Hip-Hop Superstar's Latest Effort Will Be Available Worldwide Through All Major Digital Retailers and Mobile Services

NEW YORK, NY (Orchard Records) - The Orchard, the world's leading digital distributor and marketer of independent music, today announced that it will release the digital version of Ice T's upcoming album, "Gangsta Rap," on October 31, concurrent with the album's CD release on Melee/Universal. The digital version of "Gangsta Rap" will be available worldwide through all leading digital music stores and mobile content services, including eMusic, iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, Movistar, Jamster, and others.

"From the beginning of his career, Ice T has been a trail blazer, pioneering gangsta rap and the explosive alchemy of hip-hop and metal. He's also transcended those beginnings to become a cultural icon, from taking on leading roles in feature films and TV programs and hosting his own show on VH-1, to speaking out for free speech and inspiring a generation of rappers with his hard-hitting, thought-provoking lyrics," said Greg Scholl, chief executive of The Orchard. "With Ice T's visibility at an all time high and his fans primed for the first new material from him since 1999, we're confident about our ability to deliver for him and his worldwide fans."

"I'm a big believer in using the Internet to reach fans around the world, and The Orchard is the team to beat when it comes to digital distribution and street-smart marketing," said Ice T. "I'm also excited about The Orchard pushing 'Gangsta Rap' outside the U.S., where it's only going to be available digitally - you live in Europe, Japan, wherever, then you only get the record through digital retailers. These guys have the tools and the talent to kick it, and I'm ready to get in the game with them."

In keeping with Ice T's history as a lightning rod for controversy, "Gangsta Rap" has been at the center of a media frenzy over its sexually explicit cover, which depicts the artist and his wife, the model Coco, naked in bed. Many brick-and-mortar and digital retailers refused to stock the original version of the album, so Ice T created a sanitized edition with a sticker that reads: "Censored: the highly anticipated new album from Ice T."