The Rap Book Club offers an unusual literary experience on the stages of SESC Vila Mariana. The project replaces traditional books with hip-hop and funk lyrics, hosting free discussions attended by the songwriters themselves.
The club was conceived and is led by Nerie Bento, in partnership with researcher Marco Aurélio (aka Marcola) and anthropologist Viny Rodrigues. In fact, the trio says they already had a habit of discussing rap albums and lyrics informally among friends; the project was born precisely from this habit.
After five editions at the São Paulo Cultural Center (CCSP), the short season at Sesc Vila Mariana continues with the goal of discussing and gaining a deeper understanding of the works and narratives built within genres created in Brazil’s peripheral neighborhoods.
From August through October, once a month, the events engage not only regular attendees but also anyone interested in dissecting the social and cultural context of the rhymes.
How does the Rap Book Club work?
The immersive experience begins right at the entrance, when each audience member receives a sheet with the lyrics selected for the session. This serves as a guide for the audience to follow along with the verses while the artist explains what inspired each line of the song.
Going against the grain of how we consume music today—with playlists, short videos, and algorithm-driven recommendations—the Rap Book Club proposes the opposite: focus, a break from the routine, and a long conversation about the work.
The interaction also aims to move away from the standard dynamics of a concert, transforming the space into a large conversation circle where the audience has the opportunity to ask questions directly to the artist.
In fact, in one of its recent editions, titled “Funk Special, ” the project featured MC Hariel.
During the event, the São Paulo-based musician shared behind-the-scenes insights into his creations, explaining the experiences and artistic decisions behind his hits. Finally, he gave the audience a glimpse into the origins of the tracks he wrote.
With the season’s final event at SESC already scheduled, singer, songwriter, and rapper Rico Dalasam takes the stage to explore his own lyrics from * * alongside the audience.
Event Details
- Date: October 17, 2026 (closing)
- Time: Saturday, 3:00 p.m.
- Location: Sesc Vila Mariana: Rua Pelotas, 141 – Vila Mariana
- Admission: Free (no tickets required; simply show up at Sesc Vila Mariana at the time of the event)
Editor’s note: Article written in collaboration with Pryscila Carmo, video producer at São Paulo Secreto.
