Artists
who's who and who's doing what?Hocus Pocus
- country:France
- style(s):Funk Hip Hop
- label:On and On
- artist submitted by:
booking territory: GA
2012: all year on request
Hocus Pocus is a Hip Hop / Jazz band from Nantes, France, created in 1995. Their music is a mix of hip-hop, jazz, soul and funk. It all began with 20syl when he was only 17 years old, releasing his first mixtape as a MC and Producer. At first, the group teamed with 2 MCs and a DJ to compose and release their first Eps, united by their love for the vinyl records. Over time, musicians joined the group. A prominent event leading to the appearance of the sextet : Herve (bass), David (guitar and vocals), Antoine (drums), Matthieu (piano) and DJ Greem on the turntables, surround 20syl, rapper, conductor and head beatmaker of the band.
Hocus Pocus is a unique combo in the French rap landscape reminding us of American groups such as "The Roots" or "A Tribe Called Quest". However, its musical craving is not limited to rap music. Serge Gainsbourg, Donny Hathaway or Miles Davis enrich their record collection and inspire 20syl's composition and writing.
They soon released their first national album in 2005, "73 Touches" reaching significant commercial and critical success. They rapidly hooked many listeners, curious about its blend of French, English, acoustic and electronic elements. In 2007 the French pioneers of instrumental rap released their mixed live/studio LP, "Place 54", featuring hit singles like "Smile" - an album that makes way for the natural diversity of musical identities : soul music joyfully mixes with funk, African music and Jazz. No wonder Deejaying is such an important part of their music knowing that 20syl and his quartet of DJs C2C have been world DMC team champions four times in a row.
In 2010, they released their last opus " 16 Pieces ", each track with its own special atmosphere forming a unique musical puzzle. Composed in 20syl's Home Studio, "16 Pieces " reaffirms the will to freeze time, with politically committed and humorous reflections on contemporary society expressed through spontaneous lyrics. As always, on this album, one can find much anticipated guest appearances like Akhenaton (IAM), Oxmo Puccinoand the English soul singer Alice Russell
Today more than ever they get the crowd grooving to their beats. The true story of Hocus Pocus is narrated on stage with many guests and surprises...
CD: Hocus Pocus - 16 Pieces (On and On / Universal 2010)
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