Guts HHV Records 8 Items

The ride of the Internet wave

Guts is a French music collective that has gained a large following in recent years. In the mid-1990s, Fabrice Franck Henri, a French DJ and producer founded the project with his friend Pascal Houpert. Initially, they played a mix of hip hop, funk und jazz, with influences from classic soul and rare groove music. In the early years, Guts struggled for recognition, playing small shows and festivals throughout France. They released several albums, including Le Bienheureux and Freedom, but they received little attention. Despite these setbacks, Guts remained true to their music, constantly experimenting with new sounds and genres. They collaborated with various artists, including rapper Common and singer Leron Thomas, but still struggled to find their audience. It wasn’t until the mid-2000s that Guts gained wider recognition, thanks in part to the advent of the Internet and the growth of social media. Their music was picked up by DJs and music lovers around the world, leading to a number of successful albums and collaborations.

There is no end to experimentation

In 2007, Guts released his debut album Le Bienheureux, which showcased his unique style and received critical acclaim. This was followed by Freedom in 2009, which further cemented his reputation as a master of genre blending. Paradise for All was released in 2012 and featured collaborations with a variety of singers, including Lorine Chia and Cody ChesnuTT. In 2014, Guts released Hip Hop After All, an album that paid homage to the golden era of hip hop while incorporating his own modern influences. It was followed in 2016 by Eternal, which featured a wider range of musical styles, including funk and “Afrobeat”:Afrobeat. Guts’ album Philantropiques was released in 2019 and was inspired by his travels to tropical destinations. It features collaborations with artists from around the world, including Pinduca from Brazil and Nazaré Pereira from Cape Verde. Throughout his discography, Guts has been committed to blending different musical styles and incorporating global influences. Straight from the Decks was released in 2021. This album is a live recording of Guts’ DJ set at the Rex Club in Paris and features a mix of classic and modern funk and soul tracks. With its signature blend of funky grooves and soulful vocals, the Straight from the Decks vinyl is a dynamic and energetic album that captures the spirit of Guts’ live performances. His latest disc, Estrellas, is a collaboration with Senegalese musicians in Dakar and Cubans who have crossed the Atlantic, as well as his usual family of musicians. It is a tribute to Afro-Cuban music. "Three worlds, three languages, three colors. Recorded in 17 days, without interruption, to germinate the seed born in Cuba at the end of 2020, so that the most beautiful fruits can be harvested in Dakar in 2022.“

An icon of the industry

In a career spanning more than 20 years, Guts has become a leading figure in the modern soul, hip hop and jazz scene. Guts’ music features a fusion of genres, blending soulful melodies, funky grooves and hip hop beats to create a unique sound that has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. His albums, including Paradise for All and Hip Hop After All, have been praised for their innovative production techniques and infectious rhythms. In addition to his work as a musician, Guts has also made a name for himself as a producer, collaborating with a number of artists across a variety of genres. His collaborations with artists such as Amp Fiddler, Tanya Morgan and Patrice have helped showcase his versatility and creativity as a producer. His unique sound and innovative approach have helped shape the landscape of contemporary music, making him a true icon in the industry.