Plunky Press Release
N.A.M.E. BRAND RECORDS
P.O. BOX 7052
RICHMOND, VA 23221
804-397-9099
Plunky & Oneness – “I’ll Be There Hip-Hop Remix”
Afro-Jazz Funk Group Releases a Hip-Hop Remix of Their Reggae Drill Song: “I’ll Be There”
The “I’ll Be There Hip-Hop Remix” features an aggressive drill flow by rapper, Rasul The Knowbody, an acclaimed web 3 game developer and influencer. The video for the remix includes footage of Jamaican beach scenes from the original video plus Rasul at the beach at night, traveling, and clips from Plunky’s Sandbox game that Rasul has developed. An NFT of the remixed song is available at Pianity.com.
(Here is a link to the “I’ll Be There Hip-Hop Remix” Video: 
Plunky & Oneness/Rasul the Knowbody - "I ll Be There" Hip-Hop Remix
Richmond, VA - Plunky & Oneness, the Afro-funk jazz group known for their eclecticism and genre-busting explorations, released their latest single, “I’ll Be There,” on N.A.M.E. Brand Records. The single marked a departure from their usual sound, with a reggae-influenced R&B track that showcases Plunky’s heartfelt vocals and emotional lyrics.
“I’ll Be There” is a song about loyalty and fidelity, with a lover pledging their devotion to their long-term partner. Plunky composed the melody and lyrics over a drill rhythm track produced by his son, Fire, and DJ Diallo. The sparse, dub-reggae rhythm track spotlights the song’s poignant message and soulful performance by Plunky and his background singers.
The “I’ll Be There” music video, shot on location in Montego Bay, Jamaica, features breathtaking footage of the tropical setting and creates a wistful backdrop for the lover’s pledging declaration. The video with its aerial drone footage was directed by Fire and edited by Plunky.
(Video link: I'll Be There - Official Video )
DJ Papa D, MC and music director of Dub Party FM Radio in Jamaica, has already been playing preliminary mixes of “I’ll Be There” on his radio show, and receiving tremendous responses from his listeners. Plunky said, “The feedback from Papa D and his audience has been encouraging and validates the vibrancy of the track and the universal sentiment of the song.”
Plunky has been at the forefront of Afro-centric jazz, funk, and go-go for over 50 years. He has woven these interrelated musical forms into a forward-looking message of empowerment, positivity, and cultural awareness. Plunky and Oneness of Juju's landmark African Rhythms record was released in 1975 on the pioneering D.C.-based indie label Black Fire. Plunky's band found itself able to move with the times, scoring early '80s house/disco hits and touring in both Europe and Africa. In recent years, Plunky has recorded in an urban/contemporary vein.
“These days I am still producing a wide variety of songs in various genres, from experimental cosmic jazz to Afro-beats to R&B funk to smooth instrumentals and hip-hop. So, while we’re doing a few reggae joints, I can’t say that this represents a whole new, singular direction for us,” Plunky said.
“I’ll Be There” is sure to be a standout addition to Plunky & Oneness' extensive catalog, showcasing their continued growth and experimentation as artists.
Contact: John Jones (804) 641-1111
Email: john@thepointguards.com
Website: www.plunkyone.com/ Social Media: @plunkyone
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J. Plunky Branch Bio 2023
Music critics have hailed legendary saxophonist James “Plunky” Branch as an essential part of the “vanguard of Afro-centric jazz, funk, house music, and go-go.” Over the span of 40+ years, he has independently maintained a successful career of creating music, with over 25 albums. His group Plunky & Oneness has performed alongside some of the biggest names in Black music, including Patti LaBelle, Ray Charles, Frankie Beverly, Maze, and Chuck Brown along with notable musicians ranging from Pharoah Sanders, Ornette Coleman, and Gil Scott Heron. His international fan base has given him the opportunity to perform in front of audiences all over Europe and Africa, and he has enthusiasts for his music from the U.S. to Japan. Plunky’s music has stood the test of time and has earned him the status of living music legend. Plunky is a two-time recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Fellowship. As a Virginia native, Plunky is an avid supporter of the arts, as well as an educator and lecturer performing and presenting at numerous public schools and universities. He’s taught African American music at Virginia Commonwealth University and directed the Virginia Union University Jazz Ensemble. As the CEO of Black Fire Records and NAME Brand Records, his immense catalog has been sampled by hip-hop luminaries including J Cole, KRS One, Big Pun and J Dilla and featured by The Roots band live on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
In August 2019, Plunky & Oneness released the album Afroclectic, a “sonic offering of Afro inspired music made to move the body and soul.” According to a press release, the album is a positive experience that celebrates the diversity of Black culture, paying tribute to Fela Kuti, Miles Davis, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Plunky’s career inspires us to keep pushing forward, reminding us to acknowledge and embrace our roots. His music has inspired many around the world to keep on dancing and to spread love wherever they go.
In 2022, Plunky co-produced the documentary film “Black Fire – Radio Rhythms & Revolution;” and in July 2023 he released a new reggae-drill single and video, Plunky & Oneness - “I’ll Be There.”
“Black music, our music, has always been about telling our story and inspiring us to keep on keeping on. Our beats, words, and melodies can produce instantaneous pleasure and a profound vision of future possibilities. While the business of music has become a very complex enterprise, for me, it’s still about presenting rhythms, energy, improvisations, and songs in service to our community. Our music fuels our mythology and magic, and it impacts the whole world.” — J. “Plunky” Branch
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