Kamaal Williams is about to release his second album “Wu Hen” on July 24th on his own label Black Focus. “This is a revolution of the mind,” Williams says. “A spiritual rebellion: to reach new heights requires separating ourselves from the material world and finding power in what’s intangible. That’s what music and art is for— whether it’s a primitive emotion or something deep, you feel it. And there’s a subliminal element that resonates throughout my work. If you’re painting, it’s what you’re feeling as you’re painting. And the person looking at that artwork or listening to that music, they can feel it too, because it’s sincere.”
The album’s title refers to the the nickname Williams’ grandma gave him as a child. The Taiwanese side of his family are originally from the Wu Dynasty, and the name Wu translates as “Gateway to Heaven.” The record features Greg Paul, of Kalayst Collective, on drums, Rick Leon James on bass, Quinn Mason on saxophone, and guest harp from Alina Bzhezhinska. Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, who has worked with Ray Charles, Flying Lotus, and Dr. Dre, contributes signature strings. There’s also guest featuring by Mach-Hommy and Lauren Faith.
