vhoor: an afropunk dj mix

Because it’s Carnaval time, it is only appropriate that this week’s AFROPUNK DJ mix come from Brasil, and feature the sounds of the nation that throws the greatest party on Earth. On the decks, cutting up some of the historic hits of the MPB (Música popular brasileira), is a young DJ/producer from Belo Horizonte named Victor Hugo de Oliveira Rodrigues, who goes by VHOOR.

VHOOR is building a reputation outside Brazil through his work with Sango and Soulection, mixing rap, grime and baile funk beats, into a futuristic soulful feijoada. The mix Victor made for AFROPUNK has its share of groove elements, but is more than a bit heady, using as its jump-off, his latest project, MPBEATS. VHOOR told us a bit about it.

Can you identify some of the music on the mix? What does the music mean/represent for you?

All of the samples used are Brazilian…they are songs that my parents and extended family listened to. I have a deep emotional connection to these songs.

How did you first get into DJ’ing and music production? Who are some of your influences?

I was always in love with music and I come from a family of musicians. My father always participated in bands and this influenced me to enter into the world of music. One day, a friend showed me Fruity Loops Studio and it was love at first sight.

Talk a little bit about your MPBEATS project. What is it? Where did you come up with the idea?

MPBEATS is an EP where I try to present and provide value of the vast richness of Brazilian music to the people who follow my work. All of the music used/sampled throughout the process are Brazilian, heavily featuring both rhythm and harmony.

What does the phrase “We See You” mean to you?

To me it means that regional art throughout the world still has a space. There is plenty of high quality music that is produced in areas far removed from the large city centers. It is extremely important that this work is properly valued.

Check out more VHOOR music — and more AFROPUNK DJ mixes.