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Mac Miller and Thundercat had a remarkable musical relationship, showcased brilliantly in their collaboration on the song "What’s The Use." While many of Mac’s songs feature great bass lines, "What’s The Use" demanded Thundercat's exceptional talent. Thundercat’s influence from the early funk generation shines through, particularly with this bass line, reminiscent of tracks like The Jones Girls' "Nights Over Egypt."
It is rumored that Thundercat flew to the US in the middle of his European tour just to be part of this performance, despite his involvement only requiring a few minutes. Following Mac’s death, interviews revealed their close friendship, and no piece of work illustrates it better than this live recording. For a glimpse of the band's appreciation of his bass skills, watch the reaction from the keyboard player at 9:39 in the performance.
When Rolling Stone compiled their list of the greatest bassists of all time, it featured many expected names like James Jamerson and Bootsy Collins in the top five. The list sparked some debate over the placement of various artists, but it was generally agreed that it included the finest bassists in music history.
Unexpectedly, Thundercat was ranked 50th on the list, just behind Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses. This inclusion underscores Thundercat’s significant respect within the industry, highlighting his exceptional talent and influence as a bassist. His ranking alongside such legendary figures reflects his impact on modern music and his recognition among the greatest bassists of all time.
Thundercat's contribution to Kendrick Lamar's seminal album To Pimp a Butterfly was nothing short of transformative, infusing the project with rich layers of jazz, funk, and blues. Released in 2015, the album is widely celebrated for its bold musical experimentation and profound lyrical content, with Thundercat’s virtuosity playing a crucial role in its success.Thundercat's intricate bass lines and musical arrangements brought a distinctive jazz and funk vibe to the album, blending seamlessly with Lamar's incisive storytelling. His influence is particularly evident on tracks like "Wesley's Theory," "These Walls," and "Complexion (A Zulu Love)." These contributions helped shape the album's sound, grounding it in a tradition of black musical excellence while pushing contemporary boundaries.
The jazz and funk elements of To Pimp a Butterfly drew praise from numerous artists and critics. Herbie Hancock remarked, "Congratulations on that new Kendrick Lamar album, To Pimp a Butterfly. It’s literally like an opera. I can’t stop listening to it". Kamasi Washington, a prominent jazz musician who also contributed to the album, noted, “It meant that intellectually stimulating music doesn’t have to be underground. It just didn’t change the music. It changed the audience”.
Thundercat himself reflected on the profound impact of working on the album, saying, "I just broke down in tears when I got home after hearing it. So much information was passed and conveyed... There wasn’t a misfire. Everybody put their best work forward, and you could feel it".
To Pimp a Butterfly won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and received universal acclaim for its bold fusion of musical styles and its powerful commentary on race, identity, and society. Thundercat’s involvement not only showcased his extraordinary talent but also cemented his role in shaping the sound of contemporary music, demonstrating the enduring impact of jazz and funk in modern hip-hop.
Thundercat, whose real name is Stephen Bruner, credits Erykah Badu for helping him discover his true identity as Thundercat and for honing his stage presence. Her appreciation for his talent is evident, as she often selected him to perform at numerous gigs, including special guest performances at her birthday shows.
In the attached content, Thundercat recounts a memorable experience with her, where his bass amp began smoking for the first time during a performance. This anecdote highlights the intensity and passion of his playing, as well as the strong bond and mutual respect between the two artists.
Thundercat's "Them Changes," from his 2015 EP The Beyond / Where the Giants Roam and later included on his 2017 album Drunk, has achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim. The track, co-written with Flying Lotus, features a funky groove and a poignant narrative about heartbreak, highlighted by its opening lines: "Nobody move, there's blood on the floor, and I can't find my heart." This vivid imagery sets the tone for the song's exploration of emotional devastation.
"Them Changes" has garnered millions of streams, with over 100 million plays on Spotify alone, and its popularity surged further after a sped-up remix went viral on TikTok in 2022. The song has been featured in various media, including the TV shows Insecure and Atlanta, and the video game NBA 2K20, showcasing its broad appeal and enduring influence in pop culture
Thundercat's album It Is What It Is earned him a Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album in 2021, marking a significant milestone in his career. This win was particularly special for Thundercat, not only because it was his first Grammy as a lead artist, but also due to the deeply personal and reflective nature of the album. The project delves into themes of grief and mortality, inspired by the loss of his close friend Mac Miller, adding an emotional depth that resonated with both fans and critics.
Winning the Grammy for It Is What It Is was a full-circle moment for Thundercat, showcasing his growth from a sought-after session musician to a celebrated solo artist. The album's win not only highlighted his exceptional talent and versatility but also underscored his ability to convey profound emotional narratives through his music, making this Grammy particularly meaningful
Collaboration is one of Thundercat’s biggest strengths, and as a bassist, his ability to seamlessly work with other artists to produce musical genius is unmatched. For this piece, we uncovered Mac DeMarco’s secret YouTube account, CAM TONY 26, where he live-streamed sessions with various artists. Few sessions are as iconic as the one featuring Mac DeMarco, Mac Miller, and Thundercat.
The 15-minute live stream offers a perfect fly-on-the-wall experience, showcasing their genius and ability to improvise and jam together. This rare footage highlights Thundercat's collaborative prowess and the magic that occurs when great musicians come together.
Thundercat's Tiny Desk Concert, filmed on March 16, 2020, is a testament to his musical brilliance and infectious personality. The performance, featuring tracks like "Lost in Space / Great Scott / 22-26" and "Dragonball Durag," showcases his virtuosity on the bass and his unique blend of jazz, funk, and blues. The set is intimate yet dynamic, capturing Thundercat's whimsical stage presence and technical prowess.
Fans flooded the comments with praise, highlighting both his musical skills and the emotional impact of his performance. One user commented, "He just casually dropped one of the best solos I’ve ever heard" Another fan noted, "His bass playing is absolutely next level. I have been playing for over a decade and I'm not even close to his ability AND HE DOES IT WHILE SINGING."
Overall, Thundercat's Tiny Desk Concert is celebrated for its musical excellence, emotional depth, and the joyful, engaging atmosphere it creates, making it a standout performance in the Tiny Desk series.
The popular Crusaders song, "Put It Where You Want It," was coined from a phrase commonly used by legendary comedian Redd Foxx. Redd was a favorite of Joe, and both were mutual friends who frequented the popular club, the Baked Potato, in Studio City. Redd's eloquent character would greet a beautiful woman with a respectful hello, kiss the palm of his hand, shake the woman's hand, and say, "Put It Where You Want It."
Perhaps this phrase may come off as offensive to some people today. However, in the 1970s, comedic personalities like Redd were popular because of their candid and jovial remarks. To extend the phrase, you can take this modern conclusion and "Put It Where You Want It."
Mac Miller and Thundercat had a remarkable musical relationship, showcased brilliantly in their collaboration on the song "What’s The Use." While many of Mac’s songs feature great bass lines, "What’s The Use" demanded Thundercat's exceptional talent. Thundercat’s influence from the early funk generation shines through, particularly with this bass line, reminiscent of tracks like The Jones Girls' "Nights Over Egypt." It is rumored that Thundercat flew to the US in the middle of his European tour just to be part of this performance, despite his involvement only requiring a few minutes. Following Mac’s death, interviews revealed their close friendship, and no piece of work illustrates it better than this live recording. For a glimpse of the band's appreciation of his bass skills, watch the reaction from the keyboard player at 9:39 in the performance.
Thundercat's Tiny Desk Concert, filmed on March 16, 2020, is a testament to his musical brilliance and infectious personality. The performance, featuring tracks like "Lost in Space / Great Scott / 22-26" and "Dragonball Durag," showcases his virtuosity on the bass and his unique blend of jazz, funk, and blues. The set is intimate yet dynamic, capturing Thundercat's whimsical stage presence and technical prowess.
Fans flooded the comments with praise, highlighting both his musical skills and the emotional impact of his performance. One user commented, "He just casually dropped one of the best solos I’ve ever heard" Another fan noted, "His bass playing is absolutely next level. I have been playing for over a decade and I'm not even close to his ability AND HE DOES IT WHILE SINGING."
Overall, Thundercat's Tiny Desk Concert is celebrated for its musical excellence, emotional depth, and the joyful, engaging atmosphere it creates, making it a standout performance in the Tiny Desk series.
Thundercat, whose real name is Stephen Bruner, credits Erykah Badu for helping him discover his true identity as Thundercat and for honing his stage presence. Her appreciation for his talent is evident, as she often selected him to perform at numerous gigs, including special guest performances at her birthday shows. In the attached content, Thundercat recounts a memorable experience with her, where his bass amp began smoking for the first time during a performance.
This anecdote highlights the intensity and passion of his playing, as well as the strong bond and mutual respect between the two artists.
Thundercat's "Them Changes," from his 2015 EP The Beyond / Where the Giants Roam and later included on his 2017 album Drunk, has achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim. The track, co-written with Flying Lotus, features a funky groove and a poignant narrative about heartbreak, highlighted by its opening lines: "Nobody move, there's blood on the floor, and I can't find my heart." This vivid imagery sets the tone for the song's exploration of emotional devastation."
Them Changes" has garnered millions of streams, with over 100 million plays on Spotify alone, and its popularity surged further after a sped-up remix went viral on TikTok in 2022. The song has been featured in various media, including the TV shows Insecure and Atlanta, and the video game NBA 2K20, showcasing its broad appeal and enduring influence in pop culture
Thundercat's contribution to Kendrick Lamar's seminal album To Pimp a Butterfly was nothing short of transformative, infusing the project with rich layers of jazz, funk, and blues. Released in 2015, the album is widely celebrated for its bold musical experimentation and profound lyrical content, with Thundercat’s virtuosity playing a crucial role in its success.
Thundercat's intricate bass lines and musical arrangements brought a distinctive jazz and funk vibe to the album, blending seamlessly with Lamar's incisive storytelling. His influence is particularly evident on tracks like "Wesley's Theory," "These Walls," and "Complexion (A Zulu Love)." These contributions helped shape the album's sound, grounding it in a tradition of black musical excellence while pushing contemporary boundaries.
The jazz and funk elements of To Pimp a Butterfly drew praise from numerous artists and critics. Herbie Hancock remarked, "Congratulations on that new Kendrick Lamar album, To Pimp a Butterfly. It’s literally like an opera. I can’t stop listening to it". Kamasi Washington, a prominent jazz musician who also contributed to the album, noted, “It meant that intellectually stimulating music doesn’t have to be underground. It just didn’t change the music. It changed the audience”.
Thundercat himself reflected on the profound impact of working on the album, saying, "I just broke down in tears when I got home after hearing it. So much information was passed and conveyed... There wasn’t a misfire. Everybody put their best work forward, and you could feel it".
To Pimp a Butterfly won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and received universal acclaim for its bold fusion of musical styles and its powerful commentary on race, identity, and society. Thundercat’s involvement not only showcased his extraordinary talent but also cemented his role in shaping the sound of contemporary music, demonstrating the enduring impact of jazz and funk in modern hip-hop.
Thundercat's album It Is What It Is earned him a Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album in 2021, marking a significant milestone in his career. This win was particularly special for Thundercat, not only because it was his first Grammy as a lead artist, but also due to the deeply personal and reflective nature of the album. The project delves into themes of grief and mortality, inspired by the loss of his close friend Mac Miller, adding an emotional depth that resonated with both fans and critics.
cWinning the Grammy for It Is What It Is was a full-circle moment for Thundercat, showcasing his growth from a sought-after session musician to a celebrated solo artist. The album's win not only highlighted his exceptional talent and versatility but also underscored his ability to convey profound emotional narratives through his music, making this Grammy particularly meaningful
Collaboration is one of Thundercat’s biggest strengths, and as a bassist, his ability to seamlessly work with other artists to produce musical genius is unmatched. For this piece, we uncovered Mac DeMarco’s secret YouTube account, CAM TONY 26, where he live-streamed sessions with various artists. Few sessions are as iconic as the one featuring Mac DeMarco, Mac Miller, and Thundercat.
The 15-minute live stream offers a perfect fly-on-the-wall experience, showcasing their genius and ability to improvise and jam together. This rare footage highlights Thundercat's collaborative prowess and the magic that occurs when great musicians come together.
When Rolling Stone compiled their list of the greatest bassists of all time, it featured many expected names like James Jamerson and Bootsy Collins in the top five. The list sparked some debate over the placement of various artists, but it was generally agreed that it included the finest bassists in music history. Unexpectedly, Thundercat was ranked 50th on the list, just behind Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses. This inclusion underscores Thundercat’s significant respect within the industry, highlighting his exceptional talent and influence as a bassist. His ranking alongside such legendary figures reflects his impact on modern music and his recognition among the greatest bassists of all time.
Thundercat's 2020 album It Is What It Is received widespread acclaim for its intricate blend of jazz, funk, and R&B, showcasing his musical dexterity and emotional depth. The album features notable collaborations with artists like Steve Lacy, Ty Dolla $ign, and Childish Gambino, and includes standout tracks such as "Dragonball Durag," "Black Qualls," and "Fair Chance."
It Is What It Is was critically successful, making it to numerous year-end lists, including Consequence of Sound's Top 50 Albums of 2020 (ranked 14th) and Exclaim!'s 50 Best Albums of 2020 (ranked 12th). The album also saw commercial success, with tracks like "Dragonball Durag" becoming viral hits and significantly boosting Thundercat's presence in the music industry. The album's blend of complex musical arrangements and heartfelt lyrics has solidified Thundercat's reputation as a leading figure in modern jazz and funk music
Best served with family and friends.
If anchovies, shrimp, sausage and bacon sound like pasta heaven to you then this is a must try recipe. We know you will have as much fun making it as you do tasting it and that this meal brings you as much joy as it brought to Joe's home and family.
If you ever pay attention to Joe’s piano performance you would notice his shoulders leaning into the notes and the chords, creating a passion both delicate and driving. As a piano player using both hands, the only way to conduct a band is through their shoulders, something he was a master of.
Joes love for the original Fender Rhodes:
Joe learned of Fender Rhodes selling the brand to CBS, at the same time he also heard Stevie Wonder was down at the factory and had just bought 8 Fender Rhodes. Concerned there may be changes to the keyboard due to new ownership, Joe rush to the factory himself and proceeded to buy three units: one for touring, one for the studio, and one for parts.
Lyrics:
“I still hang around neither lost nor found, hear the lonely sound of music in the night. Nights are always bright, that's all that's left for me, yeah I play the street life because there's no place I can go. Street life, it's the only way I know, street life”
The inspiration for this song came from the beginner’s ski slope at Mammoth Mountain in California. Joe Sample observed people falling and running into each other, causing absolute chaos. He likened it to a “boulevard of madness” and came up with the idea for “Street Life.”
Sample teamed up with lyricist Will Jennings, who wrote the lyrics based on Hollywood Boulevard.
Other notable songs written by Joe Sample and Will Jennings and performed by Randy Crawford include “One Day I’ll Fly Away,” “Last Night at Danceland,” and “When Your Life Was Low.”
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