The Los Angeles Lakers continued their unbeaten streak in NBA Cup competition with a 124-118 victory over the Utah Jazz in West Group B play, improving to 2-0 this season after a perfect 7-0 run to claim last year’s inaugural title.
Rookie sensation Dalton Knecht delivered a historic performance, dropping 37 points and tying the rookie record with nine three-pointers. Knecht’s scorching 75% shooting from the field and beyond the arc made him the fourth NBA rookie to achieve such efficiency while scoring 35+ points.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis provided crucial support, each posting 26-point double-doubles, with James dishing 12 assists and Davis grabbing 14 rebounds.
“He’s fearless,” said Lakers coach J.J. Reddick. “His shotmaking gets us going, it’s a real weapon for our group.”
Knecht’s breakout secured the Lakers’ sixth straight win and etched his name alongside Lakers legends as just the fifth rookie in franchise history to score 35+ points in a game. After his dazzling display, Knecht punctuated the moment with a Michael Jordan-esque shrug, signaling his arrival on the NBA stage.
Jon Batiste is a singer, songwriter, and overall, just a musician’s musician. The Louisiana native has worked with some of the biggest in the biz as well from Beyonce to Lana Del Rey, Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, and more. However, what the bandleader of Stay Human is also really good at is playing the piano. After all, he did go to school at the world-renowned institution known as Juilliard School. The reason we bring this up is because Jon Batiste is deploying this talent onto a brand-new endeavor, Beethoven Blues. Just like the title suggests, he’s putting a blues and jazz spin on multiple iconic compositions by the German-born icon.
So why did Batiste decide to remake such historic pieces of art? To put it simply, they were “due for an update.” He explains further with The Hollywood Reporter, “Jazz music has a lot of spontaneous composition, and early classical music also had a lot of spontaneous composition, yet its contemporary reality is so far away from that that you would imagine that jazz and classical music could never come together. And I find it to be a great thing that you can update it if you have the language and the ability and the craft to put them together. So, that’s why I thought, why not do it?” In our opinion, he would have made Beethoven pretty proud, and this looks to be just the first full piano/instrumental album for now. Hopefully, we get to hear him transform other historical pieces. But check out Beethoven Blues with the links below and listen to a master at work.
Andre 3000 has never liked conventions. He was breaking stylistic and sonic boundaries at every turn as part of Outkast. As a solo artist, he’s broken even more ground. Andre will stop appear on a rap song and deliver a devastating sixteen, but rapping doesn’t excite him like it used to. The artist prefers to play the jazz flute, as evidenced by his album New Blue Sun. Fans and rapping peers may want him to do what made him famous, but Andre 3000 is more concerned with following his muse.
The artist talked about his transformation from rapper to flute player during his recent appearance on HBO’s The Shop. He freely admitted that he was not an exceptional flute player. He went as far as to say that he doesn’t know what he’s doing when he’s on stage. The lack of awareness, and mastery, however, is part of the appeal. “I don’t know what notes I’m playing, to be completely honest,” he told the hosts. “I’m not trying to pretend like I know what I’m doing, in a way. I actually don’t know what I’m doing and that’s part of the art.”
Andre 3000 also addressed the his controversial statement about not wanting to rap over 40 years old. He told The Shop hosts that he supports people who continue to rap, but simply feels that he does not have the passion he once did. “I got homies my age and older than me that still rap,” he admitted. “So if it’s in you, you should rap until you die… But what I’m saying is, what it takes for me to do it, I’m always looking for the next.” The Outkast artist stated, very clearly, that he does not intended to do what’s expected of him simply because it’s expected.
Those lamenting the lack of Andre 3000 bars in the future needn’t throw in the towel, though. Three Stacks made it clear that he is open to rapping again, but it will need to be under circumstances that inspire him. “I can’t say [things] in a fresh, innovative way, if I feel like I’m just hanging onto the same flow that I used to do, it’s not enough for me,” he explained. “So I can’t talk for another rapper about what they doing. I just say, ‘Man, go for it. If it’s in you.’”
Everybody wants Andre 3000 to rap. Fans want it, other rappers want it, this writer wants it. The problem is, Andre 3000 doesn’t. The Outkast icon decided to release his first solo album in 2023, and many were shocked to find that it was a collection of flute instrumentals. In an effort to quell the confusion (maybe a better word would be frustration), Three Stacks has gone on an extensive press tour. He even stopped by HBO’s The Shop to discuss his genre pivot. Hear him tell it, it’s the most important thing he’s done.
Andre 3000 told Shop hosts LeBron James and Maverick Carter that he does not claim to be an expert when it comes to jazz. He’s a fan, but he concedes that he’s far behind the musicians who have spent their lives studying the genre. “I don’t take myself that serious,” he explained. “Jazz is a studied music so I kinda just try to humanize [it].” The musician alluded to the song titles that he chose for the album. He admitted that he chose silly titles in an effort to remove the seriousness from the music. “It’s so elitist in ways,” he noted. “A lot of jazz cats went to school… I don’t want people to think I’m trying to be a jazz musician.”
Three Stacks then coined the term “sonic displayist,” which would have been a killer album title, frankly. “I don’t know what notes I’m playing to be completely honest,” he told the room. “I don’t know what I’m doing and that’s part of the art.” Andre 3000 compared the process of making jazz to rapping, and went on to admit that he’s never felt more free as an artist. “This is most free I’ve ever been,” he admitted. The biggest difference, from Andre’s perspective, is the way in which he’s able to let the music, rather than the lyrics, guide him.
Andre 3000 considers himself a songwriter over a freestyler, which means his Outkast verses were always words first, music second. By removing words, the artist is able to follow his muse anywhere he sees fit. This means that every performance is different. “We really don’t know where we gon’ go,” he explained. “And it’s kinda like you have to feel it out. It’s really an exploratory thing, man.” As much as fans want to hear him rap, it’s difficult to deny Three Stacks’ passion.
Andre 3000 has delighted fans for decades. As one of hip-hop’s true eccentrics, Three Stacks is one of the rare artists who’s boundary-pushing has been met with critical acclaim and commercial success. He knows how to make experimentalism sound good. His latest endeavor, however, has really put this ability to the test. Andre recently performed a set at the Atlanta Jazz Festival, and instead of rapping or singing, he continued his woodwind odyssey and performed a clarinet solo. Fans were… unsure of how to react.
Andre 3000 performed at the festival on May 27, which also happened to be his 49th birthday. The Outkast star was backed by the same musical ensemble he worked with on his solo album, New Blue Moon. There was some light banter with the crowd, but for the most part, Stacks was focused on his clarinet playing. Outlets have posted video footage of the rapper’s performance and claimed he was playing a flute, but it is, in fact, the same instrument Squidward plays on Spongebob Squarepants.
The footage of the performance is a little awkward. People in the audience seem unsure of how to react to Andre 3000’s playing. Several of them are looking around, and the silence amidst the rapper’s clarinet solo furthers the awkwardness. To be fair, Andre 3K has been on the windwood wave for a while now. He prefaced his performance by explaining that he doesn’t have a musical roadmap in mind, and will simply go wherever his playing will take him. “Everything we’re doing — the same way that New Blue Sun was made with me and my brothers,” he explained. “We’re completely making everything up as we go along. We never know what the night is gonna sound like.”
Andre 3000 knows that fans want him to rap again, but he told Bitter Southerner that he simply doesn’t have it in him anymore. He’s more fascinated with improvisational, instrumental music, and he feels as though he needs to follow his muse. “The thing is, I can only give what I’m feeling,” he explained to the outlet. “If there’s not any discovery, it doesn’t feel real to me. I’ve never considered myself the best producer or the best singer or the best rapper or any of those separate categories. But one thing I do have confidence in is my feeling.” How can you knock that?
Herbie Hancock is a legendary figure in jazz and modern music. He has accrued a net worth of $12 million as of 2024, according to CelebrityNetWorth. Hancock’s career, spanning over six decades, is marked by his innovative contributions to jazz and his pioneering work with electronic music instruments. His explorations have pushed the boundaries of jazz, making it accessible and relevant to a broader audience while earning him countless accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards.
Hancock burst onto the jazz scene as a member of the Miles Davis Quintet in the early 1960s, where his skills as a pianist quickly became apparent. His ability to blend classical jazz with rock, funk, and soul elements helped redefine the genre. Albums like Maiden Voyage and Head Hunters are seminal works that continue influencing musicians across various genres.
Pioneering Jazz Fusion
Jazz Keyboardist Herbie Hancock in his home studio, Los Angeles, CA 1975. (Photo by Mark Sullivan/Getty Images)
Herbie Hancock’s role in the development of jazz fusion is pivotal. His album Head Hunters, released in 1973, was a revolutionary project that fused jazz with funk, showcasing his talent for synthesis and his forward-thinking approach to music. This album became one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time and set a new standard for the possibilities within the genre.
His collaborations have included various artists from different musical backgrounds, including Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, and Santana. These collaborations further demonstrated his versatility and willingness to push musical boundaries, cementing his status as a pioneer in jazz and the larger music world.
Innovations In Electronic Music
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 30 : Herbie Hancock celebrates with his Oscar Award for Best Original Score for ‘Round Midnight’ backstage at the Academy Awards Show, March 30,1987 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Getty Images/Bob Riha, Jr.)
Apart from his contributions to jazz and fusion, Hancock is also celebrated for his early adoption and innovation in using electronic synthesizers. His work in the 1980s, particularly with the album Future Shock, which featured the hit single “Rockit,” introduced jazz to the hip-hop and breakdance scenes, showcasing his role as a cultural innovator. This track was notable for its complex rhythms and pioneering scratch effects, which significantly popularized turntablism. Further, Hancock’s use of technology extended beyond just his music. He was also one of the first musicians to embrace the possibilities of music videos and television as platforms for artistic expression, further illustrating his role as a multimedia innovator.
Lasting Impact & Future Projects
TOPSHOT – US jazz musician Herbie Hancock arrives for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Gala Celebrating Frank Gehry, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California, on October 5, 2023. The gala celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Walt Disney Concert Hall by paying homage to Gehry, the Canadian-US architect behind the venue as well as the Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen YOLA Center at Inglewood. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)
Herbie Hancock’s influence is vast, extending beyond his music to his roles as an educator and advocate for cultural diplomacy. As a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, he has worked to promote jazz as a means of cultural exchange and mutual understanding. His continued passion for innovation is evident in his ongoing projects and collaborations, which still aim to explore new musical landscapes and integrate various cultural influences. Hancock remains a central figure in discussions about music’s future, particularly in how technology continues to reshape the arts.
Herbie Hancock’s enduring legacy is not just his vast discography but also his commitment to musical innovation and cultural exchange. His work continues to inspire new generations of musicians, proving that his influence will be felt in the music industry for many years to come.
Jazz band BadBadNotGood and singer Baby Rose have dropped a collab EP called Slow Burn. The band burst onto the scene with a co-sign from a young Tyler, The Creator who also performed with them. Many latched on to them for their jazz covers of rap songs on their first two projects. However, as the years went on, they shifted to albums comprised entirely of original music including a project with the Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah. Though they’ve certainly cemented a sound within hip-hop, their musicality undoubtedly reaches well beyond the genre while remaining rooted in jazz. As for Baby Rose, she’s established her distinct voice across various projects, including the Insecure and Creed III soundtracks and Revenge of the Dreamers III. She also appeared on projects from The Internet’s Matt Martians, Big K.R.I.T and Erick The Architect’s I’ve Never Been Here Before.
The five-track EP from BadBadNotGood and Baby Rose showcases a brief but effective group of styles without losing its central themes, sonically and lyrically. The concept of love is explored in various ways across the project with Baby Rose expressing her trials and tribulations of romance. She keeps things interesting by sharing how it has hurt her and how she has moved on from it through a variety of sonically excellent moods across the project.
Slow Burn Is A Showcase Of Excellent Vocals And Instrumentation
Opener “On My Mind,” BadBadNotGood’s organs help Baby Ross keep her cool on the verses before her vocals charge up on the hook. The explosively expressive electric guitar blends with Baby Rose’s powerful vocals, while basslines carry to the forefront and she accents her verses with background vocals that enhance the track’s mood.
One standout song on Slow Burn is “It’s Alright,” the most upbeat record on the EP. The drums on this one are a little faster, helping enhance its slightly light-hearted atmosphere. However, Baby Rose’s lyrics exemplify the emotional depth she carries in her songwriting. This track takes some detours as the energy dies down briefly to introduce unique sounds in the song’s final minute. The lyrical prowess continues “Weekness” whose creative spelling offers a glimpse into the song’s content. Baby Rose lists how things in her relationship change over the days. This track’s gritty electric guitar give it a slightly more aggressive feeling than the rest of the EP but the project remains cohesive.
The EP Has One Feature And An Immersive Single
The only feature on BadBadNotGood and Baby’s Rose’s EP appears on “Caroline” with a contribution from Mereba. Her and Baby Rose provide some beautiful back-and-forth moments and harmonies across the track. Their contrasting voices complement each other well and while Mereba does not have a full verse, she handles the pre-hook of the track mostly on her own. This one’s gentle acoustic guitar and steady drums give it a peaceful atmosphere that would pair well with a sunny day at the park. The subtle woodwind instrument only adds to this mood as it almost becomes the third voice in the song despite its almost understated presence.
BadBadNotGood and Baby Rose’s Slow Burn had one single released for it. Titled “One Last Dance,” it sounds like something one would hear in a lounge from the days of the past. A peaceful organ, floaty woodwind and soothing bass provide the soundscape for Baby Rose’s vintage-like vocals as she talks of seeing her once-lover return to her life. This track is the EP’s last song, functioning as a final chapter to the other tales of love shared across the rest of the project.
Slow Burn is an EP for people looking for something that blends a myriad of tranquil genres together. However, if we were forced to put labels on it, we’d say those genres are specifically jazz, R&B and soul. Baby Rose’s songwriting is excellent across the entire EP with some verses being shorter than others but still as effective. BadBadNotGood’s musical compositions are relaxing throughout most of the project with brief moments of high energy that aren’t jarring. If you’re unfamiliar with either artist, this is an excellent introduction to them and with its brief length, you can let the whole EP play and then go back to replay your favorites.
Shabaka has been a steady figure in the world of new age and jazz for about seven years or so and is highly respected. What is really impressive about that is the fact that the Londoner has not dropped a project yet. That is until this weekend, as Shabaka has just come through with his debut album, Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace. For this first official LP, he did not cheap out on the features and truly giving this project all of his soul and energy.
For example, the listed features are plentiful. Moses Sumney lands on “Innocence,” one of the three singles for Perceive Its Beauty. Shabaka also went and got Floating Points, rapper E L U C I D, as well as Saul Williams. However, the credits behind the scenes were also a major priority for Shabaka on Perceive Its Beauty. Andre 3000, who everyone knows tried his hand pretty successfully in this same space on New Blue Sun, is listed as a flute performer.
Listen To Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace By Shabaka
Shabaka spoke with Mojo about creating this album and ditching the saxophone his fans have come to know and love him for. “It’s weird when you come to the end of something musically, it forces you to sharpen up,” he said. “There’s something about knowing this is it – there’s no room for maneuver, it’s your chance to make your statement.” Make a statement he did.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new debut album Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace by Shabaka? What is the best song on the LP? Is this his strongest record in his discography, why or why not? Which artist had the best guest performance? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Shabaka. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.
Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace Tracklist:
End Of Innocence
As The Planets And The Stars Collapse
Insecurities (feat. Moses Sumney)
Managing My Breath, What Fear Had Become (feat. Saul Williams)
The Wounded Need To Be Replenished
Body To Inhabit (feat. E L U C I D)
I’ll Do Whatever You Want (feat. Floating Points & Laraaji)
Before jazz rap became a thing, many might have thought its two parent genres were too disparate to successfully mix. However, over the years, rappers have been able to adopt jazz elements into their music. At the heart of the convergence of hip-hop and Jazz, lies a profound appreciation for the essence of both genres. Moreover, in this soundscape, there have been groundbreaking, genre-bending works from iconic acts like A Tribe Called Quest and Gang Starr, among others. Newer artists have also tapped into the goldmine that is jazz rap, making beautiful music. The landscape of jazz-infused Hip Hop is now as diverse as it is dynamic, and we love to see it. Here’s a list of rappers who are masters at blending hip-hop and jazz.
Noname
It goes without saying that Noname is a very exciting musical talent, especially in the jazz rap scene. Since she started rapping in 2010, her artistry has evolved year after year, and now, she is in prime form. While she is not as widely known as some other names on this list, the rapper is no greenhorn. She has been masterfully blending jazz and Hip Hop since Telefone (2016). Her effortless flow and lyricism are also showcased throughout the jazz-inspired soundscapes of Room 25 and Sundial.Noname is one of the rappers pushing the boundaries with jazz elements in the Hip Hop space right now.
In the annals of musical fusion, few names shine as brightly as J Dilla. Although he is no longer with us, this visionary producer and rapper left an indelible mark on the world of Hip Hop. Renowned for his unparalleled knack for crafting sound, Dilla’s sonic palette was as diverse as it was groundbreaking. With projects like Donuts and the posthumous The Shining, he showed the world that no one else was doing jazz rap like him. Today, his legacy lives on through countless artists who continue to be inspired by his work. Undoubtedly, he is one of the greatest to ever do it.
Madlib
Not many hip-hop artists have mastered blending jazz with hip-hop the way Madlib has. A master craftsman, his musical odyssey has been marked by an insatiable curiosity, which has served him well. Because of his hunger to explore, Madlib has reached high levels of mastery of his sound. His impressive expertise of jazz rap is on full display, particularly on Shades of Blue: Madlib Invades Blue Note. The album is as smooth as one can expect a fusion of jazz and Hip Hop to sound. However, as an MC, he’s dished out plenty of pitched up bars over jazz-centric production as Quasimoto, a duo made up of Madlib and his animated alter-ego, Lord Quas.
This Hip Hop trio came out swinging in 1992 when they dropped “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat).” It served as the lead single of their critically acclaimed debut album, Reachin’ (A New Refutation Of Time And Space. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most important jazz-inspired Hip Hop albums of the ‘90s. Admittedly, their discography is quite compact as they only ever released two studio albums. However, they are both excellently executed and notable works in the jazz rap space.
Following the success of their debut album, The Roots released their sophomore album on January 17, 1995. Do You Want More?!!!??! is a jazz rap masterpiece that put the group under the spotlight. While their subsequent albums are also great examples of jazz rap done right, it is their sophomore album that takes the cake. Masterfully crafted, it earned The Roots widespread acclaim and a spot on this list. Evidently, the rappers in this Hip Hop band have a true understanding of jazz rap.
In the pantheon of jazz rappers, few names carry as much weight and reverence as Guru. One half of the iconic duo Gang Starr, Guru was already recognized as a pioneer of the genre. However, when he dropped Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 in 1993, he raised the bar even further. Subsequently, he released three additional Jazzmatazz volumes, as well as a few other albums. Unfortunately, the rapper passed away in 2010. However, he lives on through his musical catalog, which is a gold mine for fans of jazz rap.
A Tribe Called Quest
Hip Hop fans all over the globe know A Tribe Called Quest, they are just that iconic. However, some may not realize just how revered this group is in the jazz rap scene. With albums like The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders, they firmly situated themselves as pioneers of the movement. Likewise, those albums announced them as masters of the genre that is jazz rap. Although they have now disbanded, the group’s influence continues to reverberate through the world of Hip Hop and beyond.
Quincy Jones, a monumental figure in the music industry, has graced our ears for over six decades. His vast repertoire spans diverse genres, from jazz to pop, from film scores to television themes. But how does one put a price on such an illustrious career? In 2024, the estimate stands at around $500 million US Dollars, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
A Look Into Quincy Jones’s Musical Career
LOS ANGELES – 1981: Musician, composer and producer Quincy Jones poses for a portrait in 1981 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bobby Holland/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Born in 1933, Quincy Jones’ journey began in jazz, with his trumpet and music arrangements catching the attention of legends such as Ray Charles and Lionel Hampton. His early forays into music set the stage for a career that would span the globe and touch nearly every genre. Jones’s career skyrocketed in the 1960s when he started working in film. His scoring for Sidney Lumet’s The Pawnbroker in 1965 began a long and successful film-scoring career that would earn him several Academy Award nominations.
But perhaps Jones’ most well-known work came in the 1980s, when he produced multi-platinum albums for Michael Jackson, including the best-selling album of all time, Thriller. Jones also co-produced the charity single “We Are the World,” which further cemented his status in the music industry.
The Worth Of Quincy Jones
PARK CITY, UT – JANUARY 21: Drake and Quincy Jones attend Comedy with Aziz Ansari and a Drake Performance presented by Bing at The Bing Bar on January 21, 2012 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Bing)
The financial value of Quincy Jones is an astounding figure. Reaching $500 million is not just a measure of his financial success. It’s also an emblem of his unmatched contribution to the music industry. Yet, the wealth of Quincy Jones cannot be fully appreciated through a financial lens alone. His worth lies in the indelible marks he left on the music industry and his unyielding influence on artists of all genres.
The Non-Material Worth Of Quincy Jones
DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 02: Quincy Jones presenting Amanda Booth the Global’s Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show at Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel on November 02, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tom Cooper/Getty Images for Global Down Syndrome Foundation)
Beyond the tangible wealth, Quincy Jones’ worth also extends to his influence and impact on music and culture. The artists he discovered, the genres he explored, and the boundaries he pushed, all contribute to a legacy that transcends monetary value. He mentored numerous artists, including the legendary Michael Jackson and Oprah Winfrey, impacting their careers indelibly. His contributions to film, television, and music have shaped the sound of American popular culture. Quincy Jones’s worth can be measured in his material wealth and, further, in the richness of the cultural fabric he has woven.
Quincy Jones’s Philanthropy
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – APRIL 28: (L-R) Model Naomi Campbell, record producer Quincy Jones and singer The Weeknd attend the Los Angeles launch of “Naomi” at Taschen Beverly Hills on April 28, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Taschen)
Jones’s worth is also reflected in his philanthropic endeavors. Moreover, he has always been dedicated to improving the lives of others, using his influence and resources to drive change. He co-founded the Institute for Black American Music and has worked tirelessly to promote music education.
Quincy Jones’ net worth of $500 million is a testament to his enduring career in the music industry. However, his true worth goes far beyond this figure. It’s embedded in the music we listen to, the artists we admire, and the cultural shifts he has championed. His worth is in his legacy, a symphony of achievements that resonate today. In the grand scheme of things, Quincy Jones is priceless.
