Artists like Criolo

Gustavo de Almeida Ribeiro, better known by his stage name Black Alien, is a Brazilian rapper and composer. Since 1993, he has created music in several genres, collaborating with various artists, such as Os Paralamas do Sucesso, Forfun, Fernanda Abreu, Raimundos, Banda Black Rio, Pavilhão 9, Marcelinho da Lua, Dead Fish, Sabotage, among others.

Gabriel Linhares da Rocha, better known by his artistic name Don L, is a Brazilian rapper and composer. He is considered an influential name in Brazil's rap scene. He, along with Nego Gallo, is one of the creators of the Brazilian rap and hip hop group Costa a Costa, which gained national attention in 2006 for winning the Prêmio Hutúz, at that point the premiere prize for Brazilian hip hop, in the North/Northeast category.

Planet Hemp was a Brazilian rap rock band, formed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1993, known for starting the career of rappers Marcelo D2 and B Negão for its lyrics supporting the legality of cannabis. The band's original members was Marcelo D2 (vocals), Skunk (vocals), Rafael Crespo (guitars), Formigão (bass) and Bacalhau (drums). The band broke up in 2001 due to differences between the band members, and Marcelo D2 and B Negão are increasing focus on their solo projects. Since 2012 the band reunited and released the album Jardineiros. in June of 2025, the band announced their disbandment and farewell tour.

Gustavo Pereira Marques, better known by his artistic name Djonga, is a Brazilian rapper, singer and songwriter. Considered one of the most influential names currently on the Brazilian rap scene, the artist has attracted attention for his direct and strongly worded lyrics with strong social criticisms. He frequently collaborates with producer Coyote Beatz.

Racionais MC's is a Brazilian hip hop group based in São Paulo. The original lineup formed in 1988 consisted of Mano Brown, Ice Blue, Edi Rock, and DJ KL Jay. Each member hails from the ring of favelas around São Paulo. Their lyrics combine themes of social justice with gangster imagery, a far cry from the idyllic breeziness typically associated with Brazilian rap music, Racionais MC's is often considered the most important Brazilian rap group. Their name recognizes Tim Maia's monumental double album Racional vols. 1 and 2.

Roberto de Melo Santos, known professionally as Di Melo, is a Brazilian singer-songwriter. His albums are characterized by a variety of musical genres, frequently mixing soul and funk elements with psychedelia. He released his first album in 1975, at a time when several members of Brazilian black music started their careers.

Alexandre Pereira Barbosa, known professionally as MV Bill, is a Brazilian rapper, singer, actor, songwriter and co-author of the best-selling book Falcão - Meninos do Tráfico. The initials "MV" stand for "Mensageiro da Verdade", Portuguese for "Messenger of Truth", and the nickname Bill came from a favorite childhood toy.

Gilberto Passos Gil Moreira is a Brazilian singer-songwriter and politician, known for both his musical innovation and political activism. From 2003 to 2008, he served as Brazil's Minister of Culture in the administration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Gil's musical style incorporates an eclectic range of influences, including rock, Brazilian genres including samba, African music, and reggae.

Gabriel Contino, better known as Gabriel o Pensador is a Brazilian rapper, writer, and composer known for his conscious lyrics which speak of activism, and issues of race, politics, social problems, and the Catholic church. Gabriel began his music career when he launched a demo tape containing the song "Tô Feliz " I'm Happy landing him a contract with Sony Music. Since then he has released eight albums: Ainda É Só o Começo, Quebra-Cabeça, Nádegas a Declarar, Gabriel o Pensador, Seja Você Mesmo , MTV ao Vivo, Cavaleiro Andante and Sem Crise. Gabriel has also written three books: Diário Noturno, Um Garoto Chamado Rorbeto and Meu Pequeno Rubro-Negro. Um Garoto Chamado Rorbeto won the Prêmio Jabuti, for best Children's literature.

Diogo Álvaro Ferreira Moncorvo, known professionally as Baco Exu do Blues, is a Brazilian rapper, singer, and composer. He rose to prominence in the Brazilian rap scene with his 2017 album Esú. He was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award in 2022 for best Portuguese language Rock or Alternative album. The main characteristics of his work include strong metaphors with raw lyricism and poetics, with topics ranging from love and sex to power, religion, and society.

Sérgio Moraes Sampaio was a Brazilian singer and songwriter. His compositions span several musical genres from samba and choro to rock and roll, blues and ballads.