“The listenability of his music, especially how he successfully draws influence from a variety of genres, is also helping to connect him to a widespread audience, with fans of R&B, hip hop, soul, pop and rock all able to find something to like in JSWISS.” - The Source Magazine
JSWISS’ Highly Anticipated Album, “You Never Really Know”
“JSWISS — That young MC is really overdue for a big splash. I can’t even talk about it. Hopefully this is the one.”
JSWISS has released the most highly anticipated album of his career, You Never Really Know, which is his first solo project in five years. The project dropped first on Bandcamp, where it was highlighted as a “New & Notable” project for the week, with the platform saying, “JSWISS returns with a big, jubilant record driven by his dizzying flow, firing away over dreamy production.” The album is primarily produced by Paul Bloom, with additional production and features from the likes of CARRTOONS, Eric Roberson, Carmen Rodgers, Sly5thAve, Amma Whatt, and more incredible artists.
Prior to public release, the album received critical acclaim from the likes of hip-hop legend and Video Music Box founder Ralph McDaniels, Okayplayer host Donwill, Jazz FM radio host Tony Minvielle, and hip-hop legend Chuck D, who called JSWISS’ a “gifted storyteller” before playing the single “Make Space” on his radio show.
JSWISS Urges Listeners to “Slow Down”
“Slow Down is proof of JSWISS’ ability to merge genres and deliver deep messages, thus solidifying his status as a transformative figure in contemporary hip-hop.”
“Whatever happens it’s gonna happen, I just got to slow down”, spits in the chorus to his new single “Slow Down” produced by producer/drummer Charles Burchell a.k.a. BLVK SAMuRaI. The beat was created on the train from Deauville to Paris, France after Burchell played drums with JSWISS and Michael Leonhart for a festival date with a band that also included bassist Raffaele Trapasso and the late saxophonist Casey Benjamin.
JSWISS & Eric Roberson Share The Plight of “Superman”
2-time Grammy Award nominated Eric Roberson joins JSWISS for a relatable and inspirational single about the burden that comes with having a gift, responsibilities and the empathy to want to carry the world on your back. Released during Mens Mental Health Awareness Month, “Superman” pairs well with JSWISS’ previously released songs “Be” and “Strong Friend”, which are all produced by Paul Bloom, and all speak to the difficulties of maintaining positive mental health amidst all of life’s demands.
JSWISS SHARES POWERFUL, HEALING MESSAGE ON NEW SINGLE “BE”FEATURING CHANDANIE
On his first solo release in more than a year JSWISS bears all and sends the message “Be kind to yourself. Be present.” That the overarching theme on the Paul Bloom-produced single “Be” featuring vocals from another one of JSWISS’ frequent collaborators, Chandanie.
MICHAEL LEONHART & JSWISS’ SUPERCHARGED “THE CHASE (STRINGS ATTACHED)” WITH KEYON HARROLD & DJ LOGIC
“Jazz meets hip-hop in a classical arena, ‘The Chase’ is given a boost of fresh energy.”
Duo Michael Leonhart & JSWISS bolster their already dynamic and cinematic single “The Chase” from their debut album Bona Fide by adding an all-star string quartet (Mazz Swift, Dana Lyn, Marika Hughes, Jessica Troy) and innovator DJ Logic to the mix. The track also feature Grammy Award winning trumpeter Keyon Harrold, who was featured on the original. The new arrangement makes for a standout track that unlike anything you’ll typically hear in the landscape of hip-hop today.
Sly5thAve & JSWISS Put World on Notice With Somebody’s Gotta Do It
“‘Somebody’s Gotta Do It’ is the collaborative project from Brooklyn-based producer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger Sly5thAve and accomplished MC JSWISS. Operating seamlessly at the intersection between Hip-Hop and Jazz, the release embodies the improvisational energy of the world of New York jam sessions and pen mics.
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UK-based label Tru Thoughts delivers the debut collaborative project from JSWISS and producer Sly5thAve, featuring contributions from MonoNeon, Jermaine Holmes and more. The impressive project features somethings for anyone regardless of musical tastes, illustrating JSWISS’ strong hook writing abilities and storytelling skills.
Michael Leonhart & JSWISS join forces for debut album bona fide
“Michael Leonhart and rapper JSWISS deliver an airtight listening experience with the release of Bona Fide.”
After initially joining forces for a 2019 performance featuring JSWISS with the Michael Leonhart Orchestra, and following two years of working on original music remotely through a pandemic, Leonhart and JSWISS release their anticipated debut full-length album as a duo.
Leonhart handles all production duties and plays multiple instruments, while also calling on contributions from Grammy-winning trumpeter Keyon Harrold, drummers Nick Movshon and Homer Steinweiss (Amy Winehouse, El Michels Affair, The Dap Kings), woodwind player Chris Bullock (Snarky Puppy) and guitarist Bill Frisell. JSWISS handles all lyrical duties, covering a variety of topics including love and Black excellence, with a four-song collection of tracks pulling inspiration directly from themes found in Brazilian author Paulo Coelho’s book Manuscript Found In Accra.
JSWISS sets the scene for a “Beautiful Morning” on his latest
For the last installment in his successful series, AWTHENTIC FIRST THURSDAYS exclusively on BANDCAMP, JSWISS delivers a “Beautiful Morning” with production from frequent collaborator, producer Paul Bloom. This hip, upbeat track is a perfect daily mantra as the world opens up again and we set out on a new journey in the new normal. Dope beat, infectious vibe and signature lyrical prowess indeed give rise to a “Beautiful Morning.”
jswiss gives an apt call during pivotal times to check in on your, “Strong Friend” for his latest
For the latest installment in his series, FIRST THURSDAYS, exclusively on BandCamp, JSWISS delivers the insightful gem, “Strong Friend” featuring production from frequent collaborator, producer Paul Bloom. The track provides a timely message and an important suggestion not only in this month of May designated as Mental Health Awareness Month but always.
JSWISS GETS EVEN “BETTER” FOR HIS LATEST RELEASE WITH U’NIQUE MUSIC AND MARCUS MACHADO
JSWISS delivers his latest, “Better,” an inspiring mantra for daily consumption with a dope beat and vibe to make you believe it. On the track he teams up with frequent collaborators, accomplished producer, U’Nique Music and sought-after guitarist, Marcus Machado for the third installment in his monthly series, FIRST THURSDAYS exclusively on BandCamp
JSWISS delivers “Once Again”with guests Mark Whitfield and Ben Williams
JSWISS releases the track “Once Again” which features acclaimed jazz musicians, guitarist Mark Whitfield and bassist Ben Williams with production from talented multi-instrumentalist, Paul Bloom.
The hot track came about as a result of a performance series JSWISS was doing once a month prior to the pandemic called The Lab. These were musical think tanks where JSWISS would workshop ideas live with a revolving set of musicians he's been wanting to play with and see where they lead. On one of the performances guitarist Mark Whitfield sat in as a guest with a band that included Ben Williams and they did this song. It was a huge crowd pleaser and encouraged the recording with this same stellar squad.
JSWISS AND MICHAEL LEONHART STRIKE GOLD WITH THE ALCHEMY EP
Undeterred by the limitations of the pandemic, JSWISS and Grammy - winning trumpeter, Michael Leonhart deliver the complete and anticipated duo project, The Alchemy EP.
With the book, Manuscript Found in Accra, by renowned novelist Paulo Coelho serving in part as inspiration, the five-song EP, which includes standout singles, “BLACKOUT," “On The Money” and “Defeat” boasts dynamic arrangements and top-notch lyricism, while offering musical vibes that combine raw, hip hop beats and orchestral soundscapes. Available now on BandCamp and all major platforms. Check out The Alchemy EP promo video and project below.
swiss, bloom, blaxx GETS A NEW HOME
JSWISS, with accomplished musicians, keyboardist/producer Paul Bloom and drummer/producer Joe Blaxx, teamed up for a special virtual mini - concert recorded remotely during the pandemic from the home of each artist. Hot new songs were written specifically for the presentation. Those tracks have now been made available as a special release including a stripped-down, intimate version of the song, “Last Time,” exclusively on Bandcamp. Go to Bandcamp or the player below to check out the project. Click HERE to check out the performance.
JSWISS GIVES US WHAT WE “ALWAYS KNEW” WITH HELP FROM NICHOLAS PAYTON
Grammy - winning trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist, Nicholas Payton joins JSWISS for the single “Always Knew” produced by accomplished producer, U’Nique Music. JSWISS came to the attention of Payton when the emcee was a guest performer with acclaimed drummer Chris ‘Daddy’ Dave and his group, The Drumhedz at the Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC. That meeting led to SWISS, guesting with Payton for several of his shows. The two hooking up on the track not only proves to be a winning collab, but also a fitting testament to the song’s proclamation. Of JSWISS, Payton says, “ “[JSWISS’] whole vibe and energy, it’s now, but it’s reminiscent of what I loved about hip hop . . . It’s a pleasure to be working with someone who’s bringing that part of the music forward and making that statement today. It’s needed.” Check out the in-studio, video promo with the two of them HERE
JSWISS drops new single, “In Time”
Adding an asterisk to his acclaimed, full length project, Every Word Is A Dollar, JSWISS drops the soulful new single, “In Time,” featuring acclaimed drummer Daru Jones (Jack White, Pete Rock, Nas, Black Milk) and Grammy -award winning vocalist, Jermaine Holmes (D’Angelo, Keyon Harrold, Marcus Strickland). “JSWISS’s pen game is one of the sharpest out. Pay Attention!” - Daru Jones
“What you will hear on Every Word is a Dollar is an MC in JSWISS who is lyrically tight, an excellent storyteller who is well capable of giving listeners a wealth of substance that many long-time fans of the great genre of hip-hop have been craving."- Soultracks.com
JSWISS stretches beyond the old adage of “A penny for your thoughts” to suggest, Every Word Is A Dollar, the title of his riveting, critically acclaimed, full-length project.
Every Word Is A Dollar shows the heralded emcee at the peak of his game. On display is as an astute storyteller and adept performer, boasting an eclectic backdrop of top notch musicality and brandishing a confident, unique flow. The talented emcee shifts through facets of life, chronicling it’s harsh realities, adversities and rampant injustices while at the same time offering solutions and sounding a motivational call to pursue your dreams with unbridled commitment and purpose.
With an eclectic musical mix that incorporates strands of hip hop, soul, jazz, and rock,the project features a stellar cast of accomplished musicians and guest vocalists including Amma Whatt (Nate Smith’s Kinfolk), and Marcus Machado (Pete Rock, Robert Glasper, José James) and outstanding tracks, “Rich”, The Gift, “Withdrawal” and more.
“Simply put, No Music is an incredible introduction to an artist determined to rise higher than where he was yesterday and is achieving his goals one well-executed project at a time.” - The Source
The No Music EP features production and performances from a cast of talented and accomplished artists – multi-instrumentalist/producer, Brady Watt, keyboard extraordinaire, Nick Rolfe, multi-award winning, powerhouse vocalist, Maya Azucena and members of the very talented and burgeoning jazz/funk/fusion squad, Phantom Pop
ALLCAPNOSPACES EP -Release 2015
JSWISS has incessantly proven time and time again that he has both the skill and diligence to carry the torch of his esteemed idols. - 2Dopeboyz