I like to think of myself as a guy who is on top of things musically, but again and again these days I’m proven soooooo wrong. The latest thing that I could have been listening to years ago but only recently discovered is the incredible sounds of Karol Conka. Conka has been recording music since at least 2011 and all this time I could have been grooving out to it and playing for y’all. Of all the rap artists I’ve heard out of Brazil, Conka has the best combination of skill, style and swagger. The music, primarily produced by friend Nave Beatz, expertly mixes Brazilian samples and rhythms with big time bass that could (and likely will as soon as more American rappers and producers hear this record) easily find it’s way onto dance floors of Hip-Hop clubs throughout this country. Batuk Freak took about four years for Conka to complete and it’s been well worth the wait. This is BY FAR the best thing I’ve heard all year and a sure shot selection for my year end list of the best of 2014.
Added bonus, here’s the video for “Boa Noite” the song that started it all: