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About this concert
7:00 PM EDT6 Going
Join Substantial and his band for the 25th anniversary of his debut album 'To This Union A Sun Was Born', produced by Nujabes & Monorisick
Think Different Tribute Jam 2026
April 17, 2026 - Kabu, Northeast, Washington, DC
Featuring Substantial & The Sun's Hues, Honoring Nujabes, Monorisick (later known as DJ Deckstream), and a Legacy of Global Hip Hop Innovation
Substantial Art & Music proudly presents Think Different Tribute Jam 2026, now taking place on April 17, 2026, at Kabu in Northeast, Washington, DC. This special event celebrates the artistic legacy and global influence of the late Japanese producers Nujabes and Monorisick, who later became known as DJ Deckstream, the visionary collaborators behind Substantial’s debut album, To This Union A Sun Was Born.
Hosted by Maryland rapper Black Root, the evening will feature Substantial and his band, The Sun’s Hues, performing live reinterpretations of selections from the classic album and more of their classic songs.
Substantial’s debut album, To This Union A Sun Was Born, stands as a milestone in global hip hop, bridging Maryland lyricism with the soulful, introspective production of Nujabes and Monorisick (DJ Deckstream). Their influence continues to resonate throughout hip hop, lo-fi, jazz-rap, and instrumental music scenes worldwide.
Think Different Tribute Jam 2026 honors that legacy by bringing fans together for an immersive evening that celebrates the music, culture, and collaborative spirit that defined an era.
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Artist bio
Prince George’s County, Maryland-born MC, producer, artist, and educator, Substantial, debuted in 2000 collaborating with the late Japanese producer, Nujabes, who later worked on the popular show Samurai Champloo. Legendary rapper and activist, Chuck D of Public Enemy referred to Substantial as “One of the great MCs of our time.” His soulful and introspective brand of Hip Hop music has received critical acclaim from Ebony.com, The Source Magazine, HipHopDX, DJBooth.net, and Okayplayer.com. His music videos have appeared on MTV, VH1, and BET and he is a two-time Hollywood Music in Nominee.
Substantial has performed in nearly 20 countries and has collaborated with artists such as Kool Herc, L Universe, better known as Verbal (M-Flo), Oddisee, Jeff Bernat, and more. Substantial has licensed music to major brands such as Ford Motor Company, Amazon, and UBER and also had his music featured in films and television shows such as Kevin Hart’s Laugh at My Pain, and the Daytime Emmy-nominated show Tough Love. In 2021, Substantial was featured on an original song for PUBG Mobile’s short film The Growth, and also Mobile Legends Bang Bang’s virtual group S.T.U.N.’s song and music video. In 2020, Substantial featured on The Real Folk Blues COVID-19 relief cover with Yoko Kanno, the SEATBELTS, Mason Lieberman, Mega Ran, and 40 other artists for an official Cowboy Bebop charity track in collaboration with FUNIMATION and Sunrise, which reached #6 on Billboard for “World Digital Sales”. He also featured on the song, Renegade from the video game Arknights, which was also nominated for a Hollywood Music in Media Award for Original Song – Video Game. In 2019, Substantial wrote and produced music featured in the video game Renaine and the South Korean online game Tree of Savior.
For more info visit: http://bio.site/substantial
Read MoreSubstantial has performed in nearly 20 countries and has collaborated with artists such as Kool Herc, L Universe, better known as Verbal (M-Flo), Oddisee, Jeff Bernat, and more. Substantial has licensed music to major brands such as Ford Motor Company, Amazon, and UBER and also had his music featured in films and television shows such as Kevin Hart’s Laugh at My Pain, and the Daytime Emmy-nominated show Tough Love. In 2021, Substantial was featured on an original song for PUBG Mobile’s short film The Growth, and also Mobile Legends Bang Bang’s virtual group S.T.U.N.’s song and music video. In 2020, Substantial featured on The Real Folk Blues COVID-19 relief cover with Yoko Kanno, the SEATBELTS, Mason Lieberman, Mega Ran, and 40 other artists for an official Cowboy Bebop charity track in collaboration with FUNIMATION and Sunrise, which reached #6 on Billboard for “World Digital Sales”. He also featured on the song, Renegade from the video game Arknights, which was also nominated for a Hollywood Music in Media Award for Original Song – Video Game. In 2019, Substantial wrote and produced music featured in the video game Renaine and the South Korean online game Tree of Savior.
For more info visit: http://bio.site/substantial
Genres: Jazz Hop, Jazzy Hip Hop, Rap, Hip Hop, Conscious Rap, East Coast Hip Hop, Lo-fi Hip-hop
Hometown: Landover, Maryland
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What fans are saying
Substantial is amazing. His classics bring me to a place I always love going to. His collaboration with Nujabes help make Substantial into one of the all time greats, and his new stuff shows it.
May 27, 2023·Flushing, NY

Carlos

