After settling in Sydney from his home in Brazil, singer No Longer Slave (NLS) is embracing the vibes of hip hop after been involved in the Brazilian hardcore and metal scenes.
NLS has hooked up with fellow Sydney rapper Unchained for a new joint titled 'Do Nada' that embraces an ‘in-the-face’ vibe.Tell us a bit about ‘Do Nada’ – was there a concrete idea of the type of song you wanted to create?
Yes, there was. As I have been involved with the hardcore and metal scene for a long time, I was looking for fresh air to breathe in Sydney.
My rap and hip hop [influences] come mainly from the '90s: Cypress Hill, House Of Pain, Control Machete, or the Brazilian groups Facçao Central and De Menos Crime among others, as this scene represents to me something more than cars and glamorous visuals so common in hip hop and rap nowadays.
Is there a particular meaning behind the song’s lyrics?
'Do nada' means something like ‘out of the blue’ and it is Brazilian slang. The lyrics were written by Unchained and me to bring a political, ironic and ‘in-the-face’ vibe.
NLS stands for No Longer Slave; is there a deeper meaning behind the name?
Sure thing. I am on a mission of system breaking and to confront the capitalism-slavery machine. Moreover, by doing this anyone can be considered no longer a slave.
What is your background in music; and what first attracted you to the world of hip hop?
My background is hardcore, punk and metal bands. As a singer, I always used hip hop to express the streets, even into metal and hardcore.
How did you find yourself in Sydney? What was the path to arrive down under?
I was here visiting before, now I came for long-term studies. I love the Australian vibe and culture, as well as the social, consciousness aspect that most Australians have.
Is Australia your home for the foreseeable future?
‘Home is where your heart is’ as said by a philosopher. I can see that now my heart is in Australia.
What are your music plans for the remainder of 2020?
I intend to write and compose more songs with Unchained as well as discover women and Aboriginal rappers to collaborate [with].
Having sampled both Brazilian and Aussie hip hop scenes; what are a couple of things that are very similar about each scene as well as some things that aren’t so similar?
The main difference between the Brazilian and Aussie scene is the political protest culture. I believe that Australia has a more equal social level than Brazil and other countries are producing a scene based on personal experiences and daily life speech content.
Brazil and Aussies are very similar to the ‘easy-going’ friendly aspect. I have made great friends here.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party?
Unchained – this Aussie brother is an entertainer. Bill and Melinda Gates – they are a rare different kind of rich people, with a social transformation mindset. Any homeless situation or incarcerated person – in ways to understand their solitude, pain and happiness.
What's the one chore you dislike the most?
To cook rice. Results are never satisfactory as expected, really poor outcomes. LOL!
Do you have any phobias?
I don’t like small, closed spaces. Claustrophobia? I feel suffocated, no way.
Would you ever partake in a reality show?
No! LOL. I created NLS artist persona intending to shout a message showing no face behind it. I prefer to maintain my privacy and personal ID very separated from the artist itself.
