Socalled

About

Called "a mad scientist with a sampler" by some and "a Yiddish hip-hop pioneer" by others, Socalled, the moniker of Montreal's Josh Dolgin, defies easy categorization. He’s a one-man klezmer-funk explosion, a master of the MPC pushing boundaries and blurring genres with dizzying dexterity. His sound, a vibrant tapestry woven from klezmer, hip-hop, funk, and Balkan rhythms, is both deeply rooted in tradition and wildly innovative. Dolgin’s career took off in the early 2000s, carving out a niche with his energetic live performances and genre-bending albums. He wasn’t just remixing the past; he was reimagining it, injecting Yiddish folk melodies with a contemporary edge. His breakthrough came with albums like "Ghettoblaster" and "Hiphopkhasene," solidifying his reputation as a musical iconoclast. More than just a musician, Socalled is a cultural ambassador, bridging worlds and sparking dialogues through his art. Collaborations with artists as diverse as Fred Wesley, Katie Moore, and Irving Fields speak to his wide-ranging appeal and his commitment to musical exploration. His work extends beyond music, encompassing film scores, theater productions, and children's music, all infused with his signature blend of wit and originality. Recent projects, continuing his journey of musical exploration, showcase his relentless creativity and unique vision. Socalled remains a vital and compelling voice in contemporary music.