In a time when the nation finds itself teetering between tension and transformation, Digital Underground co-founder Jimi “Chopmaster J” Dright aka Big Brutha Soul steps in with a timely gift: ‘The Kamala Album’. This soulful, genre-blending celebration isn’t merely a music release but a symbol of resilience, unity, and a vision for a brighter future. From the mastermind who helped lay the foundations of hip-hop culture, this album delivers more than beats and bars; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the friendship and shared legacy of Chopmaster J and his fifth-grade classmate, Vice President Kamala Harris, and a rallying cry for the potential her historic candidacy represents.
After surviving a harrowing trio of health scares, including a life-threatening fall, a triple bypass surgery, and a near-death experience, Chopmaster J views this chapter as his “bonus round.” It’s a season of revival, not just personally but for the entire country as it stands on the cusp of electing its first Black woman president. In collaboration with Ralph Tashjian’s Intercept Music, he brings a potent selection from his vast archive—a collection that reverberates with love, joy, and the spirit of change.
‘The Kamala Album’ is both deeply personal and universally resonant. As Chopmaster J recalls, “VP Kamala Harris and I attended Franklin Elementary School and were classmates in the fifth grade. I grew up and made an impact on the culture with music, while she impacted politics and is now running for the highest office in the land. Couple that with the fact that, after having survived an almost deadly fall, triple bypass surgery, and a near-death experience, I am now reuniting with a longtime industry friend, Ralph Tashjian, and partnering with his company, Intercept Music. The added detail that VP Harris, Tashjian, and I all share Bay Area roots is sweetly serendipitous to me.”
Every track on the album celebrates this crossroads of history, personal growth, and shared vision for the future. ‘The Kamala Album’ is no ordinary homage; it’s a vibrant, Bay Area-inspired tapestry woven from hip-hop, R&B, soul, and funk, underscored by the optimism that these genres intrinsically carry. From start to finish, the album carries listeners through a soundscape that feels both timeless and unmistakably relevant.
The ten tracks on ‘The Kamala Album’ are anything but filler; each piece feels like an expression of Chopmaster J’s heart and history, an homage to resilience and a testament to what he calls “music with moral power.” The opening track, “What’s it Gonna Be?” sets the tone with a rhythmic intensity that reflects the urgency of our moment, while tracks like “Over & Over” and “Berkeley Sunday” tap into the essence of West Coast groove and laid-back optimism, offering listeners a sonic breather.
One of the album’s standout pieces, “Spirit,” which originally graced the ‘Boys to the Hood’ soundtrack, finds fresh life here in an unreleased version that features Bay Area gospel luminary Tramaine Hawkins and The Interfaith Gospel Choir. This rendition, paired with the soulful stylings of R&B artist Dave Hollister, is a show-stopping fusion of gospel and hip-hop, creating a powerful crescendo of hope and possibility.
Ralph Tashjian, Chairman of Intercept Music, speaks to the impact Chopmaster J’s legacy has had on the culture, noting, “Chopmaster J and I go back to pre-Digital Underground days. I have watched him evolve into an incredible artist. His music archives include collaborations with artists like George Clinton, Dave Hollister, 2Pac’s first recordings as well as new music projects from his son S.O.T.U. and his band, D.U.Nx.G. I’m very excited about the *The Kamala Album* project and believe it is a major contribution to the culture!”
From the Bay Area, the birthplace of both Chopmaster J’s and VP Harris’ journeys, this album emanates the spirit of a community shaped by activism, diversity, and a fierce pride in its cultural contributions. Each song feels like a love letter to the Bay, with titles that echo local scenes and themes, such as “Berkeley Sunday” and “Moon Dotted Colored Rainbows.” Chopmaster J’s music, along with snippets of Harris’s speeches, elevates each track, creating a profound connection between the artist, his listeners, and the album’s muse. It’s a unique blend of sound and speech, a marriage of rhythm and rhetoric, that makes ‘The Kamala Album’ a testament to the idea that music can—and should—be a platform for social change.
Beyond just creating captivating tunes, Chopmaster J uses his platform to empower, uplift, and unify. With Intercept Music’s support, ‘The Kamala Album’ is poised to reach audiences worldwide, expanding the reach of its message. Intercept Music CEO Tod Turner highlights the impact of this collaboration: “Intercept Music takes pride in offering independent artists an unheralded digital platform with software and services that are unmatched in the industry. The music industry is a rapidly changing landscape, and often, beyond the creative endeavor of making the music, artists are overwhelmed by the many additional duties it takes to get their art to their fans. At Intercept Music, we consider ourselves their supportive home base. We welcome Chopmaster J and look forward to unleashing all the magic that he brings to our table.”
The album’s closing track, “…And The People Say,” encapsulates the album’s spirit, echoing the voices and hopes of a community yearning for change. It’s a powerful reminder that music has the unique ability to amplify collective emotion, bridging personal experience and public sentiment. ‘The Kamala Album’ reflects this ethos, using art to inspire dialogue and, ultimately, transformation.
In a world constantly in flux, ‘The Kamala Album’ arrives as a breath of fresh air, an effervescent blend of positivity, resilience, and hope. As much a celebration of friendship and survival as it is a call to action, Chopmaster J has once again used his talent to redefine what music can achieve, bridging gaps between genres, generations, and communities. By paying tribute to Vice President Kamala Harris, Chopmaster J isn’t just looking back; he’s looking forward, hoping to spark the kind of joy and unity that moves people to action.
‘The Kamala Album’ is available now through Intercept Music and all major streaming platforms, ready to bring its infectious grooves, inspired lyrics, and hopeful message to listeners worldwide. For fans old and new, it’s a reminder that, despite challenges, there is power in perseverance—and that through music, we can find the rhythm to push forward, together.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
https://youtu.be/8hEm2iOI4oE?si=cjggy37jVNNnJEMf
https://www.instagram.com/chopmasterj/
https://open.spotify.com/track/0ChPMhpuUosCmdvvvMCYJP?si=c05f51d2bd5a4a8e
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