`Soul-R Elevates Minds with His Debut Album: A Passage In Time!
November 2007Since the beginning of time, music has served as one of the most divine forms of communication known to man, transcending the illusion of language by speaking directly to the rhythm of the soul. After more than a year in gestation, the debut album from Soul-R explodes onto the Dub Poetry / Spoken Word scene with the divine intensity that's laid the framework for the eclectic artist who prefers to be defined as a "visionary" rather than an entertainer. An ingenious compilation of 13 non-traditional spoken-word tracks (including the signature 8 Rooks), A Passage In Time is a genre-defying work of art that encompasses everything from Dub Poetry to Hip Hop to Reggae – each track with its own unique personality.The first full-length album produced independently at 8 Rooks Muse Sik Studios, A Passage In Time documents the premiere personal collection of poetry by Soul-R whose lyrical roots are grounded in Toronto's Hip Hop & Reggae scene, where he grew up surrounded by many musical elements. "It always seemed natural to chant lyrics aloud and on the mic," says Soul-R. "I wanted to tell stories in an expressive way through powerful lyrical styles. As I grew I realized that I was tapping into an ancient and sophisticated form of communication and that I was now responsible for the messages being given to me." This revelation is evident on tracks like Ask Me, a piece reflecting the fact that there's been a social & spiritual revolution going on for years. "If you have the opportunity for people to listen to you, you better say something positive, " states Soul-R. "You better say something highly and progressive. So I had to look into my soul and bring forth its messages."Over the past 4 years, Soul-R has taken the spoken-word industry by storm with an unrivalled intensity that has garnered his success on stages all over the province. He is the Director of 8 Rooks Enlightenment, a multimedia company "dedicated to the upliftment of mind, body, spirit and soul." Since its launch, 8 Rooks Enlightenment has founded several extensions, including 8 Rooks Grafix, 8Rooks.com and 8 Rooks Muse Sik, a fully equipped in-house studio. A Passage In Time was composed by the multitalented Ras Iauwata Amha Selassie M.D., a seasoned and well accomplished musician who has collaborated with many international artists over the last 35 years – including Ike and Tina Turner, Jimmy Cliff, Bunny Wailer and Dennis Brown. Ras Iauwata has lent his musical talents to several popular Toronto-based productions; he is also the musical director of 8 Rooks NTERnational Band. A Passage In Time is a fusion of Spoken-Word, Dub Poetry, Roots-Rock-Reggae Riddims, Hip Hop beats, Jazz, R&B and Soul.Wages of Life is the album's Genesis piece, then it slides into the signature 8 Rooks, which offers an answer to dealing with the so-called "shit-stem" of "down-pression". Preceded by Ask Me, Attention deals with the power of the media and Hollywood's abuse of that power, backed musically with a hip-hop and R&B flavour. WHO is a commentary on the pharmaceutical and medical corporations that are, in Soul-R's opinion, behaving just like the belly of the beast. "Their belly is never full and they put making money first and healing last." Word Revolution helps to break down the manipulation of words being used as weapons against us, as heard in the chorus: "This is real revolution in a revolution time / we can’t match dem gun for Gun / we got to match dem with mind." Word Revolution is a brilliant display of Hip Hop meeting Jazz. Play is a poem based off of the word “play†that explores the dimensions of word, as well as offering solutions. A classic in the making, Play has that 70’s groove inspired by Curtis Mayfield.Sleep Walkers is the "fire" piece. "They say when we're dreaming we're asleep," recounts Soul-R. "I think when we're awake we're really sleeping; we're just sleep walking. Sleep Walkers deals with Christianity and the corruption of religion by those who seek to further their own agenda. In Soul-R's words, "The truth is not a sin, it’s an offence to the offended." Essence is perhaps the subtlest track on the album, breaking down the deeper understanding that beyond words and physical matter is the core of all things, it’s essence. The poem flows like water, with soft undertones that any listener can relate to. Babylonian Agenda is a glimpse into ancient history, revisiting the land of Babylon by examining their monetary and numeric systems. It sheds light on modern day Babylon and how the system has not changed. In true spiritual form, Babylonian Agenda is inspired by the path of Nyahbingi, where Rastafari lives and reigns. Set to the type of music you'd hear at a roots session in the early '90's, The Answer is a piece about self-reflection, from internalization to self-actualization...to find the answer that we are looking for in our individual lives. A Passage In Time is sealed by Freedom Cry, one of Soul-R's most popular tracks. "Why are you crying for freedom when freedom doesn’t cry?" says Soul-R. "You have the power of will therefore you can will your own existence...to control your thoughts is to alleviate the physical realm of existence...and journey on A Passage of Time…With a full-length book of poems and a sophomore album “Tears of Fire†in the works, Soul-R has no plans to slow down in the future. His eyes are set on touring and expanding his horizons to encompass each and every opportunity that prophecy sets in his path. And A Passage In Time is a clear sign of great things yet to come.**Don’t Miss the official Album release concert set for January 13th 2008 at the Lula Lounge 1585 Dundas St.West (2 blocks west of Dufferin St). Soul-R will performing backed by 8 Rooks NTERnational Band. Also Featuring on the show: Iauwata Amha Selassie M.D. (Reggae), ANIA (Neo Soul), Humble (Reggae), Boogie (Reggae, Soul), Hilltop Productions (Hip Hop), I Ras (Reggae). Music supplied by DJ Patrick Roots 89.5FM.
TIME: Doors @ 6pm / Concert @ 7pm,
TICKETS: $10/Advance $15/Door (Free CD w/ Ticket Purchase)
INFO / TICKETS: 416-560-5857 or
[email protected]/Bookings:
Soul-R for 8 Rooks Enlightenment
416.560.5857
[email protected]
www.8rooks.com
A Passage In Time (8 Rooks Enlightenment) is available @ the following locations:TorontoA Different Booklist
746 Bathurst St.
416.538.0889Uprising Books
168 Baldwin St.
416.879.7052House of Moses
77 Kensington Ave.
416.732.0656Senbi En Tchaas Afrikan Centre
593 Younge Street 2nd Floor
(one block north of Wellesley)
416-850-8358Scarborough8 Rooks Enlightenment
416.560.5857
www.8rooks.comEarthsong Village
2448 Kingston Rd.
416.266.2787I-MAN Muzik Store
1162 Morningside Ave.
416.913.9147Bad Lad Music World
4417 Sheppard Ave. E.
416.335.5292Sunshine Music Store
2604 Eglinton Ave. E.
416.265.3600I.S.I.S. CIRCLE
416.875.5514PickeringSystem Music Warehouse
512 Kingston Rd.
905.831.4949BramptonKnowledge Bookstore
177 Queen St. W.
905.459.9875
