We’re honored to get a writeup about our efforts over the years to visit elementary, middle, and high schools to give workshops about the history of African-American music. You might not know it from our club appearances, but connecting with youth, unlocking history and creativity are some of the most important tenets of our existence… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Education
Beast + Big Band, Junior Varsity Edition
As you may recall, one of our biggest projects of 2013 was to record an EP and tour an XXL-sized version of the group called “The Beast + Big Band.” Besides the core quartet, the group featured nine of our closest string- and wind-playing friends, who also happen to be top-shelf North Carolina jazz and… Continue Reading
9th & MAN on CBS
I posted this CBS story about 9th Wonder and Mark Anthony Neal on Blackademics and felt Beast fans would appreciate it just as much. One of the core elements of Hip Hop is: knowledge, wisdom and understanding. I’m loving that Duke is getting a taste of the culture from these two juggernauts.… Continue Reading
Interfaith Dialogue: Songwriting Methodology
Today we’re giving a presentation to some engineering students about our creative process. When we write songs, often times we’ll improvise over a vamp or musical idea until a solid theme that we like crystalizes. Here’s an example of that: Interfaith Rehearsal Run This clip is one of our first rehearsal recordings of the song… Continue Reading
News & Observer praises: “Tar Heel-filled version of The Roots”
Wonderful spread in today’s News and Observer: check it out. I’m a little offended they don’t think I look like a “stately, seasoned gentlemen” but I guess that comes with the territory, lol! See yall tonight at the NC Museum of History. … Continue Reading