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For additional promotional materials or information about New Kidz & Truckback Records, contact soulofthelionmusic@gmail.com and truckbackstudios@gmail.com.

For immediate release:

Hit music? CHECK. Award winning producers? CHECK. All-star cast of supporting artists? CHECK. Indeed, the new album by Anthony “New Kidz” Bennett, aptly named CHECK, from Billboard-charting label imprint Truckback Records boasts a formidable list of a who’s who of dancehall and reggae artists represented by Lady Saw, Tony Curtis and Turbulence which only hint at the eclectic mix of Reggae, Lovers Rock with a touch of Dancehall vibes. And although he is not heard, the presence of New Kidz’ mentor, Buju Banton, is there in spirit throughout with New Kidz’ unique mix of husky deejaying and melodic chanting. The new album follows up on New Kidz current smash for Lockecity Music Group, a superbly-executed rendition of Fun’s “We Are Young” and now a combination with New Kidz, Ding Dong and Baby Chris called “Street Pledge” which is sweeping the dancehall music scene. Producers Steve and Adrian Locke bring the same innovative vision to the new album CHECK, which was recorded in Kingston at Truckback Studios under the musical and recording arrangement of Adrian Locke. Want proof? Just CHECK the 16 tracks of clever lyrics recorded over one drop fully instrumented drum + bass lines and dancehall melodies sprinkled with pop and R&B vibes. Speaking of lyrics, just behind the curtain is scratch songwriter, Robert ‘Fresh’ Lattibeaudiere, who had an integral part of the creative process with Bennett and Locke, penning lyrics on 14 of the tracks. Featuring musical selections created by a cross section of Jamaica’s top producers and label imprints including Adrian Locke (Lockecity Music Group), Arthur Amos (Free Willy), Khalfani McKenzie, ZJ Sparks (Twelve 9), Dynasty Records, Ghetto Networks, DJ Smurf Music, Krushproof, Conroy Ramsey, Keinotain Johnson and Steve Locke (Truckback) there are multitudes of reasons to Check the album on line and, through Truckback’s association with VPAL (VP Records Associated Label Group), in stores May 7, 2013.

“The album was a labor of love to create,” says New Kidz. “The support of top producers and songwriters, coupled with the best riddims was crucial. I love coming up with new words and slang for particular situations and this album captures New Kidz like never before.”

The opening track, “World Peace”, sets a tone of unity with a strong one drop riddim for New Kidz’ husky tenor recording with some of Jamaica’s top musicans, Wayne “Unga” Thompson (drums), Jason Welch (bass), Lamont Savory (guitar) and Demar Gayle (keys). It’s a conscious vibe reflected in the song “Peace & Justice”, a cut from radio personality ZJ Sparks’ (Twelve 9 Records) World Market Riddim collaboration with Dynasty Records. Reality is still the order of the day on “What Is This” (Lockecity Music), a social road map laid out over heavy bass and driving percussion, and the education-tinged “Have A Plan” (Ghetto Network Prod). The tempo slows down on “Thank You” (DJ Smurf Music) where New Kidz wears his feelings for his mother on his sleeve in a mix of deejaying and singing styles while “Banks Of The Nile” (Free Willy Production) looks to the east for inspiration on a thought provoking roots ode to the motherland with beautiful harmonies from Tracy Mowett. And don’t forget to CHECK the production of proven taste maker Steve Locke of Truckback Records who musical stamp is heard on “Better Days” featuring conscious deejay Turbulence in which New Kidz and Turbulence create a perfect storm of musical energy and on “Love Jamaica”, where a moody one-drop groove bears witness to a love for his nation and people despite the gritty frustration of relentless poverty with harmonies from Nathaniel “Natel” Hewitt. New Kidz’ attention to honest lyrics and Truckback Records astute musical selections force all the senses to take notice.

Evoking a personal struggle to make sense of events he saw around him growing up in downtown Kingston, CHECK is essentially a reality check on life through the eyes of New Kidz. His music feeds the mind and soothes the soul with a mix of lovers reggae, conscious roots as well as dancehall. CHECK-list complete right? Indeed, whether it be that sorrowful call on “Lover’s Rehab”, a cut taken from the Seal of Life riddim featuring Ernie Wilkes (guitar) & Kirk ‘Kirkledove’ Bennet (drums), a ballad for that special someone on “In Your Eyes”, or the spiritual journey heard in “Epiphany” (Lockecity Music Group), New Kidz encourages us all as “royal soldiers” that there is always something to fight for. Down to the final song on the record, the passionate and irrefutably catchy “John Tom” (Krushproof Music), the urgency is palpable. Even the farmers have their very own anthem with “Farmer Man” (a Free Willy Production) in which the farmers are recognized as the true yet underrepresented backbone of our society. Speaking of farmers, the album couldn’t be complete without a ganja anthem, as in “Fire Truck” a collaboration with Tony Curtis of Jamaica’s premier harmony group LUST. From the softer side of Lady Saw (let’s not forget the dancehall massive) alongside New Kidz on “Our Lives” (produced by Steve Locke) to his very own personal narrative on “Street Side” (produced by Khalfani McKenzie), New Kidz connects with his listener in profound and emotive ways--through love, consciousness and the spirit. In every case, his lyrics are tightly linked to everyday truths of life ensuring that there is something for everyone. As full of vibes as the man behind the microphone, the album demonstrates how dancehall reggae is simply more considered and complex than previously thought. With real instrumentation, honest lyrics and toppa top production values, New Kidz’ new album CHECK leaves no box unchecked and on May 7th, Truckback Records invites you to CHECK typical dancehall reggae expectations at the door. Get your copy via VPAL.

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