We’re joined by Blue Lab Beats, the London-based duo that merges jazz, rap and electronica for a breezy, deep and extremely soulful brand of music. Made up of NK-OK and David Mrkapor, they're celebrating 10 years as a duo, a run which includes 5 albums, a Grammy Award and 5 MOBO nominations. Their brand of music has seen them collaborate with everyone from Kofi Stone and Kojey Radical to Tiana Major9 and Anjelique Kidjo, and their new album ‘The Blue Lab Beats Show’ is out now, which serves as a celebration of their incredible 10-year milestone.
They reveal their story, from meeting as teenagers at an arts college and their new album to their historic Grammy win, and they share gems about the intimate relationship between rap and jazz. There are stories about Black Thought, Herbie Hancock, Roy Ayers, Patrice Rushen and more!
15:07 Blue Lab Beats’ favourite rappers ever
22:39 Challenges and benefits of being a jazz band
28:40 Blue Lab Beats’ beginnings
43:28 The concept of Blue Lab Beats’ new album
55:22 Separating business from creativity
59:24 Blue Lab Beats on winning a Grammy
1:07:32 Performing live & staying creative
1:29:14 Blue Lab Beats’ Black Thought story
1:35:02 Blue Lab Beats’ Roy Ayers story
1:36:54 Dream collaborations
1:40:01 Which part of London has the best rappers?
1:44:29 Essential jazz rap songs/albums
1:48:08 Outro
Music: Blue Lab Beats - North London Pace
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