Angela Hunte, a recent collaborator with Slightly Stoopid on the song “One Bright Day”, made her mark writing & producing some of today’s biggest hits for Jay-Z & Alicia Keys as well as Britney Spears. “R.A.W.” is Angela’s debut release of her own music that dropped 9/22/17 and we’re featuring “In Da Mornin” for FREE….
You can download Angela Hunte’s song “In Da Mornin,” for FREE on our home page under the MP3 Leak of the Week on the right hand column! This Download will only be available until Saturday, Sept 30th, 2017.
Angela Hunte – “In Da Mornin” — Download HERE (on The Pier homepage)
Angela Hunte’s “In Da Mornin” Background:
It’s hard to believe that R.A.W. is Angela Hunte’s first release of her own music. She’s been producing and collaborating on music for decades and it’s nice to get an intimate peak at an artist who has seen success in her work with Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg to Britney Spears, Amy Winehouse to reggae-rocks beloved Slightly Stoopid.
Her debut EP features 8 songs with vocal guest appearances by Tarrus Riley, Taranchyla & Brooklyn Rose. Hunte’s longtime musical partner DJ Buddha handles the majority of production, with assists from Jerry Wonda (The Fugees, Santana), Dready (Busta Rhymes, Vybz Kartel), house DJ Gregor Saito and reggaeton producer Nesty
“For me, ‘raw’ is starting over,” Hunte says of the title, which is short for “Reasons and Words.” “I am putting skin back on layer by layer that I have had to shed. I feel like I peeled off these layers of bitterness and let it go with this project.”
Despite Hunte’s background in hip-hop, pop, soca, among many other styles, the steady constant of R.A.W. is saoked in reggae over very smooth tones and soulful deliveries.
When Slightly Stoopid producer & engineer James Wisner contacted us about this release, one of the first songs that stood out to us was track 3 with “In Da Mornin.” The song is a reggae riddim with a fun intro around bouncing vocals that ends up being the repeated chorus throughout the track.
When discussing the song here’s what Angela Hunte told The Pier: “In Da Mornin'” is about a moment. The ‘morning after’ is always a time when two people can share a brief moment alone. Whether it’s reflecting on the night before or making that decision to stay or go, the mornings always bring light into any situation. The production is so flawless to me. It has a great balance of culture and mainstream sounds.”
You can purchase Angela Hunte’s debut EP, R.A.W. by clicking HERE!
Angela Hunte Background:
Angela Hunte, the Brooklyn-born, Trinidad-raised artist began her recording career in the ‘90s, as a member of 7669, a Motown Records girl group whose style could be described as TLC or Salt N Pepa by way of Bone Thugs and Onyx. Following their sole album, 7669 East from a Bad Block, she learned the art of songwriting in the studio with iconic hip-hop producers Easy Mo Bee (best known for his work with the Notorious B.I.G.) and Salaam Remi, who would later bring Hunte into the studio with Amy Winehouse and Nas. Remember those “little kids” singing on Nas’ “I Can” (from 2002’s God’s Son)? Those were all Angela Hunte, putting her uniquely-pitched, high-register vocals to creative use.
The capstone of her writing career came in 2009 when her song “Empire State of Mind” was recorded by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. The track, which Hunte also co-produced with Al Shux, became the first ever No. 1 for Jay-Z, spending five weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, and winning multiple awards at the 2011 Grammys. “Empire State of Mind” now sits next to Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” among the most iconic NYC anthems, having soundtracked storied championships by the New York Yankees and Giants. It’s still the only pop No. 1 in Jay’s illustrious career.
Working with Diddy and Jay-Z brought things full circle for Angela, both of whom she knew during her youth in Brooklyn. When Jay-Z mentions 560 State Street on “Empire State Of Mind,” he’s referencing the apartment building where he and Hunte resided in the 1990s.
When Major Lazer were tapped to create a reggae soundtrack for Snoop Dogg’s transformation into “Snoop Lion,” Diplo recruited Hunte to join a team of songwriters and producers working in Jamaica. She wrote seven of the twelve songs on 2013’s Reincarnated, appearing as a featured vocalist on lead single “Here Comes the King,” among other tunes. An appearance in Vice’s documentary on the project enhanced her visibility, leading to further reggae work with acts such as Gyptian and Slightly Stoopid.
Related Links:
Angela Hunte Website
Angela Hunte Facebook
Huge thanks again to Angela Hunte for allowing us to share her new song “In Da Mornin” to post up for FREE download. Free music is a privilege that we’re grateful for and we appreciate the work these artists do! Please feel free to download this song for FREE and spread the awareness to your friends!
Enjoy the FREE track on the homepage!
Article By: Mike Patti
Watch: Jay Z – “Empire Sate of Mind” (feat. Angela Hunte)
Listen: Slightly Stoopid – “One Bright Day” (feat. Angela Hunte)
Watch: Snoop Lion – “Here Comes The King” (feat. Angela Hunte)
