Sample Source
1972–1975
Arthur Verocai's self-titled 1972 album on Continental is one of the most sought-after Brazilian records in the world. A lush orchestral arrangement of MPB, bossa nova, funk, and soul, it was recorded in Rio de Janeiro with Brazil's finest session musicians and pressed in small quantities for the domestic market. It was rediscovered by US producers in the early 2000s and has since been sampled by Kendrick Lamar, Common, and scores of hip hop and nu-soul artists. Original pressings sell for hundreds of euros.
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Start Digging →The self-titled 1972 album is the primary source — particularly "Dedicada a Ela", "Na Boca do Sol", and "Caboclo". Kendrick Lamar sampled "Na Boca do Sol" on "These Walls" (To Pimp a Butterfly, 2015). Common, Dwele, and J Dilla have also sampled the album. His 2007 comeback album Encore was produced specifically as sample-ready material and contains equally rich arrangements.
Verocai arranged for large orchestras with strings, flutes, horns, and percussion alongside electric bass, wah-wah guitar, and drum kit — combining orchestral classical writing with funk rhythms in a way that is unique to Brazilian MPB of this era. The orchestral bed tracks are recorded with extraordinary clarity and warmth in Rio de Janeiro studios of the early 1970s. The arrangements leave space for other elements, making samples easy to use without heavy processing.
Search Discogs by artist "Arthur Verocai" — the 1972 Continental LP is the primary record. Original Brazilian pressings are extremely rare and expensive (€300+). Far Out Recordings released an authorised reissue in 2006 that is widely available and sonically equivalent. His 2007 Encore album (Mr Bongo) is also on Discogs. CrateDrop with Jazz and Bossa Nova style will surface Brazilian records from the same tradition.