Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Jazz Icon Reuben Wilson, Who Impacted Nas and the World of Hip Hop, Dies at 88

Courtesy Photo Francis Wolff/© Blue Note Records

Reuben Wilson, the renowned jazz organist known for his infectious grooves and pioneering contributions to soul and acid jazz, has died at the age of 88.

His son, Reuben Reuel Wilson, confirmed the news in a heartfelt post on Twitter, stating, "My father, Reuben Wilson, jazz mf LEGEND, passed away very early this morning. Even though I've been preparing for this for a lil while, you're never truly ready when it happens. Gonna miss you dad, love you always."No official cause of death was given for Wilson, who died in Harlem. However, his May 26 demise followed a long battle with dementia, and he had recently been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.

Born on April 9, 1935, in Mounds, Oklahoma, he grew up to become one of the most influential organists in the history of jazz. Standing at 6 ft. 5 inches, Wilson's commanding presence behind the Hammond B-3 organ and his funk-infused recordings for Blue Note Records in the late 1960s and early '70s left an indelible mark on the genre, inspiring acid jazz DJs and hip-hop artists worldwide."Reuben Wilson helped usher in what we now call Soul Jazz," Pete Fallico, founder of the Jazz Organ Fellowship Hall of Fame, told NPR. "His music was revitalized in the '90s when DJs like Gilles Petersen started playing all these old funky tunes he had recorded decades earlier."


Wilson's journey to musical greatness began in Pasadena, California, where his family moved during the Dust Bowl era. While pursuing a career as a professional heavyweight boxer and sparring partner for future champion Floyd Patterson, his love for music, sparked by encounters with boogie-woogie sounds and pianist Sonny Clark, eventually led him to embrace the Hammond organ.

In 1966, Wilson relocated to New York City, immersing himself in the vibrant jazz scene. Late-night jam sessions in Harlem clubs and a steady gig with saxophonist Willis "Gator" Jackson propelled his career forward and caught the attention of Blue Note Records' Francis Wolff. The resulting five-album deal showcased Wilson's unique fusion of jazz and funk, creating a sound that resonated with audiences and fellow musicians.

While Wilson faced challenges in the 1980s and '90s due to the rise of synthesizers and changing musical trends, his legacy found new life in hip-hop.

During the 1990s, Wilson's recordings from the late 1960s and early '70s resurfaced and became sought-after samples for hip-hop producers. One notable example is Nas' 1994 critically acclaimed debut album, Illmatic, which prominently featured a sample from Wilson's 1971 composition "We're in Love." This usage solidified his presence in the hip-hop community and introduced his distinctive sound to a new generation of listeners.



Wilson's collaboration with rapper Guru on the Jazzmatazz series further exemplified his impact on hip-hop, bridging the gap between jazz and hip-hop by featuring renowned jazz musicians collaborating with hip-hop artists. Wilson's contributions showcased the seamless blending of genres and the relevance of his music in a contemporary context.


Wilson continued to perform and record well into his seventies, leaving behind a discography of at least 17 albums that showcase his undeniable talent.

He is survived by his second wife, Daphne, their son Reuben, and his son Roderick Wilson from his first marriage to singer Faye Emma Smith Wilson.
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Monday, June 5, 2023

Young Thug's Brother Violates Probation, Faces Lengthy Prison Term

Courtesy Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Rapper Young Thug's brother, Quantavious Grier, known by his stage name Unfoonk, has been found guilty of violating his probation after his arrest on gun charges on May 4. Consequently, a judge has sentenced him to nine years in prison, further complicating his legal troubles associated with the Young Slime Life (YSL) criminal street gang.

Grier, 34, had previously pleaded guilty to violating the RICO Act and theft by receiving stolen property in December 2022. Under his plea deal, he accepted a 12-year sentence, with two years credited for time served and the remaining ten years to be served on probation. However, his recent arrest for gun charges resulted in the probation violation ruling.The incident began when plainclothes officers conducting surveillance in southwest Atlanta noticed a black Mercedes G-Wagon parked at a BP gas station. Suspecting potential drug activity, officers initiated a traffic stop after the SUV left the parking lot, citing a violation related to window tint. The arresting officer detected the odor of marijuana inside the vehicle and discovered a 9 mm Glock handgun in the driver's side door panel.

During the probation violation revocation hearing, details emerged regarding Grier's repeated visits to the same BP gas station, which Atlanta police had identified as a hub for YSL gang-related activities. An undercover officer testified that Grier displayed familiarity with the firearm discovered during the traffic stop, asserting that it was registered. Grier did not express surprise at the presence of the weapon.

Grier's journey in the music industry has been entwined with the fame and notoriety of his brother, Young Thug. While Young Thug has achieved significant success and influence in the rap world, Unfoonk has endeavored to establish himself as a rapper in his own right. Unfortunately, his affiliation with the YSL gang and his ongoing legal troubles have overshadowed his artistic aspirations.

His most recent troubles with the law began last May when Young Thug, known for his transformative impact on Atlanta's vibrant hip-hop scene, was arrested on suspicion of gang involvement and conspiracy to violate Georgia's criminal racketeering law. The rapper, born Jeffery Williams, faced charges alongside 27 other individuals, including Grier, named in an extensive grand jury indictment. Among the charges were violent crimes such as murder and attempted armed robbery.

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Watch: Charlie Wilson Delivers Raw Emotion and Joy in Electrifying NPR Music Concert

 

NPR Music celebrates Black Music Month this June with a lineup of brand-new Tiny Desk concerts that pay homage to the past, present and future of Black music.

Kicking off the series is renowned singer-songwriter Charlie Wilson, whose captivating NPR Music concert serves as a profound tribute to his extraordinary life and career.

Through a spellbinding performance, Wilson takes fans on a mesmerizing journey, seamlessly weaving together timeless hits and personal stories of triumph and resilience.

From his early days as a founding member of The Gap Band, where he achieved fame in the '70s and '80s with their iconic old-school funk and R&B sound, to his influential collaborations with hip-hop icons, Wilson's musical impact transcends generations.

Earning the moniker "Uncle Charlie" in the hip-hop community, he has been embraced by artists such as Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, and Tyler The Creator, who recognize his unparalleled talent.

However, Wilson's path has not been without challenges.

In a candid and heartfelt moment, he opens up about his battle with addiction, revealing the depths of his past and the triumph of his recovery. "I went from rags to riches, riches to rags, then rags to the curb, the curb to homelessness," Wilson shares emotionally. "Because I was an alcoholic and a crack cocaine addict! But I'm now 28 years clean and sober!"

Throughout the performance, Wilson effortlessly transitions between his timeless classics like "Outstanding" and "Computer Love" and more recent gems like "Sweet Yamz" and "There Goes My Baby." Backed by a live band and accompanied by a choir, Wilson's commanding vocals fill the room with raw emotion and infectious joy.

This electrifying Tiny Desk concert sets the stage for NPR's month-long celebration of Black music, featuring an exceptional lineup of diverse artists, including Babyface, Adam Blackstone, Ambré, Amaarae, Brandee Younger and surprise guests.

NPR's commitment to showcasing Black artists and their unique creative expressions sets the stage for an exhilarating month of musical exploration.

Last year's celebration left an indelible impact with unforgettable performances by Usher, FKA Twigs, Monica, and Larry June, creating viral moments, such as Usher's iconic "watch this" meme during his rendition of "Confessions Part II."

Watch the entire performance above.
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