Lado Beco

Lado Beco is a rap collective from Rio de Janeiro that formed in the early 2000s in the Manguinhos community. The group's name translates to "side alley" in Portuguese, and their music often addresses the realities of life in the favelas. They started with basic equipment, recording tracks that connected with young people across the city.

Their song "Rap Lado Beco" became something of an anthem when it came out in 2003, though its direct language about violence and police issues drew criticism alongside its popularity. Other tracks like "Só Guerreiro" and "Frio e Implacável" continue that raw, street-level perspective. The group has performed at festivals and appeared in documentaries, working with artists like Chico Buarque along the way.

Lado Beco's lineup includes MCs Dedé and Thiago, who were there from the beginning, along with DJs Xande, Pinga, and Tinguinha. They've put out albums including their self-titled 2003 debut, "Só Até Aqui" in 2005, and "Um Novo Horizonte" in 2010. Their music stays rooted in the neighborhoods they come from, speaking plainly about what they've seen and lived through.