News So who is Marcelo D2? Marcelo Maldonado Peixoto is a rapper and singer/songwriter born on 5 November 1967 and raised in Rio de Janeiro  He is known for his unique fusion of samba and hip hop  Marcelo D2’s career began with Brazilian group Planet Hemp, before he forged his own solo career from 1998 He is described as one of the most influential artists of his generation Follow the Olympic Games opening ceremony with Rio2016 com After experiencing success in Brazil, he shot to universal prominence with his 2003 album À Procura da Batida Perfeita (translated as looking for the perfect beat) The album included a collaboration with The Black Eyed Peas’ will i am and was produced Beastie Boys producer Mario Caldato The album achieved huge success and was accordingly released with an English title in North America, Europe and Asia before a promotional two-year tour ensued   Since then, Marcelo D2 has produced three more successful solo albums, the most recent of which was Nada Pode Me Parar in 2013, with his 2010 single “Meu Tambor" nominated for Video of the Year for MTV Brazil   Marcelo D2 is returning to his Carioca roots with the opening ceremony (Getty Images/Buda Mendes)   The Rio 2016 opening ceremony will not be Marcelo D2’s first venture into sport with his track entitled “Desabafo” used as the entrance song for Brazilian MMA fighter Paul Thiago in UFC, while he has previously had two songs used on the soundtracks to the FIFA football game series; “Profissão MC” on FIFA Football 2005 and “Você Diz Que o Amor Não Dói” on the 2014 version FIFA 14     Marcelo D2 is also big a supporter of Rio-based football team Flamengo   The 48-year-old will go back to his carioca roots at the opening ceremony and is sure to bring and perform the diversity of carioca pop music when he takes to the stage