Making Music In Relationship

I’ve never believed in doing this alone.

Music has always been communal for me, something shaped in rooms, not silos. Even when the spotlight lands on one voice, there are always many hands, hearts, and histories involved.

Collaboration isn’t just something I value. It’s how I move through the world as an artist.

What I’ve learned over the years is that my favorite collaborations are spaces where we learn and grow together. They often begin with ambition, curiosity, and a sense of fun. There is excitement in seeing what’s possible when people bring their full selves into the room. From there, connection deepens. Shared language develops. Trust is built. Often, those collaborations start locally, with the people already around me.

Some of the most meaningful moments in my career came from inviting people in, saying yes, and staying open to where the work might lead.

From a Local Studio to a Global Moment

One of the most defining collaborations of my career began right at home.

Before the world heard We Made You, it was a local collaboration. It started with producer Doc Ish, after someone in the community invited me into a session. That session, one I almost skipped, led to writing and singing the hook on a record by Eminem.

That moment went on to reach millions, earn Grammy recognition, and open doors I couldn’t have imagined. But what matters most to me is how it began. It didn’t start with a major label or a big strategy. It started with local trust, creative chemistry, and showing up for the people already in my orbit.

That lesson has stayed with me.

“No Chaser” — Longstanding Collaboration and Creative Trust

Another collaboration that was especially meaningful and fun for me is No Chaser, written by the incredibly talented Mr. Qwes and sung together with him and Hartford R&B singer Ru Williams.

Qwes and I have been close friends and collaborators for years. Our creative relationship is built on deep trust, shared musical language, and mutual respect. Beyond writing and recording together, he’s someone I’ve leaned on during some of my most meaningful creative moments.

One of those moments was the Whitney Houston Tribute concert, where Qwes served as Musical Director. That night felt special in a way that’s hard to manufacture, the kind of room where everyone was listening deeply and honoring something bigger than themselves. The connection between the musicians, the music, and the audience was undeniable. It’s telling that the artists involved still talk about that night and continue to ask when we’re doing it again. That kind of response only happens when something real takes place.

I also trusted Qwes to reimagine and revamp my single Look to the Sky, breathing new life into a song that already held deep personal significance for me. That process was further elevated by working with the incredible melodist Simone Moné, whose voice, musical intuition, and friendship brought a new level of feeling and intention to the song. Collaborating with her didn’t just enhance the arrangement, it deepened the emotional truth of the record.

Working with Qwes always feels grounded and expansive at the same time, rooted in history, care, and a shared understanding of what the music needs. Adding Simone into that creative space reminded me how powerful it is when trust, talent, and genuine relationship meet. That kind of collaboration changes the work in ways you can feel.

Longstanding Musical Relationships Matter

Some collaborations grow into something deeper, becoming creative partnerships that evolve over time. I’ve had the privilege of a long-standing working relationship with producer and saxophonist David Davis, collaborating across multiple albums and projects. What I value most is not just his musicianship, but the ease and trust between us. Our work styles are deeply aligned, intuitive, intentional, and rooted in feel.

That kind of alignment doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from mutual respect, shared standards, and friendship. Working with David has been a reminder that the best collaborations are the ones where you don’t have to explain yourself. The music already understands.

Learning Through Collaboration — Eight to the Bar

Collaboration has also been one of my greatest teachers. Writing songs with the award-winning swing band Eight to the Bar stretched me in new ways and pushed me outside of my usual creative lanes. Being in the creative orbit of bandleader Cynthia Lyon was especially impactful. Watching how she led, arranged, and honored both the music and the musicians taught me lessons I still carry.

One standout example is the song “Walk of Shame,” which became the band’s most streamed song and even took on a life of its own with a dedicated line dance. Seeing a song move beyond the page and the stage, and into people’s bodies and shared experiences, was a powerful reminder of what collaboration can unlock.

That entire experience sharpened my songwriting across new genres, expanded my understanding of ensemble work, and showed me what thoughtful, intentional musical leadership looks like in practice.

Collaboration Beyond the Stage — The Wiz

One of the most formative collaborative experiences of my career came through theater.

I was part of a production of The Wiz, produced by Darlene Brandon of MaPeach Productions and supported by Charter Oak Cultural Center. In the production, I played the Scarecrow and also served as Musical Director.

Holding both roles at once required deep collaboration with fellow directors, actors, musicians, and the entire production team. It revealed just how interconnected creative work truly is. This experience wasn’t only about performance. It was about coordination, communication, trust, and shared vision.

Watching how artists thrived when they were supported, when expectations were clear and leadership was thoughtful, stayed with me long after the curtain closed. That production helped crystallize a belief I carry to this day: artists do their best work when the infrastructure around them is strong.

How That Led to Gripp Productions

That realization became one of the motivations behind co-founding Gripp Productions.

I wanted to help create the kinds of support systems I knew artists and organizations needed. Spaces where creative work could be expansive and well-managed. Where collaboration was honored, logistics were respected, and people weren’t left to figure everything out alone.

Gripp Productions grew out of lived experience. Being in the room, on the stage, and behind the scenes taught me how much care it takes to bring creative visions to life.

“The Light” — Community in Harmony

More recently, I was honored to be part of The Light, a collaboration from the Hartford Unwrapped project. The song was written by the brilliant Erica Tracy and brought to life by a powerful group of local artists coming together with intention and care.

The collaboration includes Mr. Qwes, Ysanne, Brandon Serafino, Orice Jenkins, Olivia Gains, and myself, with each voice adding something distinct while serving the same collective spirit.

This project felt especially close to my heart because it centered community. Artists coming together to create something uplifting, rooted, and shared. There is a different kind of understanding when you build where you live. A shared responsibility. A shared pride.

Projects like this remind me why I keep choosing collaboration, especially with local artists. Making music with your community hits different.

My Favorite Collaboration — Live at Parkville Sounds

If I’m honest, my favorite collaboration to date was working with musical director and pianist Dee Davis and the incredible band she assembled for Live at Parkville Sounds, produced at Parkville Sounds.

That experience felt like everything coming together. Trust, preparation, intuition, and care were present at every level. From the musicians on stage to the production team behind the scenes, there was a shared commitment to excellence and intention. The Parkville Sounds environment allowed the music to breathe, the performances to be honest, and the energy in the room to be fully captured.

Dee’s leadership, musical vision, and ability to build a band that truly listened and responded made the project feel expansive and grounded at the same time. Paired with thoughtful production, the result was a live recording that reflects not just a performance, but a moment of collective alignment.

It was collaboration at its best. Everyone was clear in their role, open in their expression, and fully committed to serving the music.

Why Local Collaboration Will Always Be My Favorite

I’ve had opportunities at different scales, and I’m grateful for all of them. But working with local artists will always be my favorite because it’s where the relationships are real and the stakes are human.

Local collaboration is where:

• You grow together

• You take creative risks safely

• You build culture, not just content

It’s also where artists learn how to support one another beyond the music through consistency, care, and shared vision.

At this stage of my career, I’m less interested in chasing proximity to power and more interested in nurturing proximity to purpose. Collaboration is how I stay grounded, Community is how I stay inspired, and the work is always better when we build it together.