José James drops new single “Rock With You” featuring Takuya Kuroda
José James has just dropped a new track titled “Rock With You,” featuring Takuya Kuroda, set to be part of his upcoming album, 1978: Revenge of The Dragon, hitting the shelves on May 16, 2025, under Rainbow Blonde Records. This collaboration continues a long-standing creative alliance between José James and Takuya Kuroda. They kick-started their musical voyage with “Promise in Love” from James’ second album, Blackmagic, and have since embarked on numerous joint ventures, including the critically acclaimed No Beginning No End.
Their most notable reworking of Roy Ayers’ “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” has garnered over 50 million streams, solidifying their status as a formidable duo. In “Rock With You,” James’ resplendent vocals intermingle with Kuroda’s evocative trumpet sound, fusing elements of jazz and disco seamlessly. Their rendition pays homage to the original track while infusing a contemporary twist.
James expresses his excitement about working with Kuroda, highlighting the electric synergy they share in the studio. “Rock With You” encapsulates their signature sound—blending jazz and soul with an infectious Tokyo-NYC bounce. The new album, 1978: Revenge of The Dragon, was recorded at Dreamland Studios, a charmingly restored church near Woodstock, NY. This album embodies the rebellious and edgy vibe of the late ’70s, drawing inspiration from jazz fusion, martial arts films, and Blaxploitation cinema.
1978: Revenge of The Dragon features a mix of original compositions and modern interpretations of classics like Herbie Hancock’s “I Thought It Was You,” The Rolling Stones’ “Miss You,” and the Bee Gees’ “Love You Inside Out.” The album showcases a stellar ensemble, including Taali on vocals, BIGYUKI on keys and analog synths, and Jharis Yokley on drums. The brass section features Takuya Kuroda on trumpet, Ebban Dorsey on alto sax, and Ben Wendel on tenor sax, while David Ginyard and Kyle Miles handle bass duties.
In celebration of the album release, José James is gearing up for a worldwide tour to bring Revenge of The Dragon to life on stage. The tour will include performances at iconic venues like New York City’s Blue Note Jazz Club, Germany’s Jazzopen Stuttgart with Lionel Richie, and various festivals around the globe. Fans can expect an electric live show that captures the essence of the album’s rebellious spirit and eclectic sound. For more information and ticket details, visit José James’ official website.
José James has cultivated a multifaceted career spanning over 17 years, where he has seamlessly blended genres, eras, and styles to create a unique and captivating body of work. As the co-head of Rainbow Blonde Records, James continues to push boundaries and challenge conventions through his music, establishing himself as a masterful conductor and conduit of musical innovation. His rich baritone voice remains a timeless fixture in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary jazz and soul.