TAG: South America

Oct19

J-Boogie’s Dubtronic Science – Undercover (Review)

J-Boogie's Dubtronic Science

Undercover

Released by OM Records


My familiarity with J-Boogie comes from the various remix and edit work he has done in the past (including one he made for Vieux Farka Touré's "Fafa" from 2009) as well as his collaboration with fan favorites People Under the Stairs, Quantic and his Combo Barbaro, Bay Area compadres Zion I, Goapele and Raashan Ahmad spanning multiple projects, personal and by others. By no means an exhaustive list, J-Boogie’s talent is undeniable and his knowledge of mixing, sampling, and creating great-sounding gems continues to this day. J-Boogie’s extensive network ...
Jul26

Bituaya – ElectroCaribe (Review)

Bituaya

ElectroCaribe



Straight from Caracas the capital of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, electro-Caribbean Latin hip-hop outfit Bituaya is quickly becoming an act to follow. With a mixture of danceable rhythms, head-nodding beats, and liberating energy, their live performance and their new record ElectroCaribe is a multilayered medley of Latin American music history, socially conscious lyricism, positive thought and excitement—all in a familiar and aesthetically pleasing package speaking to a hip-hop and electronic sensibility.  Their live performance, which I will briefly discuss, is one of the more lively and intimate shows ...
Mar15

Choc Quib Town – Oro (Review)

Choc Quib Town

Oro

Released by Nacional Records


Choco Quib Town is a highly acclaimed Afro-Colombian trio from the blackest and poorest region -- the city of Quibdó in the state of Chocó, and this is their US debut album, Oro. More than one-third of Colombia’s population are of African descent, and the trio is representing a sound that is different from the typical majority of South American music -- actually, it’s similar to that of Brazil. They mix tropical hip hop, traditional Latin and African rhythms, ragga, merengue, and electronica (no cumbia). These are the hybrid urban sounds of Colombia's Pacific coast and it represents the Afro-Colombian neighborhoods they grew up in and the various musical styles that surround them. They were nominated for best new artist at the Latin Grammys, and Oro is a compilation of tracks previously released outside of US, and features production by Richard Blair (Sidestepper). Choco Quib Town have been going strong for a decade, but just now getting the rest of the world to take notice.