Album Notes

An eclectic blend of pop, r&b and hip-hop mixed to create aural candy for those in and out of "the know." Anthony Antoine once again challenges the norm of traditional popular music with a bold and timely statement that can only be "Closets On Fire."

The Prince of Edutainment's first full length CD combines the lyrical dexterity of Babyface and the non-conformist musical advocacy of Meshell N'degeocello to create a flavor all his own. "Curiosity and The Hennessey," "How To Tell If Your Man Is On The Down Low" and the steamy first single "ASS" are just a few of the tracks rounding off this proud collection of 18 songs (a song for every year that this has been his dream).

"I left for London in 1987 with a goal of recording an album. So this is truly my dream come true. I've recorded literally hundreds of songs over the years however, never felt in place to release a full length effort. Three years ago, "Closets on Fire" fell into my spirit and wouldn't stop burning. Now today, it's finally here," Anthony beams explaining how his full length effort unfolded. "Right now, I'm the happiest man on the planet to achieve my dream."

When asked to chose a favorite song, he attempts with no luck. "That's like asking a parent to chose a favorite child," Anthony laughs. "What I know is that there are 18 songs to chose from with a mix of influences and styles, something for mostly everyone to like. I celebrate being an independent artist by recording what I feel at the time, never compromising a message for sake of fitting in. This is unfiltered, unapologetic and passionate pop music."

Here, Anthony explains the inspiration for a few of the cuts:

RAISE
"This song was going to be a simple dance cut about dancing originally. Michael (my Executive Producer and more) and I were chillin' one Sunday afternoon soon after he picked me up some new music software for my computer. He didn't like my lyrics that I started writing to this beat and shared this entire concept complete with a video concept that communicated what he felt the lyrics should be. He thought that I wasn't feeling his concept but by the time he made it home, I wrote "RAISE" with his concept in mind. Since then, it has always been the perfect opener and sets the tone for my dream CD "Closets on Fire." "

ASS
"What can I say about "ASS" that it doesn't say for itself? Honestly, this song has been so misunderstood by some folks. First - No it's not me naked on the single's cover. And so important for me to explain is that I wasn't just wanting to be nasty or create hype around a provocative title. This song for me is mainly a celebration in the most unabashed way of sexuality similar to how Trina, Lil Kim or so many artists would celebrate sex and sexuality in their songs, songs pervasive on mainstream radio and no one questions this. Why wouldn't I have the same freedom to celebrate my sex and sexuality? That's the main reason why I did the song. Okay, and the people who are secretly credited on the CD itself may have influenced me too but..."

CURIOSITY AND THE HENNESSY
"This is one of my favorite cuts on the CD. The music was totally produced by Jimmy George of Wave Motion Sound. I sang the melody and didn't give him any other direction except for the electronic loop. He made the song jazzy and very sexy. I also love to listen to this song because this is the song I was about to record when I first had problems that resulted in surgery on my vocal cords in 2000. To hear it completed reminds me that I made it through one of the roughest periods in my singing career - not being able to sing for easily a year and often not able to even speak. I, now more than ever, truly appreciate having a voice to do what I love to do, sing and speak."

SECRET LOVER
"Here's to my friends at ARCA who has given me so much love for this song. This was one of the original songs I recorded for the CD and ultimately was the original direction of the project. It's still one of my favorites on the CD. You'll hear me say this about 17 other tracks when there are only 18 on the CD. My songs are like children I've given birth to. It's hard to chose your favorite child. "Secret Lover" was my attempt at writing like so many Babyface songs from the 90s that I loved. I think next to Madonna who is so underrated for her contribution to popular music, Babyface too, made huge contributions with songs and lyrics most songwriters would be proud of. I would die to hear Babyface or Jon B. sing this song."

More on inspiration and Anthony Antoine, visit his website at www.anthonyantoine.com.