Bonde do Rolê

Bonde do Rolê emerged among the earliest groups from Brazil’s funk carioca, also known as baile funk, to reach listeners beyond the country’s borders. Their tracks combine heavy low-end grooves with unexpected samples and pair them with playful yet provocative rhymes. The trio features lead MC Marina Ribatski alongside MC and producer Pedro D’eyrot and DJ and producer Rodrigo Gorky, who deliberately twist funk carioca conventions by weaving in peculiar yet recognizable elements drawn from Alice in Chains and Tone-Loc. Ribatski’s lyrics veer into strange territory, touching on unconventional sexual themes and every variety of revelry. As D’eyrot describes the approach, “The joke is to be as stupid and cheesy as you can be.” Already popular within Brazil, the group caught the ear of American DJ and producer Diplo during one of his trips to the country. Captivated by their chaotic sound and high-energy live sets, Diplo brought them onto his Mad Decent imprint for the United States, while the British label Domino arranged a European partnership. Following a short U.S. tour in spring 2007 that left audiences stunned, the band readied With Lasers—their initial Diplo collaboration—for release in summer 2007.