The Opposites Essentials

Since their 2005 debut album Youngsters, Dutch rappers Willem de Bruijn (aka Willy) and Twan van Steenhoven (aka Big2) have been finessing their feel-good combination of synth-pop harmonies, hip-hop beats and midtempo loops. Together as The Opposites, their catchy and melodic lyrics—some in their native tongue, others in English—have delivered radio-friendly hits such as “Slaap”. As versatile with their beats as they are with their languages, the pair bring '80s influences to the fore on tracks such as “Licht Uit”, while “Oew Oew” sees the boys delve into minimal dubstep.