Stream: iTunes-Only Bonus Cut from Black Milk’s No Poison No Paradise

New Album From Black Milk Drops Tomorrow; Features Quelle Chris, Robert Glasper, Black Thought And More

10.14.2013

Critical Praise for Black Milk:

“Black Milk’s solo career represents a constant cycle of adopting and mastering new production styles and then abandoning them before they become crutches.” – Pitchfork

“As many of his peers were flooding the market with instantly forgettable throwaways, Black Milk was toiling on his masterpiece.” – Washington Post

“His samples are elegant, his rhythms challenging and his drum kits tight.” – NPR

The Album:

Tomorrow, esteemed producer and rapper Black Milk releases his newest full-length solo album, entitled No Poison No Paradise. Already regarded as a contender for Top 10 lists for Best Albums of 2013, NPNP exemplifies Black’s evolution and growth as an artist. Created with the intent of having a more relaxed, calmer, and darker vibe compared to his previous solo album, NPNP still incorporates his signature sample-driven production style full of hard drums and melodic synths but pushes his refined narrative ability to a new level. Today, Black shares the special iTunes-only bonus track, “Poison.” Says Black, “This was the last song I made for the album. It’s a short song about the main character, Sonny, waking up out of his dream and trying to make sense of it all.”

NPNP showcases Black’s knack for storytelling using a semi-autobiographical character named Sonny Jr. and his lucid dreams to take the listener on a journey through his experiences growing up in a rough working-class neighborhood in Detroit and working out the choices life presents to him, as a kid, an adolescent, and an aspiring artist in seemingly random and inconsistent order, just like how dreams are in real life. Says Black, “I wanted the stories from song to song to link in some way but still wanted the messages to stand on their own. If someone were to listen closely and understand how the songs and stories connect to one another, then that would make the experience that much more special.” No Poison No Paradise features guests Grammy Award winners Robert Glasper, Dwele, and Black Thought of The Roots, as well as long-time collaborators Quelle Chris, Tone Trezure, Will Sessions, Mel, and Ab. Black Milk produced every track on the album with the exception of “Sonny Jr. (Dreams),” which was produced by Black Milk, Robert Glasper, and Dwele.

Black Milk’s No Poison No Paradise Tour with Quelle and DJ Sober is currently underway. Check below for remaining tour dates.

Stream the album on Pitchfork here: http://pitchfork.com/advance/258-no-poison-no-paradise

Pre-order No Poison No Paradise on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-poison-no-paradise-deluxe/id690380563?ls=1

Deluxe 12″ LP: http://www.fatbeats.com/collections/pre-order/products/black-milk-no-poison-no-paradase-deluxe-vinyl-edition-2xlp

Deluxe CD: http://www.fatbeats.com/products/black-milk-no-poison-no-paradise-deluxe-cd-edition

12″ LP: http://www.fatbeats.com/products/black-milk-no-poison-no-paradise-2xlp

CD: http://www.fatbeats.com/products/black-milk-no-poison-no-paradise-cd

Tour Dates:

To purchase tickets: http://blackmilk.biz/shows

npnptour_online_update(w_dates)

Oct. 14 – Ottawa, CANADA @ Ritual

Oct. 15 – Toronto, CANADA @ Mod Club

Oct. 16 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew’s

Oct. 17 – Toledo, OH @ Frankies

Oct. 18 – St. Louis, MO @ Blank Space

Oct. 19 – Chicago, IL @ Subterranean

Oct. 20 – Iowa City, IA @ Gabe’s

Oct. 21 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry

Oct. 22 – Cleveland, OH@ Grog Shop

Oct. 23 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Smiling Moose

Oct. 24 – Washington, DC @ Liv

Please contact Michelle or Dan if interested in talking with Black Milk.

Black Milk Background:

Black Milk is a producer and rapper born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. As one of the most-celebrated auteurs of his generation of hip hop artists, he has conditioned fans and critics to always expect the unexpected each time he releases new music. Few producers have earned the notoriety and respect he has as a musician, and when that is coupled with commanding talent as an emcee, it’s no surprise that his solo releases are met with exalted anticipation. He has been making music professionally since 2004 and has collaborated with many noted artists including Slum Village, J Dilla, Elzhi, Phat Kat, Frank-N-Dank, Lloyd Banks, Canibus and Pharoahe Monch and Jack White of The White Stripes. In 2010 he released Album of the Year, which perfectly captured his soulful, jazzy style. He is currently putting the finishing touches on his new album, No Poison No Paradise, which is due out October 15th of this year.