“I would like to commend you all on a well-rounded, informative website on global hip hop, a phenomenon that is rapidly seeping”… from SAM in African Hip Hop, Represent
“I like that your site is so international. I love Epik High, I feel each album is a little different. “… from Bbww in Korea: Epik High makes Seoul music
“thanks for sharing, I can’t find much on Chinese hip hop/rappers. the only other group I’ve heard was San Jiao COOL”… from Bbww in TriPoets
Orishas, like the Nomadic Massive, is a truly international group—not just “international†to us nationals here in the States. Composed of four musicians from Havana, Orishas was born in Paris and the group now lives in Spain (alongside a large portion of their fans). With an album secured tightly under each of their respective belts (count: four albums total) and two Grammys on the mantle, it’s about time you bumped a tune or two on your internet machine.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Orishas is influenced by the American hip-hop movement as well as traditional Cuban sound. Therefore, the group does not rely on samples– the raps and vocals are recorded over “real” instruments and real percussion so as to stay true to their native roots. This next track, from 2005’s El Kilo, showcases the development– but not abandonment– of their original sound.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The latest LP from Orishas, Antidiotico, dropped earlier this year. So before peaceing from Cuba, let us gather around for their latest video “Hay Un Sol.” Have a good weekend y’all– we’ll catch you next week… somewhere in Africa.
Filed by Tommy Abu at September 27th, 2007 under Cuba | No comments
“The US and Cuba: geographically close, politically distant, but musically connected.â€
Hip-hop is now an established part of Cuban culture. With highly outspoken, political lyrics, Cuban hip-hop artists are pushing the envelope in a socialist society. While making strides in the battle against censorship, they are still facing crushing limitations – including the lack of commercial success for artists. Poverty and struggle has inspired Cuba’s hip-hop culture – mirroring the original movement in the Bronx. Until 1995 when Cuban hip-hop finally drew international attention with the first Cuban Rap Festival, Cubans were tapping into Miami’s radio stations to keep up with US hip-hop culture.
Married couple Alexey RodrÃguez Mola and Magia Lopez make up one of the leading rap groups in Cuba – Obsesión. Born on June 25, 1996, Obsesión sought to make hip-hop a solid musical genre in Cuba. Magia, an accomplished emcee and vocalist, and Alexey (aka El Tipo Este), an emcee and producer have a style all their own – which has earned respect from well-known hip-hop artists around the world. Alexey’s arrangements combine rhythmic hip-hop beats with authentic Cuban sounds, all over what can only be classified as “sparse” percussion.
In their only formal music video we could find, Alexey shows off his sensitive side with “Nada Que Hacer” which was written to proclaim his love for Magia. Downloadable mp3 can be found below the video.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
On a more straight-hip-hop vibe, check out “Los Pelos:”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Obsesión’s tour of the US in 2003, which ended with a performance at the Apollo Theater in Harlem alongside The Roots and Common, was the basis for the documentary titled La Fabri-K. ‘La Fabri-K’ (The Factory) is a hip-hop collective including Obsesión and Doble Filo, which provides community service, sets up social projects and encourages interaction of artists – including rappers, painters, sculptors, poets and dancers.
