Originally set to release on his
Seventh Seal LP in 2009 though wasn't put on the album due to clearance issues, one of hip hop's greatest lyricists Rakim brings "Whats Wrong" out of the vault where he gives his thoughts on pressing issues all around. Working with one of the most notable underground producers on the US east coast, Canadian producer Marco Polo. The song is set to release on Marco Polo's upcoming free LP
Newport Authority 2, with features from Big Daddy Kane, Artifacts, Das Efx, Lil Fame of M.O.P, Torae and Ruste Juxx also.
Though this is just a pre-release to Marco Polo's
Port Authority 2 available this spring, and to add to the extensive list of features this one also has Talib Kweli, DJ Premier, Masta Ace, Posdnuos of De La Soul, Kardinall Official, Styles P, Nature, Rah Digga, Ill Bill, Large Professor, Inspectah Deck and many more. So be on the look out for that soon! For now, how are you feeling the new Rakim?
Interview by: Martin Bauman Toronto-bred producer Marco Polo's latest collaborative album, Port Authority 2, boasts a veritable who's who of classic hip-hop artists: DJ Premier, Large Professor, Inspectah Deck, O.C., Organized Konfusion, MC Eiht, King Tee, Masta Ace, Talib Kweli, Posdnuos, Gangrene, Lil Fame, and Styles P all make appearances. Bringing all that talent together is one thing, but crafting a seamless album with so many different voices and styles is an entirely different task - one which Marco Polo does flawlessly. It's just the latest notch in Marco Polo's remarkable career, over a decade since making the move from Richmond Hill, Ontario to the Mecca of hip-hop, New York City, with little more than his MPC2000XL. That he's managed to find success is no surprise; the work speaks for itself and has earned him respect from the likes of DJ Premier, Marley Marl, Pete Rock, and DJ Jazzy Jeff. We caught up with Marco Polo to talk about his latest album, memories from growing up in Toronto, what makes a good producer, and much more.
Read the full interview after the jump.