Alterbeats is the name given to the in-house production wing of ALTERPROD, a independent multimedia consortium specializing in videography, graphic and web design, as well as production. By 2011, ALTERPROD expanded their enterprise with the addition of the mixing/mastering expertise of Manuel Roessier as well as the precise deejay skills of the internationally recognized DJ Modesty, of The Real Hip-Hop Show. Not your average ‘jack of all trades,’ ALTERPROD After have mastered their respective crafts which is clearly represented with the release of their debut producer compilation, The French Revolution. Make no mistake, ALTERPROD are no strangers to working with renown talent, as they bring a deep experience with a bevy of collaborators and emcees such as Tragedy Khadafi, Main Flow, Termanology, Blaq Poet, & M.O.P., among others.

Boasting guests appearances from the likes of both legendary and underground mainstays, such as Sadat X, AG, Chief Kamachi, Block McCloud, Reef the Lost Cauze, Bekay, Rey Eye, and Shabaam Sahdeeq, among others, The French Revolution delivers their own musical uprising through the trifecta of their production, video and design force, while providing a sobering reminder that freedom is not free.

Representing a uniquely French twist and tale of social unrest and anti-government sentiment, the ALTERPROD collective spoke about the new album, explaining: “This release represents our own revolution on several levels. We’ve taken a DIY approach for this album, where we have all brought different strengths to the table, from production, graphic design and videography. We’ve pulled together like a self-reliant brigade, but we could not have done it without the support of all the artists, both abroad and domestic that helped contribute to this project. All of us are eager to get this out to the masses and stake our claim to the culture.”

The album’s freedom-centric lyrics continue to shine atop desolate beats and a strong industrial sound, evident on “TV Screen,” which includes guest features Block McCloud, Chief Kamachi & Kromeatose. ”TV Screen,” which serves as the LP’s inaugural single, makes a strong statement about modern society, oppression and the unheard, with lines like, “Yes, we do exist, but they don’t believe till we on the TV screen.”

“Alter Ego (feat. Sadat X, AG & Lion of Bordeaux),” the album’s seventh song, slows the pace a bit, adding melodic song and horns to drive the point home, while “True Rhyme (feat. Divine),” which will be accompanied online by an in-house produced video, is punchy and aggressive, “You get lost in my thoughts but get it in due time.”

Sure to be one of the most significant independent hip-hop releases during the summer of 2012, The French Revolution will be available both via digital distribution and as a CD, sold through several record shops and online outlets. Join the revolution as people around the globe continue to rise up and be heard in their own battles for liberty and justice. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.