Robert Glasper Experiment: 'Black Radio'

After working with Robert Glasper several years ago behind his album 'Canvas', this talented composer and pianist has continued to push himself and develop his talents, taking steps outside of the traditional Jazz spectrum, and into a bold genre bending musical world. The Robert Glasper Experiment, at least in the past, seemed like more of a side project to his more "classic" (not that his trio compositions ever failed to push the envelope) Jazz albums. Even the group's name alluded to a fleeting trial. With the announcement of 'Black Radio' The Experiment (on paper at least) seems honed, focused, star-studded, and a number one priority. The game certainly changed for the quickly rising Glasper after Kanye West, Mos Def, and Lupe Fiasco joined him on stage for a freestyle jam at the Blue Note Jazz club earlier this year.

The experiment consists of: saxist Casey Benjamin, bassist Derrick Hodge, and drummer Chris Dave. Yet, Black Radio also features a jaw-dropping roll call of special guests including Erykah Badu, Bilal, Lupe Fiasco, Lalah Hathaway, Shafiq Husayn (Sa-Ra), KING, Ledisi, Chrisette Michele, Mos Def, Musiq Soulchild, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Stokley Williams (Mint Condition). INSANE.

'Black Radio' drops February 28 on Blue Note Records. The tracklist featuring covers and originals are below.

01 Lift Off/Mic Check (featuring Shafiq Husayn)
02 Afro Blue (featuring Erykah Badu)
03 Cherish The Day (featuring Lalah Hathaway)
04 Always Shine (featuring Lupe Fiasco & Bilal)
05 Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B.) (featuring Ledisi)
06 Move Love (featuring KING)
07 Ah Yeah (featuring Musiq Soulchild & Chrisette Michele)
08 Consequence Of Jealousy (featuring Meshell Ndegeocello)
09 Why Do We Try (featuring Stokley Williams)
10 Black Radio (featuring Mos Def)
11 Letter to Hermoine (featuring Bilal)
12 Smells Like Teen Spirit

Posthumous J Dilla Release Due June 2

It wasn't rushed and it wasn't haphazard... this album combines what he did in the beginning of his career, what he did in some of our early hospital stays, which was very deep, and some stuff pulled from old floppy disks & DATs. It's mind blowing...this is like the missing links to Dilla's legacy. - "Ma Dukes"

We were first introduced to J Dilla from the closest of sources. A few years back, we were fortunate enough to work with rising piano star Robert Glasper on his last two amazing records In My Element and Canvas (Blue Note). Glasper counted J Dilla as a friend and mentor before Dilla's tragic death at age 32 from Lupus-related complications. Since his death, J Dilla has been referenced, honored, remixed, sampled and lauded more times than could possibly be mentioned here. J Dilla recorded thousands of beats that are continuing to be mined by producers, fans and artists to this day. That brings us to the latest collection of Dilla's work Jay Stay Paid (Nature Sounds), which is produced by long-time Dilla hero Pete Rock and overseen and executive produced by J Dilla's mom Ms. Yancey a.k.a. "Ma Dukes." J$P is mostly instrumental, but features guest vocal performances from Black Thought of The Roots, MF DOOM, and M.O.P.

New Videos from Q-Tip, Vivian Girls and Justin Townes Earle

Q-Tip with Robert Glasper "Getting Up"

Today's featured video is a new one from Q-Tip. What really gets us hot and bothered about this video is the inclusion of rising piano star Robert Glasper. Glasper is another in a slew of musicians changing the face of modern jazz. Glasper often collaborates with Q-Tip, Mos Def and other prominent members of the hip hop community. Yet, Glasper draws praise from jazz aficionados as well, who compare him with greats such as Chick Corea, Keith Jarret and Mulgrew Miller. Glasper has two records out now via Blue Note Records, Canvas and In My Element. Both highly recommended. Thanks to Greg "Don't call me Thomas" Thomas for this one. See after the jump for great new videos from the Vivian Girls and Justin Townes Earle.

Vivian Girls "Tell the World" via pitchfork.tv


Justin Townes Earle "The Good Life"

Justin Townes Earle, "The Good Life" from Bloodshot Records on Vimeo.



After the jump.