“BLACKOUT” is the debut single from producer/MC duo Michael Leonhart & JSWISS. This union formed after a spark of creative chemistry during a residency at NYC venue Jazz Standard, during which JSWISS guested with the Michael Leonhart Orchestra for performances which were broadcast on NPR & WBGO.

“BLACKOUT” is a powerful anthem over an infectious, hypnotic instrumental that responds directly to the current social climate of the Black Lives Matter movement.

“We wanted to create a driving orchestral hip hop track that would support the empowering and uplifting history lesson contained in JSWISS’s lyrics,” Leonhart states. JSWISS says, “As a young Black man obviously the killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, and the spotlight on police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement is heavIly on my mind. But I wanted to go beyond the grief and anger that takes a toll on us, and beyond saying our lives simply “matter”, and recognize that not only should we not be killed, but we should be celebrated, and celebrate ourselves.”