Da Weasel: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

• Primitive Reason
• Sam the Kid
• Xeg

• Public Enemy
• Kanye West
• Cypress Hill

Formed:

Jan 1, 1993 in Almada, Portugal

Genres:

Rap & Hip-Hop Music, Rock Music, World & International Music

Decades Active:

1990's|2000's

Portuguese hip hop pioneers of Da Weasel were an integral part of the first wave of European groups to get on the rap band wagon, releasing their debut record in 1993. Formed in Almada, MC's Pacman and Virgul were backed by a full band including bass (Jay Jay Neige), guitar (Pedro Quaresma), drums (Guilherme Silva) and various DJ's. Drawing on influences like Cypress Hill and Public Enemy while incorporating elements of rock and ska, the live hip hop act's debut record More Than 30 Motherfs, featuring only six tracks with all English lyrics, opened doors to the band's participation in the popular Rapublica compilation which hit shelves a year later. The incredibly successful compilation set the stage for Da Weasel's first full length release DouIhe Com A Alma, released that same year. Still enjoying grassroots notoriety in lieu of widespread success, the band released their third production 3o Capitulo in 1997, followed by their first national tour. Again participating in a number of important compilations, Da Weasel's first silver record Iniciacao A Uma Vida Banal O Manual earned them opportunities to play important venues, including a stint opening up for the Red Hot Chili Peppers in '99. The Mario Barreiros produced Podes Fugir Mas Nao Te Podes Esconder, featuring Cuban hip hoppers Las Orishas went on to earn Da Weasel their first platinum record sales. Following three years later in 2004, Re Definicoes became the band's best selling record to date, earning them a MTV Europe Music Award for Best Portuguese Act. Nearly fifteen years after the band's formation, Da Weasel released their 7th original release in 2007, entitled Amore, Escarnio e Maldizer. The band's everclimbing popularity was evidenced by the recent record's incredible sales, moving more than 20,000 copies in the first day of it's release.

- Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide