3 Na Massa 3 Na Massa

• Words: Derek Beres
• Label: Nublu
• XLR8R Rating: 7/10

São Paulo, Brazil trio 3 Na Massa suits the Nublu aesthetic perfectly: They’re fearless, worldly, and exploratory, and never lose their groove. On their self-titled disc, the beats are always well placed, while Serge Gainsbourg-inspired effects add cinematic flavor. Comprised of two players from Nacao Zumbi and the producer behind the excellent hip-hop collective Instituto, 3 Na Massa asked a host of talented female singers to join them. This roster included CeU, whose “Doce Guia” is the album’s most sensual cut, and Alice Braga on “Tarde Demais.” Similar in tone and flow to Apollo Nove’s equally ambitious project of 2007, this is just more proof of the astounding talent a few hundred miles south of us.