James Mtume passed away. He was a musician’s musician, without the stigma attached to it.
James was free. James, due to the times he was born in, was always at the intersection of fascinating things like free jazz and black liberation in the 60s. Or the intersection of funk and the emergence of the home studio and drum machines in the 80s.
Always extending.
He hooked up Herbie Hancock with eastern philosophies and programmed one of the best beat ever made, propelling 90s and 00s major hip-hop songs on dance floors, making millions of people sweat and smile.
That is such a beautiful achievement. Love you, James Mtume.