BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghostface Killah
Biography
**BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghostface Killah**
The collision between Toronto's jazz-fusion innovators BADBADNOTGOOD and Wu-Tang Clan's supreme storyteller Ghostface Killah reached its creative apex with 2017's "Sour Soul," a masterpiece that redefined what happens when contemporary instrumental prowess meets old-school rap mastery. This album stands as perhaps the most seamless marriage between jazz musicianship and hip-hop lyricism of the 2010s, with BBNG's cinematic soundscapes providing the perfect canvas for Ghostface's vivid street narratives and pop culture references. Tracks like "Ray Gun" featuring MF DOOM and "Gunshowers" showcase a chemistry so natural it feels inevitable, with the band's ability to channel 1970s soul and funk creating an authentic backdrop for Ghostface's timeless flow.
The partnership began brewing years earlier when BADBADNOTGOOD—comprised of Matthew Tavares on keyboards, Alexander Sowinski on drums, Chester Hansen on bass, and later Leland Whitty on saxophone and guitar—first gained attention for their jazz interpretations of hip-hop classics. Formed at Toronto's Humber College around 2010, the trio initially bonded over their shared love of both Odd Future's experimental rap and traditional jazz masters like Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Their early YouTube videos, featuring jazz renditions of Tyler, The Creator and Kanye West tracks, went viral and established them as bridge-builders between seemingly disparate musical worlds.
BBNG's organic approach to genre-blending caught the attention of numerous hip-hop artists, but their connection with Ghostface Killah proved especially fruitful. The Staten Island rapper, born Dennis Coles, had already established himself as Wu-Tang's most prolific and unpredictable member, known for his rapid-fire delivery, comic book references, and ability to paint cinematic scenes with his lyrics. His solo career, launched with 1996's "Ironman," had always incorporated diverse musical influences, making him an ideal collaborator for BBNG's eclectic approach.
Their first official collaboration emerged from mutual respect and shared musical DNA. BADBADNOTGOOD had been performing jazz versions of Wu-Tang tracks in their live sets, while Ghostface had long appreciated live instrumentation in hip-hop production. When they finally connected, the creative process flowed naturally, with the band crafting instrumentals that felt both nostalgic and futuristic, perfectly complementing Ghostface's narrative style.
The success of "Sour Soul" wasn't just critical—it demonstrated commercial viability for genre-crossing projects. The album peaked at number 67 on the Billboard 200 and topped various jazz and alternative charts worldwide. Critics praised how BBNG's sophisticated arrangements elevated Ghostface's already compelling storytelling, while the rapper's presence pushed the band toward more focused, song-oriented compositions rather than purely instrumental explorations.
Beyond their collaborative album, both parties continued to influence each other's separate work. BADBADNOTGOOD's subsequent releases showed increased confidence in supporting vocalists, leading to collaborations with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Kali Uchis, and Charlotte Day Wilson. Meanwhile, Ghostface's later projects reflected an appreciation for live instrumentation and jazz-influenced production that clearly stemmed from his work with the Canadian ensemble.
The cultural impact of their partnership extends beyond music into broader conversations about genre boundaries and artistic authenticity. Their collaboration proved that fusion doesn't require compromise—instead, it can enhance each artist's strengths. BBNG's technical proficiency never overshadowed Ghostface's lyrical prowess, while his veteran presence helped focus their sometimes scattered creative energy.
Their live performances together became legendary, with BBNG's tight rhythm section and Whitty's soaring saxophone lines creating an almost orchestral backdrop for Ghostface's animated stage presence. These shows demonstrated how hip-hop could be presented in jazz club settings without losing its edge, and how jazz could incorporate rap elements without sacrificing sophistication.
Today, while both BADBADNOTGOOD and Ghostface Killah continue their separate artistic journeys, their collaboration remains a high-water mark for cross-genre experimentation. "Sour Soul" continues to influence artists seeking to blend live instrumentation with hip-hop, proving that the most successful musical fusions happen when artists respect each other's traditions while fearlessly exploring new territories. Their partnership stands as testament to hip-hop's continued evolution and jazz's endless capacity for
