Los Angeles/Bay Area, CA- Acclaimed revolutionary Pinoy hip hop group Native Guns are proud to announce the long-awaited, highly anticipated release of their debut album, "Barrel Men."

An urban tribal masterpiece-"Barrel Men" reflects the life, times, and mission of these "two bald-headed brown brothas with tattoos." MCs Kiwi and Bambu both grew up in inner-city Los Angeles districts in which gang culture was a part of their youth. Building names for themselves separately in L.A.'s busy underground hip hop scene, they were united through the same love and passion to improve their community. Both credit hip hop for providing an alternative to gang life and sparking their social consciousness.

With production from DJ Rhettmatic (World Famous Beat Junkies, Visionaries), Sabzi (Blue Scholars), ASI and others, the Native Guns combine music with critical thought, covering topics ranging from third world sweatshop labor ("Work It") to self-criticism ("Look in the Mirror"). Spitting knowledge doesn't have to be boring: the Guns prove this with their head-nodding anthem "Champion," the first single from the album. Another song that is sure to get crowds jumping is the track "Hammer," which is a bouncing call-to-arms for their fellow youth from the hood. "1995" has Kiwi and Bambu reminiscing about the feel-good innocent days of discovering hip-hop, while "Kombat" provides a scathing critique of today's mainstream rap industry.

"Barrel Men" represents a fresh perspective for hip hop, embodying the bridge between art and activism. In this tradition of socially conscious music, this album will certainly be an important contribution, both in the classroom and on the street corner.