Pitbull unleashes debut album M.I.A.M.I. (Money Is A Major Issue)

NEW YORK (TVT Records) - Miami-bred bilingual rapper Pitbull's debut album, M.I.A.M.I. (Money Is A Major Issue) will be released on August 24, 2004. There's plenty to appreciate on his debut. The 23-year-old Cuban American verbalist has more hardcore lyrics, diverse cultural influences and freestyle skills than most artists would not know what to do with. With that much in his corner, success is a given.

On the album's lead single "Culo," produced by and features multi-platinum producer Lil Jon, Pitbull unleashes a Latin-laced track inspired by a woman's backside. The feel-good track sends a sonic rush of adrenaline and the video that has become a staple on MTV.

Lil Jon also serves as co-executive producer of M.I.A.M.I. (Money Is A Major Issue). The 16-track disc lives up to Pitbull's moniker, once you grab hold of his CD its gonna be hard to let go. "Pit bulls are outlawed in Dade County, so I'm the only Pitbull allowed there," says Pitbull. "I want my album to reflect my passion and drive to reach the top." Stand-out tracks on the album include "Toma" featuring Lil Jon, "Dammit Man," a certified street anthem and "Get On The Floor," featuring Crunk n' B singer Oobie.

M.I.A.M.I. (Money Is A Major Issue) promises to break new ground for Florida hip-hop. "Crunk really got started in Miami, with bass music," he said. "Crunk ain't nothin' but bass music slowed down. And bass music got started here in Miami, with Luke, Poison Clan, and people like that. Miami is the New York of the South. And even after all that success we still get slept on, but that's about to change."

M.I.A.M.I. (Money Is A Major Issue) is one of the many upcoming releases from TVT Records. Expected to hit stores this year: hip-hop super-group, 213 (comprised of Snoop Dogg, Warren G, Nate Dogg), highly touted female emcee Jacki-O, hip-hop soul songstress Teedra Moses and a new album from multi-platinum group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Upcoming urban releases for 2005 include the first R&B Crunk artist Oobie and Lil' Jon-protÈgÈ Chyna Whyte, a female rapper with vicious rhymes and incredible lyrical dexterity.