Throwback To The Future is the sonic link between New York and Brazil, Hip-Hop’s future with its far-reaching past, by BROOKZILL!, a quartet collective of Prince Paul (Stetsasonic, Gravediggaz), Ladybug Mecca (Digable Planets), Rodrigo Brandão (aka Gorila Urbano), and Don Newkirk (The Dix), a band of individuals that discovered a family by stepping out.

The group will release its debut LP as BROOKZILL! Throwback To The FutureOctober 2016 on Tommy Boy Entertainment, ft. collaborations with a host of Brazilian artists, keyboardist Brian Jackson, MCs Del The Funky Homosapien and Count Bass D, turntablists Kid Koala, Mr. Len, and more.

Since Hip-Hop’s inception, it has been the product of a gestalt of influences, carried in its founding artists. Many were clearly inspired by Afro-Brazilian rhythms, rich instrumentation, and dance interplay. For Brazil in particular, the culture thrives in the nightlife, arts, and street expression.

“To me, BROOKZILL! is a throwback to why I started my whole career: good music is good music, regardless of what the language is, what the culture is,” explains Paul. “This record stands by what I’ve always stood by. It might not be what you’re familiar with. But for some reason, you just like it ‘cause it’s good. It shouldn’t have a face on it, it should just be felt.”

Ten years ago, Paul ventured to São Paulo, eager to experience new culture as a DJ. While there, the Grammy Award winning New Yorker connected closely with one Brazilian MC, Rodrigo Brandão. Upon that first journey to Brazil, the pair vowed to begin an album. Brandão says, “I saw very early on the connection between the Afro-Brazilian experience and Hip-Hop, between break-beats and what they play here in the tambor drums at the Candomblé ceremonies - the spiritual rituals, the drums and the chanting.”

As Pauland Brandão and explored musically, they added two key components to the picture. Grammy winner and daughter of two Brazilian Jazz musicians Ladybug Mecca, known for her smoky, sultry vocals with Digable Planets and solo material had previously worked with Paul on the Baby Loves Hip-Hop children’s album, the Brooklyn native was well-versed in the language, culture, and rich traditions of Brazil, and was looking to link her gifts with her heritage.

The other piece to the puzzle came in the form of a 30-year collaborator to Prince Paul. Don Newkirk worked with Paul on Stet’, De La, Chris Rock, and Prince Among Thieves. Upon listening to some early BROOKZILL! recordings, the reclusive arranger, musician, and producer heard something he connected with and felt compelled to get involved, “It was just magical, when we all came together. It just felt like this family vibe,” Newkirk says.

To prime the palettes for the music of BROOKZILL!, Prince Paul will release three mixtapes, each one inspired by his bandmates. We begin today with Paul’s Brandão-inspired mixtape. This is the beginning of the story - the connection between Paul and Brandão, two artists and two cultures connected by rhythm. The music of BROOKZILL! goes backwards to go forwards, and in redefining itself, discovers its creative essence.

Grab Prince Paul’s Brandão-inspired mixtape via:

BROOKZILL! Facebook page

Soundcloud