Still, BADBADNOTGOOD's true passion lies in hip-hop: The band's latest album, BBNG2, features songs originally written by Kanye West and Odd Future's Earl Sweatshirt, among others. Obviously, this isn't the first time a modern jazz artist has paid homage to rap music. Robert Glasper does it quite often, but BADBADNOTGOOD's approach is much less refined ? and intentionally so, with a brash attitude and youthful energy winning out over technique.

"UWM," featuring saxophonist Leland Whitty, is one of the few originals on BBNG2, and the sounds of hip-hop come through in Alexander Sowinski's drums. The improvisational sax and electric piano keep the sound rooted in a jazzy foundation and intertwine impressively, as "UWM" grows into a moody jazz-hop think piece.

Copyright 2012 National Public Radio. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.