At just 18 years old, singer and producer MC Staff transformed the sound of the streets of São Paulo’s coast into a global trend. Hailing from Guarujá, the artist has become one of the biggest representatives of Brazilian phonk, a genre that blends heavy beats, urban aesthetics, and an almost hypnotic energy. His independent tracks have crossed borders and won over millions of listeners around the world, establishing him as one of the most promising voices of the new generation.
In an interview, MC Staff talks about his meteoric rise, the power of authenticity in contemporary funk, and the balance between digital success and connecting with live audiences. “The craziest thing is seeing my vibe traveling the world. The music that was born in my bedroom is now playing in places I never imagined,” summarizes the artist, who is preparing to release new music videos and collaborations with big names in phonk, such as Bibi Babydoll and MC Ster.
You left the coast of São Paulo and, in just a few years, became a world reference in a genre that until recently was underground. What has marked you most in this rapid journey?
Man, it’s crazy to think about! I left Guarujá and, in just a few years, ended up becoming a reference in a genre that until recently was super underground. The funny thing is, my mom is still going strong there in Guarujá, and I’m already living in São Paulo, pursuing music. I’d already been in music for years, singing another version of funk, but when I found myself in phonk, it was like finding the right dance floor at the party—I had so much more fun doing that. What really left an impression? Seeing my vibe spread across the world, people from all over enjoying what I do… that’s priceless.
PHONK has a strong, almost hypnotic aesthetic, blending heavy beats with street energy. How would you describe your vibe, and what sets it apart within this universe?
My vibe is that mix of street energy and total freedom. I play with heavy beats, but also leave room for something more melodic, which captivates without suffocating. What sets me apart is that I don’t try to copy anyone else: each song carries a piece of my story, from the coast to the city, and this gives it its own identity within this hypnotic universe. It’s phonk to listen to, feel, and get lost in the sound all at once.
The genre originated abroad, but you helped transform it into a Brazilian phenomenon. What’s it like seeing international audiences consuming and dancing to something produced here?
It’s surreal, man! Phonk was born abroad, but seeing it take on a Brazilian feel and international audiences enjoying our sound is crazy. You’re in the studio or your room and, suddenly, people on the other side of the world are dancing to a song I made. It’s that mix of pride with a “wow, we’re really making history,” and you can still feel that our way of telling stories connects with everyone.
Many of your hits were born independently. What goes through your mind when you see one of your songs exploding on social media and being used by millions of people worldwide?
Man, it’s crazy! When an independent song explodes and starts being used by millions of people, you feel a mix of pride and gratitude. It even gives me goosebumps to think that something of mine is playing in the headphones of people I don’t even know, in places I never imagined. It’s seeing years of effort and passion transforming into a real connection with the audience.
You’re only 18 years old and you’re already one of the biggest voices of the new generation. What does youth bring that’s different to today’s urban music—and what do you want to represent with your art?
Being 18 and already here is surreal! I think youth brings courage and freedom to urban music: we’re not afraid to experiment, mix styles, and say what we truly feel. With my art, I want to represent truth and authenticity, to show that you can have fun, express yourself, and still inspire those who are listening. It’s about living intensely, but with awareness of what we want to build.
How do you come up with ideas for your tracks? Are you the type who spends his time in the studio experimenting with sounds, or do you prefer to let inspiration come naturally?
My ideas usually stem from Mandela Funk Original from Brazil, my first exposure to music, which taught me a lot about beats and flow. Later, I found myself in phonk, which is my style today. My inspiration comes naturally, often from situations I’ve experienced or feelings I want to convey. I don’t force anything in the studio; I let the sound flow and transform these experiences into music that everyone can feel.
You’re both an internet and street phenomenon. How do you balance these two worlds—the digital, of numbers and streams, and the real, of connecting with live audiences?
It’s a crazy balance, but one I really enjoy. In the digital world, you see the numbers, the streams, the reach, which gives you an idea of the impact. But nothing compares to the warmth of a live audience, seeing everyone singing along, jumping, and feeling the same energy you put into the track. I try to live in both worlds, without letting the digital take over, always remembering that the real connection with the audience is what makes it all worthwhile.
Phonk is already a global trend, and you’re at the center of it. What can we expect from your next step? New styles, international collaborations, maybe even an album?
Phonk is conquering the world and I’m in the middle of it, so the next step is to take it even further. We can expect new vibes, international collaborations, and a lot of stuff that hasn’t happened yet. There are features coming with Bibi Babydoll, MC Ster, and other big names in phonk. And the music videos for “Dia Delícia” and “Mente Má” are already arriving on my official channel, which perfectly capture the vibe that brought me here.
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