Delacruz talks about his new album “Vinho”

In the Brazilian rap scene, Delacruz comes up with his latest project, Winean album that mixes Neo Soul, R&B and Rap in a refined and mature sound. With eight tracks, the album features collaborations with artists such as IZA, MC Cabelinho and Lukinhasand reflects a new phase in the Rio rapper’s career. In Rolling Stone Brazil exclusive, Delacruz shared his creative process, the inspirations behind the album, and the transition to a more streamlined, instrumental aesthetic.

Rolling Stone Brazil: You mentioned that Wine represents a new phase in his career, marked by a more mature sound. What was the transition process like to this new musical aesthetic?

Delacruz: I think the transition started from the changes I saw in the market. In recent years, new trends, timbres and musical intentions have emerged that I have started to explore. But the main thing was the search for simplicity, without losing musicality. I really appreciate that. Wine brings this simplicity in the arrangements and lyrics, but with a more refined look. I wanted to do something that I really enjoy listening to, but that also speaks to what the market is asking for today.

Rolling Stone Brazil: The album has a strong instrumental feel, with emphasis on the band and simpler melodies. How did you balance that with the electronics and R&B that appear on the record?

Delacruz: The idea was precisely to find a balance. My last album was very organic, full of instruments, while Wine It’s more electronic, but without losing the essence. We wanted to reduce it to what was necessary. Songs like “So Good” they feature sax and brass, but most of the tracks have a lighter, cleaner aesthetic. This balance between electronic and instrumental was difficult to find, but we managed to keep the soul of the project intact.

Rolling Stone Brazil:Wine brings important partnerships with artists such as IZA, MC Cabelinho and Lukinhas. What was it like working with these names?

Delacruz: It was a very natural process. I already knew most of the artists, so it was easy. The only one I hadn’t worked with before was IZA, and she really surprised me. She said that she already followed my work, that she was a fan, and that made it a lot easier. She brought incredible energy to the track “Aphrodite”which is already a success, with more than 15 million plays. Each artist contributed in a unique way to the album. Lukinhas, for example, in the track “Last Romantic”brought this mix of samba with urban pagode that is a tribute to the MC Marcinho. He’s like a brother to me, and that connection is reflected in the music.

Rolling Stone Brazil: What motivated you to call the album Wine? Is there a metaphor behind the title?

Delacruz: The name Wine comes from this idea of ​​maturation. Just like wine improves with time, I feel like I’ve reached a point in my career where my sound is more mature, more refined. It’s a reflection of my growth as an artist. I wanted to bring a musicality with only the essentials, without excesses, and this is clear in tracks like “Losing Your Mind”a reinterpretation of a sound from Flora Matos. Everything was designed to have this refined simplicity, but without losing the essence of what I have always done.

Rolling Stone Brazil: How do you see the impact of Wine in your career and in the Brazilian rap scene?

Delacruz: I feel that Wine It’s a turning point in my career. It’s an album that reflects my maturity, but also brings innovations. I think it shows a more complete side of my work, both in the lyrics and in the productions. The feedback I’m receiving is very positive, and I believe that this project will open new doors, both for me and for the Brazilian urban scene. I’m happy with the result and looking forward to seeing how far he can go.

Rating: 4 out of 5

With WineDelacruz explores a new artistic facet that balances simplicity and sophistication, bringing freshness to the national rap scene. In its eight tracks, the album explores a balance between minimalist arrangements and a more electronic production, showing that the Rio rapper not only kept up with market changes, but also knew how to adapt to new trends without losing his identity. Wine It can be described as a mature work, which balances the accessibility of the melodies with the structural complexity of the arrangements. There is a clear search for a sound that approaches both the lay public and the most demanding listeners. The use of electronic elements, combined with traditional instruments such as sax and brass, gives the album a wealth of textures that, although subtle, enrich the listening experience.

The album is now available on the main streaming platforms.