MC Papo

MC Papo, born Pablo Luiz da Silva, came up in Rio de Janeiro's favelas during the mid-1990s. His music had a raw energy that connected with the neighborhoods he came from. In 1998, he released 'Piriguete,' a track that used a derogatory slang term for women.

Despite the pushback, 'Piriguete' circulated through underground channels and became something of an anthem in the favelas. Papo kept making music through the 2000s, with songs like 'Radinho de Pilha' and 'Tudo Pra Dar Errado' appearing in his catalog. In 2006, he put out an album called 'Funk Brasil' that included work with musicians like Marcelo D2 and Caetano Veloso.

His sound sometimes incorporated elements of soul and hip-hop alongside Brazilian rhythms. He worked with other artists in the scene, including DJ Marlboro, MC Rael, and MC Koringa, helping shape a style that mixed funk's direct energy with more melodic touches.