion for music is the creative fuel behind his unique brand of hip hop. Years of grind and immersion in hip hop culture culminated in the fall of 2005 for SoulStice with the release of his debut album North by Northwest: Solid Ground. Released independently through Wandering Soul Records, the album was quickly hailed by critics and fans as one of the best hip hop albums of 2005. The success of the debut was followed up in 2006 with the release of the collaborative album Dark Water, which SoulStice crafted as part of the hip hop duo, Wade Waters.

SoulStice has since been featured in XXL Magazine, The Source, URB, Scratch, Elemental, allhiphop.com and many other key hip hop publications and websites. Renowned journalist Tavis Smiley has even declared himself a fan of his music, interviewing SoulStice and Wade Waters on his nationally syndicated radio show. Performing throughout the US and Europe, SoulStice has shared stages with artists as diverse as John Legend and Wu-Tang Clan and has collaborated with AZ of Illmatic fame, former Terror Squad member, Cuban Link, Justus League’s 9th Wonder and many others. SoulStice is also a voting member of the Recording Academy and attended the 2007 Grammy Awards this past February. This fall, SoulStice is set to release his sophomore solo effort, Dead Letter Perfect, which he calls “the perfect hip hop album.”

Dead Letter Perfect exemplifies SoulStice’s blend of Chicago soul with east-coast boom-bap; resulting in what he insists is “commercial hip hop” with awareness and attitude. Hip-hop is considered by many to be “classic” when it paints a picture vivid enough to be experienced by any listener, regardless of their own background. Throughout Dead Letter Perfect, SoulStice documents his one-of-a-kind journey from the windy city of Chicago to the nation’s capitol of Washington, DC, and across the globe. Although “classic” is a claim that only time can verify, SoulStice’s claim to have made the perfect album can only be decided by the legion of Hip-hop fans worldwide.

Tracklisting and credits for SoulStice’s Dead Letter Perfect:

1.) “Southside Ride” (produced by Oddisee)
2.) “High As You Wanna” (produced by Analogic)
3.) “Be Perfect” (produced by K-Salaam & Beatnick)
4.) “Book of Days” (produced by Oddisee)
5.) “World’s On Fire” f/Haysoos (produced by Oddisee)
6.) “Not Perfect” f/Olivier Daysoul (produced by M-phazes)
7.) “Be Strong” (produced by SBe Audiologist)
8.) “Dreamer” (produced by SBe Audiologist)
9.) “Like This” (produced by Oddisee)
10.) “The Time” f/ Stef (produced by SBe Audiologist)
11.) “Get It Right” f/Oddisee and Olivier Daysoul (produced by Oddisee)
12.) “Still Love” (produced by M-phazes)
13.) “No Chance” f/Wordsworth (produced by Analogic)
14.) “Recognize” (produced by Bring it Back)
15.) “The Quickening” (produced by Oddisee)

“this guy obviously has too much time on his hands. —Bilal

“all around innovative. He is exactly what the game needs right now.” —James Poyser

“I’m telling you the brother is gifted.” —Ge-ology

“Hezekiah is a great talent. It’s about time.” —Scott Storch

Citing country music, Quincy Jones and Kool G Rap as influences, Hezekiah was undeniably born to be different. Alas, music is second nature to Hezekiah, as he was raised in a musical family just outside of Philadelphia and got his chops at an early age, soaking up his parents predilection for Blues (Otis Redding and Bo Diddley) and belting out God’s greatest hits at his family’s church; and before long Hezekiah was singing in his Uncle’s band, the Funk Disciples (who dropped some super hard-to-find wax in the mid-70’s).

But it was getting up with the Legendary Roots Crew in ‘93 that spurred him to get down to business. Hezekiah then began to work his way up through the ranks of the Philly’s ever-strong and flourishing Hiphop scene with his on point wordplay, superior songwriting, and lovely production skills—working with the likes of Musiq Soulchild, Bilal, The Jazzyfatnastees and Bahamadia.

In 2005 Hezekiah’s debut album Hurry Up & Wait (a title dedicated to the woes of the independent artist), was released to critical praises by Vibe, Trace, XLR8R, Allhiphop.com, Pitchforkmedia.com, okayplayer.com and also included on Itunes “Best Of 2005” list among many others) on New York’s Soulspazm Records. Put together in full-on Hiphop hermit mode, as he produced the record locked up in his home studio and penned all of its lyrics lost amongst crowds in the chaos of Philly. What resulted was a collection of luxurious, smoked out Hiphop beats and minimal synth Funk produced by the man himself (with notable exceptions coming from Illmind); with Hezekiah flowing beautifully atop it every second of the way.

In addition, he’s the driving force behind the influential Beat Society and at the request of Dawn Thompson (sister of The Roots musical mastermind ?uestlove) was tapped to co-produce the music for a Showtime original series entitled Street Time.

Now the Philly based Beat Society member renowned for his live performances (Hezekiah will be exclusively touring throughout 2007 and is currently opening up for Mos Def) returns with his sophomore LP, I Predict A Riot, which will be released on 9-18-07 courtesy of Rawkus/Soulspazm Records. Featuring guest appearances from a who’s who list of Philly’s finest; Hezekiah’s I Predict A Riot includes collaborations with Freeway, Bilal, Jaguar Wright and Chief Kamachi among others. While Hezekiah continues to flex his chops behind the boards and he handles the majority of the production, I Predict A Riot, also includes production from Oddisee. Hezekiah laments “I’m not a conscious rapper; I just have something to say. I’m a nerd, a freak, a geek, but I’m dangerous. This is the start of something new.” Born to be different—indeed!

Hezekiah’s riot begins on September 18th, 2007!!

You can view the incredible EPK for Hezekiah’s I Predict A Riot here: http://www.laskarmusic.com/artists/hezekiah/

Tracklisting and credits for Hezekiah’s I Predict A Riot:

1.) The Beginning f/Muhsinah, (produced by Oddisee)
2.) Wild & Wreckless, (produced by Hezekiah and Rick Tate)
3.) If One Falls f/Eleon (produced by Hezekiah)
4.) That Filling f/Freeway (produced by Hezekiah)
5.) Looking Up f/Bilal (produced by Anthony Accurate)
6.) Single Now (produced by Hezekiah)
7.) Let’s Get Involved f/Jamal (produced by Hezekiah)
8.) Bombs Over Here (produced by Vegan Pork Grind)
9.) Definition of A Bitch (Lude)
10.) I See Yaw f/ Jaguar Wright (produced by Hezekiah and Fred Kenny)
11.) I.P.A.R. (Lude)
12.) Moments in Sometime f/Aaron Livingston (produced by Hezekiah and
Aaron Livingston)
13.) I Predict A Riot f/Keziah & E. Shon Burgundy (produced by Hezekiah
14.) Freak (Lude)
15.) Gotta Love It f/Tarentz Moreese (produced by Hezekiah)
16.) Ghetto People f/Richard Raw, Chief Kamachi & State Store (produced by
Hezekiah)
17.) Afro Lude (produced by Hezekiah and Tony Whitfield)
18.) Muhsinah Outro

LUDACRIS AND DISTURBING THA PEACE RECORDS READY FOR STRENGTH IN NUMBERS, 3rd DTP ALL-STAR COMPILATION, DUE AUG. 28th

Starring: Ludacris, Bobby Valentino, Block Xchange, Brolic D, Chingy, I-20, Serius Jones, Steph Jones, Lil’ Fate, Playaz Circle, Shareefa, Shawn Jay, Shawnna, Small World, Smoke, and Willy Northpole

TWO ADVANCE TRACKS IMPACTING NOW AT RADIO MIX SHOW FORMATS:

“Duffle Bag Boy” by Playaz Circle feat. Lil’ Wayne (impacts at Urban radio July 23rd)

“Celebrity Chick” by Ludacris, Chingy, Steph Jones, and Small World (impact at Rhythm format, on August 27th, and at Pop radio on Aug. 27th)

(July 9, 2007 – New York, NY) Call it the ultimate mixtape event of 2007, as STRENGTH IN NUMBERS showcases the label’s family of artists on 12 brand new previously unreleased tracks, set to arrive in stores on August 28th.

In addition to multi-platinum DTP core artists Ludacris, who is CEO of the company (distributed worldwide by Island Def Jam Music Group), and Bobby Valentino, the new comp­ila­tion stars (in alphabetical order): Block Xchange, Brolic D, Chingy, I-20, Serius Jones, Steph Jones, Lil’ Fate, Playaz Circle, Shareefa, Shawn Jay, Shawnna, Small World, Smoke, and Willy Northpole.

With one exception, every track on STRENGTH IN NUMBERS is a collaboration of two or more DTP artists. In advance of the album’s street date, two tracks have been singled out for impact last week and this week at all radio Mix Show formats: “Duffle Bag Boy” by Playaz Circle featuring Lil’ Wayne; and the album’s opening track, “Celebrity Chick” by Ludacris, Chingy, Steph Jones, and Small World. Looking ahead, “Duffle Bag Boy” will impact at Urban radio on July 23rd; on the same date, “Celebrity Chick” will impact at the Rhythm format, and on August 27th, it will impact at Pop radio.

The video for “Celebrity Chick” was filmed earlier this week in Los Angeles, and is expected to premiere in mid-July, date to be announced shortly. Also, look for a special BET “Access Granted” feature on the making of the video on July 18th. The video for “Duffle Bag Boy” will be shot soon.

As of this writing, the track sequence for STRENGTH BY NUMBERS is as follows:

1. “Celebrity Chick” – by Chingy, Steph Jones, and Small World
2. “Hot Tamales” by Small World, Chingy, and Serius Jones
3. “Jealous Of Me” by Small World, Shawn Jay, and Tity Boi
4. “Don’t Check Me” by Ludacris, Playaz Circle, and I-20
5. “Windy City” by Block Xchange, Shawnna, and Ludacris
6. “The Game” by Shareefa, Serius Jones, Chingy, and Small World
7. “DTP” by Willy Northpole and I-20
9. “Speakers In the Trunk” by Brolic D and Tity Boi
10. “Let’s Go”(Remix) by Bobby Valentino featuring Lil’ Fate
11. “Duffle Bag Boy” by Playaz Circle featuring Lil’ Wayne
12. “Live On Stage” by DTP Family (including Small World, Brolic D, Playaz Circle, Smoke, Willy Northpole, and Ludacris)
13. “Act Like Us” by Playaz Circle, Serius Jones, and Willy Northpole
14. “We Ain’t Worried ‘Bout U” by Ludacris

STRENGTH BY NUMBERS marks the third time that Ludacris has dedicated an entire album to spotlighting his label roster. After debuting in 2000 with his triple-platinum Incognegro (aka Back For the First Time, with “What’s Your Fantasy” and “Southern Hospitality”), followed in 2001 with the triple-platinum Word Of Mouf (with “Area Codes,” “Move B***h,” and “Saturday (Oooh Oooh!)”) – 2002 brought Golden Grain. The 15-track album presented tracks with Shawnna, Lil’ Fate, Tity Boi, I-20, and others (as well as guests Scarface, Mystikal, and Too Short).

Luda came back strong in 2003 with the double-platinum Chicken-N-Beer, the #1 Pop/#1 R&B, success that gave him his first across-the-board #1 Rap/#1 R&B/ #1 Pop cross­over hit, “Stand Up.” It was followed by the double-platinum The Red Light District in 2004.

The second DTP compilation was released in December 2005, Ludacris Presents … Disturbing Tha Peace. The 17-track package that starred Ludacris, Bobby Valentino, Shawnna, Playaz Circle, Lil’ Fate, I-20, Shareefa, Field Mob, Lazyeye, Norflck, as well as guest shots by Jamie Foxx, Stat Quo and others. The platinum Grammy Winning Release Therapy, the most recent solo album by Ludacris, was released September 2006, and spun off the #1 single “Runaway Love” featuring Mary J. Blige.

Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan to unveil the long awaited debut from the Ice Water clique on August 28th via Babygrande Records

Highly anticipated album features Method Man, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross, Three Six Mafia, Remy Ma, Jagged Edge & more.

Under the tutelage of Wu-Tang Clan’s resident chef Raekwon, the four-man crew of Polite, Stomach, P.C. (Paulie Caskets) and D.C. (Donnie Cash) marks Staten Island’s return to prominence as a hotbed for fresh, credible talent. Die hard fans may remember Ice Water from their appearances on several tracks on Raekwon’s last album, 2002’s “The Lex Diamond Story,” as well as their opening stints for the Chef on his subsequent 30+ state tour. As Raekwon confirms, “We knew these cats had potential way back, but the timing wasn’t right. I always kept a radar on dudes, and when I felt they was ready mentally and lyrically, I helped ‘em get on.”

Raekwon compares his protracted development of the group to raising pitbulls: “I’m training these pits. I’ve got them on the treadmill, and I’m beating ‘em, feedin’ ‘em hot sauce and steaks, so they’re ready for this industry.”

Honed and focused, Ice Water’s debut, Raekwon presents…Ice Water: ”Polluted Water,” will finally be released on August 28th on Babygrande Records, home to such renowned and critically acclaimed talent as Hi-Tek, GZA, Jedi Mind Tricks, Immortal Technique and more. Raekwon states, “Babygrande recognized that Wu is a brand, and we’ve got so many different divisions of rappers around us.”

But is Ice Water really ready for the spotlight?

The veteran multi-platinum selling MC speaks earnestly, justifying the time he’s taken to refine the quartet’s innate skills: “I can’t put my name on anything that I feel is not on my level. These dudes are on my level, that’s why I pushed for the project; I believe in them.” A-listers such as Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross, Remy Ma, Three Six Mafia and Jagged Edge believed too, appearing on a number of the album’s tracks, which also features appearances from Rae himself and Method Man, along with production by such renowned producers as Scram Jones, Jagged Edge and EZ-Elpee. According to Rae, the collaborations weren’t just a result of Rae’s industry stature: “Yea I pushed a couple of buttons. Busta Rhymes, he’s a good friend of ours; but he knew where these dudes was at. Nobody would represent these guys if they didn’t have a good taste in they mouth about dudes”

Honing their craft for over a decade, Ice Water has paid their dues. Indeed, the release of “Polluted Water” marks both the return and rebirth of Staten Island hip-hop. The significance of the group’s long awaited emergence from the Wu-Tang Clan’s very own Shaolin stomping ground is not lost on Master Chef Raekwon: “At the end of the day, I knew I’d never build another dynasty with eight or nine dudes. But these dudes’ chemistry is perfect. This is the next dynasty.”

Raekwon presents…Ice Water: “Polluted Water” hits stores August 28th, 2007.

“My Girl Gotta Girl Friend” Audio

Windows Media – Real Player

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/RAYLAVENDER

Over the years, Atlanta, Georgia has introduced its fair share of music superstars to the world. And with the introduction of Ray “Ray-L” Lavender tradition will undoubtedly continue. Coming to Atlanta by way of Monroe, Louisiana, Akon’s Kon Live Records and Geffen Records artist Ray “Ray-L” Lavender is poised to become one of music’s brightest young stars with his sensual yet hard-edged brand of R&B.

Growing up, 23-year old Ray admired a wide array of artist but it was R. Kelly who first truly inspired Ray to pursue his passion. “His tribulations sounded like my tribulations. He inspired me to write, sing, and become a hard working young man,” states Ray. This work ethic has stayed with Ray to this day and grows even stronger for he is equally passionate about songwriting as he is about singing.

It all started with businessman Andrew Bryant AKA “Drew” 10 years ago. Drew met the group Collabo that Ray sang lead for at a studio in Atlanta and was blown away. It was then that Drew signed and further developed the group under his production company and only a matter of time before music industry heavyweights like Jazze Pha, Dallas Austin, Teddy Riley, and Tricky Stewart would begin to take notice of Ray as a solo artist and vie for a chance to work with him.

With more than enough possibilities for Ray, Drew introduced him to his long time friend Akon. Instant chemistry sparked upon the two meeting, and Ray became the first act to be signed to Akon’s Kon Live Records, joint venture with Geffen Records. Ray soon recorded his new album, X-Rayted, under the creative mastery of the multi-platinum selling songwriter and producer.

Although his peers in the industry serve as a major motivator, it is from life experience that Ray draws his greatest inspiration. Born into a large family of ardent music admirers Ray was destined for the stage. The loss of his father only encouraged him to make a difference not only for himself, but his family as well. Using his past to provide determination and motivation, another major part of his influence comes from the ladies. With his handsome good looks and sweet southern drawl he is a ladies man for sure. “I love the ladies . . .,” Ray says with grin.

The first single “My Girl’s Gotta Girlfriend” from Ray Lavender’s debut album X-Rayted (due out early fall) is receiving a tremendous amount of buzz across the country. With its racy and timely subject matter of the moment X-Rayted lives up to its name as it pushes the limit of the sexy side of R&B.