Papatinho Essentials

A key player in Rio’s rap scene as a member of the innovative ConeCrewDiretoria, producer and beatsmith Papatinho (born Tiago da Cal Alves) continues to break boundaries as a solo artist. His 2019 EP Rio affirmed his already well-demonstrated versatility through baile funk, R&B and pagode-tinged stunners that channelled his hometown’s fierce energy. He’s also chalked up megahits through local and global collabs with the likes of Anitta, Seu Jorge, Snoop Dogg and will.i.am—fine-tuning his game while surfing string-laden samba, trap and everything in between.