illuminaticongo

Selector: The Graduate Celebrates 5 Year Anniversary of Simmer Down Sound

May 10, 2017

Nic The Graduate is truly a jack of all trades, making up one-half of reggae/hip hop duo Illuminati Congo, as well as being a professional photographer,  a multi-instrumentalist, and one of Chicago’s best DJs and producers.

A serious collector of reggae records, the Graduate boasts one of the best collections in the city, and his love affair with reggae goes way back.  “I laugh when people say they have been into something their whole life but I feel like I have been into reggae pretty much my whole life! My parents used to play Bob Marley around the house when I was in infant and they say the first song I ever requested when I was a kid was “Buffalo Soldier.”  Over the years reggae has seemed to play a larger and larger role in my life. I have continued to collect and discover new (or new to me) reggae records and find every opportunity to play them out for the people. I have met so many great friends through collecting and djing reggae.”  

As a DJ, The Graduate joined forces with Cosmos Ray, Akasha and Selector Aaron in 2012 as an original member of the crew running what was then known as Simmer Down Sundays at the Double Door.  He is also currently has a residency at the Whistler on Second Fridays.  

As a producer, The Graduate has put out three albums with Illuminati Congo and has participated in international collaborations with Lee “Scratch” Perry, Anthony B, Lutan Fyah, Midnite, Pressure, Big Youth, Burro Banton, King Kong, Pressure and JahDan Blakkamoore.  We at Simmer Down are happily anticipating imminent vinyl and digital releases of The Graduate’s productions on the Happy as a Lark label.  

 

The Graduate’s sensibilities with respect to reggae have definitely played a role in shaping Simmer Down Sound’s vision and mission with respect to embracing diversity and inclusivity.  When we asked him about how he felt about the role of reggae with respect to raising social consciousness, Nic said, “Part of my interest in reggae and hip hop especially is the very broad range of messages that can be found in the songs. When I DJ I try to cover as much of this range as possible because it is all interesting to me – often the message is something I can relate to, but sometimes it is so foreign I can only try to imagine what life is like for this person. It is good to see a strong new roots movement currently happening in Jamaica and around the world. Making this positive message more and more acceptable in the mainstream can definitely inspire change for the better.”  We at Simmer Down wholeheartedly concur with him, and are very happy to have The Graduate help us celebrate five years of building our movement this Saturday, May 13th at Subterranean!

Illuminati Congo Live at Simmer Down Sound 5 Year Anniversary

May 8, 2017

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!

 

 

 

http://illuminaticongo.com/