[Cover photo credit to Jimel Primm]

Producers and multi-instrumentalists Karriem Riggins and Madlib recently announced a March 1st, 2024 release date for YHWH is Love, their second album together as Jahari Massamba Unit. The full-length album will be an official release for Law of Rhythm, a new record label founded by Riggins and music executive Jae Barber. The first single “Stompin Gamay” is out now.

The single’s title refers to the fact that Gamay grapes are often known for their abundance of production, much like Karriem Riggins and Madlib.

Riggins and Madlib were first introduced nearly 20 years ago by their late mutual friend and collaborator J Dilla, going on to collaborate on Madlib’s 2007 album Yesterdays Universe and together as Supreme Team. Jahari Massamba Unit started as a natural extension of Riggins and Madlib’s relationship. The two producers would send beats back and forth until eventually, Karriem didn’t have anything new to share. Instead he began sending raw drum loops, which were returned back to him with overlaid beds of harmonies and melodies by Madlib. This was the creation of a new body of work.

YHWH is Love will be Jahari Massamba Unit’s second record, following their first album Pardon My French that was released in 2020.