New Orleans-born jazz-funk outfit Naughty Professor just released a new single and video in collaboration with legendary Chali 2na of Jurassic 5. “Darker Daze” features a guest appearance by New Orleans-based vocalist and guitarist Dexter Gilmore. The track is the second single released off Naughty Professor and Chali 2na’s forthcoming collaborative album, Identity, due out later in 2017, which is set to feature Ivan Neville, Benny Bloom, Mike Dillon, members of The Soul Rebels, and other collaborators.
“Darker Daze” is highly political and was intentionally released this week in anticipation of the presidential transition. From the press release, drummer Sam Shahin noted: “Darker Daze” plays on an obvious double entendre that represents the confines placed on marginalized people throughout the history and development of organized government in the United States. As these confines became less physical and less embedded into the written law, the daze of these confines emanated into the systematic power structures and societal norms. Some say things have been uncovered recently, we say the daze has thickened to the point that even those with weak vision can’t help but feel it shrouding the move of every American.
Chali 2na had this to add: “Darker Daze” is a song that reflects the opinions, predictions, and fears of people who are against a Donald Trump led America. Basically, “Darker Daze” is our way of saying, whether you like it or not, fasten your seat belts because there will be turbulence! The Naughty Professor family created the inspiration and the vessel to convey this concept and I am happy to have been a part of this collaboration.
You can listen to the track and watch Naughty Professor and Chali 2na’s collaboration below. With the release of the new single, Naughty Professor also dropped their 2017 Winter Tour dates, which can be found below the video. More information and tickets can be found on the band’s website.
Naughty Professor Winter 2017 Tour Dates
1/27/17 – Last Concert Cafe – Houston, TX
1/28/17 – Brass Hall – Marble Falls, TX
2/4/17 – Martin’s – Jackson, MS
2/11/17 – Blue Nile – New Orleans, LA
2/17/17 – Broadway Oyster Bar – St. Louis, MO
2/18/17 – Schuba’s Tavern w/ NastySnacks, Funk Trek – Chicago, IL
3/4/17 – Punta Gorda Funkfest – Punta Gorda, FL
3/5/17 – Vinyl Music Hall – Pensacola, FL
3/16/17 – Dunedin Brewery – Dunedin, FL
3/17/17 – Pi on Broadway – Ocala, FL
3/18/17 – Terminal West – Atlanta, GA
3/22/17 – Gypsy Sally’s – Washington, DC
3/23/17 – American Beauty – New York, NY
3/24/17 – Thunder Road – Boston, MA
3/25/17 – Nectar’s w/ Rumblecat – Burlington, VT
3/27/17 – Bryac – Bridgeport, CT
3/28/17 – The 8 X 10 – Baltimore, MD
3/29/17 – James Street Gastropub – Pittsburgh, PA
3/30/17 – Asheville Music Hall w/ Stoop Kids – Asheville, NC
3/31/17 – Hogs For The Cause – New Orleans, LA