ULTRA RECORDS

New York, NY – Ultra Records is proud to announce the release this week of Ultra.2010, the third installment of the annual series from the award-winning music label. Ultra.2010 compiles the best releases from the past year, each song having proven itself within the dance community and with crossover audiences. This two-disc collection of the year’s best original dance tunes and fantastic dancefloor-friendly remixes will be a must have for all dance music enthusiasts, especially in the upcoming holiday season.

Each of Ultra.2010’s nearly hour-long CDs is mixed by DJ and producer Dave Audé, whose remixing credits have garnered him 42 Hot Dance Club Play #1s (Billboard), 15 alone in this year. Audé’s chart-topping remixes of The Pussycat Dolls’ “When I Grow Up” and Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” are both included on Ultra.2010.

Other highlights from the 24-track set include the #1 hit “When Love Takes Over” by David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland and Britney Spears’ provocative single “If You Seek Amy.” A number of tracks from Ultra’s stellar roster are also featured on the collection, including a remix of Pitbull’s internationally chart-topping smash single “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho),” and Guru Josh Project’s #1 international phenomenon “Infinity (Klaas Vocal Mix).” Other Ultra artists represented on Ultra.2010 include Tiësto, deadmau5, Calvin Harris, Basement Jaxx, and Kim Sozzi.

Ultra Records is the home of several award-winning and internationally-renowned DJs, producers, and dance music artists, including a total of 20 placers in the Top 100 DJs Poll this year, including Armin van Buuren and Tiësto in the top two spots.

Ultra.2010 (2xCD, Ultra Records) is available in stores and online now wherever music is sold.

About Ultra Records
Ultra Records is an American independent electronic dance music record label, voted Winter Music Conference’s IDMA “Best American Dance Label” (2006-2009) and Billboard’s Dance Airplay Label of the Year (2005-2008). Ultra was formed in New York City in 1995 by former Polygram and Virgin Records executive Patrick Moxey, who is still the owner. Ultra’s current roster includes American artists Markus Schulz, Steve Smooth, Kaskade, Sharam, Cedric Gervais, and international artists Tiësto, Paul Oakenfold, Above & Beyond, The Young Punx, Benny Benassi, Ferry Corsten, Armin van Buuren, Kraak & Smaak, Morcheeba, Fedde le Grand, Enur and others in North America. Ultra has featured releases from the aforementioned artists and many others such as Pitbull, Paul van Dyk, The Crystal Method, Timo Maas, Sasha & John Digweed, 4 Strings, Panjabi MC, Despina Vandi and Junkie XL. In the U.S., Ultra Records is distributed by Alternative Distribution Alliance/Warner; elsewhere, Ultra is distributed by EMI Canada and Vital UK

Tracklisting:

Disc 1

1. David Guetta ft. Kelly Rowland – When Love Takes Over
2. Pitbull – I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) (Alex Gaudino and Jason Rooney Remix)
3. The Pussycat Dolls – When I Grow Up (Dave Audé Audacious Club)
4. Lady Gaga – Poker Face (Dave Audé Remix)
5. Guru Josh Project – Infinity (Klaas Vocal Mix)
6. Britney Spears – If U Seek Amy (Radio Edit)
7. Axwell, Ingrosso, Angello, Laidback Luke ft. Deborah Cox – Leave the World Behind
8. Fedde le Grand ft. Mitch Crown – Let Me Be Real (Radio Edit)
9. deadmau5 ft. Rob Swire – Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff
10. Remady – No Superstar (Full Vocal Mix)
11. Tiësto ft. Tegan and Sara – Feel It In My Bones
12. Calvin Harris – Ready for the Weekend

Disc 2

1. J Brazil – Girl I’m Trying (Weekend Radio Edit)
2. Honorebel ft. Pitbull & Jump Smokers – Now You See It (Club Mix)
3. N.A.S.A. ft. Kanye West, Santogold & Lykke Li – Gifted (Treasure Fingers Remix)
4. Chelley – Took the Night (Luxury Goods Mix)
5. Inna – Hot (Play and Win Radio Edit)
6. Haley – This Is How It Goes (Kaskade’s Grand Club Edit)
7. The Tamperer ft. Maya – Feel It 2009 (Pop Trumpet Club Mix)
8. Nicola Fasano vs Pat-Rich – 76, Ocean Drive (Apache Vocal Mix)
9. Basement Jaxx ft. Sam Sparro – Feelings Gone
10. Kim Sozzi – Cry Tonight (Kiss Me Back) (Extended Mix)
11. 4 Strings – Take Me Away (Into The Night) (Dave Darell Remix)
12. Basshunter – Every Morning

The country’s hottest comedian, Katt Williams (First Sunday, Pimpin’ Pimpin’, American Hustle), showcases his laugh-out-loud comedic talents and unique charisma in Katt Williams: Pimpadelic.

Katt Williams: Pimpadelic features exclusive never before seen concert footage and an incredible rare, sit down, in-depth interview with the comedian himself. Never before have Katt Williams’ fans been granted such extensive access inside the mind of the outrageous star. Extra features include an additional bonus concert footage that had long been considered lost.

Commented Producer and CEO of Codeblack Entertainment Jeff Clanagan, “What’s special about Pimpadelic is that you get a hilarious concert performance and you also get a chance to see the personal side of Katt through the unearthed back-stage footage and rare and never-before-seen interview we were able to acquire from Katt’s personal vault. You get to relate to Katt in a way that we haven’t been able to before. It’s quite insightful.”

Check out the trailer and this hilarious DVD clips! *These clips contain explicit language*

Trailer (VIDEO):

Never Watch CNN While Smoking Weed (CLIP

Keep Up With… (CLIP):

About Katt Williams: Pimpadelic

The country’s hottest comedian, Katt Williams (First Sunday, Norbit, Friday After Next), is best known for his laugh-out-loud comedic style and unique and outlandish personality. But what is never shown is the real Katt. Pimpadelic features Katt performing some of his funniest material in front of a sold-out crowd in Washington D.C. and an extensive rare and never-before-seen interview where Katt talks intimately about his family, career, god, his future and the state of the comedy business. This is a must see for every true Katt fan! Also included is a 15 minute never-before-seen bonus performance unearthed from Katt’s personal vault. This DVD is jam packed with funny!

About Codeblack Entertainment LLC

Codeblack Enterprises LLC is the first African American-owned new media & entertainment company. Codeblack Enterprises’ reach is all-encompassing, from production and national distribution of feature films to its innovative e-commerce arm. The company’s portfolio consists of Codeblack Entertainment and Codeblack Interactive. Codeblack Entertainment is the first African American-owned film studio, engaged in the business of producing, acquiring, marketing and distributing quality content to today’s urban consumer across a variety of traditional and digital platforms. The studio, which is both independent and vertically integrated, was created out of the necessity for the positive representation of African Americans in film. Codeblack Interactive focuses on distributing content across digitally interactive platforms, including global distribution to mobile and digital carriers such as Codeblack TV, a broadband on-demand channel, by which viewers can download, stream and deliver Codeblack properties over the internet.

Concord Jazz today announced the release of vibraphonist-composer Stefon Harris’s 7th album as a bandleader and Concord debut, Urbanus. The new release picks up where 2004’s Evolution left off in that it features Blackout, his scintillating ensemble that’s as versed in modern jazz as it is with rhythms, melodies and soundscapes associated with R&B, pop, hip-hop and funk. The 10-track-album will be available August 25, 2009.

The GRAMMY-nominated musician has been hailed as “one of the most important young artists in jazz” (Los Angeles Times), and is widely recognized by both peers and critics alike for his innovative compositions, blazing new paths on the vibraphone and marimba. On Urbanus, Stefon Harris and Blackout display a deeper group rapport as well as a more expansive sonic palette as Marc Cary complements the acoustic piano with Fender Rhodes, alto saxophonist Casey Benjamin lends his captivating vocoder work to the proceeding and there’s Terreon Gully on drums and Ben Williams on bass. Harris’ brilliance at broadening textures and colors comes to play with his sensational woodwind and string arrangements on a few of the compositions as well.

“One of the biggest indicators of our growth as a band is the level of contribution from all the members of the ensemble,” Harris enthuses. “The music not only incorporates all of our writing but everyone’s cultural backgrounds as well.” To illustrate this point, he points to the disc’s opening track, “Gone,” which bounces to the pulsating polyrhythm of go-go, a sound indicative to Washington, D.C.’s urban landscape. Both Williams and Cary hail from Washington, D.C. It doesn’t hurt also that Harris is a big go-go fan. “How can you not like go-go? It’s so funky,” Harris says.

The delicate “For You” provides the perfect example of how Blackout balances the worlds of the acoustic with the electric co-written by Benjamin and Sameer Gupta. Before Harris recorded it, “For You” was a favorite on Benjamin’s Myspace page and has since undergone several incarnations. Harris first heard the tune when the band was rehearsing in San Francisco. Cary had just recorded the song for another date and shared it with the band. “We checked it out then decided to play the tune,” Harris recalls. “That evening we went over it and actually played “For You” in the concert. It was a perfect vehicle for the chemistry in our band. Casey later added a bridge and we continued to expand on the composition.”

The album also includes a fantastic makeover of Stevie Wonder’s early-’70s song “They

Won’t Go (When I Go)” from Wonder’s 1974 LP, Fullfillingness’ First Finale. Urbanus closes with the spellbinding ballad “Langston’s Lullaby,” which is dedicated to Harris’ newborn infant, Langston.

Recorded just a few days before the historic presidential inauguration of Barack Obama, Urbanus sparkles with optimism, ingenuity and emotional immediacy. “How could it not?” Harris says when asked if the anticipating for the inauguration had an impact on the sessions. “Being in the studio, knowing that we were getting ready for the inauguration of the first African-American president – how could that not change my life? I was extremely inspired and that created a great feeling of audacity and some fantastic energy.”

Stefon Harris and Blackout will be on tour to promote Urbanus:

October 7 – 10: Jazz Bakery, Los Angeles, CA

October 13 – 14: Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA

October 16 – 17: The Outpost, Albuquerque, NM

October 22 – 25: Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Jazz at Lincoln Center. NYC

October 30: Spivey Hall, Morrow, GA

November 5 – 8: Jazz Showcase, Chicago, IL

November 12: Childrens’ Clinic, The Kennedy Center, Washington DC

November 13: The Kennedy Center Distance Learning Clinic, Woodbridge, VA

November 13: Duke Ellington High School of the Arts Clinic, Washington DC

November 14: KC Club, Kennedy Center, Washington, DC

November 22: Leighton Concert Hall, Notre Dame, IN

Motown 50: Fanthology available September 1
UMe / Motown

TRACK LISTING

Disc 1
1. “My Girl” – The Temptations
2. “What’s Going On” – Marvin Gaye
3. “Let’s Get It On” – Marvin Gaye
4. “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” – The Temptations
5. “The Tracks Of My Tears” – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
6. “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder
7. “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” – Marvin Gaye
8. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
9. “ABC” – Jackson 5
10. “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” – The Temptations
11. “I’ll Be There” – Jackson 5
12. “I Want You Back” – Jackson 5
13. “Ain’t To Proud To Beg” – The Temptations
14. “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” – Four Tops
15. “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted” – Jimmy Ruffin
16. “Ooo Baby Baby” – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
17. “Brick House” – Commodores
18. “The Tears Of A Clown” – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
19. “Dancing In The Street” – Martha & The Vandellas
20. “Got To Be There” – Michael Jackson
21. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Diana Ross
22. “Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye)” – Gladys Knight & The Pips

Disc 2
1. “Reach Out I’ll Be There” – Four Tops
2. “Never Can Say Goodbye” – Jackson 5
3. “Stop! In The Name Of Love” – The Supremes
4. “Baby I Need Your Loving” – Four Tops
5. “My Cherie Amour” – Stevie Wonder
6. “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)” – The Isley Brothers
7. “Easy” – Commodores
8. “Someday We’ll Be Together” – Diana Ross & The Supremes
9. “I Can’t Get Next To You” – The Temptations
10. “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” – Boyz II Men
11. “Hello” – Lionel Richie
12. “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” – Stevie Wonder
13. “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave” – Martha & The Vandellas
14. “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” – Gladys Knight & The Pips
15. “Super Freak” – Rick James
16. “Fire & Desire” – Rick James & Teena Marie
17. “You’re All I Need To Get By” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
18. “Cruisin’” – Smokey Robinson
19. “Got To Give It Up (Part 1)” – Marvin Gaye
20. “I’ll Make Love To You” – Boyz II Men
21. “Endless Love” – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
22. “What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)” – Jr. Walker & The All Stars
23. “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

YOUR FAVORITE CLASSIC MOTOWN SONGS, AS VOTED ON BY THE FANS,
RANKED ON TWO-CD MOTOWN 50 FANTHOLOGY

The fans have spoken–and “My Girl” by The Temptations is their all-time favorite Motown recording. The results of the online voting held in June and July can be heard on the two-CD set Motown 50 Fanthology (Motown/UMe), to be released September 1, 2009, which continues the celebration of Motown’s 50th anniversary.

An album by the fans and for the fans, the package’s recordings are arranged in order of most votes received. The Top 10 are:

1. “My Girl” – The Temptations
2. “What’s Going On” – Marvin Gaye
3. “Let’s Get It On” – Marvin Gaye
4. “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” – The Temptations
5. “The Tracks Of My Tears” – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
6. “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder
7. “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” – Marvin Gaye
8. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
9. “ABC” – Jackson 5
10. “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” – The Temptations

Marvin Gaye holds seven of the 46 spots, while The Temptations are next with five. With four positions each are Michael Jackson (three with The Jackson 5), Diana Ross (solo, with The Supremes and with Lionel Richie) and Lionel Richie (solo, with Diana and with the Commodores). Next with three are the Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, and Tammi Terrell (all with Gaye). Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Martha & The Vandellas, Rick James, Boyz II Men, and Jr. Walker & The All Stars scored two fan favorites each. Also heard are Jimmy Ruffin, Teena Marie and the Isley Brothers.

Via a special website, U.S. fans chose their five most beloved songs from a list of more than 100 of Motown’s greatest recordings, with more than 40 artists represented. The first 500 voters received an “I Voted! Motown 50” collector’s edition bumper sticker. All voters were entered in a random drawing for a grand prize–a trip for two to Hitsville, U.S.A., the Detroit home of Motown, including airfare, hotel accommodations, admission to the Motown Museum, and tickets to a forthcoming Motown gala event. The winner will be announced August 17.

In addition, UMe/Motown partnered with the People’s Choice Awards to offer fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite Motown artist of all time on the People’s Choice website. Out of 10 choices, fans selected the Jackson 5 as their favorite. The winner will now be recognized during the 36th Annual People’s Choice Awards in 2010. An irresistible force of social and cultural change, Berry Gordy’s legendary Motown Records made its mark not just on the music industry but society at large, with a sound that has become one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th century. No other record company in history has exerted such an enormous influence on both the style and substance of popular music and culture. That influence is still being felt today, from pop to hip-hop, as Motown celebrates the 50th anniversary of the company’s founding. Today, Motown is part of the Universal Music Group, with its classic recorded music catalog managed by Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).

“Malakai are a stand-alone Bristol sensation” – 4/5 Mojo

“Malakai mix Love-style garage psychedelia and trippy samples with modern production savvy. The result is catchy, off-kilter backdrops for vocals that are a clear tribute to Horace Andy. Think Mellow Gold-era Beck crossed with the Kinks.” — The Observer

“Outsider pop that’s unlikely to remain out in the cold for long” 4/5 – Q

“Like a hyperactive DJ spinning between a nuggets boxset” – 4/5 Uncut

“Malakai are into everyone from Public Image Ltd to Tricky; from Morricone to UNKLE; and from Bushkiller to Boards of Canada – which is possibly why everyone from Annie Mac to Gilles Peterson are into Malakai” – The Guardian

Malakai is Hebrew for ‘angel.’ It was also the name of the red-haired bloke from Children Of The Corn. From which the band’s name is derived, we’re not exactly sure and neither are they. Strictly speaking, Malakai’s a duo. There’s a mysterious figure lurking in the background supplying beats and tunes. But he’s a shy sort, preferring the music do the talking, happy to let Gee, the outspoken front person, take the limelight.

Malakai’s origins are in Bristol, on the West Coast of England in Briston and are indicative of the kind of artists that originate from Bristol: dubstep running through their bones, hip hop in the fingers, ‘60s psychedelia in the heart. It’s only right, then, that Portishead mastermind Geoff Barrow has a thumb in this project. Barrow’s a kind of a mentor for Malakai and released the album on his own Invada imprint earlier this year. “There’s no Bristol ‘scene’ as such but there’s a lot of people making music here so heads know to produce something unique, ” says Gee. “In this industry, you’re supposed to choose your weapon and keep in your lane, but the last thing I want to do is repeat myself.”

There’s certainly no repetition here. At times, the album sounds like a Jamaican garage rock band. Elsewhere it sounds like Merseybeat if the beats were supplied by RZA. Or Dick Dale surfing the River Severn. Malakai loves psychedelic music too, “the colour, the innocence and optimism of it all, ” but he’s “more of a two minute and out man.” That’s why some of it sounds like an ADHD kid flicking through the Nuggets box set. At other times, Malakai’s music sounds like the apocalypse itself. One track, “Fading World,” was written after watching a news report on Hurricane Katrina. “I suppose I was taken aback by just how much at the mercy of the elements we are, but mostly at the plums who run things and where their priorities lay, ” says Gee.

You can hear that track and three more on in the Film Four sci-fi flick Franklyn (starring Sam Riley and directed by Gerald McMorrow) – a suitably apocalyptic usage., Malakai are film buff themselves. One track heavily samples cult movie The Warriors. Which one is obvious really. “That film has everything you need: afros, flares, subway trains and spraycans,” Gee says.

Malakai’s also closely connected to the Bristol art scene and from whence the mysterious Banksy has sprung. They’ve commissioned lots of their buddies to produce the artwork for the album, including the more than up and coming Nick Walker, Paris, Marc Bessant, Johnny O, 2Keen, FLX, Eko, K148, Dave Stansbie, Milk, Acer, Naomi Sisson, Mr. Jago and Andy Council. The album’s closing track, “Simple Song,” namechecks an odd cast of characters, including Judy Finnigan, Bella Emberg, Cheryl Tweedy and Lord Charles. “I just put ‘em all together like sticklebricks, ” says Gee, whose British cultural touchpoints fit his wider feelings about Blighty.

If the image of Gee posing with the cross of St. George in his press shots is provocative, it’s meant to be – but not in that way. The pictures are a direct reference to famous shots of cult Frank Zappa associate Larry ‘Wildman’ Fischer, “one of the most natural and incredible talents ever, ” according to Malakai. “My generation grew up under a flag that had been hijacked by all the wrong people, but during my lifetime I’ve seen much to be proud of and it needs to be reclaimed, ” says Gee. “England is The Beatles, The Kinks, Del boy and roast dinners but it’s also The Specials, Asian Dub Foundation, Desmonds, The Kumars and chicken tikka masala.” A spin of the album tells you all you need to know: Malakai’s thrown the rule book away. “It excites me to think where I’ll go musically, ” says Gee. “It’s not about cherrypicking, it’s more about how ‘it’ fits into me rather than how I fit into ‘it’.”

Ugly Side Of Love

Tracklist:
Warriors
Shitkicker
Snake Charmer
Snowflake
Blackbird
Moonsurfin’
Meechs’ Theme
Only For You
Lay Down Stay Down
Another Sun
How Long
Fading World
Simple Song

WHO: Grammy Nominated/368 Music Group/JIVE Records Recording Artist, RAHEEM DEVAUGHN will serve as host & 368 Music Group Recording Artist, PHIL ADE joins the performance line up of the CHINABLAC Funk Jam Session to be held on August 12, 2009 at New York City’s DROM Night Club.

WHAT: Created as the brainchild of Andre “Dre The Mayor” Hopson and the self proclaimed R&B Hippie Neo Soul Grammy Award Nominated Artist, Raheem Devaughn, the 368 Music Group is an independent hip hop label/production company. The goal of the 368 Music Group is to serve as an incubator for true talent and quality music. 368 Music Group first signed talent is the buzzing artist out of the DC/Maryland/Virginia area, PHIL ADE. PHIL ADE is currently on the Sneaker Pimps tour and is gaining a wide fan base while opening for notables such as The Clipse and Wale. PHIL ADE’s Mixtape Release, Starting On JV, is available for free download at www.368musicgroup.com. 368 Music Group is proud to have been added to the line up for the 2009 ChinaBlac Birthday Funk Jam Session that includes performers such as: Yahzarah, Gordon Chambers, Chester Gregory, Ra-Re Valverde, Abby Dobson, Black Ice, Steve Smith, and Russell Taylor to name a few.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Doors Open: 10 pm

WHERE: DROM Nightclub-85 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

From the moment the chart topping acappella song “So Much In Love” hit the radio airwaves, the multi-platinum quartet ALL-4-ONE etched their place in musical history. In 1994, their follow up smash song “I Swear” instantly climbed the charts and held the longest running #1 single position in Billboard’s history. Their success continued with the release of their next string of hits “ I Can Love You Like That,” “ She’s Got Skillz” and “Beautiful As You” to name a few . These four harmonious Grammy award winning artists, Jamie Jones, Delious Kennedy, Alfred Nevarez and Tony Borowiak, known collectively as ALL-4-ONE became a throwback to classic Motown era groups. It’s been seven years since ALL-4-ONE’s last album but they are ready to give their devoted fans another hit CD titled NO REGRETS. NO REGRETS will be in stores on September 15, 2009 through Peak Records distributed by Concord Music Group.

Creatively, the album is a fusion of three elements, as Jamie Jones explains: “There’s the classic pop sound for which we’re known, a more contemporary side and then songs that reflect our love for old school R&B.” The handclappin’ track “I Luv That Girl,” the catchy groove “Good Start” and the soulful classic “Old Fashion Lovin’” feature funky bass-tinged grooves while “Go” is a pulsating club cut that may surprise loyal All-4-One fans.” Those who love the group for their perfection of ballads will fall for the evocative vocals on “If Your Hearts Not In It” and “Key To Your Heart”. NO REGRETS is a musically diverse jukebox that showcases the quartet’s dynamic vocal range and musical styles.

ALL-4-ONE WORLD premiered their new single, “My Child” at the Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fans were clamoring for more of the group’s powerhouse vocals and harmonies, qualities that established ALL-4-ONE as Platinum selling artists. This standout performance has the media now referring to the band as one of the most talented groups of all time. Without a doubt NO REGRETS is destined to be one of ALL-4-ONE’s most successful albums – and 2009 IS their comeback year.

AUDIO: Check out the official first single, “My Child“

Hailing from Delaware County, PA, Shortyo’s debut album “King Of The Kounty” is set for release on October 13th, 2009. “King Of The Kounty” will be distributed by E1 Entertainment (Formerly Koch Entertainment) and will be available at all music retail stores and digital media outlets.

Shortyo’s premiere album, “King Of The Kounty”, features rap icons Nate Dogg, Too Short and Lil Wayne. Platinum artist, Yung Berg, also lends his vocals to “King Of The Kounty’s” first single, “Stripper” which can be heard on college and Philadelphia area radio stations. Shortyo’s upcoming single, “There He Go”, featuring Reed Dollaz, is a “hard thumping street anthem” aiming to give Philadelphia the lyrical fix they’ve been looking for.

In addition to Shortyo’s major vocal guests, “King Of The Kounty” boasts an equally impressive production team. Drumma Boy, Oz and Da Decon, Basement Beats and more notable producer names collaborate with Shortyo in the creation of the upcoming “King Of The Kounty”.

Shortyo’s eloquent and raw style is showcased throughout the album with all songs written by Shortyo himself.

“My life has influenced every song on “King Of The Kounty”. I write what I see, experience and witness others going through. This process keeps my music real, relevant and personal,” states Shortyo.

Shortyo launched his career in 1997, establishing Affiliated Records. Shortyo released his first official CD, “Living My Life” after signing a major distribution deal in 2002. As Shortyo’s career took off, so did the talent he signed under his label, Affiliated Records. Pleased, but not satisfied, Shortyo felt it was time to get back in the studio, leading to the eagerly anticipated release of “King Of The Kounty”.

Awarded Best Male Vocalist and Best Song at the 2008 International Reggae and World Music Awards, Tarrus Riley is the most promising of the second generation of Jamaica roots reggae singers. With an August 4, 2009 release of his much-anticipated third set CONTAGIOUS on Cannon Productions, distributed by VP Records, Tarrus Riley reaffirms that he is one of finest singer/songwriters of his generation, irrespective of musical genre. The son of Jimmy Riley – who has had a long career as a solo artist as well as being a former member of the Uniques and the Techniques. Riley’s songs retain ties to the Jamaican roots tradition while still managing to sound distinctly contemporary. In addition, his strong stage presence gives him crossover appeal and marks him as a coming force on the international reggae scene.

The album is grounded in a roots reggae tradition that is recast with a gleaming 21st century sheen courtesy of the album’s primary producer, venerable saxophonist Dean Fraser and created by Grafton and Tuff Gong studios sovereignty including Sly and Robbie on drum and bass, guitarists Mitchum “Khan” Chin and Cat Coore, keyboardist Robbie Lyn and Dean Fraser’s impassioned sax styling.Contagious remarkably shifts between smoothly crooned lover’s rock and artful Rastafarian declarations, provocative commentaries and dancehall’s combustible edge, its cohesion provided by Tarrus’s spectacularly emotive vocals and reliably inspiring words. As its title indicates, this highly infectious collection of 19 songs is characterized by symptoms of melodiousness, rapturous roots rhythms and hard hitting lyrical realities that are transmitted through repeated spins, resulting in a high grade musical fever from which you will not want to recover. “The reason why I called it ‘Contagious’ is because I would love for everyone to catch it,” says Tarrus. “I don’t want my music to have boundaries of race, age, nationality or religion; I represent reggae, live music, and I want everyone to catch on to its positive, good vibes.”

Standout tracks are easily spread throughout Contagious. Tarrus returns to the rapid-fire deejaying of his Taurus days on “Good Girl Gone Bad” (featuring rising dancehall star Konshens) produced by Tarik “Russian” Johnston. On “Don’t Judge”, Tarrus cautions harsh judgments often times leads to reckless actions. Random brutality, war and an array of social injustices prompts the contemplative “Why So Much Wickedness?”. A simple yet stirring invocation to His Majesty is expressed on “King Selassie” and the title track “Contagious” reworks the majestic one-drop rhythm from Bob Marley’s immortal “Coming in From the Cold” as it details that untreatable sweet sickness.

Tarrus forthrightly addresses the wicked act of violence against women in “Start A New” (produced by Shane Brown), urging the song’s female protagonist to leave her abusive man. As a means of calling greater attention to this malady, Tarrus has established a non-funded, anti domestic violence campaign, Start A New in which he, Blak Soil, Majah , the Area Yutes Foundation, Miss Jamaica 2007 Yendi Phillips and an assortment of artists regularly visit schools and speak to children from some of the island’s most troubled communities about the violence which many of them are exposed each day. “We put on plays, perform and talk to the kids about things that touch their lives and violence is a part of that,” he explains, “and they really appreciate that we would take the time to do that.”

Like his father, Tarrus has a sweet, nuanced tenor vocal style, he taught himself to play keyboards and several percussion instruments and began writing his own songs, many of which had strong Rastafarian and consciousness-leaning themes. His 2004 debut album Challenges was an impressive introduction to the Jamaican market deserving of a much wider audience. His sophomore effort Parables featured the most popular reggae song of 2007 “She’s Royal”, won critical praise throughout the Caribbean Diaspora and almost single handedly heralded a roots reggae renaissance.

MSTRKRFT featuring John Legend – Heartbreaker video live on David Letterman June 23rd, 2009