Mood Swings: BADBADNOTGOOD
Written by DJ Ekonomiks on January 21, 2016
Whatsup fam,
This week on Mood Swings I’m spinning “III” by BADBADNOTGOOD. Released in 2014, this has quickly become one of my favorite jazz records of all time. The group’s love of hip-hop and blends well with moody jazz voicings to create an atmosphere filled with intensity and ferocity. The trio (with the occasional saxophone feature) is so on point with their phrasing and song structure that every song is unique, but the feel of the album is cohesive – something I really admire in bands.
The mood for this album is one of duality. There is tension and release and each song seems to build into a crazy climax before breaking down into beautiful harmonies and chord voicings. I can feel just how much emotion went into this album and when I listen to it all the way through, I feel like I’m right beside the musicians experiencing the music firsthand.
BADBADNOTGOOD is from Toronto and while they may be trained in jazz classics, their discography is heavily influenced by hip hop. Songs range from covers of Gucci Mane’s Lemonade to Electric Relaxation by A Tribe Called Quest. The group even produced a colab album with Ghostface Killah and invited Tyler The Creator to jam with them.
Overall, this is a 10/10 album and an amazing group. Hope you all enjoy.
DJ Ekonomiks
PSU