Pura Pura

LOCAL HEROE // Pura Pura released his first tracks on Soundcloud in 2015. Fascinated by the blend of rap and electronic music, Pura Pura gradually began incorporating electronic elements into his productions and adding rap acapellas to his club music.

He experimented most with his blends in DJ sets: he played two tracks together and tried new combinations: dubstep + jersey club; footwork + jazz; techno + digital dancehall… These blends would later be transformed into edits, grouped into his “Club Edit” packs. They toured the world and were played by hundreds of artists, including his techno remix of Lala&ce on Australian radio, and an edit of Diam’s on BBC1.

It was in the continuity of this fusion of genres that the Side By Side project was born: reusing the codes of rap to create something new. The process is a multi-step process. Pura Pura collects melodic loops from various beatmakers (Brodinski, Milanezie, Hyas, etc.). He then uses this raw material to craft instrumentals that adhere to the codes of electronic music, before inviting artists to contribute their voices. These artists could be the lineup for a festival organized by Pura Pura, representing all the richness and diversity of the rap scene, and as many facets of our producer’s artistic personality. It features the most interesting figures in French-speaking rap today: LeDouble, Mandyspie, Kaba, Creamy G, Ricky Bishop, Sadandsolo, etc. As well as two foreign forays with Ele A, a rising star of Italian trap, and ALL MY COUSINS, the most exciting Ghanaian collective.

The particularly collaborative creation of this EP is evident upon listening to the project. Each participant, beatmaker or artist, has left their mark. Yet, Pura Pura is the common denominator. As a DJ, the club is an integral part of his musical identity. He sees the club as a festive and euphoric place. But also as a living space, reflecting a heterogeneous society with multiple influences. Diversity is the essence of this project, where different worlds, sensibilities, and musical styles coexist Side by Side.