Chicago Artist Releases Concept Album 'Colonized Mind'

Large Bottom Productions blends jazz, hip hop, and spoken word to explore identity and perception.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:33pm

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Independent artist and producer Marzuq 'Marz' Asanti has released his concept album 'Colonized Mind' under his Large Bottom Productions label. The project blends jazz, hip hop, R&B, and spoken word into a cohesive musical narrative exploring mindset, identity, and perception.

Why it matters

The album aims to encourage listeners to question the narratives they inherit and the ways they view themselves and the world. By using music as a platform for social reflection and storytelling, Large Bottom Productions positions itself as a distinctive voice in independent music.

The details

Asanti wrote and produced the entire album, performing all instruments. The project also features collaborations with respected artists across jazz, hip hop, and soul, including Grammy-nominated clarinetist Don Byron, saxophonists Ernest Dawkins and Marqueal Jordan, hip hop artists MC Teefa and MC Sadat X, vocalists Carol Riddick and Roze Red, trumpeter Leon Q, DJ I.N.C, and poet Orron Kenyatta.

  • The album was officially released on March 13, 2026.

The players

Marzuq 'Marz' Asanti

An independent artist and producer who founded Large Bottom Productions. He wrote, produced, and performed all instruments on the 'Colonized Mind' album.

Large Bottom Productions

A Chicago-based music production company founded by Marzuq 'Marz' Asanti, who has more than three decades of experience in music performance, composition, and production.

Don Byron

A Grammy-nominated jazz clarinetist who collaborated on the 'Colonized Mind' album.

MC Teefa

A hip hop artist who collaborated on the 'Colonized Mind' album.

MC Sadat X

A hip hop artist from the group Brand Nubian who collaborated on the 'Colonized Mind' album.

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What they’re saying

“Colonized Mind is about encouraging people to question the narratives they inherit and the ways they view themselves and the world.”

— Marzuq 'Marz' Asanti, Musician and Songwriter

What’s next

The album is now available across major streaming platforms, and listeners can access it through the official project hub at https://linktr.ee/largebottomproductions.

The takeaway

By blending diverse musical styles and introspective themes, Large Bottom Productions has created a compelling sonic experience that positions the artist as a distinctive voice in independent music, using the power of storytelling and collaboration to spark reflection on identity and perception.