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Two masters of groove come together for some exceptional live performances this fall. Karriem Riggins, a legendary drummer and producer from Detroit — known for his collaborations with Common, Madlib, The Roots, and Erykah Badu — joins forces with J. Rocc, legendary West Coast DJ and founder of the Beat Junkies. Together, they blend live drums and turntables in a show where jazz, hip hop, and soul meet. A celebration of organic sound, improvisation, and the legacy of the Stones Throw label. A rare sound experience between rhythmic virtuosity and sample culture.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Karriem Riggins found sanctuary in music from an early age. His father,
Emmanuel Riggins, played with the renowned Grant Green Band; he introduced Karriem to many
jazz greats and their shared passion for creativity and precision. With a foundation of work ethic,
and a flair for the playful, Karriem developed his art into an industrious career as a drummer, record
producer, rapper, and DJ.
Karriem’s depth of sound, ranging from the pioneering to the nostalgic, can only come from a deep
understanding of the human experience. He feels that the blessing of music is found in the sincere
care put into its creation, and its ability to touch people and inspire.
Whether he’s working with his hip hop supergroup collective, August Greene (alongside Common
and Robert Glasper), or as Jahari Massamba Unit (his jazz duo with Madlib), Riggins is sure to show
his far-reaching range. Among his prolific list of collaborations and accolades, Riggins holds an
Emmy award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, was nominated for an Album of the Year
Grammy for his production with H.E.R., and has also lent his talent to Paul McCartney, Ray Brown,
Stevie Wonder, J. Dilla, The Roots, Norah Jones, and Erykah Badu. His work with these cultural
giants places Riggins among the few producers with the balance of vision, style, and technical
prowess to steer effortlessly between the most revered players in jazz, hip-hop, and R&B.
One of the original turntablist , J.Rocc, founded the Beat Junkies – a hip hop crew of DJ’s specializing in turntablism – in Los Angeles together with DJ Curse, Melo-D and Rhettmatic. Soon after forming, the Beat Junkies became a seminal force in the ride of DJ crews with members DJ Babu, Mr. Choc plus Shortkut and D-Styles from the Invisibl Skratch Piklz.
J.Rocc is known for creating classic mixes for labels such as Rawkus (Soundbombing 2), Blue Note (Droppin’ Science), Jazzman (vs.J.Rocc), Salsoul Vs. West End and 2 mixes for the streetwear brand Supreme. He has also shared the stage with legends like J Dilla, Madlib, Moodymann, Peanut, Butter Wold, Egyptian Lover, Jazzy Jeff, Giles Peterson, Kaytranada, Dam Funk, Andre 3000, Azymuth and DJ Koco.
