60 East and J57 connect for this new “6057” EP.
Indie hip-hop artists 60 East and J57 are today introducing themselves as “6057.” The newly formed duo is the result of years-long mutual appreciation between two celebrated artists, though this is the pair’s first collaborative effort. 6057 just released two songs, “Don’t Stop” and “Autumn in NY,” as their first release.
J57 — who is well known as both an accomplished producer and member of Jamo Gang alongside Ras Kass and El Gant — first came to 60 East’s attention through his work with the venerated hip-hop supercrew Brown Bag All Stars. 60 East — whose past collaborations include A-F-R-O, Blu and Fashawn — first came to J57’s attention through his Skyzoo-assisted video single, “Enemies 2 Friends.”
6057 marks 60 East’s second group. “We just had a natural spark,” he says of their collaboration. “Around the time we started working, I was still rapping over faster beats but J sent me something slower, which took me out of my comfort zone and forced me to evolve. There’s a mutual growth happening, where we can tap into each other’s coasts and fan bases while also providing tunes for our mutual fans.”
As for J57, he calls 60 East one of his “favorite MCs and people,” adding “we really have the same views on certain sonics and ideas, which made it an excellent experience.” 6057, he says, is a reflection of the two’s respective places in life. “ I’m a little older than him but we’re both in that middle place; not young and not old – we’re right in the middle. The music really embodies that/you can hear it in the soundscapes; modern-throwback.”
Both “Don’t Stop” and “Autumn in NY” were recorded in New York City, allowing the duo to work together in person. While in New York, 60 East made a cameo appearance in the video for Jamo Gang’s “The 1st Time,” featuring Slug of Atmosphere and produced by DJ Premier.
Though details of “6057” music videos have yet to be released, the duo has shared an announcement trailer, which includes footage of studio sessions filmed at SpaceLab.
