In 1996, hip-hop was approaching its maximum volume. There were blockbuster releases that embodied and litigated regional and stylistic differences: All Eyez On Me, ATLiens, The Score, It Was Written, Ridin’ Dirty. Amidst that, and despite the existing—and persisting—structural barriers, women were able to inch into the genre’s mainstream like never before. Through all that noise entered Philadelphia’s Bahamadia. Her debut album, Kollage, remains a quiet, jazz-rooted masterpiece that considers calmness a strength and manages to cut through the din by exercising restraint. Shaped by producers from multiple corners of the map—DJ Premier, Da Beatminerz, N.O Joe—Kollage is as boom-bap as it gets, but with a touch of experimentation that has helped it stand out even three decades after its release.
In a rare interview, Bahamadia opened up about her early years as a DJ, meeting James Brown, her breakthrough into drum and bass, her work with J Dilla, and the state of hip-hop 30 years after Kollage.
The Roots of a Legend
Bahamadia’s journey began long before her debut. She studied percussion in her youth, an experience she credits for her innate understanding of rhythm and cadence. “I transitioned from there because I was exposed to all the DJ culture in Philly,” she explains. “But I always wrote poetry and little short stories as a child.” Her transition to the microphone was almost accidental, born from a need to fill in for absent members of her crew, the West Philly Sound Crew. “When I got a chance to touch the mic I was like no, this is it, because I got a chance to find a voice and not hide behind who I was.”
Crafting Kollage
Reflecting on the creation of Kollage, Bahamadia describes it as a “montage of first takes.” Her association with Gang Starr, particularly Guru and DJ Premier, proved pivotal. “The jazz element, the traditional hip-hop foundation, just the eclecticism of what Gang Starr represents, their forward thinking—especially with Premier. Fortunately for me, Guru saw the vision.” She notes that the album was a collaborative effort, bringing together diverse producers like Ski Beatz and The Roots, mirroring the ambitious scope of Nas‘s Illmatic.
A Legacy of Spiritual Honesty
When asked about her impact, Bahamadia remains humble, viewing her work as a vessel for something greater. “I feel like Kollage is a definitive work, first of all. And if anybody ever took the time to research its origin and the impact it has had, you will see that it’s been generational.” She emphasizes that her approach to music is deeply spiritual, rooted in honesty rather than industry trends. “Everything is spiritual. It’s either on the light side or the dark side. How it comes through in music is honesty. It’s in everything I do, because it’s everything that I am.”