Mensagem

Mc Kevin

A tension-filled Funk track where anxiety meets ostentation, capturing the thrill of a secret affair through the metaphor of a forbidden notification on a smartphone.

Song Information

Release Date February 10, 2021
Duration 02:21
Album Fênix
Language PT
Popularity 56/100

Song Meaning

Mensagem serves as a candid and somewhat ironic exploration of modern relationship dynamics, infidelity, and the specific pressures of a funk star's lifestyle. At its core, the song addresses the tension between maintaining a committed relationship (presumably with his wife) and the temptations that come with fame.

The lyrics paint a picture of a man juggling two worlds. On one side, there is the domestic sphere, represented by the fear of his wife discovering the "message." This fear highlights a respect for the authority of the main relationship, even while actively risking it. On the other side is the "crazy" woman, representing the allure of the forbidden and the chaotic energy of the nightlife and fan interactions.

The distinction between communication platforms—Instagram vs. WhatsApp—is a key modern cultural observation. WhatsApp is portrayed as the 'serious' or 'family' territory, often shared or monitored, while Instagram DMs are the realm of the casual, the secret, and the 'slide'. This hierarchy of apps reflects a broader commentary on how technology facilitates and complicates modern romance.

Furthermore, the song is a celebration of material success. The anxiety about the affair is juxtaposed with verses about European tours, luxury brands (Louis Vuitton, Nike), and large sums of money. This suggests that the 'drama' of the text message is just another facet of the high-stakes, fast-paced life he has achieved. The mention of his son counting money grounds the ostentation in a desire for generational wealth, adding a layer of 'Consciente' (conscious) themes to what appears to be a track about cheating.

Lyrics Analysis

The narrative begins with an immediate sense of paranoia and suspense. The protagonist questions himself, wondering if his wife (referred to as "minha mulher") will discover that another woman—whom he dismissively calls "crazy"—is sending him text messages. He expresses uncertainty about the outcome but hopes that his partner doesn't uncover the "dirty deed" or the secret interaction taking place.

The story transitions into the mechanics of this secrecy. He reenacts a digital conversation, greeting the other woman but immediately laying down strict ground rules for their communication. He instructs her to contact him via Instagram but explicitly forbids her from using WhatsApp ("Zap"), implying that the latter is monitored or too personal. He explains that if his "lady" is listening or watching, his number might "fall" (be compromised or changed). He envisions a meeting at one of his concerts, asking the woman to find him while he is on stage, wanting to see her smile from the crowd.

The lyrics then shift to a display of status and fashion. He describes the woman as hypnotized by his flow and mentions her attire—high heels and a white and brown Louis Vuitton bag. He contrasts this with his own style, wearing a Nike sweatshirt suitable for the "cold of Europe." The narrative weaves in his rising wealth and success as a "Master of Ceremony," listing off words starting with 'C' like Camaro, dressing room (camarim), comrade (camarada), and VIP box (camarote). He boasts about attracting women like a magnet and mentions his son counting seventy thousand, signaling a future where counting money from an armored truck will be the norm. The song ends with him lighting a joint, recounting facts, and remembering a past lover, solidifying the mix of present danger, past memories, and future ambition.

History of Creation

"Mensagem" was released on February 10, 2021, as part of MC Kevin's studio album Fênix. This album was one of the last major projects released during the artist's lifetime, dropping just three months before his tragic death in May 2021.

The track was produced by the duo DJ Murillo and LTnoBeat, who were frequent collaborators with Kevin and instrumental in shaping the sound of São Paulo's funk scene at the time. The production features the signature "Beat do LT," which Kevin explicitly praises in the intro.

The context of the song's creation is heavily influenced by Kevin's real-life public persona. Known for his tumultuous but passionate relationship with lawyer Deolane Bezerra, the lyrics regarding "minha mulher" (my wife) and the fear of being caught resonated deeply with his fanbase, who followed their life like a reality show. The album Fênix (Phoenix) was intended to symbolize a rebirth for Kevin, moving past controversies and solidifying his status as a mature artist, yet tracks like "Mensagem" kept him rooted in the gritty, relatable storytelling of street life and romance.

Symbolism and Metaphors

The song utilizes several modern symbols to convey its themes:

  • The Smartphone/Notification: The central metaphor for risk. The "message" is not just text; it is a ticking time bomb that threatens to destroy his domestic peace. It represents the intrusion of the chaotic outside world into his private life.
  • WhatsApp vs. Instagram: These platforms symbolize different levels of intimacy and surveillance. WhatsApp represents the 'home' and transparency (where the wife might look), while Instagram represents the 'street' and opacity (where the affair happens).
  • Louis Vuitton vs. Nike: This contrast highlights the intersection of high fashion and streetwear. The woman wears Louis Vuitton (luxury, status), while he wears Nike (comfort, sportiness, street credibility), even while in Europe. It reinforces his identity as someone who has money but remains connected to his roots.
  • Camaro/Camarim/Camarada/Camarote: The alliterative sequence serves as a symbol of the 'Funk Star' lifecycle: the car (wealth), the dressing room (work), the friends (loyalty), and the VIP area (status).

Emotional Background

The emotional landscape of "Mensagem" is a complex blend of anxiety and bravado. There is a palpable tension in the chorus—a genuine fear of consequences (the "sacanagem" being discovered). However, this is immediately overlaid with a sense of pride and control in the verses.

The song doesn't feel apologetic; rather, it feels adrenaline-fueled. The protagonist enjoys the danger ("risk") of the situation. The musical backing—with its deep bass and slightly dark synth lines—enhances this feeling of a late-night confession or a secret whispered in a club. The shift to talking about money and his son towards the end changes the tone to one of triumph and legacy, suggesting that despite the relationship drama, he is winning at life.

Cultural Influence

"Mensagem" is a significant track within the Fênix album, which stands as a testament to MC Kevin's peak artistic period before his death. While not as globally viral as "Pra Inveja é Tchau," it is highly regarded by fans for its storytelling and "reality rap" quality.

Culturally, the song captures the Zeitgeist of digital relationships in Brazil. The specific mention of app-based infidelity tactics (Instagram vs. WhatsApp) has resonated widely, becoming a relatable meme and reference point in social media discourse about modern dating and trust. The song also reinforces the "Mandrake" aesthetic (stylish, street-smart) that Kevin championed, influencing fashion and slang among Brazilian youth. In the wake of his passing, the song is often revisited as a snapshot of his chaotic, fast-paced, and charismatic life.

Rhyme and Rhythm

The song follows a loose AABB or ABAB rhyme scheme typical of Funk narrative tracks, often prioritizing the flow and rhythm of the story over perfect rhymes. Kevin uses a mix of perfect rhymes (e.g., "palco"/"alto") and slant rhymes relying on assonance (matching vowel sounds).

Rhythm: The delivery is rhythmic and percussive, locking in with the 130 BPM (approx.) funk beat. Kevin's flow switches between a sung-rap style in the chorus—which has a melodic, hypnotic quality—and a punchier, staccato delivery in the verses where he lists his achievements. The pacing mimics the anxiety of the lyrics; the rapid-fire instructions to the other woman ("Instagram, no Zap jamais") feel urgent and hurried.

Stylistic Techniques

Musical Techniques: The track features a "Beat do LT," characterized by a heavy, driving bassline typical of Funk Paulista but with a slightly melodic, almost melancholic undertone that fits the theme of anxiety. The instrumentation is sparse, allowing Kevin's vocals to sit front and center.

Literary/Lyrical Techniques: Kevin employs a conversational narrative style, almost as if he is talking to a friend or the listener directly. He uses alliteration effectively in the line "Camaro, camarim, camarada, camarote," creating a rhythmic hook that emphasizes his lifestyle. The lyrics also use direct address ("Oi, oi, tudo bem?") to simulate the dialogue of the affair, making the listener a voyeur to the conversation. There is also a strong use of colloquialism and slang ("descola," "sacanagem," "pai"), which grounds the song in the authentic dialect of the São Paulo periphery.

Emotions

tension fear excitement triumph sensual

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the song 'Mensagem' by MC Kevin about?

The song is about the anxiety of infidelity. MC Kevin narrates a situation where he is worried his wife will find messages from another woman. He instructs the woman to message him on Instagram instead of WhatsApp to avoid detection, while also boasting about his wealth and lifestyle.

Who is the 'mulher' (wife) MC Kevin refers to in Mensagem?

While the song is a narrative, 'minha mulher' (my wife) is widely interpreted as a reference to Deolane Bezerra, whom Kevin was in a relationship with and married to. Their relationship was public and often the subject of his music.

When was 'Mensagem' by MC Kevin released?

'Mensagem' was released on February 10, 2021, as part of the album *Fênix*. This was just a few months before MC Kevin's death in May 2021.

What is the difference between WhatsApp and Instagram in the song lyrics?

In the song, WhatsApp ('Zap') represents a monitored or personal space where his wife might see messages. Instagram is presented as a safer, more discreet channel for his secret affairs ('sacanagem').

Is there a 'Mensagem 2' by MC Kevin?

Yes, there is a track titled 'Mensagem 02' or 'Mensagem 2' which features different lyrics ('Não me deixe só...') and is a separate composition from the track 'Mensagem' on the *Fênix* album.

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