Helião

Origin

Bahia, BA

Also known as

Hélio Barbosa dos Santos

Years Active

1984

Genres

rap, hip hop

Biography

Helião, stage name of Hélio Barbosa dos Santos, is one of the pillars of Brazilian rap, born in Bahia and raised in Pirituba, in the west zone of São Paulo. His musical journey began in 1984, influenced by artists such as Whodini, Fat Boys, and Run DMC. He is one of the founders of the iconic group RZO (Rapaziada da Zona Oeste), which became a landmark in the national hip-hop scene, especially in the 1990s and 2000s. RZO not only consolidated its own career, but was also instrumental in revealing talents such as Negra Li, Sabotage, and Marrom, among many others.

Considered one of the country's great lyricists, Helião released his first recorded rap in 1993, titled "Pobre no Brasil Só Leva Chute", as part of the compilation album "Rappers e Irmãos". Throughout his career, he has demonstrated versatility, exploring social and existential themes in his lyrics. In 2005, he released the album "Guerreiro, Guerreira" alongside Negra Li, a work that achieved great national prominence and showed his ability to reach audiences beyond rap.

Currently, Helião has resumed his solo career, exploring new sounds and themes, such as the "love songs" he wrote during the period of social isolation. He remains a respected and influential figure in the Brazilian music scene, recognized for his authenticity and for paving a solid path for national rap.

Discography

• Helião e Negra Li – Guerreiro, Guerreira (2004)