Jneiro Jarel

Last updated
Jneiro Jarel
Birth nameOmar Jarel Gilyard
Also known as
  • Dr. Who Dat?
  • Capital Peoples
  • Panama Blaque
  • Rocque Wun
  • Mel Owens
  • JJ Tron
  • Gwizzo
  • Phish Bone
Origin Brooklyn, New York, United States
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s)
Instrument(s)
Years active1989-present
Labels
Website www.jneirojarel.com

Omar Jarel Gilyard, known by his stage name Jneiro Jarel, is an American recording artist, music producer, composer and DJ. Recognized for his versatile, abstract, and often experimental style, [1] he is also known for his beat-making alias Dr. Who Dat? and his groups Willie Isz, JJ Doom and Shape of Broad Minds. [2] He has collaborated with artists such as Damon Albarn, Count Bass D, Massive Attack, TV on the Radio and Kimbra among others. [3] [4] [5]

Contents

History

Jarel was born in Brooklyn. He spent several years of his life living in Maryland, Arizona, Atlanta and Houston, before eventually moving back to New York City. It was in New York that he started his own label, Orienj Recordings (now Label Who?), and released his first EP as a solo artist. [6]

In 2003 he signed to indie record label Kindred Spirits, [7] and was the sole representative from New York to participate in and perform at Red Bull Music Academy in Cape Town, South Africa. [8]

In 2004 Jneiro moved to Philadelphia and, through his success in the indie music scene, was able to work with some of the city's most influential artists King Britt and Rich Medina. [9] [10]

He signed a multi-album record deal with Lex Records in 2006. [6] [11]

Career

2000–2005: Early career

Following the 2000 release of his Section A EP, [12] Jneiro also released his first full-length album, Timeless Volume 1 in 2004, via Label Who? [13] Over the next year he made a number of guest appearances and contributions on various projects, and release several promo singles and DJ mixes, [14] before jointly releasing his Three Piece Puzzle LP on, both, Kindred Spirits and Ropeadope Records in 2005. [6] The album was universally met with positive reception. [15] [16] [17]

2006–2011: Lex Records and mainstream recognition

2006 marked the beginning of Jarel's relationship with Lex Records, and saw the release of his critically acclaimed instrumental project, Beat Journey, under his Dr. Who Dat? alias. [18] [19] [20] The album cover art was designed by the UK based graphic artists collective, and frequent Lex Records collaborators, Ehquestionmark, [21] [22] best known for their previous work on The Mouse and the Mask and Ghetto Pop Life. The aesthetic approach featured in Beat Journey's art design would become a staple in Jneiro's future releases. [23] [24]

He followed up Beat Journey with his 2007 Lex release, Craft of the Lost Art , under the group name Shape of Broad Minds. [25] Like many of his previous works, Craft of the Lost Art saw Jarel incorporating several of his aliases on to the album, although this was the first time they would all converge in one place. [26] In addition to fellow group member and emcee Jawwaad Taylor, the project also included a number of features from MF Doom, Count Bass D, Stacy Epps and John Robinson. [25] Craft of the Lost Art widely received positive reviews, [27] [28] and saw Jneiro teaming with Ehquestionmark once more, for an artwork design that included a limited edition, glow-in-the-dark LP, as well as an EP, single and mixtape download. [24]

In early 2009 he revisited his Dr. Who Dat? alter ego for the digital-only release of Beyond 2morrow. [29] This instrumental EP would showcase the more experimental approach to production that was previously, but briefly, explored in some of Jneiro's earlier work. [30] Having been fully realized and embraced on this project, it would also help in solidifying his place among a growing musical genre that would later become popular in the Low End Theory and L.A. beat scene. [31]

That same year Jneiro teamed with Goodie Mob's Khujo Goodie to form the group Willie Isz. They released their debut project Georgiavania on June 15, 2009, via Lex Records. [32] The album features backing vocals from Tunde Adebimpe of TV on the Radio, [33] and continued the string of positive reception Jarel's work had come to know. [34] It would also set the stage for a number of collaborations between Jarel and TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek. [35] [36] [37] [38]

In 2010, Jarel signed a digital distribution deal with Alpha Pup Records, which resulted in the release of his Android Love Mayhem- EP and the reissue of Beyond 2morrow, as Jneiro Jarel. [39] Artwork for both EP's was handled by painter and muralist, and Three Piece Puzzle album cover designer, Joshua Mays. [40]

Jneiro also joined forces with Kindred Spirits again and released the Brazilian themed album Fauna. [41]

All three projects had heavy electronic overtones in their production, and continued to show Jarel's willingness to move away from more traditional sample based music, and explore beyond the rigid boundaries set in place by many musical genres. [42] [43] [44]

In 2011 Jneiro was handpicked by Damon Albarn to be a part of the, newly established, musical collective DRC Music (Democratic Republic of the Congo Music) group. Working in conjunction with Oxfam, the project's intention was to bring awareness to Oxfam's relief work in Congo, as well as give exposure to over fifty local Congolese musicians. Albarn assembled a team of ten producers, composed of Jarel, Dan the Automator, XL Recordings managers Richard Russell and Rodaidh McDonald, Kwes, Actress, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Marc Antoine, Alwest, and Remi Kabaka Jr. to work alongside local musicians in Kinshasa. The result was Kinshasa One Two ; an album recorded in five days, with all of its proceeds going towards Oxfam. It was released on Warp Records October 3, 2011. [45] [46]

2012–present: JJ Doom and Label Who

On December 16, 2011, a Dave Sitek remix of a JJ Doom track, titled "Rhymin' Slang", was posted on Pitchfork. [47] JJ Doom was revealed to be the pairing of Jneiro Jarel and Lex label mate MF Doom, which drew speculation at the time that the two were working on an album together. This suspicion was confirmed when Pitchfork later ran an article on February 16, 2012, detailing the album's title, Key to the Kuffs , and leaked one of its tracks "Banished". [48] A third track from the album, "Guv'nor", was posted on Pitchfork July 27, 2012. [49]

Key to the Kuffs was released August 20, 2012 on Lex Records. [50] Debuting at number 124 on the Billboard 200, [51] Key to the Kuffs received notable positive praise, [52] [53] eventually charting a total of six Billboard charts [54] and landing on several "Best Albums of 2012" lists. [55] [56] [57] It had a number of high-profile guest appearances, from previous Jneiro Jarel collaborators Damon Albarn and Khujo Goodie, to Beth Gibbons of Portishead. [50]

A video for the song "Guv'nor" premiered August 23, 2012. [58] Directed by Ninian Doff and presented by RizLab, [59] the video garnered attention for its use of an optical illusion/split-screen visual effect. [60] Later a video for the "Rhymin' Slang (JJ Tron Remix)" would be released, as an extension of the JJ Doom/RizLab project. [61]

The album artwork for Key to the Kuffs was designed by American graffiti artist Stephen "ESPO" Powers. [62] Powers would also later direct the music video for JJ Doom's "Bookhead". The video premiered June 19, 2013 and the track was featured on the expanded, deluxe edition of Key to the Kuffs, titled Key to the Kuffs (Butter Edition), [63] released August 20, 2013. [64] The "Butter Edition" also included the Dave Sitek "Rhymin' Slang" remix, as well as the previously released, alternative version of "Retarded Fren" by Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood. It also featured a number of guest contributions in the form of remixes, features and alternative versions from Beck, BadBadNotGood, Del the Funky Homosapien and Clams Casino. [65]

In August 2013, Jneiro Jarel announced (via Okayplayer) the official launch of his own record label, Label Who, with Ropeadope Records serving as digital distributor. [3]

Personal life

Jarel is married to Indigo. [66]

Discography

Jneiro Jarel

Dr. Who Dat?

Shape of Broad Minds

Willie Isz

Capital Peoples

DRC Music

JJ Doom

Productions

Remixes

Mixes

DJ Mixes

Guest appearances

Compilation appearances

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Danger Mouse (musician)</span> American musician, songwriter and producer

Brian Joseph Burton, known professionally as Danger Mouse, is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer. He came to prominence in 2004 when he released The Grey Album, which combined vocal performances from Jay-Z's The Black Album with instrumentals from the Beatles' The Beatles, also known as The White Album. In 2008, Esquire named him one of the "75 most influential people of the 21st century".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MF Doom</span> British-American rapper (1971–2020)

Daniel Dumile, best known by his stage name MF Doom or simply Doom, was a British-American rapper and record producer. Noted for his intricate wordplay, signature metal mask, and "supervillain" stage persona, Dumile became a major figure of underground hip hop and alternative hip hop in the 2000s. After his death, Variety described him as one of the scene's "most celebrated, unpredictable and enigmatic figures".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lex Records</span> British record label

Lex Records is a British independent record label based in Camden, London, England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madlib</span> American record producer from California

Otis Jackson Jr., known professionally as Madlib, is an American DJ, music producer, multi-instrumentalist, and rapper. He is widely known for his collaborations with MF Doom, J Dilla, and Freddie Gibbs. Madlib has described himself as a "DJ first, producer second, and MC last." His stage name is an acronym for "Mind Altering Demented Lessons In Beats".

Blak Twang, who also uses the pseudonyms Taipanic and Tony Rotton, is a British rapper who grew up in Deptford, Lewisham, South-East London.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dave Sitek</span> American musician and record producer

David Andrew Sitek is an American musician and record producer, known for his work with his band TV on the Radio. He has also worked with bands such as Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Liars, Foals, Celebration, Little Dragon, Beady Eye, and Weezer, and produced free jazz-influenced remixes of songs by artists such as Beck and Nine Inch Nails, and has contributed a solo track to the Red Hot Organization Dark Was the Night charity compilation. He is also a photographer and painter.

Bryan Charles Hollon, better known by his stage name Boom Bip, is an American record producer and musician. He is one half of Neon Neon along with Gruff Rhys. He is based in Los Angeles, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MF Doom discography</span>

British-American rapper and record producer Daniel Dumile, also known under several stage names, most notably MF DOOM, released six studio albums, two live albums, three compilation albums, 10 instrumental albums, seven collaborative albums, 14 singles, and 32 music videos in his career.

<i>Craft of the Lost Art</i> 2007 studio album by Shape of Broad Minds

Craft of the Lost Art is the first studio album by Shape of Broad Minds. It was released on Lex Records in 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Count Bass D</span> American rapper

Dwight Conroy Farrell, better known by his stage name Count Bass D, is an American rapper, record producer and multi-instrumentalist who resides in Millheim, Pennsylvania. His production style is characterised by layers of short MPC samples and film snippets complemented with live instrumentation, and eccentric lyrics laid atop.

<i>Dear Science</i> 2008 studio album by TV on the Radio

Dear Science is the third studio album by the band TV on the Radio. It was released on September 16, 2008, digitally through Touch and Go Records, with the physical release coming a week later through Interscope Records and DGC Records in North America and 4AD elsewhere.

<i>Read Silence</i> 2009 EP by TV on the Radio

Read Silence is a digital-only EP compilation of three song remixes from TV on the Radio's third studio album, Dear Science. It was released on April 14, 2009, on Interscope Records.

<i>Georgiavania</i> 2009 studio album by Willie Isz

Georgiavania is the only studio album by American hip hop duo Willie Isz. It was released on June 15, 2009, via Lex Records. Production was entirely handled by member Jneiro Jarel. It features contributions from Gloria Ryann and Tunde Adebimpe.

Willie Isz is an American alternative hip hop duo comprising Khujo of Goodie Mob and Jneiro Jarel of Shape of Broad Minds. Their first album Georgiavania was released on Lex Records in 2009.

JJ DOOM was an American alternative hip-hop duo composed of Jneiro Jarel and MF DOOM.

<i>Complex Volume 1</i> 2012 compilation album

Complex is an alternative hip hop compilation album released on Lex Records on 21 April 2012. It compiled the ten tracks that Lex had released digitally to mark its tenth anniversary.

<i>Key to the Kuffs</i> 2012 studio album by JJ Doom

Key to the Kuffs is a collaborative album by alternative hip hop artists Jneiro Jarel and MF DOOM under the moniker JJ Doom. It was released on Lex Records on August 20, 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Colton</span> English mastering engineer

Matt Colton is an English mastering engineer and member of the mastering group of the Music Producers Guild. He has mastered recordings for artists such as Muse, Coldplay, James Blake, George Michael, Hot Chip, Gary Numan, Peter Gabriel, Flume, Erasure, and Depeche Mode.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BadBadNotGood discography</span> BadBadNotGood Discography

The discography of BadBadNotGood, the Canadian instrumental jazz and hip-hop group, includes five solo studio albums as well as collaborative projects like 2015's Sour Soul with Ghostface Killah, and numerous singles. Collaborative since their origin, BBNG is well known for working with artists like Daniel Caesar, MF DOOM, Kali Uchis, and Mick Jenkins. Outside of their own output, BBNG are noted producers and songwriters and often work with fellow Canadian producers Frank Dukes and Kaytranada.

<i>Bookhead EP</i> 2014 EP by JJ Doom

Bookhead EP is a collaborative EP by alternative hip hop artists Jneiro Jarel and MF Doom under the moniker JJ Doom. It was released on Lex Records on February 17, 2014. It features 9 tracks from the 2013 Butter Edition re-release of Key to the Kuffs. The EP was re-released on Vinyl by Lex Records on May 22, 2017.

References

  1. ↑ "The Joy of Lex (#06 Extended Feature)". Bonafide Magazine. June 17, 2012. Archived from the original on April 25, 2013. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
  2. ↑ "Jneiro Jarel". Rate Your Music . Retrieved June 1, 2013.
  3. 1 2 Stats, Eddie (7 August 2013). "Jneiro Jarel Launches Label Who". okayplayer.com. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  4. ↑ Lamb, Karas (26 August 2014). "OKP Exclusive: Kimbra Talks 'The Golden Echo' LP + Jneiro Jarel x Kimbra – 'Echoes In Viberia' Mixtape Premiere". okayplayer.com. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  5. ↑ Swales, Kris. "Jneiro Jarel's Australian Debut With RBMA". Red Bull . Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  6. 1 2 3 Brown, Marisa. "Jneiro Jarel- Music Biography, Credits and Discography". Allmusic . Retrieved May 27, 2013.
  7. ↑ "Kindred Spirits Artist Profile-Jneiro Jarel". Kindred Spirits. Archived from the original on June 14, 2013. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
  8. ↑ "Jneiro Jarel". Red Bull Music Academy . Retrieved May 27, 2013.
  9. ↑ "Download Benefit Compilation for Kool Herc featuring Jneiro Jarel". Lex Records. Archived from the original on December 15, 2013. Retrieved June 5, 2013.
  10. ↑ "Rich Medina' Connecting the Dots". Allmusic . Retrieved June 5, 2013.
  11. ↑ "Jneiro Jarel- Groups, Projects & Aliases". Lex Records . Retrieved May 27, 2013.
  12. ↑ "Jneiro Jarel- Section A". Discogs. Retrieved May 28, 2013.
  13. ↑ "Jneiro Jarel- Timeless Volume 1". Discogs. Retrieved May 28, 2013.
  14. ↑ "Jneiro Jarel- Discography". Discogs. Retrieved May 28, 2013.
  15. ↑ Thomas, Vincent. "Three Piece Puzzle- Jneiro Jarel-". Allmusic . Retrieved May 27, 2013.
  16. ↑ Doggett, Tom (December 20, 2005). "Jneiro Jarel:Three Piece Puzzle:Label Who". RapReviews.com.
  17. ↑ B, Lucy (10 November 2005). "Jneiro Jarel "Three Piece Puzzle" (Ropeadope)". beatlife.com. Retrieved May 28, 2013.
  18. ↑ "Beat Journey- Dr. Who Dat?". Allmusic . Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  19. ↑ "Dr. Who Dat?- Beat Journey". XLR8R. Archived from the original on October 27, 2013. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  20. ↑ Gasteier, Matthew (December 5, 2006). "Album Review: Dr. Who Dat?- Beat Journey". Prefix Magazine.
  21. ↑ "Dr. Who Dat?-Beat Journey". The Cover Up. August 15, 2007. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  22. ↑ Allworthy, Paul (March 7, 2010). "EHQUESTIONMARK?- BONAFIDE EXCLUSIVE". Bonafide Magazine.
  23. ↑ "Dr. Who Dat?- Beat Journey". The Cover Up. August 15, 2007. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  24. 1 2 "Shape of Broad Minds: Craft of the Lost Art". Sleevage. January 2, 2008. Archived from the original on May 17, 2013. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  25. 1 2 Thomas, Vincent. "Shape of Broad Minds- Craft of the Lost Art". Allmusic . Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  26. ↑ Thomas, Vincent. "Shape of Broad Minds". Allmusic . Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  27. ↑ Wilson, Tony (October 2007). "Craft of the Lost Art". frieze . Archived from the original on 2014-02-02. Retrieved 2013-05-29.
  28. ↑ Serwer, Jesse (November 5, 2007). "Shape of Broad Minds- Craft of the Lost Art". XLR8R. Archived from the original on October 26, 2014. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  29. ↑ smith, Jason (February 11, 2009). "Dr. Who Dat?, Beyond 2morrow". Impose Magazine.
  30. ↑ "Review: Dr. Who Dat?, "Beyond 2morrow"". Plug One. January 23, 2009.
  31. ↑ Murray, Robin (January 26, 2012). "Craft Of The Lost Art- Jneiro Jarel". Clash .
  32. ↑ Noz, Andrew (May 22, 2009). "Willie Isz: Something Else". Hiphopdx.com.
  33. ↑ "Willie Isz-Georgiavania". Discogs . Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  34. ↑ "Willie Isz-Georgiavania- Willie Isz". Metacritic . Retrieved June 3, 2013.
  35. ↑ "MF Doom- Gazillion Ear EP (Jneiro Jarel & Dave Sitek remix) video". NME . Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  36. ↑ "TV On The Radio- Shout Me Out (Willie Isz Remix by Jneiro Jarel". RCRD LBL. Archived from the original on August 20, 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  37. ↑ "Maximum Balloon- Groove Me (feat. Theophilus London) (by Jneiro Jarel Remix)". RCRD LBL. Archived from the original on January 4, 2012. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  38. ↑ Fitzmaurice, Larry (December 16, 2011). "JJ DOOM: "Rhymin' Slang (Dave Sitek Remix)"". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on September 14, 2015. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  39. ↑ "Jneiro Jarel". Alpha Pup Records. Archived from the original on April 28, 2013. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
  40. ↑ "Feature Interview-Joshua Mays: Meditations on Canvas". CultureFphiles.com. Archived from the original on June 28, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
  41. ↑ "Jneiro Jarel-Fauna". Kindred Spirits. Archived from the original on October 5, 2013. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  42. ↑ "Jneiro Jarel-Android Love Mayhem EP". Impose Magazine. May 24, 2010.
  43. ↑ Varine, Patrick (January 12, 2009). "Album Reviews: Dr. Who Dat?, Mr. Chop". Wickedlocal.com access. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013.
  44. ↑ "Escape With Jneiro Jarel To 'Amazonica'". Soulbounce.com. September 29, 2010. Archived from the original on January 27, 2013. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  45. ↑ "DRC Music- Kinshasa One Two". DRC Music. Archived from the original on November 20, 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  46. ↑ "DRC Music". Warp Records . Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  47. ↑ Fitzmaurice, Larry (December 15, 2011). "JJ DOOM: "Rhymin' Slang (Dave Sitek Remix)"". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on September 14, 2015. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  48. ↑ Battanon, Carrie (15 February 2012). "DOOM Teams With Jneiro Jarel for Album". Pitchfork Media . Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  49. ↑ Battanon, Carrie (July 27, 2012). "DOOM Teams With Jneiro Jarel for Album". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  50. 1 2 Horowitz, Steven (August 16, 2012). "JJ DOOM "Key To The Kuffs" Album Stream". Hiphoxdx.com.
  51. ↑ "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 8/26/2012". HipHopDX. 29 August 2012.
  52. ↑ "Key To The Kuffs-JJ DOOM". Metacritic . Retrieved May 30, 2013.
  53. ↑ "JJ DOOM-'Key To The Kuffs'". AnyDecentMusic? . Retrieved June 3, 2013.
  54. ↑ "JJ DOOM-Chart History". Billboard . Retrieved May 30, 2013.
  55. ↑ "Exclaim!'s Best Albums of 2012: Hip-Hop". Exclaim! . December 18, 2012.
  56. ↑ "Staff Lists: Toussaint's Top Albums and Songs of 2012". spartanchronicle.com. November 29, 2012. Archived from the original on August 16, 2013. Retrieved May 31, 2013.
  57. ↑ Adams, Dart (January 1, 2013). "50 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2012". The Urban Daily.
  58. ↑ Grosinger, Matt (August 23, 2012). "Video: JJ DOOM-"Guv'nor"". The Fader .
  59. ↑ "JJ DOOM "GUV'NOR" From Album KEY TO THE KUFFS- RizLab Project #4". Lex Records. August 23, 2012.
  60. ↑ "Video: JJ DOOM-Guv'nor". Pretty Much Amazing access. May 31, 2013. Archived from the original on October 4, 2012. Retrieved May 31, 2013.
  61. ↑ "Video: JJ DOOM-"Rhymin' Slang (JJ Tron Remix) Video"". NME . Retrieved May 31, 2013.
  62. ↑ "JJ Doom (Jneiro Jarel and DOOM) Album Artwork by ESPO". Ego Trip. July 5, 2012. Archived from the original on October 29, 2017. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
  63. ↑ Battan, Carrie (June 19, 2013). "Video: JJ DOOM: "BOOKHEAD"". Pitchfork Media.
  64. ↑ "Key to the Kuffs (Butter Edition): JJ Doom". Amazon. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
  65. ↑ Martins, Chris (June 20, 2013). "Hear Thom Yorke, Dave Sitek, and Clams Casino Rework JJ DOOM's Gritty Rap Tracks". Spin .
  66. ↑ Fintoni, Laurent (February 3, 2016). "V is for Vibing". Red Bull Amaphiko. Archived from the original on August 17, 2016. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  67. ↑ Fallon, Patric (February 16, 2012). "Jneiro Jarel and MF DOOM Are JJ DOOM". XLR8R.
  68. ↑ Lamb, Karas (2 August 2013). "JJ DOOM Prep Fans For 'Key to the Kuffs' (Butter Version)". okayplayer. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
  69. ↑ "JJ DOOM RELEASE BOOKHEAD EP AS LIMITED EDITION PICTURE DISC, AND IT LOOKS ACE". factmag.com. 24 January 2014. Retrieved September 1, 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.