Marcelo D2 inaugurates artistic installation about the album ‘The Search for the Perfect Beat’

The iconic album The Search for the Perfect Beatreleased in 2003 by Marcelo D2arrives on streaming this Friday (16). The launch is part of a partnership with Sony Music Brazil to make the artist’s notable albums available on audio platforms.

Marcelo D2’s work also features a new and free artistic installation at IBORU Occupationin the Historic Center of Rio de Janeiro.

Created by the artist himself alongside the producer Louise Machadothe exhibition opens on August 17th and invites the public on a multisensory journey through the world of the record.

The installation presents elements related to the work, such as a large mural with the album cover, a making of the music video “What it is?”the screening of video clips, a reproduction of the D2 studio and previously unpublished photos.

In addition, the artist will participate in three guided tours starting at 11 am on the day of the premiere. In these sessions, Marcelo D2 will explain the album’s creation process, including the selection of samples and the aesthetic composition.

Albums arrive on streaming

In addition to The Search for the Perfect BeatMarcelo D2 and Sony Music Brasil released three other iconic albums by the artist on audio platforms: I Shoot is Wave (1998), MTV Unplugged (2004) and My Samba is Like This (2006).

The first, released 26 years ago, began Marcelo D2’s solo journey. At that time, national rap was experiencing its golden age, breaking paradigms in the quality of productions and also by entering environments where it had no space before. In this way, the album became a spokesperson for a population that had no means to express its indignation and demand its rights.

Chronologically, The Search for the Perfect Beat marked Marcelo D2’s immersion in samba. The title is a reference to the single Looking For The Perfectof the Africa Bambaataaone of the architects of hip hop. Unlike its predecessor, the beats are organically accompanied by drumming and guitar chords, resulting in a combination that had been little explored in Brazilian rap up until that point.

The productions are signed by Mario Caldato Jr and full-bodied with samples of John Nogueira, Luiz Bonfa, Paulinho da Viola, Antonio Carlos & Jocafi and Marku Ribas. On the guest list are Marcelo’s son, Stephan (Sain), and will.i.am (Black Eyed Peas) – in addition to Ivan “Papaya” (Azymuth) on the battery and Mr. Jorge on vocals of “The Curse of Samba”.

Due to its distinctive aesthetics, with references to Rio’s samba circles, the album cemented D2’s career. The artist had hits such as “What it is” and “Loading”reached the top of the radio charts, participated in open TV programs and expanded its reach beyond borders by performing on the legendary Montreux Jazz Festivalin Switzerland.

IBORU Occupation

A movement created by Marcelo D2 and Luiza Machado in 2023, Ocupação IBORU received more than 120 thousand visitors in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Salvador. The project was an offshoot of the album of the same name, considered by APCA as one of the best of last year.

If in 2023 Marcelo D2 and Luiza Machado brought together art, fashion, education, technology and behavior, now the focus is even more directed towards music. In 2024, the artist’s musicality takes center stage, reflecting D2’s continuous search for sound experimentation and sharing his creative process.

This year the space hosted a photography exhibition Suburban Lineage of Wilmore Oliveiraknown as Youknowmyfacecurated by Marcelo D2 and Luiza Machado, in addition to ALAKORÔ – an exhibition of Sergio Marimba curated by Bianca Ramoneda. The space will continue to host a series of events and activities, including open rehearsals by Marcelo D2 with special guests, book launches, workshops and debates.

Installation – The Search for the Perfect Beat

Date and time: From August 17th to September 7th, Tuesday to Saturday, from 11am to 5pm
Address: IBORU Occupation; R. Sete de Setembro, 43 – Center, RJ
Free programming, on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to availability. Check out the full program on the artist’s Instagram – @marcelod2