In the spirit of ancestors like Quincy Jones, J Dilla and Miles Davis, WhoAllGonBeThere is a meeting of some of the most innovative and in-demand minds at the intersection of jazz, hip-hop and R&B. In short, it’s Black Music at its finest, connected to the root.

The collective was launched organically from one inspired Brooklyn studio session that saw Marcus Strickland (saxophone), Ben Williams (bass & vocals), Asar (keyboards), JSWISS (MC/rapper), and Marcus Gilmore (drums) come together to explore what could happen when they brought their musicianship, songwriting and production capabilities into one room. By introducing sketches of previously formed song ideas and allowing room for spontaneous creation in the studio, the session laid the foundation for what would become WhoAllGonBeThere’s debut EP, set to release in 2025. The group is also excited to welcome dynamic drummer Jharis Yokley in place of Gilmore for its live performances.

WhoAllGonBeThere is not just a band, but a collective of songwriters, producers and performers breaking new ground as they carve unique lanes and build upon extensive catalogs as leaders of separate projects as well. The group is a realization of the possibilities when creatives who refuse to be bound by the constraints of genre join together to move the music forward.

Lauded as a “gifted storyteller” by hip-hop legend Chuck D of Public Enemy, JSWISS is an MC who’s garnered an equal amount of respect from hip-hop and jazz circles for his substantive lyrics and vocal dexterity over a unique range of rhythms and time signatures. As one of the most celebrated saxophonists of his generation, Marcus Strickland is a Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist who stands out even further for his talents as a songwriter and producer, which take center stage on his forward thinking Twi-Life projects.

Chad Selph a.k.a. Asar is a keyboardist, producer, arranger, musical director and mastermind behind Freelance, which is gaining steam as an electrifying and elite band carrying the torch from the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire and Mint Condition before them. Recognized for many years as one of the most sought after bassists in the world, Grammy Award winner Ben Williams has further solidified himself as a gifted composer, songwriter and vocalist through an array of standout solo projects and collaborations.

On the drums, Jharis Yokley provides an orchestra of sound that often seems like it can’t possibly be the work of one man, deploying the right balance of power and finesse across every part of the kit, while never losing the feel of the pocket. He takes the baton from Marcus Gilmore, who, like Yokley, brings innovation and color to the art of drumming that make him a once-in-a-generation talent.

In addition to leading their own critically acclaimed projects, separately the members of WhoAllGonBeThere have collaborated on stage and recordings with an eclectic range of collaborators including Lauryn Hill, Robert Glasper, Elvis Costello, DJ Premier, Nate Smith, Terrace Martin, Roy Haynes, Christian McBride, Solange, Jose James, and the list goes on.