After garnering plenty of critical album from his Daily Conversation [click to read] album, a record HipHopDX included in its Top 25 Albums of 2008 [click to read], it was revealed early this morning that Torae [click to read] has signed his next project to Duck Down Records.
The album, titled Double Barrel, is a collaborative effort with Canadian-born producer Marco Polo, who has been a mainstay in the New York underground Hip Hop community for nearly five years. One of the final projects released on Rawkus Records, Polo‘s 2007 release Port Authority was another critically welcomed effort.
Torae said in a statement, “Marco and I
wanted to collaborate on a project, so we decided to record everything together
in the studio and give each other feedback and constructive criticism to make
the best possible LP. We felt there was definitely a lane open and a void for
certain fans; fans like us that missed authentic boom bap, gritty, New York City rap. So
that’s what we set out to make.“
The two did work together on Daily Conversation, though Torae insists Double Barrel is unlike anything heard previously. “[The release is] not like anything that’s come
out of New York in the last few years. It’s more inspired by the music that we liked
to listen to coming up. Black Moon, Gang Starr, Onyx, Smif N Wessun, M.O.P. and other artists like that. The beats hit hard and are really gritty. My delivery is
more aggressive and in your face. It’s a colder more abrasive album than what’s
out there right now. It’s just what the heads are complaining isn’t available.“
Marco elaborates further, “I was getting tired of rappers not rapping anymore. Double
Barrel sounds like some exciting shit you turn up loud and get amped to. [It’s] good
fighting music, training music, driving music, killing music.”
From Duck Down‘s perspective, the duo was a perfect fit for the legendary label. CEO Dru Ha said, “We
tried to make a deal for Marco‘s Port Authority release, but missed out. Marco
has been consistently contributing quality production to many of Duck Down‘s recent releases, so our core fans are familiar with his level of work. We
are looking forward to a fully produced album from Marco, showcasing Torae.“
The release is presently due in spring of this year. For information [click here].
In related Duck Down news, B-Real‘s Smoke N Mirrors drops next Tuesday.
