Sly5thAve is the brainchild of Sylvester Uzoma Onyejiaka II, a multi-instrumentalist, producer, arranger, and composer. His compositions, influenced by his deep-rooted faith in hip hop and extensive knowledge of soul, R&B, and jazz, exhibit a sophisticated blend of genres.

With a devoted underground following, Sly5thAve, a Grammy award-winning horns player, has garnered support from an array of influential figures such as Jarobi White (A Tribe Called Quest) and Gilles Peterson (BBC 6Music), as well as prominent publications including Downbeat magazine, Noisey, and NPR. His collaborations with esteemed artists such as Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Taylor Swift have further solidified his reputation as a formidable talent in the industry.

Born in Austin, Texas, and raised in Pflugerville, Sly5thAve's upbringing was infused with a diverse musical palette, courtesy of his Nigerian father and Detroit-native mother. From a young age, he was drawn to music, initially gravitating towards drums and percussion before delving into jazz and hip hop. His formal training at the University of North Texas, where he collaborated with renowned ensembles like the One O’Clock Lab Band, laid the foundation for his illustrious career.

Under the mentorship of esteemed songwriter and jazz musician Philip Lassiter, Sly5thAve honed his craft and caught the attention of Prince, who recruited him for his New Power Generation band. Reflecting on his musical influences, Sly5thAve credits jazz icons like John Coltrane and hip hop legends for shaping his artistic vision.

Upon relocating to New York, Sly5thAve found a creative haven at The Clubhouse in Brooklyn, where he collaborated with a diverse array of musicians and developed his distinctive sound. Before signing with Tru Thoughts, he released acclaimed projects like 'Akuma' and 'Vein Melter', earning accolades for his inventive interpretations of jazz and hip hop classics.

His subsequent releases with Tru Thoughts, including the 'Composite' EP and 'The Invisible Man: An Orchestral Tribute to Dr. Dre', garnered widespread acclaim and showcased his versatility as an artist. In addition to his solo endeavors, Sly5thAve is an integral member of Quantic's live band and collaborates with Ghost Note and IGBO.

Sly5thAve's music, characterized by its depth and nuance, continues to captivate audiences worldwide, reaffirming his status as a visionary in contemporary music.

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