Our old buddy The Runaway, known to cMusicWeb.com readers as hip-hop reviewer Jon Corbin, is set to release his debut album as an emcee on May 1. Titled A Brief Word, the album features guest spots from Deepspace 5's Sivion, respected Ontarian spitter Shad K, as well as Titus, N.I.F.T.Y. and ILL Seer. The album also features production from N.I.F.T.Y. along with beats from Tony Stone, Theory Hazit, Relic, and Run himself.

Revered hip-hop site The Sphere of Hip-Hop is feeling the album already. A story on their front page recently stated, "A debut this fresh hasn't come along in a while."

A nine-minute album preview is now available at The Runaway's MySpace page, along with some of his past work. If you're in Southern Ontario next month, be sure to check him out at the following concerts

(Quoting The Runaway's e-mail newsletter):

April 5 - Circus Room, Kitchener, Ontario

A free show for folks looking for good music. A wide variety of musical acts will be featured here including Guelph singer/songwriter Elizabeth Gordon and Kitchener producer/emcee Thought Profound.

April 6 - GFYR 2007, Markham, Ontario

Check it out at primetimeyouth.org.

Runaway's going to be out with a full band.

Late April - Live to Air @ CKMS

The University of Waterloo radio station and The Runaway's homegirl KLP are hooking the band up with an interview and live performance! Stay tuned for details.

May 26 - The Gig, Kitchener

CD Release Concert