Major Lazer is a creative concept that’s evolved into one of the most successful touring projects. However today it’s changing shape once again and possibly for the last time, following the confirmation of the departure of longtime member Jillionaire.
The dancehall trio took its current form in late 2011 with the exit of Major Lazer original member, Switch. Since then, Walshy Fire, Jillionaire and Diplo propelled Major Lazer into a hit-making globally touring machine, though now, ahead of Lazerism—presumed to be Major Lazer’s final LP together—Jillionaire has left to pursue other personal projects with his full energy.
Stepping in however is Ape Drums, the highly qualified American DJ known for fusing electronic music with Caribbean sounds. He’s released on Interscope, Fools Gold and been a mainstay on Diplo’s Mad Decent. As teased by the clip posted below, Major Lazer are in a new era now. Without clearly stating that Jillionaire is no longer involved in the collaborative project, the evidence sure did point to it. However now they’ve shared an instagram story on their official account (pictured below).
a new era of lazer ???? pic.twitter.com/gJGAO6illB
— MAJOR LAZER (@MAJORLAZER) May 24, 2019
The first indication that Jillionaire had officially left was Major Lazer’s performance at Governors Ball this past weekend, when he was absent and Ape Drums was present.
