Friends of Jabarr, a self-described abstract hip-hop band from San Antonio, TX, is a conglomerate of beatmakers, musicians, producers, and DJs. Recently formed, yet a lifetime in the making, this gifted group fuses cinematic instrumental soundscapes and head-nodding drums with ambient atmospheric textures inviting the listener to tune in on their own terms.
The core members, Turkish Burt, Thread Count Kizer, and Jabarr, originally met in high school in the late 1990s immediately bonding over their shared love, respect, and admiration for the diverse underground hip-hop scene of the time. After graduation, each member would go on to record and produce music as a solo artist but would officially come together in 2021 to assemble under the Friends of Jabarr moniker.
In Spring 2022, Friends of Jabarr made their debut contributing 4 songs, “FOJ Love,” “Wed,” “Wayne in Stripes,” and the bonus track, “Pan Am Plus,” to Music For Advanced Writers on Hot Regards Recordings.
The band recently completed their first full-length album, Out of The Shade, debuting worldwide on October 14, 2022, on Hot Regards Recordings. Drawing on a wide range of sonic inspirations from Golden-era Hip-Hop to Jazz and nearly everything in between, the album is a tapestry of harmonies and beats that are laid-back and intoxicating.
Tracks like “Escape From What” and “Avoidance” effortlessly blend samples with live instrumentation resulting in mysterious, emotive, and unpretentious music. Turkish Burt says, The music is easy to make because Jabarr has a vibe we all understand. We only try to please ourselves and people feel that. We hit record, we play, and the art is done.
The swirling mixture of downtempo drum patterns and sometimes melancholic riffs is the ideal soundtrack for meditative backyard hangs, dinner parties, and late-night affairs. Kizer adds the [songs] we are creating, like ‘Avoidance,’ will leave an impactful memory for the listeners.
While the 12-track collection’s mood is unquestionably a chill one, this instrumental opus easily translates to a dramatic film score. Songs like the lead single, of the same name, and “Gold Always Gold” unapologetically channel the spirit of a Sergio Leone western with a modern twist.
Such is the beauty of Out of the Shade. It empowers the listener with the ability to dictate their vibe simply by slipping on their headphones and transcending their mental chill zone.
Find Friends of Jabarr’s Out of The Shade, dropping on October 14th, 2022, on streaming services Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music, and for digital purchase.
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