Words by Michellee Nelson~
Brooklyn Bowl mash up! The Viking of Soca, Bunji Garlin, joined The Roots (!) and the LargeUp crew for a performance of his hit song “Differentology” at Monday night’s Okayplayer Holiday Jam. For many in the audience, it was their first taste of soca music, and we’re certain it won’t be their last, especially with “Differentology” blazing up the airwaves across the East Coast.
With help from his wife, Trini soca star Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez on backing vocals (and Mr. Vegas, handling MC duties after performing “Heads High,” plus dancer extraordinaire Miss Likklebit) Bunji turnt Brooklyn Bowl all the way up, freestyling over the Roots interpretation of the “Differentology” riddim, and showing us just why he has one of the most popular soca tunes of the year.
The performance was a special one for The Roots, too, as it was their first time ever playing with a soca artist, and they were sure not to disappoint. Look out for audio and video from Bunji Garlin’s appearance on our radio show The LargeUp Sessions on Thursday night. coming soon where he spits one of the craziest freestyles LargeUp has witnessed for a while.
Watch Bunji’s full performance with The Roots below, go here to catch Addis Pablo and Suns of Dub’s performance with The Roots, and stay tuned for more video from Monday night featuring Mr. Vegas and Christopher Ellis.