HIP HOP RELEASE: Shaya - Fallen Awake

After many years of honing his craft in California's vibrant Bay Area scene, Shaya is finally set to make his official introduction to the world of Hip Hop with his forthcoming release, Fallen Awake.

Shaya is currently under the mentorship of iD, the same A&R guru who introduced the world to Little Brother. Prior to signing with Interdependent Media, also home to the likes of Canibus, K'naan, Tanya Morgan, Eyezon, J*Davey, Shaya spent nearly ten years hitting the pavement in his native Bay Area slanging handmade CDs and mixtapes at shows and on street corners.

Shaya's lyricism, determination and charismatic personality caught the attention of many industry leaders but personal obstacles often prevented him from taking his craft to the next level. He did, however, perform regularly and opened up for Bay Area luminaries such as the Hieroglyphics and the Living Legends.

Although Shaya and iD have known each other for years, they waited until the right moment to pursue the creation of an official release. Now, backed with the support of Interdependent Media, Shaya and iD are proud to finally release the fulfillment of the potential that others in the industry have always seen in Shaya with Fallen Awake.

Fallen Awake is Shaya's long overdue, debut musical statement, inspired by years of difficult times and a lack of deserved attention. The production on Fallen Awake by Jake One (50 Cent, Freeway) and The ARE (Lords of the Underground, K-Otix) provides a solid foundation for Shaya's lyrical attack.

Under the manifesto of resurrecting “thinking man’s music,” Shaya considers Fallen Awake to be not only an open-palm to his listeners, but a chance to lay to rest the pains of his own life.

Fallen Awake will be released on July 29 2008 through Interdependent Media.