The second release off of HARK dropping 3/12/13

The first release off of HARK dropping 3/12/13. Directed by The Doppelgangaz.

On March 12th, upstate New York duo The Doppelgangaz, comprised of rapper/producers EP and Matter Ov Fact, will release their new album, HARK. The album will be released via the group’s own label, Groggy Pack Entertainment, and today, in announcing the album, The Doppelgangaz are releasing debut single, “Hark Back.”

HARK, while it may be an introduction to The Doppelgangaz sound for some, in fact comes as the culmination to a string of releases from the duo, that includes instrumental projects, EP releases, and an album, Lone Sharks. Together, these releases have opened up The Doppelgangaz to a legion of loyal grassroots fans – The Doppelgangaz have over one million YouTube channel views; they’ve toured Europe extensively and are headed back for a headline tour this spring; they reached number one on HHV’s Top 100 list, Europe’s top vinyl retailer – and they’ve done it all independently. “Being an independent company,” says The Doppelgangaz, “the pressure is always on to complete numerous tasks at once.”

Despite that, and while others may be spread thin, The Doppelgangaz instead feel as though they’ve delivered their best, most personal work to date with HARK, a title that draws its inspiration from the duo’s desire, after all of their hard work, to continue reaching larger audiences. “HARK represents being heard,” says EP and Matter Ov Fact. “We’re making a loud statement, baby girl.”

Perhaps most impressive, that loud statement comes wholly and completely from The Doppelgangaz, who, in addition to rapping, also producer all of their own beats, mix their own music, write their own video treatments, and design their own merchandise – and do so without ever sacrificing quality or integrity. “We only work with one another,” explains the group, “and we don’t make fifty tracks and then narrow down the track list. We would never put out something we’re not proud of.”

The result, with HARK, is a 12-track effort that plays like a true album, with songs that range from dark and gritty to fare that’s a bit lighter and more care-free, all the while staying true to The Doppelgangaz’ Black Cloak Life aesthetic. First single, “Hark Back,” for example, which opens with a haunting bass line and a crisp, moving drum loop, serves as something of a mission statement not only for HARK but for The Doppelgangaz as a whole. “Catch a heart attack from these dark raps,” raps the duo. “Just to wake you from a park nap/ Looking for those to fall into the trap.”

Produced by EP (of The Doppelgangaz).