Terry Riley, Armand Hammer, and RP Boo aren’t often names that come up in the same breath. However, these three seemingly disparate yet beloved artists all appear on the upcoming compilation “Outer Spaceways Incorporated – Kronos Quartet & Friends Meet Sun Ra.” This tribute album, organized by neoclassical pioneers Kronos Quartet and issued by the storied nonprofit record label Red Hot Org, features Sun Ra covers and inspired originals.
Today, two singles have been released ahead of the album’s June 21 release. One is from Riley, and the other features a partnership between Armand Hammer and RP Boo. On “Kiss Yo’ Ass Goodbye,” 88-year-old minimalist innovator Riley and his Japanese collaborator Sara Miyamoto reimagine Ra’s clattering original “Nuclear War,” adding a lush, funky spin. RP Boo and Armand Hammer have created a stunning original for their first-ever collaboration; “Blood Running High” centers Brooklyn lofi rappers billy woods and ELUCID’s apocalyptic flows over Chicago footwork legend RP Boo’s skittering beat, incorporating samples of Ra’s original performances and lectures.
Both tracks offer very different—and equally enticing—glimpses of a record that manages to do justice to Ra’s heady, eclectic spirit and continue his tradition of sonic innovation, showcasing his continuing influence on myriad musical genres.