All The Fixings with Rich Jones on Smoke Detector
“Few things bring me immense joy like hearing a dope beat or taking the first bite of something new and tasty, so making spaces where I get to do both with people I love is definitely a priority.” With music and food both, Chicago, IL artist Rich Jones naturally finds himself with a complex palette and a full plate.
On his latest project Smoke Detector, Rich Jones finds himself in collaboration with beat maker Iceberg Theory on Rhode Island label Filthy Broke, alongside an eclectic array of refined local artists like Joshua Virtue, Defcee, Curly Castro, Lord Cartel, and Semiratruth.
“I’m in awe of all the talented people I’ve met in Chicago or elsewhere,” Jones told Wormbrain, “even more grateful to call them friends or family. Everybody brought their ‘A game’ and it was a super fun experience synthesizing everyone’s energies while also connecting different generations of artists.”
“If you’re feeling brave, make it a Shrimp Philly Cheesesteak - I triple dog dare you!”
“It’s definitely a project I made for my inner child’s happiness, a reflection of all the experiences I’ve had making music up to this point, so if it takes a second for people to ‘get it,’ I get it.”
The album is a culmination of diverse influence, suited for a well-rounded listening experience, but that may not be for everyone and Rich Jones understands that. For poorly afflicted picky listeners, he offered some helpful guidance, “if you look at tracks 1-6 as Side A and the rest as Side B — with the break in the middle a chance to hit the fridge for a snack or take a nice stretch — things should click for you!”
Photo by Joel Gutman
Beyond the new album, Jones keyed Wormbrain in to a few other key 2022 moments. “I got the chance to play the Metro and open for Twista, Shawnna, Do Or Die and Crucial Conflict in August for a War on Drugs reparations benefit put on by EAT Org. I’ve been hesitant to play shows because of the plague that’s still very much out here but I couldn’t say no when I was asked to do this,” he admitted.
“As a guy who’s a total ‘Homer’ for Chicago Hip Hop, this might be one of the most special shows I ever get to do. Also Shawnna is so, so, so kind.”
“Rap Jam was really special,” reflected Jones. “I booked a bunch of my favorite MCs to play my friend’s backyard, even flew a couple people in. Was dope to get a bunch of people I love around each other to peep how raw they are and like I said above, Little Grenjai brought the goods food wise especially for such a Chicago-centric bill.”
“One thing that’s been super cool is that, as I’ve shared more food things, so many people have hit me up to clue me in on places they dig,” he shared. “Even better when they’ve been able to join me so we can share the experience together!”
Wormbrain World asked Rich Jones about his best eats of 2022 and here is what he shared with us, including photos in the gallery above:
The Chiang Mai Meets Chicago Dog — ”I did a little pop up called Rap Jam over the summer at my friend DJ Castle’s spot. Couldn’t have a backyard function without some quality food and who better to do that then Little Grenjai in Brooklyn. Run by my friend Trevor and his wife Pias, they used sai oua sausage as the base and then dragged it through the garden with all the good Chicago dog fixings. Can’t wait to have it again.”
Shrimp Philly from Verti Marte — “My first tour I went on had a date in New Orleans and my first of many encounters with the Shrimp Philly sandwich from Verti Marte, a late night grocery/deli in the French Quarter. If you’re feeling brave, make it a it Shrimp Philly Cheesesteak - I triple dog dare you!”
Steaks & scallops & shrimp - O’My’s! — “No one knows how to live or eat like my brothers Nick Hennessey & Maceo Vidal-Haymes. No one. And this Summer we did exactly that - steaks, scallops, shrimp and a whole chicken (omitted from above for the sake of the Wizard of Oz reference). Most impressive thing was Maceo building a stand out of leftover wood and putting his rotisserie attachment on top. Next level!”
Anywhere I went with my friend Titus — “I have a friend Titus who is thee food dude and a great hang. Seriously, the guy knows damn near every hot dog stand or hole in the wall in existence everywhere plus all manner of global cuisine. Biggest gems so far that we’ve gone to have been La Chapparita, Kababish, Bundoo Khan and Asian Cuisine Express. Follow him at @chibbqk1ng so you too can eat all the good shit!”
White curry brisket from EEM — “Went to Portland this Fall and linked Golden Beets, an incredible producer and friend. Spent close to a week at his place making music, talking life and eating super well. This was one of the spiciest dishes I’ve ever had and yet I was powerless to stop eating it because it tasted so Goddamn good. Will return.”
My latkes — “Not to brag but I make some great fucking latkes.”
We’re drooling, readers.
W.W: What is Wormbrain?
RJ: It’s 9pm, a Sunday. The ashtray is full of roaches and the coffee table is sooty from whoever’s been smoking the roaches and missing the ashtray when they try to ash the roaches. Who put on CSI? When did you leave on the bathroom light? When’s the last time you stood up? Better yet, just stay seated. Nice.
W.W: Thank you for sharing with Wormbrain.
Rich Jones’ latest album Smoke Detector is out now everywhere via Rhode Island record label Filthy Broke.
