for “Curly Martin,” one of the album’s standout songs.
It was only right that the multi-instrumentalist was joined by Robert Glasper, Thundercat and HIS brother - drummer Robert Bruner Jr. Terrace Martin‘s 2016 album Velvet Portraits continued his homage to the West Coast, while making the case for LA leading the pack in new-age jazz. Toward the end of the track, Thundercat is given room for a breakdown, while Aiko pays tribute to her deceased brother, Miyagi. natives, Thundercat was featured on Aiko’s 2014 debut album just one year after releasing his sophomore album, Apocalypse. Jhené Aiko - “W.A.Y.S.”įollowing the ambient distortion of Souled Out‘s opening track “ Limbo Limbo Limbo,” the singer rediscovers herself through guitar-led affirmations on “W.A.Y.S.” Both L.A. “If I Had You” is arguably a Thundercat deep cut: yet another track that shows his undeniable talent and even gives him his own break to showcase that, too. There are bits of strummed guitar and keys, layered horns (including a trumpet solo), and, of course, Thundercat’s bass throughout. Taken from TiRon & Ayomari’s 2011 album A Sucker For Pumps, “If I Had You” is a standout because of its lively and upbeat production (courtesy of the production team D.R.U.G.S., which was co-founded by Ty Dolla $ign). The first sound you hear from this track comes courtesy of Thundercat. “Love Czars II” serves as a reminder of that foundation, while foreshadowing how malleable the bassist could make himself to other artists’ music. Through them, the bass player ended up on tracks for John Legend and Erykah Badu. (Just listen to the instrumental and you’ll understand.) Sa-Ra challenged, cultivated, and encouraged Thundercat’s musical identity. Here, Thundercat’s signature bass sound is like glue: the adhesive that keeps the surreal union of Sa-Ra and Electronica together. The rapper is clearly comfortable in the group’s future funk world, the fuzzed-out synths and other experimental sounds a fitting companion for Electronica’s cryptic and conspiracy-leaning raps.
Sa-Ra Creative Partners featuring Jay Electronica & Ta’Raach - “Love Czars II”īefore finally releasing a full body of work, it seemed as if all of Jay Electronica’s music was going to be loosies, which happens to include this track produced by Sa-Ra Creative Partners. So, in honor of Thundercat and his virtuosic bass-playing, Okayplayer is highlighting his 15 best bass features. He’s your favorite musician’s favorite bass player for a reason: the guy who gave the world “Them Changes,” and can seemingly play bass for any song given to him.
Erykah Badu, Danny Brown, Childish Gambino, John Legend, Kendrick Lamar, Miguel, N.E.R.D, his late, beloved friend, Mac Miller - the roster of artists Thundercat has recorded bass for is a testament to his undeniable talent. Thundercat’s bass playing is featured throughout many, many songs from an array of artists.
Sure, it’s more subtle than “Tay Keith, fuck these niggas up.” But when Thundercat is on a track, best believe that he, too, is fucking niggas up the best way he knows how to - through his six-string bass. At this point, Thundercat has a distinct sound that functions similarly to a producer tag. The talented bassist continues to expand on his jazz-leaning music and further cement himself as one of music’s most fascinating artists.īut just as important as his solo work is the work he has done for other artists. His forthcoming release, It Is What It Is, is a testament to that. Since releasing his 2011 debut album The Golden Age of Apocalypse, Thundercat has grown into his own as a solo artist.
Photo Credit: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images In honor of Thundercat and his virtuosic bass-playing, Okayplayer is highlighting his 15 best bass features.