Fort Minor | The Leak | Album Preview

If you're expecting Mike Shinoda's new side project, Fort Minor, to sound anything like Linkin Park--think again. With an all-star guest list that includes Jay-Z, Common, John Legend, Kenna and Black Thought from The Roots, Shinoda promises that Fort Minor's album, The Rising Tied, is "a hip-hop album that doesn't sound like most hip-hop albums." Half the vocal power of genre-bending alt-rockers Linkin Park, Shinoda decided it was time to return to his hip-hop roots and shine his own light. The Rising Tied showcases Shinoda's clever lyricism and musical aptitude in a variety of themes, styles and moods. Not only was every track on the album written and produced by the multi-talented emcee, but he also played nearly every instrument. All in all, Shinoda is a rap devotee who is as comfortable and adept in Fort Minor as he is in Linkin Park. Listen for yourself and press play on Mike Shinoda's solo debut as Fort Minor, exclusively on MTV.com.