Let’s take a sec to think back, to 1980 Connecticut, and young Eric Baz received his first piece of vinyl for his little blue plastic record player: Kurtis Blow’s single, “The Brakes”. Being from a low-income interracial household in a predominantly black neighborhood, the little mixed up white/Indonesian boy finally had a song he could understand and relate to. Simultaneously, in Uptown Manhattan, a young Enrique Dasilva is sitting up late with his tape recorder pressed up against the speakers because the 8 track doesn’t record, fighting sleep for the music that will get him through another day of school in worn out sneakers. Since then they’ve both held the art of hip hop closer than anyone or anything else.After years of being in beat-box crews, emceeing and ultimately music production, Eric became known as the Dirt E. Dutchman. Enrique went on to be known as Breez Evahflowin.
With a sole focus on the art of emceeing, Breez dominated the local battle circuit in the mid to late 1990’s. The Dutchman eventually ended up host and content manager for IndieFeed Hip Hop which is currently the most popular hip hop podcast on iTunes. His goal at IndieFeed is simple, promote independent hip hop labels and artists that respect the art and make good music. It was through this process that he came across a Breez Evahflowin track feat. Immortal Technique which led to a phone interview which led to trouble…Troublemakers, a collaborative effort between Dutch and Breez is to hip hop what hand crafted woodwork is to Ikea. It’s a personal yet accessible statement on how music can shape a man’s life and cultural views.
The album features 12 quality tracks surrounded by colorful sound bites serving as a harsh narrative to the reality ridden rhythms.A virtual soundtrack to a non-existent movie, the Troublemakers LP takes a mature approach to covering various topics: politics, relationships, loss, and good times. The lead single, “Don’t be afraid”, is carried by a soulful hook and the verbal warnings of the current cost of fame. The little boys from the east are still enthralled by hip hop music, and still holding it closer than anyone or anything else.
Releases:
“Troublemakers: Remixes, Releases, Robots!”
“Troublemakers”
Video
Don’t Be Afraid – From Troublemakers LP
Careful – From Troublemakers LP