Makaya McCraven x Gil Scott-Heron: We’re New Again

XL Recordings have announced the release of a new rework of the final Gil Scott-Heron album, as they celebrate the 10th anniversary of ‘I’m New Here’ in February 2020. Makaya McCraven, a jazz musician and producer from Chicago, will be the second artist to reinterpret the record, following Jamie XX in 2011.

‘I’m New Here’ was the first Gil Scott-Heron album in over 16 years at the time of its release in 2010, following a period marred by drug addiction and legal troubles. Spearheaded by XL boss Richard Russell, the finished album was a radical departure from the rhythmic jazz poetry Heron was previously known for. Described as “industrial blues” by critics, the album was noted for it’s dark, ambient production and use of sampling.

The lead track from McCraven’s reinterpretation re-introduces some of the instruments that traditionally partnered Heron’s ’70s works, with jazz flute and live drums underpinning his powerful prose on ‘Where Did The Night Go?’.

‘We’re New Again: A Reinterpretation By Makaya McCraven’ is released on February 7th, 2020 on XL Recordings.