Robert Glasper

Robert Glasper is a Grammy-winning keyboardist, composer, and producer known for his innovative fusion of jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and soul. Born in 1978 in Houston, Texas, he studied at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts before attending the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City.

Glasper gained recognition in the early 2000s with his jazz trio, releasing albums like Mood (2004) and Canvas (2005), which showcased his fluid blend of post-bop, gospel, and contemporary influences. However, his breakthrough came with The Robert Glasper Experiment, an ensemble that merged jazz with hip-hop and R&B. Their 2012 album Black Radiowon a Grammy for Best R&B Album, featuring collaborations with artists like Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco, and Lalah Hathaway.

Glasper continued to blur genre boundaries with Black Radio 2 (2013) and Everything’s Beautiful (2016), a tribute to Miles Davis. His ability to seamlessly integrate jazz with modern black music culture made him a sought-after collaborator, working with Kendrick Lamar on To Pimp a Butterfly, Common, and Herbie Hancock.

Beyond his solo career, Glasper has composed film scores, including for The Photograph (2020) and the documentary Mr. Soul!. His work redefines jazz for new generations, keeping the genre fresh and relevant. With his genre-defying artistry, Glasper remains a leading voice in contemporary jazz, continuing to push musical boundaries.