this type of funk began in the 1970's, as the favelas became an established fixture of the rio landscape, incorporating miami bass, often sexually explicit, shouted lyrics, and an irresistibly catchy beat.

the young dwellers of the favelas started organizing parties in which african american rhythms were much sought - into the 1980's, funk carioca  started to develop its own style, yet lyrics maintained a circumstantial parallel with american rap depicting the tough and often violent everyday life in the favelas - eventually came into its clear distinction as brazilian funk music with the introduction of the iconic batidão and tamborzão drum-beat rhythm which funk is based upon.

towards the end of the 80's, funk carioca  started to be noticed outside the favelas, and gained popularity in the brazilian mainstream music scene.