Fat Joe Readies New Album: Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 Out April 7

His Third EMI Release To Be Supported By EMI Music Services

NEW YORK, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ — On April 7, 2009, rapper Fat Joe will continue one of the most impressive runs in recent Hip-Hop history with the release of his ninth solo studio album, Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 (J.O.S.E. 2). The project reprises the title of Joe’s 2002 RIAA-Certified Platinum release, Jealous Ones Still Envy, and will mark Joe’s third release since bringing his Terror Squad Entertainment imprint to the EMI family in 2006. EMI Music Services is supporting the release with promotion, street teams, digital, marketing, licensing and synchronization and brand partnership services.

For this album, Joe has reached out to a veritable who’s who of Hip-Hop’s elite, landing assists from artists including Ron Browz; Fabolous; former Atlantic Records label mate Lil’ Kim; T-Pain; Lil’ Wayne, with whom he scored a tremendous hit in 2008′s multi-platinum single “Make It Rain;” and Akon, who appears on J.O.S.E. 2‘s official first single, “One.” Much of the production comes from names familiar to Fat Joe fans, including Jim Jonsin, The Incredibles, and frequent collaborator The Street Runners.

In preparation for the release, the single “Winding On Me” featuring Lil’ Wayne and Ron Browz was released as a buzz single to DJs across the country over the holidays. Since, it has received a tremendous amount of support in clubs and at the mixshow level on radio. Now, with the “One” already added by Urban and Rhythmic radio stations nationwide, and an official release for the single set for a February 24 digital and ringtone release, J.O.S.E. 2 is sure to continue gaining momentum. The single will be supported by a new video by noted director Chris Robinson, set to hit the airwaves shortly after the single becomes available to fans. “Winding On Me” will also be made available exclusively to Verizon Wireless customers. Fat Joe is currently scheduling a month-long national promo tour in support of J.O.S.E. 2, which will run from early March through the album’s release.

“We are thrilled to be backing Fat Joe’s latest creation and continuing EMI’s relationship with him,” said Dominic Pandiscia, senior vice president and GM of EMI Label Services. “He’s a significant musical and cultural force whose appeal cuts across so many different genres and fans. This is a great record and the response is terrific.”

Recognized as a trailblazer in both mainstream and Latin Hip-Hop, Fat Joe has consistently connected with contemporary audiences since first emerging in the mid-90s with his debut Jealous Ones Envy. In the past few years, the two-time Grammy nominee has seen his popularity grow by leaps and bounds, due to his uncanny ability to adapt to the times while remaining true to his core audience. His 2008 release, Elephant In The Room marked a milestone in Joe’s career as his first top ten debut on the Billboard 200 chart, and his third consecutive top five entry on Billboard’s Top Hip-Hop/R&B Charts. For more information visit www.fat-joe.com or www.myspace.com/fatjoe.

SOURCE EMI Music