New York, NY. (Top40 Charts/ Illseed/ Phase One/ EMI) - With a solid 10 years in the indie Hip Hop scene under his belt, Yonkers native Genovese has experienced more than the average rapper. With ties to stars like
Styles P of The LOX,
Notorious B.I.G. and DJ Clue, Genovese garnered his own deal with Universal Records in 1999, however his debut never dropped.
After years of grinding it out in the underground, Genovese recently teamed with childhood friend Gustapo, a Queens-bred MC with a formidable history himself, to form the group First Cousins. They will release their debut album This Ain't Friends It's Family in Spring 2008 via their own Illseed Entertainment, in association with Phase One Communications and EMI.
The album will feature guest appearances by Ali Vegas, Joell Ortiz, Uncle Murder, The Outlawz, Tre Williams, PSC's Big Kuntry and more. First Cousins just released the video and single for "Oh No" featuring Reka, and the song is available for stream/download at www.tygereye.net/firstcousins.
Genovese and Gustapo assure that This Ain't Friends It's Family will bring something that Hip Hop has been in need of. "I feel we have something the game been missing," expresses Genovese. "With us being Italian and spittin' the way we do, is just a whole different vibe. We are making an album for the streets. We're gonna give the fans what Hip Hop used to be, when you could put a CD in and listen all the way through, from intro to outro."
"Our perspective on the game and on life in general is something that has yet to be heard," says Gustapo. "We also come with that real Hip Hop - lyrical and witty, cocky and arrogant - you name it we got it."
Drawing from his amazing experiences in the music industry, Genovese is bringing a wealth of knowledge and business acumen to the table. "I've been through it all, so I know the mistakes I made before and the red flags you have to look for," he asserts. "Just dealing with good people is the most important thing, and having control over your project. This time we're coming in the game with our own money, and we own everything: publishing, masters, studio, etc., so down the line that's gonna let us eat the right way."
"This entire album has been a great experience overall," says Gustapo. "Owning a recording studio has been an essential element in our creative process. Spontaneous sessions and the freedom to do what we wish at our discretion is definitely a plus."
Gustapo further explains that the relationship between the group's own Illseed Entertainment and Phase One Communications/EMI is optimal for them. "Simple and plain, the team at Phase One has kept it real with us, and using EMI as a distributor seems the perfect fit for what we are bringing to the market. A clear understanding of our responsibilities and open communication makes the relationship work for us."
"With Phase One and EMI behind us we can give the fans what they want," Genovese adds. "Some new blood in the rap game, and a classic debut album."
