Ericka Alston Buck
Special to the AFRO
Mark your calendars for an electrifying night of music at The Howard Theater on June 20th, as The Soul Rebels bring their unique blend of jazz, funk and hip hop to the stage. The group will be accompanied by the legendary Ghostface Killah and GZA, of the Wu-Tang Clan.
Photo: Photo courtesy of thesoulrebels.com
Known for their genre-defying sound, The Soul Rebels have been making waves in the music world for years, seamlessly blending the rich musical traditions of New Orleans with contemporary influences. Marcus Hubbard, the band’s trumpet player, vocalist and producer, shared some insights into the band’s journey and what fans can expect from this highly anticipated performance.
“I started playing the trumpet in fifth grade,” Hubbard reminisced. “Growing up in New Orleans, music was all around me. It was a natural gravitation. I continued through middle school, high school, and then at Southern University in Baton Rouge, where I met Winston Turner. He told me about an opening in The Soul Rebels, and the rest is history. I’ve been with the band ever since.”
The Soul Rebels are renowned for their innovative approach to music, creating a sound that Hubbard describes as a “mixture of gumbo.” Their willingness to experiment and push boundaries has set them apart, making their live performances a must-see.
“We’re always open to trying new things,” Hubbard explained. “Whether it’s a reggae tune or a hip hop tune, we’re all about pushing the envelope and doing music in a different way.”
This adventurous spirit has led them to collaborate with a diverse range of artists, but their upcoming performance with Ghostface Killah and GZA is particularly special. “We love DC, especially because of the go-go music scene, which is similar to our New Orleans brass band style,” said Hubbard. “Bringing legends like GZA and Ghostface to DC with us ensures a fun environment. We aim to give fans a unique experience, something they’ve never seen before and might not see again unless they come to a Soul Rebels show.”
The June 20 concert promises to be an unforgettable night, merging the powerful brass sounds of The Soul Rebels with the iconic lyricism of Ghostface Killah and GZA. The synergy between these artists is sure to create a dynamic and high-energy performance that will leave the audience buzzing.
As part of their 11-city tour, The Soul Rebels are not only collaborating with Ghostface Killah and GZA, but also featuring other notable artists. Fans across the country can look forward to performances with artists like Big Freedia, Robert Glasper and Talib Kweli. Each city on the tour is set to experience a unique blend of musical talents, making every show a one-of-a-kind event.
“We try to connect with the youth, as they are the future,” Hubbard emphasized. “We want to show them different opportunities and paths to success through music. Many of us in the band have used music to get scholarships and further our education. We want to make it fun and show that there are many ways to achieve success.”
With this ethos in mind, The Soul Rebels’ music has become a beacon of hope and resilience, reminding audiences of the unifying power of music. Their upcoming show at The Howard Theater is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration and community.
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