Mysterious hip-hop group from Seattle, WA. After releasing several recordings themselves or small time labels, in 2010 they contracted to release an ep with Sub Pop and have collaborated in recordings and on stage with artists such as Mc Silk, THEESatisfaction,.
They deliver sincere and radical lyrics with sounds and beats that include sounds from around the world. Containing echos of funk, minor-key jazz, London dubstep and mbira sounds they structure their songs outside the 16-bars/chorus/repeat form of much hip hop.
Their music won them the first ever Music Genius award from The Stranger in 2010.
The group features main vocalist Ishmael Butler, formerly of Digable Planets and Cherrywine, mixing engineer Erik Blood and percussionist Tendai Maraire who has released a solo album of traditional African mbira tunes. They often dress in elaborate costumes and masks for their live performances.
Tough Bond documentary is due out this summer. check out www.villagebeat.org/
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