Chris Clay – First Impression (100 Bars Pt. 3)

chrisclay

DOWNLOAD: Chris Clay – First Impression (100 Bars Pt. 3)

Chris Clay Says FML with Crooked I and Kid Vishis on New EP!
Clever Lyricist Delivers Original Tracks on ‘For My Listeners’
Coming to iTunes April 26!
 
San Diego, CA — On the heels of his successful run with The Christening mixtape in December 2010, Midwest lyricist Chris Clay is now preparing to release a new EP on iTunes. The project is aptly titled For My Listeners (FML), a dedication to the legion of Hip Hop fans who have been appreciating the young rapper’s innate gifts. FML is slated for release on April 26, 2011 via California-based label M.I.M Entertainment.
 
Chris Clay, a native of St. Paul, Minnesota, is proud to bring such a well-rounded sound to his music on FML. Guest appearances from Slaughterhouse’s California rap vet Crooked I and acclaimed Detroit spitter Kid Vishis add intense lyrical posture to Clay’s trademark fiery verses. R&B singer Emanny, known for his work with Joe Budden and Jadakiss, also brings his silky vocals to “Sex Appeal.”
 
Producers on the project include J.Cardim (Talib Kweli, Royce da 5’9, Maino), J-Skillz da Bandman (50 Tyson, J-Kwon) and Emazin of Minnesota’s Trakhouse International (Freeway, Twista, Lil Flip).
 
“Each producer is very special to me for a number of reasons,” Chris explains. “J-Skillz was one of the main producer I started building my sound with, he made the track for my 2010 anthem “M.I.M. (Money is Motive).” In my opinion, Emazin‘s team is the best production squad out of Minnesota. Working with J.Cardim has been special for me because I feel like it’s another good step toward the mainstream. I feel like the chemistry with each of these producers is great, and as an artist I know it’s only making me better.”
 
Since moving to San Diego to work with M.I.M. Entertainment CEO Pat DiBello, Chris Clay has been opening doors for himself across the country. He teamed with G-Unit/Shadyville personality DJ Whoo Kid for the globally appealing mixtape The Christening, and followed with a unique hometown sound on Sotafied: Looped, Locked & Loaded with Minnesota’s DJ Reeg.
 
Additionally, Chris has been releasing freestyles for his “100 Bars” series, and has received accolades from some of Hip Hop’s most discerning music critics for his lyrical abilities.  
 
“The responses from the work I’ve done in the past six months has been incredible,” says Chris. “It means so much to me to actually see that I’m gaining some recognition from respected tastemakers, and it motivates me to step my game up everytime I create and perform. This is what I’m most passionate about, and to see my dreams coming true is what drives me to become the artist I want to be.”  
 
The six tracks on FML are all important to Clay for different reasons, although “The Oath” stands out to him as a more introspective touch on the EP. “This song is a much more intimate look into my life and whats going on with me, and at the same time it is a promise to my listeners to always give you ‘me’ and tell the truth, and nothing but the truth. I love it!

“I want the fans to know this EP is exactly what it is: ‘For My Listeners’, Chris continues. “I used the FTW (For The Wholeworld) EP in December 2010 as an introduction, and this one is a lot more personal. It’s geared toward specifically telling people who I am, where I stand on certain things, my feelings and some of my qualities all mashed together in that special ‘Chris Clay way’ for my audience. So if I got your attention on the last one, and you are now a listener, this one is for you!”

FML Tracklist

 
01. The Oath – prod by J.Cardim
02. Dreamin – prod by Emazin
03. Party Song – prod by J.Cardim
04. Sex Appeal ft. Emanny – prod by Emazin
05. Rewind That ft Crooked I – prod by J-Skillz
06. Ugly ft Kid Vishis – prod by J-Skillz
 
 
ABOUT CHRIS CLAY
 

While some may view the Midwest as a quiet slice of American pie, the state of Minnesota has in fact spawned some of the most artistically influential people in history. As a songwriter and lyricist paving his own way in today’s scene, St. Paul native Chris Clay is continually drawing strength from the overwhelming artistic mastery birthed in the Twin Cities.

With his recent DJ Whoo Kid-hosted mixtape The Christening garnering acclaim from the toughest of music critics, Chris Clay is poised to be the next memorable face of Midwest Hip Hop. On April 26, 2011, Clay will deliver an original six-song EP via iTunes entitled FML (For My Listeners), which features appearances from Cali rap vet Crooked I and Detroit lyricist Kid Vishis.

Currently residing in San Diego, California, Clay has been working tirelessly on new music with Money Is Motive (MIM) Entertainment CEO Pat DiBello. More EPs and a full-length album are in the works as well.

Growing up is never easy for teens, but Chris Clay found ways to overcome childhood challenges as they came to him. Academically gifted, talented in sports with a knack for acting, Chris focused on his crafts – despite troubles that led him to move from his mother’s care to his grandmother’s house in the suburbs. It was an adjustment that the spirited teen turned into a win-win situation, as he gravitated toward Hip Hop and began writing songs about his life.

Extending the passion beyond his notepad, young Clay began his rise as a competitive lyrical battler, taking out all comers in any cipher he entered.  Eventually he caught the attention of a well-known local producer, which led to a production and management deal that allowed Chris to record and perform all over the Twin Cities. In September of 2006 he released his first solo mixtape The Passion of Chris.

Unfortunately, the intended follow-up mixtape, impending tour and debut album were put on hold when Chris was released from the contract in 2007. Soon after, the rapper faced the tragic death of his longtime girlfriend, and coped with the loss during his two-year hiatus from music. By 2009, Chris emerged with the mixtape Sotafied:Pyrolyricism, released under his own MNUE Entertainment.

With inspiration from impressive lyricists like JadakissFabolous andLupe Fiasco, intertwined with the Twin Cities’ diverse spectrum of artistry, Chris Clay continued to create personal masterpieces as 2010 progressed.

Prince, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, funk band Mint Condition, playright August Wilson, Peanuts’ creator Charles Schultz, painterLeRoy Neiman, Hip Hop collective Rhymesayers and 2009/2010 National Poetry Slam champions Soapboxing have all made their mark on Minnesota’s pop culture, and Chris hopes to leave his own permanent imprint.

“I value my lyrical abilities, and I’m trying to become more mainstream too,” asserts Chris. “I plan on collaborating with R&B and Rock & Roll artists, and a little bit of whatever is different. I want to break into as many avenues and break down as many barriers as I can. I love what I do, and I want people to see I’m good at it. I talk about myself, where I’m from and what I’m about. A lot of the time I’m giving myself to people through my music and I just want them to feel it. This is who I am, and what I do.”

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