Thundercat doesn’t follow the rules. From his tattoo of the word NO, to his genre-bending playing and extensive collection of cat hair, he's an artist who keeps us guessing and is the perfect guest for Don’t Assume.

The bassist, singer, and producer has become a key figure in the West Coast jazz, funk, and R&B scene alongside the likes of Kamasi Washington and Flying Lotus. Known for his virtuoso playing and falsetto voice, Thundercat actually cut his teeth playing bass in the thrash metal band Suicidal Tendencies. He traces a line from there to the psychedelic, jazz-infused R&B that he’s loved for today, as he and Zakia discuss being the weird kids in school, how all musicians want to be comedians and his quest for extra pickles.

Thundercat has benefited from some incredible collaborators along the way including Kamasi Washington, Mac Miller, Erykah Badu, Flying Lotus and Kenrick Lamar, here he reflects on the impact they’ve had on his career. He’s a mercurial talent, and over the course of the interview he dances between references, funny asides and reflections on grief, all grounded in what is clearly a sincere love and respect for music.

Discover Thundercat on NTS

Presenter - Zakia Sewell

Producer - Alannah Chance

Recording - Sophie Ellison

Music composition - Jennifer Walton

Mix-Mastering - Sol King

Exec Producer - Lizzy King for NTS

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