In an age where the internet makes it easy to take influence from other artists or music scenes, there’s been some that have been crossing over more than others. Brazil and England, are two countries that are both rich in culture and music presence, so it’s only natural for there to be crossovers in genres and styles.
Baile Funk has been a popular genre in Brazil and further afield for years now. A mixture of heavy bass, samba rhythms and infectious Brazlian rapping styles. However, In the early days, it received similar scepticism to the likes of grime and drill because of their expressive and sometimes shocking lyrics.The Guardian explained that it “might be the most exciting music in the world – it certainly comes from one of its most dangerous places“. A genre of music and a movement made from the working class in the favelas. Something the government tried to control and suppress themselves, to no avail.
The genre took over in Brazil, and its influence has begun to inspire artists in the UK.
Jevon, whose grandfather was Brazlian has been influenced by his roots. The rapper has been bringing out quality music for years, linking up with Brazilian artists and bridging the gap. In April, he linked up with rapper Jé Santiago for a remix of the track “Playboy Internacional”.
Recently, the Coventry based rapper teamed up with Big Zuu earlier in the year for the track “Duppy”, mashing up UK flows with Brazlian and Baile Funk beats.
Blanco, who made his name as part of the Harlem Spartans group has managed to explore his sound outside of drill. Using soft baile funk instrumentals, the rapper has progressed and took a new direction. His track “Pull-Up”, received positive feedback from fans. Since then, he’s continued to use the Balie Funk influenced beats to carve out his own path.
The cultural exchange goes both ways. 20 years down the line, grime music has a lot to be proud of. The genre can be found all over the world, whether it’s Australia, Japan or the USA. However, it’s all the way over in Brazil where grime music has been making waves over the past couple of years. Using the funk influence and underground nature of the scene, it’s producing a following that continues to grow.
Youtube channels like the Brasi Grime Show have been pushing the ‘Brime’ scene forward. A scene that seems to be growing so authentically, it reminds you of the younger days of grime in the UK, so much raw energy.
In March, the Brazilian collective of Febem, Fleezus and CESRV released the EP BRIME!. A fresh take on the scene, that mixes the likes of Grime, Baile Funk, Bass and Hip Hop effortlessly. Jevon continues to bridge the gap with a feature on the track “FELA MEMO”.
For Brime, A scene that is still very much underground in Brazil, it’s making the small steps to be more recognised, both in its country and here in the UK. Grime is now 20 years old, but it’s only just birthing around the world in countries like Brazil. Let’s make sure it gets the attention it deserves.