Secure Your Seatbelts, NY Clash Fans...

Just when the temperature cooled down from the Death Before Dishonor clash, another thrilling clash experience awaits sound clash fans.

This time around, it’s Irish and Chin’s U.S. Rumble 2004, where U.S. based sound systems will duke it out for a chance to be the new U.S. Champion on July 10 at Emerald Lounge in Bronx, New York. This year, the prize is two-fold. First, the winner will represent the United States at international sound clash events including World Clash 2004, UK Cup Clash 2005, Death Before Dishonor 2005 and a host of others. Second, courtesy of Puma, the U.S. Rumble champion will have the phenomenal opportunity to go to the Olympics. There, the champion will play at a pre-0lympics fete in Athens, Greece.

The U.S. Rumble, co-sponsored by Puma and Link Up Radio, will go down in clash history. The sound systems will only step in to the battlefield with the wickedest specials and immense energy. Don’t be shocked if some vintage Tenor Saw dubplates pop up to mash up the place.

The 2004 line-up was surely a tough one to devise since scores of talented sound systems are popping up daily in the U.S., many of whom desire to make a mark in the clash realm. In order to create the line-up, Irish and Chin paid close attention to each sound system’s regional buzz and their overall vibe over the past year.

"I really wanted to have ‘The Road to the Rumble,’ where five sounds would compete in each region to be eligible for the U.S. Rumble,” says Chin of Irish and Chin, Inc. “However, the overwhelming demands of many of the sound systems who signed up forced us to cancel this year's regional clashes.”

Poison Dart, the defending champion, will meet eight contenders on the battlefield including Mikie Faith (Dallas, Texas), Eternity (Atlanta, Georgia), Riddim Rider (Boston, Massachusetts), Emperor (Washington, D.C.), Young Hawk (Bronx, New York), Stainless (Bronx, New York), Soul Supreme (Brooklyn, New York) and Twin Tower (Newark, New Jersey).

"I think that each of these sounds boasts a lot of fire,” says Chin. “However, the sound systems must keep in mind that they are playing for a national crowd.”

The U.S. Rumble plays a pivotal role in the sound clash industry, as the event singlehandedly has the potential to convert sound systems from regional sets to international icons.

Poison Dart is a perfect example of the event’s potential. This sound system, who initially received respect in central Florida, now boasts an international following. Although Poison Dart was eliminated in the second round of Death Before Dishonor, the outfit exemplified the ultimate dubplates, energy and respect from the audience for a first time performance in Jamaica.

U.S. Rumble’s overwhelming underground buzz has even sparked mainstream attention. Thousands are slated to witness this all-out-war. Fans should prepare for the ultimate sound clash on U.S. soil.

Irish and Chin added the U.S. Rumble to their series of clash events in 2003. The event was devised as a vehicle to introduce new U.S. sounds to the clash arena.

For more information please visit http://www.irishanchin.com.