Not just a funky name, Damu knows his way around a set of drums (although he doesn’t profess to be a drummer), drum machines as well as a set of 12s. Like many who were raised in the boom bap era, he developed a good ear for a break or two. Damu first came to my attention through a Youtube video from Mass Appeal’s Rythm Roulette series (see below), where from memory he performed drum break after drum break. A talented musician with extraordinary knowledge.

Bio

Damu The Fudgemunk‘s ears were gripped by the perpetual, rhythmic motion of kicks and snares at the height of the Boom-Bap era, inspiring the son of classically trained musicians to begin his own self-taught quest into music. Following the trail of his favorite albums, beat by beat, to their dusty source in the crates of DC’s record stores, he spent all waking hours devoted to the study of drum-break physics and layered samples so that he could apply these disciplines to his own productions.

[riffel_blockquote text_size=”20″]“Very refreshing to hear a young cat with that much soul. Exactly what’s been missing from the game … soul.” Marley Marl[/riffel_blockquote]

Home basement freestyles and beatmaking led to street performances, which led to studio work, which led to widespread fan applause and critical acclaim from the likes of Marley Marl, Pete Rock, DJ Spinna and DJ Premier. Now, Damu is a modern day Hip-Hop renaissance man; DJ, producer, MC, and multi-instrumentalist who co-owns Redefinition Records, handling both business and artistic aspects of the label. While reminiscent of the sound of Boom-Bap’s pioneers, there is more to Damu’s production than the sum of his influences. He stands not in their shadows but atop their shoulders; making progressive beats for a core audience who know how Hip-Hop should sound.

Let us know what you think of Damu. Make your suggestions on who we should feature or check out in the comments section below!