Orishas - A Lo Cubano (2000)



Orishas' debut album is a landmark in the history of Cuban Hip Hop.  There is not much background about them except that they met in Art/Music school within Cuba, became friends and collaborators, and one of the guys speaks French.  Whatever they had was so special that Sony signed them out the gate.  I'm pretty sure they had an underground buzz and scene within Cuba but unlike others for example:  Tiro De Gracia, El Sindicato Argentino & Tres Coronas, I have never come across with any underground works from Orishas.

In the year 2026 it may not sound as special but in the year 2000, what Orishas did in combining Cuban Son with Hip Hop was revolutionary.  D'Mingo had done it before in the mid 90's mixing soneo Boricua with Rap, but what Orishas did was much more sophisticated.  Their background in music & percussion allowed them to blend live music with Rap samples seamlessly.

I don't know the exact sales of "A Lo Cubano" but I believe it is their most successful album to date.  And that's considering 2002's "Emigrantes", often regarded as their best album, sold over 200 Thousand Units worldwide.  It is not a perfect album.  Some tracks wane a little and do not keep up the same level of excitement or intrigue throughout.  Some songs grow on you after more than a couple of listens.  Regardless, it is one every lover of Spanish Hip Hop must check out!

Rating:  8.5/10

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