Projota
- Origin
- São Paulo, SP
- Years active
- 2006
- Genres
- hip hop, rap, pop rap
- Instruments
- vocals
Biography
Projota, born José Tiago Sabino Pereira in São Paulo, is a prominent figure in the Brazilian hip-hop and pop-rap scene. He began his musical journey in the mid-2000s, gaining significant recognition through the competitive freestyle battle circuits in São Paulo, specifically the Batalha do Santa Cruz and Rinha dos MCs. His stage name is a combination of "professionalism" and "Jota," the initial of his first name. Early in his career, he formed the group Dom da Rima with his close friend and fellow rapper Rashid, a partnership that marked his definitive entry into the Brazilian rap scene.
After several successful independent releases, including the mixtapes Carta aos Meus (2009) and Projeção (2010), Projota achieved mainstream success with his debut studio album, Foco, Força e Fé, released in 2014. His music often blends traditional rap with melodic pop elements, a style that propelled him to the top of the Brazilian charts with hits like "Muleque de Vila" and "Ela Só Quer Paz." His lyrical content frequently touches on personal resilience, social issues, and his upbringing in São Paulo, citing the influence of veteran rapper MV Bill as a pivotal inspiration for his career.
In addition to his prolific recording career, which includes multiple gold-certified albums and live DVDs, Projota has expanded his presence into television and cinema. In 2021, he participated in the reality show Big Brother Brasil 21, further cementing his status as a household name in Brazil. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a wide array of Brazilian artists, ranging from underground rappers like Drik Barbosa and Filipe Ret to mainstream stars, maintaining a constant presence in the evolution of contemporary Brazilian urban music.