Fine Arts Militia

The Fine Arts Militia construct an inventive fusion of spoken word, hip-hop, and rock that draws on the members’ prior experience in the industry. Formed as a five-piece unit, the group originated from a partnership between Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Hardgroove, the former bassist and producer for Bootsy Collins, who sought a project beyond rap. Although the pair had previously collaborated in Chuck D’s Confrontation Camp, their new venture pursued a distinct direction. As a frequent political speaker on North American college campuses, Chuck D aimed to link his reflections on post-September 11th America to an instrumental backdrop shaped by jazz. Drummer Wes Little, keyboardist Victor J. Burks, and guitarist Brad Craig completed the lineup, leading to the release of the band’s first album, We Are Gathered Here, on Koch during spring 2003.