The eleven captivating songs on Shontelligence were recorded over a two year period. Co-written with producers Sturken and Rogers, the album presents an array of songs which display Shontelle’s depth and versatility; like the motivational anthem, “Battle Cry,” also featured on a compilation album inspired by President-Elect Barack Obama’s campaign called Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement, and “Life Is Not An Easy Road,” a reggae-influenced track that encourages strength in the face of adversity.

Lavelle’s music career started at 15 when he ran block parties in Oxford. At only 18 he started the Mo’ Wax label, taking the name from his club night at the time, Mo’ Wax Please. Around the same time he started the That’s How It Is night with Gilles Peterson, which went on to become one of London’s longest running nights.

Cut Chemist and DJ Shadow jumped at the chance to be the first-ever headlining turntablists at the legendary 16,500 capacity venue, the site of infamous concerts by everyone from John Williams to the Beatles to the Doors.

Over two decades have passed since Rock and Rap music first collided when a young Run DMC covered Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” off their 1975 album, Toys In The Attic. At the time, Rock music was flourishing; whereas, Rap music was still trying to make a name for itself in the music industry. The two [...]