Jneiro Jarel
Encyclopedia
Jneiro Jarel is a United States
-based music
producer. For over a decade he has provided listeners with an eclectic mix of sounds ranging from hip hop, to electronica, to electro-pop, to Brazilian funk, to bass music. Noted for his abstract style, he is also known for his beat-making alias Dr. Who Dat? and his group Shape of Broad Minds who've shared the stage with artists ranging from Jay-Z
to Radiohead
. He has collaborated with artists such as Damon Albarn
(as DRC Music), Khujo
Goodie (as Willie Isz
), MF DOOM
, Massive Attack
, TV on the Radio
, and David Andrew Sitek
, among others.
In the early 1990s APB disbanded and Jarel (now going by Gwizzo) started a new collective called The Ozarkians (aka The OZ's, pronounced Oh-zees), which included many of his friends, as well as former APB members Tarek Gibbs (now Seveno 007) and Anton Bennett (now Quipto). Other members included brother and sister Michael Thomas (Kwezzo) and Candis Thomas (Kyzzo), Dashaunda Baldwin (Dizzo), Greg Alix (Cereo), and a few others.
In 1992 Jarel formed the spin off group The Pslum Kedz (aka Rhythmic Crew). This group consisted of Jarel (now going by both Gwizzo and Phish Bone), Anton Bennett (now going by Egg head), Michael Thomas (now Alley Cat), Greg Alix (Aahtue), and Nahuma Holiday (Nahuma). Initially more of an emcee, Jarel eventually became the primary producer for the group in '93. Although the group was doing shows and even performing with prominent acts such as The Pharcyde, Prodigy of Mobb Deep, and The Geto Boys, various circumstances caused them to disband. The most significant being the incarceration of Anton Bennett, who's been in prison for over a decade. This was especially difficult for Jarel and caused him to take a "spiritual hiatus" to reevaluate his life.
later discovered JJ through MP3.com and instantly had him opening up for Julie Dexter, Lord Finesse and others. It was during this time that JJ honed his production skills and started to build a buzz behind the board. In 2003 he signed to indie label Kindred Spirits. Later that year he was the sole representative from New York to participate and perform at Red Bull Music Academy
in Cape Town, South Africa .
and shortly thereafter released Beat Journey and later Beyond 2morrow, under the alias Dr. Who Dat? Eventually Jarel linked with old time friend Jawwaad to feature him in the fictitious group Shape of Broad Minds', later releasing the album Craft of the Lost Art
( Lex Records
/ Label Who,2007). Following Craft... was Amazonica (2001–2004) with his fictitious group Capital Peoples (Label Who 2009), and Georgiavania with his Atlanta based, space crunk group Willie Isz in 2009.
, this progressive, futuristic sound fuses hip hop with electronica, and has gained traction and popularity in recent years on the Low End Theory/Brainfeeder scene. Though Jneiro's sound is often being described as "experimental" and "psychedelic", he simply calls it "The Viberian Experience", where various musical styles and influences have beautifully coalesced to become something all its own. The sound is ever changing because Jneiro himself is constantly evolving. Add the extra element of a deliberate attempt to weave visual art into his work and one could easily call this "conceptual music". This artistic approach has garnered him respect and adoration among fans and peers alike (as noted on Pitchfork.com), and has served as a conduit for notable creative ventures with labels such as Lex Records
and ""Kindred Spirits"".
2010 found Jneiro with two releases; Android Love Mayhem EP (released April 13, 2010 on Label Who) and the Brazilian beat project Fauna (released September 30, 2010 on Kindred Spirits / Label Who).
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
-based music
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
producer. For over a decade he has provided listeners with an eclectic mix of sounds ranging from hip hop, to electronica, to electro-pop, to Brazilian funk, to bass music. Noted for his abstract style, he is also known for his beat-making alias Dr. Who Dat? and his group Shape of Broad Minds who've shared the stage with artists ranging from Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
to Radiohead
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
. He has collaborated with artists such as Damon Albarn
Damon Albarn
Damon Albarn is an English singer-songwriter and record producer who has been involved in many high profile projects, coming to prominence as the frontman and primary songwriter of Britpop band Blur...
(as DRC Music), Khujo
Khujo
Khujo is an American hip hop musician who was born on March 13, 1972 in Atlanta, Georgia.He has child name NaToya Knight. He is one-fourth of Goodie Mob , and one-half of The Lumberjacks . He is also the only featured guest to appear on every single Outkast album, including Big Boi's solo album...
Goodie (as Willie Isz
Willie Isz
Willie Isz is a United States alternative hip-hop duo comprising Jneiro Jarel and Khujo Goodie. Their first studio album Georgiavania was released in 2009....
), MF DOOM
MF Doom
Daniel Dumile is a hip hop artist who has taken on several stage names in his career, most notably MF DOOM, where the "MF" stands for metal face, and for tracks he has produced, metal fingers...
, Massive Attack
Massive Attack
Massive Attack are an English DJ and trip hop duo from Bristol, England consisting of Robert "3D" Del Naja and Grant "Daddy G" Marshall. Working with co-producers, as well as various session musicians and guest vocalists, they make records and tour live. The duo are considered to be of the trip...
, TV on the Radio
TV on the Radio
TV on the Radio is an American art rock band formed in 2001 in Brooklyn, New York, whose music spans numerous diverse genres, from post-punk to electro and free jazz to soul music....
, and David Andrew Sitek
David Andrew Sitek
David Andrew Sitek is a guitarist and record producer based in New York City, best known as a member of the band TV on the Radio. He has also worked with bands such as Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Liars, Foals, Celebration, and most recently Jane's Addiction, and produced free jazz-influenced remixes of songs...
, among others.
Early Life and career
Jneiro Jarel was Born in Brooklyn, New York, spending the first few years of his life in the Brownsville neighborhood. His family would later relocate from Brooklyn to Atlanta when he was five years old. Being that his mother was in the military, Jarel lived in a number of places (Georgia, Maryland, Arizona, etc.), before finally touching down in Houston, TX in 1983.The Houston years 1983–1998
In 1989 Jarel, his cousin Tarek Gibbs, and best friend Anton Bennett formed a group called Top Gauge Posse, later changing the name to Aliens From the Planet Brooklyn (APB). The trio went by the monikers MC Jarel G, Just Chill, and KCL and quickly landed gigs with established artists like, Hi Five, YZ and Special Ed.In the early 1990s APB disbanded and Jarel (now going by Gwizzo) started a new collective called The Ozarkians (aka The OZ's, pronounced Oh-zees), which included many of his friends, as well as former APB members Tarek Gibbs (now Seveno 007) and Anton Bennett (now Quipto). Other members included brother and sister Michael Thomas (Kwezzo) and Candis Thomas (Kyzzo), Dashaunda Baldwin (Dizzo), Greg Alix (Cereo), and a few others.
In 1992 Jarel formed the spin off group The Pslum Kedz (aka Rhythmic Crew). This group consisted of Jarel (now going by both Gwizzo and Phish Bone), Anton Bennett (now going by Egg head), Michael Thomas (now Alley Cat), Greg Alix (Aahtue), and Nahuma Holiday (Nahuma). Initially more of an emcee, Jarel eventually became the primary producer for the group in '93. Although the group was doing shows and even performing with prominent acts such as The Pharcyde, Prodigy of Mobb Deep, and The Geto Boys, various circumstances caused them to disband. The most significant being the incarceration of Anton Bennett, who's been in prison for over a decade. This was especially difficult for Jarel and caused him to take a "spiritual hiatus" to reevaluate his life.
The New York years 1998–2004
After The Pslum Kedz' breakup, Jarel decided to move back to New York in 1998. Upon his return he officially changed his name to 'Jneiro Jarel' and quickly became a fixture in Okayplayer's "Black Lily" gigs at The Wetlands and Butterfly Cafe. In 2000 he started his own label Orienj Recordings (now Label Who), releasing his first EP as a solo artist, Section A. Public Enemy producer Hank Shocklee of The Bomb SquadThe Bomb Squad
The Bomb Squad is an American hip hop production team, known for their work with the rap group Public Enemy. The Bomb Squad are noted for their dense, distinct, innovative production style, often utilizing dozens of samples on just one track...
later discovered JJ through MP3.com and instantly had him opening up for Julie Dexter, Lord Finesse and others. It was during this time that JJ honed his production skills and started to build a buzz behind the board. In 2003 he signed to indie label Kindred Spirits. Later that year he was the sole representative from New York to participate and perform at Red Bull Music Academy
Red Bull Music Academy
The Red Bull Music Academy is an annual international music event where up and coming producers, singers, arrangers, DJs and musicians get the opportunity to learn from top industry professionals.- History :...
in Cape Town, South Africa .
The Philly years 2004–2009
2004 saw Jarel relocating once again; this time to Phillidelphia. Through his success in the indie-music scene he was able to work with some of the city's most influential hip-hop artists Rich Medina and King Britt. He also began to develop himself more as a producer, collaborating with Jazzanova, Count Bass D, Dego, Lizz Fields, Tiombe Lockhart, Fertile Ground, & Vinia Mojica. From 2004 on forward Jarel has released a number of albums; Timeless Vol. 1 (Label Who,2004), Three Piece Puzzle (Kindred Spirits / Label Who, 2004, which also re-released a U.S. version in collaboration with Rope-a-Dope). In 2006 he signed a new deal with Lex RecordsLex Records
Lex Records is an independent record label founded by Tom Brown in 2001. The label was an imprint of Warp Records and run from their North London offices, until September 2005.Lex has a low volume of releases, rarely releasing more than three albums annually...
and shortly thereafter released Beat Journey and later Beyond 2morrow, under the alias Dr. Who Dat? Eventually Jarel linked with old time friend Jawwaad to feature him in the fictitious group Shape of Broad Minds', later releasing the album Craft of the Lost Art
Craft of the Lost Art
Craft of the Lost Art is the first album by Jneiro Jarel with his project group Shape Of Broad Minds. The group is Jneiro Jarel, three of Jarel's characters, and multi-instrumentalist Jawwaad Taylor. The group is partly make-believe, with Jarel really playing several members of the group, Craft of...
( Lex Records
Lex Records
Lex Records is an independent record label founded by Tom Brown in 2001. The label was an imprint of Warp Records and run from their North London offices, until September 2005.Lex has a low volume of releases, rarely releasing more than three albums annually...
/ Label Who,2007). Following Craft... was Amazonica (2001–2004) with his fictitious group Capital Peoples (Label Who 2009), and Georgiavania with his Atlanta based, space crunk group Willie Isz in 2009.
The Los Angeles years 2009-Present
Jneiro Jarel's music has been cited as having been a major influence on a, relatively new, genre that has so many complexities it's difficult to define. Having been dubbed as Wonky (music)Wonky (music)
Wonky is an often debated term used to describe a tendency to use mid-range unstable synths, complex and unusual time signatures that appeared before summer 2008, among a range of musical genres, including hip hop , IDM, grime, chiptune, dubstep, 90's g-funk, crunk, electro, skweee, breaks &...
, this progressive, futuristic sound fuses hip hop with electronica, and has gained traction and popularity in recent years on the Low End Theory/Brainfeeder scene. Though Jneiro's sound is often being described as "experimental" and "psychedelic", he simply calls it "The Viberian Experience", where various musical styles and influences have beautifully coalesced to become something all its own. The sound is ever changing because Jneiro himself is constantly evolving. Add the extra element of a deliberate attempt to weave visual art into his work and one could easily call this "conceptual music". This artistic approach has garnered him respect and adoration among fans and peers alike (as noted on Pitchfork.com), and has served as a conduit for notable creative ventures with labels such as Lex Records
Lex Records
Lex Records is an independent record label founded by Tom Brown in 2001. The label was an imprint of Warp Records and run from their North London offices, until September 2005.Lex has a low volume of releases, rarely releasing more than three albums annually...
and ""Kindred Spirits"".
2010 found Jneiro with two releases; Android Love Mayhem EP (released April 13, 2010 on Label Who) and the Brazilian beat project Fauna (released September 30, 2010 on Kindred Spirits / Label Who).
As Jneiro Jarel
- Timeless Vol. 1 (2004) Label Who
- Three Piece Puzzle (2004) Kindred Spirits/Label Who
- Android Love Mayhem (2010) Label Who
- Beyond 2morrow - Re-release (2010) Label Who
- FaunaFaunaFauna or faunæ is all of the animal life of any particular region or time. The corresponding term for plants is flora.Zoologists and paleontologists use fauna to refer to a typical collection of animals found in a specific time or place, e.g. the "Sonoran Desert fauna" or the "Burgess shale fauna"...
(2010) Kindred Spirits/Label Who
As Dr. Who Dat?
- Beat Journey (2006) LexLex RecordsLex Records is an independent record label founded by Tom Brown in 2001. The label was an imprint of Warp Records and run from their North London offices, until September 2005.Lex has a low volume of releases, rarely releasing more than three albums annually...
- Rhyme Cycle EP (2006) LexLex RecordsLex Records is an independent record label founded by Tom Brown in 2001. The label was an imprint of Warp Records and run from their North London offices, until September 2005.Lex has a low volume of releases, rarely releasing more than three albums annually...
- Beyond 2morrow (2009) LexLex RecordsLex Records is an independent record label founded by Tom Brown in 2001. The label was an imprint of Warp Records and run from their North London offices, until September 2005.Lex has a low volume of releases, rarely releasing more than three albums annually...
With Shape of Broad Minds
- The Blue Experience EP (2007) LexLex RecordsLex Records is an independent record label founded by Tom Brown in 2001. The label was an imprint of Warp Records and run from their North London offices, until September 2005.Lex has a low volume of releases, rarely releasing more than three albums annually...
- Craft of the Lost ArtCraft of the Lost ArtCraft of the Lost Art is the first album by Jneiro Jarel with his project group Shape Of Broad Minds. The group is Jneiro Jarel, three of Jarel's characters, and multi-instrumentalist Jawwaad Taylor. The group is partly make-believe, with Jarel really playing several members of the group, Craft of...
(2007) LexLex RecordsLex Records is an independent record label founded by Tom Brown in 2001. The label was an imprint of Warp Records and run from their North London offices, until September 2005.Lex has a low volume of releases, rarely releasing more than three albums annually...
EPs
- Dr Who Dat? - Rhyme Cycle (2006) LexLex RecordsLex Records is an independent record label founded by Tom Brown in 2001. The label was an imprint of Warp Records and run from their North London offices, until September 2005.Lex has a low volume of releases, rarely releasing more than three albums annually...
- Shape of Broad Minds - Blue Experience (2007) LexLex RecordsLex Records is an independent record label founded by Tom Brown in 2001. The label was an imprint of Warp Records and run from their North London offices, until September 2005.Lex has a low volume of releases, rarely releasing more than three albums annually...
- Jneiro Jarel - Android Love Mayhem (2010) Label Who
Singles/ 7"
- Jneiro Jarel - Big Bounce Theory/ Quantum Leap (2005) Kindred Spirits
- Amazonica / See Them Cry ft. Cilla K 7" (2010) Kindred Spirits/Label Who
Production
Note: excluding Jneiro Jarel project releases- Stacy Epps - Ruff Drafts Volume 1 (CDr, Ltd) Rhyme Cycle (Ageless Daisy) (2006)
- John Robinson - The Experiment (2008) Fat City
- John Robinson - Vocal Overload (2008) Fat City
Remix Production
- Maximum Balloon - Groove Me (feat. Theophilus London) (Jneiro Jarel Remix) (2010) Interscope
- Arthur Verocai – “Balada 45″ (Like A Brazilian Girl Remix) (2010) Mochilla
- Bjork - My Juvenile (Jneiro Jarel's Minimal Animal Remix) (2009)
- Massive Attack - Atlas Air (Jneiro Jarel's Lavender Jungle Remix) (2009)
- Maxwell-Pretty WIngs (Jneiro Jarel's Willie Isz Remix) (2009)
- DOOM -Gazzilion Ear (Dr Who Dat? Remix) (2009) Lex
- DOOM -Gazzilion Ear (Jneiro Jarel feat Dave Sitek Remix) (2009) Lex
- Steven Wilson -Harmony Korine (David A. Sitek and Jneiro Jarel Magnetized Nebula Mix) (2009) Kscope
- TV On The Radio - Shout Me Out Remix (2009) Interscope
- Fertile Ground - Remixes 01 (12") Yellow Daisies (Jneiro Jarel Remix) (2005) P-Vine Records
- Champion Souls -Holdin' On (Dr Who Dat? Remix By Jneiro Jarel) (2005) Sunshine Enterprise
- Build An Ark -Vibes From The Tribe (12", EP) Vibes From The Tribe (2005) Plug Research
- Sonar Kollektiv 4 - (CD) Crush On You (Dr. Who Dat? Remix) (2005) Sonar Kollektiv
- Sweet City - (12") Crush On You (Dr. Who Dat? Remix) (2005) Sonar Kollektiv
- Recloose - Dust (Remixes) (12") Dust (Rocque Wun Mix) (2005) Kindred Spirits
- Vassy - My Affection (CD) My Affection Fly Music (Australia) (2005) Warner Music (Australia)
Co-production
- Rich Medina - Connecting The Dots (2xLP) Choklit Ninja Kindred Spirits 2005
Mix
Note: excluding Jneiro Jarel project releases- Rich Medina - Steppin' Again / Mindgames (Sneaky Pete Edit) (2004) Blue Note, Ropeadope Records
DJ Mixes
- Houston We Got A Solution (File, MP3) (2005)
- Someday Afternoon (File, MP3) (2005)
- Andrew Meza's BTS Radio (File, MP3) (2007)
- Return of The Shoegaze (File, MP3) (2008)
Appears On
- Kid Sublime - Basement Soul (CD) Lookin' At Me (2005) Kindred Spirits
- Breakthrough - Breakthrough (CD) Not Tomorrow But, No Game (2005) Pantone
- Rich Medina - Connecting The Dots (2xLP) Blues Baby (2005) Kindred Spirits
- Rich Medina -Connecting The Dots (2xLP) Choklit Ninja (2005) Kindred Spirits
- Rich Medina - Connecting The Dots (2xLP) Weight (2005) Kindred Spirits
- King Britt Presents Jazzmental (CD) Chea Chea (2005) Slip 'n' Slide
- Ohmega Watts - Watts Happening (2xCD, Album) Eyes And Ears (2007) Ubiquity Records
Compilations
- Soul Purpose Is To Move You: Kindred Spirits Collection (CD) Sun Walkers, Eeee Love... (2004) P-Vine Records
- Witness Future Vintage (Vol. 1) (CD, Comp) Sun Walkers, Doinis!! (2004) Kindred Spirits
- Habitat Collection: Fireside (2xCD) Lookin' At Me (2005) Kinkysweet Recordings
- Rush Hour Mixed Series Vol.01 - Red Knows (CD) Soul Starr, Big Bounce Theory (2005) Rush Hour Recordings
- Undercover Cuts 21 (CD, Enh, Promo) Doinis!! (2005) Undercover Mag
- Jimmy Woo One (CD, Dig) Lookin' At Me (2006) United Recordings
- Witness Future Vintage (Vol. 2) (CD, Comp) Big Bounce Theory Part 2 (2007) Kindred Spirits
- Shape of Broad Minds - Picante Unique Uncut Records (2007)
External links
- Dr. Who Dat? - at Lex RecordsLex RecordsLex Records is an independent record label founded by Tom Brown in 2001. The label was an imprint of Warp Records and run from their North London offices, until September 2005.Lex has a low volume of releases, rarely releasing more than three albums annually...
- Jneiro Jarel aka Dr Who Dat? - Twitter
- Jneiro Jarel aka Dr Who Dat? - Official Facebook Fan Page
- Jneiro Jarel/Dr. Who Dat? - MySpace
- Shape of Broad Minds - MySpace
- Jneiro Jarel at DiscogsDiscogsDiscogs, short for discographies, is a website and database of information about audio recordings, including commercial releases, promotional releases, and bootleg or off-label releases. The Discogs servers, currently hosted under the domain name discogs.com, are owned by Zink Media, Inc., and are...
- Jneiro Jarel on Andrew Meza's BTS Radio