Faces do Subúrbio

The rap group from the Alto José do Pinho, a very poor area in the outskirts of the town of Recife (capital of Pernambuco, northeast) kicked off in 1992. Inspired by Brazilian rappers (like Thaíde & DJ Hum) and bands that mixed rocked into the hip hop (like Body Count), the break dancers Tiger and Zé Brown started out their activities performing at important festivals like Abril Pro Rock. In 1996, Faces incorporated a band with guitar (Oni), bass (Massacre), drums (Garnizé) and DJ (KSB), playing for larger crowds in their native Pernambuco, as well as São Paulo and Rio. In November of 1997, in Recife, cops took over the stage where Faces was performing the anti-police song "Homens Fardados" (Men in Uniforms), arresting the members. That same year, Faces released their first album, named after the band. It was an independent production that came out with the help of the state government of Pernambuco. The lyrics, shaped as emboladas and supported by percussive tambourines, attracted attention at the label MZA, who hired the band and reprinted the first album in 1998, with a new cover and bonus tracks. Their third album, "Como É Triste de Olhar", released in 2000 (and without DJ KSB), went deeper into the local sounds and rhythms, especially the embolada. Still in 2000, drummer Garnizé became the subject of the documentary "O Rap do Pequeno Príncipe Contra as Almas Sebosas", along with killer Helinho. The film reports on the opposite paths chosen by the two guys from the same poor community. Faces do Subúrbio's members are engaged in social action. They teach music and dancing to poor children.