Slept on Rappers

Good hip-hop is more than just dope music. It also delivers messages that resonate with its listeners. Much like the socially conscious enery of Public Enemy, Poor Righteous Teachers and the X-Clan, the Chosen Few are scholars through hip-hop, spreading their infectious tunes laden with throught-provoking messages. The Chosen Few knew the implications involved when choosing such a bold statement as their moniker. However, it perfectly embodies the trio’s sentiments and overall mission of artistic and social freedom. The group comprised of Cold Showda, Charles “Chop” Cooper and Unjust have traveled long and far, both physcially and figuratively, to release their long-awaited debut album, New World Symphony, slated for release January 9, 2010 on Hiero Imperium Records. Originally from Ohio, home to legendary funk artists like Bootsy Collins, The Ohio Players and Lakeside, the three independently migrated to the progressive Bay Area in the early 2000’s after recognizing the limitations of their small market, in search of musical and personal diversity. Chop and Cold Showda immediately felt right at home and started performing together as the Greans, sharing the stage with such acts as Mos Def, Common, The Alkaholiks, Slum Village, and Bootcamp Click while Unjust shaped the visual presence of famed indie label ABB Records and a bevy of artists including Little Brother, Hi-Tek, Strong Arm Steady, Planet Asia, Tek9, J. Dilla, A.G., O.C., Nappy Roots and Dizzee Rascal. Drawing from personal experiences, the Chosen Few have witnessed their fair share of injustices and tragedies that would make most people run for the hills. All three continuously give back to their community when not on the road. Unjust works with at-risk-youth, Cold Showda as a mental health counselor, and Charles Cooper as a coach and teacher. \"Being that we all are involved in education and pro-social work we value certain ideals\", says Charles “Chop” Cooper. \"Integrity, unity, good work ethic, being genuine and innovative, and valuing the importance of personal relationships, these are the values that we want to shine through on this album, for the listener to enjoy.\" It took a few years and several solo ventures, not to mention a host personal trials and tribulations, before the three came together in 2008 to record New World Symphony, an album they hope fans will not only appreciate, but identify with. New World Symphony features Unjust\'s soul and pychadelic rock laden beats, Cold Showda\'s relentlessly agressive lyrics, and Charles \"Chop\" Cooper\'s masterful saxaphone playing and lyricism. The 19-song album is full of powerful messages - from the urgent, call-to-action title cut, “New World Symphony” to “Believers,” an autobiographical account of their childhood home and the devastating impact the recent economic climate has had on Ohio. Making guest appearances on the album are Del the Funky Homosapien (“King Kong”), Pep Love and Rakaa Iriscience (“It’s Good), Tajai (“Belly of the Beast”), Opio (“Elevation”), Piakahn (“Ride”) and more. With the release of New World Symphony, the Chosen Few are kick starting their mission “We want to encourage listeners to empower themselves by realizing that they have the influence to not just choose what music they want to listen to but the power to carve their own paths and seperate themselves from the flock,” says Unjust. “The power of choice lies in all of us.”

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Single: Understanding