For 20 years, a subculture emerged in Brazil under society's radar.

‘Baile Funk’ or 'Funk Carioca' is an energetic, underground music from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. It's fast, heavy and violent like the city itself and has its own language, style and heroes.

It mixes bombastic rhythms from 80s American Miami Bass with powerful rap vocals. Honest lyrics in Brazilian slang talk about aspects of life in Rio’s Favelas; sex, love, poverty, violence, pride and aspirations, giving this once marginalized community a voice.

Produced by Diplo, this documentary features interviews with some of the ‘Baile Funk’ movement’s leading DJs and MCs; DJ Marlboro and Sany Pitbull and gives an insight into the subculture itself.

Baile Funk has since exploded out of the favelas and onto the world’s music scene.

Favela on Blast intro (USA version with Diplo's voice) from Leandro HBL on Vimeo.