Legendary hip-hop trio, Naughty by Nature, have finally set a May release date for their first new studio album in nearly a decade, titled Anthem Inc.
The upcoming album, set to drop on Illtown Records and the follow-up to 2002's IIcons, marks Naughty's 20th anniversary and 15th anniversary of winning the Grammy for Best Rap Album, the first time the award was given.
Anthem Inc. will feature re-recordings of select Naughty hits like "O.P.P" and "Hip Hop Hooray", as well as recent singles and new, unreleased music.
"Anthem Inc. is our way of saying thank you to our incredibly loyal, global fan base for their support over the last 20 years," said Vin Rock "With a few classic tracks re-recorded and brand new bangers, the album will give listeners a 'Then and Now' perspective of our career."
To kick off the 20th anniversary celebration, Naughty by Nature will performed a medley of songs and their new single "Flags", on the "Late Show with David Letterman" on Thursday (February 3).
The trio recently premiered the alternate ending "Death Cut" of their "Flags" extended video online, following the previously released "Life Cut" version, which guest stars Ice-T as he shares his street knowledge and experience with a young man considering revenge for his friend's gang-related murder. Without his guidance, the cycle of violence continues. The track and videos feature vocals by Balewa "Bilal" Muhammad of The Clutch, and current Grammy nominated R&B singer Jaheim.
"The 'Death Cut' depicts what occurs when one makes bad decisions in the face of adversity," Vin Rock explained. "Unfortunately, this is the reality youth are facing across America. We will use both versions to open up the dialogue in our community. We must step up to curb the self-inflicted genocide in our culture."
Naughty by Nature is planning to hit the road this year, with stops in the U.S., Europe and Australia this year.
Anthem Inc. is slated for release May 17.
For more info, visit NaughtyByNature.com.
Confirmed dates, so far, are as follows:
2/4 - Dallas, TX @ Hennessy Artistry
2/12 - New Orleans, LA @ Lake Front Arena *
2/18 - Philadelphia PA @ Liacouras Center *
2/19 - Baltimore MD @ 1st Mariner Arena *
3/18 - New York City, NY @ Hammerstein Ballroom
3/25 - Richmond, VA @ Richmond Coliseum *
4/9 - Milwaukee, WI @ Milwaukee Theatre *
5/21 - Minneapolis, MN @ Cabooze
* Salt-n-Pepa's Legends of Hip Hop Tour
The upcoming album, set to drop on Illtown Records and the follow-up to 2002's IIcons, marks Naughty's 20th anniversary and 15th anniversary of winning the Grammy for Best Rap Album, the first time the award was given.
Anthem Inc. will feature re-recordings of select Naughty hits like "O.P.P" and "Hip Hop Hooray", as well as recent singles and new, unreleased music.
"Anthem Inc. is our way of saying thank you to our incredibly loyal, global fan base for their support over the last 20 years," said Vin Rock "With a few classic tracks re-recorded and brand new bangers, the album will give listeners a 'Then and Now' perspective of our career."
To kick off the 20th anniversary celebration, Naughty by Nature will performed a medley of songs and their new single "Flags", on the "Late Show with David Letterman" on Thursday (February 3).
The trio recently premiered the alternate ending "Death Cut" of their "Flags" extended video online, following the previously released "Life Cut" version, which guest stars Ice-T as he shares his street knowledge and experience with a young man considering revenge for his friend's gang-related murder. Without his guidance, the cycle of violence continues. The track and videos feature vocals by Balewa "Bilal" Muhammad of The Clutch, and current Grammy nominated R&B singer Jaheim.
"The 'Death Cut' depicts what occurs when one makes bad decisions in the face of adversity," Vin Rock explained. "Unfortunately, this is the reality youth are facing across America. We will use both versions to open up the dialogue in our community. We must step up to curb the self-inflicted genocide in our culture."
Naughty by Nature is planning to hit the road this year, with stops in the U.S., Europe and Australia this year.
Anthem Inc. is slated for release May 17.
For more info, visit NaughtyByNature.com.
Confirmed dates, so far, are as follows:
2/4 - Dallas, TX @ Hennessy Artistry
2/12 - New Orleans, LA @ Lake Front Arena *
2/18 - Philadelphia PA @ Liacouras Center *
2/19 - Baltimore MD @ 1st Mariner Arena *
3/18 - New York City, NY @ Hammerstein Ballroom
3/25 - Richmond, VA @ Richmond Coliseum *
4/9 - Milwaukee, WI @ Milwaukee Theatre *
5/21 - Minneapolis, MN @ Cabooze
* Salt-n-Pepa's Legends of Hip Hop Tour
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