Urban Sounds
F13 LBM, a rapper and hip-hop producer, live and work in the north of Portugal. In his opinion, hip-hop enables feelings of social belonging. It is based on shared experience, as those living in urban peripheries with fewer social and economic opportunities easily identify with the songs and lyrics describing the social reality that they know first-hand.
“Music can have a very special effect on people. Describing my reality and putting my thoughts in my songs is what I love to do. Seeing young people also pursue their dreams and having the chance to help them… I feel accomplished.”
For young people and marginalised adults, hip-hop offers a unique opportunity to find understanding and identify with the life story of the artist. Musicians and their audiences form a collective sharing of lived experiences, racial-ethnic conflicts, problems with the police, aggravating stereotypes and social inequalities. Music becomes an inspiration, a means to overcome their daily challenges.
F13 LBM plays an important role in his community. His work is raising awareness about stereotypes, it appeals to teenagers who got off track, and very often discuss the most challenging issues, like the drug addiction.
Working also as a tattoo artist, F13 LBM is also committed to deconstructing prejudices and raising awareness about how Urban Arts can contribute to society. As a successful rapper and producer of an independent music label in Braga, F13 LBM supports young people and aspiring artists in getting into the music world. By sharing his knowledge of writing lyrics and beats, he gives them courage to use their voices.
URB_ART spoke to F13 LBM, a music producer and tattoo artist from the north of Portugal that is part of an Independent Music Label in Braga, informally teaching teenagers and kids about music writing.
Links: Instagram
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