Consciência Black

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years Active

1988–1988

Genres

hip hop, rap

Biography

Consciência Black, Vol. I is a musical compilation released in 1988 by the record label Zimbabwe Records, historically recognized as one of the great founding milestones of Brazilian hip hop. The album stood out for its raw sound and for featuring lyrics of a strong social nature and protest, characteristics that echoed directly from the dance parties in the South Zone of São Paulo. The initiative arose from the perception of businessman William, leader of the Zimbabwe dance crew, that the local public wanted to hear artists singing in Portuguese during the intermissions of the events.

The main legacy of the compilation was introducing the group Racionais MC's to the recording industry, who made their official debut recording the classics "Pânico na Zona Sul" and "Tempos Difíceis". In addition to Mano Brown, Ice Blue, Edi Rock, and KL Jay, the album also revealed important names from the old school of national rap, such as rapper Sharylaine and artist Criminal Master. Released in the same year as Hip-Hop Cultura de Rua, the project helped consolidate the Zimbabwe label as one of the main references for the genre in the country.

The initial reception of the record was driven by the resounding success of tracks on community radios and specialized programs of the time, such as Natanael Valêncio's. This commercial and cultural success opened the doors for the label to subsequently release anthological works and seminal albums of Brazilian rap. The compilation remains to this day an indispensable historical document for understanding the roots and evolution of urban culture in Brazil.