Double Booked

Released in 2009, Double Booked serves as a pivotal bridge in Robert Glasper's discography, marking the transition from his traditional jazz roots to the crossover success of Black Radio. The album is structurally unique, divided into two halves: the first six tracks feature his acoustic trio (with Vicente Archer and Chris Dave), while the latter half introduces 'The Experiment' (featuring Casey Benjamin and Derrick Hodge). This 'split' concept was inspired by Glasper actually being double-booked for two different gigs in one night. The acoustic side showcases his technical debt to Mulgrew Miller and Thelonious Monk, while the electric side features guest appearances from Mos Def and Bilal, signaling his intent to fuse jazz with hip-hop and neo-soul. Critics from AllMusic and BBC Music praised the album for its audacity and its ability to satisfy purists while attracting a younger, beat-oriented audience. It remains a definitive statement on the fluidity of modern Black music.