DJ LIMAO: What do you have in mind for your London gig? Can we expect the classics, as well as the ‘Nada pode me parar’(last album) tracks?
MD2: That’s the album’s tour and this is the show I’m taking to London. To perform in London is always great. I’m influenced by English music and it’s always a pleasure to be here.
DJL: How does this Marcelo, with a 20 years career, 4 kids and a granddaughter, relates on stage, studio and at home, to that one form the 90’s?.
MD2: I think I know what I want to do a lot better now, and this experience made me more patient. I now understand everything has its own time. I’m happy with my family and for being able to do stuff alongside them at home.
DJL: I love everything you do blending samba to hip-hop. Even in the most hip-hop of all your albums, you find this mash-up. I don’t think anyone on Earth blends anything to samba better than you do. Therefore, I can’t help mentioning the “Marcelo sings Bezerra” album. Where did this idea come from? How did you choose the tracks to use once his repertoire it’s so vast?
MD2: Thanks for the compliments, and mate, to choose the tunes was the hardest bit! Bezerra has always been an idol and a huge friend of mine. When he passed away many people were doing tributes, and I thought it wasn’t the right time for me to do it. After a while I felt like showing my respect and did it. I now feel like recording something like – ‘Marcelo sings Bezerra’s B-sides’ or something like that
DJL: The world moves forward and now the weed legalization matter that was the main theme on your first works nowadays is no longer even controversial, but instead a sign of evolution. You believe ‘Planet Hemp’ (his former band) helped Brazil to develop on this matter?
MD2: I believe we did a good job on Brazilians views on legalization and also prejudice, but we’re still far away from being a tolerant nation about drugs and other inequalities
DJL: I’ve been on your first gig in London – dated 2006, at Leicester Square if I’m not wrong, Incredible vibe as you announced it was your first show in town and played 30 minutes extra at the end of the show. I was the DJ after you so I don’t forget. That you love tours is clear by the tunes ‘Eu vou por ai’ amd ‘Nada pode me parar’ but does London remains special for you?
MD2: Of course I remember! And I got back few times after that one. Not sure how many (memory it’s not my ‘forte’) but it’s always special! Hoping to make a lot of noise again!
DJL: This album has many lyrics in English and international special guests. Did you think about the international audience as you recorded it or is this a consequence of the partnerships the album brings?
MD2: I don’t think about the market when I compose. I use vocals as instruments on my music, and I spent years into American hip-hop not understanding what they sing, but feeling the vibe. So this guests are people I was working with by the time I recorded the album.
DJL: What’s on your decks nowadays?
MD2: Danny Seth , 13th Floor Elevators , Kendrick Lamar and the usual: João Nogueira , Bezerra da Silva , Luis Carlos da Vila …
DJL: Your tune ‘Desabafo’ is on Fast and Furious soundtrack. Did that music became a more known by international fans? Did you notice live performing it live outside Brazil?
MD2: Yes. Desabafo and also the ones that are on Fifa ‘06 and ‘14 soundtracks. Play outside Brazil is incredible because here I swap the ‘Superstar’ status for a ‘Musician’ one. And music is what it is all about.
GJL: To close – what would you choose today – a spliff or a beer?
MD@At the moment a spliff. Actually, several ones!
Marcelo D2 will be playing at the Electric Brixton on August 22nd. For tickets www.ticketweb.co.uk
