The Beats to Mecca Tour, Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of
Chuck D
Flavor Flav
Professor Griff
DJ Lord
The S1W’s
A group whose musical style and incendiary delivery have earned them critical acclaim and millions of fans throughout their career, Public Enemy continues to blaze musical and technological trails with the release of their latest album, Revolverlution. A combination of new songs, live performances recorded around the world, and several classics reworked by fans via the Internet. Revolverlution pulls rap music into the future, all while keeping its musical roots firmly intact. Once again, Public Enemy transcends the confines of rap and pop music, remaining one of the African American community's most important messengers, digital music's greatest champions, and a rare rap group who need not rely on misogonistic and pro-violent lyrics.
In 1990, the Hip-Hop generation was introduced to a new era of music. The sound of funk, culture and Brooklyn-style lyrics would open attention spans for a message of social justice and enlightenment. The messenger group X Clan entered the music mainstream at the beginning of the decade in a timely fashion. With a unique sound, image, and concept, X Clan paid dues as pioneers rubbing against the grain of negative lyrics and ego tripping poetics. In allegiance with the Blackwatch Movement, (a Brooklyn based organization that informed youth of worldwide issues and injustices), X Clan stayed focused in it's mission of freedom and upliftment in the face of racial tension and indigenous genocide.
After two successful albums with Island Records ("To the East Blackwards, and "Xodus"), the X Clan disbanded in the mid 90's. Brother J, the voice of the X Clan, continued to produce and preserve his name and art form throughout the mainstream and underground markets of Hip-Hop. In 1996, the first generation of Dark Sun Riders released a project called the "Seeds of Evolution" also with Island Records.
Present day, Brother J has reassembled the X Clan. The new album entitled "Return from Mecca" is scheduled for release in 2006. The anticipation of the return of Brother J and X Clan has opened the door for consistent tours, spot dates and special appearances such as Def Poetry Jam (2005) ,Legends of Hip Hop Concert (2005) and The Damian Marley Jamrock Tour (2005). Currently in alliance with Suburban Noize Records ,Brother J has been given the green light to expose the next wave of conscious artists and street knowledge music.
Brother J and the X Clan will continue the tradition of displaying ancestral wisdom, culture, and signature lyrical style that appeals to all generations of Hip-Hop.
Kenneth "Kendo" Walker, also known as Do to family and friends, was a child of the 80's. He grew up during an era of multitalented Hip-Hop artists, such as Public Enemy, Erick B & Rakim, and N.W.A, that produced authentic music that is still being used as a mold for the kind of sounds we hear today. These influences, as well as the "big brother mentoring" of Chuck D, renown from the multi-platinum group Public Enemy, helped to breed a young man that is exciting, creative, and full of fire. Never being afraid to explore new job titles, Kendo has been, and still is, a songwriter, lyricist, producer, actor, mentor, friend, and father. Coming forth with at least five MC styles within, shows his versatility and originality. His calm demeanor presents us with logic and truth in lyrics that are lucid and enlightening. Kendo's multifaceted approach may have some calling him "different," but this opinionated star keeps the crowd educated and interested, and always partying when he is entertaining with the support of his band, The Almost Famous. Through great leadership and friendship, Kendo has organized and motivated his band through and towards all rising situations. Living by his motto "Never Stop" and the words of one of his many hit songs, "It Always Feels Like Somebody's Watching Me" Kendo and The Almost Famous Band is always reaching for a higher level and seeking more to accomplish, while they live their lives and perform every song as if the world is always watching. The name of the band is always a constant reminder and drive to the entire team that there is always more to be achieved. With this attitude, Kendo and The Almost Famous Band will forever be reaching for the next rung on the "never-ending" ladder that will keep them on top.
on sale 2/10