Throughout the history of art, there have always been individuals with an extraordinary ability to inspire and awaken parts of our subconscious that we did not even know existed, and the Hip-Hop movement is no exception.
The rapper Leall undoubtedly possesses that gift. Once, I had the privilege of reading that when Leall performs, he inspires people much like a soldier responsible for motivating an entire platoon before going to war, I believe there is truth in that statement. Music is, in many ways, a spiritual thing, and there are those who genuinely seem to have a purpose on it.
Beginning with Esculpido à Machado (Sculptured by Axe ), an album guided by Xangô, the Orisha of justice, the narrative revolves around survival in Rio de Janeiro’s North Zone—an environment marked by violence, neglect, and the influence of a parallel state—Leall brings a wide range of topics to the surface. With both aggression and sensitivity (when necessary), he explores the daily realities and personal development of the black youth from Rio’s favelas and suburbans. Topics such as crime, addiction, and redemption are approached with remarkable depth while remaining accessible to listeners, largely due to the cohesion between the stories being told and the instrumentals played.
In his following project, Eu Ainda Tenho Coração (I Still Have Heart), he dives into a sea of warmer emotions, guided by Oxóssi, the Orisha associated with the collective, the album shifts the focus established in his debut project. Through numerous tracks centered on love for family and the sense of responsibility toward on his own people, Leall captures feelings that resonate deeply with our generation—a generation of young adults constantly anxious and concerned about the future. As result, listeners find themselves profoundly connected to the themes explored throughout the album.
I will not take EPs and singles into consideration, as they often serve particular purposes of their own, nevertheless, it is impossible not to mention the beggining of Leall’s journey, especially his appearances on the brazilian grime radio, the Brasil Grime Show. At that stage of his career, Leall was hungry, there was a visible fire in his eyes, reflecting his determination to grow and establish himself. Through his lyricism, he quickly stood out from his peers and left behind undeniable classics such as “Cachorrada by Leall featuring VND”.
It is evident that every generation of rap produces one or more geniuses, and I believe Leall is one of the geniuses of ours. There is a clear parallel between his projects and classics albums such as Traficando Informação by MV Bill and Pra Quem Já Mordeu Um Cachorro Por Comida, Até Que Eu Cheguei Longe by Emicida, I do not mean that they are musically or aesthetically similar; instead of it, I mean their structure, sensitivity, emotional depth, and artistic singularity share remarkable similarities. All that remains is to watch and see how far this genius will continue to surprise us.
Shoutout to creativity.
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