Album Notes

In the fall of 2004, thousands of students from Clark Atlanta University (CAU) crowded into the school's football stadium for their annual homecoming concert. Headlining the concert was multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated artist Kanye West. But these concertgoers were not just coming to see Kanye. No. These students, hailing from all parts of North America, made sure to arrive in time to catch his opening act, an on-the-rise hip hop artist from Louisiana named Gumbo.

One of today's hottest, up-and-coming artists, Gumbo (born Jeremy Christian) has already gained the respect of thousands of Atlanta and Louisiana based hip hop fans. A CAU student, Gumbo began his career performing for students attending CAU and other surrounding historically black colleges such as Morehouse and Spelman. As his name implies, this Louisiana native is bringing a new flavor to the Dirty South, combining musical influences from not only his southern roots but also from the east and west coast hip hop artists that inspired him. "Around the age of fourteen, that's when I really starting to get into hip hop from various areas. I was a big fan of Snoop, but I also liked New York artists like Biggie and Wu-Tang," says Gumbo.

Gumbo's unique blend of hip hop attracts all types of music fans. Known for his catchy hooks and lyrical talent, Gumbo has widespread, commercial appeal that has already caught the attention of the music industry. Radio stations and club owners are eager to feature his talents. He has performed at Atlanta hot spots such as Club Vision and has already had two songs debut on Atlanta's 107.9 radio station's popular segment "Dig It or Diss It," where both songs received a stamp of approval from audiences. He was one of only a handful of artists to perform at the 2004 Sony Urban Music Showcase in New Orleans and in 2003 was named Freestyle Champ at BET Spring Bling. "No matter what bit of success I might receive, I still remain humble but aggressive until I reach my goal of making my mark in this industry. Fans are the key to reaching my goal so what's important for me is to continue to hold Louisiana down and keep making real music that caters to a diverse audience," says Gumbo.

Last year Gumbo released his first musical project entitled, The Street Album, on his very own independent label Fire Squad Records. In just a few short months, this album, which features the popular street anthem "Meet Me Outside" and the hit single "Shirts Off", has already sold over 5,000 copies, a testament to the love that Gumbo has received from Atlanta and Louisiana. Gumbo's current singles "Swerve On" and "Do Whateva It Takes" from his upcoming debut full-length album The Louisiana Purchase continues to generate a buzz throughout the south.

With the release of Gumbo's The Louisiana Purchase, it is clear that Gumbo will be the next artist to carry the banner for Louisiana and southern hip hop. He has come a long way from his humble beginnings in the impoverished areas of Monroe and New Orleans but acknowledges that to succeed in the hip hop game it will take earning the respect of many more hip hop fans from around the world. "I always compared hip hop to street basketball players stepping on court at a place like Ruckers Park in New York. Nobody really knows how good you play until they see you. Everybody wants respect in basketball. For you to get respect you have to play one big game. After that one breakout game you have to be consistent from there on out. I compare hip hop to that. Me at the doorstep of the industry, I have to come in and get my respect," expresses Gumbo. That's exactly what he plans to do.