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A shared passion. The Figuers brothers Losaka and Hippo, and DJ IrwinPlus first performed together in November 2005. The completion of their first collaborative project, Himno National, signifies the union of three capable and clever musicians, seemingly completely immersed in their element. A blend of Latin percussion, hip-hop, 70s-inspired instrumentals, and clean, concise scratches, The Figuers proceed with their unconventional and eclectic style. Hippo and Losaka recorded original guitar, bass, synthesizer, and Fender Rhodes samples then coupled them with a shitload of percussion, including maracas, congas, xylophone, and a tambourine.
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Losaka often cites his Latin culture as a major influence in his music. In 2001, five years after a move from San Francisco to New York, Losaka, his brother Hippo, and another close friend created Fingerprint Records, an independent label hip hop with a twist. Losaka dropped a solo album, entitled Porqueria, in 2004, the same year he relocated to Ann Arbor, Michigan. With a degree in sound engineering and self-taught skills on the guitar, bass, Fender Rhodes, and percussion, Losaka appears to be a rather unique talent with a seemingly unrelenting focus. Losaka appeared alongside extended members of the Fingerprint Records family in two live radio broadcasts on Ann Arbors WCBN.
DJ IrwinPlus has been at it for longer than a decade. Inspired by early albums from DJs Krush and Shadow, as well as mid-nineties battle videos featuring Q-Bert and the X-Men, he began collecting vinyl and became increasingly interested in the technical components of deejaying. Eventually, his collection grew to include numerous classics in addition to instrumental, independent, and underground hip-hop and various other unconventional gems. He admires artists who exhibit creativity, originality and positivity in their work. In the last 10 years, DJ IrwinPlus has compiled three mixed tapes and deejayed at more than seven different bars around Ann Arbor, Michigan, his home since 83. Weekly since 1999, he has hosted The Underground Reciprocals, a local/independent hip-hop radio show on Ann Arbors WCBN 88.3 FM.
For me, to be called a good DJ I think you gotta have a good balance of technical skills - mixing, scratching, juggling - and selection.
It starts with practice, practice, and practice some more because no one can deny skill when shown.
Growing up amidst the electronic era known as the 80s, Hippo cites that period as pivotal in his upbringing and subsequent producing. Similarly, his South American cultural influences are strong and affect the majority of what he does musically, illustrated in his undeniable affinity for salsa beats, instruments, and his grandfathers vintage record collection. In 2003, Hippodrome, a 23 track blend of dusty drums coupled with atmospheric loops and mysterious, playful vocals, was released. His production has been referred to as an eclectic blend of soul, funk, blues and psychedelia. On his label, Fingerprint Records, Hippo says:
Were like family. We dont outsource anything. Its all done in-house.
First show ever 2005:
