Kamasi Washington Celebrates Juneteenth and Black Music Month With Release of 'Hope Man'

In celebration of Juneteenth and Black Music Month, Kamasi Washington has released the new song "Hope Man" exclusively through Apple Music. The seven minute-plus epic is part of a collection titled Freedom Songs available on the streaming service.

"In the United States, Juneteenth is the day we celebrate news of the Emancipation Proclamation (the executive order outlawing slavery) making its way to slaves in Texas two years after it was first instated," a message on Apple Music reads. "To celebrate Juneteenth, Apple Music handpicked a group of Black jazz musicians to exclusively cover songs and originals that speak to the spirit of the holiday. Enjoy this original song inspired by Juneteenth."

The release of the new track comes as Washington continues to collect accolades for his latest album, Fearless Movement, which features guest spots from André 3000, Thundercat, George Clinton, Terrace Martin and others.

Washington is on the road to support the album, playing tonight (June 6) at the Golden State Theatre in Monterey, Calif. He wraps his current leg of U.S. dates on Aug. 2 at the Newport Jazz Festival before heading to Europe for dates beginning Oct. 3 in Padvoa, Italy.

Aside from his own releases, Washington is a noted session player featured on albums by a diverse list of artists including Ryan Adams, the Twilight Singers, Snoop Dogg, Stanley Clarke, Thundercat, Run the Jewels, St. Vincet, Kendrick Lamar and others.

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