MC Rafa Original

Marcos Rafael Costa, who performs as MC Rafa Original, came up rapping at local parties in Rio de Janeiro's favelas. He eventually formed the collective Rima Proibida with other musicians from his area. In 2000, his debut album 'Frase Final' found an audience in the underground scene for its direct portrayal of life in those neighborhoods.

His 2004 album 'O Momento de Botar' is often mentioned as a key release. The title track became widely known, and other songs like 'Filmando a Maldita' and 'Perreco da Minha Vida' are part of his catalog. He kept recording through the 2000s, putting out albums like 'A Vida Dela' and 'O Último Capítulo' in 2012.

His music deals with the conditions and social realities he observed growing up. The writing tends to be straightforward, without much polish, which gives it a particular kind of weight for listeners who recognize the settings and situations he describes.