Founded in late 2005, La Coka Nostra (ILL BILL, Slaine, Danny Boy & DJ Lethal) was more of a loose collective of artists connected through Danny Boy than an “actual” group.

Having taken time off from rap after the break-up of House of Pain, Danny Boy met Slaine in Boston and the end result of that meeting transpired into Danny brining him out to L.A. to work on some tracks.

Eventually, as they continued the creative process, things began to snowball organically and suddenly former members of House of Pain and ILL BILL joined the studio sessions and La Coka Nostra was born.

While “supergroups” are more commonplace in today’s Hip-Hop landscape, when iconic members of House Of Pain and Non Phixion initially merged they were anything but. It’s been four-years since La Coka Nostra released their sophomore album, Masters Of The Dark Arts.

However, a few things still remain constant; La Coka Nostra will always be as their aptly-titled 2009 debut verified, A Brand You Can Trust, and the group will continue to dazzle their rapid fan-base with sold out shows around the globe with their raucous live performances.

Always known for tackling controversial topic matter, the group’s new album, To Thine Own Self Be True, finds them once again in torch-bearing mode, addressing subjects that most artists shy away from.

“This album was created during a time of unique and individual transformation for each member of the group” ILL Bill stated. “Speaking for myself, it’s been a heavy last couple of years. It’s definitely the most personal record we’ve made under the La Coka banner and while we’re still making music that’s hard as f##k, there’s a maturity to this latest batch of songs that makes it different from a lot of the older stuff. I notice the biggest reactions come from the songs our listeners can personally relate to and we needed to make a record like this right now, not only for the fans, but for ourselves. I got alot off my chest on this one. Making music can be extremely therapeutic and making To Thine Own Self Be True was a rebirth and a re-ignition for me.”

Slaine had a similar take on the projects therapeutic manifestation.

“You don’t put as many years in the game as we have without having ups and downs. We all have gone through struggle and adversity—personally and professionally,” Slaine lamented. “This album was recorded as I walked out of a very dark time toward a place of truth and understanding. Music has been how I feed my family, my plane ticket around the world and a place I’ve built real friendships; but at the very core it’s a tool I use to get through life. This album is a moment in time. It is visceral and real.”

Production is handled by Statik Selektah, Marco Polo, Salam Wreck, ChumZilla guest appearances by Vinnie Paz, Apathy, Q-Unique, Sick Jacken, Skam2 & Rite Hook.

Tracklisting and credits for La Coka Nostra’s ‘To Thine Own Self Be True’:

1.) “Dark Day Road” (produced by J57)

2.) “I Need Help” f/ Sick Jacken (produced by Leaf Dog)

3.) “Waging War” f/ Rite Hook (produced by The Arcitype)

4.) “Murdered Tonight” (produced by DJ Lethal)

5.) “Stay True” (produced by Statik Selektah)

6.) “Blind” f/ Q-Unique & Sadie Vada (produced by Marco Polo)

7.) “Crispy Innovators” f/ Vinnie Paz (produced by Vherbal)

8.) “Archie Bunker” f/ Nems (produced by DJ Lethal)

9.) “High Times” ft/ Sick Jacken (produced by Salam Wreck)

10.) “America” f/ Apathy (produced by DJ Lethal)

11.) “Now Or Never” f/ Skam2? & Rite Hook (produced by DJ Lethal)

12.) “To Thine Own Self Be True” f/ Rite Hook (produced by ChumZilla)