Jazz meets Hip-Hop

IcyTheFuture Records presents the first edition of ICY IGLOO - Jazz and Hip Hop Mini Festival, happening during Aarhus Jazz Festival 2023.

ICY IGLOO is focused on connecting local and international artists presenting the jazz and hip-hop scenes under one roof.

Elza Ozolina (LV)

Last year, the Aarhus jazz scene was buzzing with new names blending jazz with influences from hip-hop and R'n'B.

One of these artists is Elza Ozolina – an Aarhus-based Latvian jazz pianist, composer, and producer. She started playing music at the age of four. Elza's interest in jazz was sparked during her teenage years when hip-hop influences went hand in hand with her jazz studies.

This year, Elza debuts as a solo artist with a full-length album featuring a dozen rap and vocal tracks.

Expect a tasty mix of jazz chords and soulful hip-hop beats dominated by outstanding artists from Europe and the US.

Elza has made a lot of noise with her compositions, which is why one of them was already included in BBC Radio 3's top 10 jazz recordings in the program Jazz A-Z in 2019.

Blacc El (DK)

mood fm. = Tribute to MF DOOM by Blacc El mood fm. is a project led by Aarhus rapper Blacc El as a tribute show to the late rapper and producer Daniel Dumile aka MF DOOM a.k.a Viktor Vaughn aka .... . (1971-2020).

The band's performance is a fusion of jazz and hip-hop inspired by songs from albums such as MM...FOOD, BORN LIKE THIS, Madvillainy, Operation: Doomsday (Complete) and Chrome Children Vol. . 1. mood fm. acts as a vessel that channels the villain MF DOOM's energy that he created in his comic book-inspired lyrical and sonic universe.

Blacc El transforms into the villain character Mood - a freestyle, beatboxing, voice-over commenting ego who interacts with the band as an additional instrument, bringing the audience closer and connecting them with the classic DOOM tracks but with a twist. Interpreted by the jazz band consisting of piano, bass, and often more than two drummers for the proper sample feel.

MAGRO (DE)

Berlin-based drummer and producer MAGRO creates an unusual fusion of acoustic jazz and produced hip-hop / RnB through his music.

His project combines many musical influences, such as Herbie Hancock, J Dilla, and Chris Dave.

MAGRO's first album Trippin (2021) was recently awarded the German Jazz Prize (for Debut Album of the Year). Now, he has released the follow-up "II" (pronounced: Two), featuring, among others, up-and-coming R'n'B singer Leona Berlin and New York piano virtuoso BIGYUKI.

MAGRO has collaborated with numerous artists over the years as a drummer and producer, including Kenny Wesley, J Lamotta, Stimulus, Yvonne Mwale, and Kurt Rosenwinkel. He has also produced many of Leona Berlin's albums and singles – including Wrong Lane (featuring Snoop Dogg himself), Change, and Leona Berlin.

Read more about ICY IGLOO Mini Jazz and Hip-Hop Festival