Today, acclaimed New Orleans-based band Naughty Professor announce the release of their highly-anticipated new album, Identity, set for release on Friday, June 23, 2017 and reveal the first round dates for their upcoming West Coast tour this summer, with more to be announced soon.
Naughty Professor raises the stakes on its upcoming album release, Identity. Where their prior releases showcased the group’s knack for self-contained instrumentals, Identity finds the band teaming with a stellar assortment of more than a dozen cutting-edge collaborators, with David Shaw of the Revivalists, Ivan Neville, Benny Bloom, Mike Dillon, members of The Soul Rebels, and others lending vocal, instrumental and compositional contributions. Additionally, Naughty Professor teamed up with Qmillion (Robert Glasper) to mix the record. The result finds Naughty Professor expanding their music into exciting new territory.
Named an “Artist You Should Know” by Relix Magazine, Naughty Professor have released two singles from Identity, including the politically charged track “Darker Daze” featuring legendary hip-hop artist Chali 2na (Jurassic 5) and fellow New Orleans musician Dexter Gilmore and acclaimed song “Stray” featuring David Shaw (The Revivalists) on vocals. Offbeat describes, “The Revivalists frontman’s smooth, soulful style is a great fit for Naughty Professor’s laid back energy,” while Live Music Daily praises, “What we hear and see in this video is the longevity of New Orleans’ musicians producing music that touches the heart and soul and pulls at the emotions of the human heart.”
Of their collaboration, and the timeliness of the “Darker Daze” message, Charli 2na notes, “’Darker Daze’ is a song that reflects the opinions, predictions, and fears of people who are against a Donald Trump led America. Basically, ‘Darker Daze’ is our way of saying, whether you like it or not, fasten your seat belts because there will be turbulence! The Naughty Professor family created the inspiration and the vessel to convey this concept and I am happy to have been a part of this collaboration.
Recently, Naughty Professor wrapped up the first leg of their winter and spring tour in support of Identity, which brought the band to over 20 cities across the US. Returning to New Orleans for a few hometown shows, Naughty Professor take the main stage (The Acura Stage) at New Orleans Jazz Fest on Friday, May 5th -- followed by a very special late night show at d.b.a. Naughty Professor welcomes Identity collaborators and special guests to join them at d.b.a. including Chali 2na (Jurassic 5), Nate Werth (Snarky Puppy), members of The Soul Rebels, Cliff Hines, Sasha Masakowsi, Cole DeGenova and Dexter Gilmore - for a throwdown not to be missed. Details of the May 5th d.b.a. show can be found by visiting www.dbaneworleans.com. Today, Naughty Professor reveal a ten-date tour through the American West, with shows in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah. All confirmed dates are below with more to be announced soon.
