MESSENGERS :: Tribute to Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and Bob Dylan MIXTAPES by J.Period + K’Naan
September 9, 2009Read the following information below regarding the delicious mixtapes from J.Period and K’Naan .. the two have paid tribute to some wonderful musicians through these sweet works. I have included the press release from August 18th along with the the descriptions and download links for the mixes .. I highly suggest you listen to these in your spare time.
New York, NY (August 18, 2009) – Some artists are defined by their environment. Some redefine their environment. Still others push the boundaries of convention so fully that their influence is felt around the globe, and across generations. Their music compels us not only to dance but to think, not only to celebrate but to strive, not only to listen but to truly hear. Fela Kuti, Nigeria’s eminent musical activist; Bob Marley, Jamaica’s emissary of struggle and unity; and Bob Dylan, America’s reluctant Civil Rights song leader, are three such artists.
These are “The Messengers.”
Today, August 18, 2009, acclaimed DJ/Producer, J.Period, and rising Somali-born MC, K’NAAN, are pleased to announce a unique and powerful remix project, paying tribute to the lasting legacy of these musical giants. Weaving afro-beat, reggae, ska, folk music and rock into this genre-bending musical experience, The Messengers stretches the boundaries of hip hop—and the mixtape genre itself. Remixing the classic work of Fela, Marley and Dylan, The Messengers captures the timelessness of their sounds and the continued urgency of their messages. The result, as fans have come to expect from J.Period, is like no mixtape you’ve ever heard.
The Messengers arrives on the heels of K’NAAN’s sophomore release, Troubadour (A&M/Octone Records), released January 2009. Having already made a powerful mark with his breakthrough debut, K’NAAN’s Troubadour debuted at #32 on Billboard’s Top 200, continuing his rapid rise on the world stage. Filled with eloquent and thought-provoking lyrics in the tradition of great folk singers and protest songs, the album also features all-star collaborations with Damian Marley, Mos Def, Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Adam Levine & James Valentine (Maroon 5) and Chubb Rock.
With a track record for game-changing remix projects (his recent collaboration with Q-Tip yielded over 600,000 downloads), J.Period’s ever-expanding highlight reel boasts remixes for heavyweights from Mary J. Bilge to The Roots to Kanye West, as well as original production for blockbuster films and video games. Commissioned by labels, artists and lifestyle brands for his groundbreaking promo campaigns, J.Period has not only elevated the mixtape to an art form, but consistently proved its viability as a potent promotional tool. Each release raises the bar, and with The Messengers, J.Period proves that his musical ear and signature documentary style are at home in any genre.
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Episode #1 pays tribute to Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Nigeria’s eminent musical activist and arguably the most influential artist to emerge from Africa this century. Join J.Period & K’NAAN as they pay tribute to Fela by remixing and reinventing his classic work! Guest MC’s include: Zumbi (Zion I) & Bajah (Dry Eye Crew) from Sierra Leone.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD EPISODE 1
Episode #2 of J.Period & K’NAAN’s The Messengers celebrates Jamaica’s global emissary of struggle & unity: the great Bob Marley. Weaving Marley’s life story with K’NAAN’s own story of struggle, J.Period remixes iconic tracks like “Shot the Sheriff,” “Stir It Up,” and “Belly Full.” Also features: Kardinal Offishall, Steele (Smif’N'Wessun), Sierra Leone’s Bajah (Dry Eye Crew) & Netic the Rebel (Game Rebellion)!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD EPISODE 2
Episode #3 of J.Period & K’NAAN’s The Messengers celebrates America’s reluctant Civil Rights song leader, Bob Dylan. Features exclusive remixes produced by J.Period. Also features: DJ Preservation + bassist Brian Satz.
Episode 3 .. COMING SOON ..
[...] ago, I posted about the J.Period and K’Naan collaboration that celebrated the works of Bob Marley and Fela Kuti. Now released is the third installment in the Messenger series and the tribute this time is paid to [...]