Da Weasel

biography Da Weasel is a Portuguese hip-hop band, formed in 1993 in Almada, by Pacman (Carlos Nobre), Armando Teixeira, Jay Jay Neige (João Nobre) and Yen Sung. The band is considered one of the most important and influential of its kind in Portugal, having mixed rock, hardcore, funk and soul sounds with the rhymes and beats of rap. The band started by singing in English, influenced by groups like Public Enemy or Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. In 1994, he released his first EP, More Than 30 Motherf***s, which included songs such as “Monkey King” or “God Bless Johnny”. In 1995, he released his first album, Dou-lhe com a Alma, which marked the transition to Portuguese as the dominant language. The album featured Pedro Quaresma on guitar and Guilherme Silva on drums, and had songs such as “Dinero”, “Baza Baza” or “Carta ao Pai Natal”. In 1996, Yen Sung left the band and Virgul joined as second vocalist. The band gained more popularity with the song “Dúia”, which was presented in an acoustic concert on Antena 3. In 1997, they released their second album, 3º Chapter, which had a darker and more direct sound. The album included songs such as “Todagente” or “Pregos”, and featured Sam, Sunrise, Fernanda Freitas, João Gomes, Laurent Filipe and Sinde Filipe. In 1998, Armando Teixeira left the band and pursued a solo career. The band participated in the compilation album Tejo Beat, produced by Mário Caldato Jr., with the theme “Produto Habitual”, and in the tribute album to Xutos & Pontapés, XX Anos XX Bandas, with the theme “Esquadrão da Morte”. In 1999, he released his third album, Iniciação a uma Vida Banal - O Manual, which was produced by the Brazilian Bid. The album had themes such as “Outro Level” or “Para a Nóia”. In 2001, he released his fourth album, Podes Fugir Mas Não Te Podes Esconder, which reached gold. The album had themes such as “Tás na Boa” or “Sigue Sigue!”, the latter with the participation of the Cuban Orishas. That year, DJ Glue joined the band. In 2004, he released his fifth album, Re-Definições, which was a huge commercial and critical success. The album had themes such as “Re-Treatment”, “Força (Uma Página de História)” or “Casa (Vem Fazer de Conta)”, and featured guest appearances by Manel Cruz, João Gomes and Anabela Mota Ribeiro. In 2007, he released his sixth and final album of originals, Amor Escárnio e Maldizer, which was another sales and critical success. The album had themes such as “Dialectos da Ternura”, “Mundos Mudos” or “Toque-Toque”, and featured guest appearances by Gabriel O Pensador, Sam The Kid or Gato Fedorento. In 2009, he released a live CD/DVD recorded at Pavilhão Atlântico. In 2010, the band announced its end after a long career of success and recognition. In 2019, the band announced their return to the stage for a concert at the NOS Alive festival. Da Weasel is a band that marked a generation with its irreverent and infectious songs, and that paved the way for many other Portuguese hip-hop artists.