The two-CD
package is available in a Limited Edition Silver
Metallic Foil Cover, enhanced with extras that include a
music video and two hidden bonus tracks (including the
dramatic buzz track “Nunca”), each one personally
autographed with a silver ‘poison’ pen by Chino XL,
himself. A special link is included in the album,
wherein CD purchasers may insert their disc in their
computer drive, upon which they will receive more extras
that surround Chino’s sometimes controversial lyrics
that are quite often the subject of discussion by hiphop
fans. The second disc is a Special DJ MIX version of the
album by L.A.’s Power 106 Mr. Choc, in which Chino also
recounts stories behind the making of the tracks, and
the soul searching he did when recording this
introspective new album. “This is me at my most honest,
most heartfelt and most uncompromising when it comes to
what’s on my mind,” says Chino.
Despite the offers he has received from major labels,
the New Jersey born Chino says he is proud to be free
and independent, and that was a major consideration when
releasing the album, which is being released by the
Activate label. “Poison Pen” is a passionately made
artistic statement from Chino, who says he refused to be
subjected to any outside censorship or control by major
label execs. “We gave Chino a budget, and let him do his
thing,” says Jay Warsinske, Activate label head who is
releasing the album worldwide. Warsinske adds, “Chino
delivered an unfiltered, mindbending stream of
consciousness statement built on strong songs and
hooks.”
Comprised of all new songs from Chino, this dramatic,
undiluted and daringly bold, essential album includes
“Wordsmith,” “Beastin’” (featuring Killah Priest), which
was produced by Carlos Bess, the soon-to-be-neo-classic
“Even If It Kills Me” (about the perils of the rap
lifestyle, produced by One Eye (Ice Cube, Ruff Ryders),
“Don’t Fail Me Now” (featuring Psycho Les of the
Beatnuts, Sin Gutta, produced by Byrd), “Can’t Change
Me,” and the leadoff track, “All I Wanna Do…(Bout Nothin’).
The limited edition signed collectors package is limited
to the first run and will be available January 31, 2006.
Chino says, "I hope that in the New Year, hiphop will
regain a certain amount of integrity in the current
overly corporate state of affairs. Hopefully, we will be
able to focus on the artistry again. The machine should
not be larger than the architects who create the music."
Chino XL official website:
http://members.migente.com/chinoxl
