Diplo’s ‘Higher Ground’ Releases Debut EP “Samba Sujo” With Born Dirty

In August of this year, Diplo launched new house-centered record label Higher Ground, a tributary sister label to Diplo’s Mad Decent. For its first release, Diplo teamed up with DJ and French producer Born Dirty to deliver a first taste testing, a house addict’s appetizer, as well as set expectations for the type of sound the label will champion and cultivate.

“Samba Sujo,” or “Dirty Samba” in Portuguese, showcases the sounds of samba. Samba is a genre of music, originating from Brazil, that’s known for its jungle-esque flow and African roots. “Samba Sujo” samples from “Magalenha’” by Sergio Mendes, one of Brazil’s most famous samba hits. Upon translation, the lyrics describe summer in rural Brazil with, “Hoje é um dia de sol, alegria de xodó, meu dever de verão,” which translates to, “Today is a sunny day, cheering joy, my summer duty.”

If this is merely the beginning to what Higher Ground plans on delivering, then great things are on the horizon. Not only did “Samba Sujo” exemplify technical precision and impeccable production, as to be expected with the likes of Diplo, it undulates as though alive like the amazon itself. The EP plays like a rainforest rave or even an excerpt from a Bahian carnival – whistles and chants sounding back and forth, marching onward through the streets of Salvador, Brazil. But most importantly, the EP brings the culture of Brazil to new venues, transcending genres, peoples, and furthering exploration within electronic music.

Listen to some dirty samba linked below.