Prof - Liability - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

No artist has emerged from Minnesota this decade and walked his own private catwalk quite like Prof. After spending the early part of the 2010's building a strong local following, his subsequent signing to Rhymesayers Entertainment and the of his landmark 2015 debut, Liability, helped propel him to the next stage of his career. For example, his annual self-headlined Prof Outdoors festival has repeatedly sold out a 4,000+ capacity each year. While there's been a perception that the eccentric Minneapolis MC is out-of-control, Prof's undeterred, unwavering commitment to his fans reveals the craftsmanship behind the perceived chaos. Today, as his latest album title states, the newly sophisticated Prof is more accurately referred to as Pookie Baby.While Prof may be best known for his show-stopping live performances, this album pulls back the curtain, inviting the listener to join him for the most private of moments, all with a sleek touch of sophistication. As much of a showman as he is a shaman, Pookie Baby was poured out of the perspective of a man known for wild live shows, whose rigorous touring and performance schedule led to debilitating injuries. Grounded for months and undergoing multiple surgeries, Prof returned with a new perspective, teeming with unbridled sexuality. Paired with a multitude of styles that run the gamut from triple-time Chicago drill to emotive, bluesy crooning, this album showcases a spectrum of moods ranging from infectious absurdity to earnestly introspective. InchFocusInch highlights Prof's well-buttoned dedication to perfectionism, while InchNoInch aggressively gives self-preservation the anthem it's always deserved. InchBe AroundInch touches on the comforts of dependability in relationships, while InchSend NudesInch finds reward in the vulnerable intimacy present in exposing oneself via text message (consensually, of course). The album cu

The composer Karsten Fundal (b. 1966) is one of the few living composers who ranges over the whole spectrum of newly-composed orchestral music film music, orchestral arrangements, experimental and decided concert hall music. His strong philosophical and systematic mind runs in parallel with a sensuous and intuitive musicality that investigates acoustic space, pulse and motion. On this recording, the classical avant-garde, minimalist and cross-over specialist ensemble Ekkozone explores Fundal's tonal and rhythmic universe in new compositions for saxophone, percussion and piano.

There's a lot to be learned from Large Professor - how to produce, how to rhyme, how to cultivate new talent, how to stay creative and consistent for decades. The passing years only increase his legendary status - as a major collaborator with Main Source, Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, etc. - while re-confirming his originality with each new project. So what's on the syllabus for the Professor's latest class? In his own words Inchtaking it back to the B-boy uprock style.Inch His latest masterwork Professor @ Large drops June 26 on Fat Beats Records. Large's impeccable craftsmanship shines on each of the 15 songs, many of them at upbeat park jam tempos. Whether he's spitting hard with MOP's Lil Fame, dropping an ill instrumental, or casting his wizened gaze out of the kaleidoscopic cover art, Large Pro is always smooth, on point and uniquely himself. In addition to Lil Fame, the album features a connoisseur's selection of fine MCs Busta Rhymes reminiscing in double-time on InchStraight from the GoldenInch; Cormega and Tragedy Khaddafi bringing the streets on InchFocused UpInch; Mic Geronimo and Grand Daddy IU keeping cool on InchMack Don IllzInch; and Cormega, Saigon, Roc Marciano and Action Bronson comprising the stunning InchM.A.R.SInch - easily the best posse cut of 2012. In a classy move, Large Pro gives Marco Polo the album's only production guest spot on the title track.