The city of Philadelphia has been a major force in music, and continues to produce artists with a creative synergy that few areas can match. The abundance of rock, R&B and Hip-Hop influence that flourishes in the underground scene has paved the way for dozens of artists to achieve worldwide success. Philly native Kurupt may have made a name for himself in the California scene, but he has always envisioned ways to bring his East and West Coast styles together. Kurupt teamed with Philadelphia group Tangled Thoughts to bring together the best of both worlds with their new album Kurupt Presents:Tangled Thoughts Philly 2 Cali, due for a May 22 release on Good Hands Records. Emcees Cas, De and Tek came together in 2000 to form the group Tangled Thoughts. Tek, who also doubles as the group's producer, met Cas while freestyling on Philadelphia's famed South Street. Soon after, they brought De into the fold and developed their unique style and sound. Tangled Thoughts opened shows for such heavyweights as Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, LL Cool J, Lil’ Wayne, M.O.P, Ja Rule, Fabolous, Big Daddy Kane and more, leading to a meeting that would help take their careers to the next level. In the Spring of 2005, Tangled Thoughts hooked up with legendary Dogg Pound Gangsta member Kurupt. After working on a number of projects together, Kurupt was extremely impressed with the trio, and convinced them to take their act to Los Angeles. In the Fall of 2005 they did just that, hoping to follow the same "Philly 2 Cali" route to success Kurupt enjoyed in his storied career. "Kurupt is from the generation that we look up to, and we grew up listening to his classic albums. He’s bringing the young boys up and showing us the ropes,” explains De. It wasn’t long after their move that Tangled Thoughts started making an impression in the Los Angeles scene. Tek quickly began producing for Tha Dogg Pound, Freeway, Swizz Beatz, Roscoe, Gail Gotti, Jayo Felony, Gillie Da Kid and more. All the while, the group worked on their debut album, Kurupt Presents: Tangled Thoughts Philly 2 Cali. br> A monumental project merging the finest in West and East Coast sound, the album is certain to satisfy music lovers worldwide. Philly 2 Cali boasts an all star line-up of guests, which includes Freeway, Roscoe, Sen Dog of Cypress Hill, Mellow Man Ace, Gillie Da Kid, Ab Liva, Gail Gotti, Natasha Ramos and more. In addition to his creative input on the album, Kurupt lends his surefire delivery on six tracks. "This album is bringing the feel and vibe of the West Coast and mixing it with the swagger and lyricism of the East Coast," says producer/emcee Tek. "I wanted to break up the monotony and pigeon-holing, and make an album that you can put on anywhere, and can play it all the way through and everyone will feel it."