DJ Jazzy Jeff and
Koch Records have teamed to release The Death of Willie Lynch, the debut
album of Def Poetry Jam alum Black Ice. Due to arrive in stores on September
5, the new disc features collaborations with Musiq Soulchild, Natalie Stewart
of Floetry, Vee and Chyna Black. The CD also features production from Eric Greene
Jr., the album’s only producer. Black Ice, born Lamar Manson, was
the first first spoken word artist signed to Def Jam Records. Performing spoken
word since 1994, Black Ice was also cast as a lead member in Def Poetry on Broadway,
which went on to win the 2003 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event.
Ice is currently in the midst of performing with Mary J. Blige on her "Breakthrough
Summer Tour 2006." Scheduled for more than 30 venues, the North American
tour kicked off in mid-July with dates running into early September. In
related news, the Philadelphia poet recently put the finishing on the "Hoodwatch
Movement Mixtape Volume I." He also plans on releasing a book of his prayers,
entitled Me & God, a five year chronicle of Black Ice’s journal writings.