Verge Records is an independent record label headquartered in Brooklyn, New York and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We showcase music that is musically and socially relevant. Defined as the extreme edge or margin, Verge stands for both ground breaking music and the neighborhoods that produce it.
..From the impoverished, violent streets of Rio's favelas (slums) to the higher levels of affluent, high-strung youth comes a cross-genre, hip-hop sound that is winding, explosive, engaging, honest and powerfully rhythmic. The Inspiring New Sounds of Rio de Janeiro puts an ear to the exploratory pulse emanating from one of the most culturally diverse and economically divided societies in the world. What emerges is a collection of energetic songs that masterfully blend Brazil's traditional dance beats with today's new urban sound.
"One of the most notable world music CDs released over the last year" - Jon Pareles, New York Times"Imagine a street party in a Brazilian city where a huge soundsystem with gut-wobbling bass plays amazing dubbed-out jazz, funky hip hop, smooth Brazilian dance beats, and other soulful electronics." XLR8R Magazine"Emmanuel Zunz has pulled together a sizzling compilation here.." - Billboard Magazine"Great hot weather music. A blend of hip Hop, Dancehall, Tribal, and Techno - all laced with the unmistakable Brazilian flavor." - Murder Dog Magazine"Each track is worth blasting from the speakers" - Reno Gazette Journal"A sumptuous feast of cutting edge music from the gritty but hopeful to pure jazz love and flavored with funk, hip hop and an undercurrent of retro soul." San Francisco Bay Times