Young Guru and Voli Contra Go Old School Hip Hop for 'The Kudeta' Music Video

Los Angeles-based artist-producer, Voli Contra, and legendary mixing engineer-producer, Young Guru, form the production group, Kudeta. Debuting with Voli’s single of the same name, the two hit the ground running with an aggressive, rebellious sound that fuses old school hip-hop, prog-rock, and a little something extra that the pairing refers to as a signature ‘Kudeta’ sound. Ranging from this heavy-hitter to the more funky vibes heard in Voli’s other releases ‘Uptown’ and ‘Candy,’ the duo’s productions create the sonic canvas for subject matter filled with relatable experiences and emotions, excerpted from DJBooth.

Final Cut editor Spencer Campbell said of the project: “In 2019, Jacob reached out asking if I’d take a look at a new passion project he’d directed: a one-take music video filled with emotionally and socially charged lyrics and imagery. Jacob explained that the artist, Voli, committed to being physically assaulted while he performed the song. After perfecting and rehearsing the choreography, Jacob was able to capture a total of four full takes with full contact before Voli had-had enough. As I went through these takes what I saw were some minute flaws that could ruin the perfect ‘one-take’ necessary to pull off this piece. 

“We spoke at length about how one choreographed punch at Voli (which felt anticipated) or one seemingly ‘too soft’ blow could take the audience out of the violent drama and reality of what he endured. We worked hard figuring out how to stitch together a few takes since no whip pans were available to hide any cuts. I presented a layering and dissolve technique to Jacob that he got excited about and this became the path allowing us to put forth the most intense moments of several takes while also elevating the visual language of the captured footage.”