“A soulful expression through music.” That’s the motto of local hip-hop group Duenday.
The name stems from the Spanish word duende, which translates to “having soul.” And the music rightfully reflects that essence—a mixture of mellow hip-hop/soul sounds.
Duenday (pronounced dwen-day) is made up of Twin Cities rappers Matt Carter (Initial MC) and Matt Thornton (In2Wishin). The two officially formed the group in 2005, but didn’t release a full-length album until the fall of 2010. Since then, the duo has grown a following throughout the Midwest and made four albums, all of which are available on their Bandcamp website.
Although they may not be as well known as other Minneapolis hip-hop artists like Atmosphere, P.O.S., or Brother Ali, Duenday has the collegiate crowd in the palms of their hands. The two Matts started rapping together at college-basement keggers, so most of their earlier songs are about the lightweight fun of shotgunning beers and waking up on a random couch in a stranger’s house. That said, they do also surprise with more politically driven and environment-focused tracks, such as “What’s Happening.”
Of their many local performances, the most notable was their set at 2011’s Soundset Music Festival—Minnesota’s largest attended hip-hop central intelligence. This weekend, in celebration of their newest album release, Good Problems, the duo is trying to throw the biggest, most soulful party the 7th Street Entry has ever seen. Get your tickets early, and get ready to party down.
Duenday “Good Problems” CD Release
Friday, February 1
$6, or $8 at the door
Doors open at 9 p.m.
7th Street Entry at First Ave., 701 First Ave. N., Mpls.
612-338-8388, first-avenue.com
