Off the Record

Published: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 5:01 am

Makaya McCraven: Jazz Meets Hip-Hop in a New Musical Alchemy

Chicago-based musician Makaya McCraven is redefining the boundaries of jazz with his innovative approach to music creation. McCraven's process involves a unique blend of live performance, meticulous editing, and hip-hop production techniques, resulting in a sound that is both improvisational and meticulously composed.

McCraven typically performs live with a group of talented musicians. He then transforms these recordings into new songs, employing a production style reminiscent of hip-hop. This approach allows him to create music that is both spontaneous and structured, drawing on the energy of live performance while incorporating the precision of studio production. When touring, McCraven adapts this material for his band to further develop.

His latest release, "Off the Record," a collection of four EPs, offers a glimpse into McCraven's evolution since his groundbreaking 2015 album, "In the Moment." The new set showcases different facets of McCraven's musical identity, from his skills as a percussionist to his abilities as a beatmaker. The variety in the music is enhanced by his collaborations with a diverse range of artists, including guitarist Jeff Parker and folklorist Ben LaMar Gay.

The common thread throughout "Off the Record" is McCraven's ability to blend jazz and hip-hop, transforming improvisation into composition. The EP "PopUp Shop," for example, features recordings from a 2015 concert. The track "Venice" demonstrates McCraven's editing techniques, with tight loops built from his drumming and Benjamin Shepherd's bass, highlighting a guitar solo. The album also features tracks like "Imafan," where McCraven allows for improvisational freedom while subtly manipulating the music through editing.

McCraven's approach, while drawing inspiration from artists like Teo Macero, is unique due to his combination of a jazz drummer's soul and a hip-hop producer's mind. His work demonstrates that "In the Moment" was not a one-off success but a foundation for his innovative approach to music.

BNN's Perspective: McCraven's work is a compelling example of how artists can push creative boundaries. His ability to fuse seemingly disparate genres is a testament to the evolving nature of music. While some may find the editing process a departure from traditional jazz, the resulting music is undeniably engaging and thought-provoking.

Keywords: Makaya McCraven, jazz, hip-hop, music, Off the Record, improvisation, composition, album, In the Moment, production, drummer, beatmaker, Jeff Parker, Ben LaMar Gay, Venice, PopUp Shop, Imafan, Justin Thomas, Teo Macero, Miles Davis

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