The Lions - Soul Riot (2014)

The Lions draws together a dozen or so of LAs elite reggae and soul forerunners, including Deston Berry and Alex Dsert, members of the legendary ska band Hepcat; Macy Gray co-writer and collaborator Dave Wilder; Davey Chegwidden, who leads the backing band for De La Soul; the sweet falsetto of Malik Moore and the DJ stylings of Black Shakespeare. Other members include guitarist Dan Ubick, formerly of Breakestra, Macy Gray co-writer and collaborator Dave Wilder on bass, plus musicians who have played with the likes of De La Soul, Barrington Levy, Beck, Raphael Saadiq, Big Daddy Kane and Black Eyed Peas. Songs from The Lions'' debut LP ''This Generation'' has been licensed to the likes of AMC''s hit TV show ''Breaking Bad'' and the Adidas Originals Collector''s Project. "This new batch of tunes came straight from the heart on all fronts," says producer Dan Ubick. With everything that''s going on today we wanted to make an album that speaks to peoples emotions and frustrations while also giving them a chance to dance and release some stress. As the first reggae act on Stones Throw, The Lions join an increasingly diverse roster that boasts recent success with releases as varied as Aloe Blacc, Dam-Funk, The Minimal Wave Tapes, and Quakers.