New C.R.I.$.I.$. album coming soon

The King of Zed Hip-Hop, Mr. Swagger

The name Mr. Swagger might not ring a bell to most readers. In the words of the late Notorious B.I.G., “If you don’t know, now you know.” Mr. Swagger is the new name adopted by Zambia’s heavy weight King of Hip-Hop, C.R.I.$.I.$.

His new album has taken a new approach to the market. This time around, a lot of the business elements that are exploited during an album release will be utilized. The fans will not have dull moments when it comes to this project.

Despite the publicized drama in the media, C.R.I.$.I.$. has not lost a step. He has only become better and more artistic. His new descriptive style of Rap will without doubt capture the fan’s ears and have them press rewind.

In January, 2005, the rapper released the first Zambian Hip-Hop album, Officer in Charge. The album stood out as it was one of the few local records that were entirely recorded in English. Going against the grain is nothing new to this artist. The 2008 follow up album, “Designer” was the rapper’s first ever international debut as the album was first released in the United Kingdom with the help of Professor Clive Chirwa who is also the artists manager. The album can be downloaded from digital outlet’s such as iTunes, Rhapsodys and CD Baby. Almost a year later, the rapper returns with his new record 'Mr. Swagger.’ ‘The approach to this record is totally different” says the Lusaka born rapper. Swagger means style, and this album displays various elements of the Hip-Hop culture and art.

The rapper also says that he is giving the people what he calls ‘Edutainment.’ This is a term that means Education and Entertainment put into one. This is my first approach in being relevant not only to the Zambian public but more especially the youth. “People always learn something from my music and that’s how I stand out from all the Hip-Hop artists in the country.”

In his career, the artist has worked with the cream of Zambian music. He has been recognized more as a rapper but is also a Sound Engineer, Music Producer and Chief Executive Officer of his own label, Diamond Chain. Artists such as Runnel, J.K., The late Daddy Zemus, T.K. of Romaside fame, Legendary Songstress, Jane Osbourne, Exile, M.K.V. are just some of the people that he has worked with. The artists featuring on the new album have not yet been confirmed as more details are expected later.

The artist real name, Chisenga Katongo recently released “Where I’m From” on his Facebook page which saw 200 mp3 downloads by press time. The song is meant to be featured on the upcoming Diamond District Mixtape which features artists such as newcomers, Camstar, Klappa Haze, new American Diamond Chain member, B.M.C. The Beast from Houston, Texas. The Mixtape also features founding members like Ray Gramz, Levins and D-Roots.

The album includes song’s such as, Hold Me Down, So Gangsta, Play On, Mr. Swagger and many more.

C.R.I.$.I.$. says that he would like to finish working on the project by Mid April but the release date will be announced as soon as the tracks for the album have been picked.

Download FREE MP3 of "Where I'm From"