April 16, 2007

“THE RAPPER POISED TO SAVE ROCK’N’ROLL”
CADENCE WEAPON SIGNS TO EPITAPH RECORDS USA

Arguably the most recognized and respected independent record label in the world, Epitaph Records, remains true to its street sensibility and signs Upper Class Recordings artist, Cadence Weapon.

As the story goes, a young rapper & producer hailing from Edmonton, Alberta called Cadence Weapon, and his Canadian-based label Upper Class Recordings quietly unleashed his explosive debut album “Breaking Kayfabe” in Canada to instant praise and notoriety. The media, both mainstream and underground, touted him as a ground breaking talent and an artist to watch. Critical acclaim continued through the year – culminating in some impressive nominations from the Polaris Music Prize, Canadian Indie Awards and winner of a CBC Radio 3 Bucky Award.

Epitaph and Upper Class have joined forces to release “Breaking Kayfabe” in the United States on March 13th, 2007 to coincide with Cadence Weapon’s appearance at the South By South West Music Festival in Austin, Texas March 14th – 18th.

“Breaking Kayfabe” is an impossibly accomplished hip-hop album stacked with clever writing and impressive rhymes, paired with the electro-tones of UK grime and West Coast hip-hop. “Cadence Weapon’s M.O. is breaking boundaries. Certainly he’s a writer and not a biter” Urb Magazine, Illustrious Next 100

In a year that saw a seemingly steady stream of accolades and immediate support from friends at College and CBC Radio, MuchMusic, Rap City and touring with the likes of De La Soul, Lady Sovereign, Jurassic 5 and Islands, the journey for Cadence Weapon has only just begun.

Epitaph and Upper Class ramp up to deliver Cadence Weapon to North American audiences with a video for the anthem-like banger “Sharks”, a visual delight paying homage to retro arcade video games. The video is produced by Spy Films and co-directed by stars Chris Grismer (Arcade Fire, Death From Above, Metric) and Duane Crichton (Jelleestone, In Essence, Pocket Dwellers), was added this week into “UNCHARTED: BUZZIEST VIDEO” at Muchmusic, “BUZZCLIP” at Musiqueplus and heavy rotation at MuchVibe, with the single heading to radio airwaves following shortly hereafter.

Epitaph, infamously known for turning rock ‘n roll on its ear by widely popularizing the California punk movement, continues to lead the way by breaking new ground with alternative rap artists. In their classic style of grinding out tours with a stellar roster of artists and an unparalleled ability to serve it up straight to the fans, Epitaph will spread the gospel of Cadence Weapon and “Breaking Kayfabe” through the summer leading straight into the North American release of Cadence Weapon’s sophomore album in the fall.

“Breaking Kayfabe” is nominated for “Best Rap Album of 2006” Plug Independent Music Awards (NYC Feb 10), and Mr. Weapon is nominated for “Favourite Urban Artist” Canadian Indie Music Awards where he will perform during Canadian Music Week (Toronto, March 7-10). Cadence Weapon will also be performing at the Chart Magazine party at the Horseshoe Tavern March 9th.