KANYE…LUPE…and now…SHALA. | A.Okay Official: Where Sneaker, Toys, Fashion and Art Meet

Blog post/story: Free music collection download
WEARESHALA.COM

Shala. emerges from behind the scene of the emerging and innovative Chicago art and music movement to deliver an amazing 9-track collection of free music downloads. His new album preview is a refreshing expression of where hip hop is finally headed: “Songs to Rap Along To” is a clever, honest and innovative prelude to his debut release: “…And Then Along Came Shala.”

Shala’s “Songs to Rap Along To” can be found for free download at weareshala.com. Weareshala.com is an online motion painting by Shala. himself. The collection features collaborations with Ninjasonik, Hollywood Holt, Mic Terror, and Sebastian of Ed Banger.

“Post-Kanye, it seems like every kid in Chicago is putting out ridiculously fly forward-looking, backward-glancing singles linked most significantly by large bass, quick tempos, smart lyrics and jokes for days. Shala Esquire of Chicago’s unsung Qualo did us all a favor by collecting all the new and new-ish joints in one place.” -The Fader Magazine

“I love what Chicago is doing, and this Shala. song “Molly Wop” is definitely what music is missing right now, so I’m playing it” -Terry Urban of TPPS (Shade45 Radio/XM Sirius Satellite Radio)

“ . . . Shala. may be leading the most important movement on Chicago’s hip-hop scene. . . These artists exist outside the stereotype of the hip-hop artist, yet they retain the edge and authenticity they need to be taken seriously and the business acumen needed to succeed in a tough industry.” -Chicago Sun-Times

Shala. is a Nigerian-American visual artist, producer and musician. He is a former member of the unsung Universal recording group, Qualo and the owner of The Movement Worldwide, the management company leading the world’s New Brow art and music movement. They have managed artists such as The Cool Kids, Hollywood Holt, and Million Dollar Mano. They have partnered with companies from Nike, Puma and Boost Mobile to McDonald’s and Louis Vuitton-Moet Hennessy (LVMH). Shala is an entertaining speaker and available for interviews.