Watch Thundercat, Flying Lotus Reunite on ‘Why? With Hannibal Buress’
Flying Lotus, Hannibal Buress‘ house DJ on his Comedy Central show Why?, reunited with collaborator Thundercat for a performance of the latter’s “Them Changes.”
“Please welcome one of the baddest DJs in the land,” the host enthusiastically exclaimed while welcoming the bassist to the stage. He then launched into his smooth, funky single off his mini-album The Beyond/Where the Giants Roam. Lotus produced the track, which highlights both Thundercat‘s falsetto and excellent bass skills.
Earlier this year, Thundercat gained attention for his hefty contributions to Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated album To Pimp a Butterfly. Prior to working with Lamar, the bassist had built up an impressive resume, playing and recording with everyone from Erykah Badu and Ty Dolla $ign to Suicidal Tendencies.
Thundercat worked with Lotus on his last three records, contributing extensively to the jazz-fusion elements of the DJ’s sound. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the bassist revealed that it had been Lotus who not only encouraged him to sing and record solo albums, but introduced Thundercat to Lamar. “I’ve never been around a person like that,” the bassist said of the rapper. “He was so freed up to the point that he didn’t care. It would sound so weird, but he would risk it.”
Buress’ late-night show premiered in July. Between his man-on-the-street segments and sketches featuring fellow stand-ups like Amy Schumer, the comedian has featured musical guests like Jean Grae and Joey Purp.