It began about three weeks ago, the day I set out to find new music. I didn’t outgrow my musical tastes; I don’t think anyone ever does—I simply wanted to find something different, something fresh, unique. Three weeks later, I found solace in BROOKZILL!
No, that’s not an actual place—it’s actually two places. And that’s where their music took me, first I was in Brazil gently swayed by their seductive, time-defying percussions. And then I was in Brooklyn, nodding contagiously to an empowering Hip-hop rant. Or maybe it was both? Indeed, that’s what it was: I was in two places at once.
BROOKZILL! is an undoubtedly artistically-diverse quartet composed of Stetsasonic’s Prince Paul, Digable Planets’ Lady Bug Mecca, Rodrigo Brandao (aka Gorila Urbano), and Don Newkirk of The Dix.
Interestingly, however, the band itself narrates ten years in the making, beginning with Paul’s creative pilgrimage in Sao Paulo, which inspired him to contact Brazilian MC, Rodrigo Brandao. The tandem led to their concoction of a culturally-unique blend of sounds.
“From that point was when we realized we were using two [or three] continents and regions together. It just kind of evolved. Once you start putting lyrics on, then it really [became] cohesive”, revealed Paul.
Two years after dabbling with their new brand of jazz-hop, Lady Bug Mecca joined the mix, and her smooth, sultry vocals infused the key element to the band’s “cool” aesthetic. The final ingredient came along with Don Newkirk, who upon hearing their tunes, confessed his immediate enthusiasm, and later expressed his emotions at the newly-formed quartet: “It was just magical, when we all came together. It just felt like this family vibe”.
At the time of my musical pilgrimage, they only had one song online, “Saudade Songbook” featuring Count Bass D. All I can say is that the sound I encountered protruded such a refreshing moment, and I found myself with a craving for more.
Fortunately, BROOKZILL! finally release their complete debut album Throwback to the Future on October 7th, this year. The record features collaborations with a host of multi-cultural artists such as Brian Jackson, MC Del The Funky Homosapien, Count Bass D, turntablists Kid Koala and Mr. Len.
The album is said to have been recorded in five cities across two nations, and spanning two continents—with their deep roots in afro-latin rhythms and Hip-hop aptitude, it strikes me with both great curiosity and an even greater excitement to get a hold of their debut record.
By Jods Arboleda for RAPStation.com
