Marcelo D2 awarded Rio de Janeiro's Medalha Tiradentes

Brazilian rapper and composer Marcelo D2 was presented with the Medalha Tiradentes, the highest honor bestowed by the Rio de Janeiro Legislative Assembly (Alerj), on 18 June 2024. The award was handed to him by state deputy Dani Monteiro during a ceremony at the Ocupação Iboru + Cará cultural centre, a venue founded by the artist in Rio's city centre.

The medal recognises D2’s three‑decade career that blended rap, samba, rock and other urban rhythms, and his role in promoting cultural expression from Brazil’s favela and suburban communities. Officials highlighted his pioneering impact on contemporary Brazilian music and his commitment to social and cultural causes.