Cuban hip-hop reaches crossroads
In Cuba on broiling summer days more than a decade ago, teenagers here spent hours watching breakdancing on Soul Train, or listening to American rap floating across the radio waves from Florida.
Then they gathered on street corners, surrounded by rows of apartment buildings with chipped paint and laundry hanging out the windows, and copied what they´d seen and heard. Now in their 20s, they´ve moved beyond imitation to become the backbone of Cuban hip-hop, a distinct, explosive movement of socially conscious rap.
"Hip-hop in the United States started out as a voice of protest, an alternative voice for urban, inner-city youth to voice their grievances, to talk about their living conditions, their hopes and aspirations," said Abiodun, a member of the Black Liberation Party before fleeing to Cuba 14 years ago as a fugitive facing racketeering charges. "But now, what we see in terms of rap in the United States for the most part, it´s really not talking about anything."
Cuban rappers have tackled global issues such as racism, war and environmental pollution. They have even pushed the boundaries of freedom of speech in communist Cuba to criticize police harassment and economic hardship - sometimes paying for their audacity with sanctions.
On a recent afternoon, members of The Cartel spilled out of Akosta´s small Havana home as they prepared to rehearse for Cuba´s 10th annual hip-hop festival in November.
Their talent has been recognized by Pablo Herrera, the island´s most noted hip-hop producer. Herrera, 37, is producing The Cartel´s first album, set for release by the end of the year.
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