‘Compton’ By Way of Raleigh

Detox may never see the light of day, but Dr. Dre is not going to drop the mic quietly. Compton: A Soundtrack arrives this Friday exclusively to Apple Music and iTunes (with a sneak peek available Thursday evening on Apple Music). Please pardon the particular excitement of Triangle and NC music fans as Raleigh’s own King Mez is one of several new or heretofore unknown artists appearing on the album:

Born Morris Wayne Ricks II, 25-year-old rapper/producer King Mez is a native of Raleigh, N.C. He’s been releasing music since 2009, and his latest album, Long Live The King, came out in 2014. An introspective and thoughtful MC, Mez has collaborated with fellow North Carolinians J. Cole and producers 9th Wonder and Khrysis. The Morgan State alum cites Nas and MF DOOM as two of his main influences.

The new (and supposedly final) album drops just in time to coincide with the release of Straight Outta Compton, a new biopic about N.W.A. Here’s to hoping the album is more magnum opus than opportunistic fluff.