New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "California" by Cook Thugless

By Bob Makin

originally published: 05/25/2020

New Brunswick-originated jazzadelic rap act Cook Thugless premiere their latest video, “California,” which chronicles their love of their new state. PHOTO BY ANTHONY KING

No Jersey act makes more videos than the New Brunswick-originated jazzadelic rap band Cook Thugless, which makes sense because rappers Jack Blerry and Jean Louis are Shakespearean-trained actors. JL also is a filmmaker, as are their Jersey City friends at MoonCulture Films, especially AJ Seferlis, co-director of Thugless’ latest clip for the single, “California,” with JL.  Here is the vid’s media premiere: 

With more than a dozen clips to their credit, many of them helmed by AJ, his MoonCulture partner, Anthony King, and/or JL, Thugless have won the Makin Waves Video of the Year Award twice for 2017’s “New Release” and 2018’s “DAT MOFK!” 

As with their three LPs since the 2013 debut, “Space,” their 2019 EP, “Lost in L.A.,” produced several clips, which help chronicle most of the bi-coastal band members’ adventures relocating to the West Coast in pursuit of a record deal. 

A self-released LP chronicling the horrors of that deal was delayed for two reasons, good and bad. Unfortunately, the LP could not be released today as planned because the curse of the pandemic delayed mixing and mastering, but that turned out to be a blessing because Thugless since have nabbed trustworthy interest that also will delay the release of an album but in a good way. Stay tuned, and in the meantime, enjoy these other videos by Cook Thugless:

 

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "California" by Cook Thugless

 

 

Bob Makin is a reporter for MyCentralJersey.com and the former managing editor of The Aquarian Weekly, which launched this column in 1988. Contact him via email and like Makin Waves on Facebook.

 




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



About the author:

New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.


EVENT PREVIEWS

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Following the resounding success and unforgettable energy experienced at the Kaseya Center, renowned producer, musician, and visionary Sergio George raises the bar once again, taking his Festival ¡Ataca Sergio! to the next level. This time, the concept returns as a birthday celebration set for Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the iconic Prudential Center in Newark. Showtime is 8:00pm.
South Jersey Jazz Society

South Jersey Jazz Society's Concert on the Beach with the PJ Keiter Octet Set for June 5th

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- For the fifth year, the South Jersey Jazz Society (SJJS) will "unofficially" kick off the summer beach concerts on the William Morrow Beach in Somers Point with music by the PJ Keiter Octet on Friday, June 5, 2026.

The Vogel presents Pete Yorn Solo Acoustic: 25th Anniversary of "musicforthemorningafter"

(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Pete Yorn Solo Acoustic: 25th Anniversary of musicforthemorningafter on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 8:00pm. The New Jersey native celebrates the release of his debut album, which put him in the national spotlight.
Concerts in the Studio presents Bastards of Fine Arts on June 5th

Concerts in the Studio presents Bastards of Fine Arts on June 5th

(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Concerts in the Studio presents Bastards of Fine Arts on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 7:30pm. The band includes Matt Keating, Jason Mercer, Steve Mayone, and Greg Wieczorek. You could say they are a new band with old roots.
The Newton Theatre presents L.A. Guns on June 6th

The Newton Theatre presents L.A. Guns on June 6th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- L.A. Guns comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band has been rocking for roughly 40 years since establishing themselves as the undisputed sleaze kings of the Sunset Strip, and, eventually, the world.

Jazz Royalty Comes to the Hamilton Stage on June 6th

(RAHWAY, NJ) -- Saturday, June 6, 2026 marks the date when Jazz Royalty comes to Hamilton Stage with Dizzy Gillespie alumni and Grammy winning bassist John Lee in collaboration with 16-time Grammy winner Paquito D' Rivera.
The Chamber Music Society of North Jersey presents "Music Under the June Moon" at Anderson Park

The Chamber Music Society of North Jersey presents "Music Under the June Moon" at Anderson Park

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Chamber Music Society of North Jersey presents "Music Under the June Moon" on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Anderson Park. Bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy an al fresco performance under the stars. Admission is free. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "The Boss Bash" featuring The B-Street Band

Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "The Boss Bash" featuring The B-Street Band

(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre will host its annual fundraising event, "The Boss Bash," on Saturday, June 6, 2026, featuring two electrifying performances by The B-Street Band — the longest-running and most requested tribute to Bruce Springsteen in the country.
Sinatra Celebration Concert To Swing in Ocean Grove This June

Sinatra Celebration Concert To Swing in Ocean Grove This June

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sinatra Celebration Concert, a theatrical special event to honor the legendary career of musical icon Frank Sinatra, is being presented by producer Karen Morris of Sand Castle Communications and The Rat Pack Music Alliance.
Broadcast Legend Sid Mark to be Remembered at Ocean Grove Event on June 7th

Broadcast Legend Sid Mark to be Remembered at Ocean Grove Event on June 7th

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sid Mark, the popular and iconic radio host, sadly passed away four years ago, on April 18th, 2022. Sid’s son Brian Mark, Executive Producer of Orange Productions' nationally syndicated radio program The Sounds of Sinatra with Sid Mark, will be a very special host/guest speaker, at a musical event which will highlight the legacy of his father and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of The Sounds of Sinatra broadcast program.

 

MORE EVENTS

Click on the listing to bring up its webpage


Panama Dead - A Tribute to The New Riders of Purple Sage

Saturday, May 30, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


The Beach Boys

Saturday, May 30, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ


Michael Arnone's 33rd Annual Crawfish Fest (all day long from 11:30am on)

Saturday, May 30, 2026 @ 11:30am
Sussex County Fairgrounds
Augusta, NJ


Michael Arnone's 33rd Annual Crawfish Fest (11:30am - 6:30pm)

Sunday, May 31, 2026 @ 11:30am
Sussex County Fairgrounds
Augusta, NJ


Free Summer Event: MPAC Music Student of the Month Recital

Tuesday, June 02, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) - Vail Mansion Plaza
Morristown, NJ



 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info