Jahari Massamba Unit is the combination of super-producer Madlib and percussionist/producer Karriem Riggins. The dream collaboration first shared their off-kilter approach to the fusion of jazz and hip-hop in 2020 with the release of their syncopated debut Pardon My French. After a four-year pause that had each member focused on a plethora of projects, the duo returns with the release of “Stomping Gamay” and the announcement of their highly anticipated sophomore album. The duo will release YHWH is LOVE on March 1 via Riggins’s newly established Law of Rhythm record label.
Jahari Massamba Unit came as no surprise. Both Madlib and Riggens are veterans of the iconic independent label Stones Throw and first met through a mutual friend by the name of J Dilla two decades ago. Their creative relationship didn’t take long to take shape as Riggens would work on Madlib’s now iconic 2007 LP Yesterdays Universe, an album brimming with hip-hop-influenced jazz pieces similar to the single they shared as Jahari Massamba Unit today. “Stomping Gamay” is as infectious as it gets, neck-breaking drum patterns are juxtaposed by soaring melodies and complex harmonies.
Jahari Massamba Unit will share their sophomore album, YHWH is LOVE on March 1, listen to the lead single “Stomping Gamay” below.
