Few artists make an impact as complete as the one Matisyahu made with his Top 40 hit “King Without a Crown”: Here was a true original, the song announced—a Hasidic Jewish musician from New York City singing reggae songs about his religious devotion. Fans responded to this one-of-a-kind voice, driving Youth, Matisyahu’s Grammy-nominated 2006 studio disc, to the top spot on Billboard’s reggae albums chart. That album, as well as Matisahu’s previous recording "Live at Stubb’s," went Gold. His new album, "Light," which debuted in the top 20 on the Billboard charts, is out now on Epic Records. Produced by David Kahne (Paul McCartney, Regina Spektor, Sublime), Matis recorded the album in Brooklyn, NY and Jamaica and got an assist from several guests Stephen McGregor, Sly & Robbie, members of Fyre Dept. and Fishbone, and others. The result is a bold new direction for an artist who has transcended cultures and genres.
Matisyahu prides himself on his close relationship with his fans, and has excelled at using today’s social networking tools to keep fans apprised of his whereabouts while on tour, as well as encouraging them to promote change via his “One Day For Change” partnership with Kenneth Cole.
Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen recording artist Travie McCoy has announced details of his upcoming new album. “LAZARUS” arrives in stores and at all online retailers on June 8th. Album pre-order details, track listing, and other information will be announced shortly via Travie’s newly-launched, official website, www.traviemccoy.com.
Known far and wide as the frontman of alternative hip-hop superstars Gym Class Heroes, McCoy’s solo debut sees him teaming up with a diverse array of studio superstars for a genre-busting, groundbreaking new collection. Among the contributing producers, writers, and artists are T-Pain, Bruno Mars and the Smeezingtons (B.o.B, Cobra Starship, Flo Rida), Detail (Akon, Lady Gaga), The Stereotypes (Ne-Yo, Mary J. Blige), Evan “Kidd” Bogart (Adam Lambert, Beyonce), and Josh Abraham (Velvet Revolver, 30 Seconds To Mars), Oligee (Flo Rida, Leighton Meester) & Lucas Secon (Pixie Lott, Sean Paul, The Cab).
“LAZARUS” is heralded by the first single, “Billionaire”(featuring Bruno Mars), which debuts today at MTV.com. A companion video is currently in pre-production, with a premiere date to be announced shortly. The digital single for “Billionaire” (featuring Bruno Mars) is now available for purchase at all online retailers.