Accomplished rapper and hip hop artist, JSWISS joins Grammy – winning trumpeter, producer, arranger and composer, Michael Leonhart to deliver “BLACKOUT,” the stellar first single from their upcoming duo project, “The Alchemy EP”, dropping January 2021.  On the track, JSWISS continues to establish his place amongst the game’s elite lyricists as he delivers an inspiring message and rallying cry amidst the current call for justice, change and “Black Lives Matter” as Leonhart provides a perfectly infectious, and lush musical canvas.  

Regarding the lyrical approach to “BLACKOUT” JSWISS explains,  “As a young Black man obviously the killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, and the spotlight on police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement are heavIly on my mind. But I wanted to go beyond the grief and anger that takes a toll on us, and beyond saying our lives simply “matter”, and recognize that not only should we not be killed, but we should be celebrated, and celebrate ourselves.”  And what he asserts, which is the very essence of the track,  “Black people are valuable to this world and this country, and have been so despite efforts to hold us down.” From the musical side, Leonhart states, “We wanted to create a driving, orchestral hip hop track that would support the empowering and uplifting history lesson contained in JSWISS’s lyrics”

In 2019 JSWISS, who has worked with elite musicians such as Nicholas Payton, Daru Jones, Ben Williams, Marcus Strickland, E.J. Strickland and Maurice “MoBetta” Brown, was brought on by Michael Leonhart as now, a recurrent guest with his acclaimed, 15 – piece jazz orchestra for its monthly residency at the Jazz Standard in NYC. Leonhart who’s eclectic resumé boast work with the likes of Steely Dan, Q-Tip, Wu-Tang Clan, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings and on the Bruno Mars/Mark Ronson hit, “Uptown Funk,”  needed a quality rapper to perform on his arrangements of the legendary hip hop tracks, “Electric Relaxation” and “Untouchables.” JSWISS not only fit the bill and more, but the two instantly discovered a musical kinship and formed an immediate bond.  The two songs were so very well received especially by way of performances that appeared on NPR and renowned jazz station WBGO, that jazz label, Sunnyside Records formally released the live recordings of them earlier this year.  All of this ultimately signaled a duo project was on the horizon and “BLACKOUT” marks the debut.

“BLACKOUT” is indeed a well- accomplished, fitting anthem and necessary perspective to proclaim the calls for justice and real equality by the African – American community are not a plea, but a demand long earned. BC

Check out the short video promo for “BLACKOUT” that features legendary figures, established artists and impressive young newcomers.