Singer and songwriter Ra7ael, born in the Baixada Fluminense region of Rio de Janeiro and now residing in Los Angeles, releases his new single “Handbag” — an aggressive and ironic pop track inspired by real-life experiences of a community living under constant threat.
Originally written in Portuguese and later adapted into English, “Handbag” was born during a time when Ra7ael carried a switchblade in his bag for protection after facing episodes of violence and discrimination. The lyrics also reference survival tactics used by the trans community in the 1990s, such as hiding razor blades in their mouths for
self-defense.
With a bold sound and polished production, Handbag blends elements of alternative pop and hip-hop, while staying true to Ra7ael’s raw and provocative lyrical style. More than just a song, it’s a queer manifesto about safety, power, and survival.
With over 700,000 streams across digital platforms, Ra7ael has worked with producers from Warner and Universal Music who have collaborated with artists such as Doja Cat, RuPaul, and other Billboard-charting names.
