LOS ANGELES, CA – This past weekend marked the launch of The Risin Son, the latest album by Los Angeles native and Armenian American lyricist and artist, R-Mean. To kick off the launch of the new album, R-Mean held an Album Release Concert at Beyond the Stars Palace in Glendale on February 21st.

The concert, which featured several opening acts and various artistic styles, drew hundreds. Providing a forum for several up and coming artists as well as peers in the industry, R-Mean headlined an evening that kept music fans entertained and loud throughout the night. He is best known within the Armenian community for his track, ‘Open Wounds’, which mixes lyrics inspired by the raw emotions evoked by the Armenian Genocide with Armenian folk music connecting the past to the present with a message of awareness and urgency for justice. During the evening’s performance, R-Mean invited Soseh Keshishyan to join him on stage to perform the track. It is also featured on all of his compilations to date and the new album is no exception.

Keeping true to an underlying artistic theme of social consciousness and action, R-Mean has dedicated a portion of the proceeds from the album’s sales to support the Armenian National Committee-Western Region’s (ANC-WR) educational as well as community empowerment efforts. “The ANC has long fought for social justice, particularly recognition of and justice for the Armenian Genocide. This issue is close to my heart and has been a part of my music from day one,” notes R-Mean speaking about his latest album and contribution to the ANC.

In The Risin Son, R-Mean looks to challenge the notion that hip-hop is a dying art while exploring a greater range of expression in this, his second album. The album blends raw and party hip-hop, taps a range of emotion, and takes the opportunity to address current political affairs. Working with over fourteen artists including seven singers as well as rappers and as many producers, R-Mean crafted The Risin Son from thirty solid tracks into the fifteen that comprise the new album. “We are excited to be working with R-Mean to spread greater awareness about social justice issues through music and inspire a new generation to turn passion into action,” said Andrew Kzirian, Executive Director of the ANC-WR. Over the past several years, R-Mean has been sure to balance his artistic development and success by maintaining strong ties to the Armenian community, particularly the youth. He has often donated his time and talent to student groups, performing on college campuses throughout Southern California. This past week, ANC-WR worked with the LA Kings to bring Armenian Heritage Night to life at the Staples Center. The event introduced the Armenian American community to the LA Kings fan faithful included a post-game party featuring Armenian music and artists including R-Mean. You can find out more about R-Mean and how to purchase his new album “The Risin Son” by visiting http:myspace.com/rmean.

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American Grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

Photo caption: R-Mean – “The Risin Son” Album.