Go with Elmo Lovano 97. Robert Glasper: The Career-Defining Interview (Black Radio, J Dilla, Kendrick, Miles, Chappelle)
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Dec 17, 2025 Robert Glasper, a Grammy-winning pianist and producer, dives deep into his remarkable journey. He shares insightful stories about his early life in Houston and the influential figures that shaped his career, like J Dilla and Kendrick Lamar. Glasper sheds light on the creation of his groundbreaking Black Radio series, detailing the collaborative energy that fueled iconic tracks with artists like Erykah Badu. He also reflects on scoring the Miles Davis biopic and discusses the art of merging genres, leaving listeners with invaluable advice on authenticity and artistic growth.
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Get In The Room First
- When you work on high-impact projects, don't immediately demand contractual splits or payments in the studio.
- Glasper says get in the room first, contribute, and negotiate later once value and relationships are clear.
Black Radio Moved Genre Boundaries
- Black Radio bridged genres and proved a nontraditional album could chart across multiple Billboard categories.
- Glasper says the records opened doors for artsy R&B and inspired other boundary-pushing bands to gain recognition.
Singers: Learn The Band's Versions
- Singers should learn songs the way musicians play them, and in the keys musicians choose.
- Glasper tells singers to internalize band arrangements so they become the singer musicians enjoy playing with.