A fusion of jazz and hip hop can be heard on the radio once again, and it’s thanks to the musical talents of BADBADNOTGOOD (BBNG).
The trio’s jazz interpretation of hip hop classics and love of alternative rap gained them recognition back in 2011. Since then they’ve worked with Odd Future’s Tyler the Creator and covered James Blake’s CMYK and Gucci Mane’s Lemonade.
Fast forward to 2015 and the band have teamed up with hip hop legend and Wu-Tang Clan veteran Ghostface Killah for their fourth studio album, Sour Soul.
There’s nothing sour about this album, which has an old school feel to it. “There’s no slack for a pimp in the streets,” we’re told on Tone’s Rap, with BBNG’s eloquent and soulful flow really complimenting Ghostface’s raspy and witty vocals.
Other tracks like Six Degrees, featuring the instantly recognisable vocals of Danny Brown, create a heavy atmosphere and familiarly raw hip hop vibe.
We’re reminded of the reason that BBNG shot to fame on Stark’s Reality, which pays homage to Ghostface Killah’s alter-ego, breaking up the vocally-dominated album.
These instrumentals allow BBNG to showcase their skills without the intervention of Ghostface, and at the same time take nothing away from the fact that this is a collaborative album.
This refreshingly sophisticated approach to hip-hop, with an arsenal of flawless beats, sees Ghostface Killah back on top and gives BBNG the opportunity to wow us and gain the recognition they deserve.
Featured image copyright mattsches (Flickr)