Mayer Hawthorne, who made a dazzling transformation from a DJ to one of the leading singer-songwriters in the current soul scene, and Jake One, a Grammy-winning producer who has produced numerous hit songs for artists like Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and The Weeknd, formed a modern funk unit together.
Mayer Hawthorne, who made a dazzling transformation from a DJ to one of the leading singer-songwriters in the current soul scene, and Jake One, a Grammy-winning producer who has produced numerous hit songs for artists like Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and The Weeknd, formed a modern funk unit together. In 2015, they released their debut album through the prestigious Stones Throw label. They crafted a modern disco/boogie sound influenced by hip-hop, producing hit tracks such as “Do It” and “Number One,” which created a “Tuxedo” phenomenon in Japan as well. They also performed at major events like Summer Sonic and Corona Fest (where they headlined).
Their second album, II, released in 2017, produced hits like “Fux With The Tux” and “Shy,” a collaboration with Zapp, which appealed to a broad range of fans across generations. This solidified their position as one of the most important figures in the emerging modern funk and disco scene. In 2019, their third album, III, featured a diverse array of guest artists, including Dam-Funk, MF Doom, and Benny Sings, further pushing the boundaries of their sound.
Their latest album, IV, released last November, features key West Coast producer Battlecat and disco legend Leroy Burgess, completing a more refined modern disco sound.
