After what can be considered the wildest string of events during a basketball game resulting in a season long suspension of Ron Artest, the Indiana Pacers Forward will eventually make his rap debut with an album released through his record label Truwarier Records.
The CEO and founder of Truwarier Records and Queensbridge native said his New York hometown has played a significant role in his musical aspirations.
“I think a lot of it is influenced from [Queensbridge]. Anybody from Queensbridge, although we try to go worldwide, global, everybody brings that hardcore feeling from the hood,” Artest stated. “And they try to make songs like or follow the leadership of like Nas [and] Mobb Deep. Every now and then, I find myself trying to be like them.”
His music had caused problems earlier in the year when the 24yr old forward asked his coach for a “vacation” to promote his projects. The result? A two game suspension for request. Now, because of his part in the brawl which led to him being suspended for the entire season, he has more than enough time to concentrate on his music.
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Artest, whose rap name is Paqman, released two volumes of his “Truwarier All-Stars Mixtape” earlier this year. The mixtape contained guest appearances by 50 Cent, Nas, DJ Kay Slay, Crud Bruvas, Nature, Canibus and Knowa Lazarus.
Production included Q Banger, Alchemist, Brains Bond and Freestyle Productions. The release date for Artest’s album is still up in the air, but audio of his single “We Party” is currently available at truwarierrecords.com.
