Daru Jones

Brooklyn, United States

Daru Jones is one of the most respected drummers of his generation. Born in Michigan to two professional musicians, he began playing the drums at the age of four. Though he got his start in the church, Jones has been influenced by musicians from a wide range of genres. These eclectic musical tastes have carried over into his own career as he has recorded, performed, and toured with renowned artists and producers such as: Jack White, Nas, Talib Kweli, Black Milk, Salaam Remi, Kim Burrell, Rance Allen, Esparanza Spalding, Ski Beatz & The Sensei's, and Jon B (partial list). Alongside these artists Jones has graced the stages of some of the most revered events in the music industry, including: One Mic: Hip-Hop Culture Worldwide! A 20th anniversary celebration of Nas debut album Illmatic, the 2013 Grammy Awards, Austin City Limits, Rock The Bells Festival, and Montreux Jazz Festival; to rave reviews by Rolling Stone Magazine, LA Weekly, and USA Today, to name a few. He has also appeared on several national and international television programs, such as: The David Letterman Show, Jools Holland (UK), The Colbert Report, Saturday Night Live, and MTV. Though his musical tastes and abilities run the gamut, Jones has been the go-to-drummer in the hip hop game for nearly a decade. He has shared the stage with legends and emerging stars alike, including: Raekwon, Curren$y, Theophulis London, Pharoahe Monch, Jean Grae, Black Moon, Slum Village, Black Sheep, and Large Professor. Jones' work as a drummer goes beyond the role of sideman as he also records and tours throughout Europe and North America as a member of the Vienna-based hip hop/jazz trio, THE RUFF PACK. The band recently released their sophomore album, WITH YOU (2013) to much critical acclaim. Jones is also a sought-after producer and boutique label owner who develops talent and releases music through his imprint, RUSIC RECORDS, LLC. The Brooklyn, NY-based producer/musician exhibits a unique approach to beat-making by incorporating live drum loops, jazzy and gospel samples, and a soulful musicianship into all of his projects. Over the past decade, Jones has produced and released a catalog of projects he classifies as "soul-hop" featuring collaborations with vocalists and rappers: Kissey Asplund, Jasiri X, Reggie B, Rena, AB, and Eagle Nebula, among others. In addition to these RUSIC projects, Jones has produced original and remixed tracks for recording artists, such as: Muhsinah, iSHE, Jessie Boykins III, and Kendra Ross, to name a few. Jones is currently touring with THE RUFF PACK in support of their latest album release and a project they've developed in honor of jazz legend, Thelonious Monk. He also just released a duo project with his sister Rena entitled, #HONEY. The album which is RUSIC RECORDS debut retail album is now available worldwide on all major digital music providers and physically via rusicrecords.com.