MD Chefe

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Genres

trap, hip hop, rap, r&b

Instruments

voz

Biography

Leonardo dos Santos Barreto, known artistically as MD Chefe, is a Brazilian rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur born in Rio de Janeiro on December 2, 1999. Raised in the favelas of Morro do Turano and Fallet-Fogueteiro, he began his journey in hip hop by attending street rap battles, where he was initially called Madruguinha. Alongside his friend and business partner DomLaike, he founded the independent record label OffLei Sounds and released prominent singles such as "Rei Lacoste" and "Tiffany", which quickly accumulated tens of millions of streams and consolidated his name in the national trap scene.

In 2021, he released his acclaimed debut album, ATG Tape, achieving prominent positions on global and national charts such as Spotify Charts and Apple Music Brasil. His sound is characterized by the fusion of heavy instrumentals with a deep bass-baritone voice, in addition to lyrics focused on sophistication, fashion, and elegance, setting him apart from the traditional ostentation of the genre. MD Chefe also expanded his discography with the EP 22K Minitape and collaborated with several renowned names in Brazilian music, including partnerships with Negra Li, Sorriso Maroto, Papatinho, and Marília Mendonça.

Consolidated as one of the leading names in contemporary hip hop in the country, the artist achieved international projection by winning the BET Awards in the "Best New International Act" category in 2022. With millions of monthly listeners on digital platforms and various nominations in nationally relevant awards such as the MTV Millennial Awards, MD Chefe continues to expand his cultural influence, uniting his roots in the communities of Rio with a refined and signature aesthetic.