First released in 2003, Rappin’ Hood’s (real name: Antônio Luiz Junior) ‘Sou Negrão’ is one long tribute to the black Brazilian musicians who have contributed to the country’s 20th century music scene. The list of artists reads like a history lesson: Bezerra da Silva, Paulinho da Viola, Jorge Ben, Grande Otelo, João do Pulo, Raul de Souza, Pixinguinha, Cartola, Luiz Melodia, Milton Nascimento, Jackson do Pandeiro, Candeia, Aniceto, Martinho da Vila, Clementina de Jesus, Luiz Gonzaga, Jair Rodrigues, Ivo Meirelles, Jamelão, Dandara, Leci Brandão (that’s her in the video), Jovelina Pérola Negra, Dona Ivone Lara, Djavan, Gilberto Gil, Tim Maia, Sandra de Sá, rap pioneers DMN and Anderson 4P. But also: football legends Leônidas da Silva and Pelé, and Zumbi (‘the Malcom X from Brazil’). The non-Brazilians name-dropped are Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Bob Marley, BB King, Miles Davis, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and then maybe some I’ve missed.

Further Reading