Tennishu

Biography
Influences

Tennishu — Artist Biography

Tennishu is a Richmond, Virginia-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, rapper, and recording artist whose work moves fluidly between jazz, hip-hop, funk, soul, and experimental music. Performing on saxophone, trumpet, drums, bass, and vocals, he approaches music through the interconnected disciplines of improvisation, composition, instrumental performance, and studio production.

Since 2017, Tennishu has been a member of the internationally touring jazz-funk ensemble Butcher Brown, contributing saxophone, trumpet, vocals, and other instrumental performances to the group's distinctive sound. His work with the band has taken him to stages around the world, including Blue Note Tokyo and the Newport Jazz Festival, as well as appearances in NPR's Tiny Desk concert series.

Alongside his work with Butcher Brown, Tennishu has developed an extensive independent catalog through his label, James Infinite. His recordings explore the relationship between live musicianship and modern production, combining improvised performances, original compositions, sampling, electronic textures, and hip-hop songwriting.

His solo releases include More To The Story (2024), More Of The Story (2025), and American Bullshit (2026). His instrumental work also includes Maybe, a trio recording that highlights his approach to spontaneous musical interaction and ensemble performance.

On American Bullshit, Tennishu brings his instrumental and production experiences together across ten tracks that explore identity, ambition, community, and the contradictions of contemporary American life. The album features contributions from Corey Fonville and Kaidi Tatham, including the single "Uno (Right Now)," recorded during a spontaneous session at DJ Jazzy Jeff's Playlist Studios.

Whether performing as an instrumentalist, leading his own ensembles, or producing independent recordings, Tennishu approaches music as an open creative language in which jazz improvisation, hip-hop, and contemporary production continuously inform one another.