Da’ T.R.U.T.H. will release his seventh studio album, Heartbeat, April 15 through Mixed Bag Entertainment and Entertainment One.
The project will be the first album issued through Mixed Bag’s new distribution partnership with eOne. It also arrives sooner than the label’s founder originally expected.
Da’ T.R.U.T.H. had planned to step away from recording until 2015 so he could focus on building the label. However, his break from the studio did not last.
“After almost a year of watching and observing the culture, I realized that I had a few more things that I wanted to share,” he said.
What began as a three- to five-song EP gradually became a full-length album.
Which is generally how musicians discover that their break from making music has gone poorly.
Da’ T.R.U.T.H. Builds a Mixed Bag on Heartbeat
Da’ T.R.U.T.H. described Heartbeat as experimental, gritty and engaging. Longtime collaborator J.R. handles much of the production and helps shape the album’s direction.
J.R. has worked with Da’ T.R.U.T.H. throughout his career. As a result, he is a natural choice for a project intended to help establish the sound of Mixed Bag Entertainment.
Additional production comes from Symbolyc One, better known as S1, Justin Ebach and Alex Medina. Several emerging producers also contribute to the album.
The guest list crosses hip-hop, gospel, pop and reggae. Announced collaborators include Lecrae, Chris August, Isaac Carree, Alexis Spight, Canon, Papa San and Capital Kings.
Artists newly signed to Mixed Bag will also appear on the project.
One Album, Several Directions
That range fits both the album title and the label name. Rather than force the project into one narrowly defined sound, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. is pulling together the styles, voices and ideas currently moving him.
“This record is fun,” he said. “It’s experimental, gritty and engaging, and having my longtime friend help me shape the project makes it that much more enjoyable.”
Heartbeat will be the first of several projects Mixed Bag Entertainment plans to release through its eOne partnership.
The album will be released digitally and physically April 15.