Black Wall Street is not only inspired by the horrific massacre and riot in 1921, but the booming Black community that existed in Greenwood, Oklahoma before that day.  I grew up viewing true socioeconomic dichotomies within my own family.  Unfortunately while I may have been doing well, I saw so much struggle amongst those who looked like me.  This project is my ode to Black excellence.  It is also my call for all people to explore the excellence within themselves.  We all have greatness within us and should not be censored or sabotaged.

I’ve known Jelani since 2007.  We played lots of music together at Berklee.  That’s where I met Godwin as well although this is our first time playing together.  I actually just recently began playing with the rest of the band.  True newness!  They were familiar faces from late night jam sessions and shows around New York. The energy just sort of clicked.  I’m a creature of habit.  If it ain’t broke why fix it.

You’ll hear music based on my experience growing up in Brooklyn, New York.  Black Wall Street is about excellence and feeling regal in your own skin, so you’ll hear any music that made me feel great to be myself.  I grew up in a house deeply rooted in jazz so I can never get away from improvisational music.   My mothers generation was huge on House music so you can expect to dance!  When you’re from Brooklyn, and born in the 80s, it’s difficult not love Hip-Hop since it feels like it goes with the borough; the old one anyway.  It’s a huge melting pot of ‘feel-good’ music!