About
Formed in 2007 by Pierce Freelon, Eric Hirsh, Stephen Coffman and Pete Kimosh, The Beast is a Durham-based ensemble that blends live jazz instrumentation with hip-hop lyricism. Their 2010 album Freedom Suite, recorded with jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon and released in collaboration with Okayplayer, brought them wider attention. The group has also been active in community education and performance residencies.
