The Rise and Evolution of Brazilian Phonk Music

The Rise of Brazilian Phonk

A new genre of music called Brazilian phonk has been gaining popularity over the past few years. Phonk originated in Memphis, Tennessee in the 1990s, combining elements of hip hop and electronic music. The Brazilian take on phonk mixes these influences with funk carioca, a type of dance music from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Let's take a closer look at what defines Brazilian phonk and some of the key players in the scene.

What is Brazilian Phonk?

Phonk is characterized by its dark, gritty beats and heavily distorted basslines. Brazilian phonk takes this base and fuses it with the rhythm and percussion of funk carioca. The BPM is usually around 130-145 with syncopated drum patterns and repetitive vocal samples. The overall vibe is hypnotic and high energy.

Common sounds found in Brazilian phonk tracks include aggressive 808 basslines, said vocal chops, and edgy synth melodies. TR-808 drum samples are frequently used along with other classic drum machine sounds like the 909. While traditional phonk is more lo-fi and minimal, Brazilian phonk has a fuller production style.

Origins in Funk Carioca

Funk carioca originated in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro in the 1980s and became popular at baile funk parties in the city's slums. The groundbreaking electronic-infused genre combines elements of Miami bass and North American rap music. Its lyrics often focus on topics like sex, partying and critiques of corrupt police.

When the Internet made American phonk easily accessible, Brazilian producers saw an opportunity to fuse it with their unique brand of funk. The first Brazilian phonk tracks started appearing in the late 2000s and early 2010s on YouTube from artists like MC Lud e DJ Rafinha.

Pioneering Brazilian Phonk Artists

Some of the pioneering and most influential artists in the Brazilian phonk scene include:

• TR-ONE - Considered one of the fathers of Brazilian phonk, he was one of the first artists to combine phonk and funk carioca.
• Neoni - A prominent music producer who coined the term "Brazilian phonk" with his signature dark, grimy sound.
• Mercadinho Beat - An active producer since 2010 known for his heavily syncopated beats and creative sampling.
• ZeroGravity - Gained popularity through his YouTube channel by posting phonk remixes of funk carioca classics.
• Lucas Afonso - A young rising star in the scene, known for his complex, jazz and trap inspired Brazilian phonk.

Where to Listen to Brazilian Phonk

While relatively obscure compared to mainstream genres, Brazilian phonk has carved out a niche online following. Here are some of the best places to find the latest Brazilian phonk tracks:

• YouTube - Many Brazilian phonk producers first gain exposure by posting on YouTube channels dedicated to the genre.
• Bandcamp - Musicians often share their work on Bandcamp, both free downloads and digital sales.
• SoundCloud - As one of the top sites for electronic musicians, SoundCloud hosts original phonk and remixes.
• Spotify Playlists - Search for user curated playlists like "Brazilian Phonk" or "Phonk Carioca" to find compilations.
• Social media - Engaged fan communities sharing Brazilian phonk exist on Instagram and Discord.

Notable Brazilian Phonk Labels

While many artists first release their music independently online, some Brazilian phonk labels have emerged. These include:

• Canalhas Records - Founded by DJ Will22, Canalhas was one of the first Brazilian labels dedicated to phonk.
• Riot Games - Notable for promoting new generation artists like Mercadinho Beat and MAC JULIA.
• Phonk Records - An international YouTube channel and netlabel releasing phonk from around the world.
• TrapFunk Records - Primarily a YouTube channel but also a netlabel distributing Brazilian phonk.

The Global Appeal of Brazilian Phonk

Initially Brazilian phonk was localized to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo's underground club scene. But thanks largely to the Internet, it has spread worldwide over the 2010s. The dark and heavy sound resonates with electronic and hip hop listeners across the globe.

International phonk artists like Kid Trash, Fifty Grand, and Soudiere have cited Brazilian music as a major inspiration. Major Western EDM labels like Mad Decent and Buygore have also released twerk remixes from Brazilian producers like Waldo Squash and Gaszia.

Brazilian phonk has also grown in Japan and Russia with musicians like STAHL! incorporating it into their production style. Back in Brazil, the genre has expanded beyond funk carioca, as artists experiment blending it with other local genres like samba, pagode, and bossa nova.

Why Does Brazilian Phonk Appeal to Global Audiences?

There are a few key reasons why Brazilian phonk has resonated beyond Brazil:

• It retains the dark, hypnotic vibe of traditional phonk while adding a new rhythmic element.
• The sound has crossover appeal for both electronic dance music and hip hop fans.
• Brazilian phonk inherited an edgy, rebellious attitude from its funk carioca roots.
• Exotic influences and languages are trendy in online music communities.
• Slowed down remixes are popular for relaxing or as background focus music.

Brazilian Phonk Goes Mainstream

Major pop artists are starting to experiment with incorporating Brazilian phonk elements into their productions. In 2018, Drake released the track "In My Feelings" which featured New Orleans bounce music blended with a City Girls sample pitched down in classic phonk style.

Other mainstream examples include tracks like "TGIF" by T-Pain and "Rule The World" by 2 Chainz. Brazilian producerIOTripzz provided the phonk flip of the Nelly "Hot In Herre" sample used on "TGIF." Meanwhile Mercadinho Beat is credited with production on "Rule The World."

As these songs climbed the charts, they introduced phonk rhythms and aesthetics to massive audiences. While not pure Brazilian phonk, they signal how the genre is leaving the underground and spreading to the mainstream.

The Future of Brazilian Phonk

As Brazilian phonk gains more international visibility, where does it go from here? Here are some possible directions for the genre's continued evolution:

More Collaboration

Link-ups between Brazilian phonk artists and foreign producers seem inevitable. Joint projects or remixes could introduce exciting new fusion styles.

Increase in Tempo

Some artists have already experimented with speeding up Brazilian phonk to around 150 BPM. This "fast phonk" style has potential for danceability and high-energy DJ sets.

Mainstream Crossover

Major pop stars and rappers are likely to keep incorporating Brazilian phonk elements into chart-topping hits. This could make the sound accessible to massive new audiences.

New Regional Styles

Just as Brazilian MCs put their own spin on phonk, producers from other countries could also apply it to their local genres. We may see new blends with rap, dancehall, grime or other styles.

Return to Roots

Some artists interested in the old school may bring Brazilian phonk back to its raw, lo-fi roots. A revival of the original slow, heavy, fugazy sound could occur.

Brazilian phonk has come a long way from being an obscure experimental genre less than a decade ago. It now sits at the forefront of the ever-evolving phonk movement. One thing is certain - producers in Brazil will keep finding new ways to fuse these seemingly disparate musical worlds. The vibrant future of Brazilian phonk is sure include many more twists and turns.

FAQs

What is Brazilian phonk?

Brazilian phonk is a genre that combines the dark, gritty beats of Memphis phonk with the rhythm and percussion of Brazilian funk carioca. It originated in the late 2000s in Rio de Janeiro.

Who are the pioneers of Brazilian phonk?

Some of the key pioneers are TR-ONE, Neoni, Mercadinho Beat, ZeroGravity, and Lucas Afonso. These producers started fusing American phonk styles with funk carioca in the early 2010s.

Where can I listen to Brazilian phonk?

YouTube, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and Spotify are great places to find Brazilian phonk. Look for user curated playlists and channels dedicated to the genre.

What are some Brazilian phonk record labels?

Some notable Brazilian phonk labels are Canalhas Records, Riot Games, Phonk Records, and TrapFunk Records.

Is Brazilian phonk going mainstream?

Yes, major pop artists like Drake are starting to incorporate Brazilian phonk elements into chart-topping songs. This is helping expose the sound to huge new audiences worldwide.