Celebrated chef and hip-hop artist, Ed Porter, known as Chef Porter, combines his twin passions in his new album, aptly named “de zéro”, meaning “from scratch”. With sixteen tracks and fifty-two minutes of passionate lyricism, classic hip-hop beats, and an ingenious smorgasbord of culinary references, “de zéro” is as much a tribute to the Golden Era of Hip-Hop as it is a testament to Porter’s artistic prowess both in and out of the kitchen.
The album includes a track-list that mirrors the culinary process, beginning with the song “Mise en place”, a well-known French term in culinary parlance, meaning to prepare and organize before cooking. The songs include culinary-inspired titles such as “Flambé” and “@ Your Service” (subtle nod to Jay-Z), and more deeply personal titles like “Perfect Pictures” and “Solely Matrimony”. Porter’s creativity in blending his passions resonates throughout the tracks, allowing listeners to experience his heartfelt love for cooking and music in one serving.
“de zéro” is introduced with a monologue by Chef Porter’s mother on the first track, “Mise en place”, where she shares fond memories of Porter’s childhood. This tender tribute not only prepares the audience for the musical feast to come but also pays homage to the familial and cultural influences that have shaped Chef Porter’s career.
Notable tracks include the emotionally raw “Solely Matrimony”, the raw hard-hitting “Calistoga”, and the closing track “Thank You”, a moving tribute to his mother. The level of openness and vulnerability presented in this album is commendable, giving “de zéro” a human touch rarely seen in music.
But the innovation doesn’t end with the album. As Chef Porter explains, “de zéro” was devised to be a part of a unique touring model called “The de zéro Experience”. Here, each song from the album is paired with a specially curated dish, creating a multi-sensory experience that appeals to foodies and hip-hop enthusiasts alike. Fans can find more information about this upcoming tour on the official website, www.thedezeroexperience.com.
Chef Porter, a celebrated personality on Food Network and Netflix, hails from Mount Vernon, New York, and was raised in The Bronx. His passion for music is complementary to his well-established culinary career, which he channeled to fund studio time at the tender age of 11. The synergy of his twin skills is what sets Chef Porter apart in both fields.
The high level of production offered on “de zéro” is unrivaled, making it undoubtedly a labor of love, produced to the finest audio engineering, mixing, and mastering standards.
Chef Porter’s “de zéro” is a genuine creation of love, embodying his adoration for hip-hop music and culinary artistry flawlessly in a platform that showcases these passions. As a nod to the vinyl-loving hip-hop fans, “de zéro” will soon be released on vinyl as well.
Immerse yourself in the world of Chef Porter by following him on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or listen to his music on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. You won’t be disappointed.
Equal parts culinary delight and lyrical mastery, “de zéro” is a testament to Chef Porter’s dedication to creativity and innovation, redefining the relationship between food and music like never before.
