BADBADNOTGOOD (BBNG), originating from Toronto, has become a revolutionary force known for fearlessly blending intricate jazz musicianship with a modern hip-hop and R&B production sensibility. Formed in 2010 by Chester Hansen, Alexander Sowinski, and Matthew Tavares (later joined by Leland Whitty), the group emerged by performing complex instrumental covers of hip-hop and rap anthems before pivoting to original compositions that are often highly improvisational and cinematic. BBNG’s crossover success is largely due to their high-profile collaborations with major artists like Kendrick Lamar, Ghostface Killah, Tyler, the Creator, and Daniel Caesar, earning them multiple Grammy Awards as producers. Their albums, such as the instrumental Talk Memory (2021) and their newest EP series, Mid Spiral (2024), solidify their reputation as pioneers who seamlessly bridge the gap between avant-garde jazz, psychedelic elements, and contemporary popular music.
