Rodrigo Brandão

Host/MC

Name: RODRIGO BRANDÃO
Nationality: Brazilian
Residence: São Paulo, Brazil
Crew: Mamelo Sound System
Profession: MC & composer
Website: www.myspace.com/mamelosoundsystem

RODRIGO BRANDÃO is one of the people who never stop struggling to advance the evolution of music culture. He is a well known Hip Hop head in Brazil, a rapper and composer for the group “Mamelo Sound System.”

Back in the ‘90s, he was one of the first VJs for Yo! MTV Raps Brazil. He was also responsible for bringing important international Hip Hop artists to Brazil, such as Afrika Bambaataa and Jurassic 5, to music and movie festivals he organized.

RODRIGO just launched his latest album with Mamelo Sound System called “Velha Guarda 22” (“Old School 22”), a co-production with Scott Hardy from the US. It includes special guests such as afro-beat hero Tony Allen, new-school Brazilian angel voice Céu and the guys from Nação Zumbi, the best contemporary maracatu-rock group.

RODRIGO grew up in São Paulo, in the neighborhood of Jd. Sto. Antônio, where he had his first contact with Hip Hop culture during the “matinês,” teen parties of the Monte Negro Football Club. As he was a born music aficionado, those immediately inspired him.

Over the years, he gained more and more knowledge, not only about rap but about the wide range of black music. In 1994, MTV offered him the job as host of YO! MTV Raps Brazil, as he had already volunteered to write the script for the first VJ of the show. RODRIGO was very much in love with the culture, had done a lot of research, and was very knowledgeable about the history of Hip Hop.

The job was a great opportunity for him to make contacts to well-known Brazilian Hip Hop artists such as Thaíde & DJ Hum, KLJay, Rappin’ Hood, DJ Nuts, Helião. At the end of 1998, the concept of the show changed to a more commercial, pop related one and since RODRIGO’s love for authentic Hip Hop didn’t allow him to become a “sellout,” he had to move on to new projects.

From 1995 till 1998, RODRIGO sang and played the maracas for the funky music and Latin grooves of the group Los Sea Dux. He left the group after discovering what he loved most and wanted to continue doing—rhyming! The rest is history!

RODRIGO was responsible for one of the most important music festivals in Brazil. In December 2005, he organized the free and open “Indie Hip Hop Festival” in Santo Andre. He originated the festival to create a platform for alternative Hip Hop groups. Before, there had only been overpriced events with traditional rap music, tickets selling for around US $100.00, and there had been no place for alternative Hip Hop.

Because RODRIGO grew up influenced by the punk movement, he was a believer in the do-it-yourself-concept and therefore decided to create a space where artists and people linked to Hip Hop culture, who didn’t claim to be gangsters or pimps, had the opportunity to enjoy and develop their work. His goal was to create a free event with high-class artists, reaching people of all possible social, sexual, and racial backgrounds. RODRIGO believes that all people from the poorest to the richest should be treated with equal respect as long as they appreciate the culture and contribute to its growth.

RODRIGO’s ambition is to educate the youths. He feels that the new Hip Hop generation should grow up understanding that to be a real MC one does not have to carry a gun and discriminate against women. Knowledge and skills are far more important.