Tonight, January 5, drummer Jamal Batiste will host the release party for his new EP, All Rock’d Up, at Three Keys. Combining rock, hip hop and fusion, Batiste tells OffBeat.com the project is similar to past collaborations between acts like Imagine Dragons and Kendrick Lamar, or Linkin Park and JAY-Z.

For this EP, the message I want people to get is to know and believe in yourself and your worth. So I chose an aggressive, rocking and grooving approach,” he says.

“The inspiration is what I’ve experienced or seen people’s inner strength that gives us the will power to not give up, keep praying and keep fighting when facing adversity, tragedy and storms. Real winners/champions never quit.”

Hard copys of All Rock’d Up will be available at tonight’s event, which is free and opens at 9 p.m. Supporting Batiste will be opening DJ, Raj Smoove, and hostess Ms. Kaya. Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase the EP at Louisiana Music Factory or on streaming and downloading services on January 10.

As for the new year, Batiste says he has plans to “perform in more festivals, concerts, and events locally, nationally and internationally; work with more amazing artists, musicians, bands, songwriters and producers; and partner with organizations in the arts, educations, sports, fitness, health, culture and community.”