O Menino Que Queria Ser Deus
Djonga e Coyote Beatz
2018
Why This Album Matters
Released in 2018, O Menino Que Queria Ser Deus is the second studio album by Minas Gerais rapper Djonga, which solidified his position as one of the most influential names in contemporary national rap. The album stands out for its direct language, full of hard-hitting punchlines and 'shouted' verses that confront the complexities of the artist's personal life and urgent social and racial issues. It is a work that not only exposes the contradictions and anxieties of a young Black man from the periphery, but also celebrates the richness of his culture and the legitimacy of his struggles, offering a message of hope and overcoming. The album's title, in itself, is a provocation and a declaration of intent, reflecting Djonga's ambition to create and manipulate reality through his art, like a creator. He expresses the desire to be the best in everything he sets out to do, transcending expectations and imposed limits. The album marks a significant maturation in his sound and lyricism, expanding Djonga's artistic domains and consolidating his powerful voice in the Brazilian music scene.
Context
Gustavo Pereira Marques, known as Djonga, emerged from Favela do Índio and grew up in the São Lucas and Santa Efigênia neighbourhoods in Belo Horizonte. His musical background was eclectic, absorbing influences ranging from Milton Nascimento and Racionais MC's to Cazuza and Mano Brown, which shaped his multifaceted artistic identity. Before O Menino Que Queria Ser Deus, Djonga had already made an impact with the EP "Fechando o Corpo" (2015) and, most notably, with his acclaimed debut album Heresia (2017), which featured among the best national rap releases of the year. Heresia established his aggressive yet truthful style, unafraid to expose reality with informal language. In 2018, the year O Menino Que Queria Ser Deus was released, Djonga already enjoyed great recognition, with the track "Olho de Tigre" becoming an anthem of Black resistance, which added pressure and expectations surrounding his new work.
Recording
The album O Menino Que Queria Ser Deus was predominantly recorded at Nebula Records, featuring musical production by CoyoteBeatz, Djonga's long-term partner, and executive production by Ceia Ent. Mixing and mastering were handled by Arthur Luna, who has previously collaborated on other projects by the rapper. Coyote Beatz, a DJ and producer from Belo Horizonte, is known for his style that blends boom bap and trap, incorporating a vast range of musical references such as funk, soul, progressive rock, jazz, and blues. He frequently uses analogue equipment, such as turntables and mixers, and began his journey creating beats for skate videos. The collaboration with Djonga on almost all tracks of the album highlights the synergy between the artists and the importance of the production for the album's characteristic sound. Djonga is also credited as co-producer on all tracks.
Songs
Comprising ten tracks, the album features appearances by renowned artists such as Sant, Karol Conká, Hot, Sidoka, and Paige. The lyrics explore themes such as social ascension, Black self-esteem, the challenges of structural racism, and the rapper's personal contradictions, delving into the complexity of his identity and experiences. The opening track, "Atípico", serves as a bridge to his previous work and reflects on the cost of fame. One of the highlights is "Junho de 94", a deeply personal song that addresses Djonga's journey, his mistakes, and the responsibility of his 'straight talk'. The music video for "Junho de 94" is visually impactful, showing Djonga with a rope around his neck, symbolising slavery and the genocide of the Black population, while the chorus echoes the search for power and recognition amidst marginalisation. Meanwhile, "CORRA", featuring Paige, confronts structural racism, police violence, and the criminalisation of Black youth, with a music video inspired by the film *Corra!* and visual references to the Black Panthers. "Canção Pro Meu Filho" is a delicate homage to his son, Jorge, permeated by family and religious references. The track "1010" makes a direct quotation of Tupac Shakur, using an excerpt from a letter the rapper wrote to Madonna, and recontextualises the periphery as a space of power and resistance.
Legacy
O Menino Que Queria Ser Deus was widely acclaimed by critics, being voted the 6th best Brazilian album of 2018 by the prestigious Rolling Stone Brasil magazine and one of the 25 best Brazilian albums of the first half of 2018 by the São Paulo Association of Art Critics (APCA). This album not only solidified Djonga as one of the most influential names in contemporary rap and trap in Brazil, but also demonstrated a notable artistic maturation compared to his previous work, Heresia. Djonga's ability to connect his personal experiences to universal themes of social and racial struggle and resistance resonated deeply with the public and critics, establishing him as an essential voice for marginalised communities. His sharp lyricism and courage in addressing sensitive issues continue to inspire other artists, such as the rapper OongeoBáwka, who cited "Junho de 94" as a major influence on his own work.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Djonga
Coyote Beatzz, DJ Cost, El Lif Beatz
Coyote Beatzz
Arthur Luna
Alvaro Benevente
Marcelo 1993agosto Moraes
Videos
Djonga - O Menino Que Queria Ser Deus ALBUM REVIEW (PT-BR)
O Audiófilo
Resenha Djonga, O Menino que Queria Ser Deus
NonaOrelha
Falatudjonga - O Menino Que Queria Ser Deus !
FALATUZETRÊ
Djonga - O Menino Que Queria Ser Deus | Disco Dixavado
FALATUZETRÊ
PODCAST Baculejo do disco no Sagarana - O menino que queria ser Deus
Thiago Pb
Books
Analyses
O Menino Que Queria Ser Deus – Wikipedia
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
O Menino Que Queria Ser Deus (2018) Djonga Monta no cavalo ... - Oganpazan
oganpazan.com.br
Um boombap raiz que parece ter seu título emprestado do filme estadunidense que concorreu na última edição do Oscar. Em "Estouro" a desconstrução do machismo e do racismo é quem dá a tônica, em mais um beat matador do Coyote Beatz (produtor do disco) e contando com a rainha Karol Conka.
Discogs
O Menino Que Queria Ser Deus – Discogs
discogs.com