Long before meeting Ivan “Mamão” Conti, drummer of the Brazilian trio Azymuth, Madlib was a huge fan. Brought together through the documentary Brasilintime, Madlib and Mamão had an instant chemistry based on a mutual respect, and that same energy was injected into their debut album, Sujinho. Sujinho is comprised of reinterpretations of classic ’60s- and ’70s-era Brazilian tunes, including a jovial take on George Duke‘s “Brasilian Sugar.” Mamão‘s brilliant rhythms anchor the album, and Madlib follows the lead, applying a thick layer of colorful and vibrant melodies on the keys. It‘s a feel-good album front to back, with Mamão and Madlib making a strong declaration for modern jazz.