Powered by the huge success of his smash “Lights Camera Action,” Mr. Cheeks’ solo debut, John P. Kelly sold over 600,000 copies. Now the leader of the infamous Queens crew, the Lost Boyz readies to release his second CD, Back Again. With guests ranging from M.O.P. and Pete Rock and CL Smooth to Glenn Lewis and Floetry, Cheeks switches from up-tempo party joints to slow-burning jams faster than you can say, ummm, lights, camera, action. Universal boasts the rapper with 10 years under his belt, “creates a true blend of hip-hop and R&B, interweaving them so seamlessly they create a new sound, a new style, a new genre.” Though their claims are grandiose, kudos goes out to Cheeks for courage. It almost seems like had life taken a different turn for the rapper, Cheeks might have been a R&B cat.
His lead single, “Crush On You” features Mario Winans, while “I Apologize” is a duet with Glenn Lewis. “Reminisce” is a modern day version of Pete Rock and CL Smooth’s “They Reminisce Over You,” complete with the two originals and newcomer/label mate Journalist. M.O.P. antes up on “The Hustle” and P. Diddy blesses the boards for “Pimpalicious.” Expect Back Again in Spring 2003.
New Orleans’ new hottest rapper, the New No Limit soldier Choppa drops Straight From The N.O. on March 4. The video for his hit “Choppa Style” is #10 this week on BET’s 106th & Park. You can catch Choppa co-starring with Master P in the film Hollywood Homicide with Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnet (opens June 12) or on the “Street Ballers” Tour with The 504 Boyz, Master P and Silkk The Shocker.
Tour dates:
2/22 Dallas Convention Center Arena Dallas, TX
2/23 Arena Theater Houston, TX
2/27 Austin Music Hall Austin, TX
2/28 Canton Madison Jackson, MS
3/1 Tuskegee University Tuskegee, AL
3/3 Yellow Rose Convention Center Corpus Christi, TX
3/4 House of Blues New Orleans, LA
3/8 Savannah Civic Center Savannah, GA
3/9 North Charleston Coliseum Charleston, SC
