Amy Winehouse Producer Defends Release of Posthumous Album

Of course the idea of a posthumous Amy Winehouse album would generate some criticism. When 'Amy Winehouse Lioness: Hidden Treasures' was announced to the free world yesterday, many of her her fans were super excited at the prospect of enjoying some previously unreleased material, as well as reworked versions of familiar fare. However, others were a bit more critical since releasing a posthumous album can be seen as a cash grab or creatively unfair to her memory, especially when it comes to unfinished music!

Despite the criticism, producer Salaam Remi, who worked with longtime Winehouse collaborator Mark Ronson on the set, firmly and steadfastly believes that the songs need and deserve to be heard.

According to WENN, Remi said, "A lot of people, through the other antics that were going on with her personally, didn’t get that she was at the top of what she did. Coming to Miami was her escape from all of that, and her writing process could document her life, whether it was recording the pain or the loneliness or the humor."

Remi's most potent point was this one: "It makes no sense for these songs to be sitting on a hard drive, withering away." We could not agree more. It's not like Winehouse, who passed away from alcohol overconsumption at the age of 27 in July, can ever finish these tracks. They will go to waste if no one ever hears them and this would be unjust to her memory, her legacy and her talent.

Also, a portion of the proceeds from the album will be donated to The Amy Winehouse Foundation, which the 'Rehab' singer's father set up after her death. The organization will provide support to those struggling with addiction and substance issues, as Amy herself did through much of her life.

'Amy Winehouse Lioness: Hidden Treasures' drops on Dec. 5.