Last Disciple taps into West Africa
American singjay/rapper Last Disciple covered a lot of ground in the past year. Visits to Jamaica, produced songs with established acts and he recently tapped into the vibrant West African music scene.
Smoking Kush, a collaboration with roots singer Linval Thompson and dub poet Meeka Nyota, was released early last year. Walking on The Moon, a collaboration with singer Kush McAnuff and producer Ace Gotta Banger, followed in the summer.
In January, Last Disciple (real name Brad Brandt) teamed with Ghanaian producer Take 9 on King And Queen Things, an eclectic track that sums up his attitude to music.
“It’s important to reach out to different cultures when everyone can relate and unite about something. Like this song, King And Queen Things, points to how special woman as well as man are to all nations, even all of nature. So everyone can relate to this,” he stated.
From Greenville, South Carolina, Last Disciple has been enamored with Jamaica’s culture for over 20 years. He has made numerous trips to the country and recorded songs with top-flight musicians such as guitarist Winston “Bo Pee” Bowen and keyboardist Franklin “Bubbler” Waul.
Smoking Kush, a salute to ganja, saw him working with Thompson, a major figure in roots-reggae/dancehall during the 1980s when he had hit songs as an artiste and producer. That collaboration has been one of the most fulfilling of his Jamaican experience.
“Caveman (producer Everton Moore), Meeka and I were glad to hear that the legend Linval loved the song because it is singing, rap, and deejay/dub poetry put together. Cavey reminded me how many hit songs Linval has presented to the world, so I am glad and honoured he loves the song,” said Last Disciple, who was in Jamaica recently for more recording sessions.
“I recorded two other songs with Kush McAnuff in December when I was in Jamaica. And I have a surprise or two this year, I’m sure,” he disclosed.
