C0D3 7's "Certified Fresh" EP delivers a daring Jazz-Hip Hop fusion
C0D3 7’s latest release, Certified Fresh, lives up to its title in every way imaginable. With Cody Steinmann at the helm, this four-track EP is a bold, collaborative journey through jazz, hip-hop, and instrumental experimentation that stands out as a powerful artistic statement. Co-produced by jazz pianist Javier Santiago, the project seamlessly merges genres while celebrating the individual artistry of each featured performer. It’s a record that feels organic and free-flowing, yet meticulous in its execution—offering listeners a deeply immersive musical experience.
From the first note of the opening track, “Slippin,” the EP sets the tone with an energetic, jazz-infused vibe, thanks in part to the brilliant tenor saxophone work by De’Sean Jones. The chemistry between Jones' sax and Steinmann’s intricate guitar lines is palpable, blending seamlessly into a rich sonic landscape. The track feels alive, as though it’s breathing and evolving with every second—a hallmark of great improvisational jazz.
But Certified Fresh doesn’t just rest on its jazz laurels. Tracks like “Karma” and “Intervention” dive into the world of hip-hop with Israel and Bensap Grimm laying down powerful rap verses that cut through the lush instrumentation. These songs strike the perfect balance between heady jazz rhythms and raw, lyrical storytelling, giving the EP an edge that keeps it feeling fresh and contemporary. The beats are punchy, the verses sharp, and the musical foundation solid—making these tracks standout moments in the EP’s overall journey. Steinmann and Santiago show incredible range in their production, creating a soundscape where both rap and jazz can coexist harmoniously.
“Hathor,” featuring Solomon Parham on trumpet, brings the EP to a soaring close with a deeply soulful and contemplative mood. Parham’s trumpet performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, weaving its way through the layers of sound with grace and intensity. There’s a spiritual quality to the track, one that leaves a lasting impression long after the music fades. It’s a fitting end to an EP that thrives on emotional depth and musical exploration.
What makes Certified Fresh truly remarkable is how Steinmann and Santiago manage to make every track feel distinct, yet part of a cohesive whole. The variety in instrumentation—whether it’s the wailing tenor sax on “Slippin,” the fiery rap verses on “Karma” and “Intervention,” or the soulful trumpet on “Hathor”—keeps the EP dynamic and engaging from start to finish. The collaborators on the record are given space to shine, yet everything feels carefully woven together, serving the larger vision of the project.
Cody Steinmann, who has been performing and teaching professionally for over a decade, brings his extensive musical knowledge and passion to Certified Fresh, resulting in a record that’s technically impressive but never loses sight of its emotional core. The production is crisp, yet there’s a rawness to the performances that keeps it grounded and authentic. It’s the kind of project that begs to be experienced in one sitting, as the tracks build on each other to create a full-bodied sound that’s rich in texture and meaning.
In a world where genre boundaries are increasingly blurred, Certified Fresh stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and artistic vision. It’s a record that feels alive, brimming with energy and creativity, and it leaves you excited for whatever C0D3 7 will do next.
We’ve always been impressed, that should go without saying, but this entire work is an absolute masterclass in originality. Go ahead and click those links below to listen, follow along, and of course to stay tuned for more.
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