Tuesday, March 18, 2025

"Seabra Is Mad" (Song Meaning)

Song » Song Meaning » The Meaning Behind The Song: Seabra Is Mad by IthakaThe Meaning Behind The Song: Seabra Is Mad by Ithaka 

https://www.musicianwages.com/w3/the-meaning-behind-the-song-seabra-is-mad-by-ithaka/

 

Ithaka Darin Pappas surfing on the day that inspired Seabra Is Mad – January 20th, 1995 
at Jardim Do Mar, Madeira, Portugal. Photograph by João Valente

The Meaning Behind The Song: Seabra Is Mad by Ithaka

By Will Driscoll July 6, 2024

 

Seabra Is Mad is a slamming, story-lyric, drum & bass-rock song by Ithaka. It revolves around the Portuguese big wave surfer José Seabra and a real-life near-drowning experience that the artist himself survived with Seabra and another mutual friend, João Valente, on the island of Madeira in January of 1995.


The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the events that unfolded during the fateful trip. The song starts with the introduction of Seabra, a fearless rider known for his willingness to wait hours for a wave. The first verse describes a trip taken in the middle of winter, with Ithaka and Seabra riding a wave that left Ithaka’s stick broken.The imagery of underwater walls and a life flashing before one’s eyes creates a sense of danger and intensity.


The second verse delves into a specific surf spot, referred to as “M.” Here, Seabra breaks the berry, a five-meter ride that most would find intimidating. However, Seabra effortlessly glides through the wave, navigating a big fat cave and performing impressive maneuvers. The descriptive language used in the lyrics allows the listener to feel the thrill and excitement of the ride.

The final verse takes us to another surf spot named Bruxas. As the group plans to leave due to worsening conditions, the strong current prevents them from doing so. Seabra, ever the risk-taker, decides to drop into a pit without hesitation. The choice between potentially breaking bones and drowning is an intense one, and Seabra comes out on top, saving himself and his friends. The lyrics praise Seabra’s resilience and fearless nature.

Personally, this song holds a special meaning for me. As a fan of both music and surfing, it resonates with my own experiences and adventures. The intense energy of the music, combining slamming drums and bass with rock elements, mirrors the adrenaline rush experienced while riding a wave. The lyrics capture the spirit of those who are drawn to the ocean, pursuing their passion despite the risks


Seabra Is Mad became a popular radio pop-song in Portugal, reaching the Top 20 charts. It was also recognized with several awards, including nominations for “Best Song” and “Best Video” at the Blitz Awards (Portuguese Grammy’s). Additionally, it won the Público Newspaper Awards for the same categories in 1997. The song’s success and recognition further solidify its impact and appeal.

In 2007, Seabra Is Mad was featured in the popular video game NBA-2K7, introducing it to a new audience and continuing its legacy. The song’s ability to transcend time and mediums is a testament to its enduring quality and the universal themes it explores.


In conclusion, Seabra Is Mad by Ithaka tells the thrilling story of a near-drowning experience and celebrates the fearless and tenacious nature of big wave surfer José Seabra. The powerful lyrics, combined with the energetic music, transport listeners to the heart-pounding world of surfing. Whether you’re a fan of the sport or simply appreciate a gripping tale, this song is sure to leave a lasting impression. 


Note: Lyrics & vocals by Ithaka Darin Pappas. Music created by Joe Fossard & Ewan Butler. Produced by Joe Fossard. Guitars and bass: Ewan Butler. Drums: Sergio Nascimento. Recorded in Paço de Arcos, Lisbon, Portugal.

 

Ithaka, Ithaka Darin Pappas, alternative hip hop, drum and bass, Portugal, surfing, so get up

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Hip hop photography book: "Beyond South Central": Rap legends N.W.A. as seen thru the lens of Ithaka Darin Pappas (1988-1990)

 





The second edition of the 2016 photography book Beyond South Central (Sweatlodge Publishing) is now available on amazon.com. The book is the result of the three years Ithaka Darin Pappas freelanced for Priority Records, capturing the primary imagery of N.W.A., documenting almost the entire lifespan of the group, from their obscure South Central beginnings to their meteoric rise to controversial super-stardom. This publication includes iconic images such as The Miracle Mile Shot, The Bleacher Shot, Backstage In Phoenix and also rarely seen candid images of Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy E, MC Ren, DJ Yella and The D.O.C.

Ithaka Darin Pappas began experimenting with his father's 35mm and medium-format film cameras as early as age 5. He started assisting professional photographers immediately after high school, and within a year, began publishing much of his own work. Perhaps the most published (and republished) commercial photographic works by IDP are his early archival images of the influential LA Gangsta rap group NWA. Pappas worked for the West Coast record label Priority Records between 1988 and 1991 and documented almost the entire lifespan of the group, from their obscure South Central beginnings to their meteoric rise to controversial super-stardom.

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Historic NWA Photographs by Ithaka Darin Pappas Currently Appearing in Two Museum Shows

Historic photographs of hip hop legends N.W.A. by Ithaka Darin Pappas are currently appearing in two north American museum shows; "Contact High: A Visual History of Hip Hop" curated by Vikki Tobak at Seattle's Museum Of Pop and "Boyz n the Hood" at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles curated by Esme Douglas. During the years from 1988-1990, Ithaka Darin Pappas photographed Eazy E & NWA a reported 18-20 times. Images from these photographic sessions have appeared in the books; Hip Hop Raised Me by DJ Semtex, Contact High: A Visual History of Hip Hop by Vikki Tobak, Approximate Gestures : Infinite Spaces in the Fiction of Percival Everett by Anthony Stuart and The New Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll.

Saturday, April 2, 2022

Indian-American Oscar Winner, Joseph Patel, To Direct "Contact High" Documentary

Patel in 2019, shown with the image "Skate Outta Compton" (Eazy E photographed by Ithaka Darin Pappas in 1989 from the book, Contact High: A Visual History Of Hip Hop). Indian-American Oscar Winner, Joseph Patel (producer of Best Documentary project Summer Of Soul, To Direct Contact High Documentary Popular book “Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop” is headed to the screen as a documentary. Universal Music Group’s Mercury Studios and Republic Records’ Federal Films, along with Jupiter Entertainment, are behind the adaptation. Joseph Patel is tapped to direct; Jupiter’s Patrick Reardon, Federal Films’ Chris Blackwell and Dana Sano, and Barak Moffitt and Daniel Seliger of Mercury Studios, along with “Contact High” author Vikki Tobak, will executive produce, along with Fred Brathwaite (aka Fab 5 Freddy). The 2018 photo book chronicles the rise of hip-hop from the music of the streets to commercial success through outtakes from more than 100 photo shoots. Likewise the doc will utilize contact sheets, stylized set pieces and archival interviews in telling the story visually. SOURCE VARIETY: https://variety.com/2021/film/news/contact-high-hip-hop-book-documentary-1235049534/

'Dr. Dre is Made in LA'

Source: https://www.imore.com/beats-launches-new-video-campaign-titled-dr-dre-made-la MADE IN LA Beats launches new video campaign titled 'Dr. Dre is Made in LA' The Beats Fit Pro videos just keep coming. Dr Dre Is Made In La Source: Beats Beats has released a new video highlighting its Beats Fit Pro wireless earbuds. The video features Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and more. Dr. Dre and many more stars just performed at this year's Super Bowl halftime show. To coincide with the Super Bowl halftime show performance and the brand's new wireless earbuds, Beats has released a new video featuring Dr. Dre called "Dr. Dre is Made in LA." You can watch the new video below: PROUD to be Made in LA Featuring Dr. Dre and archival footage of Anderson .Paak, Kayvon Thibodeux, Roddy Ricch, Serena Williams, Snoop Dogg and Vince Staples as well a 1988 still photograph portrait of Dre entitled "Miracle Dre" by Ithaka Darin Pappas The video, which featuring a number of stars, also shows off the new Beats Fit Pro, the brand's latest wirless earbuds. The earbuds, which feature Apple's H1 chip for easy AirPods-like connection with the company's products, also include noise cancellation and sweat resistance, making them an AirPods Pro competitor for those looking for a high quality set of wireless earbuds. The new video featuring Dr. Dre as "Made in LA" is quite timely as he just headlined this years' Super Bowl in...Los Angeles. In addition to Dre, the Super Bowl halftime show also featured Eminem, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, and more:

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Portrait of Dr. Dre by Ithaka Darin Pappas featured in new video "Dre Dre Is Made In LA"

Source: https://www.imore.com/beats-launches-new-video-campaign-titled-dr-dre-made-la MADE IN LA Beats launches new video campaign titled 'Dr. Dre is Made in LA' The Beats Fit Pro videos just keep coming. Dr Dre Is Made In La Source: Beats Beats has released a new video highlighting its Beats Fit Pro wireless earbuds. The video features Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and more. Dr. Dre and many more stars just performed at this year's Super Bowl halftime show. To coincide with the Super Bowl halftime show performance and the brand's new wireless earbuds, Beats has released a new video featuring Dr. Dre called "Dr. Dre is Made in LA." You can watch the new video below: PROUD to be Made in LA Featuring Dr. Dre and archival footage of Anderson .Paak, Kayvon Thibodeux, Roddy Ricch, Serena Williams, Snoop Dogg and Vince Staples as well a 1988 still photograph portrait of Dre entitled "Miracle Dre" by Ithaka Darin Pappas The video, which featuring a number of stars, also shows off the new Beats Fit Pro, the brand's latest wirless earbuds. The earbuds, which feature Apple's H1 chip for easy AirPods-like connection with the company's products, also include noise cancellation and sweat resistance, making them an AirPods Pro competitor for those looking for a high quality set of wireless earbuds. The new video featuring Dr. Dre as "Made in LA" is quite timely as he just headlined this years' Super Bowl in...Los Angeles. In addition to Dre, the Super Bowl halftime show also featured Eminem, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, and more: