Makaya McCraven is a groundbreaking beat scientist, drummer, and producer known for his innovative blend of jazz and hip-hop. Born in Paris to jazz drummer Stephen McCraven and Hungarian folk singer Ágnes Zsigmondi, Makaya's multicultural heritage laid the foundation for his diverse and exploratory musical journey. Growing up, Makaya was immersed in music and the arts, and he quickly developed expertise in drumming. His career took a significant turn in Chicago, where he became a pivotal figure in the city's thriving jazz scene, performing with a host of talented musicians and contributing to its rich musical tapestry.

McCraven's work has redefined the borders between jazz and electronic music, with a focus on improvisational recording sessions followed by meticulous studio manipulation. Albums like "Universal Beings" and "In These Times" showcase his penchant for capturing live performance energy and reshaping it through cutting-edge production techniques. His carefully crafted "reimagining" projects, such as "We're New Again - A Reimagining by Makaya McCraven" - a reinterpretation of Gil Scott-Heron's final album - have garnered critical acclaim for their visionary approach to legacy and genre, further cementing McCraven's status as a torchbearer for the evolution of jazz music. With each release, from the dynamic layers of "Deciphering The Message" to the live remix in "The Thump Live (Makaya McCraven Remix)," Makaya continues to push musical boundaries, earn widespread recognition, and captivate audiences worldwide with his rhythmic ingenuity and transformative compositions.

Genres

Contemporary Jazz

Experimental Jazz

Indie Jazz

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Latest Release

Big Shot City (Makaya McCraven Interpolation)

Interpol•

Makaya McCraven

Single - Released April 19, 2023