JAZZ BROKE

JAZZ BRAK – real name Jasper de Ridder – is one of the original members of the still-active Stikstof, Belgium's most famous hip-hop crew. His colleagues include Zwangere Guy, Astrofisiks, and DJ Vega. Many of Stikstof's tracks explore the harsh streets of Brussels.

The Belgian capital also serves as the backdrop for the lyrics on his first solo album, BRAK, though the tone is somewhat more personal. There are guest appearances from his bandmates Zwangere Guy and Astrofisiks. The songs alternate between understated and explosive, as is the case with his second solo album, Autofocus, released in 2024.

As the title suggests, he's taking more time than ever to look in the mirror. "Autofocus" also refers to his other great passion: photography. The songs explore his fatherhood, his job, and—once again—his relationship with the big city. This time, there are guest appearances from artists like BSOLEM, Esmee, Ghandi, Peet, Treza, and Roméo Elvis. Along with Zwangere Guy, JAZZ BRAK is the second Stikstof MC to launch a flourishing solo career.