In Brazil, distributing this song is illegal, because it glamorizes violence and extols gang warfare. It's insidious, beautiful, contagious, singable poison, sung by anonymous MC's in a suburban studio in 1995, and subsequently played all over the favelas ringing Rio.
There's a lot to be said against baile funk. But the criticisms are usually leveled at the lyrics, and what I love is the amazing rhythmic chant-based structure, which is so infectious and catchy.
There's no denying that societies feel an acute need to document themselves and communicate. And that includes criminal underworlds: Mexico has its own version - the narcocorridos, which sound completely different but serve the same purpose.
If you're as poor, functionally illiterate and disenfranchised as people in the favelas, music is probably the best medium available. What's stunning is how rawly gorgeous it is.
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