La MC Malcriado

France-based group La MC Malcriado - Stomy Bugsy, Jacky Brown, Izé and JP - has released its first album entitled Nos pobreza ké nos rikeza under the Lusafrica label.  

A mix of rap with the use of traditional instruments, blended in with Parisian hip-hop influences, the album, distributed by Harmonia Lda, boasts new tracks as well as songs previously recorded by Izé and Stomy Bugsy including, Se bo screvem, Moi je sais d’oú je viens and La MC Malcriado.  The album features renowned artists Cesaria Evora, Zeca Nha Reinalda, Phillip Monteiro, Suzanna, Mayra Andrade, Ferro Gaita and Cubanito 20.02.

Born from Capeverdean parents, the four friends became La MC eight years ago in the French streets of Sarcelle. They performed for the first time in Cape Verde during the annual music festival of Baía das Gatas in 1998.  A year later they were invited to share the stage with the likes of Cesaria Evora, Ferro Gaita, Ildo Lobo and Luis Morais during Nuit du Cap Vert in Zenith.

All four have led individual successful careers.  Rapper Stomy Bugsy, who has released four solo albums through Columbia Sony Music, is also an actor who has appeared in at least seven films. Izé previously recorded two albums through Lusafrica and JP released one while in his old group SMC.  Jacky Brown has three albums under his belt as part of the Neg’Marrons, a group primarily known for its unique style in mixing reggae, hip-hop, dancehall and salsa. 

La MC’s Nos pobreza ké nos rikeza has a patriotic feel aiming to help Cape Verde’s youth familiarize with Amilcar Cabral’s legacy and his journey in the fight for the independence of that archipelago.  Through their work, La MC also strives to bring attention to children living in poverty.