MATUÊ: BRAZIL’S NUMBER ONE RAPPER
One of the biggest names in Brazilian music in 2024, Matuê has turned his reflections into hits, winning over millions of listeners both on digital platforms and on stage. Eclectic and visionary, he masterfully moves through different styles, absorbing sound and visual influences that enrich his art.
With a creativity that goes beyond the obvious, Matuê preserves his unique essence and surprises us with each new work, always bringing freshness and innovation. We had an exclusive chat with the artist to find out more about his career and what’s to come!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Your album ‘333’ had one of the biggest debuts on Spotify Brazil. Did you imagine that it would be received so positively and in such a short space of time?
I didn’t expect it. I spent years thinking about these songs and chasing the sound of ‘333‘. It was a bit of a tortuous process, you know? Very internal. So I didn’t really have time to create these expectations. Of course, as soon as the album was ready, we wanted to make some noise with it creatively. But the album’s success figures surprised me. For me, it’s a dream scenario to be able to come up with a project that’s like me, that has my crazy thoughts and reflections… And to have all the songs be among the most listened to in the country. The message I’ve received is that people are interested in what I have to say, you know? I feel fulfilled by that.
As well as your success in Brazil, you’ve also shone on international stages and released a song in English on ‘333’. Can we expect more songs in other languages?
‘Like This’ is the bonus track from my latest album and perhaps the one that’s furthest away from what I’ve released so far. You know that search for sound I mentioned? This song illustrates exactly that. It’s sung in English because the sound of it transported me straight back to my teenage years, the MTV era… It’s a direct reference to the indie rock that made my head spin at that time, among other rhythms. And, man, if I can make more songs in English or other languages in this way, on my own terms, I’m super open to it.
In an excerpt from the song ‘1993’, you mention wanting to go back to a time when you worked hard and things weren’t so easy. What do you miss most about that period before fame?
I think the reflection in this track comes from a fear of being dazzled by the spotlight. As an artist and as a person, I want to keep my feet on the ground, you know? I used to think this a lot at the beginning of my career, when things were starting to work out. Today I feel more at peace with success. And since I’m a very private guy and people respect that, I’d say that the onus of fame hasn’t hit me so hard.
What’s your creative process like when it comes to composing?
It happens in different ways. Some songs are born out of very internal and solitary processes. Others are born collaboratively. I think ‘333’ has a lot of this diversity. It’s an album that came from mega-existential reflections, yes. But it’s also the result of a collaborative process, in which I brought together artists I admire and we worked together.
Your musical versatility is undeniable, moving easily between trap, reggae, indie and even rock. How do you define this eclectic style and what inspires you most to experiment with different sounds?
I always want to be able to make music that I would enjoy listening to. But it turns out that I like a lot of things. Lots of rhythms and musical genres. Rap, trap, reggae, various strands of rock, art pop, trip hop… If I go into electronic music, then there’s ambient, drill ‘n bass, experimental. We could talk for hours. Everything that inspires me, even in the visual arts or cinema, can end up becoming music.
Which songs or artists should not be missing from your playlist?
Aphex Twin was my most listened-to artist this year. I love the chaotic soundscapes he creates. Speaking of Brazil, I think Djavan (who I sampled in ‘Crack com Mussilon’) is essential. And Charlie Brown Jr. too.
Who is the artist outside Brazil that you dream of collaborating with?
I’ve been really into Don Toliver’s sound. I think it would be a good match in the studio.
How did you come up with the concept for the new music video?
Dude, “Isso É Sério” is coming and it was a big production, as the song deserves. It’s a track about the pitfalls of success and we translated that very emphatically into the audiovisuals. It’s the last music video of the four we’ve prepared for ‘333’ and it’s probably the biggest one yet.
What is your relationship with fashion? What does fashion mean to you, both in your personal life and in your artistic expression?
I enjoy creating stories with my work. ‘333’ has its own narrative, just like my previous album. The costumes I wear on stage or in the music video are an integral part of that story, you know? I’m a big believer in fashion as an important tool for conveying my message. Not just in my work, but in life too. Fashion and style have always been important to me, as a way of expressing myself and placing myself in the world.
What are the next steps in your career for 2025? Do you have any projects or news that you can share with us?
I recently launched the ‘333 Tour’, which will travel around Brazil and abroad. In 2025, we’ll be performing in Portugal, for example. This tour is the material and tangible realization of what I imagined for this album. It’s a sound, audiovisual and even olfactory experience. I’ve been talking a lot about this universe I created for ‘333’… I’m happy to be able to materialize this universe, this audio narrative, in an original show. This is my tour, which will continue to unfold. I’m really happy.
How would you define the year 2024?
A year of balance between my work, my art, body, mind and soul.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Brasil Editor: Leonardo Loreto (@leonardoloreto)
Writer: Gillian Caetano Comunicação (@gcaetanocomunicacao)
Cover Art Design: Carlos Graciano (@sadpapi666)
Photographer: Renan Pinheiro (@eurenanpinheiro)
Photographer’s Assistants: Lucas Cavalcante (@lucaocavalca) , Davzera (@dav.zera)
Wardrobe Stylists: Ana Wainer (@anawainer) , Louis Brum (@mynamelouis)
Wardrobe Stylist Assistant: Guilherme Queiroz (@guilherme.queir0z)
Grooming: Viny Holanda (@vinyholanda)
Studio: 1418 Studo (@1418stdo)
