I have an important question to ask you…

Do you know what human trafficking is? Would you know it if you saw it? Did you know that it happens right here in the US, and all around the world? Would you know who to call, if you came into contact with a victim of human trafficking? Did you know that there are many ways that you can help combat this horrible epidemic?

All of these questions will be answered this Friday, May 22nd at my “Trade” CD release party @ The Frequency, in Madison WI!

“Trade” is a CD release that Chino XL and I have collaborated on, in the hopes of creating awareness of this horrible epidemic.
Part proceeds of the sale of this CD will be donated to CATW (Coalition Against Trafficking In Women), who are a non-governmental anti-human trafficking organization who’s purpose is to combat human trafficking, all around the world.

Everyone who walks through the door receives a free tradeband (care band), that supports the campaign and helps increase awareness.

The night will start off with a poetry session by Urban Spoken Word’s slam team, DJ Pain 1 (producer of “Trade”) will be spinning on the decks throughout the evening, special guest speakers from various anti-human trafficking organizations will speak and answer all of your questions, and of course Felicia Alima and the band will perform a full set on the evening.

Please join us this Friday night at the Frequency – 121 W. Main St, Madison.

Let’s come together and help create an awareness that will ultimately help stop human trafficking!!!

- Felicia Alima.

You might think, “Wow…this is an extremely deep subject!” — well…yes, it really is! To be honest, the movie “Trade” inspired me to write about it (hence the title of the track). It really was an inspiration to watch. Yes, I had a mild awareness that such things were going on in this world, but I didn’t realize how big it was, (especially, here in America)! It just infuriates me to know that people can “buy” and “sell” other people, and use and exploit them in which ever way they choose. That is sick! It’s inhumane and it’s not right!

Why am I releasing such a song you ask? Because it is my duty as a human being to pass this message along, and create an awareness that human trafficking is REAL and it DOES EXIST! As an artist, this is the best way for me to express my concern…through the medium of song.

That’s why I have teamed up with legendary rapper Chino XL (Machete Music/Universal) to present to you “Trade” so that we can help stop the epidemic! If this song educates just one person about the problem, then we have done something positive with our music. It means so much to be able to use our artistry and talent for such an important cause.

Chantik Soul Entertainment is distributing 1000 Maxi-Singles and part proceeds of every disc sale will be donated to CATW (Coalition Against Trafficking in Women). They are a non-government international organization that help combat human trafficking world-wide. Please visit the site at www.catwinternational.org and donate to the cause if you can!

The “Trade” maxi-single contains 5 tracks (main mix and remixes) which contains production by DJ Pain 1 (Young Jeezy), Jake Johnson and Shafi Turner.

The tracks will also be available via iTunes, CDBaby, and many other digital distribution sites in good time.

I will be having a “Trade” release party in Madison, WI in May 2009. Details of the venue, time and line-up are TBA.

Other materials available to purchase at the release party include wristbands, t-shirts and posters.

For now, please visit www.myspace.com/tradesong and add the profile to your friends list. We need all the awareness we can get on this release.

Many thank yous go out to Chino XL, DJ Pain 1, Jake Johnson, Jay Lechler, Memory, Joey Vitale, Cash Sanders, Shafi Turner, Daniel Hastings, Adam Perkins, Dave Newton, Faustina Bohling, Tiffany Harris, Marie Lugo, Marya Olivas, Norma Ramos, Elaine Afanador, 4corners, Chantik Soul Entertainment, Machete Music, Universal, Paradyme Productions, RemedyBornMuzik, Diamond Life Inc., Trio Records, CATW, Atomicus Creative Group, Vellum 5, Topshots and all who were all involved in this release. Special thanks to Chamberlain Research Consultants and Sharon Chamberlain for giving us space to shoot, Dave Newton Photography, and to all the “Trade” wristband models: Matt, Saleem, Pacal, Tina, Miriam, Dieera, Sheba, Dave, Briana, Patricia, Justin, and KJLyn.

Most of all, thank you to everyone out there that gives a care!

Felicia.