Gabriel o Pensador

Gabriel o Pensador (born on March 4th, 1974) is the alias of Gabriel Contino, a Brazilian rapper, writer, and entrepreneur whose incisive lyrics are known for tackling diverse subjects such as social inequality, racism, and political corruption. Born in a middle-class family in Rio de Janeiro, Contino rose to fame after his single criticizing president Fernando Collor de Mello, “Tô Feliz (Matei o Presidente),” landed him a contract with Sony Music. His eponymous album, released in 1993, sold 350,000 copies and earned him the Prêmio da Música Brasileira as Revelation of the Year. Ainda É só o Começo (1996), the follow-up to Contino’s studio debut, generated controversy in the educational community due to the single “Estudo Errado,” which openly criticized Brazil’s education system. In 1997, Contino released Quebra-Cabeça, which went on to become his best-selling album, with more than 1.5 million copies sold. The album’s lyrics remained in line with his previous releases, touching on alcoholism, violence, and public health. Just like its predecessor, Nádegas a Declarar (1999), it was quickly certified gold and included collaborations with Fernanda Abreu and Lulu Santos. Produced by Itaal Shur and Liminha, Seja Você Mesmo (mas não Seja sempre o Mesmo) (2001) was described by many as his ‘rock’ album due to its extensive use of electric guitars. Four years later, Contino reappeared with Cavaleiro Andante (2005), whose only single “Palavras Repetidas” peaked at Number 18 on Brazil’s Top 20 charts. A six-year silence ensued until the release of Sem Crise (2012). “Surfista Solitário,” featuring MPB legend Jorge Ben Jor, reached Number 17 on Billboard Brazil’s Hot 100.

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