In 2008, Naledge announced that work for his first solo album, tentatively scheduled for a fall 2009 release, had begun. In an interview with
www.hiphopdx.com he stated, “My solo album is still in the process of being put together. I’ve been busy with shows, but I have some tracks in the works….I got beats from 9th Wonder, Black Milk, Double-O, Pete Rock and [two or three from] Just Blaze. Just Blaze has been my ‘yes man’, okaying tracks for the album.”In addition to his highly anticipated solo album, Naledge will be releasing a mixtape hosted by Mick Boogie RTC and DJ Timbuck2, titled the Chicago Picasso, on June 30th, 2009. Featured guest artists include Chip Tha Ripper, Jay Electronica, Mickey Factz, Bun B, Curren$y, with production by Double-O, Analogic, Nez & Rio, and many others.[5] The first single off the mixtape, entitled “Star Struck” (produced by Sa-Ra and featuring Rus Soul), was released on May 6, 2009. In June 2009, Naledge was featured in Chicago Magazine. The article can be found here:
http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/July-2009/Singles-2009/Jabari-Naledge-Evans/