The Video:

In this exclusive video, we get the chance to hear some nuggets of hip-hop wisdom from N.O.R.E., the Queens-native rapper who guests on Blaq Poet's track "Hate" off Tha Blaqprint. N.O.R.E. opens with an explanation of how he came to be featured on the track after getting a phone call from DJ Premier, and mentions what an honor it was to not only to be requested by Premo but also to be able to record with Blaq Poet. Poet is a fellow Queens native, born and raised in the famed Queensbridge Houses, while N.O.R.E. was brought up in the LeFrak Projects. Showing no signs of territorial animosity, N.O.R.E. was more than eager to collab with Poet for the track, citing Poet as "one of the Original Gangsters of hip-hop." Seeing first-hand how devoted and passionate N.O.R.E. was to work with Poet and Premier on this project, it's no wonder he turned in such a stellar performance on "Hate," the newest single (link below) off Poet's forthcoming Tha Blaqprint, available now on June 30th from Year Round Records via Fat Beats Distribution.

Web editors contact Dan (at) audibletreats.com for interview requests. Print editors contact Michelle.

For Blaq’s bio and to check out his EPK, amongst other goodies, please visit: http://www.audibletreats.com/download/blaqpoet

Like what you hear? Keep up with Blaq Poet and other artists like Freddie Foxxx, Ill Bill, and Black Milk on the Fat Beats Blog where you can learn about upcoming performances, releases, and in-store appearances.

Also, check out this video on the history of Fat Beats Records, bringing you fresh, independent hip hop since 1994.


The Background:

Blaq Poet, a Queensbridge, NY native, first made a name for himself in 1987, entering his name into the legendary battle of Queens vs. The Bronx with his song "Beat You Down," a scathing attack on KRS-One. Later, honoring a dead friend and namesake, he formed the hardcore rap group Screwball, comprised of other QB spitters Hostyle, Solo, and Poet’s cousin KL. Elsewhere, he appeared on the anthemic LP Nas Presents Queensbridge’s Finest, alongside Jungle and Cormega on “Straight Outta Q.B.” Blaq Poet’s refusal to dilute his subject matter or soften his cadence attracted the interest of rap’s most legendary producer, DJ Premier. Preemo, along with fellow luminaries Pete Rock and Marley Marl, laced Screwball’s Y2K album with Poet’s beloved boom-bap. A second album, Loyalty, would follow the next year, thereafter the Screwed Up compilation in 2004. Premier also lent his sonic signature to Poet’s 2006 solid solo debut, Rewind: Deja Screw. Preemo then inked Blaq Poet to his own Year Round Records label. Blaq Poet's new album, Tha Blaqprint, will be available June 30th from Year Round Records via Fat Beats Distribution.