DJ Decryption: Press

"Hip-hop's underground has always been rife with social conscience but never in such a well-read package as Soulfire. DJ Decryption's polysyllabic vocabulary is indicative of his Marshall scholar status but his tight rhythm and urgent beats and catchy hooks will easily turn the heads of your average everyday school kid. Similarly, lines like, "Wave your hands in the air, if you're down with Stephen Colbert" will make any pop-culture nerd smile. With the assistance of sultry vocals from Focus and Jewelz, Decryption is savvy enough to make a record with a message that will unify rather than alienate."

"Blake Brandes, 23, began rapping in high school for entertainment. Soon, he was using his rhymes in scholarship interviews. Now he is releasing his second album on which he raps in four different languages. Fluent in English and French, proficient in Spanish and conversational in Arabic, Brandes, otherwise known as DJ Decryption, has reached people from Hickory to France in attempts to “mediate between the academy and the streets.” Brandes is referring to the relationship between the government and the average citizen. He said he achieves this by rapping about philosophy, politics, social justice and relationships. In fact, the name of his newest album, “Soulfire,” is derived from Brandes’ feelings about relationships (soul) and politics (fire). “The album, which is composed like poetry, is so lyrically dense that to fully understand the songs, they need to be read,” Brandes said.

Brandes draws upon essays, academic raps and Plato to write his songs. Over the past few years, Brandes has used his poetry overseas, especially in France. While he traveled Europe, he used hip-hop to work with post-colonial youth. His travels are one of the many reasons he decided to learn four languages.

"Hip-hop has allowed me to establish an connection with people who might not normally speak with me," Brandes said.

He learned most of his Spanish as an undergraduate student at Wake Forest University because of the large Hispanic population in the United States. His choice of Arabic was based off of his Lebanese heritage, his desire to help with world events and his experiences in Morocco. Apart from his ability to speak a number of languages, Brandes can play the piano, drums, harmonica and didgeridoo, which is an Australian instrument. He also spins turntables, break dances, produces and freestyle raps. Brandes said freestyling has an “interactive quality” that can include anyone in the room.

His newest album follows a similar trend. Since it is void of profanity, Brandes said it’s for the whole family. “The audience can be anyone,” Brandes said. “It has moving notes and messages that have helped people with family, religion and relationships.” Juliet Lam, Brandes’ vocalist thinks “Soulfire” is different from the average hip-hop album. “It’s so brilliant and different,” Lam said. “People aren’t used to these kind of things; it’s not music that gets stuck in your head for no reason.”