Nappy Roots recently returned from the Persian
Gulf, as part of the USO shows in Iraq, Qatar and Kuwait.
The shows were part of Project Salute 2003, the
first large entertainment tour of the region since the war with Iraq.
"It was an honor to have even been invited
to perform for the troops, and of course, we had to go over there," said
Nappy Roots’ Skinny Deville.
"It was a life-altering experience for all
of us. To be so far from home and to be with so many people who share a common
goal – protecting our freedom – is a feeling that I can’t really put into words,"
Deville continued."
"To be freestylin’ in Baghdad in 130-degree
weather was something that we will never forget, and the vibe and the energy
of the whole trip was just amazing. It felt like a pilgrimage which really tested
our faith in what we believe in, and the response from the troops was overwhelming.
It means a lot to us that our music was respected and that we feel like we made
an impact. It was all about the music and about sharing our sound and our voices
with everyone over there on the front lines. We are just grateful for being
able to be part of such a powerful moment."
The grouped just dropped a single, "Roun’
The Globe" and is preparing to release their second album, Wooden Leather,
which is slated to hit stores August 26.