Track Listing

1. Intro
2. Represent
3. Atrevido
4. lo Cubano
5. Barrio
6. S.O.L.A.R.
7. 1.9.9.9.
8. Atencion
9. Mistica
10. Canto Para Elewa Y Chango
11. Madre
12. Orishas Llego
13. 537 C.U.B.A.
14. Connexion
15. Triunfo

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #67526 in Music
• Released on: 2000-10-03
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Amazon.com
While North American rap drowns in its own clichés, international artists are invigorating the genre with their own musical traditions. The Orishas, a Cuban group based in France, use Afro-Cuban religion to summon the spirit of hip-hop. Named for gods of Santeria, they came together in 1998 when members Yotuel and Ruzzo hooked up with Roldan and Flaco-Pro (a veteran of Sergeant Garcia) through a cultural exchange program between French and Cuban rappers. Collaborating with French hip-hop producer Miko Niko, they bring the attitude of Havana streets to the rest of the world, appealing to the Buena Vista Social Club crowd as well as the hip-hop heads. On their debut, A lo Cubano, the song "537 C.U.B.A." (their remake of Compay Segundo's "Chan Chan") gives new meaning to the term "old school." And the sound of sacred Santeria beats and traditional Son weaving through sharp-edged lyrical attacks with groove-heavy bass and drum tracks on tunes like "Represent," "Atención," and "Atrevido" make for a cool joyride through the back streets of Havana. --Jesse "Chuy" Varela

Customer Reviews

El nuevo sonido Cubano
Innovative and yet relying on its roots Orishas have an excellent handle on la musica de Cuba. A mezcla of hip-hop and old school Havana music, Orishas are a vital voice representing the urban Latino youth. Other latino groups have blended their roots with hip-hop like Illya Kuriyaka and the Valderamas from Columbia, El Gran Silencio or Molotov from Mexico but these guys rock the house with conviction ala estilo Cubano. The percussion, jazz y sonido Cubano are the perfect recipe. All 15 songs are superb and each fill a role on the CD. It is hard to pick out favorites as they are all good. I like that they pay homage to their roots constantly and so eloquently. Their adaptation of Compay Segundos classic "Chanchan" is the perfect example of taking the old and making something new that is exquisite. Old school meets new school with dignity. "Connexion" es una brindis para todos los Latinos. I especially love their performance of "Barrio", it is so tight. They flow from sweet Cuban melodies to hard hip-hop, weaving in and out with timing that is impeccable, el nuevo sonido de Cuba. This CD gets better and better with each listen. One of the freshest sounds to emerge in a saturated Cuban music field, move over BVSC and all it's offshoots, Orishas has arrived. If you love Cuban music or hip-hop this is one for you. With voices sweet as sugar cane and lyrics that flow like smooth dark rum, Orishas create the perfect elixir, a musical cocktail for the new millennium.

Couldn't stop listening to it
A friend at work loaned me this CD because she knew I was Cuban and thought I might be able to understand some of the slang she couldn't quite get. Not particularly a fan of hip-hop, I wasn't sure I would like it. But, I figured I listen to the lyrics; if nothing else, they would bring me back to my younger days in the streets of "La Vibora", Habana (nothing like el barrio "Cayo Hueso" or "Jesus Maria", but "un barrio en Cuba" never the less). Well, I've been playing this CD constantly for three weeks. The music is captivating. Wow, what a refreshing style; I couldn't stop playing it! The rhythm and sounds are energizing, particularly "A LO CUBANO" and "ORISHAS LLEGO"; they are my favorite. Also outstanding is their blend of old and new in "537 C.U.B.A"; it is a real treat, I loved it. The lyrics are great all over, not offensive at all, but instructive in many respects and a times amusing. "Atrevido" is an amusing tale about the consequences of a guy (un tipo) going after someone else's girl being used as bait for a scam: "Que punto el tipo acere! Que clase de jugada le hemos metido!" "1.9.9.9" is another amusing and exhilarating collections of sound and lyrics" A mi tu no me enganas... Me estrana que siendo arana, de la pared tu te caigas". Even though I just mentioned a few highlights, the entire CD is absolutely energizing and a must have. I am getting my own copy right after I submit this review so I don't skip a beat when I return the one I have to its owner. Even though I had no idea they existed, Orishas get a top rating (5 stars) from me. I am hooked on their sound!

Absolute best in Cuban Hip-Hop
I've specialized in Cuban music for over twenty years as both performer and educator, and never heard - until this recording - the perfect blend of contemporary Cuban popular music with Hip-Hop/Rap. Orishas has captured the best of both urban sounds, with a gritty and highly-danceable sound, and more importantly, lyrics which are funky AND intelligent. Older folks have the Buena Vista Social Club to feel nostalgic - but finally there is a group who sings about issues in Spanish (with a little French sprinkled in), and who speaks to young Latinos everywhere. "A lo cubano" is more than a Spanish-language rap album; it is a testament to the timeless marriage between American black and Afro-Caribbean sensibilities and musical traditions, with a slammin' groove to boot!