Cisco Swank: Redefining Jazz Music with Lo-fi Rap Influences

Francisco Haye, who performs under the name Cisco Swank, is a 23-year-old classically trained jazz musician from Flatbush. His music is blending the genres of jazz, R&B, and trap-inspired drums, and raps like a veteran in the lo-fi underground rap scene. His album “More Better” is the result of the pandemic but is full of uplifting themes that convey perseverance in dark times.

Haye’s sound is informed by Robert Glasper and Roy Hargrove. With his unique ability to blend piano melody over lush drums, he transforms cliché jazz tunes into exciting and fresh compositions. Jazz-rap hybrids are not new, but his music stands out by attracting a younger audience that enjoys alternative rap and neo-soul.

Ambrose Akinmusire, a noted trumpeter, said it best, “He is Black music. All of it. It’s in every note.” This unique sound comes from Haye’s upbringing around music. His mother directed the youth choir, and his father was the director of music at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Haye started playing music at the church when he was young and fell in love with the art form.

Haye attended Berklee College of Music, where he studied piano performance and contemporary writing and production. During his time there, he started posting music on Soundcloud and tinkering with the conversational cadences that are heard on “More Better.” He met multi-instrumentalist Luke Titus during the start of the pandemic, and the two collaborated on the album “Some Things Take Time.”

Haye is redefining jazz music by blending it with other genres and adding his unique sound. His album “More Better” is full of uplifting themes of perseverance and faith, even in dark times. All this comes from the rich musical background he has grown up with, and it is a treat to listen to his music and find new things in every note.