Rap é Compromisso

Sabotage

2001

Cover of Rap é Compromisso
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Why This Album Matters

Rap é Compromisso, the debut album by the visionary artist Sabotage, is a singular work of inestimable value for Brazilian culture, notably for being the only work released by the rapper during his lifetime. Initially released in 2000 by Cosa Nostra, a label belonging to Racionais MCs, this record established itself as an unavoidable milestone, defining sounds and narratives that resonated deeply within the country's musical landscape. Its essence lies in the authenticity and poetic rawness with which Sabotage portrayed the reality of the favelas, elevating the voices and experiences of a forgotten part of society. With an organic fusion of rhythms and rhymes, the album presents a style that transcends the genre, weaving a complex and multifaceted tapestry of urban experiences. Sabotage's lyrics, laden with keen social observation and powerful lyricism, transformed the record into a mirror of the Brazilian soul, clamouring for attention and respect through his art.

Recording

The album Rap é Compromisso was meticulously conceived over eight months, with production handled by a heavy-hitting team that included Tejo Damasceno, Daniel Ganjaman, Zegon, and DJ Cia. Recordings were carried out under the aegis of Cosa Nostra Fonográfica, ensuring an environment conducive to the materialisation of Sabotage's artistic vision. Tejo Damasceno and Quincas Moreira were responsible for recording and co-production, whilst mixing, also conducted by Tejo Damasceno, was finalised at Estúdio Y-B, which also carried out the mastering, the latter with the contribution of Benoni Hubmaier. Executive production was handled by Cosa Nostra Fonográfica itself.

Songs

The work presents a rich sonic tapestry, punctuated by various collaborations that enriched its texture and reach. Names such as Negra Li, Black Alien, Sombra e Bastardo, Cascão, Rappin' Hood, Potencial 3, RZO, and Chorão, from Charlie Brown Jr., lent their voices and talents to various tracks on the album. Furthermore, Mariana Ximenes and Paulo Miklos provided additional vocals, further expanding the artistic spectrum of the record. The composition of the tracks stands out for the strategic use of samples, which add layers of meaning and reverence to other works. Notable examples include "Rap É Compromisso", which samples Shirley Bassey's "Diamonds Are Forever"; "Um Bom Lugar", with samples from Baseado Nas Ruas' "Apocalipse"; and "No Brooklin", which incorporates excerpts from Paradox's "Backing Track No. 30" and Naughty By Nature's "Jamboree". The track "Cocaína" brings samples from Racionais MCs' "Capítulo 4, Versículo 3", whilst "Na Zona Sul" uses The Stylistics' "It's Too Late". "Respeito É Para Quem Tem" samples Facção Central's "Desculpa Mãe" and John Barry's "Diamonds Are Forever", and "País da Fome" incorporates Michel Coliccio's "Ebony Tower". Finally, "Cantando Pro Santo" makes use of samples from Jackie Mittoo's "Oboe".

Legacy

The repercussion of Rap é Compromisso was overwhelming, solidifying it as a cornerstone of national rap. The album reached an impressive mark of 1,734,461 copies sold, a tremendous success that earned it Triple Diamond certification from the Associação Brasileira dos Produtores de Discos, today known as Pró-Música. This commercial performance and the depth of its message guaranteed Rap é Compromisso a captive place in the history of Brazilian music. It is widely considered one of the most important and influential albums in the history of rap in Brazil, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and shape new generations of artists and listeners.

Rankings

Tracks

Podcasts

Rap é Compromisso! by Sabotage and Pink Flag by Wire

Babblin' Bangers · Felipe Beraldi

22 min·11 Oct 2023

Babbled about punk and Brazilian rap, but not necessarily in that order.

Analisando #2 Sabotage O Rap é Compromisso

Até o Amanhecer · Lucky Boy

11 min·26 Apr 2021

Hoje eu fiz uma análise do rapper sabotage e do seu álbum o rap é compromisso essa foi só minha opinião se você discorda tudo bem :)

Books

Analyses

Discogs

Rap é Compromisso – Discogs

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