Criolo, a 35-year-old São Paolo rapper, became the toast of Brazil last year with this second album, whose title translates as Knot in the Ear, but which proves an easy, expansive listen. Drawing on a richer palette than the hip-hop that made Criolo a local hero, it shifts between Afro-funk on Bogotá, heavy samba on Mariô, roots reggae on Samba Sambei and MOR ballad on the totemic Não Existe Amor em SP (There's no love in Sao Paolo). There's a poetic edge to the writing (greed vibrates/vanity excites), while the songs reflect the grime and chaos of the favelas where Criolo grew up. Outstanding.