Sway & King
Tech, legendary hosts of the syndicated rap radio program “The Wake Up
Show,” will showcase up-and-coming artists alongside veteran acts with
the release of their second album Back 2 Basics.
The title is intended
as a return to focusing more on lyricism, the pair explains.
“[It’s]
all about giving talented MCs with a passion for delivering mind-moving music
an opportunity to flex their skills to the world,” said King Tech in a
statement.
Among the featured artists on the album are Common, Royce Da
5’9’’, Kam and Canibus, and emerging talent like Sly Boogy,
Crooked I, Kallihan, Self Scientific, Dirty Birdy and Verb & Rock.
“It’s
going to help open the door of innovation and expansion. Projects like this
will come out to balance a lot of this cookie cutter, quick-fix music that is
out,” added Sway, who has played a crucial role at MTV. “These people
are making music that will stand the test of time.”
Sway & King Tech have already released Kam’s “I
Don’t Think So” featuring Tracy Lane and Rondo to mix show DJs,
and the first single “I Wish You Would” features Royce Da 5’9”,
Chino XL and Canibus.
“Our thing
isn’t to become rich,” Sway continued. “We just want to create
things that are rich in quality on behalf of the culture.”
Sway & King
Tech released their album This Or That in 1999, featuring the single
“The Anthem,” with Eminem, Jayo Felony and Chino XL.
Artists such as
Notorious B.I.G., Eminem, Jay-Z, and Nas have all been featured on Sway &
King Tech’s radio show prior to reaching star status.
Back 2 Basics
is scheduled for release in May, and music is available at www.swayandkingtech.net.
The track listing
for Back 2 Basics is as follows:
1. Intro
2. Everything – Sly Boogie
3. Watch Closer – Chino XL feat. Tracy Lane
4. I Wish You Would – Royce da 5’9”, Chino
XL and Canibus
5. Ill Hip Hop – Juice
6. Skit
7. I Don’t Think So – Kam feat.Tracy Lane and Rondo
8. Enough Beef – Royce da 5’9”, Common and
Chino XL
9. Skit
10. We Don’t Give A – Kallihan
11. Watch What You Do – Crooked I
12. Wake Up Show Anniversary (2000) Freestyle – Chino
XL
13. Trouble – Chino XL
14. 23 Degrees – Dirty Birdy
15. Skit
16. Better Days – Self-Scientific feat. Tracy Lane
17. High Fidelity – DJ Revolution
18. Wave Your Hands – Verb and Rock
19. I Love The Ghetto To Death – Crooked I feat. Tracy
Lane
20. Outro/Hit The Deck – Crooked I
