Western Massachussettes artist Jackson Whalan has been rapping and making beats since the age eleven when he discovered that the power of Hip Hop gave him unstoppable purpose. Since then he has toured nationally throughout the U.S. and beyond including headlining, being direct support for Moon Hooch, and opening for national acts Talib Kweli, Slick Rick, Aceyalone, Michael Menert, Random Rab, Late Night Radio, and more. He also has appeared on festival and concert lineups alongside Immortal Technique, Gramatik, Honeycomb, Big Gigantic, Break Science, Exmag, Griz, Jade Cicada, J Rocc, Killah Priest, Brother J and other established acts. In addition has collaborated with an assortment of artists including Myka 9, Jo Jo Mayer & Nerve, Fatlip (The Pharcyde), Stic Man (Dead Prez), MC Supernatural, Lex Rush, Honeycomb, Elan Morrison, Mr. Lif, Jade Cicada, Space Jesus, Esseks, Robby Baier, Jules Jenssen, Dave Eggar, The Arcitype, McQueen Adams, The Lesson GK, and many more. His eclectic sound with modern production attracts a diverse fan base the cross genres ranging from Hip Hop, Experimental, Jazz, Electronic, Classical, and more.

The Road Ahead Vol.1 is the first beat tape project he is releasing in collaboration with keyboard player and composer Ian Evans. The Inspiration behind the project comes from Hip Hop, Jazz, Neo-soul, and Instrumental producers like J Dilla, Lord Finesse, RJD2, DJ Shadow, and more. “We made this album of beats with driving in mind. It can be a soundtrack for when you’re on the road. It’s also for chilling by the pool, studying, etc… We want this music to be a vibe that supports whatever you are doing” says Jackson. Some of their beats are lofi, classic, and boom bap, while others are trip-hop, trap, and downtempo. The constant thread is the mood between the notes that seems to run through each piece. Jackson and Ian take the music further in collaboration than either of them would on their own. It’s something special. Check it out now on your preferred digital streaming platform!