_by.ALEXANDER - 000 CHANNEL BLACK (2020) [Hi-Res]

Alex Da Kid returns under his new pseudonym by.ALEXANDER to present his latest full-length album 000 CHANNEL BLACK, a foray into the experimental centered around his love for jazz music. After premiering the soulful and smooth “Trumpets” collaboration with 070 Shake, by.ALEXANDER dropped the project off earlier today featuring contributions by some of the most unlikely of collaborators including actor Gary Busey (seen on the cover art), poet Charles Bukowski and fashion icon Michèle Lamy.

Alex da Kid has been a go-to producer behind some massive hits this past decade — his resume includes working alongside Imagine Dragons for “Radioactive”, Eminem’s “Love the Way You Lie” featuring Rihanna, and Dr. Dre’s “I Need a Doctor.” But Alex’s debut as by.ALEXANDER takes an entirely new approach through cohesive and emotional instrumentation rooted in jazz nostalgia. The project was distributed by Universal Music Group and the iconic jazz label Blue Note Records and the album fits right into that universe with modernized touches on vintage piano keys and crisp drums. The album coincides with his first collection from his own luxury fashion label. Actor Gary Busey was also modeled for its debut.

On “Stalling,” the producer teams up with rising singer-songwriter Tanerélle, a minimalist production about overcoming distance in a relationship. “I love the introduction of Jazz into his sound. I remember hearing our song for the first time post-genre change and I was blown away,” she said. “‘Trumpets’ is one of my favorite songs. I’ve been watching him formulate this project from scratch and it’s been very inspiring seeing things fall into place.”

Alex also worked with supermodel Irina Shayk on the outro, “The Monster & The Muse.” “Working with Alex was truly a unique experience for me, watching the elements of fashion and music come together was truly magical,” she detailed. “Not to mention one of the funnest work days I have had in a long time. Lastly when I heard I was on the album I was excited because the music was truly a masterpiece.”