BACK TO THE FUTURE FOR RAPPER SAIGON
The story of New York rapper Saigon may be one of those stories that actually NEVER get told. Ironically, this happens to also mirror parts of the album title Saigon pitched to music powerhouse, Atlantic Records, in 2002. Subsequently, the two agreed on a deal, but Saigon would sit idle for 7 years before the label finally let him leave with his “greatest Story” in hand. Fast forward almost 20 years later and here we are.
In honor of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, veteran rapper Saigon & and Swedish multi-platinum producer Fredro have collaborated on a love letter to Hip-Hop. The album reflects the sound of Hip hop from1984-1998, sometimes known as the Jordan Era. They’ve also enlisted the support of many more renowned voices to join them in their celebration.
In addition to announcing the new album, Saigon and Fredro have released the project’s first single and video, “Lyrical Genius,” which features Grandmaster Caz (co-author of “Rappers Delight” and the emcee with the longest tenure atop the Billboard Hot 100 Charts). The video for “Lyrical Genius” is now available. Payday Records will release the Jordan Era album.
“I made The Jordan Era to celebrate the reason I am the man I am today. I remember my
mother listening to the Cold Crush Brothers, whose main lyricist was a guy named
Grandmaster Caz” Saigon explains. “Growing up, I idolized Big Daddy Kane. When I got a
chance to meet him, he told me he idolized Grandmaster Caz. My generation, we are the
grand-babies of Caz; so making this record and video is an ode to the amazing culture of
Hip-Hop that I am so proud to be a part of.”
“We named the song “Lyrical Genius,” because Caz was the first emcee to emphasize the
importance of being LYRICAL” Saigon continues. “With the 50th Anniversary celebration coming to a close, I wanted to ensure I did my part to recognize Grandmaster Caz and thank
him for paving the way.
As he says on the single “I’m the reason you spit/ the reason you
lit/ the reason why you get all the love and sht/ I wrote blueprints for your convenience/ fck brag how bout a bag for the Lyrical Genius!”
“Growing up in Sweden, a country that at that point leaned heavily towards rock, heavy
metal and new wave, hearing Hip-Hop for the first time, getting introduced to the “4
Elements,” and watching Wild Style was a game changer. It changed the direction of my life
and I became completely immersed in the culture” Fredro recalls. “Hip-Hop also gave me
my career, so this album is not only a celebration of the 50 th Anniversary, but also a thank
you to the genre, the culture and all of these legends. Hearing these trailblazers rapping
over my production is mind-blowing. “Lyrical Genius” sets the album up perfectly, taking it
back to the beginning and paying homage to one of its founders with Grandmaster Caz.”
LYRICAL GENIUS
“Lyrical Genius” sets the tone for Saigon and Fredro’s forthcoming album, The Jordan Era,
which is produced in its entirety by Fredro, and features guest appearances from
Grandmaster Caz, Pete Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, Sadat X, Rockness
Monsta, Craig G, Ill Skratch—with more features to be unveiled.
Saigon and Fredro’s The Jordan Era album will be released in early 2024 via Payday
Records.
Watch Saigon and Fredro FEAT Grandmaster Caz “Lyrical Genius” Video:
You can now purchase, stream, add and favorite “Lyrical Genius” at your preferred DSP:
https://paydayrecords.ffm.to/lyricalgenius
