Home Read Albums Of The Week: Robert Glasper | Black Radio III

Albums Of The Week: Robert Glasper | Black Radio III

The maverick pianist & a VIP cast continue to blur the line between jazz and hip-hop.

THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE:Robert Glasper’s contribution to music and culture spans over two decades, forming an exceptional legacy that permeates through contemporary art and advocacy. 2022 not only marks the 10th anniversary of the era-defining, Grammy-winning album Black Radio but also Glasper’s solo return with the threequel Black Radio III.

Like its predecessors, the new studio album celebrates Black joy, love and resilience and features a guest list that includes a who’s who of contemporary soul, R&B jazz and rap: H.E.R., Meshell Ndgeocello, Killer Mike, D Smoke, Tiffany Gouché, Q-Tip, Jennifer Hudson, Yebba, Common, Ty Dolla $Ign, Esperanza Spalding, Ant Clemons, India.Arie, Jennifer Hudson, Ledisi, Common, Gregory Porter, Musiq Soulchild and more. “I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Black Radio than by releasing Black Radio III,” Glasper says.

Photo by Mancy Gant.

 

Glasper is a premiere example of musical aptitude and a proven champion of Black music, boasting nine Grammy nominations and four wins for Best R&B Album, Best R&B Song, Best Traditional R&B Performance and Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, plus an Emmy Award for his song from Ava Duvernay’s critically hailed documentary 13th with Common and Karriem Riggins.

The 43-year old Houston native has a rich history contributing his artistry across both music and film, all the while carrying a consistent cultural message. In 2012, Glasper’s Black Radio was the first album in history to debut in the top 10 of four different genre charts: Hip Hop R&B, Urban Contemporary, Jazz and Contemporary Jazz. The feat was then repeated by Black Radio 2. The Black Radio series has since become Glasper’s calling card, upholding a place at the heart of a trailblazing community and welcoming guest from long-time sonic brothers Mos Def and Bilal to legends including Ledisi, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Jill Scott and Erykah Badu.

With Black Radio III, Glasper cements his legacy as producer, curator and cultural icon. These collaborations range from the most powerful voices in contemporary black music to the most important lyricists and performers of the past 30 years. Black Radio III is also a statement for these times. It is Glasper’s most direct statement of the frustration and opportunity of a world disrupted by social change. It is at once beautiful, powerful and innovative.”

https://youtu.be/6eec2dzYsiE

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