As big fans of Raashan Ahmad, we’ve followed the rise of his Crown City Rockers crew over the years and watched the Bay-area MC blast off as a solo artist on The Push, his excellent first full-length independent release. We’re thrilled to announce his latest project, Soul Power, a 13-track collection with a slew of featured guests including Wafeek & Ragen Fykes, Aima, Alex Newman and more.
It’s not an album or a mixtape! It’s not an EP! Whatever you call it, Soul Power is an evolutionary leap from The Push. Raashan broke it down a bit backstage at the Antiquiet / Rock For Justice Give a Damn benefit earlier this month:
Listen to Soul Power in its entirety here (get them speakers up!), and download the new song Lambada for free. If it gets your body rockin’, you can pick it up one track at a time for 99¢ each, or the whole thing for $10. Your call. Both ways, 100% of the profits go directly to the artist.
Of course we’re beyond excited to be playing a part in this release by launching Antiquiet Releases with it. Not only will we be using this new channel to help our favorite artists get their music out there, but we’ll be using it to release live performances from our own studio sessions and events. Here’s a taste of what’s to come; Raashan onstage at the Give A Damn benefit, performing the brand-new song Soul Train:
And here’s Money / Weight:
A note from Raashan about Soul Power:
Not an album, not a mixtape, not an EP.
Thirteen original songs mostly recorded in early 2009. After touring the United States to promote my first solo album THE PUSH, I discovered that I wanted to add more bangin’ songs to my live set as well as speak on some more topics that I have been dealing with.
SOUL POWER is the result. When I say “soul power,” I’m talking about about what gives my soul, my spirit power- which is music! This project was especially born out of all that I learned being on the road as well as teaming up with new friends I’ve met along the way which led to some dope collaborations!
I definitely have to give thanks to the folks who have made me feel at home while away from home; who have blessed me with food, shelter, ciphers, laughter, conversation, money, memories, general nonsense, and love. Also mad thanks to the artists who blessed this project with their talent. Please support!
Lastly check out all the projects coming from my Crown City Rockers crew! Our new album coming in the Fall 2009. Hit me up and let me know what you think.
Peace.
Raashan
[...] Aima, Alex Newman and more. Listen to the whole thing, catch some hot live video action & more here. This shit is hot – if you’re a fan of CCR, Heiro, Del and the backpacker/underground hiphop [...]
fun!
I’m not gonna say this was my idea. But, it was. =)
Really? You might wanna watch that video again.
joe did originally tell me about bandcamp.
Yeeaaaahhh, muthafuucckkaaaa.
Raashan strikes again! After discovering his solo album awhile back (thank you antiquiet!) it has become on of my favorite hip hop albums. Then when i heard the first track of this mix tape, i mean album, i mean uhhh….whatever….i immediately had to purchase. Thanks for the jams Raashan, i look forward to the next CCR album!