Grammy Nominated Drummer

Pop, Hip Hop, R&B, Jazz

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30 Reviews (15 Verified)
Grammy Nominated Drummer on SoundBetter

Hi! My Name is Iajhi Hampden, and I am an Los Angeles based drummer with over 25 years of professional experience. Just recently completed a Christmas album for John Legend where I was fortunate enough to play on the entire album. I play most all styles, read and program. Looking forward to working with you!

I am a hard working and reliable musician very passionate about my craft. I am still excited about music and working with new musicians. I have been working as a touring and recording professional based out of LA for the past 15 years. I am easy going and always up for new Ideas and suggestions for new and different approaches to making grooves. I have a masters degree is Jazz studies but also grew up playing in church, and with school choirs as a youngster. I read, program, and also also play by ear. My touring credits over the last 15 years range from Engelbert Humperdink to Raphael Saadiq and many things in between. Rock, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Reggae, Electronic music.

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

30 Reviews - 2 Repeat Clients

Endorse Grammy Nominated Drummer
  1. Review by Steven E.
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    Amazing drums were delivered and the timing was off a little bit but he still nailed it. Would recommend!

  2. Review by K-laz
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    Great talent, fast and friendly, hire him!

  3. Review by Chiumba
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    He did a really great job. Files were clean and organized. He was professional and communicated very will. He has a really good pocket and style of play. Not too much , not too little.

  4. Review by Michael D.
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    Pure class. I was excited to work with Iajhi for a second time, after his playing on the 1st track convinced me to ditch my programmed drums on this one! His performances showed he studied my song & rhythm patterns, that he understood what I wanted - but his experience in different genres brought an X factor, a jazz-like approach to the part where I'd only imagined trip-hop or early funk.
    Great drummer, great guy - give him a call and have a conversation.

  5. Review by Christian Raffael Dücker
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    Amazing groove, plays with so much heart, really friendly, works fast, nothing more to say:-)

  6. Review by Bull Funk Studios
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    Iajhi is an incredibly musical drummer! He laid down the groove like a boss on my tracks and he gave me 3 different takes which I can comp cut and choose from. His dynamics and feel fit the track perfectly. The drum recordings (sonics) was spot on and pro, made my life super easy to throw in the mix. On top of all that, he is a wonderful person. Highly recommended!!

  7. Review by Michael D.
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    Fantastic musician. I had a drum part sketched out in my demo, but invited Iajhi to put his own stamp on it - he went way beyond my expectations! His playing has brought the song to life, and given it a new energy.
    You should hire him if you can! When you do, you'll find communication a joy as I did, and you'll be working with a professional who knows how to make each drum element sound great, whatever your genre.

  8. Review by Charles H.
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    Iajhi went above and beyond, delivering a killer drum part very quickly. Definitely highly recommended as a drummer who can really elevate a song.

  9. Review by Yosef P.
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    Great guy. Flexible to work with. Groove.

  10. Review by Karl Ludwigsen
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    Iajhi is a great drummer and quite precise. Enjoyed having him work on my project. I was quite happy that he provided me a choice between which snare to use. He learned the song quickly and was careful to make adjustments on each section of the track to bring out the best in the drum arrangement. Thank you

  11. Review by krewcial
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    Great drumming, clean sound recording!
    Brought some live swing and groove to my programmed beats.

  12. Review by Neil P.
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    Iajhi was a joy to work with. Friendly, responsive, positive and played great! I look forward to working with him again and would recommend him to anyone.

  13. Review by Jaguar S.
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    Got the vibes exactly. He's super dope!

  14. Review by Jason Caddy
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    He knocked it out of the box. Couldn't have asked for a better outcome. I will definitely be coming back for some additional work!

  15. Review by Reginald B.
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    Great guy to work with flexible and very professional.

  16. Review by Billboard Charting
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    Professional, clear, and sonically sound. Im definitely down for any project Iajhi may have, and I look forward to working with him again in the future.

  17. Review by joe hundertmark
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    Of all the drummers I've performed with in my career, Iajhi is hands down my favorite. That's not hyperbole. I have yet to find a style of music that I play that Iajhi can't also play as well, with style and finesse. When we play live, it feels like he can read my mind. He is just as comfortable throwing down insane energetic playing on "out there" improv music as he is locking in a pocket and throwing away the key. He can rip traditional jazz as well as forward thinking future beats. 10/10 my highest recommendation. (from a musical director and guitarist w/ over 2300 Cirque du Soleil shows)

  18. Review by LA Hollywood Sax!
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    Iajhi is the consummate professional in the world of all things drums and drum tracks. Besides his attention to detail, impeccable communication, groove-soaked playing, he's one of the kindest and most sensitive musicians I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Wish I could give him 10 stars!

  19. Review by Versatile Singer-American Idol
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    I LOVE this guy! Iajhi is everything you'd ever want in a drummer: soulful, proficient, creative, and a team player. The joy on his face when we record together is what makes me call him whenever I need a drummer. He is *the* easiest dude to work with and treats every session like it's the most important thing he's ever done. Iajhi recorded on my latest EP, and it would have just been a completely different product with a different drummer on it. I truly can't say enough wonderful things about this man. I just wish I could give more than 5 stars :)

  20. Review by Yukumi Takizawa
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    by Yukumi Takizawa

    He feels and catches the music quickly, so he can play any type of music. He keeps the tempo but also flexible, and has a lot of techniques and fills. He is definitely a professional drummer.

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John Legend-This Christmas

I was the drummer in this production

Terms Of Service

I'm happy to record one track and one revision. any more revisions will have to be negotiated.

GenresSounds Like
  • Rick Braun / Richard Elliot
  • Wynton Marsalis
  • Raphael Saadiq
Gear Highlights
  • Currently endorsing: Yamaha Drums
  • Zildjian Cymbals
  • Evans Drumheads
  • Vic Firth Sticks
  • Big Fat Snare drum
  • and SE Microphones
More Photos