On & On: José James Sings Badu

Vocalist José James has been called the jazz singer for the hip-hop generation. He throws down the gauntlet on the past 100 years of jazz in this evening that honors the incredible work of singer-songwriter Erykah Badu. See why this genre-defying artist has collaborated with Ledisi, Lalah Hathaway, Aloe Blacc and Laura Myula. 

“It’s simple,” James explains. “Jazz singing has always been about interpreting the highest level of standards of your time. For my generation, Erykah Badu has been one of the most innovative and incisive songwriters. Her work has proven to be groundbreaking in a social, musical and artistic sense.” 

On & On: José James Sings Badu, produced by James with contributions from like-minded musicians Big Yuki (A Tribe Called Quest), Ben Williams (Kamasi Washington) and Jharis Yokley (My Brightest Diamond), investigates the breadth of Badu’s iconic catalog, from her groundbreaking debut album Baduizm to her contemporary masterpieces New Amerykah Pt. 1 and 2. 

James also builds on his reputation as a modern jazz tastemaker by introducing featured horn players Ebban Dorsey and Diana Dzhabbar. “As an artist and performer Badu has consistently created opportunities for young artists both on and off her stage,” James explains. “It only made sense to include the next generation.”