The Brazilian rapper Teto has officially embarked on a new chapter in his musical career with the release of his latest album, "Maior Que o Tempo," which dropped on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 9 PM on major digital music platforms. This album is a significant milestone for Teto, showcasing 11 unreleased tracks that explore the duality of his roots in trap music while allowing him to express a new artistic self.
In this project, Teto reflects on the choices that have shaped his journey, balancing his original identity with fresh sonic influences. He bids farewell to the era of "prévias," where unfinished tracks would go viral before official releases, and instead presents this album as a pivotal transition point in his career. "This album is the introduction of what I want to show in my work moving forward. It's a playful moment with the calculator, where I free myself from market pressures and liberate this other artistic side of me. I want to show a complete Teto now," he shares.
As the anticipation built leading up to the album's release, Teto teased fans with the single "Yes or No," released on March 26, 2025. This track sets the stage for his new artistic direction, where he asserts control over his narrative: "It's TT who runs the party, he decides who enters and who leaves. If your name's not on the list, it doesn't matter, you can't get in. Want to be mad? You can be mad at me. The guy up there let the kids dream," he raps.
Following the release of "Yes or No," five additional tracks from the album were unveiled on the afternoon of March 27. Among these, songs like "Não Pare" and "Bem Novin" delve into the tumultuous path to fame, highlighting the resilience Teto has developed along the way. "They closed many doors in my face. Don't come with stories; I'm not here for the game. Instead, I gained confidence. I learned to never trust anyone. Adrenaline in my blood, it's good for the talkers to know I'm serious," he reflects in the second track.
Another standout track, "Leite Derramado," addresses the contradictions of post-fame life, capturing the essence of fleeting success: "Money comes easily, no problem at all. The hard part is that when you have everything, everyone wants you." The album also features a collaboration with fellow rapper WIU on the track "Pretty Let Girl," where both artists share their perspectives on relationships.
In a live performance format, the song "Temporal" was released on YouTube, symbolizing a turning point between the album's first and second halves. The visualizer portrays Teto as a titan, metaphorically illustrating the strength he needed to push through market pressures and pursue his dreams. "I've always been the type to say no; disregard the time and run the red light. I want everything, I want the world; to live the surreal. When I leave this world, may it not be in vain," he expresses in the lyrics of "Temporal."
Accompanying the album's release, the music video for "OQQELESVAOFALAR?" represents Teto's journey toward liberation, as he seeks to detach from market demands and external pressures. The complete experience of "Maior Que o Tempo" was made available at 9 PM on March 27, showcasing Teto's adventurous spirit as he experiments with a blend of rhythms and themes.
Tracks like "Grécia" and "Prevendo a Jogada" draw on nostalgic references from American Black music, including early 2000s electro-R&B, while "Mulher Secreta" features contributions from Matuê, a prominent figure in Brazil's rap scene, along with WIU, creating a love song atmosphere. The title track brings the album to a close with a tone of gratitude, as Teto reflects on life: "When will people realize that the hustle is keeping you away from home? We have everything; we just lack love," he sings.
"Maior Que o Tempo" emerges from a broader musical and creative context for Teto. This journey began with his last EP, "tempo.zip," released in January 2025, which included official versions of previously leaked tracks. The concept of time travel is further emphasized in his new album. "I think this new album and the EP I released in January connect in a somewhat miraculous way, but everything fits within the narrative I've built," Teto explains.
The first half of the album features a more classic sound that reminds listeners of a younger, dreamier Teto, while the second half embraces experimentation and honors his artistic self. Teto acknowledges that he is still learning and wants to understand the business side of the industry better. "This new album will be a turning point in my career. Now I will have many answers I need. I am still a learner," he adds.
After a six-year hiatus from releasing a full album, Teto's decision to step back was a conscious choice to prioritize his artistic freedom over market demands. "I went against everything and everyone. Platforms and algorithms require a certain format of music to yield results and profit. But for me, what matters is what my art will mean in the future," he states. This sabbatical was crucial in shaping "Maior Que o Tempo." "During these years of hiatus, I defined what the album would be and the path I would take," he elaborates.
The album's collaborations play a strategic role in weaving Teto's narrative. WIU features on "Pretty Little Girl," where both artists reflect on relationships from different perspectives. Meanwhile, the track "Mulher Secreta" samples "Boa Sorte" by Vanessa da Mata, connecting the new generation to a nostalgic and sophisticated sound. Teto notes, "This was the third song we created together since the beginning of 30. I saved it for many years because I knew its potential."
As Teto concludes the album with the title track, he emphasizes the importance of leaving a legacy. "I still don't know where I can go, but I want to go beyond," he asserts. This project marks a turning point in his career, as he takes control of his narrative and artistic direction. "I put both feet in the door to show that I'm not going to follow market demands and I'm going to free myself," he declares.
