These Kansas City musicians find a national spotlight, thanks to TV series ‘Bel-Air’
Ashlie Cofield is trying to make it as a musician without leaving Kansas City. The plan seems to be working.
Cofield — who performs under the name Love, Mae C — has already released one album and hopes to release a second this summer. She has regular gigs at Kansas City venues.
But her biggest boost came when she and two other local music artists had their songs featured in the second season of the TV series “Bel-Air,” streaming on Peacock.
“My mom cried,” says Cofield, reflecting on the first time one of her songs showed up in an episode. “She always sees me working really hard at what I do, so to produce a real result from everything I have worked toward and done felt good.”
Her songs appeared in two episodes. Fellow Kansas City musician Jamel Thompson, aka Royal Chief, had a song featured. Jass Couch saw three of her songs chosen.
They owe it all to “Bel-Air” creator and Kansas City native Morgan Cooper, who once again infuses the series with the essence of his birthplace.
“Bel-Air” is a grittier, updated reimagining of the 1990s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” about a teen transplanted from Philadelphia to live with his wealthy California relatives.
For the first season, Cooper used paintings by Kansas City artists to grace the posh homes. He also used some Kansas City designers and barbers.
For the second season, he showcased songs by his hometown’s musicians.
“When your work gets used on such a public platform it means a lot to you and the people around you,” says Couch. “‘Bel-Air’ was an unspoken goal. When it happened, it was, like, surreal.”
Kansas City’s Black community has a long and rich music scene. But many musicians have left for cities with more significant opportunities. Now a new generation is attempting to do it from home.
Lacking many essentials, such as record labels, management and publicity, they’ve had to create ways to get their music out.
Cofield is among this new breed of musical talents who want to resurrect the music infrastructure of KC and restore it as a place talents flock to instead of flee from.
“The music scene has been building, and there has been a big boom of talent,” she says. “It is important to support up-and-coming artists and encourage them, so they know there is a space for them here at home.”
Thompson had left Kansas City to pursue his musical aspirations in Atlanta. But eventually he felt the need to come home. He thinks there’s no way his rap song would have appeared on “Bel-Air” if he didn’t call Kansas City home.
Here’s more about the three artists who saw the spotlight on “Bel-Air” while trying to boost the Kansas City music scene and their own careers.
Ashley Cofield, aka Love, Mae C
Her songs on “Bel-Air”: “Dive In” and “Go” in episodes four and nine.
Cofield grew up singing at school and in the church choir and always dreamed of hearing her voice on TV.
The 32-year-old Blue Springs South graduate and mother of one classifies her music as neo-soul with a splash of jazz and blues. Taking inspiration from singers such as Whitney Houston, Erykah Badu and Beyonce, Cofield blends eras and styles into smooth, soulful melodies.
She performs at local venues such as the Juke House, Mutual Musicians Foundation, Soiree Steak and Oyster House, RecordBar and Voodoo Lounge. She works at Dr. Smoke dispensary by day and in addition to creating her own music, she also coordinates shows around the city for new artists.
Cofield released her first album in 2016, “Warning Signs of True Love,” and hopes to release her sophomore project, ”A Love Like Hell,” this summer.
“Bel-Air” representatives contacted her to say they were interested in using two of her songs. She knows getting such exposure isn’t easy.
“Sometimes it may be difficult for KC artists to find their own fan base,” says Cofield. “Sometimes your fan base might not be in the city you are located in, so you have to get your music out to as many people as possible.”
Jass Couch
Her songs on “Bel-Air”: “Him,” “A Long Ride” and “Grow” on episodes three, five and eight.
As Jass Couch prepares for a performance at the Juke House’s “Soul Sessions” one recent evening, she counts herself lucky for her success over the past year.
The 30-year-old Kansas City native performed at last year’s Essence festival, and then came “Bel-Air.” She grew up watching the original.
Couch, who has been a musician since the age of 12, has always hoped to pursue a music career. Loving all corners of music, she pushed herself to learn the flute, saxophone, viola and guitar. Couch says that her music is an amalgamation of the sounds she was raised on: classic R&B, gospel and soul.
“My music isn’t one thing, it’s very much a collective experience of my upbringing. It doesn’t really have a genre, but it has a connection to the people,” she says.
Writing, producing and recording all aspects of her music, she sees this as a year of dedication finally bearing fruit. Couch thinks the best part of her success is the lesson her 9-year-old son can learn from it.
“I don’t think my son understood how important it was until he saw it and heard it on the show,” says Couch. “It was important for me to make him understand it is possible and that the sky is the limit.”
Jamel Thompson, aka Royal Chief
His song on “Bel-Air”: “See Me Now” on episode one.
Jamel Thompson, known to his many fans as Royal Chief, left Kansas City for Atlanta shortly after graduating Platte County High School to pursue a career in music in 2012. But, as he lived out his dream of working next to respected talents in the studio and had access to some of the most sought-after producers, Thompson decided to come home.
“I named myself Royal Chief because after I left I wanted people to know I was representing for KC wherever I went,” says Thompson. “I left due to a lack of industry here, there is no guidance. But I came back because we have to build that up.”
Thompson has been making music for over a decade, since he was a teenager, and his lyrical storytelling style has made him a rising figure in the hip-hop scene in KC.
He noticed a shift in the music scene since he returned, seeing a vast network of artists creating a new foundation. Thompson, a full-time musician, hopes the momentum continues, and people like Cooper will continue to tap into that talent waiting for a big break.
“I met Morgan in 2019 while he was doing a panel at 18th and Vine,” he says. “I saw him a few more times after that and just built a rapport. When he was making the show, I contacted him and told him that I was interested in having his my music used on the show.”
Morgan Cooper controversy
Cooper has faced recent backlash after past colleagues accused him of not following through on promises and using them for free work. They allege that once Peacock picked up the show, Cooper turned his back on them without compensation.
Cooper did not return The Star’s request for comment.
Thompson, however thinks Cooper has gone above and beyond to uplift and showcase KC’s talent.
“I look at what he has done with the show and created a national platform for the city,” says Thompson. “There are people who have come from here who have done nothing for the city. He came back and created opportunities to put our city in the spotlight.”
While the local artists who have had music featured in “Bel-Air” were paid, Cofield said the accusations are unfortunate, but said people need to take care to protect themselves.
“I don’t think anything was intentional,” says Cofield. “I think things are just out of certain people’s hands and you can’t prevent those things. I know Morgan wants to help everyone, but one thing I made sure I did was make sure I had my deal in black and white on paper.”
