Local rap artist ‘Badu’ launches new album

For those who miss the music of the first Chamorro rapper, there’s a reason to head out to leading gas stations, music and record bars in the CNMI because Pete “Badu” Diaz Magofna will be releasing his newest CD next week.

Badu said the long wait is over for his friends and fans because starting Friday next week, record stores such as Music And and Martha’s would be selling his album. Kagman Mobil Station will also be selling the album. The album will be sold for only $13 per CD.

Badu’s eponymous album will have five cuts featuring songs he had written before, remixes and new songs that he is dedicating to all Chamorros and Pacific Islanders across Micronesia.

Songs in the album include: [I]Dunggao Hulo Y Kannai Mu, Island Queen[/I] featuring Amerasia, [I]All Star Islandaz[/I] with Amerasia and AJ Baldevia, [I]All Star Islandaz Instrumental[/I], and [I]Adios Chelu Rawmix 2001[/I]. The album is unique blend of hip-hop and R&B.

Badu said he is releasing this Limited Edition album due to requests of friends and fans. He said record bars had informed him that local listeners have been asking for his album.

He is dedicating this album not only to his fans but also to his mom who is a cancer survivor.

“For every CD I sell, I will be donating $1 to the Commonwealth Cancer Association for up to $2,000,” he said, adding that he had already talked to the group and made his commitment to help bring awareness of the disease in the CNMI.

This author had a chance to have a tête-à-tête with the local rapper yesterday:

[B]ST: How long did it take you to compose and make this album?

Badu:[/B] It took quite a while. It’s a difficult process because I wrote, produced, recorded, mixed and mastered the songs all by myself. Music production is a difficult process. I had to give a lot of time and commitment. Engineering this music would take time to develop skills.

[B]ST: Who produced this album?

Badu:[/B] I have my own recording studio called The LatteStone Records.

[B]ST: What can you say about your music in this album?

Badu:[/B] I just want to assure the community, especially parents and young listeners, that I did not incorporate bad words in my songs. All of them are radio-friendly.

[B]ST: Why are you giving a share of your record sales to CCA?

Badu:[/B] When my mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer, I promised her that when she gets better I would help an organization here in the CNMI to spread word about the prevention of cancer. My mom has recovered and now works for the Corrections Department. She’s a tough one (laughs).

[B]ST: What inspires you to write songs?

Badu:[/B] Basically it depends on how I feel. It’s the pride of who I am. I want my music to encourage other people and believe in themselves—to make a difference.

[B]ST: Why did it take you a long time to produce a new album?

Badu:[/B] A lot of people are asking me about this. When I was in Idaho, I was diagnosed with this blood clot disease and the doctors there gave me prescriptions that further deteriorated my condition. When I was checked at the hospital here, the doctors found out that I was taking medications that I shouldn’t take. I lost 15 lbs during my recovery. Other than that, the music production is a difficult process, that’s why.

[B]ST: Which song is your favorite in the album?

Badu:[/B] All of them are but one song is closer to me since I dedicate this song [I]Adios Chelu[/I] to my brother, Mike Magofna Cabrera, who passed away.

[B]ST: Do you want to thank anyone for this album?

Badu:[/B] There are so many to thank. First of all, God, and the people who encouraged and helped me. The album is in collaboration with Pacific International Entertainment, Marianas Music Videos, Sinthetic Studios, MRQ Production and Power99.