MV Bill Brazilian Rap Activist

What do you think of rap stars? Do you think that the hip-hop world is just a bling-bling place and nothing more?  As this music genre has been defined as much by diamond-encrusted watches, gold necklaces and platinum chains, many think of rap stars as shallow. But not all, Brazilian Rap Star MV Bill proves this wrong.

Answering these socially significant questions, MV bill shows the world that not all rap or hip hop stars lack substance. Well, he has been known as a Brazilian activist rapper that used his craft to initiate change primarily in his violent hometown – Rio de Janeiro.

Definitely, the following statements of this Brazilian rap icon can make your mind change that a rap star is only made of yo, yo, yo and luxurious wardrobes.

Read through these excerpts from his interview and be amazed on how a rap star voices out his concern and belief in equality – not your usual rap idol right?

Q: What is wrong with democracy?

“In my opinion what is wrong with democracy it’s not how it’s written or thought, but how it is applied. Put into practice, especially here in Brazil where you have an unspoken racism, democracy ends up privileging people that are not the majority, that come from a different reality, with money, are well raised, have a nice family that supports them.”

Q: Would you vote in someone as president of the world?
“No, I wouldn’t vote on someone for president of the world, I think it is wrong and dangerous to elect someone to rule the entire planet. We are living in a time of great conflict and unbalance caused
by some heads of state that can't even rule their own nations with dignity.”

Q: Do you think terrorism destroys democracy?
“I think that the establishment of terrorism, not all of it, but part of it, could be due to a lack of democracy in some places. And maybe terrorism won’t destroy democracy, but perhaps it could help re-write democracy. I hope it won’t be necessary to destroy everything in order to bring equality to things at a basic level, but terrorist attacks might serve as a warning that democracy should be applied in many parts of the world.”

Q: Do you think it’s important to vote?
“I think that the act of voting is one of the main democratic rights that we have, especially in a country like ours, like Brazil, and many times this right is not used - particularly for young people. I’ve been visiting lots of places in Brazil, and also the world, talking to the youth about the importance of political involvement.”

Q: Do you believe that women are more democratic than men?
“I've visited many slums, and I’ve found out in my travels is that women read a lot, and as a result have more access to information, they have an open mind, and they become in that way more democratic in
everything, in any social level.”

Q: Can democracy solve climate change?
“Yes. Many people, but not everyone, that end up contributing to global warming do so for a lack of information, a lack of a structure. Other people see starting a soy plantation as an opportunity and destroy the land without even knowing if it’s possible to grow anything there. If we take care of the people that live in terrible conditions by giving them access to such things, we'll be better able to take care of the planet.”

Generally I agree with all his statements. Well it is easier said than done but MV Bill not only knows how to talk, he also knows how to direct his actions toward his cause. He’s definitely not just another Brazilian rap sensation. Personally I believe he has done more than rapping – bringing positive image to his stereotyped music culture.