La Coka Nostra "Masters Of The Dark Arts" Cover Art, Tracklist

by Sean Ryon La Coka Nostra's "Masters Of The Dark Arts" is now releasing July 31 for a mid-summer's heat. Late last year, news broke that La Coka Nostra was preparing their sophomore release Masters of Dark Arts for a 2012 release. Now, the super-group has announced an official date for their project's release. According to a recent press release, Masters of Dark Arts will drop on June 26 via Fat Beats with Ill Bill and DJ Lethal handling production. Ill Bill spoke on the new album's sound and how it differs from their 2009 debut A Brand You Can Trust. "The new album is a little different from A Brand You Can Trust. I think the production is less polished this time, more raw," he explained. "It has an unfriendly vibe to it. We went with darker, grimier beats on this one and that influenced the direction of the lyrics and songs overall." The album's release also comes with the unfortunate news that member Everlast has departed from the group. In a statement, Everlast explained that he unable to fully commit his time to La Coka Nostra because his daughter's struggle with Cystic Fibrosis. "Due to my commitments with my own label and record and the fact that my daughter has been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis it has become very difficult to be involved in any other projects," he explained. "Therefore it is my conclusion after long deliberation and discussion with the guys in the group that waiting until I personally am ready and able to fully dedicate myself to the group isn't fair to the group so I unfortunately will not be involved in LCN until a time when I can dedicate myself properly to it." DX will keep you updated as more information on the project comes to light. (March 2) UPDATE: Now releasing on July 10, La Coka Nostra's Masters Of The Dark Arts has the following tracklist: 01. My Universe f. Vinnie Paz 02. Creed Of The Greedier 03. Mossad 04. Mind Your Business 05. Electronic Funeral f. Sean Price 06. The Story Goes On 07. Letter To Ouisch 08. Snow Beach f. Thirstin Howl the III 09. The Eyes Of Santa Muerte f. Sick Jacken 10. Murder World 11. Coka Kings f. Vinnie Paz 12. .38 Revolver f. Big Left 13. Malverde Market 14. Masters Of The Dark Arts (May 4) UPDATE #2: La Coka Nostra affiliate DJ Eclipse notified HipHopDX that Masters Of The Dark Arts is now releasing on July 31. hiphopdx.com