“This is about being real. Straight up. We believe in what’s just, what’s right, what’s real…” – Shunda K of YO! MAJESTY

When YO! MAJESTY’s self promoted Yo EP surfaced in 2006, everyone who heard it couldn’t help raising an eyebrow along with a fist. With a quickness, the liberating chant of “fuck dat shit” – echoed in the standout track “Club Action” – spread throughout the world as listeners began to wonder, “Just who the hell are these girls and what the hell is their deal?” As the story got out and the group’s music and reputation spread, the curiosity only deepened. The two ladies straightening this amalgam of hip hop, hard rock, gospel, electronica and whatever the hell Parliament was, are Shunda K and Jwl. B, motivating listeners to confront their personal concept of reality from festival stages, Brooklyn loft parties and exclusive rooftop soirees “dripping with billionaires” where the newly initiated are left squirming on the floor. As the group’s outspoken Shunda K states in an impromptu interaction with a fan on YouTube, “Ain’t nobody doing it like YO! MAJESTY. There’s no competition.”

Much was made of YO! MAJESTY’s 2007 shows at the South by Southwest music conference where the swampy, humid air of their hometown of Tampa seemed to follow them, and where Jwl. B was moved to toplessness during most of her performances. Jwl. explained away this historic occurrence in the pages of the New York Times stating “…your boy 50 Cent does his show with his shirt off. Why can’t I? God made me who I am, and I’m comfortable in it. I want people to know you don’t have to look glamorous to be an inspiration.” “Fuck him,” Shunda K defiantly responded to a similar comment about 50 in URB Magazine. “This ain’t no fairytale shit.” AMEN.

Now, with the upcoming release of YO! MAJESTY’s much anticipated, never to be duplicated full-length, Futuristically Speaking… Never Be Afraid (out on the 29th of September 2008), listeners will find themselves with just as many questions as answers. Shocking lyrics, deep spirituality, matter of fact sexuality (these girls dig on girls), and an overriding commitment to consciousness elevation are brought together on a record that cannot be ignored, and regardless of perception, will be received as an instant classic. Prince’s whole career has been built on cornerstones of God and sex, Marvin Gaye said both “What’s Going On” and “Let’s Get It On,” and like these legends, the women of YO! MAJESTY have lent their intensely unique perspective to this conflicting conversation. And you know you’re listening!

Signed to Domino Records in 2007, Shunda K and Jwl. B have spent the last year performing around the world and hooking up in the studio with the world’s freshest producers including Basement Jaxx, Sunship, Radio Clit, Dee Kline, Germany’s CLP, Switzerland’s Mercedes and with what has become the YO! MAJESTY home team, Hard Feelings UK. The resulting album is not a mere debut – it’s more of a debut philosophy, a debut mantra, a debut that takes hip hop back to the muthafucking people and rips, tears and destroys preconceived notions about all manner of topics, including those that have formed about Shunda K and Jwl. B themselves – two women that managed to fight through the bullshit to be here with you today when they are most needed.