Xis

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Genres

rap, hip hop

Instruments

vocal

Biography

Marcelo Santos, known artistically as Xis, is one of the fundamental names in Brazilian rap. Born in São Paulo and raised in the capital's east zone, he began his musical journey in the late 1980s, initially adopting the nickname X-Ato. In 1989, he founded the group DMN, with whom he participated in important milestones of the genre, such as the compilation Consciência Black volume 2 and the album Cada Vez Mais Preto. His departure from DMN took place in December 1997, at the iconic release show for Sobrevivendo no Inferno, by the group Racionais MC's.

After leaving DMN, Xis pursued a solo career and in 1999 released his acclaimed debut album, Seja Como For, in partnership with DJ KL Jay and distributed by the 4P label. The record achieved national repercussion driven by the hit "Us Mano e As Mina", a track that earned him the award for Best Rap Music Video at MTV's Video Music Brasil in 2000. In 2001, he expanded his discography with Fortificando a Desobediência, produced by Tom Capone and awarded again in the same MTV category with the song "Chapa o Coco".

In addition to his strong work as a rapper, Xis established himself as a cultural producer and communicator, creating the HIP HOP DJ championship and the Liga dos MCs SP x RJ, as well as hosting radio and television programs, interviewing great icons such as Elza Soares. His contribution to urban culture and Brazilian hip hop also extended to public administration, having worked as the hip hop advisor for the São Paulo Municipal Secretariat of Culture. Throughout his career, he has worked and interacted with various exponents of national music, including names like Dentinho and DJ Hum.

Discography

• Seja Como For (Instrumental) (1999)
• Seja Como For (1999)
• Fortificando a Desobediência (2001)
• Invisível Azul (2023)
• Invisível Azul (Instrumental) (2023)