Hip-hop was born in raised in New York, but it’s always traveling. Hip hop first touched Brazilian ground in the late 80’s by way of Sao Paolo. It began to take root as part of a growing black empowerment movement in Brazil inspired by the Black Power movement in the United States. Brazilian hip-hop is a distinctive style that is often very raw and incorporates baile funk, a style of dance music that is heavily tied to Brazil’s African roots.
But hip hop is an emerging medium of artistic expression in Brazil that still has some growing and changing to do. Unlike in the U.S., Brazilian femcees haven’t really had a time to shine. The early pioneers of rap in Brazil are all men and the main chart-topping artists are still men. We’ve definitely acknowledged the lack of acknowledged female hip-hop artists stateside, and have given props to artists overseas as well. Meet Karol de Souza, an emerging artist whose cool melodic style mixes harmonic singing and hip-hop. She first caught our ears when she featured in Studio Livre’s “Brazilian Diva’s of Hip-Hop“. The 32 year-old artist from Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil is dedicated to her craft and all about supporting her fellow artists.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been rapping and performing for four years. I’ve never been so happy. I can’t see myself doing something else.
Who are your favorite hip-hop artists and what hip-hop artists inspire you?
I love Jay Z, A$AP Mob, Kanye, Tupac, so many others… Here in Brazil, I like Shaw, Amiri, Livia Cruz, Stefanie and Famila Madá.
Which artists would you like to collaborate with in the future?
I’d love to work with a Korean MC in the future. I think it would be an unusual mixture of styles from different countries. We could do something mixing Brazilian Production and Trap.
Where have you performed outside of Brazil? Where would you like to perform?
I have big dreams. I want to travel around Paris, Angola, Tokyo and New York.
Do you think it is hard to be a female rapper in Brazil?
It is very difficult! Brazilian society is so sexist, and we earn less money and have less space in Hip Hop. We’re fighting to change this every day!
Do you feel women in hip-hop in Brazil support each other?
Yes, we support one another and help each other a lot. Positive energy makes everything so much better. I have many so many girlfriends, MC’s who I admire and have the pleasure of spending time with! Together we are strong!
Do you think Brazilian Hip hop gets enough international attention?
I think the world has been paying close attention to Brazilian music in general,
but we have great Hip Hop artists who are still unknown outside of Brazil. And that is sad. We should not only be selling “Exotic” Rap, but music that really has something to say, music that can change people’s lives. This is why the Rap exists.
What are some of your latest tracks or music videos?
No Caminho do Bem (The way of goodness) e Fiz Uma de Amor (I Made A Love)
Do you have any upcoming projects or performances you would like to share?
I’m still working on my next album. I hope to launch it this year. I will have a single and video coming soon. It is a new song and with production by Nave Beatz. I am also working on the Meskla Project, which is a partnership with rapper Livia Cruz.
