Rhashim Campbell & The Unit

Rhashim Campbell, born and raised in Hartford, CT, is a contemporary R&B and Jazz/Fusion musician, producer and songwriter, who began playing drums at age 3, and piano at age 20, by divine inspiration. Rhashim credits his parents for introducing him to various genres of music and diverse artists. Most notably, Stevie Wonder, George Duke, and Take 6 were among his childhood musical influences. As his gift and musical prowess developed, so did his list of musical influences, which now include; Brian Carson, Doobie Powell, Mike Clemons, Paul Simon,  Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and many more.

As a child, Rhashim played drums for his local church. It didn’t take long before his interest and curiosity in other instruments was piqued.  Rhashim was introduced to the alto saxophone by his neighbor, internationally acclaimed alto saxophonist and composer, Mr. Jackie McClean. By age 9, Rhashim had begun lessons at the Artist Collective in Hartford, an institution founded by McClean in 1970 to share the arts and cultural education in the Greater Hartford region. Rhashim played alto saxophone and drums at The Collective throughout high school, and in 1999 became a drum instructor for students ages 6-18.

Campbell has played for, or alongside a number of Gospel, Jazz and R&B artists including, but not limited to the following;  Brian Carson, Doobie Powell,  Damien Sneed, Valerie Simpson, Barbara Fowler, JJ Hairston, Kim Burrell, Jackie McClean and Nikki Ross.

In 2022, Rhashim was invited to be a guest keyboardist for the Aretha Franklin: Queen of Soul tribute tour, performed at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts at UCONN Storrs, and Troy Music Hall in Troy, NY.  Alongside pianist, composer, conductor and vocalist, Damien Sneed, Pop/R&B singer-songwriter, Valerie Simpson, and Grammy, Stellar and Dove award winning gospel vocalist and songwriter, Karen Clark-Sheard, this was an experience of a lifetime.