Get ready to groove, because Thundercat and Remi Wolf just brought the house down on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert with their electrifying performance of ‘Children of the Baked Potato.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this tribute to a legendary L.A. jazz club a nostalgic nod to the past, or a bold reinvention of jazz for a new generation? Let’s dive in.
Released in September, this collaborative track isn’t just a song—it’s a love letter to the iconic Baked Potato jazz club, a venue that shaped both artists’ musical journeys. With a live band backing them, Thundercat and Remi Wolf transformed the stage into an intimate, psychedelic experience that perfectly captured the club’s spirit. And this is the part most people miss: The song isn’t just about the club; it’s about the community and creativity it fostered. As Thundercat put it, ‘She’s [Remi] a child of the Baked Potato like me.’ Their chemistry is undeniable, and the result is a track that feels both timeless and fresh.
What makes this performance even more special is the context. ‘Children of the Baked Potato’ marks Thundercat’s first solo release in five-and-a-half years, following his critically acclaimed 2020 album It Is What It Is. Paired with the single ‘I Wish I Didn’t Waste Your Time,’ both tracks were produced by the legendary Greg Kurstin, showcasing Thundercat’s evolution as an artist. Meanwhile, Remi Wolf’s contribution adds a dynamic layer that elevates the song to new heights. Bold claim: This collaboration might just be the most underrated musical moment of the year.
If you think the excitement stops there, think again. Thundercat recently kicked off a North American tour, culminating in a performance at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in Los Angeles. But it’s not all about the music—Thundercat also opened up in a heartfelt interview with Rolling Stone about the late Sam Rivers, Limp Bizkit’s founding bassist. ‘His music was defining to my early growth in music,’ Thundercat shared, reflecting on how Rivers’ work shaped his own artistic journey. Thought-provoking question: How do artists like Rivers and Thundercat continue to influence new generations of musicians, even decades later?
So, here’s the big question: Is ‘Children of the Baked Potato’ just a tribute, or is it a cultural statement about the enduring power of music spaces like the Baked Potato? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re all ears!
