MC Marechal

Origin

Niterói, RJ

Years active

1998

Genres

hip hop, rap

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Rodrigo Cerqueira de Souza Machado Vieira, better known as MC Marechal, is a prominent Brazilian rapper, songwriter, producer, presenter, and activist born in Niterói on September 22, 1981. He began his career in the late 1990s, emerging as a resident MC in freestyle circles and underground battles such as Zoeira Hip Hop. In 1999, he co-founded the influential rap group Quinte Andar alongside artists like De Leve and Shawlin, though he was the first member to depart in pursuit of a solo career. Gaining widespread national recognition, he collaborated with Marcelo D2 and Fernandinho Beatbox on the successful track "Loadeando" and later became known for his independent ethos and thought-provoking lyrics.

Beyond his musical output, Marechal is widely recognized for his cultural activism and steadfast ideology known as "Um Só Caminho," which champions principles of respect, loyalty, and resistance against corporate media control. He idealised and hosts the Batalha do Conhecimento at the Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR), a rap battle initiative focused on education, politics, and culture rather than personal insults. Additionally, in 2012, he partnered with Janaína Michalski to launch Projeto Livrar, an initiative that utilizes hip-hop shows to distribute and exchange books by independent authors across Brazil. Throughout his career, he has collaborated and shared affiliations with numerous notable figures in Brazilian hip-hop, including Rashid, Emicida, and Cabal.

Despite becoming a running meme in the Brazilian hip-hop community for taking over a decade to release a full-length solo album, Marechal remains a deeply respected figure through his singles like "Espírito Independente" and "Sangue Bom." His commitment to maintaining artistic integrity, promoting independent literature, and educating youth has cemented his legacy as a vital voice in underground Brazilian rap. His work continues to influence a new generation of artists who value the genre as a vehicle for social critique and conscious messaging.