Biography

Kamasi Washington's fifth studio album, Fearless Movement, is a testament to the concept of flexibility and adaptability. The album is not just about dance, but also serves as a metaphor for the practice of flexibility in music. Washington's music has been influenced by his ongoing study of music as a means of connection, with previous albums like The Epic and Heaven and Earth being big offerings that were heavy on choir and strings. Fearless Movement offers something different, being more rhythmic and incorporating rappers into his world.

Collaboration and a multi-disciplinary perspective are key to Washington's process, which keeps him creative. The release of Heaven and Earth was accompanied by a short film, "AS TOLD TO G/D THYSELF," made with filmmakers Bradford Young, Terence Nance, and Jenn Nkiru. Washington has also been involved in the musical'supergroup' DINNER PARTY, and his original score for the Michelle Obama documentary Becoming was nominated for Grammy and Primetime Emmy Awards in 2020.

Fearless Movement began during the global pandemic when Washington's daughter was born during the pandemic. He wanted to connect dance to his own music, and he used his collaborative instinct to record the melody, leaving open spaces for potential guests to fill. The album features collaborations with Andre 3000, rap's finest stylist, and other artists, fostering a tight-knit feeling that connects Washington's work to Black music in L.A. across time.

The album also features regular collaborators like vocalist Patrice Quinn, saxophonist Terrace Martin, bass player Thundercat, drummer Ronald Bruner Jr. DJ Battlecat, and BJ The Chicago Kid.