(March 04, 2009 Brooklyn, NY) Blaq Poet, a rhyme veteran of the New York hip-hop scene, is proud to announce the release of his new album, Tha Blaqprint, due this spring via Year Round Records / Fat Beats Distribution.

Blaq Poet is not satisfied with the current direction of hip-hop. Never one to sit on the sidelines, Poet is preparing the release of a new album to bring listeners back to the hardcore, gritty, New York boom-bap sound for which he's known and loved. Giving a glimpse into the Queensbridge state of mind that influences his sound, Poet says, "QB is like everything you heard. It’s home to those who live there, and it’s definitely not home to people who don’t." Following the critical success of his debut solo LP Rewind: Deja Screw in 2006, Poet has been busy in the lab perfecting Tha Blaqprint and the new album is finally ready for the masses.

Creating unadulterated, authentic, New York boom-bap requires the right touch, and to ensure Tha Blaqprint would have the proper musical aesthetic Blaq Poet joined forces with legendary producer, long-time collaborator, and friend DJ Premier. Not only is DJ Premier releasing the album on his own Year Round Records, he also crafted beats for all but two of the album's tracks, including the album's lead single "Ain't Nuttin' Changed." Elsewhere the album features production from producer-extraordinaire Easy Mo Bee (Notorious B.I.G., GZA, 2Pac) and Gemcrates, a young producer on the rise. In a time when albums lack musical consistency and emcees and producers rarely find themselves in the studio together, Poet's true-school formula shines bright on his new LP.

Poet, a native of the Queensbridge projects, first made a name for himself in 1987, with the release of "Beat You Down," a scathing song attacking KRS-One at the height of the battle between Queens and The Bronx. Later, honoring a dead friend, he formed the hardcore rap group Screwball, comprised of other QB rhymers Hostyle, Solo, and Poet’s cousin KL. After the release of three successful albums as a part of Screwball thatincluded production from hip-hop luminaries such as Pete Rock, Marley Marl, and DJ Premier, Poet released his solo LP Rewind: Deja Screw, to high acclaim. Staying busy in-between albums, Poet's unique brand of rhyming has graced numerous projects, including the landmark KRS-One and Marley Marl song “The Victory,” which prompted DJ Premier to sign Blaq Poet to his Year Round Records label. Blaq Poet's new album Tha Blaqprint will be available this spring via Year Round Records via Fat Beats Distribution.

Ain't Nuttin' Changed: http://media.audibletreats.com/Black_Poet-Aint_Nuttin_Changed.mp3
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYWIebHSzio


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

Like what you hear? Keep up with Blaq Poet and other artists like Freddie Foxxx, Ill Bill, and eLZhi 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.