The MP3:
Anticipation for Blaq Poet's Tha Blaqprint has been
bubbling for a minute. First, Poet dropped the single; then came the video, bringing
the visuals to match. Next came the EPK, and now Blaq Poet, in conjunction with
DJ Premier and Year Round Records are proud
to bring you Tha
Blaqprint Album Sampler. Totaling 21 minutes and 15
tracks, Tha Blaqprint album sampler cuts from track-to-track giving fans a taste
of what to expect when the full-length drops on June 30.
The sampler, which includes
the fan favorites "Ain't Nuttin'
Changed," "Voices," and the recently-circulating "Hate" featuring
fellow Queensbridge native N.O.R.E., is full of the gritty,
New York boom-bap sound that fans have grown to know, love, and expect from a
Blaq Poet album. Musically, the one-and-only DJ Premier, who produced all but
two tracks on the album, is responsible for providing that sound, and throughout
listening to the sampler it becomes clear that neither Poet nor Premo have disappointed. Tha
Blaqprint will be available June 30 via Year Round Records via Fat
Beats Distribution.
For Blaq’s bio and to check out his EPK, amongst other goodies, please
visit: http://www.audibletreats.com/download/blaqpoet
Web editors contact Nora (at) audibletreats.comfor interview requests. Print editors contact Michelle.
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 this
spring via Year Round Records via Fat Beats Distribution.
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