INOGteEWOrthy The State Of Music (NAPSA)—Someof rap’s hot- test artists are pushing messages of nonviolence. For instance, hiphop artist Prez-E-Dent, who cites such inspirations as Bob Marley and Tupac Shakur, is considered a leader in the new “rap renaissance” that aims to spread a posiun BeetaaE UUIriTy eet eee tive message to listeners. “The industry is in a state of emergency,” says Prez-E-Dent, born SamuelJoffre Payne. After signing with the Relativity label, his first single, “Gotta Be Like That” (recorded under the name 2020), was a commercial smash. But he soon becamefrustrated with management practices, paid back his advance and became squarely in charge of his career. His hotly anticipated album “New World Industry” is expected to make a huge impact. With political and thought-provoking content, coupled with hip-hop beats, Prez-E-Dent may well live up to his monikeras the “Executive Officer of Rap.” For moreinsight, visit www.prez-e-dent.com.
