To describe the production style of Philadelphia-native ZAKEE it’s best to simply use the Ku Ku Bass pioneers own words: “I make music that drives emotions out of your body. My music unleashes a collision of electronic, afro-beat, hip hop, punk, and world music. I draw from my own transatlantic background, by layering abstract drum patterns of upbeat electro melodies with world music and my voice, creating a unique sound.”
That unique sound, cultivated during repeat visits to Rio de Janeiro, can be heard across ZAKEE’s newest 11-track LP, Assimilations. While writing the album in Rio, Kuduro risked his safety and became the first American musician to film in the slum of Favela da Rocinha. Utilizing Brazilian action movie star Andre Ramiro, a trilogy of videos were shot for album cuts “Push The Power”, “Glory”, and “Spotlight”. The Del-directed video for “Glory” is built atop a pulsating bass-line and silky smooth vocal delivery, and features an intimate look at both the artist and the environment. Watch it below, or at Cluster 1.
Assimilations is available now at Green Owl records.
