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.

mp3: “Represent”
(from the 2000 LP A Lo Cubano)

Download audio file (02-represent.mp3)

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.

mp3: “Naci Orishas”

Download audio file (01-naci-orishas.mp3)

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.

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

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 Rodríguez 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.
[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]
mp3: “Nada Que Hacer”

Download audio file (nada-que-hacer-el-remix.mp3)

On a more straight-hip-hop vibe, check out “Los Pelos:”

mp3: “Los Pelos”

Download audio file (los-pelos.mp3)

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.

In this first clip from La Fabri-K, Alexey raps about his “do-it-yourself” approach to music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC0CQ3ni5DI

In the second clip, watch as Alexey and Magia compose in their home studio – and find out why women do it better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzdfhUdlZdM