(PR) Platinum-selling #1 R&B artist Avant takes his work seriously, which is why - in the midst of the most politically-charged year in recent memory, even as his debut single on Capitol Records, "When It Hurts" began to bullet its way inside the Top 40 on the BDS and Mediabase Urban charts - he accepted a mission to bring his exciting live show halfway across the globe to perform for U.S. troops at a number of military bases in Iraq.Back home from the life-changing experience overseas (which was successfully carried out by AKA Productions), he is now dedicating the weeks and months ahead to the October 28th release of AVANT, his self-titled Capitol debut album. The album's first single, "When It Hurts" was produced by Anonymous (aka Eric Dawkins) and Antonio Dixon (known for his work with Fantasia). Other standout tracks include "Attention" (a collaboration with old friend Snoop Dogg), and an understated, languid rendition of Christopher Cross's multiple Grammy winning "Sailing" from 1980, one of Avant's favorite songs while growing up.
The video for "When It Hurts" was shot two weeks ago by veteran director Bille Woodruff, whose most recent credits include "Feeling You" (3LW & Jermaine Dupri), "Just Came Here To Chill" (Isley Brothers), "Take Me As I Am" (Mary J. Blige), and "Where You At" (Joe), to name a few. Premiere date for the video will be announced shortly. Meanwhile, "When It Hurts" can be heard in its entirety - here
