Founded in 2017 by jazz pianist, composer, and producer Robert Glasper (born April 6, 1978, in Houston, Texas), R+R=Now is a supergroup that also features Derrick Hodge (bass), Christian Scott (trumpet),Terrace Martin (saxophone, synthesizers, vocoder), Taylor McFerrin (synthesizer, beatbox) and Justin Tyson (drums). Already established as a contemporary jazz artist with his group Robert Glasper Experiment, the pianist was known for his penchant to combine jazz music with hip-hop and electronica when he was asked to take part on a Nina Simone tribute album in 2015. Inspired by Nina Simone’s statement that ‘an artist’s job is to reflect the times’, he formed his group and named them R+R=Now (reflect and respond now). The group’s Blue Note Records debut album, Collagically Speaking (2018), was a forceful blend of jazz, electronica, soul, and hip-hop. The album features guest appearances by Goapele, Omari Hardwick, actor Terry Crews, comedian Amanda Seales and DJ Jahi Sundance. In 2021, the group released R+R=Now Live, which features highlights from the group’s 2018 live performances at the Blue Note Club in New York.
