Future Brown is a crew comprised of Daniel Pineda and Asma Maroof of Nguzunguzu, Fatima Al Qadiri and J-Cush. The four form a collective that draws on digital interconnectivity, global travels and a vital worldwide artistic community for inspiration. From US regional rap mutations to UK grime, dancehall to reggaeton, Future Brown weave a deeply considered aesthetic that reveals the innate connections between these idiosyncratic sounds and then seek out the individual collaborators to give them a voice.
Already acclaimed for their work individually, Future Brown made waves with their epic debut track “Wanna Party” featuring ascending rapper/singer Tink, released officially last month. And now the first track from their debut full length features the one and only Shawnna, who appears alongside fellow Chicago native DJ Victoriouz on the hard-hitting “Talkin Bandz”.
From this point the album shifts from the high-tension grime inflections of Ruff Sqwad members Rapid and Dirty Danger and Roll Deep affiliates Roachee and Riko Dan to the haunting R&B of Kelela, Ian Isiah and Tim Vocals. Johnny May Cash, YB and King Rell from Young Chop’s 8TMG appear on ‘Killin Time’, while Chicago’s vital bop scene is represented by it’s resident superstars Sicko Mobb, who’s twisting auto-tune flow laces ‘Big Homie’. After tapping New Orleans’ rising star 3DNa’Tee to appear on the ‘Wanna Party’ remix, Future Brown and 3D return with ‘MVP’ alongside NY singer Tim Vocals. Reggaeton’s syncopated heartbeat runs through ‘Vernáculo’ a standout track with Maluca Mala and Kingston’s Timberlee steps up for some especially carnal dancehall chat on ‘No Apology’.
These, along with the album’s other alliances bridge incredible gaps between seemingly vast musical spheres, while simultaneously eliminating Future Brown’s actually geographic displacement from each other. Their first foray into performance sphere was at MOMA’s PS1 for the gallery’s Pitchfork series FORMS where collaborators THV ENT installed a basketball arena exhibition and friends at DIS Magazine designed and choreographed Drills, a performance of warm-up exercises, and ball handling. They are now taking to Miami’s Art Basel for a time-based art performance which mixes beats, vocals, video and gravity-defying water sports.
Future Brown constantly challenges the role of the producer in the modern realm, with their ever-evolving ideas jointly mutating into a transcendental, collective sound.
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