There aren’t many hip-hop acts who illuminate the musicality of hip-hop like New York-based group QNA. The seven-piece ensemble, who analogize themselves to hip-hop as Legos it to industrial design, use hip-hop as the basis for compositions that also explore elements of soul, funk, and jazz. Their well-crafted blend of introspective, thoughtful lyricism over arresting melodies is making noise in the city and beyond. Their new “Grind” track is a perfect example.
Supe, one of the group’s MCs, flows freely over a mesmerizing saxophone. His cadence melts into the warm, jazzy soundscape, freely stopping and starting on a whim. His rhymes are separated by an exhilarating guitar solo by TJ Adorno, whose guitar surges into a captivating climax that evolves the song from a composition into a full-on experience.
Similar tracks will be on XII, their album that will be released in February on Black 17 Media/The Orchard. You can stream “Grind” below.
