Matheus Brasileiro Aguiar, better known by his stage name Matuê, was born on October 11, 1993, in Fortaleza, Brazil. He is one of the most prominent figures in the Brazilian trap music scene, known for his unique sound and innovative approach to the genre. Matuê’s musical journey began at a young age when he developed a love for rap after moving with his family to Oakland, California, at the age of eight. During his three-year stay in the United States, he was exposed to the importance of rap culture, which left a lasting impression on him. When he returned to Brazil at age 11, this experience, combined with his fluency in English, became a driving force behind his musical career.
In his teenage years, Matuê faced difficulties, particularly after the death of his grandmother, who had been a strong influence on his passion for music. To support himself, he worked at a clothing store and eventually became an English tutor, saving enough money to invest in his musical pursuits. He saw his fluency in English as a privilege that opened doors, allowing him to take initiative in his music career. In 2014, alongside Clara Mendes and Lucas Degas, Matuê co-founded the production studio 30PRAUM, which would later become instrumental in his rise to fame.
Initially, Matuê experimented with reggae and released his first mixtape in 2015, but it did not achieve the success he hoped for. He soon pivoted to the trap genre and, in 2016, released his breakthrough single “RBN.” The track garnered attention for its originality and Matuê’s unique vocal harmonies, which became his defining characteristic. This marked the beginning of his rapid rise to fame in the Brazilian music scene.
In 2020, Matuê released his debut album, Máquina do Tempo, a six-track project that showcased his versatility and innovation as a trap artist. The album broke streaming records in Brazil, amassing 4.6 million plays on Spotify within 24 hours of its release. Songs like the title track “Máquina do Tempo” and the bonus track “A+” captivated fans and cemented Matuê’s position as a leading figure in the Brazilian trap scene. The album became the first Brazilian rap project to have five songs surpass 100 million plays each, reflecting his widespread appeal and commercial success.
Matuê’s influence continued to grow in the following years. In 2022, he performed at the prestigious Lollapalooza Brazil music festival, further solidifying his status as a national icon. His 2023 collaboration with American rapper Rich the Kid on the track “Conexões de Máfia” topped the Brazilian charts and received critical acclaim, earning nominations for Music Video of the Year and Hip Hop Song of the Year at the 2023 Multishow Brazilian Music Awards.
Beyond his success in music, Matuê keeps his personal life relatively private. He revealed in 2021 that he had become a father during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has shared few details about his family life. His grandmother’s influence on his love for music remains an important part of his story, as her passing at age thirteen marked a pivotal moment in his life.
Today, Matuê stands as a creative visionary in the Brazilian music industry, known not only for his chart-topping hits but also for his ability to blend different flows and harmonies into his work. His dedication to evolving his sound while staying true to his roots makes him one of the most influential artists in the Latin trap movement.