Don Blanquito

Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, practices with a Brazilian rock band in a move to try new sounds in Rio de Janeiro. Don Blanquito lives in one of Rio de Janeiro's favelas and has emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. He had a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, then adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, practices with a Brazilian rock band in a move to try new sounds in Rio de Janeiro. Don Blanquito lives in one of Rio de Janeiro's favelas and has emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. He had a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, then adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, reads lyrics as he practices with a Brazilian rock band in a move to try new sounds in Rio de Janeiro. Don Blanquito lives in one of Rio de Janeiro's favelas and has emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. He had a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, then adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, practices with a Brazilian rock band in a move to try new sounds in Rio de Janeiro. Don Blanquito lives in one of Rio de Janeiro's favelas and has emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. He had a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, then adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, practices with a Brazilian rock band in a move to try new sounds in Rio de Janeiro. Don Blanquito lives in one of Rio de Janeiro's favelas and has emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. He had a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, then adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, in the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, in the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, in the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, in the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, in the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, in the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, in the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, in the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, in the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

A boy hold up a CD by Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, who lives in one of Rio de Janeiro's favelas and has emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. Alex Cutler had a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, then adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, in the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

A view of the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where Alex Cutle, better known as Don Blanquito, lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

A view of the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where Alex Cutle, better known as Don Blanquito, lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, in the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

Family photos of American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, in the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

Americna Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, holds condoms with his logo on them in his home in one of Rio de Janeiro's favelas. Blanquito had a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, then adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. He now has emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, with his girlfriend Yasmin Leiros in the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, with his girlfriend Yasmin Leiros in the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, seen with his girlfriend Yasmin Leiros in this snapshop on his refrigerator in his home in the Rio de Janeiro favela, or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, with his girlfriend Yasmin Leiros in the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, with his girlfriend Yasmin Leiros in the Rio de Janeiro favela. or slum, where he lives. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, outside a club in Rio de Janeiro before a performance there. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, outside a club in Rio de Janeiro before a performance there. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

Clients wait to enter a club in Rio de Janeiro where American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, has a performance. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

Children dance to the Carioca Funk beat outside a club in Rio de Janeiro where American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, has a performance. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, outside a club in Rio de Janeiro before a performance there. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

Clients wait to enter a club in Rio de Janeiro where American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, has a performance. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, backstage at a club with his girlfriend Yasmin Leiros, right, and dancer Aninha Wolff, center, in Rio de Janeiro before a performance there. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, performs in a club in Rio de Janeiro. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, performs in a club in Rio de Janeiro. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, performs in a club in Rio de Janeiro. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, performs in a club in Rio de Janeiro. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, performs hands out CDs in a club after a performance in Rio de Janeiro. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito greets fans after a performance as he walks through the bohemian Lapa district of central Rio de Janeiro. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito greets fans after a performance as he walks through the bohemian Lapa district of central Rio de Janeiro. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito greets fans after a performance as he walks through the bohemian Lapa district of central Rio de Janeiro. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito greets fans after a performance as he walks through the bohemian Lapa district of central Rio de Janeiro. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito greets fans after a performance as he walks through the bohemian Lapa district of central Rio de Janeiro. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito greets fans after a performance as he walks through the bohemian Lapa district of central Rio de Janeiro. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito greets fans after a performance as he walks through the bohemian Lapa district of central Rio de Janeiro. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, makes an impromptu concert on a commuter train to the suburbs, with a vendor's microphone and speaker in Rio de Janeiro, with his girlfriend Yasmin Leiros. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, rides in a commuter train in Rio de Janeiro to a suburb with his girlfriend Yasmin Leiros. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, rides in a commuter train in Rio de Janeiro to a suburb with his girlfriend Yasmin Leiros. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito, rides in a commuter train in Rio de Janeiro to a suburb with his girlfriend Yasmin Leiros. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

American Alex Cutler, better known as Don Blanquito walks through one of the working-class suburbs of Rio de Janeiro. After a stint on Wall Street, Blanquito has now emerged as a prominent singer of Carioca funk -- the music of Rio's slums. With a privileged upbringing in L.A., and even has several degrees including an MBA, Cutler adopted a stage name and threw it all away to chase his dream as a funk performer. His story reflects the shifting dynamics of Rio's favelas, which are home to a growing number of adventurous foreigners, and the evolution of funk music, which some critics say is dying a slow death as life in the favelas gradually improves.(Douglas Engle/Australfoto)