Illuminati Congo is a Chicago-based one-of-a-kind project melding hip hop aesthetic with reggae consciousness, imagined and realized by visionary frontman Jahn Da Baptist and backed by production created by Nic the Graduate. The last decade has seen few emcees as prolific and dynamic in lyrical content as Jahn Da Baptist, or such diversely influenced production as that of Nic The Graduate.
Borrowing from hip-hop, soul, funk and electronic strands and particularly reggae, Jahn’s ties to his music are not simply about aesthetics, and are rooted in early childhood. “My father used to play reggae when I was in grammar school and I took all the reggae he brought back from Jamaica. That was what brought me to Rastafari.”
His personal connection to his music is clear from scripture imbibed songs like “Shiva Smokin’” to odes about physical immortality on “Eternal Life” to songs celebrating “Bike Ridin’” to the comedic admonishment of “Still Got My Sensi.”
Jahn says that “reggae is music that encourages consciousness, activism, love, and good vibes. These are pillars for me.”
A regular collaborator with both local and national acts, Illuminati Congo has played and recorded with Lee “Scratch” Perry, KRS-One, Dead Prez, Big Youth, Lutan Fyah, Digable Planets, Shabazz Palaces, Del the Funky Homosapien, Anthony B, Burro Banton, King Kong, Jahdan Blakkamoore, Perfect Giddimani, Sa-Roc, and Rocker T, among others. With the release of two albums in July, Illuminati Congo continues its prolific creative clip. Jahn attributes the rate of his creative output to feeling inspired by the current political and cultural situation, stating simply, “If we can continue to spread the message of roots and culture, acceptance and compassion through the music and embody it in our day to day relations, it’ll help our situation.”
We always love to have Illuminati Congo at Simmer Down Sound and are thrilled to have them as our very special guest for this occasion. Illuminati Congo has three songs with Jahdan and will join Jahdan for a couple songs on Jahdan’s set this Saturday, May 13th at Subterranean for our 5 Year Anniversary!