Music Essentials: BADBADNOTGOOD

As broadly defined as contemporary hip-hop is, BADBADNOTGOOD’s hybrid jazz-infused renditions bring an exploratory element to a genre that has been tapped repeatedly for new sound. The Canadian trio owes much of their approach to traditional music training, which they have married with an interest in today’s hip-hop landscape, resulting in a sound that has been well-received within the industry as well as with fans. Emerging as a creative force in affiliation with names such as Earl Sweatshirt, Frank Ocean and Flying Lotus, the Toronto-based group has also garnered a reputation for their raw energy during live performances. Constantly building on their repertoire of jazz-fusion tunes, look for the BADBAD guys to drop BBNG3 within the next few months. Revealing a few items that keep the group ticking on tour ranging from literature to beverages of choice, this edition of HYPETRAK’s Music Essentials also exhibits the musical tools that are integral to each live performance by Chester, Matt and Alex.

Photo: Blake Ponto/HYPETRAK