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Grand Puba has been a crucial participant in the hip-hop movement since its early days. Originally a member of the group Masters of Ceremony, he became the lead emcee of the New Rochelle-based Brand Nubian in 1989. Although their upbeat music and positive lyrics tied them strongly to the Native Tongues movement (De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest etc.) Brand Nubian's politics and religion were always at the forefront of their music, paving the way for groups like Dead Prez, RZA & GZA (of Wu-Tang), Black Star, Brother Ali & countless others. As a solo artist, Grand Puba has been extremely successful as well. Many consider both his release of "Reel 2 Reel," ('92) and "2000" ('95) to be classics. In 1998, he reunited with Brand Nubian for "Foundation" and in 2004 for "Fire In The Hole" on Babygrande. With the forthcoming "Retroactive" release, Grand Puba once again returns to his trademark style--brilliant lyrics, socio-political themes and a smooth laid-back delivery. Grand Puba's flow is as refined as ever, his beat selection top-notch, and the finished project promises to fill a much needed void in hip-hop, at a time when positive, progressive and upbeat messages are sorely needed in the world. In stores June 23rd, Retroactive features production by Q-Tip, Large Professor, Grand Puba himself and more, and guest appearances from Kid Capri, Q-Tip, Lord Jamar, Sadat X, Large Professor and more.