ALBUM: CIRCA 74 ARTIST : 617 SCHEDULED RELEASE DATE : May 2008 In 2003, UK hip hop crew, 617, stormed onto the music scene with their highly successful debut album, The Vault, which included their mega independent hit single, Always, featuring none other than the ex UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair!! Released on their label, Accura Records, 617,namely, Accura, founder and producer of the innovative team, and D.R.A., rapper and artistic director, created a unique style of hip-hop by introducing famous vocal samples from the likes of Tony Blair into their melodic rap lyrics and hip hop/urban beats. With their unique creative production, 617 achieved great success in a number of countries including Germany, France, Japan, US and the UK. This album was quoted by The Times publication, Touch Magazine and The Guardian as one of the most outstanding albums of 2003. This was followed up by the fabulous album, Bittersweet , released in 2006. Five years on, 617, are returning with their third studio album, Circa 74. This album was recorded from a stand point of 1974 and pays homage to the most important years that laid the foundation for Hip-hop. A number of musical and cultural events that shaped the game include : • The invention of the Break Beat DJing by DJ Kool Herc. • The first production of the Industry standard turntable – The SL1200. • The historic boxing event that took place on October 30, 1974,in Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo). Between Heavyweight champion George Foreman and then former world champion and challenger Muhammad Ali. • The invention of the scratch by Grand Theodore Wizard. • The forming of the Zulu Nation by former gang leader Afrika Bambaata –The Zulu Nation, a collection of DJs, break dancers and graffiti artists was formed as a positive alternative to street violence. • The first original 7-inch single to include extended mixes. • Extensive and influential works from artists such as James Brown, Gil Scott Heron and groups such as The Last Poets. • Soul Train and the influence it had on dance moves. • This period was also an important watershed for fashion design , marking an essential transition from modernist-dominated design culture of the 60’s to an era in which style and the individualistic ethos of fashion design became the guiding principles of the future. Circa 74 features artistes’ such as gospel vocalists, Leticia Jones, who performed on the hit single, Jazz n da Back, Revolution and Sign of the Times, SJ, who performed on Wanna Be and Smoked, and Jig adding the outstanding commentary on Revolution, Heavy and SL-12. The album also includes Remix versions of Toy Gangsta (originally from The Vault album) and R.A.P (originally from the Bittersweet album). Both tracks feature vocals from Bolistik Circa 74 is a concept album filled with fabulous lyrical tracks and creative production. 617, has once again, produced a fantastic, smash hit album, which will appeal to their loyal followers !