Kassa Overall is a Grammy-nominated musician, emcee, singer, producer and drummer who melds avant-garde experimentation with hip hop production techniques to tilt the worlds of jazz & hip hop on the sides of a whole different shared space. The now Seattle-based musician’s latest album, ‘Animals’, soon to be released as his Warp Records debut, features a bevy of underground hip-hop legends (Danny Brown, Lil B, Shabazz Palaces) and jazz musicians (including pianist Vijay Iyer and trumpet player Theo Croker).
I had the honor of getting a little time to discuss Kassa Overall’s upcoming set as part of the 2023 Madison Jazz Festival, with his performant landing at the beautiful terrace on July 17th. We got into what people can close their eyes and open their minds to as part of what his set is sure to bring in that shared time. This time toGether, on the lake in Madison reminded Kassa of his younger days heading to Madison to visit family (a surprise twist for most Wisconsin folks perhaps) and how he knows the openness of a Madison crowd. We talked about how the new album, ‘Animals’ came together from idea through the soon to bloom for all sonic flower, and also dissected a track “The Lava Is Calm” which features Kherek Bischoff & Theo Croker. After I peeped the video/documentary The Drums Will Protect You, I was left a little speechless and Kassa helps word form in my mind. Before letting him go, I was sure to get his thought on his recent hangs and shows with Digable Planets, now…that’s something to think about. Kassa is so real in his worlds as a entertainer and that as a human…I am honored he took a little time to let me in and share a tiny bit. #Respect.
