Racionais MC's
Racionais MC's is a São Paulo-based Brazilian hip hop group often considered the most important rap group in Brazil.
Origins
The original lineup formed in 1988 with Mano Brown, Ice Blue, Edi Rock and DJ KL Jay, each hailing from the favelas ringing São Paulo. Their name nods to Tim Maia's double album Racional.
The sound
Their music is hard-edged Brazilian hip hop, combining themes of social justice with gangster imagery — a sharp contrast to the breezier image often associated with Brazilian music.
Legacy
Their unflinching portrayal of life in the favelas made them a landmark, widely regarded as the most important Brazilian rap group.
Signature song
Diário de um Detento
"Diário de um Detento" is among their signature songs, a vivid narrative track that captures the group's social force.
Top songs
- 1
Diário de um Detento ★
Sobrevivendo no Inferno · 1997
- 2
Vida Loka, Pt. II
Nada Como um Dia Após o Outro Dia, Vol. 1 & 2 · 2002
- 3
Negro Drama
Nada Como um Dia Após o Outro Dia, Vol. 1 & 2 · 2002
- 4
A Vida É Desafio
Nada Como um Dia Após o Outro Dia, Vol. 1 & 2 · 2002
- 5
Capítulo 4, Versículo 3
Sobrevivendo no Inferno · 1997