from rio, gabriel o pensador, released in 1992 the first controversial album to draw national attention, and to be censured by the government five days after its release - to feliz (matei o presidente) meaning 'i'm happy i killed the president'.                      

in 1993, the group planet hemp, also from rio, released the album usuario which was a gold record after selling 140.000 copies - the music spoke mostly of marijuana use and advocated its legalization - it was heavily criticized by the local authorities.

in 1997, gabriel released his biggest hit album and what is considered to be the first commercially successful rap album at a national scale, quebra-cabeca (head buster) - the success of this album was such that gabriel gained an international following in other portuguese speaking countries, and still goes on tour to portugal and angola.