Arguably the most popular commercial rap artist in Brazil, Marcelo D2 has built his reputation on an ability to marry the fundamentals of American hip-hop with a production sound rooted in distinctively Brazilian musical styles -- principally samba. His fourth album, A Arte do Barulho (literally, "The Art of Noise"), ironically, has little to do with noise but does see the solo rapper incorporating more stylistic elements, including techno and even alt-rock, into his hip-hop/samba formula. Once again working with producer Mário Caldato, Jr., who contributed beats to previous efforts A Procura da Batida Perfeita and Meu Samba é Assim, D2 calls on a wide variety of guest artists from the world of MPB -- including Seu Jorge (on two tracks), Roberta Sá, and Marcos Valle -- and collaborates with West Coast indie MC Medaphor on the bilingual "Kush." Never the most imaginative lyricist, D2 spins verses that center on partying, recreational drug use -- marijuana mainly, which has been his trademark since his days with the Cypress Hill-inspired crew Planet Hemp -- and the dreams of Brazil's favela-dwelling youth.
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