FREDDY WILL's BLOG
DOES YOUR LOCAL FM STATION PLAY REAL HIP HOP ANYMORE?
"When I write my blog, I habitually speak from a hood perspective. By ‘hood’ I’m referring to an uncensored and sometimes controversial American street credible viewpoint that is far-flung from the traditional compromising of political correctness. My blog is not a news page though I intend for it to influence you. Do not take what I say here as the gospel. It might be thought provoking but at the end of the day it is all about the edutainment.
I'm a student of life. I learn from everything I see and do. Every blog I write brings me to a new learning prospect while I explore the subject matters with a hip hop eye. I share what I know based on my street knowledge and ask questions based on reactions. We (you and I) both get to understand something that we hadn’t understood before. In hip hop there are certain phobias which makes it corny to behave a certain way. And as I live and learn, I also state my tolerance limits so as to remain within the boundaries of hip hop. It's like explaining the rules to a game with someone new. If they didn't know, they will know then."
'Urban' lifestyle is not the same as hip hop lifestyle by any stretch of the imagination. Just because you live an urban life does not mean you’re living hip hop. Example: Public Enemy, Slick Rick, Queen Latifah, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Lauren Hill, Brand Nubian, NWA, Run DMC, The Notorious BIG, Tupac Shakur, Missy Elliott, Q-Tip, Big L, 50 Cent, Nas, Mobb Deep, Ghostface Killa etc… etc are not urban artists they are hip hop artists. And most recently, Lupe Fiasco, Busta Rhymes, D-Block, E-40, Young Jeezy, Flava Flav, Joe Budden, Foxy Brown, Beanie Sigel, Cassidy, D-12, Fat Joe, DMX, Eve, Lil Kim, Freddy Will, etc... You won’t see one of these guys in tight pants dancing feverishly to a techno noise because it has some savvy raps in it. These artists are today’s role models of what real hip hop is supposed to sound like. And just because one portrays a hood lifestyle does not mean they are not civilized. It's a preference based on real life experiences.
You can record crossover songs with artists from other genres but you shouldn't have to change your entire style to suite another genre. A real hip hop artist will guard his or her street credability at all cost. I created this blog for that precise reason. I felt the 1990s and 00 generations grew up listening to pop rap, being exposed to a fake trend that contradicts the real hip hop values that were previously established. So if you love hip hop then ask yourself, what is at stake here? That’s the curiosity that leads me to write these blogs. When I released my first mixtape and my first album I had a feeling that some of the younger fans did not quite understand where I was coming from lyrically. How do I tell war stories about street experiences without causing a nine year old to want a gun? How do I address sex without leading a 12 year old to try booze and have sex? Every lyric in my songs have a specific context. If people are unfamiliar with the context they won't understand the song. Words can relate to several contexts so it is important for people to know exactly where the artist is coming from and what the artist intends to convey in his or her song.
The best way to access real hip hop music is not by tuning in to a popular radio station anymore. Hip hop used to be accessed that way when it was the most popular genre. Every radio station played the real thing but not anymore. If you want to hear real hip hop music right now you first have to know what the music should sound like and then look for mixtapes with artists who have street credibility in hip hop. My guess is if the radio won't play a rap song and it came from a street credible artist, it's highly possible that it's the real thing. Have you heard of Country Pop? Or Techno Rock N Roll? Or Drum N Base Reggae? No way.
There is Country music and there is Pop music and there is Rock N Roll music and there is Techno music or Reggae Music. Each kind of music is supposed to be enjoyed by a certain kind of person who lives that lifestyle. It doesn't matter if the records sales are going through the roof or not, it doesn't matter how big the artists' house is or what car they drive. Money does not mean street cred. One cannot just slap on some colorful tattoos and learn to speak Eboniks and then call their self a hip hop artist when they have not earned any stripes on the real streets. Just because there is rap in a song that does not classify it as hip hop.
In hip hop the first question is; who is rapping? What 'hood' are they from and what have their life been about? Is this a real 'hood nigga' or a Wannabe? You authenticate the rapper first before you listen to his or her rap. That's beccause anyone can learn how to rap but not everyone actually earns that street credability. That's where the term 'street credibility' came from. You just can't say a few slick lines and show up in a flashy video with cars and half naked amature girls having no street cred and expect to be taken seriously on the streets because you had the money to pull it off. That can pass as urban pop rap but it's NOT hip hop. Real hip hop didn’t just fade away from the radio, there were calculated measures deliberately utilized to swap the real thing so that POP can come back on top of the charts. Hip hop and R&B became very dominant at one time, to the extent where interest in other genres rapidly dwindled. This hip hop thing is real it's not a game! Hip hop shut down pop music, even Michael Jackson couldn't’t sell records anymore. ‘Top of the Pops’ went out of business. Black men went from prison stints to a RICH famous rapper within a flash. And that was because their story was real.
Real hood themes does not even air in anything significant anymore. Have you noticed that there is every kind of police/detective TV Show on TV right now? CSI Buttfuck, Law & Order, Hawaii 5.0 etc. When was your last hood or real hip hop TV show or movie? Do you think if Hollywood wanted to produce a hood movie starring Styles P, Ghostface Killa and Beanie Sigel, people won’t flock to go see it? Of course they would. However you will see a cop and robber movies but not as many movies with a hood theme like we use to. Ever wondered why or are you just one of many people who only consume what’s there?
"How come the two biggest artists in hip hop (Tupac and Biggie) were mysteriously murdered? Why is Buju Banton in prison instead of rehab? Why is DMX still in prison? Why did Jay Z stop making hood music? In some states in the United States you could listen to real hip hop on certain radio stations like Hot 97 and so on. But they all eventually get bought out when their influence peaks. Down South radio stations also play a lot of original hip hop."
I’ve noticed in that Toronto, Canada, the radio stations blatantly refuse to play real hip hop music. And I wonder why? Everyone seems to believe that Canadian hip hop artists lack the exposure they deserve but somehow the local FM station won't play their own local artists. Most of the songs I've heard on Toronto's largest FM stations are completely commercial songs and there is no hip hop segment at any time of the week. In fact I’ve never heard a D – Block, Mobb Deep, or Joe Budden song on the radio in Toronto...not on FLOW FM or Z103 FM. And these artists put out a new song almost every other month. Yet these radio stations claim to be ‘URBAN’ but as I indicated earlier, urban is not necessarily hip hop. The hip hop you hear on on FLOW AND Z103 are either highly commercial or it's fake. Pop rap is being fed to the public under the guise of hip hop in an attempt to disconnect the younger generation from real hip hop.
Yes, indeed if you didn’t know, hip hop goes with a specific lifestyle so ask yourself why are rappers suddenly attacked through the media when they become very influential. DMX has been gone for a while now and crime is still out there so you can't say he caused people to commit crimes through his music. Many people are familiar with the rap aspect of hip hop, they know of the bling and the fads but there is more to hip hop than the act of rapping or listening to any song that has rap in it. Hip hop activity is based on nostalgia. That is one of the key characteristics of real hip hop; ridding oneself of hypocrisy by identifying hypocrisy and empowering oneself openly and knowing who one is. But even as we may be shameless about some human weaknesses it is also particular not to indulge in certain ‘pleasures’ that contradict with hip hop norms.
It's not a free run, if you want to live the hip hop lifestyle you have to follow the rules and not try to change them to suit your preference. You can add to it but you can't change it. In the past you didn’t need to say this but today it is very important to say it because younger people are being sold with a very fake brand that is poles apart from what real hip hop is. I don’t want to accuse people or disappoint any expectations but just notice what happened to Tiger Woods, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jessie James etc... etc… you would wonder how come that never happens to a hip hop artist? Is it because rappers openly profess a sex life with several women so it is no surprise if a rapper is caught in the act? You can’t scandalize a rapper for having ho’s. You don’t have to agree with me, but you need to know so you don’t expect something that’s not going to happen. When Eminem joined Elton John on stage to squash his beef with gays that was the first time in hip hop when an artist openly associated with a known homosexual.
Real hip hop follows a strict code of conduct in which certain acts or associations are repulsive. Hip hop is not just music, it’s a culture and in every culture there are dos and don’ts regardless of what other people want or think. And depending on where your money comes from you will have to declare where you stand. Now a days there is a flashy, let’s get drunk in the club while we dance to pop songs that have rap and techno in them. A dancing thug who sings like a co-ed and raps about an impossible street life is NOT HIP HOP! For example women get arrested for driving in Saudi Arabia but they are not sexist, some cultures including those documented in the Holy Bible practiced polygamy, there are cultures in the far east where cows are sacred animals and first cousins are forced into arranged marriages, in some parts of Africa it's a taboo to whistle under an umbrella when its raining. Hip hop has its rules too. Not all of them are righteous and not all of them are fair but that's the way it is. And although it has been accused of misogyny chivalry is far from dead in hip hop.
Everywhere in the world people belong to different societies, cultures and sects that believe in and practice certain specific traditions. However these different traits distinguish one culture from the other. You can’t go to China, India, South Asia, Africa or Thailand and condemn their polygamy systems when it's totally legal and normal for a man to marry more than one wife. Polygamy was introduced through Judaism, Christianity, Islam or even Hinduism. The only way we can exist as one people is if we are knowledgeable of our uncompromising differences. Not all Muslims are terrorists even though the Koran preaches the Sherrie law. Similarly, not all hip hoppers are gun toting criminals or advocators of violence and though I can't say a homosexual will go to heaven, it will be ignorant to ignore someone's skill or talent because of their sexual preference..
"My questions; what is it about the homosexual community that makes it so wrong to openly disagree with the act? Why do famous people lose sponsorships, get fired from their work or get canned from public when they profess to dislike same sex relationships? Are we completely disregarding all religious teachings on the subject? So if religion is bullshit why not just come out and say it instead? Nothing agaisnst the gay community besides the tongue tied feeling of not being free to voice an opinion against the act if one was not in favlor of it. That does not mean that one hates the gay person or wish any illness on them, it's a simple disagreement that has to be respected on both ends.
If marriage was intended for males and females to reproduce under a God's blessing then why use same sex issues seeking to enjoy the marriage privileges when the inventor of marriage has stated that it is only for men and women? Will I get backlash for asking these very important and logical questions? We are not even allowed to have sex before getting married yet we do and we've procreated a generation of bastards in the process so now to top it off, us humans want to marry the same sex while polygamy remains illegal? "
Speaking from a street perspective I believe it’s totally unconstitutional to punish someone for disliking a sexual preference. For those who do not respect that perspective, my advice would be that you ignore this blog and carry on your merry way. I’m here to help direct the new generation of people back to the right line of thinking that was intended by the founders of hip hop culture, hip hop thinking and hip hop norms. Some may not be aware that hip hop runs in the veins of the real hip hopper. How many times have I said the music is one part of the culture which is used to celebrate our way of life. And when I say hip hop I’m talking about real hip hop. The pants sagging, du rag wearing, ‘I’m from the ghetto but I’m trying to make it' hip hop. I’m not referring to pop 'I ve got so much money' or commercial gangsta-ism choosing to be politically correct in order to save face. When I took the oath of becoming an American citizen, I did that believing in every civil right afforded by the constitution – one of them being my freedom of speech. I believe in financial success but I don’t agree with the idea that one has to conform to a phobia in order to preserve that success.
The Dark Road From Romarong...
THE DARK ROAD FROM ROMARONG is the second book by West African born hip hop artist and author FREDDY WILL. Like his first book, this one was also written under his given name of Wilfred Kanu, Jr and published by Soul Asylum Poetry and Publishing in Ontario, Canada on October 10th, 2010. To commemorate the 50th, anniversary of Sierra Leone the book was re-published on November 11th, 2011. This book was published on the same day as the release of Freddy Will's first Krio language album entitled "Dark Horse From Romarong ...a city of kings". The album features several songs performed in the Krio language of Sierra Leone and it was produced by JUNO award winner, Eddie Bullen while Freddy Will stood as its executive producer. All of the song recorded for this album were non explicit songs which marked Freddy Will's departure from the explicit lyrics that he had been known for on his previous albums. There is only one English song on the album which is titled "Save - feat. Carvin Winans". Featured guest include; Meena, Eddie Bullen and Carvin Winans.
Concept
"The Dark Road From Romarong" is based on two concepts.
1. It translates the songs founds the "Dark Horse From Romarong ...a city of kings" album from Krio to English; and
2. It tells a story of a place called Romarong in ancient West Africa where prehistoric tribes from the Sudan and Northern Sahara migrated only to be colonized and renamed Sierra Leone. The title "The Dark Road From Romarong" symbolizes the accomplishments of the Sierra Leone people who have gone through many phases in their struggle to be a unified nation in peace and justice. "Dark Horse From Romarong ...a city of kings" represents an individual discribed as a dark horse who rose to prominence after facing steep opposition and adversities in their quest to rise from ashes.
This part history part entertainment non fiction book story of how a country, named Romarong traveled on a very dark path to become the West African nation of Sierra Leone. Early tribes traveled from the Western Sudan and the Northern Sahara regions to assemble in the rainforest in Romarong to settle their families, build their settlements, grow their crops and trade. This book unveils a glimpse into the sophistication of lost medieval African Empires rarely spoken of, like the Fouta Jallon. Freddy Will’s perspective outlines the culture, lifestyle and traditions of the main West African tribes that evolved from those fallen empires and traced how their influence affected their inter-migration from Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, The Ivory Coast and Guinea to where Sierra Leone and Liberia were being formed.
As time pressed on, the Trans-Atlantic slave trade brought wealth, influence and power to countries such as Portugal, Germany, Spain, France and England. Their presence in West Africa changed innumerable lives. Even touches of Islam and Christianity came to overshadow the long standing traditions of African religions. The eventual end of the slave trade and the emancipation and repatriation efforts saw a massive haul of ex-slaves being delivered back to Romarong. What tribes would survive under the insurmountable pressure of being taken and forced into slavery? How could their foreign masters gain such dominance? What were the ex-slaves experiences and contributions once repatriated? What final war defined the heroes of a burgeoning nation and yet, crushed the country’s inhabitants into submission? The Dark Road From Romarong begins…
Background
The album "Dark Horse From Romarong ...a city of kings" was released on October 10th, 2010 on the same day as the second published book by Freddy Will. It was released using a limited amount of CDs and primarily distributed through the internet. Customers who purchased the November 11th, 2011 revised hard cover version of the book also had the option to purchase the album which is sold on a flash drive containing the entire album, a music video, ring tones, posters, screen savers/wallpapers and the album art.
It was performed in the Krio Language for one reason. That reason being, to connect Africans in Africa and the African diaspora in the West with Freddy Will who at the time had felt that his African roots were being overlooked by the public.
His last album was saturated with melodious R&B like hooks/choruses which had made the albums very enjoyable. However, some critics had pointed out that his explicit gangster content was too reminiscent of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious BIG and that if the album hadn't had such melodious choruses it would have been a failure.
To refute those charges Freddy will decided to record a non explicit album in Krio that would not only showcase him to an African audience but would also disclaim his critics that he relied on commercial choruses sang by others in order for his songs to be enjoyable. Therefore, he featured less singers and sang many of his own hooks/choruses. He stated in an interview that he wanted to meet the challenge of holding down an entire album as much as possible.
Similar criticisms were made earlier in his music career when some antagonists began rumors that Freddy Will was not original. But then, after they learned that he wrote all his songs without the use of ghostwriters those antagonist then charged that there was nothing that separated Freddy Will from the rest of the other rappers out there who rap about sex, drugs and violence. Subsequently, Freddy Will launched a literary career and authored his first book, launched this blog page and began counter acting his antagonists and critics via his Facebook, Myspace and twitter pages. So, is of no surprise that Freddy Will would establish a Krio music career in addition to his English music career.
When the Krio album album was released it surprisingly received much praise from western audiences who heard the album. Much of the feedback from western audiences praised the indebt cultural value of the album saying though they did not understand the language they could feel the emotions in the songs and that made them connect to the music as if they understood what he was saying.
The album features titles such as; Jos Cam feat. Meena, Promise, Athen Of West Africa, Flash, King Of Kings, Temperature, Intellectual Thug, Angel and Save feat. Carvin Winans. It was released off his Ghetto Breed Entertainment record label and distributed through the Internet primarily on iTunes, CDBABY, Amazon, Napster and Rhapsody.
Singles
1. INTERNATIONAL - The first single released off the "Dark Horse From Romarong ...a city of kings" album was a song called "Interational". It was released in Freetown, Sierra Leone on January 9th, 2010. I t recieved many positive reviews and inspired some Sierra Leonean music indusTry hopefuls to plung deep into the international music circle.
2. ATHENS OF WEST AFRICA - On March 22nd, 2010, Freddy Will's second single off his Krio album was released. Attempting to establish a direct connection with the Sierra Leone people in West Africa the single was again released to radio DJs in Freetown. The song which talks about Sierra Leone in its hay day when it was held the only university in West Africa, recieved many praised for its upbeat and energetic feel.
3. ANGEL - The third single off "Dark Horse From Romarong ...a city of kings" was released in Franklin, New Jersey on June 25th, 2010. It is an emotionally charged love song which laments on finding love in the African Diaspora after immigrating out of West Africa. This song did not only hit among Africans but westerners also showed a tremendious appreciation that sparked a western interest in the Krio album. It also crossed over into Europe and Asia where a new demographics of African and western audiences began to anticipate the released of the entire album.
On August 10th 2010 due to very high anticipation for the Krio album Freddy Will Industries were compelled to released more songs from the album which was scheduled to drop on October 10th, 2010. So while in Jersey City, New Jersey Freddy Will appeased his supporters with the release of three singles on one day.
The first of the three singles released on the eve of his birthday was the album's title track "Dark Horse From Romarong feat. Eddie Bullen".
The second of the three songs revealed was a reggae crossover entitled "Promise".
And the third of the three song triology released in Jersey City on August 10th, 2010 was the hop hop charged Krio song entitled "Endurance".
Music fans were excited about these songs released and as the Krio album introduced Freddy Will as an African artist of western orientations it also brought it western counterparts with a new brand of cultural music. And the fans could also read the book where the Krio words are translated.
Written by: FWI Publicist.
MY BOOK OF CHRYMES (2009)
MY BOOK OF CHRYMES is the first book written by West African hip hop artist and author FREDDY WILL (under his given name of Wilfred Kanu Jr.) published on August 11th 2009 by Soul Asylum Poetry and Publishing in Sutton, Ontario Canada nearly a year after the release of his debut album. This book was published with a revamped version of his debut album re-titled “WHILE I’M STILL YOUNG – The Talking Drums 1.2v. The album featured four (4) new songs produced by JUNO Award winner Eddie Bullen and Freddy Will is the executive producer. Most of the songs re-recorded for this revamped version were less explicit than the original versions. The most explicit songs from the debut album did not make it to this album but the lyrics from the original version were illustrated in the book.
Also, the trademark African mask on the cover of the debut album was replaced with a fiery African mask designed by St. Catherine, Ontario's photographer and graphic designer Shane Reed. The fiery mask was used on both the book and album covers. The 2009 album featured three (3) new singles; Look At Me Now, While I'm Still Young II, Providence – feat. Five (5) time Grammy Award winning gospel singer Carvin Winans and Franklin. Also remixed on the album were the 2008 hit singles; City Boy, Strangers and How Would I Know feat. Jay NY. The album was physically and digitally released and distributed through Ghetto Breed Entertainment and Double K Records in New Jersey, USA and Ontario, Canada respectively using a number of online digital distributors including Napster, CdBaby, iTunes, Double K Records digital store and Amazon. Guest features include reggae singer Winnie Culture, rock n roll singer David Butlar, New York R&B singer Jay NY, JUNO award winners Diane Seaton & Liberty Silver, New Jersey rappers Filthy Rich, Quality, Chris Cruz, and Toronto R&B singers S. Davis and Nigel Woods and 5 time Grammy award winner, Carvin Winans
Concept
The concept for MY BOOK OF CHRYMES had never been done before. No hip hop artist had authored a book without a ghostwriter and then released it on the same day as its accompanying studio album before this date. My Book of Chrymes is a non-fiction book which chronicles Freddy Will's abrasive childhood experiences. This book unearthed intense moments of his life that inspired gritty lyrics which were intrinsically woven into his album - While I’m Still Young – The Talking Drums 1.2v. It presents readers with an insight of the inevitable pitfalls along his musical journey. The aim was to get his fans to understand the context of his lyrics. Careful not to be categorized as just another gangster rapper but also determined to tell his story through lyrics that often revolve around street loyalty, war, naughty romance and violence, he wrote this book to explain what inspired the lyrics on the album.
Background
FREDDY WILL re-called his debut album from its previous distributors (Soulkiss Entertainment/dep/Universal Music Canada) on January 23rd, 2009 after a breech of their distribution contract became irreconcilable. Upon this recall, he established a new marketing, promotion and distribution department (Ghetto Breed Distributions) in his record label and rebranched the label as Freddy Will Industries. The rebranched company would now be a parent company to Ghetto Breed Entertainment, Freddy Will Publishing, Ghetto Breed Distribution (including a new blog site, a ten (10) page website, a promotional facebook, myspace and Twitter pages as well as a revamped internet networking presence) and his charity foundation - The Freddy Will Hope Foundation.
Freddy Will also signed a joint publishing and distribution contract with then up and coming Soul Asylum Poetry and Publishing & Double K Records in Ontario, Canada and completed his first manuscript to be published and released on his birthday in the summer.
Reception
Both My Book of Chrymes and While I'm Still Young - The Talking Drums 1.2v were received with very positive reviews from the media, magazines and internet newspapers and they sold considerably across the world. For more information on where to purchase the book & album (CD) click the links (above) in this article or go to FREDDY WILL.COM.
Singles
LOOK AT ME NOW is the first single off Freddy Will's album WHILE I'M STILL YOUNG - THE TALKING DRUMS 1.2v. released on March 22nd, 2009. It was produced by Eddie Bullen at Thunder Dome Sounds in Toronto, Canada. This song received a substantial amount of digital downloads throughout the internet with radio air play in the Caribbean, West Africa, Canada, Europe and USA.
WHILE I'M STILL YOUNG II feat. AYA MUSIC is the second single off Freddy Will's album WHILE I'M STILL YOUNG - THE TALKING DRUMS 1.2v. released July 4th, 2009. It was produced by Eddie Bullen at Thunder Dome Sounds in Toronto, Canada with additional vocals performed by Aya Music. This song also received a substantial amount digital downloads throughout the internet with radio air play in the Caribbean, West Africa, Canada, Europe and some parts of the USA.
PROVIDENCE feat. Carvin Winans is a third single released off Freddy Will's album WHILE I'M STILL YOUNG - THE TALKING DRUMS 1.2v. It was released on September 23rd, 2009. It was produced by Eddie Bullen at Thunder Dome Sounds in Toronto, Canada with additional vocals by five (5) time Grammy award winner Carvin Winans. This song received a substantial amount of digital downloads throughout the internet with massive radio play in the West Africa, Canada, Europe and USA.
FRANKLIN is a fourth single released off Freddy Will's Album WHILE I'M STILL YOUNG - THE TALKING DRUMS 1.2v. It was released December 15th, 2009 produced by Eddie Bullen at Thunder Dome Sounds in Toronto, Canada. It is a tribute song to Franklin, Somerset, New Jersey his home town in the Garden State. This song also received a substantial amounts of digital downloads through the internet with radio play in the Caribbean, West Africa, Canada, Europe and parts of the USA.
www.freddywill.com
WHILE I’M STILL YOUNG… THE TALKING DRUMS (2008)
While I’m Still Young… The Talking Drums is the debut album of West African (Sierra Leone) hip hop recording artist and author FREDDY WILL. It was released on September 23rd 2008 by Ghetto Breed Entertainment and distributed by Soulkiss Entertainment, dep and Universal Music Canada, produced by JUNO Award winner Eddie Bullen and underground producer Stephen Staddelmann. Freddy Will stood in as executive producer of the album which was then released in Toronto, Canada. The album features artwork designed by G. L. Paterson in Toronto. Guest features include reggae singer Winnie Culture, rock n roll singer David Butlar, New York R&B singer Jay NY, JUNO award winners Diane Seaton & Liberty Silver, New Jersey rappers Filthy Rich, Quality, Chris Cruz, and Toronto R&B singers S. Davis and Nigel Woods.
Concept
The concept and theme of While I’m Still Young… The Talking Drums is about thriving against all odds and early success. Freddy Will's civil war experiences marked a very slim chance of success but narrowly escaping two genocides and in addition, a stint on the streets of New Jersey and Philadelphia ultimately inspired the lyrics, recorded and released on this album. Recording and releasing the album in itself marked a new success on its own. Many Africans spend a lifetime trying to accomplish such dreams. As an independent recording artist from Sierra Leone, releasing an American style hip hop album internationally was a huge undertaking.
This debut album represents the starting point of success for this artist and in its lyrics he references this opportunity that were initially deemed impossible. The album cover shows an African death mask - an ancient tribal ritual in Africa wherein revered tribal warriors who passed on, had their face covered with a this mask during burial as a sign of reverence for their greatness. This mask symbolizes the death or end of one era and the beginning of another. As a kid Freddy Will's parents frequently used African masks to frighten him into obedience, instead the act hardened him up and he soon became fearless.
While I’m Still Young… The Talking Drums features several crossover songs with a wide range of influences from Reggae, Rock N Roll, Dance and even Jazz music. FREDDY WILL also introduced a melodic banter reminiscent of African rhythms and sang his rap which (at the time) was different from his East Coast flow. The album contains 21 tracks all of which were written by Freddy Will.
Background
FREDDY WILL started writing this album while living through the toughest periods of his life. He had narrowly escaped death when a rebel war ensued in Liberia, West Africa and flared into genocide and that experience influenced his gritty lyrics about naughty romance, violence, street loyalty and war which depicts his life experiences in the streets of West Africa and the United States at the time. This album is arguably his most explicit album to date adding to the fact that much of its content came from the 'Stay True' Mixtape. But Freddy Will has continuously stated that the lifestyle portrayed in this album is not necessarily his intended lifestyle. He has argued that those days were unfortunate days of his life and the experiences are events he wish to share with whomever wishes to listen.
He began by writing poetic rants due to frustrations from hardships he underwent while living in Bo, Sierra Leone. Enrolled at Christ the King College to attend secondary school, he regularly skipped classes to avoid a flogging for being late to school. The 13 year old hid in the nearby cemetery, sitting on graves where he was soon inspired to write poems that later became the lyrics to this debut album. He continued to write poems even after relocating to Freetown where he became a young rapper (while attending the Methodist Boys High School). A few years later, Freddy Will was a refugee in Latrikunda, The Gambia another West African state. This time the 17 year old escaped Sierra Leone's genocide. He continued to write lyrics about his experiences on the streets (being homeless a times) and began to recite them to instrumental beats in 1996. In the Gambia, Freddy Will wrote a large volume of rap songs and once he relocated to the United States he archived all his songs into various albums. Upon settling in Franklin, New Jersey he sort work at several places of employment including the general hospitals and the Jewish Nursing Home. He did so while attending local colleges like Raritan Valley Community College and Edison Job Corps Academy.
8 years later FREDDY WILL traveled to Toronto, Canada where he united with long time friend Qing Que hoping to record his debut album. But recording sessions lagged and they faced numerous setbacks. Initial recordings were released on a 2006 mixtape entitled "STAY TRUE" but subsequent label rivalry led the mixtape to be pulled from circulation after its released. FREDDY WILL formed his own record label called Ghetto Breed Entertainment and set off to re-record the album independently. He worked with a self proclaimed independent movie producer by the name of Duke Panache who promised to re-record and release the album as a soundtrack to his upcoming martial arts movie. But Duke faltered on that promise after many delays to start the recording. FREDDY WILL was left to shop for yet another studio to record his album. He formed an alliance with students at the CBC studios in Toronto but their amateur recordings were not up to par either.
Under a new management with the aid of new attorneys he discovered the art of record contracts and began to record vocals (for the album) at Slamm Production in Toronto while the bulk of his remaining vocals were recorded by Toronto Rock band Street 66's guitarist Stephen Staddelmann at his home studio. Staddelmann would go o to produce six (6) tracks for the album including the lead singles "CITY BOY" and "STRANGERS." Ultimately the album was produced at Thunder Dome Sounds by JUNO award winning producer and arranger Eddie Bullen.
FREDDY WILL also featured JUNO award winners Diane Seaton and Liberty Silver on two separate songs on the album. He later employed Soulkiss Entertainment to market, promote and distribute the album in Canada with dep and Universal Music Canada. On the release date, Brian LaRoche, CEO of Soulkiss Entertainment proved to be a fraud when it was exposed that his alleged ties to Universal Music Canada and dep had been greatly exaggerated. LaRoche and his co-conspirator Spencer, (an rep at dep at the time) were both incapable of fulfilling their obligations with Ghetto Breed Entertainment. This led FREDDY WILL to recall the album from their possession after three months of release. The album was finally released digitally under Ghetto Breed Distributions and Double K Records.
Reception
While I’m Still Young… The Talking Drums debuted at number one on several College radios in Canada and has sold over 7000 physical copies worldwide as well as hundreds of digital downloads. The album received favorable reviews and media coverage with music critics praising the production and lyrical versatility. Since the release, FREDDY WILL has been credited as an international independent recording artist from West Africa as he released this album in Canada and sold several units worldwide.
Singles
CITY BOY is the first official single off FREDDY WILL's debut Album WHILE I'M STILL YOUNG - THE TALKING DRUMS released on June 15th, 2008. It was produced by Stephen Staddelmann and Eddie Bullen at Thunder Dome Sounds in Toronto, Canada. This song received a substantial digital downloads throughout the internet with massive radio play in the Caribbean, West Africa, Canada, Europe and parts of the USA.
STRANGERS is the second official single off FREDDY WILL's debut Album WHILE I'M STILL YOUNG - THE TALKING DRUMS released on August 11th, 2008. It was produced by Stephen Staddelmann and Eddie Bullen at Thunder Dome Sounds in Toronto, Canada. This song received substantial digital downloads throughout the internet with radio airplay in the Caribbean, West Africa, Canada, Europe and parts of the USA.
HOW WOULD I KNOW feat. Jay NY is the third official single off FREDDY WILL's debut Album WHILE I'M STILL YOUNG - THE TALKING DRUMS released on December 5th, 2008. It was produced by Jay NY and Eddie Bullen at Thunder Dome Sounds in Toronto, Canada. This song received a substantial digital downloads throughout the internet with radio airplay in the Caribbean, West Africa, Canada, Europe and parts the USA.
www.freddywill.com
THE HIGHEST SELLING RAP ARTISTS OF ALL TIME!
Any up coming rap artist out there who is not familiar with the golden age of hip hop needs to read up and learn the history of hip hop. A lot has happened since the dawn of hip hop and in 2011 you just can't pick up a mic and start rapping if you don't know what hip hop is really about. Well you could but you wouldn't be real now would you? Don’t believe me? Go look it up elsewhere. Just make sure you're not asking a cop about hip hop. Make sure your source is credible in the rap world. Wonder why guys are doing bad deals? Go compare your favorite Country, Pop or Rock N Roll artist to your favorite Rap artist and you will see that regardless of wealth and fame if your favorite artist is legitimate he or she will have a substantial street cred because of their lyrical respect. You might have been bred to desist the du-rag and bling look, the bandana and saggy pants look; hell, you probably force yourself to look away when a pimp pulls up in his fully loaded SUV, blasting his favorite rap song. But when you check the stats you will find that the hip hop genre consists of a batch of respectable artists who has amassed their credibility/respect from following the code of hip hop conduct regardless of criticism. And this is regardless of all negative stereotypes. Needless to say that some may be more successful than others.
This hip hop shit is not a joke or a game. People have died for this shit. Many legitimate rap artists have came and did their thing and some of them turned out to be the most heard artists of all time. I said legitimate because there are some fake ones out there too. And those fake artists have no business with a microphone. A typical fake artist covets fame and fortune but is too pliable to identify with the actual culture. These wannabe artists ruin the game because they are easily swayed to dress like fags, rap about whack shit and promote agendas that contradicts with hip hop norm. They fail to see that with all the criticisms against hip hop, it remains one of the most influential and popular genres with a very impressive roster of successful artists. A legitimate rap artist amasses street credibility, lyrical respect and wealth from his or her art but wealth should never a requirement for success and fame.
What are the most common stereotypes that rap artists have to endure? For one, our association with violence and sex comes to question. Many people are subconsciously hypocrite and do not recognize the immorality in their self justified lifestyles. When a rap artist releases a song about drug war or sexual escapades with beautiful women, these people deliberately misinterpret it. Another common stereotype that rap artists endure is their accusation with drug trafficking. Yep you heard me, a rap song comprises of three lyrical verses which are usually concocted by the rapper. You will not hear the haters praise the rap artist for being brilliant as to have written an enjoyable and educative album of 16 to 20 songs containing three intelligently worded verses each. Instead, you will find those who associate this with drug trafficking, lucid behaviors and violence; why, because in their minds they cannot perceive how the rapper affords the spoils of life from his talents. To make matters worse, when the rap artist does a song about his or her wealth he or she is immediately termed as being materialistic. This criticism is ten times worst for rap artists who work independently having had stints in the criminal world but in actuality rap music has been a social, behavioral and financial rehabilitator for many artist who would otherwise have languished in poverty or be dead by now.
MY LIST OF BEST SELLING RAP ALBUMS OF ALL TIME!
LUDACRIS - Luda has concentrated most of his efforts into acting in the last few years but he has also released seven (7) very successful studio albums in the last ten (10) years (2000 to 2010). It is approximated that he has sold over 12 million albums worldwide. Luda's lyrics may contain some explicit material but he is not known to be openly affiliated with any Blood or Crip gangs of America. He is a multi-talented music mogul who uses music as a way to educate the world about what is really going on.
WILL SMITH - Will Smith might be known as one of the most accomplished actor today but before his big screen successes he started out as a rap artist with DJ Jazzy Jeff in Philadelphia and horned his acting skills on the 90's TV show "Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air." Between 1987 and 2005 Will Smith released nine (9) successful studio albums, one of which (Big Willie Style) sold over 10 million units and garnered him diamond status. It is estimated that Will Smith has sold over 12.5 million albums during his music career. Will Smith prides himself in a squeaky clean rap image desisting from profanities in all his albums.
SNOOP DOGG - Snoop D. O double G is probably the most unique solo rap artist of all time. I will go out on a limb and say the only other very unique solo rap artists out there right now would have to be Twista, DMX, Bone Thug N' Harmony, Slick Rick, E40 and Eminem (excluding myself lol) but even at that Snoop Dogg tops the list. This multi-platinum blue carpet Crip gang representor is another accomplished actor who has become a household name all over the world. Snoop is loved so much, even Prince Charles didn't mind inviting the profanity rapping, chronic promoting, pimp style D. O double G over to his palace in England just to hear the Dogg Father rip the stage during his bachelors party. Snoop has released eleven (11) successful studio albums since 1993 selling an approximated amount of 13 million albums worldwide. He has also been featured in a slew of rap songs by other accomplished artists and has acted in a long string of classic movies.
BONE THUGS 'N HARMONY - Bone Thugs N' Harmony is a legendary rap group that was first introduced to the hip hop scene by the late NWA founding father and rapper Easy E. Since then, they have released nine (9) albums selling a whopping 13 million albums worldwide. Bone Thugs N' Harmony helped carry a heavy touch for hip hop during a time when the industry's obsession for gangsta rap was fierce. Their tongue twisting rap style is one of the most respected and admired style of rap even till this day.
L. L COOL J - Uncle L, short for Ladies Love Cool James is another multi-talented hip hop legend who made a smooth transition into acting and saw immense successes in the box office. L L Cool J stormed the music scene as a captivating rap artist in 1985. Since then, through to the year 2008 he has released twelve (12) very successful albums including a few classics like "Walking With A Panther", Mama Said Knock You Out" and "Phenomenon". Over the years L L Cool J registered an estimated 13.5 million albums sold worldwide.
50 CENT - One thing I always admired about 50 is his business instincts. He might come in wearing a leather jacket with bling and du-rags but the industry knows not to underestimate his 'Piggy Bank' strategies. After many setbacks and even a near death experience, he stumbled onto the hip hop scene when Eminem took a chance with him, Within a short period of time, he rose to the ranks of Jay Z and Diddy where even the Forbes had to take notice of the Jamaica Queens, New York rap artist. His gangsta image and beef persona did not hurt his brand right away as he still has some street credibility from his lyrical respect.
Say what you want but 50 made this list because of fair stats. Since 2003 50 Cent has merely released four (4) albums but with those four albums he amassed an estimated total of 14 million records sold worldwide. His first album is arguably a classic. 50 has also amassed wealth from endorsing Vitamin Water and starring in a few box office movies.
DMX - For DMX the story gets even more extra ordinary. Hip hop had gone through the G-funk era and the east coast/west coast beef. Everyone was looking for a breath of fresh air. Tupac, the undisputed king of the west coast had been assassinated for being too influential to the young generation. This power vacuum left behind by 2PAC would have gone to Biggie Smalls but it was immediately snatched away from Frank White, the king of New York when his own assassination dealt hip hop influence yet another throbbing blow. Since lost Tupac's followers were prone to follow a new leader. Murda Ma$e was next up for the throne but after he tasted the industry's illuminati he ran for the hills, hiding behind a bible which in his own words was a calling to follow "God." The question was not only who would be that next king of hip hop but also who would bring an end to the Bad Boy shinny suits and R&B/dance like a sucker era.
That's when DMX, which stands for Dark Man X, eased into the scene with his raspy rap and dog barks. A hand full of new rap artists emerged; among them, new artists that would have easily blown up; Canibus, Ja Rule, Joe Budden and 50 Cent. However, after all the industry politics was all said and done and the dust settled DMX and his Ruff Ryders crew pull the most weight landing at the top of the shuffle. He was followed by Ja Rule leaving Canibus, Joe Budden, 50 Cent and the rest to wish for a brighter day.
To date DMX aka Earl Simmons has released six (6) platinum selling albums worldwide selling 14.5 million records and starring in more than eleven (11) box office thrillers with another four (4) to five (5) television programs including his own realty show called "DMX - Soul Of A Man. Since his remarkable success as expected the Dark Man X soon faced media and police hounding in a desperate effort to destroy his well respected image but this time the public refused to be fooled. It is assumed that some influential authority figures wish to ruin the chance for hip hop to become as dominant as it was in the days of Tupac and Biggie.
MC HAMMER - When it was Hammer Time, almost everyone in the whole world was snapping their fingers and stumping their feet to 'Please Hammer Don't Hurt Em." If they were not stumping their feet they were humming and whistling to "You Can't Touch This" and if not that then they were sweating it out on the dance floor mimicking the superstar's very difficult yet flashy dance moves.
It wasn't until his third release that the "Too Legit To Quit" dance legend would sell a whopping 10, million albums off of one album. As fame brought success and money, hundreds of groupies flocked in, so also did the blood sucking entourage. The rapper/dancer did himself no favors when he entrusted his entire bank account to lawyers and accountants while living a lavish life in his 20 million dollar mansion, 30 luxury cars and partying with the notorious 367 bitches. It is rumored that Hammer was also very generous with his money often dishing large sums out to extended family members, friend and even strangers who streamed to his gates with their troubles.
Before long the richest rapper alive was filing for bankruptcy, watching his cars being repossessed and his 20 million dollar mansion foreclosed. To date Hammer has not given up his attempt for a glorious comeback. He has released a whopping twelve (12) studio albums selling an astounding sixteen (16) million records worldwide. MC Hammer remains a hip hop legend and is yet to make that strong comeback.
THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. - The west coast was booming! NWA had given birth to Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. This ushered in the dawn of best selling African American gangster movies such as Boyz N Tha Hood and Trespass for example. Suge Knight had already figured out a way to enrich himself by allegedly dangling the unappreciated white rapper and dancer, Vanilla Ice over a penthouse balcony from the top of a skyscraper. This petrified the Ice man into fully endorsing Suge's new record label, Death Row Records. Suge also bullied Easy E and pried super producer Dr. Dre away from the wretched claws of Easy's Ruthless Records. Nineteen (19) year old rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg was ready to sell his soul for a chance at fame. Dr. Dre's Chronic album went on to tear through the charts, Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, The Lady of Rage, RBX, Warren G and Nate Dogg were also breaking many records and setting new trends with their new sound in the industry.
It was at this same time period when Harlem's New Yorker, Sean Puffy Combs got fired from his internship job at Uptown Records. New York was hungry for their own super producer and legendary rap representor. That was perfect timing for an enticing new 6ft 3in" tall, 380 pound, Black Frank White rapper, a quick-wit lyrical genius by the name of Christopher Wallace aka The Notorious B.I.G to trade in his days of selling crack on the streets of Brooklyn for a dream at hip hop stardom. With the right introduction, Diddy's establishing of Bad Boy Records and a heavy endorsement from Clive Davis, Biggie was on his way to greatness. From a Mister Cee promoted mixtape, to a destined meeting with Diddy, to chart topping guest appearace with Heavy D and the Boyz and Mary J Blidge, sadly the extremely charismatic MC was only went to release two (2) classic studio albums.
"Ready To Die," Biggie's first album sold four (4) million copies worldwide and made its way to the top of hip hop's classic list. The Notorious BIG would soon be pulled into an east coast/west coast beef with 2PAC of Death Row Records and that ultimately led to an excuse to assassinate the greatly loved and highly influential rapper. Biggie also led his childhood friends to commercial success by forming them into a rap group called JUNIOR M. A. F. I. A. that saw chart success with their debut group album. His second album "Life After Death" went on to become one of the only instant success albums that did not only become an immediate classic but also went on to sell ten (10) million copies worldwide. This earned the assassinated rapper a rare and coveted diamond status. To date it is estimated that The Notorious BIG has sold over 18 million records worldwide.
NELLY - You won't find too many solo artists who's debut album has sold nine (9) times platinum. Yes many have debuted at number one on the charts but it is uncommon for their records to sell this well. He went solo in the year 2000 when his high school rap group The Lunatics, after gaining local popularity with their late 90's hit song "Gimmie What U Got," they failed to secure a record deal. After his nine (9) time platinum selling album "Country Grammar," Nelly followed up with "Nellyville" which went on to become a six (6) time platinum album. Although his third album a double CD album called "Sweat/Suit" sold 3.5 million albums for Nelly standard this high success will not measure up to his previous success. None the less, it garnered him yet another Grammy win. "Brass Knuckles" his fifth (5th) album would only sell at gold status and his sixth (6th) "5.0" barely sold 246,000 copies. However, the 5.0 man has two very successful clothing line, Vokal and Apple Bottoms and has appeared in several big box office movies. To date it is estimated that Nelly as sold over twenty one (21) million records worldwide.
TOP 5 BEST SELLING HIP HOP ARTISTS OF ALL TIMES.
BEASTIE BOYS -
OUTKAST -
JAY Z -
EMINEM -
2PAC -
2011 GRAMMY AWARDS
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA – February 13, 2011 Tonight was music’s biggest night as we celebrate the 2011 Grammy Awards. Freddy Will Industries® CONGRATULATES Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton on their Grammy wins for “Best Spoken Word Album for Children” category which their CD “Julie Andrews’ Collection Of Poems, Songs, And Lullabies album” garnered tonight. And as a revered music and Theater legend for over five (5) decades she also took home a Lifetime Achievement Award. 
Julie Andrews is a well-known singer, actress and author from the United Kingdom who is a celebrated recipient of several wards including; Golden Globe, Theater World Award, BAFTA, Emmy and Grammy Awards, People's Choice Award, Screen Actors Guild, Academy Award, etc, etc. Andrews began her career as a child actress and singer and made her New York, Broadway debut in 1954 with " The Boy Friend." She rose to notoriety soon after and stared in other musicals such as "My Fair Lady" and "Camelot" (1954) and in the musical films "Mary Poppins" (1964) and "The Sound Of Music" (1965): roles for which she is still best-known. 
Hopes for a Grammy® win were not realized with the "Healthy Foods For Thought: Good Enough To Eat" album but Sierra Leonean/American artist and author Freddy Will has still made history by remaining the only Sierra Leonean born artist to be nominated for a Grammy® award thus far. The New York Coalition For Healthy School Foods' CD was a compilation of musical and spoken word performances on which Freddy Will had performed the track entitled ‘Future’. Other notable artists such as Moby, Julian Lennon, Jessica Harper, Amy Otey, Ken Cowle, Sara Hickman, Tom Chapin, Russell Simmons as well as several heavyweight music, radio and spoken word personalities were featured on this double CD album.
A special congratulations also goes out to Freddy Will and all the producers from the East Coast Recording Company - Jim Cravero, Paula Lizzi, Steve Pullara and Kevin Mackie and ALL the artists who participated on the ‘Healthy Food for Thought: Good Enough to Eat’ album for their outstanding efforts that garnered them this 2010/2011 Grammy® nomination and we wish everyone a better luck next time! The funds from the sales of this album goes directly to the New York Coalition for Healthy School Foods (NYCHSF) to support initiatives for childhood Type-2 diabetes and childhood obesity. Please be sure to support this cause. THANK YOU.
www.freddywill.com
FREDDY WILL’S KRIO LANGUAGE ALBUM TO BE RE-RELEASED IN TRI-STATES ON 11-11-11
Press release written by F.W.I. publicist
Photography by: Sai Kit - Chu
"Now a days, you won't find too many people that'll pick up a book and read. Most people wonna watch a quick video, write a two line comment or dance like a happy homosexual on New Year's Eve (even when they are not a homo). Everyone is on a fast track for a good time doing what other people think is cool. However, when it comes to this publication, my current book and album release, my most important singles are songs like 'Jos Cam' - feat. Meena, Interational, 'Dark Horse From Romarong' - feat. Eddie Bullen (the title track), Athens Of West Africa, Promise, Angel, Intellectual Thug and 'Save' - feat. Carvin Winans. All these songs are not your typical 'dance like a drunken fool' techno crossover. I have some dancy songs on there but for the most part with this record I tried to commemorate the end of a painful era in my life by recollecting on what it took to succeed. This album is what KRS-1 called edutainment back in the early 90's.
That's why I called the album 'Dark Horse From Romarong' and the book 'The Dark Road From Romarong'. Romarong was a sad place. To be a dark horse that came through a dark road out of Romarong is to commemorate a life after a series of heartbreaks. It's victory being celebrated without the jolly dance of a childish teenager. In this historic piece of work I document the struggle of Sierra Leone becoming Sierra Leone. And then coincided it perfectly with the 50th Anniversary of Sierra Leone. Many people have this book and album already but I feel they missed the wake up call. That's why I'm re-releasing it. I want to present it again but this time I want people to concentrate on the message and not just the pleasure. Some might not think this is necessary now but before I move on with new releases I wonna make sure this bridge was crossed. This is a story about a journey." - Freddy Will
Freddy Will Industries would like to announce the re-release
of Freddy Will's Krio album with its corresponding book on 11-11-11.
The announcement was made through West African media outlets in the tri – States of New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia since the album - performed in the Krio language of Sierra Leone, is targeted to an African audience (even though we saw an overwhelming support of Western fans).
Freddy Will returns to the entertainment stage on November 11th, 2011 with his colossal dual effort 'DARK HORSE FROM ROMARONG... a city of kings’ (Krio language album) and his corresponding second literary offering, ‘THE DARK ROAD FROM ROMARONG.’
The album was recorded at Thunder Dome Sounds in Ontario, Canada and produced by its CEO, legendary Juno Award and Jazz musician, arranger and producer Eddie Bullen. Eddie Bullen is featured on the title track as well. The album features guest appearances by gospel singers Meena and world renowned 5-time Grammy Award winner Carvin Winans.
This huge re-release will be part of a bigger event held in Washington, DC in the Fall. The new release will include both the book and full-length studio album and it will have additional songs/demo versions of the tracks "Com'mor Beyen Me Now," "Jos Cam" and "Save" before featured guests were included. We will release it with some unique merchandise but those details will be elaborated on www.freddywill.com shortly.
Press release written by F.W.I. publicist
Photography by: Sai Kit - Chu
The corresponding book to the Krio album, “THE DARK ROAD FROM ROMARONG” was published by Soul Asylum Poetry and Publishing's Ken Cowle and Ghetto Breed Entertainment in Jackson's Point, Ontario, Canada and Central New Jersey, USA respectively. The book contains a historic true story about the journey of Sierra Leoneans of past generations who came from a place known as ‘Romarong’ and how this place became the Republic of Sierra Leone today. The book also contains English translations of the Krio lyrics on the accompanying album.
"It's been another successful year for Freddy Will Industries. We celebrated a Grammy nomination this winter when the producers at East Coast Recordings in Philadelphia, a slew of Grammy Award winning artists, industry superstars, spoken words artists, radio personalities and Freddy Will collaborated on the New York Coalition For Healthy School Foods' double CD album "Healthy Food For Thought: Good Enough To Eat." The double album which was a charity album that brought awareness to type-2 diabetes and childhood obesity in New York received a Grammy nomination in December 2010 for the 2011 Grammy Awards.
Sierra Leone celebrated its 50th Anniversary on April 27th, 2011 which perfectly coincied with Fredy Will's new Krio album and book and we closed a very significant deal with IGPC this spring that we won't announce now but will change the game for us when we do. The Krio album has done very well on the Western front (also) since we released it last year and Freddy Will who has a thing for numbers and dates decided to re-release the Krio album and the book this year to celebrate all these successes." says GBE Management.
To note: there is one English song on the album titled 'Save’ featuring 5-time Grammy Award winner, gospel legend Carvin Winans. ‘Save' is an environmental and socially conscious hit which calls for global intervention to levitate extreme health and socio-economic pandemic and natural disasters in the world today.
The promoted singles off this re-release will be:
'Athens Of West Africa,' 'Jos Cam,' 'Temperature,'
and 'Save' - feat. Carvin Winans.
“I wanted to create a record which would challenge me. I didn't want to feature too many people either. On this album, I put my streetwise twist to West African storytelling which I think is needed in today’s’ art form. Then I stretched my vocal range between rapping and singing melodies on the verses (or in the hooks) so that I can prove to myself that if I really wanted to, I could sing. I noticed a few rappers singing hooks and I wanted to try it. However, I won't be singing a lot on my future records.” says Freddy Will.
“Romarong’ is the former name of Sierra Leone. The album describes the lifestyle of someone who is of African heritage and is influenced by the Afro - American lifestyle. It engages listeners with glimpses into the life of a younger generation of African immigrants and second and third generation Africans who were born and raised abroad who have become influenced by western civilization without omitting core traditional African mythologies from their mentality.
Also, it is about a younger group of Africans who embrace the new world while making most advantageous references to several places around the world where they may reside’. – Freddy Will
The Official Freddy Will ™ Website
FIFTEEN OF MY SEXIEST CELEB PRINCESSES
It's been two years fellas!!! In my last list of “sexiest female celebrities” I promised to create a new list in two years. Well, here it is! This time I bumped the list up from ten to fifteen celebs and I selected from a list of celebrity females who I consider to be underdogs in the industry right now. But let's get a few things straight before we get to the list. The last time I touched on this subject I made it clear; my opinion of a sexy bitch has nothing to do with simply having a ghetto booty or being the hood-rat that lives across the way or the hazel eyed big titted slut who lives next door. I try not to objectify women when I write even though it’s not easy to talk about hotties without mentioning their 'look'. I intend to describe beauty and talent without objectifying them and express class from a street point of view but without being too materialistic. I’m sure you'll enjoy your read as the whole idea behind this blog is simply for entertainment.
Let’s assume that you’re not a lazy bum. You’ll take on the role of a down to earth 'go getter' who embraces his desire to indulge in his fantasies. You'll also be the guy who wants somebody on this list to be loving up on you. Don't be afraid to be that open minded man who understands dating from different points of view. Be totally unapologetic for who you are as a man. Most women will have a different side to any story. You might call them delusional or crazy, but if you ask a woman, she definitely has a reason that justifies her actions. This is why I will point to three lines of reasoning that will go a long way to help when you're interacting with women. 
Never take a woman to dinner if you don’t really know her. Feed the hungry of course but if it's in the name of getting to know each other then a dinner date should be the worst place to do that. Many guys make the mistake of taking a strange woman out to dinner or for drinks and actually footing the bill on top of that. For women it's like sleeping with a strange man in his car on the first date. Yeah fellas, it’s not a good idea so dont get suckered in. Let her call you cheap if she want, just be strong and make sure to save that restaurant experience for someone who deserves it. First dates should be casual. Go around handing out free drinks and dinners to strange women you wonna date and you won’t have much left in your love tank an actual girlfriend when you finally find one.
My first line of reasoning when it comes to women is - looks. How is she sexy if she's not pretty? Common, forget everything you’ve heard, women are shallow too. They spend a lot of time and resources enhancing their looks so other women can respect them but people who are trying to be politically correct will give you the spiel about inner beauty and blah, blah, blah on the eye of the beholder. Yes I know, they're gonna call you a shallow bastard but in a man’s world, one man’s queen is another man’s whore. You wonna make sure you’re not taking another man’s whore and crowning her as your queen. Get it? I’m gonna go out on a limb and say attraction is a fundamental step in any form of relationship because if the girl is pretty, the rules of engagement won’t matter much. Being the jerk that I have to be I can live with my indiscretions with an attractive woman but I would shoot myself in the foot if it was with someone who was ugly on the inside and out. And you won’t know that on your first date.
The second line of reasoning I go with when initiating contact with a female is her - personality. You can have the hottest girl on your arm but if she’ll up and leave you for any stupid reason then you’ve got a problem. When you argue who is more mad? Is it an even playing field? Is she girlie or tomboy? Does she expect you to take care of her or is she an 'independent woman' who doesn’t care about your gifts? Will she sleep with you the way you like being slept with? Will she put you in jail? How much does she party? Does she really love you? What are her passions in life? Is she ambitious? Can she balance her emotions and think clearly or is she a drama queen? Are you about to get shot for trying to protect her against her own choices? What is that sexy girl really like? Do you actually enjoy her company or is she a whinny brat? None of these questions have a right answer. People are different, you just need to know who you're dealing with and act accordingly. You have to ask yourself these questions if you’re looking for more than just sex. My third line of reasoning when selecting 'that girl' is - chemistry. I think a woman will do anything with you if you have the precise chemistry with her. How well do you get along with her? How much do you have in common with her? Is she your friend? Or is she just the girl you’re screwing? If you get the right amount of all these things in a woman and she has the sparks for you, I promise you that you've found "the one".
People behave the way they do based on their culture. Peer pressure and habits or circumstances of life will factor in as well but you'll have to figure out if your cultures are compatable. Western perception of sexual morality stemmed from religious mentalities that was once popular in the West. But as time went by westerners evolved into a society that leaned towards a new secular lifestyle that aimed to accommodate people of different beliefs. The irony is even as western societies systematically diverge from religious mentalities, you'll find that some of their core viewpoints on certain issues are still under the influence of previous religious mentalities. That being the case, you'll find a society that embraces fornication while frowning on adultery. You'll find that tolerance for homosexuals has gradually increased eventhough previous religious stigmas caused many to oppose it even when the persons being intolerant were not religious. We have a society where sin is a cousin to crime under a system where laws may accommodate either or. The problem with our regulatory systems is that we do not realize how religious our secular beliefs are. We believe in our values to a point where we expect the rest of the world to comply with our values even if our values contradict with their religious beliefs.
I think taboos and stigmas drive the sex market. The law of attraction is cultivated in our minds in ways that contradict with our own natural instincts and our expectations from potential partners can be very hypocritical. My down to earth ‘go getters’ reading this blog already knows this. They refuse to allow anyone to tell us who to date, how to date or under what circumstances are certain matches appropriate. We are animals. We are outlaws and we look at life from a very realistic point of view. If we’re going to have an urge, we don’t hypocritically deny it in one way and then hide to do it in another way. We have removed ourselves from hypocrisy while embracing life as it is. Men seek to mate with females. We seek to spread our genes in order to guarantee the survival of our bloodline and we refuse to restrain our urges by acknowledging a mentality wherein one does not abstain but instead restrain from urges that come naturally. You either abstain from something if it’s bad for you or you do it knowing it’s going to hurt you. Restraining from it only deepens your urge which then equals to more dollars for the people who control the market...
15. Amy Childs - Can you believe that this girl is not even 24 years old? She logs in with the swagger of a more mature woman but she is just another girl. She is very talented and beautiful which means your competition is gonna be stiff. Definitely what I call young, fresh and green! Call me corny if you want but who can resist a British accent coming from a busty redhead? If it wasn't for the British show "The Only Way To Essex," we probably wouldn't known who she is. Amy Childs is the girl who gets the keys to your other condo. Yes, she has fake boobs. I know. She probably spends a lot of time in a tanning bed but common guys, it's working. I happen to believe that you can't just call a woman a slut anymore. Not because she went and got breast implant, not because she’s wearing a short dress. I think this is one of those girls whom you have to show out when you go be with. But then again it's only a fantasy list, right?
14. Christina Ricci - What happens when that 13 year old girl who you couldn't touch back in the day suddenly turns 18 and legal? We say, 'oh shit she's all grown up!' But this Golden Globe nominee has come a long way in her young career. You remember her right? She is the girl who played Wednesday in the 'Adams Family.' But 1991 is long gone. Who was once a baby has now become a very cute adult and she's looking really sexy right now. Well, like I said before, public nudity does not always equate to a slut anymore. She deserves every attention she gets because this is a shorty that you clean your car for. You might wonna grab the doors for her too. You might not wonna buy her dinner on the first date but trust me, this girl has what it takes to make you wake up very happy from a drunker stooper in your lake side villa.
13. Adriana Lima - We love Brazilians don't we? This Brazilian beauty started out as a model and ended up acting in a few movies. She worked for Victoria Secret and became known as their angel since the year 2000. She has catwalked for Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Raloh Lauren, Vers Wangand Armani etc. She is Portuguese by nationality and has made the forbes list for best paid celebrities under age 25. She has acted alongside Forest Whitaker the the 2001 movie 'The Follow.' She also appeared in 'Ugly Betty' and 'How I Met Your Mother.' If this girl is calling you papi, you already know the difference between spring water and sparkling water. You're thugged out but you speak proper English when need be and you can dress up on some real shit. Adriana is the girlfriend you've been waiting for but you better give it a little time before you run home to mom.
12. Freida Pinto - You know her as the Indian actress from the movie 'Slumdog Millionaire.' Back then she was a new talent on the scene that people didn't know what to anticipate from her. But she is maturing and you can see that in her new movie 'You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger'. This Mumbai Catholic girl has a bachelors degree in English Literature and she also studied Economics and Psychology. Yeah playa she looks perfect for you but before you accomplish whatever you'll have to prove that you have a brain. Your spinners and bling may not do the trick here dawg. You might have to wear a button up shirt and carry a rosery if you wonna unleash the beast in this beauty. But once you do you'll have your own version on 'Mississippi Masala' happening.
11. Aishwarya Rai - You won't recognize her if you don't watch foreign films. I'm writing this blog with the understanding that you read the first one I`wrote. If you didn't read the first one I suggest you go and read it before you read this one. We're stepping it up from where we were two years ago. By now you know not to have a Buick with cloths seats and a bad carburetor. You know that unless you're helping your mom with the landscaping on her lawn, you have no business in her basement, not even to do laundry, unless you were visiting from Russia. Since you want a classy girl who looks hot, acts right and connects with you, you also knew to get your wardrobe in order - no baggy jeans or loose neck t-shirts. Your whips are respectable and your wallet is not filled with maxed-out credit cards. So then, when Aisharya Rai calls you back you know it's time to set it off. Dude she use to be Miss World! They've been calling her the most beautiful woman in the world for over ten years now. I know, I'm totally stuck in India right now but can you blame me? Find me another 40 year with a swagger like this.
10. Kelly Hu - She is one of those girls that comes off young. A former Miss Hawaii with a long list of good movies under her belt including 'The Scorpion King', 'Cradle 2 The Grave' and 'Farmhouse' to name a few. This gifted Chinese/American actress has been a hollywood heart throb since 1985 so if you have her baking brownies in your kitchen then you're a Zen. Most guys have an urge to sample a little bit of that Asian persuasion but not every Asian girl will massage a stranger in the back of a Chinese restaurant. In fact you probably can't buy a happy ending from this one right here. If you're lucky to get the girlfriend experience from Kelly Hu please promise me that you won't show up late because your little sister was hugging herself in the bathroom. Fly her to Lagos and show her around.
9. Kate Von D - I told you guys I was bringing out some underdogs. Ever wondered what it would be like to date a babe who is covered in tattoos? Yeah I don't mean the removable joke your ex-girlfriend got at the carnival. This one is the real deal baby! Needle, ink and flesh. She looks like she has a rough edge and appears to be the type that falls for a biker dude or the spiked hair drummer on a rock-n-roll band. We call em gangster bitches where I come from but you'd be surprised to find out how tender a tattoo babe can be. So you wonna try your luck on a motorcycle? You have a collection of leather jackets and your jeans are fresh to death. You think you've got what it takes to sweep this tomboy off her feet? You already know of her, I'm sure of that. She's the girl from 'Miami Ink' who moved to L.A later and got her own TV show called 'L.A Ink'. Luckily for Jessie James when Sandra Bullock terminated his services Kate was there with opened arm and a shoulder to weep on. Some guys are not comfortable with a tatted up girl but some men like making money with their babe on the wild side. If you happen to give this woman the shakes do me a favor and don't pierce your balls to please her.
8. Bar Rafaeli - Shalom! My friends in the States will never see a hot Jewish model dating anyone who is not white at the least. But you'd be surprise how wrong they are. In the States due to the many levels of racism and prejudice, it probably won't happen as usual as if you lived in Canada, Europe or Australia. Most Jewish girls who grew up outside of the United States are not infected with the disease of prejudice as those born and raised in the States. Although it is their custom to marry Jewish you will find that occasional Jewish girl who does not look for a particular race when she dates. But don't get all excited and start chasing Jewish women around town because I don't see them becoming your baby mama any time soon homie. This one dates the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and such and if she dated you I'm pretty sure she won't marry you. So just imagine how tight your swagger has to be in order to meet her, yet alone feed her strawberries on a nude beach. Bar even married a friend to avoid being drafted in the Israeli army but I'm sure you won't mind that she's been married before now would you?
7. Jessica Alba - I should have named this blog 'my sexiest most impossible female celebs'. Yeah someone married her real quick, homie LOL! As soon as this sex symbol/star of 'Dark Angel' was old enough to buy her own Martini this guy named Cash Warren came and snatched her off the market. And I don't blame the man at all. The onion booty on this 'Fantastic Four' princess is a jaw droppineye popper. I'm sure she has a wonderful personality to go with the money, the fame and that booty. What can I tell you? She's not for sale. If you ever found yourself next to someone that looks remotely like Jessica Alba my advice to you would be to wife her up quickly. But you'd need to be on the red carpet with several hook ups or else you might end up playing with yourself while you rot away on your mammas couch again.
6. Katy Perry - Just because she sings about kissing a girl it doesn't mean men are off her interest list. If you have a few scriptures memorized and you believed in Jesus I'm sure you could guilt Katy Perry into coming to church with you. This church girl gone gay friendly seems to be open minded with a free spirit. And since she earned her GED in the 9th grade I can vouch for her being on the smart side. She writes her own lyrics too and though she's smoking hot, I'm sorry to inform you yet again that this one is so married. Actually, every girl on this list is taken right now so let's not forget that this is all just a fantacy. Yeah you won't be dipping your chalupa in this honey dip anytime soon. She paid her dues in the music industry and knows a bit about struggling therefore you could pull her off with a happy meal budget, like ten years ago. And unfortunately, you didn't know who she was until 2008 and by then she was already hanging with stars. 
5. Rocsi - 106 & Park might not mean much to you if you're not into hip hop and R&B but if you watch BET you have to admit - Rosci is hot! Whether it's her sweet persona, or her sexy swagger or whatever, if you know what I'm talking about then you know she lights up the room every time. Parents are from Belize and Honduras but she grew up in Louisiana. You already know what they say about southern girls. They got manners, they have class and if you find the right one who likes you, you will ask yourself why hadn't you met her soon enough? Some may not wonna give her the props she deserves because she is a radio DJ turned TV host. You might see her as an easy catch when you're driving a $ 200, 000 car on a 50 million dollar contract but if you get Rocsi crazy for your love I don't see how you wont be rejoicing. As long as you make good money and you have a decent lifestyle I think Rosci can make your go cheese.
4. Shakira - I'm sure you've heard of this Colombian superstar. Shakira is a musical artist who has basically spent her entire life on stage. The girl has even got her own statue in Colombia. She is like a Mariah Carey in her country. Became famous in the early 90's and sold over 50 million records worldwide, not to mention her slew of Latin Grammys, Billboard Latin Music Awards and even a Golden Globe nomination. It would help if you spoke Portuguese, Spanish or Italian when you ask her out. Oops! You only know Eboniks. Luckily, she's ten years older then her new boyfriend so you migch a break. She likes young bloods. However, the young man is a well paid professional soccer player in Europe. Yeah, homie if you're still borrowing a twenty from your little sister, it's more than likely that you won't have to worry about taking this princess to the new years dance.
3. Eva Mendes - Now how about a talented Cuban hottie? One of the most beautiful women in my eyes right now. You remember her from 'Hitch' with Will Smith. She is also in 'Exit Wounds', 'Knocked Up,' '2 Fast 2 Furious', 'Stuck On You' and 'Training Day' with Denzel Washington. Maybe there was a time when you could have met her and brought her over to your boys apartment to play cards and drink forties but those days are so gone now playa. If you're still getting your 1993 ride or die gangster shit popping and you've been selling weed for 15 years yet you're still broke, I will suggest you concentrate on not dropping the soap. LOL! 
2. Alicia Keys - She loves a thug, she sings like an angel and she's sold millions of records. Did I mention that she's cute and intelligent with a nice ass behind it all? Swizz Beats might kick your teeth in if you stepped to her but for what it's worth Alicia Keys is definitely a dream come through. Yeah she might go with you to the ice cream pallor and walk in the park eating cotton candy. She could come to your studio and help you produce a track or two. She could dig you in a white t-shirt, b boy jeans and timberland boots but you know you have to push something sweet right? Your paint job has to be nice, your wheels have to be more then 20 inches with low profiles and the interior? Well let's just say it can't have cat hairs with stale Mickey D's french fries and potato chips stuck in the crevasses of the seats.
1. Zoe Saldana - First of all, she is a Jersey girl. Yay! Shout out to New Jersey! One of my homies told me I made her number one on my list because she looks like Tyra Banks LOL! I didn't even think about it like that. I just think she is cute. She's the non-white version of an all American girl. Her talent is unquestionably impeccable. This half Dominican and half Puerto Rican beauty is super talented. You probably remember her from 'Pirates Of The Caribbean; The Curse Of The Black Pearl' but it was her performance in three movies that got me - 'Guess Who', 'The Terminal' and 'Avatar'. She is number one on my list for the next two years fellas. I almost put Eva Mendes in at number one but then I had to debate between her and Alicia Keys. In the end I went with Zoe because she has the looks, the personality and the body language I look for in a female.
Have I provoked your thoughts yet? I want you to think about everything I've said and tell me if it's true in your day to day experiences. I still like Megan Fox, I still think she is smoking hot. Lauren Conrod is still a baby doll, so is Gabriel Union and Ciara. Just because they are not on this list it does not mean they fell off. I’m just bringing in some fresh new faces. I used to be a huge Tyra Banks fan too but let’s admit it guys, we were probably 16 years old during Tyra's heyday. I honored her with a number one spot on my first list because she is still "that girl" but along with Carmen Electra, I think it’s time to retire the 1990's sex idols and bring in some new 2000's ones.
My homies from the hood are probably gonna be disappointed with me on this one because I’ve stepped it even further away from the tracks and far into a world outside of the hood. However, I think these are the “it” girls out there right now. Women have similarities that mirror other women in less obvious ways but you can't ignore the differences. Going with that thought, you will see that there are certain characteristics in one woman that can be found in some other women. Just to remind you again, this was my fantasy list. I described what I think a date or a possible role in the hay would be with one of these princesses. Don't take life too seriously. PEACE!
Leave your comments below. Thanks.
RE: PRESS RELEASE - TOP 10 CANADIAN RAPPERS OF AFRICAN DESCENT BY Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo
This blog consists of excerpts from our new press release concerning a recent attack against me after I got honored with a spot on Miss Kemi's Top 10 Canadian Rappers list featured online in the Nigerian Canadian News. A press release will be posted on the News Page of my website but I'm posting this blog consisting of my response to the attacks using quotes from my management as well as my own comments. - FREDDY WILL
"We manage and promote Grammy-nominated artist and author Freddy Will because he is a very talented artist, an insightful writer, a good actor and a down to earth person if you get the chance to meet him in person. We are very careful in how we credit Freddy Will’s achievements. But recently, some characters hiding behind the moniker of "M. Matthews" became enraged over Freddy Will's appearance on Miss Kemi's Top 10 list. They had choice words that bore no effect. Bear in mind, "M. Matthews" are a group of faceless cowards alledging to have won Grammy's but would not show proof of their existence. They made it their mission to ignite controversy over Freddy Will's achievements. We noted what he has done through PR so that it is not overlooked. This has denied them of their ploy which is to hide Freddy Will in a large shuffle of artists. We have addressed all allegations online showing proof where needed but that was not enough to satisfy them." - GBE PRESS RELEASE.
I performed in several countries before I came to Canada. But in Canada I faced unfair censorships. Many saw me as a new artist looking to break on the scene; not knowing I had already gained respect on the streets in other countries like The Gambia; for example. After several attempts to sabotage or single me out from reaching radio and media acclaim in Toronto, some were disappointed to learn that I am connected within regions of Canada and in some other countries where they have no influence. There were criticisms of my street image/gangster lyrics which led me to write my first book, MY BOOK OF CHRYMES published by Soul Asylum Poetry and Publishing and Freddy Will Publishing (my publishing company). Some tried to suggest poverty but quickly repealed that when I showed up in a late model SUV. Due to some unconventional obstacles, I decided to launched an imprint which would include my record label, (so I won't depend on a recording contract from Canadian majors), my publishing company (to protect my released material), my websites and blog for PR, my distribution company and Soul Asylum Jamroom (to eliminate any dependency or hinderance by the CRTC systems in Canada). FREDDY WILL INDUSTRIES is a compact unit registered in the USA that functions independently with contracted associates and volunteers from across the globe. 
I believe that negative comments on Miss Kemi article were an emotional and personal outburst showing outrage for failures of these people to prevent me from succeeding. Miss Kemi, a respected and controverisal journalist, published an article with me on the list. That article bypassed some subliminal saboteurs who have had their reasons why a musician from the United States should not succeed in Canada. Even though I came from Sierra Leone, the fact that I entered Canada through the United States has led many to ignore my African side. I suspect that the people hiding behind these fake moniker are previously canned associates of mine who I do not wish to name until we have definite proof. They zeroed in on three of my current achievements mentioned in the Kemi article and deliberately misinterpreted what was said. These are the comments: in the article:
"Freddy Will born Wilfred Kanu Jr. – is a Grammy Nominated Sierra Leonean Hip-Hop artist and author who have initially survived two genocidal civil wars when he was a kid in West Africa. Almost all of those whom he grew up with were brutally murdered. He spent most of his adult years in New Jersey and recently came to Toronto, Canada to record his album. Today, Freddy Will runs his independent imprint which is distributed internationally and includes his charity foundation that gives back to impoverished hospitals in West Africa. He was recently awarded with his own postal stamp in Sierra Leone after he released his second book with a corresponding album in their Krio Language. Some of his best known accomplishments are: (1) the first person from Sierra Leone to be nominated under a Grammy category after working with both Grammy and JUNO Award winning artists and producers. (2) the world’s first musical artist to release consecutive albums with corresponding books and (3) the only Sierra Leonean born artist and author with a significant western fan base." - The NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS.
"Freddy Will is the first "artist and author" from Sierra Leone to be nominated "under" a Grammy "category" GBE Management has always credited the album, the producers and all artists on the nominated album. GBE has never stated anywhere that the nomination was a sole hip hop nomination garnered by Freddy Will only. We all know that every song comes with a title featuring the artist, band or group of singers/rappers who sang on it. It is custom industry practice. When an artist is involved on a nominated group project it is not merely to say the “artist” was involved on the project. Along with the executive producers each artist on the album is also a nominee. Freddy Will even had access to two tickets (one for him and one for his date) to the Grammy award show in Los Angeles with backstage passes like each executive producer and every artist on the album. If the album had won, each artist would have received a Grammy. This is a huge accomplishment for the team of producers, artists and Freddy Will an independent African artist who is also an author. - GBE PRESS RELEASE.
I am one of very few artists and authors from Sierra Leone who has come this far artistically. Some have suggested that just by stating my achievements, I am somehow diminishing other artists from the region but this is not true. I'm repping for the region instead. So, if I worked with both Grammy and JUNO Award winning artists and producers, shouldn't I say it? It does not mean that I'm boastful or cocky when I say I'm the first artist and author from the region to release consecutive books with corresponding albums. There is a lot more that I need do but these are some of my proud achievements thus far. If anything, this should be a ‘BIG UP” to Sierra Leone because one of their own has made it this far paving the way for others.
"Freddy Will is the world’s first musical artist to release "consecutive" albums with "corresponding" books and the only Sierra Leonean born "artist and author" with a significant western fan base. Our independent distribution and publishing company is not linked to the CRTC or Soundscan in anyway because our markets are not only in Canada. We ship books and CDs to various countries. His books are even available in libraries within The United States and Canada and we sell books directly through Soul Asylum Poetry and Publishing and also on Amazon. Our iTunes and CDBABY spreadsheets show downloads from places as far as New Zealand where Freddy Will has never been. We also have a music Jamroom through Double K Records which is another outlet for our music distribution - check the links to listen to one of his albums." - GBE PRESS RELEASE.
http://soulasylumpoetry.com/jamroom/members/24/
Yes, there are legendary Sierra Leone artists like Jimmy B, Chosan and Nene Cherry who went worldwide with their music. There were legendary bands that did the same thing too but they were artists not artists and authors at the same time. Is that a bad thing to say if I have actually done it? www.freddywill.com - it's all there!!! - Artist and author means “one person” that is attributed with “both talents” who has released books and CDs. There are other popular Sierra Leone singers and bands inside Sierra Leone and in the United States who are grately respected in Sierra Leone but they are not authors as well. There are notable authors from Sierra Leone but they are not artists. I am the first one from the country to put both music and literary writings in one package for each album. If you check out the people who I interact with on Facebook, most of them I have never met. All live in different counries - Spain, Holland, Italy, the UK, several regions in Canada and the United States, the Middle East, all over Africa, I even have people from India, Australia and Asia. The only place where I have not seen a showing yet is in Russia. These people have either downloaded the album and/or bought the book or checked out my youtube channels and the majority of them are not Sierra Leoneans. These are who were refered to as my significant Western fanbase.
The whole point of this blog is, I wanted to make very clear, that I am proud of my achievements and I also celebrate the achievements of the producers and nominees I was fortunate to work with. I am proud to have been born in Sierra Leone and I work hard to make Africa proud. I am very grateful for all my homies in the USA and Canada and I'm grateful to everyone who has supported me. Whatever negative claims were made against me in those comments were responded to by my management and now I have said my peace with more details.
www.freddywill.com
LIBYA’S WAR Pt. 1
I'd like to educate the younger generation on some important topics; that’s why I'm going into details with this blog. By a younger generation I'm referring to those in their mid/late teens through to those in their late twenties right now, who may be interested in the full story of Libya's war as it relates to the world today but were too young when history unfolded. I was very young when Gaddafi caused his havoc but there had been enough news and rumors on this subject that over the years, I formed an opinion. If only one person reads this blog, I'm hoping that he/she would take a bit of this history with them. Also, many educated people in the West were practically never taught this subject from a non-bias point of view so they may never realize the significance of what's happening. But a major piece of world history is unfolding while we all stay busy in our complex lives.
When it comes to Libya, many have different opinions but I've come to realize that there are really only two basic points to note (for starters). 1: A huge part of Libyan history revolves around a man who goes by the named of Cornel Muammar Gaddafi and 2: The actual Libyan history is poles apart from Gaddafi and his reign. Over the last twenty years we have all heard stereotypy concoctions about Libyans and their leader but none of those stories informed the listeners about the culture of the Libyan people. Rather, those stories were all based on fears of what people perceive Libya as (due to the reputation of its leader). What is Libya? Who is Muammar Gaddafi? When and how did he rise to power and why is everyone so angry with him? These are the questions that I'm going to try and answer.
Cornel Muammar Gaddafi
Many Africans feel a psychological bond with each other. I would term it as a 'supposed solidarity'. It is a bond that should be felt (between two or more Africans) from understanding each anothers' plight to each anothers' hard earned accomplishments. But even with this basic principle in our psyche we (Africans) will come to blows with each other at the most crucial moment. Africans have a general conviction that we are all one people and must stand up againt an oppressor. But we've also seen many leaders who came along with this agenda and yet they either converted to western ideology or they became dictators in the end. We have many Africans who do not agree with the 'fight for your right' principle and many who want to adopt a cozy western lifestyle. However, Africa was at a crossroad throughout the 1900s. Some die hard natives clung to traditional African customs while a new influx of western influence swept many off their feet. Some Africans felt the West used Africa for its financial gain without paying Africans their fair share from wealth acquired in Africa.
Having originated from a continent that blames the West for many of its troubles, tribal warriors turned into revolutionary protesters who resented the new colonial era. By the 1940s in many parts of Africa the most politically conscious minds aimed to take power from governments that bent over backwards for western democracy. Nelson Mandela (of South Africa) was one of such revolutionary protesters who rose up against a colonial system and so was the late Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana in West Africa.
Gaddafi emerged into this newly instated post colonial era of Africa as a heavily armed ring leader from a then unpenetrated, Arab influenced North African desert country; wherein becoming an anti-western revolutionary thinker would galvanized his new agenda for Libya's transition; with the new pan-African mandate. Since his influences stretched from the Middle East to South America and The Soviet Union, fear and war credibility was easy for him to garner. It was widely believed that he built guerrilla warfare training camps in Libya where elite revolutionary soldiers would train and be dispatched into numerous civil wars. It was also assumed that the civil wars were meant to preserve African resources from being further exploitated by killing off African natives who embrace the West. But the West never came to the rescue of those African natives who were being killed and the agenda for starting new wars soon changed to greed.
What or where is Libya?
A neighborhood in Tripoli (Libya's capital).
Libya is a country in North Africa that shares its borders with Algeria, Tunisia, Niger, Chad, Sudan and Egypt. In Africa you will find different types of people depending on their origin. Most North Africans including Libyans, have physical features similar to Arabs, that dress, speak, worship and live by an Islamic rule of law. Libya is one of such Islamic/Arab African states as Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco where a Muslim system conflicts with traditional European colonial systems that are seen through out Africa. Moreover, there are other Islamic countries in Africa whose people do not have similar physical feature to North Africans but these African countries like Mali, Niger and southern West Africa, for example, are inhabited by dark skin Africans (black). In Arab Africa you will find people who look like Arabs, people who look half Arab and half black and people who are 100% black. Small groups exist in the population who are allowed to practice other religions as they each have local traditions with their own variation of law and order.
The Capital city of Libya is Tripoli and their money is called the Libyan Diner (LD). Some parts of the country consists of a vast desert but there are well developed urban cities and townships there as well. Libya is considered poor because of United Nations Economic Sanctions but their quality of life is better than the poorest African countries.
Libya used to be an oil rich kingdom before the late 1960s and as a wealthy kingdom it was ruled by a Royal Monarch similar to the Saudis or the British. Right now its' citizens are fighting to return Libya's political system to a Republic system but Gaddafi, for the last 40 years, has proclaimed his family a Royal Monarch of Libya which he calls "Libyan Arab Jamahiriya" (which is a Libyan kingdom that Gaddafi created). This long standing revolutionary kingdom/anti-western system is outdated today because many Libyans want democracy, economic stability with unlimited freedoms to travel but are barred from such amends. They also have deep seated disagreements with Israel as a non Islamic nation in the Middle East that acquired its land by ousting its original inhabitants and many of Israel's American backed mandates in the West Bank they see as a travesty.
50 Libyan Dinners. (about $100 US)
5 Libyan Dinners (about $10 US)
The West does not acknowledge Cornel Muammar Gaddafi as the royalty that he think he is. Instead it classifies him as a revolting war criminal. The other African nations that Gaddafi wished would join him in his revolution against the West, do not see a future in his plan for a United States of Africa. Many African governments are easily seduced by Western aid and thus, they see no use for Gaddafi's blood bath dreams. Many countries in Africa are backed by the European country that colonized them. For example, after several years of civil war in Sierra Leone the British finally intervened militarily and that brought an end to the Sierra Leone Civil War. A war that many believe was devised in Libya. Similarly, when Charles Taylor went from warlord to president of Liberia, strife continued - as many did not welcome his presidency. U.S President Bush intervened by dispatching a battleship of U.S Marines ordering Taylor to leave office or face a brutal consequence. This led the ex worlord turned president of Libria into exile in Nigeria.
When I lived in Africa during the height of two civil wars, many people claimed that the initial plan for launching the war was to take over Liberia and end its American influence and to also do the same in Sierra Leone with the British. The belief was, each warlord would become president and then attack a neighboring country thereby relieving it of its western influence. Once a significant number of African countries had been taken over by the alleged Gaddafi trained warlords, they would unite the countries as states under one banner and call it the United States of Africa. In this line of thinking, a United States of Africa would be a powerful new federation ruled by a royal African Monarch equivalent to the British, the Saudis or even the United States government. With the estimated wealth of African natural resources they saw a possibility in achieving this goal.
Night time in Tripoli, Libya's capital.
In Southern parts of Africa we have a different brand of Africans who dress, speak and bare a completely different physical feature from those in the north. These Africans as opposed to the Arabs in the north, practice laws and customs similar to a Zulu culture. Most African countries were colonized by either Belgium, France, Portugal, Germany or England but they all maintained significant parts of their heritage. East Africans are another distinct brand of Africans who have cultural structures passed down from thriving empires in ancient Ethiopia, Somalia and Northeastern Sudan; and West Africa having been the last part of the continent to be urbanized, comprises of thousands of different tribes that once lived in isolation from the rest of Africa. From the north to the east to the south and then the west, each sector consists of people who have very different physical features who speak very distinct languages, with a distinct custom and tradition from the other.
Who is Muammar Gaddafi?
Muammar Gaddafi is an ex cornel from the Libyan army who became a world renowned political leader in Libya. Earlier in his rise to power he rebeled against western systems and became a target for international scrutiny. His reign is tainted as a tyrannical 42 years of power and he is being compelled to resign from government. Gaddafi considers himself to be an avid freedom fighter who will fight the West or die a martyr before he accepts a global community in which the West sits atop. He considers the West to be ruled by infidels whose wealth was procured by exploiting Africa and other parts of the world. He believes in the continuation of ancient African and Arab traditions wherein natives are ruled by a revared king or queen who punishes or rewards their subjects as pleased. For example, in Gaddafi's world homosexuals would remain in the closet, strip clubs, gambling and prostitution would be banned and Satanism will be a taboo, just for starters.
Speaking from an African perspective, Gaddafi is typically regarded in two lights. One light shows him as a despised tyrant with innocent blood on his hands who has gone as far as training rebel commandos and warlords to set off guerilla warfare in Africa. The other light shows the tyrant being admired for having the guts to stand up to the West. He is dreadfully hated by many but also applauded in a bizarre way by others. A newly assembled National Transitions Council backed by international powerhouses like England, France, Italy, The United States, Canada and NATO have all recently supported a rebelion in Libya which is geared to topple Gaddafi's regime and bring an end to his kingdom.
Gaddafi is father to eight children, most of which are sons and a few daughters (one of which is deceased) but he is viewed as a compulsive renegade. When he dies his eldest son is supposedly next in line for the Libyan throne - a throne which could face the same demise as Sadam Hussein's. But that's if he died in power. As it stands now Gaddafi's children do not stand to inherit Libya when he dies because the people of Libya and the international community each wants the warlord trainer to be brought to justice. Gaddafi is strongly criticized for having only female bodyguards, all 40 of whom were hand picked virgins when brought to the training academy that qualified them to guard him. 
Before Gaddafi came to power Libya was ruled by a British backed Libyan king by the name of King Sayyid Idris Muhammad. As a military officer at that time Gaddafi overthrew this king from power in the late 1960's and instated himself as the new leader of Libya. The ill fated king was not only overthrown from power, his British backed kingdom was replaced with Gaddafi's new system, and he lived in exile until a trial that sentenced him to death. Succeeding with his military coup, Gaddafi unleashed his wrath against all his opponents leading him to be frowned upon by the rest of the world. However, Libya is rich with oil. So frowning on Gaddafi could only go so far since the same countries that frowned at him were the same ones that came begging for oil. After he replaced King Sayyid Muhammad’s British backed Monarch, he established his brand of a republic. Gaddafi had another change of heart and decided to replace the new republic with a new form of government that was neither Monarch nor Republic. Resenting control from the West through the United Nations Gaddafi sorted for his own kingdom which would either rival the ones in the United Kingdom or trump them completely.
He wanted to be treated as equals in the international community where Libya has no vito power. On his thinking, the West would be derailed from dominating the world economically and militarily if he removed them from Africa. During the 90s when Liberia and Sierra Leone were at the heart of civil wars, it was widely rumored that warlords Charles Taylor and the late Foday Sankoh were both Libyan trained. Gaddafi became credited or accused for many atrocities against humanity, either directly or indirectly and being that he had been in power for many years, he had already had previous run ins with past U.S Presidents like Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George Bush Sr., that left a nasty stain on his international record. He was also condemned by the United Nations on several occasions.
Gaddafi also sorted to use his influence in the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) to drastically restrain the West from access to Middle Eastern oil; hoping that this would slow down the industrial growth in western countries and thereby give room for a Pan – African United States of Africa to arise. He acquired a Nuclear Weapons Program and recruited a feared army. Gaddafi was in a race to repeal western influences in Africa that had been established during slavery and colonization but then several conflicts with the United States during the 1980’s led him to back an airplane bombing that killed many innocent westerners - a bad move on his part. This transformed him into a terrorist as innocent blood was now pouring on his hands. Then there was the U.S bombing of his compound that killed his daughter. It is believed that this is the point where Gaddafi added more insult to his already injured reputation by training warlords to attack African countries that romanced with weatern ideologies.
People protesting against Gaddafi in Libya (2011)
However his plan to form a United States of Africa and annihilate western influence in Africa did not succeed. Gaddafi lost many supporters as too many innocent people died in the process of establishing his goal. And as a result of becoming a dictator, his record got tainted for life. His unrecognized kingdom was now doomed. Due to UN sanctions on Libya for his atrocities and/or sketchy involvement in world politics, Libya fell into poverty and the Libyan people despised their tyrant. His warlords instigated grave atrocities all over Africa and that was never forgiven. Him being tainted, stemmed into many more years of genocides and the violating of human rights to disturbing proportions since his warlords faced a fierce resistance from armies and tribalas warriors in the countries that were invaded. And his warlords were gluttonous for a lavish living bought with looted diamonds and oil money. By this time (late 1990’s) Gaddafi had earned more than enough sanctions from the United Nations and the world revolted against him. These sanctions cut him off from the international community thereby isolating the entire country of Libya from the rest of the world.
One by one, each genocide was halted that had been started by his alledged warlords; the warlords were soon captured and imprisoned or killed. Gaddafi also got criticized for revolutionary rants against the West every time he spoke at the General Assembly in the UN. But as time passed he gave up on his revolution and sorted to clear his name, make amends and rejoin the international community. He agreed to get rid of his weapons of mass destruction program so his UN sanctions would be lifted. This opened Libya up for business again. Gaddafi watched as western oil merchants flocked to his oil markets once again. Only this time he was unaware that he is no longer feared because his weapons of mass destruction program had been abandoned.
Libyan People protesting against Gaddafi.
So now here we are, civil war has come full circle. From Liberia to Sierra Leone to Guinea, Senegal and the Ivory Coast, civil wars in West Africa have erupted and returned to Libya where many victims of previous genocides believe the war really started from. Libyans have finally revolted against Gaddafi as well. They realized it could be done with a peaceful but insistent protest. Tunisia succeeded doing the same thing and Algeria too. Then the Egyptians rebeled and succeeded in ousting their dictator. So Libya went out on a protest to oust the tyrant.
Gaddafi responded with tanks and bombs, unleashing mercenaries in the crowd, killing off the protesters. Libyans called for western intervention because they feared Gaddafi’s whips and the West stepped in and has weaken Gaddafi’s immediate strong holds so that the rebels can run through his safe places. All across the world, his accounts in western banks have been frozen which now deprives the outdated renegade from approximately $70 billion. Gaddafi is being asked by the United Nations, NATO and the West that the time has come to either die or step away from power. Sadly, he has very few friends who might be next in the western backed Middle East System Reform, so his few friends cannot help him. He might have to blow his own brains out in the end.
Media Player
