Leandro Roque de Oliveira, better known by his stage name Emicida (keep reading and you’ll discover what the name stands for) is one of Brazilian Hip Hop’s greatest revelations. The 27-year-old MC will be performing at Central Park’s SummerStage this month. TimesSquare.com caught up with the Brazilian artist to discuss his upcoming performance, the meaning of his name and the meaning of music.

Times Square: Emicida, this is your stage name, what does it mean?

Emicida:I've been nicknamed like this because in rhymes battles people used to say I was the MCs "killer" in battles. Then I created a meaning for the acronym E.M.I.C.I.D.A (Enquanto Minha Imaginação Compor Insanidades Domino a Arte). It's something like "While My Imagination compose insanities I Dominate the Art".

TS:For those who are not familiar with Brazilian Hip Hop can you describe it a little?

EC:As well as happens in the US, we have some rappers talking about the various topics in his lyrics. Social issues, love, parties... The biggest name of Brazilian Hip Hop is Racionais MCs.

TS: How does it differ from American Hip Hop?

EC: As a country with lots of people from all around the world, with so many African influences, we brought this to our music, lots of influences; African pinches, samba and the music from the North of Brazil.

TS: For those who are just exploring the genre, which other Brazilian artists would you recommend?

EC:I recommend Racionais MCs, Sabotage, RZO, Black Juniors, Pepeu, Rael, Ogi, Flora Matos, Flow MC and Amiri.

TS:You just finished a European tour, how well received were you in Europe?

EC:I was very well received. It was my second European tour, and this time It seemed people knew me better and probably I was also more confortable. It was great because most of the people didn't understand what I was saying, but they were contaminated by the energy of the music, the rhythm. It was so good.

TS: You are performing at the Summer Stage in Central Park soon, how does that feel?

EC:I think it will be great to perform at Central Park, in an event like Summer Stage. It will unite two special things: music and a beautiful place. I'm really excited and I think It's gonna be great.

TS: Have you ever performed in New York City Before? What is your best memory of the city?

EC:Yes. I've been there for some concerts on April. It was so cold, but very special, crowded houses, very good energy.

TS:Talk to me about the Black Music Balls in Sao Paulo?

EC:We have some very special balls at the outskirts and there is a very traditional ball in central zone of São Paulo called Sintonia. One of the hosts is KL Jay, Racionais MCs DJ. It's so great.

TS: Any comments about the latest protests in Brazil?

I think people going to the streets is valorous, but some of them seems to be lost in the crowd, without knowing why they are there. I've seen so many racist posters in the streets.

TS: What does music mean to you?

EC:Music is my life, literally, It's what pay my bills. It's what I love to do, It's one of the things I live for.

For more information on summerstage and who will be performing in Central Park, please visit http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/