(Brooklyn, NY - March 17, 2009) Blaq Poet, who is readying the spring release of his new album, Tha Blaqprint, is heading across the Atlantic with friend and long-time collaborator, DJ Premier for a special string of European performances. The tour, which kicks off on March 20, will be making stops in seven European cities over nine days. Although not a promo tour for Tha Blaqprint, fans can expect to hear songs from the new album. Blaq Poet will be opening for DJ Premier, whose set will feature him spinning an array of his classics.

Blaq Poet, who has toured Europe before, looks forward to the opportunity to perform for his European fans again. Poet says, "Every time I get to Europe, I see hip-hop is alive and well, 'cause the fans there respect and support the real." Premier, whose European shows are always a memorable occasion, also looks forward to the late March dates and the love that he receives whenever he’s able to make the trip, "Europe has always been so loyal to hip-hop culture, and because of that I will continue to please my supporters by blessing them with real music and a party that you will never forget."

Poet, a native of the Queensbridge projects, first made a name for himself in 1987, and has had continued success over the years through work with his group, Screwball, and as a solo artist. Blaq released his first solo LP, 2006's Rewind: Deja Screw, to high acclaim, and he is hoping to follow that success this spring with Tha Blaqprint, released through DJ Premier's own label, Year Round Records. With the pairing of DJ Premier and Blaq Poet, this tour promises to deliver hardcore, quality hip-hop to fans throughout Europe.

Dates:
Fri-Mar-20 London, United Kingdom - Fabric
Sat-Mar-21 Zurich, Switzerland - Club Harterei
Sun-Mar-22 Bucharest, Romania - The Silver Church
Mon-Mar-23 Sofia, Bulgaria - Club Escape
Thu-Mar-26 Rome, Italy - Club Akab
Fri-Mar-27 Dusseldorf, Germany - 3001 Diskotheken
Sat-Mar-28 Amsterdam, Holland - Melkweg


"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.
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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.

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 this spring via Year Round Records via Fat Beats Distribution.