Where better to start than with this year’s headliner? The Queen of Neo Soul, Erykah Badu.
Raised on ‘70s soul and ‘80s hip-hop, Erykah Badu has continually pushed the boundaries of her genre. Her mixing of the diverse styles of soul, R&B and hip-hop, together with her socially conscious lyrics, have solidified her as one of the most important pioneering figures in the neo-soul movement as well as one of the most celebrated soul singers of the modern era. Without doubt one of, if not the most highly anticipated performance of this year’s festival. Good luck getting to the front!
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American soul/R&B outfit El Michels Affair, fronted by multi-instrumentalist, producer and writer Leon Michels, are group with a wide range of influences. Often mixing genres such as jazz, soul, hip-hop, funk and afrobeats together, the group’s discography includes original LPs as well as a handful of tribute projects (Wu-Tang Clan, Isaac Hayes), broken up by participation in a number of other projects outside of the El Michel Affair moniker: Menahan Street Band, The Expressions, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings and multiple others. The group’s members have also been involved in their fair share of session work for artists such as Lana Del Rey and Mark Ronson, and most recently released an exquisite album alongside The Roots rapper Black Thought (Glorious Game, 2023). If you’re looking for a truly unique blend, look no further.
Known for his combination of soul, jazz, R&B, funk and psychedelic influences, Jitwam is another artist with a highly diverse catalogue.
Born in India, raised in Australia, and now most often found somewhere between London and New York, Jitwam has been soaking up everything around him from a young age and blending it all into his own unique and warm style of what has been dubbed ‘psychedelic soul’. Whether operating as a DJ or a live performer, Jitwam catches the eye. And there’s nothing to suggest he’ll do anything but that this May!
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Madlib (DJ)
This year’s festival will also see us treated to a DJ set from legendary American hip-hop producer, DJ and MC, Madlib. Appearing on the scene in the early ‘90s, Madlib has since become one of the most respected and sought after hip-hop producers of his generation. Through his use of old-school sampling and recording techniques, Madlib has provided unrivaled production for some of hip-hop’s biggest names, taking the records in question to a whole new level. His collaborative project alongside MF Doom, Madvillainy, released under the collective alias of Madvillain, is regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop masterpieces of all time, not to mention his more recent work with rapper Freddie Gibbs which produced two pieces of sheer hip-hop brilliance in Piñata (2014) and Bandana (2019). This will be a hard one to walk away from.
Craving some retro soul? Thee Sacred Souls are the answer.
Signed to Daptone Records after being picked up by Gabriel “Bosco Mann” Roth himself, Californian three-piece Thee Sacred Souls released their self-titled debut album in August 2022, evoking the flavours of true vintage soul music in their own unique way. Taking clear influence from the likes of Curtis Mayfield and Smokey Robinson, as well as contemporary acts such as Durand Jones & the Indications, Thee Sacred Souls will take us on a trip down nostalgia lane with their perfectly crafted love songs littered with stunning melodies and vocal harmonies. Let’s hope the sun is shining for this one!
Nicole Wray, or Lady Wray, was signed to Missy Elliott’s Goldmind Inc. record label at just 15 years old, releasing her debut album, Make It Hot, in 1998. However, since the 2010s, Lady Wray’s music has been pointed in a more traditional soul direction, originally alongside Terri Walker as part of Lady, and now as Lady Wray. As exemplified on her 2022 album, Piece of Me, Lady Wray’s natural and captivating voice oozes with the sounds of the golden era of ‘60s/’70s soul music. Her infectious melodies set against old-school productions have the power to make us float. An amazing voice that radiates all the class of vintage soul. Listen out!
Canadian jazz ensemble and production team BadBadNotGood’s style stretches across the genres of soul, jazz, electronica and alternative hip-hop. First coming to light in the 2010s as a hip-hop cover band, the group have since spent time developing their own original material as well as engaging in collaborative projects with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, the Creator and Kaytranada, to name just a few. BadBadNotGood take influence from wherever they see fit, often leading their music to a place unhindered by genre constraints. Jazz, soul, electronic, hip-hop, new age or fusion, you’ll want to keep an eye out for them at this year’s festival.
Another Daptone Records artist to look out for at this year’s festival has to be soul singer Jalen Ngonda. Releasing his first album on the label (Come Around and Love Me) in September, 2023, Jalen Ngonda took us back to the golden age of soul music with his Motown sound. With certain aspects of his music drawing comparisons to that of Marvin Gaye and Isaac Hayes, Jalen Ngonda is sure to be one of the brightest shiners at Cross the Tracks 2024. Not to be missed!
French born, South London-raised DJ, presenter, record label owner and curator Gilles Peterson needs little introduction.
Starting off his DJ career around London, Gilles Peterson’s musical palette spans jazz, soul, electronic, hip-hop, funk and beyond. As well as founding multiple influential record labels, such as Acid Jazz, Talkin’ Loud and most recently the eclectic Brownswood Recordings, Peterson has been behind many compilation albums for other famous labels such as Blue Note, Street Sounds and Prestige, helping to bring multiple styles of jazz to younger audiences. A multi-faceted tastemaker with a knowledge of music which is matched by few, Gilles Peterson is an absolute must see at Brockwell Park this year for everyone, but especially those who are looking for true and seamless eclecticism.
Winning a Grammy at just 21 years old for his work on Burna Boy’s “Alarm Clock” (2020), South London saxophonist and producer Venna is known for his smooth and seamless fusion of modern and melodic jazz beats with UK hip-hop and drill. He released his debut album, Venology, in 2021, with his latest EP, EQUINOX, featuring collaborations with the likes of Yussef Dayes, Knucks and Masego. If you’re looking for something smooth, fresh and exciting all at the same time, Venna could be the answer at this year’s festival.
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Other Qobuz recommendations for Cross The Tracks 2024 include big hitters En Vogue and Eve; DJ sets from Emma-Jean Thackray and ex-Qobuzissime winner Yazmin Lacey; emerging future soul artist B-ahwe; Birmingham based artist SIPHO.; Reggae/Dancehall DJ David Rodigan; and Aim - 25yrs of Cold Water Music.
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For the full lineup and tickets, visit the Cross The Tracks website: www.xthetracks.com