Majestade

Majestade formed in São Paulo in the early 2000s, with rappers Xará and Vandal at the core. Their 2005 mixtape 'Rap É Compromisso' established their approach, mixing sharp social commentary with straightforward hip-hop production. They built a following through local shows and word of mouth, avoiding the more polished pop-rap sound that was gaining traction at the time.

Their track 'Tráfico de Rimas' became a breakout hit, its title playing on the Portuguese words for 'rhyme' and 'traffic' to frame their music as a kind of contraband. Other songs like 'Sou Under' and 'Felicidade' showed their range, from gritty street narratives to more reflective moments. In 2010, a festival performance was canceled after authorities objected to their lyrics, which only solidified their reputation for direct, unflinching writing.

By the 2010s, Majestade had released albums like 'Só Pra Quem Sabe' and 'Avante,' and the group expanded to include DJ Will and Rodrigo on bass. They worked with artists like Seu Jorge and Emicida, connecting different corners of Brazil's hip-hop scene. Their music stayed grounded in the rhythms and concerns of São Paulo, even as it reached a wider national audience.