With the release of the new album, titled “Mr. Swagger” fast approaching, Zambian based Hip-Hop pioneer, C.R.I.$.I.$., real name Chisenga Katongo has finally revealed his new album cover design. As one of the many ways to tackle piracy, the rapper believes that once people are familiar with the real product, they will not be sold a CD with a fake cover.

With a name change from C.R.I.$.I.$. to Mr. Swagger, the Rapper/Producer and Diamond Chain label owner says that he is using a new approach in all his dealings regarding this album and everything else.

As the world experiences an economic downturn, many areas of society have been affected. The music industry is no exception.

As it is, the music industry is already affected by piracy and this is not helping the situation. Artists have to take measures to save their music careers.

One of the ways in which C.R.I.$.I.$. is using to fight piracy is by introducing people to the product before it is officially released onto the world market. Pirates have a tendency of fabricating album covers and other parts of the product and they sell it to the unsuspecting buyers.

The album was originally scheduled for the 27th of May, 2009, which also marked the rappers birthday but was rescheduled to late June, 2009. The new album release date will soon be announced in all print and electronic media.

The new album is set to introduce people to a new man, as the rapper clearly displays that he has finally found himself.

“There’s a lot of good music on the radio but, there is also a need for someone to come with change that people can believe in. Mr. Swagger is to Hip-Hop what Obama is to the White House. A new face, approach attitude and a team that is ready to look into people’s needs” says the rapper.

In January, 2005 then simply known as C.R.I.$.I.$., he released the first Zambian Hip-Hop album despite being told that it would never work. He went against all the negative talk and advice that he had received and made history. He has been hailed by many of his friends and fans as the king of Zambian Hip-Hop.

In 2006, he was also the first Zambian artist to perform at the Channel-O Video Music Awards after his classic video “One Day” featuring J.K. received massive spins on that channel.

In 2006, he made his first international debut by releasing “Designer” which he says is his least favorite project. "My favorite project is my new album, “Mr. Swagger.” The energy and focus on this album is totally different and as soon as you think you’ve got it figured out, the music takes a different turn, and that’s what I like about it" he says.

He also says, “a third album is important in any musicians career as it is the project that determines whether the artist can last in the game or not. You’ll find that most people hit a downfall by the time they release their third album. Am glad that my creativity has become better than before although, I wish that I knew then what I know now.”

The rapper will soon be shooting a video to the first single called “Hold Me Down” which features Camstar, a rapper from his label, Diamond Chain Services. The video will be released to all major networks as soon it is ready to be published.

The album will be available for sale in stores and online. The official release date is yet to be announced but is scheduled to hit the shelves before the end of June, 2009 after which tours will be scheduled around the city of Lusaka, and then countrywide and international appearances will follow next.

The rapper insists that “revealing the album cover to the public is important as it helps people recognize the genuine product from the fake. It helps curb piracy, which is a major problem in his home country, Zambia. I want my fans to be familiar with the genuine product.”

He was recently appointed as Ambassador of Peace by the International Peace Federation (IPF) an organization that works closely with the UN but, despite his work load he is not showing any signs of slowing down.

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If you’d like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with C.R.I.$.I.$. aka Mr. Swagger, please contact Crystin Stephens.

Crystin Stephens (P.R./Artist Manager-Diamond Chain Services) Email: diamondchaincs@gmail.com Website: http:www.crisis-hiphop.com Cellphone: +260976767410

Chisenga Katongo

This is the state to state singles release. This is strictly for people in Los Angele’s California. If you do not live in L.A., please do not download.

We will give downloads STATE by STATE. Please respect our wishes. Please keep checking if your state is up next. Thank you.

More coming soon.

C.R.I.$.I.$. new single-“Electric Boggie” ‘Mr. Swagger’ COMIN. Free Download: http://www.zshare.net/audio/5978369733ba2ff7

Email: diamondchaincs@gmail.com

GET $250.00 from C.R.I.$.I.$. aka Mr. Swagger

RULES:

First of all, you have to join: www.ourstage.com

Membership options vary. Add C.R.I.$.I.$. in whatever membership you choose and VOTE for the song “We Rise” currently in the top 50 in ALternative Hip-Hop.

When you VOTE for my song “We Rise,” please leave a comment below the song. If the song get’s to No. 1, the last 2 people to leave comments right below the song will each get $250.00 from me.

I hope that the people from ourstage are monitoring this as I want to keep my word. They will look into getting the money to the winners.

Please also note that, I am spending 10% of that money on buying music from ourstage.com. My fan’s are first priority. So, if you’re on my FAN’S list and you are a musician, you have greater chances of getting a purchase from me. So, keep the COMMENTS below the song ‘WE RISE’ coming and keep adding yourselves to my FAN CLUB.

Vote now. Contest closes this month end. 48 Hours left. Get voting now.

Over and Out,

C.R.I.$.I.$. aka Mr. $wagger

In case you’re reading this from another website, I just want you to know that, if you love music, you need to join: www.ourstage.com

You get 30 FREE Music downloads of your choice. Once you join, don’t forget to add me and keep in touch by posting a COMMENT on my page, or simply going the music and commenting below it. To add me, go to the website and search for: C.R.I.$.I.$.

My internet is really bad in a major way. I am trying to get that fixed with the service provider. I hope things will get better soon. It’s costing me business.

I haven’t been able to post anything new on my blogs and I just feel like exploding.

My album has had some unexpected turns. I have created many songs in which I wanted to have people feature but the artists I have contacted just don’t seem to take my offers serious.

Well, in the end, I have done most of the work myself. I have asked many producers to come through because I wanted a different feel on the album but it hasn’t happened either. I ended up doing the production myself.

Procrastination is the woman that taught me to be self reliant. I thought being an independent artist would make things easier in regards to getting work done. I guess this is what causes all the paper work in the corporate world. As much as the important paper work has to be done, I don’t like feeling like I am forcing people to work. It just doesn’t feel right. I like my music to be made with a natural feel. Don’t get it twisted, I will get the paper work done but not to tie people down. I do it to keep my word to the artist……. Ahhhhh!!!!

Anyway, join me on http://www.ourstage.com

Add me to your friends list and let’s keep in touch. You never know what you’ll get from me. I have a few surprises for those that follow me and keep in touch.

Over and Out,

C.R.I.$.I.$. aka Mr. $wagger

New album, ‘Mr. Swagger’ COMING SOON

GET $250.00 from C.R.I.$.I.$. aka Mr. Swagger

RULES:

First of all, you have to join: www.ourstage.com

Membership options vary. Add C.R.I.$.I.$. in whatever membership you choose and VOTE for the song “We Rise” currently in the top 50 in ALternative Hip-Hop.

When you VOTE for my song “We Rise,” please leave a comment below the song. If the song get’s to No. 1, the last 2 people to leave comments right below the song will each get $250.00 from me.

I hope that the people from ourstage are monitoring this as I want to keep my word. They will look into getting the money to the winners.

Please also note that, I am spending 10% of that money on buying music from ourstage.com. My fan’s are first priority. So, if you’re on my FAN’S list and you are a musician, you have greater chances of getting a purchase from me. So, keep the COMMENTS below the song ‘WE RISE’ coming and keep adding yourselves to my FAN CLUB.

Vote now. Contest closes this month end. 7 Days left. Get voting now.

Over and Out,

C.R.I.$.I.$. aka Mr. $wagger