Renaissance Beats and Ritual Bars

Cavalier is out in the open.

- Michael Allen Zell

In its own singular way, Private Stock, the third album by Cavalier, sounds like the past and future meeting right now—a fever dream with a political seam. Soulful blunted out hip-hop that engages the senses, hangs deep in the pocket, and swings for the fences. What Robert Glasper hopes Black Radio 3 will sound like—on point and also mind-expanding.

“It’s the room I’m always trying to build wherever I go,” explained Cav. “The way it comes to me is visual, and then I’m trying to capture those moments and boil them down. The room has a hodge-podge of things that make sense to my Brooklyn upbringing.”

Acclaimed singer Georgia Anne Muldrow plays a part, and the production is a unique blend of old head Pete Rock/9th Wonder with world-of-sound Flying Lotus/Madlib. How did this collaboration happen?

“I first came to New Orleans off of Iman Omari’s invitation. He did ninety percent of this record. He put together Vibe Music Collective. My first show in New Orleans was with Iman, Christian Scott, and Mykia Jovan. A lot of times I’m the only rapper. That’s translating into where I’m heading in the production. People don’t realize Iman’s background in vocal jazz. That’s important too.”

Cav came up on the New York touchstones of Jay-Z, Nas, and more, as well as old-time calypso music. He made sure to note the Caribbean link to hip-hop, including architects Grandmaster Flash and Kool Herc, before returning to Omari.