Relax is a seminal Dutch hip-hop ensemble formed in Haarlem in 1998, led by the charismatic Llewy Is Sel. They rose to prominence by challenging the sample-heavy orthodoxy of late-90s rap, opting instead for a full live band setup that incorporated elements of soul, funk, and jazz.
This approach allowed them to bridge the gap between the hip-hop community and the jazz festival circuit, leading to high-profile performances at North Sea Jazz and Lowlands. Their 2002 debut, 'Live @ Panama', was a bold statement of intent, being one of the few hip-hop acts to debut with a live recording. This earned them the prestigious 'Zilveren Harp' award in 2003, cementing their status in the Dutch music canon. Throughout the 2000s, they evolved their sound to include more sophisticated arrangements, notably collaborating with Jamie Cullum on 'Pirates Among Puppets'. Critically, they are viewed as pioneers of the 'live band hip-hop' movement in Europe, comparable to The Roots in the US, maintaining a reputation for technical excellence and high-energy showmanship.
Shares soulful, energetic, playful (moods); rap, crooning, harmonized (vocal style)
Shares soulful, energetic, playful (moods); live_recording, hand_played, studio_polished (production style)
Shares soulful, energetic, playful (moods); live_recording, hand_played, studio_polished (production style)
Shares rap, crooning, harmonized (vocal style); drums, bass, electric guitar (instrumentation)
Shares live_recording, hand_played, studio_polished (production style); rap, crooning, harmonized (vocal style)
Shares rap, crooning, harmonized (vocal style); soulful, playful, confident (moods)
Shares contemporary r&b, funk, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); rap, crooning, harmonized (vocal style)
Shares bass, hand_played, funk, nu jazz (signature)
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