Friday’s concert was so amazing that I’m still in Brazil-mode. I think I even worked off a few lbs from all that samba-ing at the BAM (thanks Miranda for coming with!). I know those of you outside the NYC area weren’t able to experience it (and I caught some slack for it), so today I bring you a little (tangible) piece of Rio, courtesy of Verge Records, which, coincidentally, also helps expand music programs in underserved communities. A Filial is a five-member rap crew from Rio de Janeiro’s Santa Teresa ‘hood (you know the colorful steps in Snoop Dogg and Pharell’s “Beautiful” vid?). Seriously, when I visited Rio for the first time last month, I wanted to move into a little pink and purple house halfway up those steps.

Anyway, A Filial are totally awesome. Influenced by everything from Chicago house and musica popular brasileira to fifties-era samba and the Beastie Boys, the group’s U.S. debut is called $1,99 to represent the Brazilian equivalent of the American 99 cent store (ah, the nostalgia). “Our first tape was made using a Playstation, a karaoke set, a $10 mic, a toy that made music, and a used cassette,” founding MC Edu Lopes explains. That may be true, but their sound instantly transports you to the trendiest lounge in Ipanema.

Just for kicks (speaking of which, check out my hot white-and-neon-orange Converse sneakers from local designer Farm!) here’s a pic of me chilling in my fave spot in Rio. I dream of going back soon. Very soon.

-- Angie Romero