5 songs to understand why ‘Funk Generation’ is the best work of Anitta’s career | Music

Why ‘Funk Generation’ is the best album of Anitta’s career

Anyone who has gotten used to the harmless image of Anitta trying to make it big abroad might be surprised by her now rhyming and singing prohibitions over the aggressive beats of her new album, “Funk Generation”. The work, released this Friday (26), is the best and most original of the artist’s career.

In the VIDEO above, g1 analyzes Anitta’s new album, “Funk Generation”; watch.

The reggaeton days were perhaps the price that Anitta paid to gain more creative freedom in the international market and, after more than 20 years of career, release a true — and ambitious — funk album.

Below, understand in 5 songs the new phase of the singer’s career

“Funk Generation” is built on the nostalgia of MC Anitta, as the artist was called at the time of Hurricane 2000. In 2010, Anitta was hired by the emblematic Rio funk producer after being seen singing in a video on the internet.

“Grip”, a track that received a music video on the same day as the album’s release, evokes the beats of the first decade of the 2000s, mixing drum funk with guitars and moans.

But this is not an album stuck in the past. On the contrary: the nostalgic influences are embedded in very current takes on Latin and North American pop. The result is a sound that could dictate the future of more commercial and international funk.

For the first time since becoming a superstar, Anitta lives up to her roots and releases songs that connect with what actually plays at funk parties. Not just from Rio. In the “Funk Generation” party of references, it also has space for the rhythm that is produced in São Paulo and Minas Gerais.

“Sabana” has a sample of “Pelada”, by MC Jacaré from Goiás, and a beat centered on Minas Gerais funk. The trend, born in a much less prestigious scene than that of São Paulo and Rio, today renews the genre in Brazil with hits by MC Rick, MC Anjim, MC Zaquin, DJ WS da Igrejinha and others.

To create “Funk Generation”, Anitta brought together a dream team of Brazilian and foreign composers and producers. In the credits appear names such as:

• Gabriel do Borelone of the most sought after funk DJs in Brazil;
• The collective Brabo Musicby Zebu, Maffalda, Pablo Bispo and Rodrigo Gorky;
• The DJs from Tropkillaz: Zegon and Laudz;
• Members of the Swedish production team Max Martin;
• American DJ and producer Diplo.

There are people who have worked with Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa and Taylor Swift. But also partners from Planet Hemp, Ludmilla, Pabllo Vittar, MC Poze do Rodo, among many others.

“Aceita” is one of the tracks that was born from the mix of Brazilian and foreign references, with production by Diplo and a beat made from a cross between funk, reggaeton and South African music.

While it shines in melody, the music highlights one of the album’s weaknesses: the self-affirming lyrics, which sometimes become repetitive throughout the 15 tracks. In this, which mixes English and Spanish, the singer makes reference to her visit to the American festival Coachella in 2022.

“Ahi” is a speculated collaboration between Anitta and Sam Smith. In February this year, the singer announced on social media that the release of the track had been canceled by Sam. Then she went back.

Fortunately! Although it doesn’t shine as bright as others, the music, an accelerated funk at 150 bpm, could be crucial to accustom American ears to the Brazilian rhythm.

After the last song, the melodic “Mil Veces”, the impression left by “Funk Generation” is that its best moments come when Anitta fearlessly surrenders to her roots. That’s what happens in “Savage Funk”, with a raw beat, with phrases in English and swear words in Portuguese hammered over the tambourine.

Provocative and upbeat, the track has huge potential for live performance. It will certainly be the biggest asset of the “Funk Generation” tour inside and outside Brazil.