Duquesa expands Taurus universe in versatile album: ‘Very great power’

The signs are part of the daily lives of many Brazilians, who analyze their own lives and behaviors based on the definitions and predictions of the zodiac. The theme, widely used in pop culture, is the main inspiration for Duquesa, a 24-year-old rapper from Bahia, in Taurus Vol. 2released on digital platforms this Friday, 10th, by the label Boogie Suit.

Despite being a very widespread theme in the entertainment industry, the artist uses the sign in a unique way, just to dictate the tone of the sound, lyrics and style, which dialogue directly with her art, one of the most talented and differentiated in the world. national rap.

The new album is a direct continuation of the album Taurusreleased on June 30, 2023 with eight tracks, such as the self-titled, “99 Problems,” “Only,” “Big D!!!!!” During an interview with Rolling Stone Brazil To talk about the release, the rapper commented how she decided to work on the second volume of this era because she wanted a complement beyond digital.

Furthermore, Duchess I wanted the public and whoever listened to enter this universe to have a long-term effect. The theme is the same, but she also wanted to introduce new genres and wanted to take risks to bring other horizons to her career.

Along the 13 tracks of Taurus Vol. 2, the singer explores different musical genres, such as rap, trap, disco music and R&B, with mastery. This decision to mix sounds only complements the repertoire of Duchess and makes her even more complete as an artist.

“This versatility also came with the maturity of my audience. I won over my audience first, then I showed them a version of me that maybe they didn’t know,” she stated. “Organically they will like it, I really believe that they are now more mature to be able to digest this version better.”

Second Duchess, Taurus “It has a lot of power.” In the family, not only she, who was born on May 1, 2000, is a Taurus, but her mother is also a Taurus. The sign is known for its determination and persistence, something very present in the singer’s personal and professional life.

I’m very resistant to my idea and what I think. Firstly, I can’t stand a lot of opinions. Opinion is good when I ask. I think it conflicts a lot with my creative. I really like being a person who studies, searches and does things. I don’t really like listening to a lot of people.

She also highlighted the “stubbornness” linked to the Taurus sign and the security of always “betting on the right thing.” The bull is an aggressive animal, something that is even beautiful for Duchess: “Fury is also beautiful, it has this beautiful part. And hate moves me often. I’m very Taurus. May 1st — I open the month of May. It’s a beautiful thing. Anyway, I think I have a lot of attachment to my sign.”

And hip hop in the middle of the sign?

For Duquesa, this sign that she brings does not fit with hip hop culture. That is, the identity of Taurus has a greater connection with the public who identifies with the lyrics or those who are also Taurus.

“It was more of an identity that I created for myself as the Duchess with my album than something that I insert into hip hop culture,” she explained. “That was never the intention. Taurus It’s an identity, an album that will go down in history […]. It will be a milestone in my career, not exactly in culture.”

Maybe my existence in the hip hop scene and culture can have some effect, but the sign [também] It’s with those who identify with my way, with my personality. Hip-hop culture is another mess. It was just my visual identity, for my work and album.

Collaborations on Taurus Vol. 2? Even better: a real Selection in Taurus Vol. 2

One of the most striking elements of the rapper’s career are collaborations with other artists, whether from rap or other musical genres. With Vol. 2 is no different, with partnerships with names like Go Dassisti, Young Dex, THS, Tasha & Tracie, Baco Exu do Blues, Yunk Wine It is Zaila.

Each name appeared on the album quite naturally. For example, Duchess met Uriah when she participated in “Boring,” music by Boombeat, made the invitation and the owner of Her Mind (2023) accepted. Zaila is a revelation, who is a rapper and also a choreographer and dancer for Duquesa.

One of the best songs of Taurus Vol. 2 It is “Disk P@#$%&!,” made in partnership with Tasha & Tracie, two of the main national rap artists today. Working with the twins from São Paulo was a dream for Duchesswhich followed their work on the fashion blog — long before music.

Another interesting name is Yunk Wine, described as “a brother in production and life,” who always shares great ideas with her, as well as being trustworthy. Finally, she shared a life story with Young Dexpresent in “Millionaire and José Rico.”

“The mother of Dex and my mother already worked together, at the same health center. We lived in a nearby neighborhood, and after a long time my mother came to tell this story,” she recalled. “Our mothers met after many years at a festival, in which he and I participated in the same line.”

I don’t remember that, I think I was too little to remember that. He doesn’t remember either. But happened. And that’s it and now we’re making music together. I hope you like it too.

Sound references for a unique sound

As it came from a state known for its cultural and sound variety, Duchess He grew up listening to the most diverse musical genres, such as reggae, arrocha, pagode, country music, funk and rap. So, when it comes to composing, she just feels the song and begins the creative process.

Speaking of the creative process, the artist is very strict with the environment, and stops listening to any type of music to focus on what she will start working on, so much so that she doesn’t allow anyone to listen to anything loud in her house.

I like composing and music. If I feel comfortable and happy in what I do, I will write, it could even be a country song. For me, it’s not risky to do other genres, it’s even a reason, because it takes me out of my comfort zone. My greatest inspirations took the risk of leaving their comfort zone. This is good and constructive.

For Duchess, the more this exercise of exploring other sound styles occurs, she manages to add everything to her profession, something that makes her a very versatile rapper: “I will always be in favor of hip-hop culture, but I will value music more. As long as I love music, I will love what I do. This will be the stop regardless of the beat.”