N*E*R*D* to release third album, “Seeing Sounds”, on June 10th, 2008 (Star Trak / Interscope)

N*E*R*D*
Seeing Sounds
Star Trak/ Interscope
June 10th, 2008

N*E*R*D* “Everyone Nose” (remix) feat. Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and Pusha T
[AUDIO]:http://www.imeem.com/nerdofficial/music/FK8Wd4Ee/nerd_everyone_nose_remix/

N*E*R*D* to release third album, “Seeing Sounds”, on June 10th, 2008 (Star Trak / Interscope)
(New York, NY – May 29th, 2008) – N*E*R*D* is set to release Seeing Sounds, their third album on June 10th, 2008. You already know the story of the Neptunes, Grammy Award winning producers and songwriters Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, but the N*E*R*D* trio consists of Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo, and longtime friend and creative wunderkind, Shae Haley. The album is a blistering mash-up of booming hip-hop beats and rollercoastering rock riffs, rumbling crunk rhythms and scintillating soul music. Whereas their first album, In Search Of…, was an imaginative, exploration of identities, and their second album, Fly Or Die, sought out the range of genres and sounds that have influenced the group, Seeing Sounds grinds everything together, evoking a sound that is un-tethered by preconceptions and convention. It is also an album that amplifies the style and attitudes that have made Pharrell, Chad and Shae transcendent cultural icons.

“The Neptunes is what we do, but N*E*R*D* is who we are. It’s our life,” says Pharrell. The three of them together combine for uninhibited explorations of sounds, emotions and truth, adhering to no agenda, subscribing to no rules. N*E*R*D* is the way they live their life, the way they see the world.

Shaya – “Thinking Cap”

The Song:

“Thinking Cap” is the latest single from Shaya’s debut album Fallen Awake. Under the manifesto of resurrecting “thinking man’s music,” Shaya’s track is an open palm to his listeners; a chance to lay rest the pains of his own life and come to terms with a new mentality that is rooted in clarity and honesty. Discussing his recent record deal, Shaya writes about his anxieties about releasing his first album and the simultaneous recognition that he has something intelligent to offer to the hip-hop game. He rhymes, “They say this is my best sh!t / But I don’t really know / Maybe writing what I feel / Gave me character to grow.” His lyrics are set over a relaxed beat that is a throwback to the underground gems of classic 90’s hip-hop from the Bay Area. It’s evident when listening to Shaya that he is not trying to project a certain image or conform to a specific niche; he just lets his words and life story speak for themselves.

The Background:

Prior to signing with Interdependent Media, Shaya spent nearly ten years hitting the pavement in his native Bay Area slanging handmade CD’s and mixtapes at shows and on street corners. Shaya’s lyricism, determination, and charismatic personality caught the attention of many industry leaders but personal obstacles often prevented him from taking his craft to the next level. He did, however, perform regularly and opened up for Bay Area luminaries such as the Hieroglyphics and the Living Legends. Shaya is currently under the mentorship of iD, the same A&R guru who introduced the world to Little Brother. Now, backed with the support of Interdependent Media, home to Canibus, K’naan, Tanya Morgan, Eyezon, J*Davey, and other artists, Shaya and iD are proud to finally release the fulfillment of the potential that others in the industry have always seen in Shaya with Fallen Awake. The album features production from Jake One (50 Cent, Freeway) and The ARE (Lords of the Underground, K-Otix). Under the manifesto of resurrecting “thinking man’s music,” Shaya considers Fallen Awake to be not only an open-palm to his listeners, but a chance to lay to rest the pains of his own life.

K’naan – “In The Beginning”

It is better to light a candle than to curse the dark… put up your fist if all you want is freedom”

The Song: Reminiscent of a campfire sing-along with close friends, “In The Beginning” blends an organic sound of guitars, handclaps and drums with K’naan’s storytelling. Rhyming with a tribal intensity, K’naan cries out for his voice to be heard in a style that pays homage to the oral traditions of the Somali culture. The song tells the story of a poet whom the forces of evil and greed have subverted. Losing his ability to love, the poet’s heart becomes dark and soulless. K’naan urges the poet and the people of Somalia to fight for freedom for their mind and soul as he rhymes, “It is better to light a candle than to curse the dark… put up your fist if all you want is freedom.” The Background: K’naan, an award-winning singer and musician, was born in Somalia, a country that has not had a functioning government since 1991. K’naan’s family moved to Harlem after catching the last domestic flight out of Somalia and eventually settled in Ontario, Canada. Using his ability to blend Western and African influences, K’naan’s music is a fusion of world music and hip-hop that borrows from the protest songs of Bob Marley, the hip-hop lyricism of Mos Def, and the storytelling traditions of Somalia. Despite the violence K’naan has experienced, his lyrics address the possibilities for positive change and peace. His album, The Dusty Foot Philosopher Deluxe Edition, will be released for the first time in the U.S. by the Bay Area-based record label, Interdependent Media on June 24, 2008. 2006 Winner Juno Award Winner- Best Rap Album* 2006 Polaris Music Prize Nominee 2007** BBC Radio 3 Winner- Best New Artist, World Music *The Juno Awards are the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy Awards **The Polaris Music Prize is a music award annually given to the best full-length Canadian album based on artistic merit, regardless of genre, sales, or record label