Matuê: The Trap Pioneer of Brazilian Hip-Hop

Matheus Brasileiro Aguiar, known professionally as Matuê, is a Brazilian rapper, singer, and producer who has become a defining force in the country's trap music scene. Hailing from Fortaleza, Ceará, his 2021 debut studio album Máquina do Tempo achieved triple platinum certification in Brazil, cementing his status as a commercial powerhouse and a leader of the "nova geração" (new generation) of Brazilian rap.

Early career

Born in 1993, Matuê spent his childhood between Italy and Brazil before settling in Fortaleza. His initial foray into music began in a rock band, but he soon shifted focus to hip-hop production and rap, developing a distinct sound that blended trap beats with melodic flows. He gained early attention through tracks on SoundCloud and YouTube, eventually joining the 30PRAUM music collective and label, which became his creative home.

Breakthrough

Matuê's national breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the viral success of the single Anos Luz. The track's hypnotic beat and catchy hook showcased his signature style, amassing millions of streams and earning a platinum certification. This success set the stage for his subsequent rise, proving the massive commercial potential of Brazilian trap and establishing 30PRAUM as a major independent force.

Key tracks

Anos Luz — This 2017 hit was his first major viral success, going platinum and introducing his melodic trap style to a national audience.

Gorilla Roxo — A standout single from his debut album, it exemplifies his confident, genre-blending approach and became a fan anthem.

Máquina do Tempo — The title track from his landmark album is a reflective and ambitious song that highlights his growth as a songwriter and performer.

Quer Voar — This platinum-certified collaboration with fellow 30PRAUM artist Matheus & Kauan demonstrated his crossover appeal into Brazilian sertanejo (country) music.

Vampiro — A massive 2023 single with Teto and WIU that dominated charts, showcasing his continued dominance and collaborative prowess.

Following his breakthrough, Matuê focused on building a consistent discography, releasing the well-received Máquina do Tempo album in 2021. The project debuted at number one on Brazil's Apple Music chart and its success was bolstered by strategic collaborations with artists like Dfideliz and the sertanejo duo Matheus & Kauan. His influence extends beyond music, as he co-founded the clothing brand Lab 303, further solidifying his brand within Brazilian youth culture.

Matuê's innovative trap sound finds parallels with other leading figures in Brazil's vibrant hip-hop scene. Filipe Ret shares a similar command of melodic flow and heads a influential collective, the RU. Veigh represents the São Paulo drill and trap wave, matching Matuê's chart dominance and atmospheric production. WIU is a frequent collaborator known for his sharp lyricism and role in the 30PRAUM collective. Teto complements Matuê's style with his own versatile, melodic approach to trap, evidenced by their successful joint tracks.

Matuê's catalog is a staple on modern Brazilian hip-hop and trap radio stations featured on this website. His hits receive heavy rotation on urban contemporary FM stations and are featured prominently on online radio streams dedicated to the latest in Latin and Brazilian music, reflecting his pervasive influence on the airwaves.

Listeners can explore the dynamic sound of Matuê through the radio stations available on onairium.com, where his genre-defining trap anthems are regularly broadcast. Tune in to discover why he remains a central figure in the evolution of Brazilian hip-hop music.