News

Wu-Tang, Hi-Tek, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Beanie Sigel, Estelle, Rashaan Patterson, 9th Wonder, & Ghostface.

• Wu-Tang Clan coming at’chya! They’re back and they’re still grimy. 8 Diagrams is in stores TODAY. Listen to the album in its entirety here. The Wu partnered up with our office mates DECON to produce 8 individual Webisodes breaking down the diagrams as they pertain to each member of the group. Check out the one for “thunder” featuring Ghostface. Then read the OKP review of The Big Doe Rehab where Ghost earns a hefty 4 out of 5 ?uesties.

• Hi Tek is banging on our eardrums once again with today’s release of Hi Teknology 3. This go-round, Hi Tek shares the limelight with an impressive list of heavyweights including Ghostface, featured on the single, “My Piano,” as well as budding starlet, Estelle, who is expected to wow the crowd tonight at S.O.B.’s in NYC. Hi-Tek will be there as well. Check out Tek’s newly revamped MySpace page.

• As previously reported, Okayplayer had the pleasure of getting a sneak preview of Erykah Badu’s forthcoming album new amerykah last Thursday at Electric Lady Studios. Check out these write ups (with unconfirmed track listing) from Billboard and Vibe. The Billboard article claims that new amerykah includes 18 songs that will be spread over two separately sold discs although this is unconfirmed and likely not true.

• Check out this little video clip (quicktime | YouTube) where E speaks on the album’s first single “Honey” produced by 9th Wondra.

• Beanie Sigel’s fourth album, The Solution, hits shelves today. The South Philly native, introduced to the world via “Adrenaline!” on The Roots’ Things Fall Apart, features tracks with Raheem DeVaughn, R. Kelly, and Styles P.

• Last night Ginger and I went to the Fader Mag / Cornerstone holiday event featuring performances by Justice and Mos Def who ran down a set of practically all new, never heard before songs. As much as we love his classic material, Mos appeared especially inspired. Although his acting career has taken off, it is clear that Mos is taking his music game very seriously these days, perhaps as a result of his new record deal with Downtown. As usual, OKP Bigmell was in the house taking pictures. Shout outs to Diplo, A-Trak, Kid Sister, Johnny Rodeo, Pase Rock, G-Brown, Cons, Imani, Noha, Buckshot, and the Duckdown family.

• Now Hear This! Rashaan Patterson’s slick R&B sounds and finger-snapping beats for your listening pleasure (don’t bother thanking us). Listen to his new album, Wine & Spirits, again and again, then pick up a copy for yourself, in stores now.

Wu-lery!
- dantana