Brian Jackson's name is synonymous with the development of contemporary jazz, jazz-funk, and neo-soul. He has inspired generations of hip-hop and EDM producers. Between 1970 and 1980, he and Gil Scott-Heron were songwriting partners, and Jackson served as the musical architect of their sound. Their recording debut was 1971's Pieces of a Man, the first of nine charting albums that included Free Will, From South Africa to South Carolina, It's Your World, and Bridges. After splitting, Jackson became a session player and producer, working with artists ranging from Roy Ayers and Will Downing to Charnett Moffett and Gwen Guthrie. His debut, Gotta Play, appeared in 2000. Kentyah Presents Evolutionary Minded featured him as producer and collaborator. In 2021, Brain Jackson JID008 appeared from Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge's Jazz Is Dead label. He followed it in May 2022 with his BBE debut, This Is Brian Jackson.